Beneath crystal chandeliers and gilded ceilings, business leaders, elected officials and longtime community champions gathered at The Olana Design Center in Hickory Creek for the annual Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon.
For Tina Henderson, who will celebrate ten years as president of the chamber in March, the occasion was a moment to reflect on a decade of remarkable progress.
“We have grown tremendously,” Henderson reflected. “We have so much synergy right now between our ambassadors and members of the chamber.”
That cohesion was evident throughout the afternoon. Conversations flowed easily across tables as business owners from Corinth, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas, and Shady Shores celebrated one another’s accomplishments. Awards were presented not simply as accolades, but as tributes to service to individuals who give time, talent and resources without expectation of return.
“This event recognizes our members that give so much,” Henderson explains. “They do it without any conditions. They love our chamber and they love our community. There are so many people that are deserving of awards. It fills my heart to be able to recognize the people that give.”
The Lake Cities Chamber has built its reputation on a spirit of volunteerism. According to Henderson, membership continues to expand, and attendance at mixers and luncheons is steadily increasing. But expansion, she emphasizes, must be intentional.
“I want to grow our membership. We have a lot of great events coming up this year,” she says. “We want to have more speakers. That would be something great to continue building up.”
The chamber’s 2026 calendar reflects this ambition. Signature events include Restaurant Week in April, the Discover Lake Cities Tour in July, a community bike ride in September and a pickleball tournament in October. Each fundraiser allows the chamber to reinvest in its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering connection.
The Discover Lake Cities Tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Henderson described this as a 56-passenger motor coach experience that brings together the mayors of the four cities, Denton County judges, Chamber members, and often community residents. They board the bus for a curated tour highlighting development across the region.
Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell describes the current moment in the Lake Cities as one of purposeful expansion.
“What feels most exciting about business in the Lake Cities right now is the intentional growth,” Mitchell states. “We’re not just expanding; we’re collaborating with a shared vision that supports both economic vitality and quality of life for our citizens. Our cities and chambers are working together in a way that creates opportunity while preserving the character that makes the Lake Cities special.”
As the region prepares to enter 2026, Mitchell said the shared momentum is worth highlighting.
“What we celebrate most as we enter 2026 is the shared momentum across the Lake Cities. Our business community is thriving, our cities are collaborating, and together we are creating opportunities that make this region one of the most desirable places to live and work in Denton County.”
That optimism was echoed by Robert Goodwin, general manager of Huffines Kia Subaru Corinth.
“The growth that is happening in our locale is very exciting to me,” Goodwin said. “Lots of opportunities for businesses and for the Chamber to support and promote these new businesses. Our Chamber is clearly growing with added business memberships and event and networking attendance growth. The people that volunteer to sustain and support this growth have a clear commitment and love for our community. It is very rewarding to see.”
And in true Lake Cities fashion, they are approaching the new year with a bit of humor.
“Nothing says ‘Lake Cities business’ quite like celebrating our wins with more enthusiasm than a Cowboys touchdown (about once a year!),” laughs Chris Gordon of Cowboy House Sports. “2026 is already looking brighter than a new neon sign. Let’s go Lake Cities Chamber. We have the most loyal members in Texas!”
The awards luncheon also highlighted extraordinary individuals and organizations whose service defines the Lake Cities spirit. The Denton-Lake Cities Rotary honored Lynn Clark with the Paul Harris Award. Chamber honors included Volunteers of the Year Grady Ray and John Henderson; Ambassador of the Year Diane Barton; President’s Award recipient Chris Graham; Member of the Year Kathy Carlson; and Citizen of the Year Tom Newell.
Business of the Year was awarded to Community Waste Disposal, represented by Jason Roemer and Robert Medigovich, recognizing the company’s continued investment in and service to the region.
The awards luncheon served as both a celebration and a catalyst. It was a reminder that in Lake Cities success is sweetest when shared.
"Enjoy Family, friends, and community. Live the Lake Cities life."
Tom Newell, Mayor Pro Tem of Shady Shores