Sen. Larry and Kerri Taylor with Dianna and Rick Ryan.

The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 174th Annual Meeting on Jan. 11 at The Tremont House. Upon a red carpet arrival, guests enjoyed the Divisi Strings Orchestra, a VIP Reception and a meet-and-greet with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Tim Nichols. The chamber presented Howie and Renae Bentley with the Galvestonians of the Year Award. Other award winners included The Galveston County Daily News, Christie Mitchell Beachcomber Award; Brett B. Milutin, H. Rudy Teichman Maritime Wheel of Excellence Award; V.J. Tramonte, Victor Pierson C-Crewe Award; Taylor Wilson, C-Crewe Member of the Year Award; Theresa Elliott, Board Member of the Year Award; Kyle Albright, Carol and Fred Wurst Navigator of the Year Award; Cranes Funeral Home, Small Business of the Year Award; Del Papa Distributing Company, Large Business of the Year Award; and UTMB Health, National Impact Award. Photos by Carla Peoples

Chamber Chairman Fred Raschke and chamber President Gina Spagnola.

Howie and Renae Bentley.

State Rep. Greg and Kim Bonnen.

Congressman Randy and Brenda Weber.

Kirk and Theresa Elliott.

Lindsay Touchy and Frances Moody.

Stephanie Sawyer and Andy Soles.

Brandon Cook, Yoana Icheva, David Smith and Barbara Sanderson.

Mike and Katheryn Bouvier.

Galveston College President Myles and Gail Shelton.

Maryrine and Leonard Woolsey, president and publisher of The Galveston County Daily News.

Coast Monthly Editor Laura Elder and The Daily News Editor Michael A. Smith.