Each year, the Levelland Chamber of Commerce recognizes volunteers who offer their talents and give their time freely to help ‘Make Levelland Beautiful” and a great place to do business, call home and raise a family.
Ten recipients for Volunteer of the Year awards were announced the Chamber’s Annual Volunteer Luncheon, held at the SPC Sundown Room on Oct. 3.
Dane Dewbre, board chair, South Plains College, opened the event with a welcome message and invocation.
The Citizen of the Year award, presented by Dewbre, went to Donna Wheeler who has poured countless hours of her time and energy serving as a past ambassador chair, a leader with Keep Levelland Beautiful on the Public Awareness and Education Task Force, president of the Marigolds and a dedicated member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She devoted a lifetime volunteering across nearly every program of the Chamber and has a continued role in the annual Christmas Lighting Contest downtown. Additionally, she spent 26 years as a licensed realtor and has held a cosmetology license for 50 years. She and her husband Vernon have three adult children and six grandchildren.
Gwen Jackson was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by Dewbre. Jackson, along with her husband in 1978, founded Jackson Real Estate and has for four decades served families across Hockley County, touching lives and building friendships. In 1995, she was named Realtor of the year and went on to serve as both president and vice president of the Levelland Association of Realtors. Her real estate legacy is carried on by her granddaughters Haylee Hutto and Alyssa Wells who joined the business, ensuring Jackson’s values of integrity, service and care continue to define the business.
Presented by Dewbre, the award for Business of the Year went to Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center. Under the leadership of manager Ben Quintero, Rob Haynie, assistant manager and service advisor David Scates, the business has built a reputation for reliability, efficiency and genuine friendliness, delivering excellence while building lasting relationships in the community they serve. Employees at Quick Lane are members of local organization, volunteering time at community events and programs, youth activities and service organizations.
Earning the 2025 Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by Cristal Isaacks , ambassador chair, Freddy Ruiz has been a cornerstone of the Smith Auto Family and Levelland community for more than three decades demonstrating exceptional service, professionalism, character, heart and dedication in all aspects of life. As a chamber ambassador, he goes above and beyond attending ribbon cuttings, welcoming new businesses and helping with community events. He is an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and Noon Lions Club.
The Marigold of the Year award went to Tammy Franklin, presented by Barbra Pinner, Marigold chair and board member. For 10 years, Franklin has been an active member of the Marigolds, serving as both the vice president and president for three years. She is a passionate KLB advocate, serves as the Community Blood Drive coordinator, and through her work with the Voices Coalition School Supply Giveaway, ensures students have the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, she volunteers at the Wallace Theater.
The Keep Levelland Beautiful Hero award went to Cristal Isaacks, presented by Arra Delos Santos, special projects manager at the Chamber of Commerce. Isaaks, who taught at Cactus Elementary for 15 years and was librarian at South Elementary for 17 years, is the public relations specialist for Levelland ISD. She serves at the Chamber’s ambassador president, proudly representing both LISD while supporting local businesses, ribbon cuttings and community celebrations. Her work through KLB has led her to teach hundreds of students the Waste in Place curriculum and participate in Ag Awareness Day. Additionally, she helped restore the 50-yearold Lobo mosaic that helps preserve Levelland’s identity as the City of Mosaics.
The Oil Professional of the Year award, presented by Norma Rubalcava, chair-elect, Covenant Hospital, went to Chem Tech of Levelland. Chem Tech isn’t just a trusted name in providing reliable chemical solutions in the oilfield; it has proven that excellence isn’t just a goal, but a standard. Staff at Chem Tech serve in local organizations, volunteer at community events, and its hometown pride and dedication to relationships help strengthen the community.
Awarded the Medical Professional of the Year, presented by Rubalcava, is Rebecca Ulm who serves as the sales and leasing director at Hickory Terrace Assisted Living. Ulm studied biological anthropology and American sign language and deaf studies at Sacramento Ste and has a unique perspective of science and compassion in her work. Ulm pours her heart into service, delivering meals to homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the Hockley County Senior Center, and organizing fundraisers that strengthen senior centers. She also lends support at the Wallace Theater, the Salvation Army, Levelland Main Street and is an active volunteer at the Chamber.
The Educational Professional Award, presented by Norma Rubalcava, went to Jimmy Stratton who has been involved in the community and South Plains College for many years. He is well known throughout the area as a teacher, mentor and champion of both education and industry and currently serves as the chair of the Industrial Technology Department at SPC. He is recognized for his creativity in welding education and his development of Open Education Resources (OARS). He is the presidentelect of the Breakfast Rotary Club.
The L.E.A.P Professional of the Year award was presented by Kimberly Rio, LEAP chair, to Adrian Mellberg. Mellberg, who serves as the digital communications specialist at SPC, is the owner of Mellberg Marketing and an active Chamber member business that makes a difference through outstanding marketing efforts, volunteering her time and talents to the Chamber and LEAP groups. She has been a key contributor to the creative ideas behind KLB and the Cotton & Crude Concert promotions.