Greater Cleveland Chamber recognizes members, businesses at annual gala

February 1, 2024

0124cleveland chamber 13 — Steve Racciato, CEO of Health Centers of Southeast Texas, Stacey Brown and Maggie Estrada of HCST were joined by several of HCST's board members in celebrating the clinics winning Business of the Year. Pictured left to right are State Rep. Ernest Bailes, Eisha Jones with TUFF Kids, Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman, Racciato, Stacey Brown, Maggie Estrada and West Smith.

The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Cleveland Civic Center, to celebrate and recognize outstanding local businesses and individuals who went above and beyond in 2023 to contribute significantly to the enhancement and promotion of the Chamber and the Cleveland community. This event aims to highlight and reward the diligent efforts that enable the continued growth and development of the local economy.

Among the standouts of the night was the Health Center of Southeast Texas (HCST), which was honored with the esteemed title of ‘Business of the Year’. HCST has clinics serving clients in Liberty, San Jacinto and Polk counties, ensuring access to high-quality, affordable medical care for all. Accepting the award for HCST was CEO Steve Racciato, who has guided the operation, along with Dr. Jasmine Sulaiman, since its inception in 2005.

Austin Bank, which prides itself on being a community bank, was selected for Best Customer Service. Austin Bank has nearly three dozen branch locations throughout East Texas. The Cleveland branch is located at 807 E. Houston St. and is locally managed by Lowell Little, Tasha Childress, Lizbet Portillo and Terrie Manners.

Heidi Soles (center) is the Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Presenting the award at the Chamber gala on Friday, Jan. 26, were Chamber Director Victoria Good and Lanie Brown, senior regional field director for Congressman Brian Babin.

Steve Racciato accepts the award for Business of the Year on behalf of the Health Center for Southeast Texas. Presenting the award at the Chamber gala on Friday, Jan. 26, were Chamber Director Victoria Good and Lanie Brown, senior regional field director for Congressman Brian Babin.

West Smith was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Presenting the award at the Chamber gala on Friday, Jan. 26, were Chamber Director Victoria Good and Lanie Brown, senior regional field director for Congressman Brian Babin.

Courtney Contreras (center), the founder of Play for Kade and the executive assistant for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, was surprised when her non-profit was picked as the Non-Profit of the Year at the Chamber gala on Friday, Jan. 26. Presenting the award at the Chamber gala on Friday, Jan. 26, were Chamber Director Victoria Good and Lanie Brown, senior regional field director for Congressman Brian Babin.

Sinful Southern Belles, located at 109 N. College Ave., Cleveland, was picked for having the Best Storefront for 2023. Best New Business for 2023 is Imaging Excellence.

West Smith, past chairman for the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, is the recipient of the 2023 Jean Noble McAdams Volunteer of the Year award. Smith has donated an extensive amount of time to the Chamber and other worthwhile projects in the Cleveland community.

Heidi Soles, executive assistant at the Texas Emergency Hospital in Cleveland and a longtime Chamber ambassador, was selected for the Alfred G. Anderson Citizen of the Year award.

Tricia Hawthorne is the 2023 Ambassador of the Year and Play for Kade, a non-profit organization founded by Chamber executive assistant Courtney Contreras, was picked as the non-profit of the year.