JON PETERS TO SPEAK AT ANNUAL CHAMBER/EDF BANQUET
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Foundation of Brenham have announced the date of their upcoming Annual Banquet and the featured speaker.
Brenham native Jon Peters will be the keynote speaker at the banquet to be held on Tuesday, January 28, at Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham.
“We are very happy to have Jon as our banquet speaker. Jon is a true inspiration with a message of hope, value and purpose,” said Amanda Stolz, outgoing Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
From the time Jon Peters was six years old he wanted to play baseball. That’s pretty much all he did. And he got really good at it. His dream was to be the best pitcher in the world. In 1989, he became the United States’ record holder for the most consecutive wins (53) by a high school pitcher, a record that still stands today. His high school career ended with a record of 54 wins and one loss, along with three consecutive Class 4A State Baseball Championships.
Jon is the first high school baseball player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. He has also appeared on local and national media outlets such as CNN, Good Morning America, The Today Show, ESPN, People, The Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News, World, and Baseball America.
Following high school, Jon attended Texas A&M University on a baseball scholarship. After enduring four arm surgeries and months of rehabilitation, he gave up his dream of pitching and became an undergraduate assistant coach at A&M. He assisted in directing the 1993 A&M team to the Southwest Conference Title and a berth in the College World Series. He has also coached at Blinn College and McMurry University. Jon has a B.S. (Texas A&M) and M.A. (Sam Houston) in kinesiology.
Jon is a father, friend, speaker, author, and coach. In March 2018, he released his first book, When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs: Finding Happiness in Life’s Changeups, that obtained #1 New Release in Baseball Biographies. His passion to serve and help others is displayed through his energetic, positive, and contagious personality. He resides in the Houston area, and when not traveling and speaking, he is often found hanging out with his family.
Chairman Circle sponsors of the banquet include Baylor Scott & White Health, Blinn College District, Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham Abstract & Title Company, Brenham National Bank, Citizens State Bank, City of Brenham, Germania Insurance, and Van Dyke Rankin Insurance.
“We are very grateful to these sponsors,” said Wende Ragonis, Chamber president, “They will enable us to host a great event for the community, plus they join in applauding the efforts of the volunteer leaders and citizens who will be recognized.”
At the banquet, the Washington County Chamber will recognize five directors who have ended a three-year term of service on the board: Lloyd Powell of City of Brenham Police Department, Gena Wilimitis of Miracle Farm, Darren Huckert of Garza EMC, Dr. Edna Kennedy, Superintendent of Burton Independent School District and Jim Kruse of Bank of Brenham.. Outgoing Chair Amanda Stolz of Seidel Schroeder will also be recognized for her leadership in 2019.
The Brenham Economic Development Foundation will recognize 2 outgoing directors: Arlen Thielemann, Thielemann Construction, for 9 years of service on the board and Gary Weiss, Germania insurance (retired), for his 9 years of service on the board.
Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Last year’s recipients were Dottie Schaer and Charlie Pyle who will return to do the surprise introductions of the 2019 winners. The Blue Blazer of the Year Award will also be announced. Charlie Matejowsky of Van Dyke Rankin Insurance will be the MC for the evening.
Tickets for the banquet will go on sale January 2 at the Washington County Chamber, located at 314 S. Austin Street in Brenham. Individual tickets are $45 per person, and will be on sale until January 21. Contact the Washington County Chamber at 979-836-3695 or info@brenhamtexas.com.
(Story courtesy Washington County Chamber of Commerce)