TERRY LUEDTKE, JOY FUCHS NAMED WASHINGTON CO. MAN, WOMAN OF YEAR
THE YARD, SEIDEL SCHROEDER NAMED SMALL BUSINESSES OF YEAR; TAMMY JASTER RECEIVES BLUE BLAZER AWARD
A strong supporter of Washington County youth and a lifelong public servant were recognized Tuesday night as the 2021 Man and Woman of the Year.
Terry Luedtke, who owns and operates J&J Packing with his wife, Robyn, and Washington County Commissioner Joy Fuchs were honored at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation Banquet.
Luedtke said he was greatly humbled by the recognition.
2020’s Man of the Year, Kevin Deramus, said since moving to Washington County in 1989, Luedtke has supported over 700 exhibitors at the Washington County Fair and contributed millions of dollars to youth livestock projects at the junior livestock auction. Luedtke was also instrumental in the Burton Park Project and has been an advocate for education. He was described as someone who “always puts others first and is not afraid to speak out to help others,” someone people “should strive to be like,” and a person with “high moral character and impeccable integrity.”
Fuchs was very appreciative of the honor and thanked the community for allowing her the opportunity to give back.
Fuchs was introduced by Chamber President Wende Ragonis Anderson, filling in for 2020’s Woman of the Year, Jennifer Eckermann, who was unable to attend. Ragonis Anderson said Fuchs’ public service began as a nurse, and she helped to create the Washington County Health and Service Center to ensure proper health care is available to anyone. She was the first woman to serve on the Burton School Board and Washington County Commissioners Court. As commissioner, she helped to create a COVID-19 vaccine subHUB and has served on various local, state and national boards. She has also been an avid supporter of youth in 4-H.
Also announced Tuesday were the winners of Small Business of the Year. Winner of Small Business of the Year with 1-25 employees was The Yard, while the winner with 26-100 employees was Seidel Schroeder.
Tammy Jaster was recognized for her service to the Chamber’s Blue Blazers, winning the Blue Blazer of the Year Award.
The keynote speaker for the banquet was Lorie Vincent, founder and president of ACCELERATION by Design, an economic development consulting firm. Vincent talked about her experiences with rural America and how small communities can grow and develop while still keeping the qualities that make them special. Vincent’s presentation can be heard below.
