J.D. YOUNG, CAROL HUTCHENS NAMED WASHINGTON CO. MAN & WOMAN OF YEAR

Josh Blaschke Send an email February 2, 2024
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Washington County’s outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations were recognized Thursday night during the Washington County Chamber of Commerce/Brenham Economic Development Foundation Banquet.

J.D. Young (left) and Carol Hutchens are recognized
as the Washington County Chamber of Commerce's
2023 Man and Woman of the Year during
Thursday's Chamber/Brenham EDF Banquet.

J.D. Young and Carol Hutchens were honored as the 2023 Man and Woman of the Year.

Young has impacted numerous lives through his philanthropic work at Faith Mission, currently serving as its CEO after becoming its executive director in 2003.  As part of the Brenham Urban Renewal Agency, he developed projects connected with the growth of Blinn College, neighborhood redevelopment and downtown renewal.  In the following years, he started several businesses related to mechanical contracting and home construction.

Young said he is humbled to be included among the names of many other men and women of Washington County who have greatly supported their community.  He said it takes the work of many, not just one, to make things happen.

Hutchens has been a lifelong community activist, serving as a teacher, Sunday school leader, Girl Scout leader, and a member of the local Little League board of directors.  After a career at Blue Bell Creameries, she started a business in downtown Brenham and became active with the Main Street program.  She works with the Washington County Ladies Lions Club, Pilot Club and Anchor Club, and is also dedicated to recognizing veterans and volunteering at the senior center.

Hutchens said she is grateful for the recognition and to be able to be a part of Washington County.

The Chamber also announced its Businesses of the Year.  The recipient of the award for the 1-25 employee category was Brenham Charcuterie Boards, while the winner for 26-100 employees was Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation.  Chosen as the winner for New Business of the Year, a new award for a business formed in the past year, was Glamfetti.  Named the Nonprofit of the Year was Gather ‘n Grace.

Joyce Dickschat won the Chamber’s Blue Blazer of the Year Award.  Justin Colley was named the Chamber’s Board Member of the Year. 

The featured speaker at the banquet was Dr. Frank B. Ashley III, acting dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.  Dr. Ashley talked about the growth of Washington County, its heritage and beauty, and how people can come together to make their communities a better place.  Dr. Ashley’s presentation can be heard below.

Barney Loesch (left) and Mike Hopkins Jr. were recognized as outgoing members on the Brenham Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors.
Darron Smith (second from left) and Dan Blalock (second from right) were two of five outgoing Chamber board members recognized for their service. Not pictured are Jim Chisolm, Kara Matheney and Shay Morrow.
Justin Colley (center) was honored as the Chamber Board Member of the Year.
Brenham Charcuterie Boards was honored as the Business of the Year (1-25 employees).
Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation was named the Business of the Year (26-100 employees).
Glamfetti was named the New Business of the Year.
Gather 'n Grace was presented the Nonprofit of the Year Award.
Joyce Dickschat was honored as the Chamber's Blue Blazer of the Year.
Dr. Frank B. Ashley III gives his keynote speech during Thursday's Washington County Chamber/Brenham EDF Banquet.
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Josh Blaschke Send an email February 2, 2024
2 334

2 Comments

  1. What a great selection of Man and Women of the Year. Mr. Young and Mrs. Hutchens are both wonderful people and have done so much for this community. Congratulations to both of them!