Small Business Person of the Year
Since 1990, the Small Business Person of the Year Award has recognized the outstanding contributions of small business people to the economy and overall progress of the New Braunfels trade area. To be eligible for nomination, the business person must meet the following criteria:
- Must own their business for a minimum of five years;
- Must be a member of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce for a minimum of five years;
- Must have been in the same business for a minimum of five years;
- Must exhibit community involvement for a minimum of five years; and
- Must have employed fewer than 50 employees during the past five years.
Selection for the award is based on evidence of an individual’s successful operation of a company and evidence of significant contribution to the community.
2023 Small Business Person of the Year Myra Zunker of The Chandelier of Gruene
Members of the Chamber’s Executive and Small Business Week committees surprised Myra Zunker with the announcement that she was named the 2023 Small Business Person of the Year.
Past Small Business Person of the Year Winners:
| 2023 - Myra Zunker, The Chandelier of Gruene | 2006 - Miles Granzin, Granzin BBQ |
| 2022 - Art Brinkkoeter, Brinkkoeter Transmission & Lube | 2005 - Donna Scheele, Property Management Professionals, Inc. |
| 2021 - Glenn Griffin, Griffin Asset Management | 2004 - Trudy Soechting, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch |
| 2020 - April Ryan and Ashley Landerman, 2tarts Bakery | 2003 - Doug & Anne Miller, Miller & Miller Insurance Agency |
| 2019 - J.P. Kesselring, Farmers Insurance Agency of J.P. Kesselring | 2002 - Lester Stockhorst, PRINT IT |
| 2018 - Natalie Rougeux, Rougeux & Associates, PLLC | 2001 - Adam & Karen Cork, Color Express |
| 2017 - Justin Meadows, Justin Meadows State Farm | 2000 - Don & Lynn Forres, Huisache Grill |
| 2016 - Nathan Manlove, The AMMO Group | 1999 - Carol Johnson, Johnson Furniture/Innerworks |
| 2015 - Soriya Estes, Estes Audiology | 1998 - Randy Vanstory, Quick Align |
| 2014 - Kent Fischer, Fischer Veterinary Clinic | 1997 - Pam Kraft, Kraft Mobiletel |
| 2013 - Matt Kyle, The Kyle Law Firm | 1996 - Larry Wenzel, Creative Eyewear by Larry |
| 2012 - Ken & Lisa Brucks, Prodigy Learning Center & Child Care Center | 1995 - Rusty Brandt, ‘Tis The Season |
| 2011 - Robin Jeffers, J&R Gymnastics | 1994 - Kyra Brandt, Comal Flower Shop on the Plaza |
| 2010 - Ernie Jergins, Ernesto’s Jewelry | 1993 - Cash & Dennis Hermes, Centex Office Plus |
| 2009 - John Guenzel, Rio Raft & Resort | 1992 - Bob Schima, Henne Hardware |
| 2008 - Dee and Terry Buck, Buck Pottery | 1991 - Marian Benson, The Collection |
| 2007 - Judi & Cecil Eager, Gruene Mansion Inn | 1990 - Mary Jane Nalley, The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar |
