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Elyse Thibodeaux, President-elect of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, at left, presents the "Ambassador of the Year" award to Lucy Fields.Photo by Tommy Mann Jr.

Another successful year is in the books following the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce's annual event this past Monday.

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce held its 56th Annual Banquet and “Taste of the Bayou” this past Monday night at Bridge City Elementary in Bridge City as local businesses, chamber members, elected officials and other guests attended the yearly event.

Scot C. Shaffer, the president of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, presented the two main awards for the evening.

The Citizen of the Year award was presented to Jack Comer Jr., who has been the pastor of Circle Drive Baptist Church in Bridge City since 1994.

During that time, he has been very involved with the community. He has served as a member of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, as well as chairperson of the Bridge City Chamber Ambassadors. He is a past president of the Bridge City-Orangefield Rotary Club and currently serves the organization as the co-chairperson of the Rotary Flag Program.

Comer, known as a caring, but very modest individual, kept his speech short and to the point. He spoke of a pastor he once knew, who said he loved his community, but was so busy with his church that there was no time for him to be involved with the community.

"We all need to be involved in community events and activities," he said. "It's something everyone of us should do."

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Comer attended Dillard McCollum High School and played football for three years. After graduation, he moved to the Dallas-area where he eventually met and married his wife, Pam, in 1977. After receiving his degree to become a mortician, he decided to enter the ministry and attended Liberty University and earned his Bachelor's degree in Church Ministry and later earned his Master's Degree in Christian Education from the Baptist Mission Seminary.

Comer cited the organization of the Bridge City-Orangefield Ministerial Alliance as "one of his biggest accomplishments."

Comer said he was honored to receive the award, but, for those who know him best, the award is not about him but is about the Lord that he serves and the people who serve or help him in some capacity.

"I'm just simply a guy who is blessed to be pastor of a great church and has been accepted in a community, which is a great place to live," he stated.

The Business of the Year award was presented to the Classy Peacock, which has served the Bridge City community for 25 years and now serves the Nederland-community with a second location.

The Classy Peacock, owned by Marcy Messer Hudson, carries the latest in formalwear fashions from many of the latest designers and name brand items from Pandora, Brighton, Tyler Candles and its newest line, Endless Jewelry.

"The Classy Peacock is a solid foundation in our community and it has helped our community grow through the years," Shaffer said as he announced the Business of the Year award recipient.

Hudson was both excited and gracious in her speech.

"I just have to say thanks to everyone who has supported us through all these years," she said to the audience. "I have great employees, both past and present, and many of them are here tonight. Thank you for your support of us and continuing to shop local."

Elyse Thibodeaux, the chairperson of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Lucy Fields.

Fields, a member of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is a highly visible figure at nearly every chamber event.

"She is best known for her work with our Christmas parade," Thibodeaux said. "And she works tirelessly for the chamber throughout the year."

Fields was obviously moved by the announcement.

"Bridge City has my heart and there's nothing I would not do for this community," Fields said. "This is my joy. Thank you."

Shaffer stated the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce had a very successful year in 2015 as the chamber had 27 new members for the year, which brings its membership to 176 total.

"We had a great year with events such as our annual golf tournament, the celebrity roast of Mayor Kirk Roccaforte and the Christmas Light Parade," Shaffer explained. "We hope to do it again this year, minus the celebrity roast, and it will all start with a mystery dinner theater on February 6th."

Food and beverage providers at the Taste of the Bayou dinner included, in alphabetical order, Chicken Express, Circle Drive Baptist Church, Coca Cola, Domino's, Gulf Coast Cajun Association, Hushpuppy's, Judice's Cajun Cafe, Larry's French Market, Little Caesars, Peggy's on the Bayou, Texas Roadhouse, Tico's Cuban Cafe and Walmart.