The Henryetta Chamber of Commerce gets a lot accomplished through the help of volunteers and dedicated officers.
Those workers behind the scenes were recognized Monday night at the annual Chamber banquet.
One of those workers, Shane Sanford, was honored with the Henryettan of the Year award.
Sanford, a 1984 HHS graduate, is the owner of Rustler’s Barbecue and was a driving force behind the organization of the Nichols Park Restoration Committee. That group helped raise funds to provide a new roof and windows as well as improve the outside looks of the caretakers house at Nichols Park. The organization he started was also the recipient of the 2021 Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Team Builder award.
Incoming chamber president Shawn Okerson said he wants to keep that work to better Henryetta going throughout the year. “The future depends on what you do today,” he said.
Paul’s Western Wear was named the Business of the Year recipient. The clothing store located at the junction of US 266 and 75 has been a part of the local business community since 1970.
The New Member Business of the Year honor went to T&S Racing. Owners Trampas and Sherry Parker are the organizers of the annual Vintage National Motorcycle race at Nichols Park. Accepting the award for them were Brett and Paige Thomas.
Nichols Park was still the featured site with Joshua Craig receiving the Roy Madden Top hand award. He has spent 21 years at Nichols Park setting up a 54-hole disc golf course and making the course one of the top three in the state.
Twice a year the rodeo arena at Nichols Park brings around 1,000 spectators to watch the action.
The efforts by the chamber’s rodeo committee have been recognized with the 2021 Most Improved Prairie Circuit Rodeo national award.
Talking about the award, Tammie Hiatt said the honor is exciting and shows that the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, “knows we are here.” A second award, this from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association barrel racers, has the Henryetta rodeo recognized as the second in the Prairie Circuit for the best ground. 
Other awards presented during the evening included the outgoing chamber directors plaques to Tracy Goza, Judy Stidman, Lile Stogner and Tammie Hiatt; outgoing president’s plaque to David Dykes; a plaque recognizing the help provided by the city for various events and one for the Christmas parade sponsorship to AEP/PSO.
The chamber received a saddle to be displayed in honor of Sue Bailey. Her grandsons, Kanon and Kade Bailey said the saddle honoring her as the Oklahoma Cowgirls Association open 3D champion arrived shortly after her death this past year. It will be exhibited at the chamber office along with other saddles from local rodeo stars.
Nearly 200 people attended the dinner at the civic center.