At a festive luncheon on August 20 at Katy Gardens, 1040 Schlipf Road in Katy, members of the Texas Christian Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Katy Christian Chamber of Commerce) heard an inspirational address by local Houston businessman and philanthropist Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and honored select members with the organization’s inaugural quarterly awards.

McIngvale, one of the original founding members of the chamber, was awarded the organization’s first-ever Legacy Champion Award.

Other members who were recognized at the luncheon included:

· Cornerstone Awards: Trudy King of Global Payment Systems, local music teacher Alecia Stringer and digital marketer Nick Covanes

· Horizon Award: Terri Tognietti of the Tognietti Group

· Connector Award: Mike Martin of RMC Marketing

· Hands and Feet Award: Gail Creel, community volunteer

· Love Your Neighbor Award: Stan Goss, Crown of Glory Ministries

· Member 2 Member Award: See Tim Sell Realty Group

· Legacy Builder Award: Paul Cannon, Simmons & Fletcher Law Firm

The chamber is expanding its focus beyond the Katy area to include the “Texas Triangle” of Houston, San Antonio-Austin and the Dallas area, said board chairman Paul Kurt at the event. Gaining membership from just one percent of the Christians in that area would results in over 16,000 members for the organization, he said.