Each year the Odessa Chamber of Commerce selects a recipient based upon the quality and effectiveness of volunteer work performed for the good of the community. Volunteer efforts to be considered as examples of community service include: the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, church, civic clubs, local government, education, and charitable/service organizations. This year, On Thursday, February 4, more than 300 people attended the 2015 Citizen of the Year Luncheon to honor this year's recipient, Minka Sibert. Congratulations to Minka Sibert, our 2015 Citizen of the Year! 

After more than 20 years, Mike George, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, will retire on June 30th.

"For 23 years, I've been fortunate to have worked with professional staff members who work earnestly, and rub shoulders with a countless number of dedicated community volunteers and elected officials," said George.

During Mike's tenure at the Odessa Chamber, he was very active in developing effective relationships with the leadership throughout the entire Permian Basin. When asked about his time with the Chamber, he spoke fondly of the support he received from individuals along the way.

"I always found it motivating to see hometown heroes volunteering hundreds of hours from their personal lives," said George. "They consistently offered me advice and expertise, which helped tremendously in our mission to make Odessa and the Permian Basin a better place to live, work and play. I'd do it all over again."

Under George's leadership, the chamber led a 1997 campaign that would establish the Odessa Development Corporation, which greatly impacted Odessa ability to grow and expand the local economy.

"Mike has skillfully led our Chamber of Commerce to statewide prominence during both the good and bad economic times here in Odessa," said Craig Van Amburgh, chairman for the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. "His efforts helped bring the leadership of the city, county, ECISD and others to the table to work hand-in-hand to address the concerns and needs of our great city to the benefit of all Odessans. "I am grateful to Mike for his years of service to the Chamber, and hope that we can find a suitable replacement for his position that will carry forward the good work he started into the future."

Mike George has arguably been the face of the Odessa Chamber for many years, and he will not be an easy individual to replace. His leadership and passion for this community will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.