Story, photos courtesy of Steve Nash / Special Contributor to BrownwoodNews.com With a theme of Rooted in Community, the Early Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 2026 Annual Awards Gala Thursday night at the Brownwood Event Center, honoring individuals, businesses and organizations for their impact on the community.

The chamber's first-ever Legacy Award was presented to Early City Administrator Tony Aaron, who was not able to attend because he was out of town.

Sydney Turner, executive assistant administrator, accepted on behalf of Aaron.