Four San Angelo Businesses Recognized for Diversity

Four San Angelo business organizations were recognized at yesterday’s San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Diversity Awards luncheon. The event, held annually, recognizes the diverse ethnic and gender background of local businesses and non-profit organizations.

Executive Director Ed Lopez of the San Angelo Boys and Girls Club won the first award. The Boys and Girls Clubs in San Angelo provide activities, aid in school homework and learning via tutoring and special programs, and provide a safe place for the area’s youth to hang out.

Girlyne White, manager of family-owned Mama Nida’s Asian Market was recognized as well. Mama Nida’s, 626 South Bell Street, is like an Asian grocery store with authentic Asian food and ingredients for sale. The Market has an amazingly perfect five-star rating on Yelp with reviews dating back to 2011.

Irma Contreras, director of San Angelo Early Childhood Center, received an award. The Childhood Center provides daycare for low income working moms. According to their website, the center “serves primarily children of low-income families. Eligibility criteria do require that parents work and/or attend school a minimum of 30 hours per week. Cost of services is based on family income. The Early Childhood Center does provide services for Child Care Services (CCS) clients.”

Finally G&G Automotive was recognized. Mary Ellen Gossett (pictured right, above) is part of the Gossett clan at G&G Automotive, 1121 Glenna Street, that serves San Angelo with very competent auto repair services at reasonable prices, from my 10-years of experience as their customer. The business was inspired in Brady at co-owner, and Mary Ellen's husband, Benny Gossett's father's gas station. The Gossett family migrated the family to San Angelo in 1986 and founded G&G.

The keynote speaker at the awards luncheon was Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, commander, 17th Training Wing, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.