The New Braunfels Chamber concluded its 107th Annual Banquet & Awards Program on Friday, January 30, with the presentation of the Besserung Award, the Chamber’s highest honor recognizing exceptional commitment to community betterment.
The 2025 Besserung Award was presented to Gary Seals in recognition of his transformative leadership in youth development and his role in the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative.
The Besserung Award, derived from the German word meaning “betterment,” honors an individual whose service has created a lasting and meaningful impact on the New Braunfels community. In recognizing this year’s recipient, the Chamber highlighted a vision that not only identified a critical need but mobilized partners, resources, and long-term commitment to address it.
"I want to say this simply: the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative exists because Gary saw a need and chose to lead," said outgoing Chair of the Board Terri Adams. "Without him, this work wouldn’t be happening."
Established to address gaps in youth services, the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative provides afterschool programs, enrichment opportunities, and supportive environments for middle and high school students during afterschool hours. The organization focuses on prevention, connection, and opportunity, helping young people build confidence, relationships, and pathways to success.
The evening also marked a transition in Chamber leadership as Adams formally passed the gavel to incoming Chair of the Board Chris Snider, president of Texas Titos. The program reflected on a year of progress while reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to leadership, service, and community impact.
In addition to the Besserung Award, the Chamber recognized individuals for their service and leadership throughout the year, including:
Chair of the Board Award Recipients
Hall of Honor Recipients
Small Business Person of the Year
New Blue Coats
Blue Coat of the Year
Senior Blue Coat of the Year
The banquet also included recognition of outgoing board members, new Senior Blue Coats, Life Members, and volunteers whose contributions support the Chamber’s work year-round.
The Chamber thanks presenting sponsor Texas Partners Bank and sponsors The Grapevine and Gruene Hall, SpawGlass, Aumovio, Joeris, and Raba Kistner for their support of the 107th Annual Banquet.