2006 Selection Committe

Academia - Dr. J. W. Tunnell, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Harte Research Institute
Industry - John LaRue, Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Education - Linda Simpson, Region II Service Center
Small Business - Alan Bligh, Better Business Bureau
Non-profit Organizations – Dick Messbarger, Coastal Bend Community Foundation & Greater Kingsville Economic Development Council
State of Texas - Dr. Jim Tolan, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Federal Agency – Robyn Cobb, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Private Citizen - Johnny French
Coastal Bend Bays Foundation - Jay Reining, President, CBBF

2006 Award categories are:

• Public Service For a public servant whose efforts and leadership on behalf of the Coastal Bend Region exceed the requirement of his or her job.
• Citizen Volunteer For a citizen who dedicates time and energy to the preservation of the Coastal Bend Region without any expectation of compensation or recognition.
• Coastal Community For farsighted public stewardship over the Coastal Bend's resources and for leadership in enhancing the Coastal Bend environment.
• Business & Industry For a Coastal Bend company for leadership in giving protection of the region's environments the high priority they deserve.
• Small Business For a Coastal Bend small business for leadership in giving protection of the region's environments the high priority they deserve.
• Non Profit Organization For a nonprofit Coastal Bend organization that has worked to preserve the region's heritage, protect the natural environment, and nurture the prosperity of the Coastal Bend.
• Public Awareness For an institution or individual for dedication and effectiveness in raising Texans public awareness about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend. (New category for 2004.)
• Elementary Education For an individual teacher for dedication and effectiveness in educating Texas students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
• Middle School Education For an individual teacher for dedication and effectiveness in educating Texas middle school students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
• High School Education For an individual teacher for dedication and effectiveness in educating Texas high school students about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
• Higher Education University and College - For an institution or individual professor or instructor for dedication and effectiveness in educating Texans about the natural resources of the Coastal Bend.
• Chairman's Award Given for commitment to and extraordinary effectiveness in preserving Texas' rich coastal heritage.