On January 29, 2026, the Mesquite Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Task Force took center stage at the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, presenting a total of eight prestigious business awards. Recognizing both outstanding Mesquite businesses and community members, the BRE Awards celebrated their notable contributions. 

The following awards were handed out:

Retailer of the Year - City of Mesquite Economic Development

Celebrates a retailer that showcases innovation, sustained growth, and a community-driven approach. The recipient must exhibit exceptional engagement with Mesquite's community, contribute to economic prosperity through job creation and revenue generation, and foster a vibrant shopping environment. This award recognizes a business that exemplifies the essence of retail excellence while embodying the values of inclusivity and progress.

Winner was OvenHead Pizza (Romeo Ahmad)

Partner of the Year - Mesquite ISD Career & Technical Education

Celebrates a company which has:

• Involvement with MISD schools such as donations, job fairs, volunteering at events, advisory for specific pathways, training on campus, classroom or campus presentations.

• Job placement for high school students

• Number of paid/unpaid internships

• Tours of Facilities for Students

Winner was Mesquite Print House (Bryan Odom)

Downtowner of the Year - Downtown Mesquite

The Downtowner of the Year award was created to honor outstanding volunteer/institutional support of the downtown revitalization program. Criteria include service on committees, participation in events, serving as a downtown advocate, and more. The selection is made by the Mesquite Downtown Development Advisory Board, whose members observe outstanding contributions to the effort throughout the year. Contact Downtown Development Manager Beverly Abell for more information.

Winner was Belinda Epps with Epps Realty

Employer of the Year - Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

The following is the criteria that will be used to name the Workforce Solutions Employer of the Year.

• Community involvement

• Number of Job Openings provided for the community

• Number of hiring events during the course of the year

• Number of persons hired during the course of the year

• Number of Workforce programs in which the employer participated

Winner was Metro Mechanical (Christopher Walter)

Partner of the Year - Visit Mesquite Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Tourism Partner of the Year award recognizes a hotel, attraction, event venue or similar tourism business that has been an example of providing excellent customer service to the Mesquite Visitor and representing the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas to the traveling public.

Winner was Rodeo City Provisions (Leo Morales)

Partner of the Year - Mesquite Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Partner of the year award was created to honor and recognize companies that have stepped up their involvement in the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. To be considered for this award, the company would need to be a current member of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, be involved in events, invested sponsorship dollars in Chamber programs, have a willingness to serve and help other members, and a positivity towards the growth of Mesquite.

Winner was Elements International (Andrea Solis)

Partner of the Year - Dallas College Eastfield Campus

Public-Private Partnerships drive economic growth across all sectors of our community and workforce. Partnering with Dallas College contributes to regional vibrancy through dedication to good business practices, innovative processes, and quality-of-life enhancements. The “Partner of the Year” award celebrates your commitment to Mesquite through your innovations, philanthropy, business and technological advances, customer satisfaction, community engagement, and the quality jobs you create.

Winner was Hithium (James Boswell & Tonya Council)

Business Legacy - City of Mesquite Economic Development

The Business Legacy award was created to honor businesses who have made a long-term investment in Mesquite and who have had a legacy creating impact.

Winner was Town East Ford (Gene Fletcher)

Congratulations to all of the winners! And we can't wait to get YOU involved more and deserving of these awards for 2026!