In an effort to recognize the incredible business leadership that has made Angelina County what it is today, the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce will unveil the Angelina County Business Hall of Fame next week.

Three initial members will be inducted this year at the ceremony set for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Kurth Memorial Library.

"Our goal was to create a meaningful way to recognize the business leaders that impacted this community's success," said Codie Jenkins, chairman of The Chamber's Promoting Business Project. "We felt the creation of the Business Hall of Fame would accomplish that goal."

Criteria for the Business Hall of Fame nominees includes:

* Being recognized as having made a significant contribution to the success of their company or profession;

* having developed a company or structure that enhanced productivity, quality and profits;

* having served as a role model;

* having demonstrated civic as well as corporate leadership; and,

* having resided or worked in Angelina County.

"This is a great opportunity for us to shine the light on the outstanding leadership we have had here in Angelina County,'' Jenkins said. ''Also, we want to express our appreciation to Kurth Memorial Library, the Friends of the Library and the City of Lufkin for allowing us to house the Business Hall of Fame at the library. It is a great location for this venue and will be seen by the many visitors would stop by.

"We would like to also thank The Pineywoods Foundation for making this event possible as well. Without their support and assistance we would not have been able to initiate this project."

Presenting sponsor for the Business Hall of Fame for 2009 is the Lufkin/Angelina County Economic Development Partnership, with Brookshire Brothers and First Bank & Trust as Gold Sponsors.

For more information contact The Chamber at 634-6644 or visit the Web site at lufkintexas.org.