Joni Coursey, executive director of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, reflects on the history of Nocona and how it is driving its future, as the annual banquet opened Thursday night. (Photo by Barbara Green)

The Nocona Chamber of Commerce celebrated its past and looked to the future at its annual banquet Thursday night.

A full house of members and guests enjoyed an evening of music and recognition of service by the chamber of commerce. Theme for the evening was “Nocona, Then and Now.”

Joni Coursey, executive director of the chamber, reflected on the community’s rich history that began with the arrival of the railroad, and the development of the cattle industry and later many other businesses that still thrive today.

She also explained that today’s new businesses are “thinking outside the box,” to create a new future built on those strong roots.

Also touching on the historic vein, guest speaker Alan Schiegg discussed the feasibility study underway for a possible National Historical Trail designation for the Chisholm and Great Western Trails. The study began in 2009 with Congress approval the study.

Read about all the award winners in the Saturday Bowie News. Top photo: Dr. Len Dingler, representing the Nocona Little Dribblers, accepts the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award from the Nocona Chamber of Commerce. This was a new awarded presented this year. (Photo by Barbara Green)