Senator Robert Nichols received the annual Silver Bucket Award at the 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum and Texas Forest Country Economic Summit this afternoon at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center.
“Our recipient represents over 850 East Texans, despite that large number of people, it’s rare when he doesn’t attend an event or program. He’s been everywhere that we needed him. If we ask, he is there. He embodies everything East Texans need to ensure our communities continue to grow,” said Jay Shands, President of First Bank & Trust East Texas. “Today, we recognize State Senator Robert Nichols for his passion and deep love of East Texas. His efforts will ensure East Texas is a great place to live and work for generations to come. He truly totes a lot of water and wood for all of East Texas.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Nichols was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2006, where he has served on the Transportation Committee after being appointed by then Governor George Bush. He told the audience how he first got involved in politics nearly 20 years ago, which resulted in him first serving on city council and eventually mayor of his hometown.
“(Years ago) my city council man spot was open,” he said. “I went in and asked the city secretary, because no one had applied, and I said, ‘What happens if nobody files?’ And she said, ‘Whatever idiot comes in here one minute to five on the last day, that’s who your city council man will be.’ So I went down there to see who the idiot was, and it was me. And that’s how I got into politics.
“It’s not work when you love what you do,” he continued. “IÂ absolutely love what I do. It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to have the opportunity to represent y’all in the Texas senate, so thank you so much.”
Several businesses across East Texas were honored with a Small Business of the Year from their respective counties, which included: Shelby County, Center Motor Company; Nacogdoches County, Ark Pharmacies; Houston County, Houston County Electric Cooperative; Trinity County, McClain’s Hardware; Sabine County, G.D. Edgar Lumber Company; Polk County, Hughes Petroleum Products; Tyler County, Tucker Professional Services; San Augustine County, Mills Hardware and Ace Flowers; San Jacinto County, Cora’s Corner; Angelina County, PID Services; and Jasper County, Affinity Hospice.