85th Annual Chamber Banquet is Jan. 28

File photo

The 85th Annual Chamber Banquet is coming soon — a night of food, networking and community awards.

The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the event at Black River Coliseum. Doors open for a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and messages from the night’s speakers. The program wraps up around 8:30 p.m. he noted, but live music from The Millstones and dancing will continue into the night.

“The last few years we’ve had a really, really good response from the event,” president Steve Halter said.

There will be a silent auction through the app BIDR and the meal is catered by Tasteful Creations.

Halter explained the event is a great chance to rub shoulders with business owners and community leaders.

“You have an opportunity to mix and mingle with whoever may benefit you. Go out with people like the CEO of the hospital, city manager, county commissioner, people who own or operate large businesses and organizations in town, and then regular business owners — small businesses, downtown businesses. You name it, they’ll be there.”

The dress code is business formal, but Halter said people are free to wear whatever they are comfortable with.

“This is an event where people like to dress up a little bit, I think because it’s about a month after the holidays and people are kind of ready to get back out and do something socially,” he noted.

The program will include a speech from outgoing chamber chairman Todd Bullington, and the 2022 Ambassador of the Year and Citizen of the Year awards. The Ambassador of the Year is determined by a points system, but Citizens of the Year are nominated and chosen by a committee of their peers. Chamber guidelines state: “Citizen of the Year must be a contributor of time, community development, political affiliation, monetary contribution, job enhancement or other significant contributors to the greater public health area.”

The chamber received 10 or 11 nominations. Without disclosing the winner, Halter said, “They were chosen based on their continued investment in the community through multiple businesses they own, and also their willingness to have events and give back to charitable organizations.”

Tickets are $45 each, available online at poplarbluffchamber.com or in person at the Poplar Bluff Chamber at 1111 W. Pine Blvd. The board asks attendees to RSVP by Sunday, Jan. 15. All VIP tables are already reserved.

Halter encouraged community residents to show up for “good food, good fellowship and a good time.”