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  • This is some of the hardware that will be awarded Thursday, when Duncan Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s holds its annual banquet at the Simmons Center. Toni Hopper

    This is some of the hardware that will be awarded Thursday, when Duncan Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s holds its annual banquet at the Simmons Center.
February 8, 2012

‘Reach for the Stars’

Chamber to recognize those with lofty achievements

Toni Hopper The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Considered one of the premier events in Duncan the annual Chamber of Commerce & Industry Banquet should provide a night to remember —  barring any unforeseen circumstances, of course.

Organizers are approaching Thursday’s 7 p.m. gathering at the Simmons Center with their fingers crossed, recalling the 2011 banquet that postponed and rescheduled because of a winter storm. It was nearly spring before everyone finally had a chance to put on their party duds and celebrate.

“The annual banquet gives us all an opportunity to look at the past year and accomplishments of our members and the community,” said Chris Deal, Chamber president and CEO.

Deal praised Events Coordinator Laurie Baldwin and the 2012 committee for handling the legwork to make this year’s banquet a success.

Baldwin said the banquet is the one night everyone gets to shine. “It’s about everyone,” she noted. “Many of the nominees are not (Chamber) members, but are people who care about their community and go above and beyond.”

Deal added that the banquet “also allows us to look forward to the future accomplishments for the coming year and is an annual meeting for our members.”

Baldwin said they expect 335 people to attend the reservation-only event, which this year has the theme, “Reach for the Stars.”

Those “stars” will include the 24 people nominated in categories: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year and Community Spirit. 

Nominations also include 15 businesses or organizations in the Free Enterprise and Community Improvement categories.

In addition to those awards, three other individuals will be named for the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, Rookie Ambassador of the Year and Ambassador of the Year awards.

Deal noted the event recognizes achievement. “It’s about the business climate facilitating improvements throughout our community. We have a great community,” he said.

While it’s the Chamber’s intent to have people, businesses and organizations join and become members, the banquet does more than just honor its own members. The banquet serves as a membership drive.

“We are a volunteer, service-based organization and are about moving forward,” Deal said, highlighting everything from the schools — Cameron University-Duncan, Red River Technology Center and Duncan Public Schools — to the ongoing efforts of local businesses.

“We look forward to setting goals for 2012. We realize we have some great businesses in the community, but the banquet is to network and have a good time and enjoy entertainment.”

Entertainment will be provided by Laura Gossett, Danielle Flesher, Shady5Eighty and Charles Jeffrey of Comanche.

Last year’s Jaycee’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, Dr. Che Miller, will serve as master of ceremonies. Duncan Regional Hospital will cater the event.

Bree Lopez, who is Mrs. Stephens County, will help with presenting the awards.

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