Area Chamber dinner and awards set for March 7
The focus will be on local businesses when Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce members and other citizens gather for the chamber's annual dinner and awards celebration next week.
The event is scheduled to take place Thursday, March 7, at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St. A social and silent auction is planned from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner and an awards ceremony slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. Various awards will be presented to a variety of local business people and firms for their contributions to the community.
"There will be no guest speaker this year; we're going to focus more on local businesses and award winners," FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said. "We also plan to have a video that tells the story about the Keystone award winner."
The Keystone award honors a person who has continually been a source of support to his or her community. The winner is selected by the chamber board of directors. Last year's Keystone award winner was Betty Hixon, owner of H&H Realty.
Area individuals and businesses donate items for the silent auction and a live auction that is planned to take place at the end of the evening. The chamber is still looking for corporate sponsors for the event.
According to information from the chamber, the cost for individual reservations is $30. Tables of four people can be reserved for $130; an eight-person table is $260; a nine-person table can be reserved for $290; and a 10-person table is $320. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Friday.
Businesses can, if they choose, decorate tables by displaying products or services they offer in Bourbon County.
Madison said the event helps raise some operating funds for the chamber, although that is not the function's primary purpose.
"The chamber runs solely on membership dues and fundraisers, and event sponsors," she said. "We don't receive any outside funding."
Awards scheduled to be presented at the celebration include:
* New Business of the Year -- presented to a business at least three years new to the community which exemplifies the business practices for which all businesses strive.
* Young Professional of the Year -- given to a professional 35 years of age or younger who personifies the traits desired in a "great" business person.
* Community Spirit Award -- presented to a business that goes above and beyond for the community; participating, contributing and adding to the overall enhancement of the Fort Scott area.
* Agribusiness of the Year -- awarded to the agribusiness that has contributed to the overall economy and benefits the Fort Scott area community.
* Small Business of the Year -- given to the small business that has proven itself to be a strong, sustaining entity in the community.
* Businessperson of the Year -- presented to a professional who personifies all the traits desired in a "great" business person; a dedication to their business, their community and their family and friends.
* Business of the Year -- handed out to the business that continually expands, improves and benefits the Fort Scott area through its achievements and accomplishments.
Also scheduled to be recognized are the Outgoing Chair of the Board and the recipient of the Mayors Citizenship Award.
A committee of chamber members organize the event each year.
Last year's event, which took place at a packed River Room, included presentation of the Mayors Citizenship Award to Ralph Carlson. The recipient of that award is chosen by city commissioners and staff.
For more information, contact the chamber at (620) 223-3566, or by e-mail at fschamber@fortscott.com.