Chamber's Annual Dinner & Awards nearly sold out ahead of Nov. 12 event

A Community Posting by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner & Awards is approaching a full house, with more than 220 seats reserved for this year's event compared with approximately 60 attendees last year.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at Cornerstone Chapel & Celebration Center in Salem. Networking begins at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM and the main program beginning at 6:30 PM.

The Chamber has reduced ticket prices to make the annual event more affordable. While tickets cost $75 at the previous dinner, this year's tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $50 for nonmembers.

A few seats remain available as of publication. Tickets can be purchased through the Washington County Chamber of Commerce website. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday, November 2.

“As I approach my first anniversary with the Chamber, it's been encouraging to see so many people willing to get involved and support what we're doing,” said Executive Director Jacob Dufour. “I'm looking forward to an evening where we can recognize some deserving people and businesses and enjoy the company of our local business community.”

The evening will include the presentation of the Chamber's annual awards, live music, dinner, and a Christmas tree auction.

The nominees for Entrepreneur of the Year are Brent Harmon and Melissa Middleton of The Salem Speedway; Lakin Jones of Born.; Seth Marshall of Marshall Sales and Marshall Fireplace Shop; Dr. Chris Mosier of Mosier Family Chiropractic; Matthew Moskal of 2nd Life Tech; Bobbie Jo Myers of Bargain Barrel; Glenn Robinson of Robinson Construction; and Mackenzie Robinson of Totally Baked Sweets.

The Business of the Year nominees are H&R Bakery, Huckster’s Hall, Lincks Clothing & Shoes, Marshall Monuments, Mosier Family Chiropractic, Sullivan’s Concrete Coating, Titan Tint & Graphics, Totally Baked Sweets, Tracy’s Bar & Grill, Vermillion Ink, and Washington County Theatre.

Citizen of the Year nominees are Corey Churchman, Maurice Godfrey, Judy Lynn Harper, Geoffrey Harrison, Taylor Humphrey-Arnold, Daniel and Charity Main, and Chase Stanfill.

A Christmas tree auction will also be held during the event, with Billy Hagan of T&S Auctions conducting the auction. Mosier Family Chiropractic purchased the trees, and 12 local businesses and organizations volunteered to decorate them.

Those participating are A White House Realty, CASA of Washington County Indiana, CENTRA Credit Union, Heart & Homestead Photography, John Jones Auto Group, Marshall Monuments, Mosier Family Chiropractic, RD Aromatherapy, Richardson’s Heating & Air, Salem Apothecary, Sullivan’s Concrete Coating and Totally Baked Sweets.

First Harrison Bank is sponsoring the networking period, while 360 Accounting & Tax Services is sponsoring the music. Local pianist Nathan Smith will provide live music throughout the evening.

Raquel’s Restaurant & Catering will provide the meal, and Peach’s Petals will provide table decor and floral arrangements. Table sponsors include Awareness Washington County, Dr. Black’s Eye Associates, Marshall Monuments, Mosier Family Chiropractic, PNC Bank, Pro Star Painting and the Salem Rotary Club.

The Annual Dinner & Awards brings together the county's business community for an evening of recognition and networking. The Chamber, founded in 1946, works to connect local businesses, support economic development and provide opportunities for members to build relationships throughout the community.

With attendance significantly higher than last year's event, the Chamber's lower ticket prices have helped make this year's dinner accessible to a wider audience.

A limited number of tickets remain available through the Washington County Chamber of Commerce website. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday, November 2.