Chamber dinner set for Oct. 14

This year’s annual awards dinner for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce promises to be full of surprises, good food and entertainment.

The event is set for 6 p.m. at Oct. 14 in the Rotunda at Ohio University Southern.

There will be five awards given out, which includes a new category.

The categories are Business of the Year, the George Patterson Person of the Year, Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Public Servant of the Year and the new Young Professional of the Year.

Chamber Director Bob Smith said that the awards go to individuals or business that have had a serious impact on Lawrence County over the past year.

He said of the Business of the Year, “It is a business that has shown to the community that it is not only interested in making a profit, but making on impact on the community.”

Casey Baker, an attorney at Huddleston Bolen Law Firm in Huntington, W.Va, inspired this year’s new Young Professional award.

Smith said that Baker began the Young Professionals group as a subcommittee of the Chamber last year. Baker resurrected a Secret Santa program and raised nearly $30,000 to help more than 400 needy children at Christmas.

This year’s dinner will also introduce the new chamber board officers for the 2010-2011 term. The new president will be Doug Korstanje, director of marketing and community relations at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

“This is the most important event of the year for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.  We will not only be presenting our prestigious

awards of the year but we will also be hearing from the Ohio State Chamber of Commerce CEO,” said Smith.

CEO Andrew Doerhel will be giving an update on the current business climate and its effects on Lawrence County.

“Considering the national and state business landscape, Andrew Doerhel’s comments will surely be captivating and informative,” said Smith.

There will also be special musical guests.

Miguel Monroy, the Southeast Chamber of Commerce and Employers Association of Coahuila, Mexico, will be sharing his 15 plus years of piano training, said Smith. He also said that area songstress Debbie Webb would return this year for another performance.

The dinner is by reservation only, and no reservations will be taken the day of the event.

The cost for a table sponsorship is $500 or $35 for individuals. The reception starts at 6 p.m. and dinner will be at 6:30 p.m.

To make reservations, call 740-377-4550.