It may be about a month ahead of Thanksgiving but the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner is a way to say “thank you” to some of the area’s business leaders.

The banquet is a key event for the business organization each year as it serves as a fundraiser and also the platform to honor some of the county’s best and brightest from the business community.

The chamber will recognize a number of businesses and individuals for their contributions to the county including Business of the Year, the George Patterson Business Person of the Year, Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Public Servant of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.

This is an important event because it shines the spotlight on the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to invest in our communities and lead by example.

It is not too late to be a sponsor or to attend this event.

Table sponsorships are available for $500 for a table of 8 and individual tickets are priced at $50. The dinner will be catered by Bellefonte Country Club. To make reservation, contact the chamber at 377-4550.

During these difficult economic times, when the headlines and news channels are dominated by doom and gloom when it comes to the business community, it is crucial to celebrate the successes because these can provide the blueprint for success for others.