The awards program went virtual in 2021

Chamber banquet next week

By Michael Butler

An annual tradition returns to the National Guard Armory next week. The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will be on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.

The longtime event has recognized many deserving leaders and businesses over the years from different venues. It was a regular at the Hotel Talisi in its early years to the Armory in more recent ones, yet that all changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The program became virtual and was emended to accommodate smaller crowds at Restoration 49. Since the return to normalcy, the National Guard Armory has undergone renovations and is available for functions again.

"With the major issues of COVID behind us and with the National Guard Armory facility back in use we have put things together fairly quickly to make it come to fruition this year," said Chamber of Commerce executive director Jerry Cunningham in a letter to Chamber members. "The armory is really the only place large enough for us to have the event."

Chamber award winners in 2020, the last year the awards program was held at the National Guard Armory (from left to right): Brad Davis (Volunteer of the Year), Brooke Rigsby (Business of the Year), Lamar Godwin (Lifetime Achievement).

Tickets are $40 each (non-reserved) and $250 per table with up to six seats for companies and businesses.

"The meal will be catered by 1220 Café and banquet program includes celebrating the Tallassee area and presenting the community awards."

Awards to be presented include: Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, Chamber Lifetime and Making a Difference in Our Community Awards. 

"The meal and program will last approximately one hour 30 minutes or less," Cunningham noted. "Attire is business casual."

The theme of the night is titled, "Celebrate the Present, Promote the Future."

Business of the Year Recipients
2023 Grove Station
2022 Restoration 49
2021 Community Hospital
2020 Studio B Dance Studio
2019 Neptune Technology
2018 Tallassee Jewelers
2017 Cozumel Restaurant
2016 Hornsby & Son Body Shop, LLC
2015 Trustmark
2014 1220 Cafe