Chamber Centennial Celebration kicks off at Annual Banquet
January 10, 2017
The Chamber’s Annual Banquet is a premier event every year. It is a night to thank members for their support, recognize volunteers for their service, present prestigious awards, and celebrate the community. The banquet, which is a shared celebration of the Chamber and Economic Development Foundation, will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham starting at 5:30pm.
This year in observance of the Chamber’s 100th anniversary, area businesses and community leaders are invited to a special evening of looking back and expressing special thanks to all those who have helped to build our local economy. It will be a festive evening of celebrating volunteers and board members of the Chamber and EDF.
The Chamber of Commerce was established in 1917 and now serves over 800 member organizations and individuals with a mission to strengthen and improve the area by advocating for business interests, promoting community development and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Speakers at the banquet will include Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Leighton Schubert, plus Michael Groves, Joe Al Picone, Dorothy Morgan and Wesley Brinkmeyer will deliver special remarks about achievements over the past 100 years. Brinkmeyer will serve as M.C. of the event.
Six Washington County Chamber board directors who ended their term of service in December will be recognized: Wesley Brinkmeyer, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative; Sharon Brass, Kwik Kopy Business Center; Cathy Cole, Heritage Texas Country Properties; Suzy Hankins, Ant Street Inn, Back Lot Gallery and Main Street House; Chad Gerke, The Gerke Law Firm; and Randy Weidemann, Van Dyke Rankin Insurance.
Two Brenham Economic Development Foundation board members who ended nine years of service in December will also be recognized: Brett Smith, Lee Anderson Company; and Dr. Donald Voelter, Blinn College (retired).
Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Last year’s recipients were Twila Tate and Leon Toubin who will return to do the surprise introductions of the 2016 winners.
The Blue Blazer of the Year Award will also be announced.
Headline sponsors of the banquet include Baylor Scott & White Health, Blinn College, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Brenham Clinic, Brenham National Bank, DI Truck & Trailer Repair, Germania Insurance, and Van Dyke Rankin Insurance.
“We are very grateful to these sponsors,” said Page Michel, Chamber president, “because they will enable us to hold an elegant event, plus they join in applauding the efforts of the volunteer leaders and citizens who will be recognized.”
The Chamber is also extremely grateful to Scott Hill from Brenham Portrait Gallery for banquet photography, to James Pharaon of James Pharaon Creative for special video segments for the Centennial Celebration, and to Blue Bell Creameries for ice cream for all guests.
Tickets for the banquet are on sale now at the Washington County Chamber office. Individual tickets are $35 per person and reserved tables (to seat 8) are $400. Tickets are on sale until January 24. Complimentary drinks are served during the social hour and a delicious buffet dinner is included.
There are a limited number of reserved tables. Please call or stop by to purchase tickets or get more information: (979) 836-3695.
This year in observance of the Chamber’s 100th anniversary, area businesses and community leaders are invited to a special evening of looking back and expressing special thanks to all those who have helped to build our local economy. It will be a festive evening of celebrating volunteers and board members of the Chamber and EDF.
The Chamber of Commerce was established in 1917 and now serves over 800 member organizations and individuals with a mission to strengthen and improve the area by advocating for business interests, promoting community development and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Speakers at the banquet will include Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Leighton Schubert, plus Michael Groves, Joe Al Picone, Dorothy Morgan and Wesley Brinkmeyer will deliver special remarks about achievements over the past 100 years. Brinkmeyer will serve as M.C. of the event.
Six Washington County Chamber board directors who ended their term of service in December will be recognized: Wesley Brinkmeyer, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative; Sharon Brass, Kwik Kopy Business Center; Cathy Cole, Heritage Texas Country Properties; Suzy Hankins, Ant Street Inn, Back Lot Gallery and Main Street House; Chad Gerke, The Gerke Law Firm; and Randy Weidemann, Van Dyke Rankin Insurance.
Two Brenham Economic Development Foundation board members who ended nine years of service in December will also be recognized: Brett Smith, Lee Anderson Company; and Dr. Donald Voelter, Blinn College (retired).
Another highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Man and Woman of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Last year’s recipients were Twila Tate and Leon Toubin who will return to do the surprise introductions of the 2016 winners.
The Blue Blazer of the Year Award will also be announced.
Headline sponsors of the banquet include Baylor Scott & White Health, Blinn College, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Brenham Clinic, Brenham National Bank, DI Truck & Trailer Repair, Germania Insurance, and Van Dyke Rankin Insurance.
“We are very grateful to these sponsors,” said Page Michel, Chamber president, “because they will enable us to hold an elegant event, plus they join in applauding the efforts of the volunteer leaders and citizens who will be recognized.”
The Chamber is also extremely grateful to Scott Hill from Brenham Portrait Gallery for banquet photography, to James Pharaon of James Pharaon Creative for special video segments for the Centennial Celebration, and to Blue Bell Creameries for ice cream for all guests.
Tickets for the banquet are on sale now at the Washington County Chamber office. Individual tickets are $35 per person and reserved tables (to seat 8) are $400. Tickets are on sale until January 24. Complimentary drinks are served during the social hour and a delicious buffet dinner is included.
There are a limited number of reserved tables. Please call or stop by to purchase tickets or get more information: (979) 836-3695.
