Chamber readies for banquet

Published 7:00 am Saturday, October 10, 2015

The Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for their 67th Annual Awards Banquet, which will be held at The Link at First Baptist Church of Picayune on Oct. 29.

The chamber’s Event Coordinator Keghan Odom said the banquet honors people in the community who make a difference on a daily basis, including civilians, first responders, business owners and civic organizations.

“This event brings us together and gives us a chance to recognize our business people in the community,” Odom said.

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The doors at The Link will open at 6 p.m. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per ticket for chamber and non-chamber members. Tickets are still available for purchase and the chamber is currently looking for more sponsorships.

During the event, guests will enjoy food catered by the Southern Char Steakhouse, Odom said.

The event’s guest speaker will be Mark V. Glorioso, executive director at the NASA Shared Services Center in Hancock County. Glorioso joined the NSSC team last year and he currently leads more than 550 civil service and service provider employees. Glorioso also provides agency services to NASA employees, contractors, grantees and vendors, according to NASA’s website. Last year’s banquet featured “Master Chef” winner and Poplarville native Whitney Miller.

Odom said they plan to hand out several awards during the event. The awards will include the civilian employee of the year, the chief’s award, the police officer of the year, firefighter of the year, the civic club of the year, volunteer of the year, citizen of the year and the excellence in business.

Last year, Mississippi senators Angela Hill and Tony Smith honored two retired Picayune Police officers, Maj. Ricky Frierson and Deputy Chief David Ervin, whose combined law enforcement service totaled 66 years.

This year, Odom said they plan to honor fallen police officers and their families with a tribute led by Pearl River Central’s NJROTC.

To purchase a ticket or sponsor the event, call Odom at 601-798-3122. The chamber is located at 201 Highway 11 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.