Chamber banquet tickets on sale
By Everett Brazil, III
The Newkirk Herald Journal
NEWKIRK — The Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet is returning after a two-year hiatus, and the organization is welcoming the community to join them as they look forward to 2022.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Senior Citizens Center. Stagecoach Catering & BBQ will cater the event, with heavy hors d’oeuvres, as well as fruit, vegetables and cheese. Door prizes will also be awarded.
The theme of the banquet is “Motivation, Collaboration, Information, Celebration!,” a concept which fosters cooperation among individuals.
“When these all come together, we’ll celebrate at the end,” said Chamber President Debbie Leaming.
The highlight of the event will be the recognition of the Citizen and Business of the Year.
Residents vote for both honors.
The Businesses of the Year is viewed as one that has greatly impacted the community and given back through their services.
“It is important to recognize the Business of the Year because of what they offer to the community – the tax base, the money they put back into the community, the families they employ,” Leaming said. “It is a way to recognize sometimes decades of efforts.”
The Citizen of the Year is one who embodies values that others should aspire to have.
“None of them are looking for recognition, and that is the reason they need to get it, because their standards are something we want every citizen to see and obtain,” Leaming said. “It is regrettable we can only only pick one a year, because we have so many.”
There will also be a reflection on the previous year, as well as a look forward to Chamber activities in 2022.
“We will discuss what we did in 2021, and what we’ll do in 2022,” she said.
Chamber representatives will be available to register future Chamber members.
“We accept memberships all year, but we encourage everyone to join us in January and go all year with us,” Leaming said. “You don’t have to be a business owner to be a member, and you don’t even have to be a citizen of Newkirk.”
Participants who register with the Chamber at the $25 rate will receive a 2022 Chamber calendar.
Tickets are $25, and are available at the Chamber of Commerce, located in the Tag Agency, 114 S. Main, or by calling (580) 362-2155.