The Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Inaugural Chamber Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at the Rainwater Conference Center. The evening begins with a social hour and cash bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentations. 

“The Chamber Annual Awards Dinner honors our community’s best and brightest businesses as well as professionals,” said Leslie Harris, director of Marketing and Membership for the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “Combining these two events will allow us to increase our audience, giving the recipients of these awards maximum exposure.”

This year’s dinner is sponsored by Renasant Bank and combines the annual meeting and awards celebration into one event. The program will include a reflection on the 2015 achievements of the Chamber and an opportunity to honor businesses and individuals for their outstanding accomplishments.

“As a Chairman Circle member, Renasant Bank is extremely pleased to be the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Inaugural Chamber Annual Awards Dinner,” said Terry Bennett, Valdosta Market President for Renasant Bank. “We feel that this partnership with the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will allow us to recognize many of our key business professionals who are dedicated to the growth of our local economy and to the community in which they serve. We look forward to a great night of socializing and networking.”

Awards will include: Most Valuable Employee, sponsored by Teamtemps Personnel Staffing, Small Business of the Year, sponsored by Prince Automotive Group, Young Professional of the Year, BIG Thinker, A.L. Girardin, Members’ Choice, and Ambassador of the Year.

“The Chamber and our presenting sponsor Renasant Bank are committed to giving our patrons a most memorable evening,” said Harris. “To help with this task, we are partnering this year with Fusion Creative Marketing and Event Point, one of the region’s top event production companies.”

The evening’s festivities will conclude with dancing and live music provided by Ed Barr’s Big Band.

This event is open to Chamber members and non-members. Business or cocktail attire and pre-registration are required. Corporate tables for 10 are available at $475. Individual tickets are available at $50 or $75 for VIP seating. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber at 229-247-8100 ext. 231.