Chamber banquet next month

The Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is gearing up for its 98^th annual banquet at the J.B. Wells Expo Center on Feb. 6. One part fundraiser, one part community service celebration the chamber banquet is a unique Gonzales staple.

Much like previous years, patrons at this year’s upcoming event can expect drinks, catered dinner, auctions and an award ceremony honoring community volunteers.

The chamber recognizes community leaders at the event for their volunteer efforts in Gonzales, not only in the year that was, but also for lives dedicated to service. Grace Morgan, Barbara Crozier, the Noon Lions Club and Norma Ehrig were all acknowledged at last year’s event. Ehrig was presented with the coveted David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award last year for her decades of service with children and other community groups.

One notable change to the banquet is the day of the week it will be held on. The event is usually held on a Friday, but this year’s banquet is set for Thursday evening. According to Chamber Executive Director Daisy Scheske Freeman, the day change is to better accommodate those that would be unable to attend a weekend event.

“Over the past several years, many attendees and volunteers could not participate due to other events that happened during the same time, such as conferences and concerts,” Freeman said.

Tickets for the event are still available and space is limited. General admission tickets for chamber members in good stand are $35 per person, non-member tickets are $45 per. Table ticket packages are available for groups of 10 with two levels: Gold First Shot Tables for $550, includes name on welcome banner, chamber program, premier seating, wine and cheese and Silver First Shot Tables for $450, includes reserved seating, wine and cheese.