Chamber banquet honors citizens, celebrates Jasper

R.C. HORN AND JOHN MATTHEWS catch up on news before the annual Jasper/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.

An estimated crowd of 350 attended the Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce's 88th annual awards January 26 at a banquet held at Wesley Center in Jasper.

Outgoing chair Molly Thacker welcomed Dick White as the new chair for 2007, and also recognized outgoing board members Liz McClurg, Dan Chance Jr. and Troy Weaver for their service.

Five new board members are Johnny Gorham, Frank Perdichizzi, Kurt MOrgan, Chris Eveland and Chrystal Reeves.

Individuals honored were Willie Faye McFarland, Embassy Club Envoy of the Year; Chrystal Reeves, Young Person of the Year; Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter, Newcomer of the Year; Estelle Debney, Citizen of the Year; Dr. John Kim Cook, Hometown Hero.

Lequin Hilderbrand surprised the audience with a guest appearance as former president Bill Clinton.

Golden Corral, who catered the banquet, was named Small Business of the Year, and Brent Meaux was honored as Chamber Member of the Year.