The Logan County Chamber of Commerce held our Annual Dinner last week. A Mardi Gras theme added to the fun and the following awards were presented:

• Volunteer of the Year: Darlene S. Gooch
• Logan United Award: Logan County Good Samaritan
• Teacher of the Year: Ann Seidler (Kay W. Wilkins Preschool at Stevenson Elementary School)
• Farm Family of the Year: Richard and Valarie Hughes Family
• Small Business of the Year: Bouldin Roofing Company.
• Corporate Recognition: Gerald Printing.
• Milestone Award: Moore Insurance, Jesse Riley and Sons and the News-Democrat & Leader.
• A special award was given to former Executive Director Lisa Browning for her 23 years of service to the Logan County Chamber.
• Also honored were Maria Dickerson and Brian White, who were outgoing 2014 Board of Directors.
• 2014 Tobacco and Heritage Festival Chairman Sandra Kinser and Co-Chair Paige Dockins were also honored.

We have photographic evidence of what a special night it was with pictures by Kristi Sweetsir Photography,

Many thanks to the numerous sponsors, especially our Bourbon Street Sponsor Logan Aluminum; French Quarter Sponsor Carr, Riggs & Ingram; and our Garden District Sponsors BB&T, Therapeutic Pain Management and Creative Canvas by You/The Loft. 

Thanks to those who came out and decorated tables. Those who went with our Mardi Gras theme and ran with it. Also, and many have said this, Shane Hayes and Brent Summers should take their act on the road. There was great music by "Hear" who made me feel like I was in a New Orleans Jazz club. The food, by The Colonial Inn, was Gumbo-licious!

I was able to speak with and meet a great number of the membership and the air of fellowship was tremendous. Thanks to Lisa Haley-Miller for the decorations and to the Russellville Rural Fire Department for helping us out with the parking. Also, to the crew who helped set up the room and the crew who helped take it all down, you guys are awesome.

Here is what one out-of-town member who goes to other chamber annual dinners in two states had to say about our little shindig:

 “Just wanted to drop you a note telling you what a joy it was attending the Logan Chamber event last night.  We are members of Chambers in several counties and they could all take lessons from your folks on how to make the annual dinner memorable.  Thanks again.”

Look for a tremendous amount of photos on the Logan Chamber Facebook page this week. The Facebook page is located at https://www.facebook.com/logan.chamber.7