By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct their annual banquet on Tuesday, June 19th, at Lu Mil Vineyard. There will be a social at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development for the NC Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Executive Director Dawn Maynard said Flowers presentation should be one of great interest especially with Bladen County being a rural county.
The Chamber will recognize the following individuals:
The Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member of the Year Award will be given to Dr. William Findt, President of Bladen Community College. Dr. Findt has announced his retirement effective January 1, 2019. Maynard said Dr. Findt has been an active member of the Chamber board and serves as an Ex Officio Chamber Board member. Maynard said it is hoped Dr. Findt will continue to remain involved and participate in future Chamber events.
The Outstanding Small Business Award will be given to Susan and Ronald Inman, owners of Regal Resort and The Venue at White Lake. Maynard said Ronald and Susan Inman have been very active in supporting the Chamber at events. Susan Inman serves on the Chamber board, and Maynard said the other members of the Chamber board feel they have created a great asset for Bladen County.
Susan and Ronald Inman purchased the former Crystal Beach property at White Lake and have remodeled it and re-opened it as The Venue. They are also working to remodel the former Crystal Beach hotel and working towards offering brides a wonderful venue to hold their wedding and also offer them accommodations as well.
The Chamber Member of the Year award will be given to the Town of Elizabethtown. Maynard said the Chamber board chose the Town of Elizabethtown for the Chamber Member of the Year award because of the support the town gives to the Chamber with donations and contributions. Maynard said the assistance of town employees at events is also a great asset.
The Chamber Caring Person of the Year will be given to Chris Clark. Maynard said you do not have to be a Chamber member to receive the Caring Person Award. She said Clark was chosen for the honor because of his involvement with Boy Scouts for many years. Maynard said Clark also serves the citizens of Bladen County through his position on the Bladen County Board of Education.
Cost to attend the Chamber banquet is $25 per person. If you would like to attend the Chamber banquet or learn more about how to become a Chamber member call 910-862-4368 or email tourism28337@embarqmail.com.
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