With the 90th Annual Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce’s Banquet and Dinner right around the corner I thought I’d share one of my favorite aspects of this event.

Starting in November of last year we put out a public notice that called for written nominations for the different awards that we present at our annual meeting. Some of these awards being Lifetime Achievement, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year – just to name a few. After several months of receiving nominations the selection committee has narrowed down the choices and the winners will be revealed on Monday night.

The part of this process that tweaks my curiosity is not the naming of the winners as one might think; however, it is the nomination process itself. To see the individuals and businesses that are nominated and to be made aware of the good that they do in this community is staggering. To know the ways in which so many people and organizations have benefited from the acts of kindness and greatness is heartwarming and to see how the community has been shaped by the actions of so many of the nominees is amazing!

The first year that I was involved in this process I was shocked at the level of criteria that a nominee must meet in order to receive one of these awards, but was equally shocked when each letter of recommendation more than surpassed the expectations for that award.

What I am trying to say is that each year, about this time, I am reminded that we live in a community full of wonderful, gracious, selfless, hardworking and caring people who demonstrate these qualities in their activities at work, at home, at church, while volunteering and in their everyday lives. I extend my gratitude not only to these individuals and businesses, but also to the people who take the time to recognize the greatness of others.

Let me remind everyone that tickets for the banquet can still be purchased by calling the Chamber office at 334-289-0270. The event will be held this coming Monday, February 6th at the Demopolis Civic Center. The Silent Auction and Reception will start at 6:00 p.m. with the Banquet and Dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m.