Comedian and regular guest on the Rick and Bubba radio show, Mickey Dean will serve as entertainment for the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet in February.

Dean represents a vast departure from tradition, which typically sought keynote speakers from the business and retail sectors.

“We wanted to do something fun this year,” said Chamber Director Diane Brooker. “We wanted the Chamber Banquet to be a destination; to be something people looked forward to.”

Dean has become a regular at the Comedy Club in Birmingham and comes highly recommended for corporate functions through some of retails leading companies.

“He’s a clean act,” Brooker noted. “His routine isn’t dirty, it’s not vulgar, it’s family friendly and it suits a business get together perfectly.”

Over all, the Chamber directors hoped securing a talent like Dean would boost anticipation of the annual event. Attendance at last year’s event was down compared to previous years as the economy contracted.

“It’s been a rough year for a lot of people,” Brooker said, “and we could all use a good laugh. We all need to relax a little and have a good time. And, too, the entertainment may also appeal to the general public who otherwise may have little to no interaction with the Chamber”

Aside from the change from a speaker to entertainment, the event will also shed some formality.

Dress for the banquet, set for Feb. 1, 2010 at the Civic Center, will be casual – a change from formal. Also, heavy hordevors will be served to all attendees rather than a catered, dine-in meal.

“Basically, we want our local business and community leaders to come in, spend some time together, network a little then sit back and have a good time,” Brooker said.

Citizen and Business of the Year will continue to be named during the banquet.

For ticket information, contact the Chamber at 289-0270.