Along with committee reports and introductions of new members, the Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce announced this year';s award winners to be recognized during the annual dinner.
During Thursday morning';s monthly meeting, State Bank of Whittington was named business of the year, Kathy Storey as citizen of the year, Vickie Simpson as educator of the year and Gloria June Atchison Brdlik as volunteer of the year.
Committee Chair Vickie Blake said the theme of this year';s award';s banquet and annual dinner is Stars of the Decade.
"The dinner is being held Nov. 4 in the Benton Civic Center," she said. "Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6. This year';s guest speaker is Glenn Poshard president of Southern Illinois University."
Blake said tickets are $30 per person. "We will have live entertainment and an auction," she said adding chamber members would be contacted for donations for the auction.
For tickets and more information, contact the chamber office at 438-2121, e-mail chamber@bentonwestcity.com or call Blake at 927-3278.
In other business, the annual Dave Atchison Memorial Golf Scramble Committee Co-chair John D. Aiken reported a very successful outing. He said the event co-hosted by the Benton Rotary Club means proceeds benefit both organizations.
Aiken said the golf scramble netted $4,100 per organization.
"The money is put back into the communities," he said.
"A great deal of money was raised to be used in projects those organizations are involved with," he said.
Aiken also reported on the Benton-West City Economic Development Corporation meeting. He said work continues on the interchange to connect Petroff Road with Interstate 57, as well as an extension of Giacone Drive to connect with North DuQuoin Street.
Chamber Executive Secretary Chris Hagerman said five positions on the board of directors is expiring for a three-year term. She said three of the five have indicated they wish to serve an additional term. Hagerman said six more names are needed.
"We will be submitting ballots to board members next week," she said. "Members will have a week to return the ballots. We have to have them back before the annual dinner."
In other matters, Charles Klassen reported on the food and toy drive sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance food pantry.
"We have an alliance with the food pantry like no other," he said. "People come to the food pantry to learn how we continue to operate. Our success is due to the support we receive from the communities." He encouraged members to be prepared to help load and deliver food baskets in December.
Blake said food pantry coordinator Vicki Seagle has a list of items always needed at the food pantry, including personal items such as soap and shampoo.
The Benton Consolidated High School student chamber was also represented. Alyssa Williams said the student chamber is selling pies. She said pies are also being sold to benefit the food pantry';s Thanksgiving food basket drive, at a cost of $11 per pie. For more information, contact Student Chamber Sponsor Sandy Blackman at 439-3103, ext. 103 or by e-mail at sblackman@bentonhighschool.org.
Member Dennis O';Connor announced the Franklin Hospital';s Lunch and Learn program being held at noon Friday, Oct. 22 in the hospital conference room. He said the $3 fee includes lunch. Benton native and physician Dr. David Hartman will be discussing health issues, O';Connor said. Reservations are required by Oct. 15. Call the human resources department at 439-3161, ext. 376.
Following the meeting, new members Dr. Crystal Hogan with Jacoby Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture and Marilyn Crowe with Benton Place Senior Apartments posed for photos with chamber directors.
