The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce kicked off their 80th Annual Dinner celebration at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center on Friday February 21st. The evening began with a red carpet entrance complete with red carpet correspondents, Daytime Blue Ridge host Natalie Faunce and Daytime Blue Ridge Producer, Heather Hutzer, as well as Q99’s Breakfast Club hosts Dick Daniels and Dave Page.
Nearly 500 guests were in attendance, setting a record for the event.
“The Chamber’s 80th Annual Dinner was another smashing success,” said 2014 President Sean Pressman. “It’s such a unique event. You feel like a celebrity walking the red carpet, and it’s a good time to catch up with old friends, network with new clients, and celebrate the people and businesses that make this community so great.”
Guests danced the night away to the high energy, non-stop party band “Party on the Moon” that has performed at Donald Trump’s New Year’s Eve parties, Eli Manning’s wedding and President Barrack Obama’s Inaugural ceremony.
The program began with a welcome from Annual Dinner Committee Chair and WSLS General Manager, Leesa Wilcher as well as a surprise welcome from Dr. Phil via video.
After a delicious plated dinner of filet forester with shrimp Diane, awards were presented to the deserving recipients. The first award of the night was presented to Beth Stanley for Roanoke County Educator of the Year, followed by Debra Hughes for Salem Educator of the Year. Next, Chief Hall accepted the Roanoke County Officer of the Year on behalf of the Roanoke County recipient, and Jacob Miller was awarded Salem Officer of the Year.
The next award of the night, the Judy Griesenbrock award, was presented to Girl Scout Troop 812 for their 12 years of outstanding service and volunteerism to the Chamber.
In addition, Sally Southard of the City of Salem School Board was presented the Citizen of the Year award for her impact on the health, well-being and education of students after 17 years of service on the school board.
“The Chamber’s present success and its future viability are firmly secure thanks in large part to our leaders, both past and present. It has been their vision and dedication that have made this area great and tonight we honor one of those exceptional individuals,” stated former Chamber President, Matthew Churchill.
A new award was created this year, the Community Impact award which was presented to Dave Prosser, Vice President of Community Development for Freedom First Credit Union, for excellence in community involvement, development and investment.
Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Ambassador and Volunteer Coordinator at Amedisys Home Health & Hospice, Saundra Cuff received the Ambassador of the Year award for her exceptional volunteer work within the Chamber.
The program came to an end as the Chamber gavel was passed from 2013 President Matthew Churchill, Wells Fargo to the new 2014 President, Sean Pressman, COO of Kissito Healthcare.
The night ended on a high note as chamber members and the community danced and mingled until nearly midnight. To be able to celebrate with Chamber members and friends at the 80th Annual Dinner Anniversary Party, featuring Party on the Moon, was a great way to get 2014 started with lots more plans to come this year,” stated Salem-Roanoke County Chamber Executive Director, Debbie Kavitz. “The Chamber appreciates so many well-wishes on this occasion and invites new members to become involved with our upcoming plans for other events. Our sponsors mean so much to this event and its success. Thanks to all involved!”