Everyone is invited to attend the 2014 Chamber Annual Banquet. The banquet will be Tuesday, April 15, at the DeKalb County Complex, 712 South Congress Blvd., Smithville.
“We are excited to again host this enjoyable and informative event. We invite the all the public to share in this fun-filled night of dining, entertainment, and Chamber video presentation of the past year’s events and activities as well as other updates including the introduction of our new Board, 2014 Officers and recognition of our retiring board members,” said Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams. “A common misconception is that this is an event for Chamber members only,” says Williams. “All are welcome to come. This is a wonderful networking opportunity and a great way to see some of the positive things that are happening in our county.”
The special evening begins at 5:30 PM with a “Silent Auction.” The dinner and program start at 6:00 PM. Dinner music will be performed by Tomomi McDowell. State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver will sing the National Anthem as Boy Scout Troop #347 presents the flags. The musical entertainment for the evening will be by our local talent, Tom Duggin and Tim Colwell. The delicious meal will be prepared by Chef Jason Evans of The Inn at Evins Mill. The Leadership DeKalb Class of 2014 will serve the meal.
The keynote speaker for the evening will be Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Department of Tourist Development. Whitaker, a veteran tourism marketing executive, was appointed in January 2011 to the cabinet of Governor Bill Haslam as Commissioner of Tourist Development. Whitaker was initially appointed to the position in 2003 by Governor Phil Bredesen, and reappointed under his administration in 2007. Whitaker was named the 2013 National Tourism Director of the Year by the U.S. Travel Association’s National Council of State Travel Directors. Under Whitaker’s leadership, the Department of Tourist Development launched the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program to help guide visitors from Tennessee’s big cities to off-the beaten path attractions throughout the state. Whitaker is a Chicago native and a direct descendent of Tennessee’s first Governor, John Sevier.
At press time, Corporate Sponsors for this event are Caney Fork Electric, Cumberland Insurance, DeKalb Community Bank, DeKalb Community Hospital, DTC Communications / DTC Wireless, FirstBank, Liberty State Bank, and Middle Tennessee Natural Gas “Project Hometown Help.” Being a Corporate Sponsor is not only a great way to support the Chamber and its many programs, but a wonderful marketing opportunity for you. The cost of corporate sponsorship is $250. Please see some of the advantages below:
As a Corporate Sponsor, your business’ name will be included in the Chamber Banquet Tabloid which will be distributed to thousands of homes as an insert in the Smithville Review and used as the program at the banquet.
Corporate Sponsor employees will be recognized during the banquet.
Corporate Sponsors will be highlighted in the video presentation.
If you would like to place an ad in the Chamber Banquet Tabloid, it will be inserted in the April 9th edition of the Smithville Review plus used as the night’s program. Deadline to place your ad in the tabloid is March 17th. To donate a silent auction item or door prize, place an ad in the tabloid, or become a Corporate Sponsor, contact the Chamber office at 597-4163 or email  HYPERLINK "mailto:dekalbtn@dtccom.net" dekalbtn@dtccom.net.
Banquet tickets prices are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 597.4163 or from the Chamber Board of Directors. Or, you can stop by the Chamber office located in the DeKalb County Courthouse, Room 201.
Special thanks to our Annual Banquet Committee Members: Joan Barrett, Valerie House, Susan Young, Gail Looper, Shan Burklow, Beth Chandler, Jen Sherwood, and Julia Cantrell for all the work they do to ensure a successful night.
We are going to have a great time and hope you can be a part of the Chamber’s 51st Anniversary.