Central Chamber of Commerce C4 Report: Stars of the Chamber!

    The City of Central Chamber of Commerce held its Award and Installations Banquet on Thursday Evening, January 10, at Kristenwood.  The evening was entitled, “Members, the Stars of the Chamber!”  Truly our members are everything to us and this event gave us an opportunity to honor various businesses and recognize their accomplishments for 2012.  We also were introduced to the Board of Directors for 2013 as Tim Lazaroe, who served as chairman for 2011 & 2012, turned the reigns of the chamber over to the new chairman for 2013, Wayne Leader.  Chairman Leader acknowledged the new Board and recognized and thanked retiring Board members Greg Callihan and Dick Shaffett.  The evening was full of emotion, excitement, and laughter!  The evening went something like this:

    Mayor Watts presented plaques, with a key to the City of Central, to Jonathon Dixon, Chase Huval, and Patrick Wenneman for their heroic efforts in rescuing Stacy Massey from her wrecked and burning vehicle on Magnolia Bridge Road.  With special thanks from the family members and a standing ovation from the audience, it was a truly special moment! Juanita Ross, Ambassador Chairman, then declared a tie and recognized Sandy Antoon and Christine Guillaume as the Ambassadors of the Year.  Chamber President Ron Erickson presented the President Award to Executive Assistant Darci Perkins for her outstanding innovations and creativity. Tim Lazaroe, along with current Central Substation Commander Capt. Calendar, then presented a plaque to retired Central Substation Commander, Capt. Don Strickland, for his service to the City of Central. Guest Speaker, Comedian Kent Gonsoulin, provided many laughs with his great repertoire of Cajun jokes. 

    Following Mr. Gonsoulin’s entertaining presentation, we gave out the business awards for 2012: New Business of the Year – Central DeAngelo’s, Small Business of the Year – PriceCo Supply, Medium Business of the Year – Acadiana Constructors, Intermediate Business of the Year – Louis Mechanical, Large Business of the Year – Raising Cane’s and Chamber Member of the Year – RV Cams.  Two categories of special awards were given out this year: the Life Time Achievement Award to Clif Richardson and Nonprofit Organization for 2012 – Cooking in Central. 

    The evening concluded with the announcement of all the nominees for 2012, the silent auction winners and the Cruising in Central Raffle winner, Jayme McKenzie.  Truly, a great time was had by all!  Special thanks to the “Christ to the Family” group for being our servers for the evening.  Finally, thanks and congratulations to all the nominees, award winners and members who made it possible for your chamber to function in 2012, you are the STARS OF THE CHAMBER!