Chamber celebrates year at dinner

The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members and the successes of the past year with their annual dinner Thursday. The event was held in the Cowan Civic Center. The night had live and silent auctions, refreshments, and speeches by Chamber Board President Emily Huckaby and Executive Director Ashley Mahan gave speeches on the state of the chamber as well awards to various businesses. Mahan reflected on the support committees have given the Chamber over the past year with events like the Wall of Honor ceremony and the Christmas parade. The Chamber also gave $3,645 in sponsorships to former committee and now nonprofit Friends of the Fort. The executive director also recognized those who had volunteered and supported the Chamber throughout the past year and beyond. While Mahan noted the success of the last two Miss Merry Christmas pageants, she was happy for the opportunity to transfer the event over to a passionate successor. She also announced that the Chamber will be taking over Leadership Lebanon from Lebanon REDI. In awards: Lebanon Now took President’s Choice, True Construction won Legacy, Café Jude’s took Emerging Business, Building Blocks Learning Center won People’s Choice, and Downtown Lebanon won Impact of the Year for their efforts in revitalizing the downtown district. The nonprofit also received $2,000 in proceeds from the selling of cups throughout the event. After the winners of the silent auction were announced, Mahan brought the night to a close and thanked attendees for their attendance and their participation in the Chamber’s last year of success. “But the best part is we are just getting started,” Mahan said.