The Annual Awards Banquet was held Thursday, January 20, 2011.

Community Service Honored
Constitution-Tribune, Fri Jan 21, 2011

Several individuals and one Chillicothe business were honored during the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet held at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge Thursday Evening. The event featured a raffle drawing, dinner and awards banquet which honored Chamber members for their efforts in supporting the area chamber throughout the past year. The evening concluded with an exciting“Dancing with Our Chillicothe Stars” dance competition featuring local citizens as the dancers.

Outgoing Chamber President Julie Jones began by listing the many local events that the Chamber participated in over the last year. She also thanked the Chamber members for their commitment and support by stating that their involvement with the Chamber was a "testament to the strength of our Chamber." She went on to say that the success of the Chamber is a joint collaboration of all its membership. Jones then introduced the 2010 board of directors who she stated had served well over the past year. She went on to introduce the new 2011 board members which include: Brent Kline of Woody's Automotive Group; Danette Rardon, of Citizens Bank & Trust; Michelle Rardon, of Indian Hills; and Brian Wills, Chillicothe Hy-Vee. Incoming Chamber President Steve Holt presented Jones with a plaque in recognition of her service to the Chamber. "2010 was truly the year of teh ambassadors," said Holt, commending the members on their active support. His brief remarks complimented the Chamber members and stated that their value greatly exceeded their investment. He ended by quoting George Burns. "I look to the future because that's where I'll spend the rest of my life." Holt began his presidential duties at the banquet by awarding a framed photograph to Marlen Engleman, who is the owner of The Principal's Office, as ashe was the award winner for the Chamber Holiday Lighting Contest. A plaque engraved with the names of the past winning business along with the current winner is on display at the Chamber office. Julie Jones presented the 2010 Ambassador Awards. "The Ambassador Awards are given each year at the Annual Banquet for participation in activities during the past 12 months," stated Jones. "We are so grateful to our ambassadors who play a valuable role in the success of the Chamber by attending ribbon cuttings, after hours, first friday coffees and luncheons. Many volunteer ther time at various Chamber events throughout the year, including Chautauqua, the Holiday Parade, Piccadilly and many others."

Chamber Banquet, Dancing with the Stars
Constitution-Tribune, Friday, January 21, 2011

Here are a few photos from Thursday night's Dancing with the Stars competition at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge during the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet.

Photographer Butch Shaffer took the photos.
		Howard Moritz and Heather Deshayes
Clay Jensen and Carrie Miller
		Paul Ficken and Crystal Narr
Jason Bone and Darla Shipley

Coleman Earns Lifetime Achievement Award
Constitution-Tribune, Fri Jan 21, 2011

C-T Photo / Butch Shaffer

CAPTION: The Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet was held last night, Thursday, at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge and presented several awards. Pictured from left to right: font, Marlene Engleman, 2010 Holiday Lighting Contest winner; Juanita Assel, 2010 Chamber Person of the Year; Charlene Coleman, Lifetime Acheivement Award winner; and Angela Poling (on behalf of Kelly Poling), Personal Community Service Award winner: back, Charlie Merrill, team captain of the Ambassador Team of the Year; Staci Baker, Ambassador of the Year; and Dave Keller, Manager of Country Carpets, Chamber Business of the Year.