Chamber preparing for annual dinner

It is time again for the Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce awards dinner. The annual event is set for Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Whitehouse High School in the cafeteria. Catering will be by Joseph's and dress is business casual.

This occasion affords the Chamber the opportunity to recognize people, beautification projects and businesses in the community, as well as to introduce the incoming officers and directors.

Attendees will also hear the president's summation of the Chamber accomplishments for the year and participate in a silent auction that will benefit the Whitehouse Community Library.

Along with Chamber recognitions will come the presentation of Educators of the Year from the campuses of Whitehouse ISD.

This year's speaker will be Tom Mullins, president and CEO of the Tyler Economic Development Corporation, who will highlight Whitehouse's exciting future. Mullins has 27 years of experience in regional and community economic development.

There has been a bit of change over the past couple of years in the naming of the awards. These honors are focused on multiple businesses and individuals rather than just one. With a community as vast and as great as Whitehouse, there is lots of room at the top for recognition, said Chamber organizers.

Tickets for the dinner go on sale this week at area businesses. Tickets are $15 each.

New this year will be the opportunity to purchase an entire eight person table for $100. These tables will be marked in recognition of the purchaser.

Arrangements to purchase tickets for an entire table must be made through Sandra Knackstedt at 903-520-4585.

Individual tickets are available at Austin Bank, Brookshires, Regions Bank, Southside Bank, Whitehouse City Hall and the Whitehouse Community Library.

The Chamber Board of Directors is seeking input for the nominees for Person, Business and Beautification Projects of Impact. Please send your nominations to the Chamber at P.O. Box 1041, Whitehouse, TX 75791 or email cocnominees@ hotmail.com.

There is no set form for the nomination this year - just a letter or email will work.