LELAND — The Leland Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host its 54th annual member banquet on Thursday, March 5.
This year’s event will be held at the Capps Entrepreneurial Center in Stoneville. Pulling in about 200 attendees last year, Leland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Ann Brocato said she anticipates another good crowd this year.
“We’re hoping for another good turnout this year and I think we will,” Brocato said.
The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a Business Showcase and silent auction.
Last year, more than 10 businesses participated in the Business Showcase and Brocato said she anticipates having that many, if not more, this year. Participating businesses do not have to be local to Leland.
“We have several places coming this year who aren’t located in Leland, so anyone is welcome,” she said.
With about 75 items on display at last year’s silent auction, Brocato said there will be several items up for grabs this year, from beautiful pottery to cutting boards and ice chests.
There will also be a raffle for a Coleman CT200U Mini Bike. Tickets cost $5 or five for $20. Winners don’t have to be present to win.
Cicero’s will once again cater the event with dinner set to start at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a cash bar.
The evening’s keynote speaker will be Marshall Ramsey. Mr. Ramsey is a nationally-recognized editorial cartoonist.
“I’ve never heard him speak before but I think it’s going to be a real enjoyable speech. I can’t wait to listen to him,” she said.
Ramsey travels the state as Mississippi Today’s Editor-At-Large and is also host of a weekly statewide radio and television program on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. He has authored several books. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for his editorial cartoons.
During the meeting, the Leland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leland will present their annual awards.
Awards will include:
* Distinguished Service;
* Community Service;
* Achievement Ambassador;
* Policeman of the Year;
* Fireman of the Year;
* Educator of the Year; and
* Business of the Year.
The Achievement Ambassador award will go to former Leland resident and former NFL football player Antonio “Mookie” Johnson.
Johnson was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was a host tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football at Mississippi State University.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him back and honoring him in his hometown,” Brocato said.
The rest of the award winners will be announced at the banquet.
Chamber members and public residents alike are invited to attend. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door. A table for eight can be reserved for $240. The Business Showcase fee is $150 and includes two dinner tickets.
The LCOC will not issue printed tickets this year. Advanced reservations will be indicated on a reservations list at the door. Because a limited number of seats will be available at the door, so registration forms are encouraged to be turned in by Feb. 28.
To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the Leland Chamber’s Executive Director, Mary Anne Brocato, by phone at 662-379-3764 (FROG) or by email at lelandcoc@gmail.com.
