The 2016 Chilton County Chamber of Commerce banquet had a large attendance Jan. 29 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.

There were about 290 in attendance.

The tickets were sold for $25 a piece and included dinner, awards and entertainment by De’Ja Blue, a six-member dance and show band from Birmingham.

The banquet started with a “social time” at 6 p.m., which allowed those in attendance the opportunity to mingle and meet Suzannah Campbell, the new administrator for St. Vincent’s Chilton.

Dinner was served at 6:30 p.m. with Southern Sweets catering the food.

2015 Chamber President Van Forrester said it had been a busy year at the Chamber.

Forrester said the Chamber was also asked to handle “retail recruitment and retention” which resulted in a regional chain that made use of the airport and courtesy car provided.

Forrester said at this time the chain is concentrating in other areas, but the Chamber is still in conversation with them.

The Chamber also assisted in recruiting Bertolone Italian Café in Clanton, which should be opening in the next few months.

Trick or Treat Streets was continued for the second year in 2015 to provide a safe environment for children at Halloween and to get more people visiting the downtown area, Forrester said.

The Chamber also partnered with the Chilton County Commission and hosted two economic development sessions where Brad Carter’s idea of “Come Grow With Us” came to fruition.

Forrester also said for the first time in more than 20 years, the Chamber nominated MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry as Alabama’s Retail Business of the Year.

“We were very proud at the awards ceremony when MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry brought home the bronze award,” Forrester said.

Stokes Automotive was named the 2015 Business of the Year.

Connie Bainbridge with Central Alabama Electric Cooperative presented the award to Kirk Stokes.

“We appreciate this,” Stokes said. “We just want to thank our customers and we are glad to be a part of this community.”

The Community Spirit Award was presented to Senior Connection of Chilton County.

Chamber Director Janice Hull presented the award to Vanessa McKinney.

“People have been so generous in this community,” McKinney said. “We are just so appreciative of this award.”

Forrester announced that Stephen Dawkins with The Clanton Advertiser is the 2016 Chamber President.

Dawkins said the Chamber has pledged to continue helping the Chilton County Commission with image enhancement and work sessions, and the retail committee is committed to making a difference.

Dawkins recognized Forrester for serving in the role as 2015 Chamber President.

Dawkins thanked those in attendance for coming before adjourning the “meeting” portion of the night.

This was the second year for the banquet to be held at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.