RIO GRANDE — The Gallia County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 76th Annual Meeting and Banquet on Thursday evening, January 24, 2013, in the Davis University Center Cafeteria, on the campus of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, Rio Grande, Ohio. A social time will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner served at 6 p.m., according to Lorie Neal, IOM, executive director of the Chamber. Only a few tickets remain available.

“We have an outstanding evening planned for our members and their guests, and we anticipate a large crowd,” said Kyla Carpenter, Chamber president. “A highlight of the evening will be the recognition of a number of members for their contribution to the community and to the Chamber. A surprise award will be made to the recipient of the Bud and Donna McGhee Community Service Award.”

Those receiving awards include: Beautification Award, McDonalds; Sudden Impact Award, Silver Screen VII; Small Business Award, Ohio Valley Trackwork; Community Involvement Award, Ohio Valley Christian School Defenders and Gallia Academy High School G-Force Students; Outstanding Volunteer Award, Gwen Doss; Committee of the Year Award, Vinton Baptist Church and the Living Waters Food Pantry; River Recreation Festival, Amy Weaver. Also to be recognized will be outgoing Board member Matt Rodgers.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Tom Wiseman, president and CEO of the Ohio Valley Bank. He will discuss “Gallia First” and what it means to him, as a lifelong resident and business man in Gallia County.

“Our goal over the years has been to provide everyone with an enjoyable evening of networking and great food — and leave them with a positive vision for the year,” said Gallia County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorie Neal. “Last year, Sean Lane, CEO of BTS Software Solutions, enlightened us on the new Digital River Project (DRP) in downtown Gallipolis. Thanks to the DRP, several businesses have been added with more on the way in 2013. This Thursday, Tom Wiseman, President and CEO of Ohio Valley Bank, will motivate us to take charge of our own destiny … the growth of our community. We are excited to hear what Tom and others have been working on and how we can all put ‘Gallia First’.

“We are also excited to present our award winners with their plaques and honor them for their dedication, commitment and volunteerism. And, of course we appreciate Holzer Health System and Ohio Valley Bank for being the Annual Meeting Sponsors as well as all our Dinner Sponsors, Patron Sponsors and door prize sponsors. This Annual Meeting will be a success thanks to their support,” added Neal.

The Chamber has already sold more than 200 tickets to the event, but a few are still available at $40 for Chamber members and their guests, and $45 for non-members. Check with the Chamber no later than Thursday morning for availability at 446-0596, or by stopping at the office between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.