Rows of round tables draped in golden cloth and covered with poinsettias filled the Ole Towne Church Tuesday night as the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce held its year-end banquet.

Georgia Blue catered the event, and the candlelit venue brimmed with warmly-dressed guests — about 60 in all.

“I thought it was very well attended, and we were pleased that we had such a strong turn out, considering how cold and wet it was outside,” Chamber Executive Director Garrick Combs said.

The annual banquet spotlights local businesses and individuals who have worked exceptionally hard throughout the year to foster economic growth in Lincoln County.

“We do it so we can recognize the accomplishments of our members, thank our board members for their hard work, celebrate what our outgoing president has achieved and recognize our new president,” Combs said.

Broma’s Deli was the recipient of the 2017 Small Business of the Year award, and restaurant general manager Brian Mitchell was pleased with the tribute.

“It feels great,” Mitchell said. “It’s wonderful to know we’re able to serve our community, because we wouldn’t be here without them.”

Reed’s Metals Inc. was recognized as a leader in local industry, and several area teachers were acknowledged for their dedication to educational excellence.

LaWanna Latham of Brookhaven Academy Elementary, Leslie Hood of Brookhaven Academy Secondary, Bridgette Gilmore of Brookhaven Elementary School, Lori Britt of Mississippi School of the Arts and Lorrie Lofton of West Lincoln Attendance Center were chosen as this year’s top teachers.

As the evening drew to an end, 2017 Chamber President Sha Walker ceremoniously passed the organization’s gavel to his successor, Sam Sones.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the Chamber,” Walker said. “When I look back, it’s definitely been a great year. We’ve got an excellent staff that makes leading the organization for any period of time easy. Sam’s going to do great with the team that we have in place.”

From start to finish, Chamber Program Director Katie Nations considered the evening a complete success. She said she is grateful to everyone who helps make Lincoln County a great place to live, work and do business.

“The Chamber is thankful for each member, our hosts of committee chairs, board members, volunteers and ambassadors,” she said.

Story by Trapper Kinchen