Chamber Citizen of the Year banquet to go on the road

The Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce's annual Citizen of the Year banquet is going on the road this spring, instead of the traditional gala event hosted at the American Legion.

According to a news release from chamber Executive Director Abigail Hammonds, the winners of the three 2021 awards - Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Emerging Business of the Year - will be feted by celebrations at their places of business.

If you are disappointed to miss out on the silent auction, never fear. The auction will be held online.

During the week of April 12-17, chamber board members, committee members and Hammonds will deliver lunches and awards to each business/facility every day that week. Winners are:

Outstanding Citizens of the Year: The Du Quoin COVID-19 teams at the Du Quoin Community Health Center, Marshall Browning Hospital, and the Perry County Health Department.

Business of the Year: The Weekly-Press Newspaper.

Emerging Business of the Year: Southern Homestead by Sassafras Woodworking.

The banquet committee is currently seeking sponsorship to help with the luncheons. If a chamber business would like to donate a sponsorship or make in-kind food donations, call Hammonds at (618) 542-9570 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, or email duquoinchamber@gmail.com.

The committee originally planned a traditional banquet that would be held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, but after much discussion among chamber officers, the event at the fairgrounds was canceled, due to current state restrictions regarding COVID-19.

Silent auction and 50/50 raffle

The online auction will be run the week of April 12-17, and the chamber will also sell 50/50 raffle, leading up the banquet luncheons.

Visit the chamber office at 20 N. Chestnut St. to donate a themed gift basket for the auction, or to buy 50/50 tickets.

Tickets prices are 1 ticket for $1; 6 tickets for $5; or 15 tickets for $10.