By TYLER STOCKS

Area business leaders and owners plan to start the New Year off right as they network at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet and awards ceremony to be held Jan.30.  The host for the event is the Washington Yacht and Country Club. The party gets started with a social starting at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 dollars per person, however, for businesses that wish to sign up as sponsors may do so. The two sponsorship levels are $250 and $500 dollars. The $250 dollar level includes three tickets and recognition in the dinner program. The $500 sponsorship includes six tickets, a reserved table, recognition in the dinner program along with an insert in the October newsletter.

According to Catherine Glover, executive director of the chamber, regardless of whether one chooses to be a sponsor or not, attending the event provides great networking opportunities for members of the business community.  Glover also added that having everyone together is a great way to begin the New Year.

“It’s a networking opportunity and I think that events like this provide a great way for our chamber members and business leaders to celebrate the New Year,” Glover said.

Throughout the year, the chamber provides social events like Business after Hours, informational and educational seminars like Lunch and Learn and Leadership Beaufort.  In addition, for young adults ages 18 to 40, the Chamber has a group known as Young Professionals of Beaufort County.

The Chamber’s annual banquet this year will feature many events designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable evening.  In addition to the social and dinner, Glover said she will recap 2013 news. Other items on the agenda include an informational presentation by the Young Professionals of Beaufort County and a speech by Chamber President F. Ray Moore. Glover also added that the event will include awards to be given out to area business leaders in recognition of their hard work.

Awards categories include:  Non-profit of the year, Small business of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Business of the year, Community leader of the year and Ambassador of the year.

“We think things are going in a good direction and it’s good to see everyone come together. We recognize great things our businesses and community is doing  and

look forward to serving our business community in 2014,” Glover said.

For more information or to order tickets for this event, contact the Chamber at 252-946-9168.