Chamber celebrates annual banquet

The Ascension Chamber of Commerce honored its 2008 Individual, Small Business and Medium/Large Business of the Year at its annual awards banquet held Thursday at Elegant Affairs in Prairieville. 

The banquet is a celebration of success, dedication and commitment of individuals and businesses that donate their time and energy to the Chamber and to our parish and community, according to Chamber spokesperson Chris Scott.

Rae Milano, chairman of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, informed the audience of each nominee’s involvement in the chamber and business community. 

The 2008 Individual of the Year nominees were Scott Banker of EATEL, Sandy Scallan of Villar and Co. Real Estate, and Kamal Zaher of Kamal’s Kafe. 

The 2008 Small Business of the Year nominees were Acadian Waste Disposal Services, Harry and David, nStrumental Designs, River Region Art Association, Treads and Care Tire Co. and Wageuspack & Associates Insurance, Inc. 

The 2008 Large Business of the Year nominees were Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Cox Communications, Home Depot, InfiniEdge Software and St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Banker was the Individual of the Year, Acadian Waste Disposal Services was the Small Business of the Year and St. Elizabeth Hospital was the Large Business of the Year. 

The Chamber also thanked corporate sponsors EATEL, St. Elizabeth Hospital and United Community Bank for their support. 

The Chamber also recognized Harry and David for donating a gift basket and Elegant Affairs for accommodating the event.