GRAVETTE -- Members of the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce held their fifth annual banquet Thursday, Feb. 15, with approximately 275 guests in attendance. The event was held at Horton Farms on Bethlehem Road. Table decorations featured floral bouquet centerpieces with cupcakes at each place setting. Festive balloons in shades of turquoise, gold and white dotted the room.
A social hour preceded the meal, at which guests were able to greet friends and fellow businessmen and submit entries for several door prizes donated by area businesses and individuals. Alcoholic beverages were provided by TNT Liquor of Decatur, and Gravette photographer Steve Huckriede had some of his photos on display.
Fred Overstreet, Chamber president, welcomed guests and introduced special guests, including Gravette mayor Kurt Maddox and Tammy Hendren, representing her husband, state senator Jim Hendren, who was unable to attend.
Overstreet introduced chamber officers Steve Huckriede, vice-president; Amanda Gittlein, secretary; and Sundee Hendren, treasurer, and thanked them for their support during the year and their efforts to make the banquet a success. He also thanked members of the Bank of Gravett junior bank board who helped with decorating. He reminded guests of the second annual "Smoke on the Border" barbecue competition coming up April 7 and 8 and said 10 entrants have already been secured.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Grand Savings Bank as Business of the Year. Raegena Davis, branch manager, was present to accept the award. Grand Savings Bank opened for business in Gravette Nov. 13, 2017, after a complete remodel of its building, and held an open house on February 1.
Steve Huckriede was chosen as Gravette Citizen of the Year by vote of the chamber membership, and Fred Overstreet was selected Chamber Member of the Year.
The banquet was catered by Steven Martinez and his crew at Hardluck Cafe. Diners enjoyed a selection of appetizers including smoked sausage, cheddar cheese cubes, spinach artichoke dip, crackers and assorted fresh fruits. The main course featured entrees of smoked beef brisket, smoked pork loin and smoked chicken and side dishes of mixed green salad, coleslaw, fresh-cut green beans and twice-baked potato salad. Dessert choices, provided by Copeland's of New Orleans, included brownie bites, apple crisp, white chocolate bread pudding and carrot cake.
After dinner, a lively auction, conducted by auctioneer Dwayne Craig, netted $3,190. Bidding was heated for several pies donated by area businesses and individuals. Dr. David Tucker was the winning bidder for the highest selling item, a pecan pie baked by Lavon Stark.
Community on 02/21/2018