Mardis Gras at Commerce Chamber banquet

By Kevin Jefferies

Commerce – The Commerce Chamber of Commerce held its 97th annual banquet last night, and Sue Porter was named Citizen of the Year. Porter worked tirelessly with victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita who had been evacuated to Commerce. She coordinated efforts with local organizations to help provide food, shelter, clothing, and more to those displaced by the hurricanes.

Ann Champion was awarded the Golden Service Award for her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. Champion organizes routes, cooks, shops for groceries, and frequently drives one of the routes for Meals on Wheels.

The Commerce Kiwanis Club received the Distinguished Community Service Award, sharing it with Commerce public Librarian Priscilla Donovan. Agriculturalists of the Year were David and Luann Huffman of Huffman Farm Supply.

Dixieland Jazz music capped off the Mardis Gras themed Commerce Chamber banquet, with music by the Bois d'Arc Dixieland Band. Sitting in on drums for the band: State Senator Bob Duell.