The Chamber hosted the 63rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet last month and honored some of Tahlequah’s finest citizens. The event held May 21st in the NSU Herb Rozell Ballroom started at 6 p.m. with a reception on the patio. Mike Allen entertained those assembled with his harp. The dinner kicked off at 7 pm. with emcee Jay Hannah. Hannah, a former president of the Tahlequah Area Chamber introduced Rev. Buddy Hunt of the First Baptist Church who offered the prayer. The Cherokee Nation Color Guard posted the colors.

Eastern Oklahoma Better Business Bureau CEO Rick Brinkley gave the keynote address. The speech was well received. "We have had so many people compliment Rick’s speech. It alone was well worth the price of admission." said David Moore, Executive Director of the Chamber.

The Chamber honored Jeremy Ellis as EMS Medic of the Year, Tom Moore as Police Officer of the Year, and Marty Kimble as Firefighter of the Year. These awards were sponsored by United Keetoowah Band. Mark Gish received the Jack Kaufman Award for Community Service, Scott Wright received the Kruger Corn Award for Economic Development and the Cherokee Nation received the Martin Hagerstrand Award for Tourism Development.

Dr. Charles Carroll, JoAnn Bradley and Brian Woodliff were honored with the 2009 Heritage Awards. Their picture appears on page 2 of this publication. Joan Hatfield was named the Ambassador of the Year. It was second consecutive year Joan has received the award. Jodeen Worth was voted by her peers for Outstanding Board Member of the Year award. This was also the second year she was honored.