The Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce held its 109th Annual Banquet and Awards of Excellence Friday night at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.

Following dinner cooked by the Moose and served by the Taylorville Tornado Cheerleaders, the Chamber presented their annual awards.

And, the Citizen of the Year award went to long-time Taylorville businessman Ed Downs, owner of the Best for Less on the Square, who has been instrumental in efforts in Downtown Taylorville including the weekly Farmers Market.  Pictured above is Downs (center); Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle (left); and Bob Steiner (right) who read Downs' nomination to the crowd.

Downs talked with Regional Radio News after his award, saying that he's had 2 careers in the community—the first as long-time sales manager at the former Sangamon Card Company, and the 2nd as owner of the Best for Less on the square the past 14 years.

The Boss of the Year Award went to Rick Bonitzer, C-E-O of Credit Collection Partners. 

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Bob Dunn for his efforts on behalf of the Chamber board, the Chamber's Spring Swing golf outing, and Chillifest. Pictured above are Dunn (right); Greg Hornbuckle (left), who is Chillifest chair and who read Bob's nomination; and Chamber CEO Patty Hornbuckle (center).

Guest speaker was Cheryl Mitchell, the interim Executive Director of the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, who spoke about the “Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities” program which began in Christian County this year, has changed the live of high school seniors.  The program, which began in Effingham a few years ago, is now in 37 communities in 5 states, teaching students critical skills they need to establish businesses in their communities.

The Taylorville Chamber held its annual Kentucky Derby Hat Contest at Friday night's annual banquet.  The hat with the best color award went to Megan Bryant (left).  The most creative hat was worn by Paula Dunn (middle), and the most stunning hat was worn by Shelly Gregoroff (right).

The Chamber 50-50 raffle, with 27-hundred going to the winner, was won by Susie Montgomery.