Greater Minden Chamber rolls out red carpet, hands out awards
Food was served, songs were sung, and awards were given as the Greater Minden Chamber held its 76th Annual Membership Banquet, the “Red Carpet Awards Gala,” Thursday evening.
Among the winners were McInnis Brothers Construction for Business of the Year, the Lions Club’s Man of the Year John Agan, and the Young Women’s Service Club’s Woman of the Year Sherrie McMurray.
It was a night of recognition and achievement as the Chamber looked back on the past year of business in Webster Parish and beyond and looked forward to 2018.
It was also a night of entertainment, as several performances were interspersed between the award presentations. Miss Louisiana 2017 Laryssa Bonacquisti showed off her ventriloquism talent twice, including to close the night. “Jake” Cowley was ill and could not perform, but last-minute additions stepped in to sing throughout the event.
“We hope you enjoyed the few changes we brought to the evening, one of those being the entertainment throughout the night,” said Chamber president Stephanie Barnette in her closing remarks. “Our goal was to make you feel like you were really at an awards show.”
In addition to granting Business of the year honors to McInnis Brothers Construction, the Chamber gave out three other business awards. Small Business of the Year went to Geaux Fresh, Business Person of the Year went to Minden Floral owner Paul Brantley, and Community Partner of the Year went to Project Reclaim.
The Young Women’s Service Club chose Sherrie McMurray as their Woman of the Year for 2018.
“This year’s Woman of the Year could not be more deserving,” said Ashley Stevenson with the Young Women’s Service Club. “She is a dedicated Minden citizen who is a faithful Christian person and has dedicated her entire life to the betterment and aid of the needy and less fortunate.”
Following that announcement, the Minden Lions Club revealed John Agan as their selection for Man of the Year.
Schelley Francis, director of the Bayou Dorcheat Historical Museum, gave a speech to introduce Agan.
“The recipient of this year’s award has been an invaluable asset to Minden and Webster Parish,” Brown said. “His knowledge of our state and local history is what so many of our things we take for granted and enjoy are based on… I am so happy that his incredible mind for history and his generous contributions of his knowledge and time are being recognized by our city and civic leaders.”
The first of many events in Minden this weekend is now complete, with the Minden Fasching/Mardi Gras Karneval and Parade events still to come.