The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Membership Recognition Banquet Thursday night at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Rincon to hand out awards and usher in new leadership.

The banquet exceeded the amount of attendees from the previous two years as St. Boniface played host for the first time.

Attendees were treated to drinks outside, a catered meal prepared by Chef Mark Scomo and James Carlson and witnessed numerous awards being handed out to local businesses and community leaders.

Dr. Barbara Prosser, in her final function as President of the Chamber of Commerce, highlighted accomplishments by the Chamber in 2016-2017, recognized members of distinction spoke on the 2016-2017 Leadership Effingham Class and honored Rick Lott with a parting gift as he retires from his position as Chamber Executive Director.

The new Director, Brad Carr, then presented the first award of the evening. The Beacon Award went to Elizabeth Roberson of Renasant Bank.

JoAnn’s Florist of Springfield took home the honor of Small Business of the Year.

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award went to Caroline Zeigler of Curiosity Shoppe in Rincon.

Special Recognition was given to Edwards Interiors for being named the area nominee for Small Business Manufacturer of the Year. The award was presented by John Henry of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, and Kevin Werntz of Savannah Technical College.

Dr. Randy Shearouse presented Dr. Franklin Goldwire with the Treutlen Award along with the State Legislative Team.

Dr. Prosser closed out the evening by recognizing the Chamber staff and passing on the gavel to the new Chamber President, Ed Vance.

Vance gave a look ahead to the future of the Chamber under his leadership, recognized the 2017-2018 Chamber Board of Directors and adjourned the banquet with his first bang of the gavel.