Chamber gala full of mystery and suspense

DAYTON – There was lots of glitz, glamour, and a suspenseful mystery at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala.

This year’s event, the 22nd for the chamber, took place Friday, March 23, at the community center and a packed house of local businesses and community members came out to enjoy the affair.

After a wonderful meal catered by Rooster’s Bar & Grill, the evening turned into dinner theatre and a suspenseful whodunit. The audience was regaled by entertainers from the Murder Mystery Co., along with a few locals that joined in on the fun.

Tables were teamed out and given a story background as they tried to mull over suspects that were responsible for the murder of Miss Peacock. Clues were provided along with a few scenes throughout the evening. Ultimately, the Dayton Community Development Corporation team figured out that Miss Cherry Bomb had committed a pair of gruesome murders.

Following the night’s theatrics, the event to turned to recognizing some of the best and brightest from the chamber, with awards handed out in several categories.

Theresa Abner was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for her dedication and service to the community.

Next up was Bear Plumbing as the Best Service Business Award Winner, with Jimmie Bear Cullars accepting the award for the second year in a row. The best Retail Business Award went to Khala Jades Boutique.

The Chamber honored Tera Aguero with the DCDC as Ambassador of the Year.

The new Employee of the Year award winner was Kevin Ferrell of JTT Towing.

Meadow Noyer was also honored as the most outgoing board member.

Finally, the Chamber inducted the newest members to the Dayton Chamber Hall of Fame, with longtime Dayton community members Alan D. and Mary Ellen Conner recognized for their years of service to the organization.

Also honored were Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Larry Wilburn and his wife, Denise. The duo has long served the community and chamber in many roles.

The presenting sponsor for the event was Sterling Funeral Homes, while Bear Plumbing was the evening’s entertainment sponsor.

The dinner sponsor was Thrif-tee Food Center. Beverage sponsors were Community Resource Credit Union and Tire Service Specialist, LLC. And Bling & Buckles Events LLC.

Photobooth sponsors were Mobiloil Credit Union and Enterprise Products. Desert sponsors State Farm Juan Carranco and Coco’s cake & bake y mas. The Appetizer sponsor was the Dayton Community Development Corporation. The raffle sponsor was CMC Railroad. Décor sponsors were the Health Center of Southeast Texas, Prosperity Bank, and DR Horton. Awards sponsors were JTT Towing, JLA Realty Alisha Dale and Maneframe Wrecker Service.

The chamber’s educational partners are Dayton ISD and Lee College.

The event was organized by chamber directors Staci Wise, and Norma Stephens, and countless volunteers.