HOUSTON – Several hundred guests and Chamber members gathered last Saturday night at the Houston Hobby Airport Marriott Hotel, for a grand evening of good food, socializing, reminiscing, and dancing.
The occasion was the observance of the 40th Anniversary of the North Channel Chamber of Commerce.
The evening was a benefit fund raiser for the chamber, as well as a happy and historical occasion. A silent auction with a number of very special items kept the bidding lively.
Master of Ceremonies was chair-elect Shalonda Dawkins, and awards were presented by past chair Lucia Bates and chamber president Margie Buentella.
The evening included the swearing in of the new Chamber Board for 2017, with Constable Chris Diaz officiating.
Music was by the San Jacinto North jazz trio, and a video history of the chamber was prepared by Wayne Oquin, John Lewis and Chris Goss of the Galena Park ISD.
Wayne Oquin was the keynote speaker, tracing the history of the chamber since its founding in 1977 with Dr. Ed Lehr as its first chairman.
The program concluded with remarks from outgoing chair Lucia Bates about the accomplishments of her year, and this was followed by remarks from the incoming new chairman, Adam Lund.
The evening ended with dancing and music, socializing and picking up silent auction items, and a general great time.