The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on March 25 at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

The black tie optional event is the chamber's 26th annual gala, and will award members for various achievements.

Awards presented will be the Don Gordon Business Leader of the Year award, the Jim Wallace Volunteer of the Year award, the Linda Williams Ambassador of the Year award, the Outstanding New Member award and the Chairman's Award.

Chamber President Christie Haynes said that new awards will be presented in honor of the chamber's 40th anniversary.

"We will be giving out a set of awards that are special to this year," Haynes said. "The Founder's Circle awards will be given to the 40 longest standing members of our chamber."

"Our annual gala is always a special time for our business and community leaders to come together to celebrate milestones and achievements," Haynes said. "This year is particularly exciting as we are celebrating the chamber's 40th anniversary and taking time to reflect on the past four decades."

The event is the single biggest fundraiser for the chamber. It will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $75 a person or $550 for a table of eight. Attendees should R.S.V.P. no later than March 17 by calling (706) 265-6278 or by emailing Brenda Mason at b.mason@dawson.org.