The more, the merrier

POST FALLS - The Post Falls Chamber of Commerce is rolling out the red carpet to the entire community.

The business nonprofit's annual recognition banquet is expanding its reach this year to have three other Post Falls nonprofits present their business and 'volunteer of the year' awards at the same time.

In addition to the usual chamber of commerce awards including the Post Falls Citizen of the Year, the food bank, senior center and Boys and Girls Club will present honors during the red-carpet-themed Community Recognition Ceremony on Jan. 30 at Red Lion Templin's Hotel.

"This year will truly be a community awards banquet, not just for those who volunteer for the business community," said Pam Houser, the chamber of commerce's president and CEO.

"We encourage the whole community to come out."

Houser learned how the banquet format has worked for similar-sized chambers of commerce when she attended a U.S. Chamber of Commerce training program.

"So many people who live in a community of 30,000 people need to be recognized for going above and beyond," Houser said. "We believe that this will be a good thing for our community. It will make it more inclusive."

Houser said the format will likely be expanded to more nonprofits and awards in the future.

About 100 tickets remain on sale for the banquet. The cost is $55 for individuals or $400 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at www.postfallschamber.com.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a no-host bar and networking. Dinner stations open at 6 p.m. The program and dessert start at 7 p.m. Nine awards will be presented.

For more information, call 773-5016 or email [email protected].