John Wood will become the next Benson Area Chamber of Commerce chairman this year. Mr. Wood, who is city executive at Four Oaks Bank in Benson, will begin his role Thursday night at the chamber’s annual banquet when 2015 chairman William Neighbors hands over the position.
The banquet will be held at the American Legion Building at 605 N. Wall St. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:15 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow dinner.
As per tradition, the year in Benson business will be discussed as well as future projects.
Town Manager Matt Zapp said earlier this month that a “big announcement” will be made at this year’s banquet regarding local business.
Awards for the 2015 Ambassador, Business, Small Business Person, Citizen, Outstanding Woman, Senior Citizen, Youth and Business Family of the Year will be presented during the ceremony. 
Additional awards to be presented are Firefighter, Police Officer and Educator of the Year; as well as the Arts, Humanitarian, Volunteer and Board of Directors awards.
Other officers to lead the chamber in 2016 are Paul Boucher as vice chairman, Ann Wood as treasurer, Mr. Neighbors as past president and Town Manager Matt Zapp as ex-officio. Chamber President Loretta Byrd and executive assistant Evelyn Aranda make up the chamber’s staff.
Directors whose terms will end in 2016 include Julia Whittington, Carmen Davis and Keith Neighbors.
Directors whose terms will end in 2017 include Brian Honeycutt, Natalie Morgan and Ken Tart. Directors with terms ending in 2018 are Ben Cook, Jaymes Elliott, Melanie Epperson and Jerry Medlin. Meadow Village Restaurant will cater the event. Story courtesy The Daily Record
