The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual banquet to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the community and install the chamber’s 2025 chairman and board of directors. A crowd of approximately 300 attendees filled the Bayou Bend Conference Center to capacity on Thursday, January 30.
Chamber President Beth Chiasson honored Melissa Darden, Chairman of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, and Thibodaux Regional Health System who were both Diamond Sponsors for the banquet. Chiasson also recognized outgoing board members Terry Foulcard and Stephanie Guidry.
The Outstanding Hospitality Employee of the Year Award, presented by Cajun Coast Tourism, was given to Elizabeth Baytop, a waitress at The Galley in Morgan City. Cleveland Billiot Contractors was recognized as the Business of the Year, while The Old Building/One80 Downtown, which is owned by Berwick Councilwoman Colleen Askew, was awarded as the Small Business of the Year. Receiving the award for Non-Profit of the Year was Roots & Ribbon Foundation and Kristy Gant was recognized with the Virginia Tyler Guillotte – Citizen of the Year Award.
Also being recognized were the Leadership St. Mary Class of 2024, including Holden Murray, recipient of the 2024 Donna Meyer Leadership Award, Board Member of the Year Award Winner Alyssa Cart and the chamber office staff for their many contributions to the chamber.
Outgoing 2024 Chairwoman Tammie Moore gave a short speech just before 16th Judicial District Judge Anthony Saleme swore-in board members who are returning for the 2024 term, as well as newly-elected board members. Saleme then swore-in 2025 Chairman Brady Borel, who is the Sales Manager and News Correspondent at KQKI 95.3 FM. Moore presented Borel with the ceremonial gavel just before he gave his acceptance speech, which was followed by a ribbon cutting to officially kick off 2025 for the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce.
You may watch KQKI’s live coverage of the banquet by clicking here.
Photos are courtesy of Lily Kay Photography
