A large crowd gathered Friday night at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center for the 2015 Chilton County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

A total of 280 tickets were sold for the banquet, according to Chamber Executive Assistant Brittani Ellison.

The tickets were sold for $25 and included dinner, awards and entertainment by De’Ja Blue, a six-member dance and show band from Birmingham.

“So far, we have heard great things about how everything went,” Ellison said. “People really enjoyed it.”

A new addition to the banquet this year was a “social time” at 6 p.m. which allowed those in attendance the opportunity to mingle before dinner.

Southern Sweets catered the food at the banquet.

Lucinda Champion was named the 2014 Ambassador of the Year.

Ellison described Champion as an “asset to the community” before presenting Champion with the award.

“She has selflessly volunteered her time,” Ellison said. “She volunteers her time with a smiling face and a positive attitude.”

Ellison said “Ambassadors” are the backbone of the Chamber.

“They are the eyes and ears out in our community,” Ellison said. “In 2011, we began naming an Ambassador of the Year. This provides an opportunity to honor this group and to recognize the valuable work they do.”

Hayes Drug was named the 2014 Business of the Year.

Dr. Lisa Green, with Jemison Eye Care, presented the award to Danny and Lisa Hayes.

“Hayes Drug has been a great Chamber member and is always very generous to non-profit organizations in our Chamber,” Green said. “They are always ready with items for door prizes or auctions.”

Hayes Drug opened on Nov. 1, 1977, in Jemison.

“When Hayes Drug opened, the only three employees were Danny, Lisa and Faye Burnette,” Green said. “Since then, it has grown to have a staff of 15 employees. Hayes Drug carries all your prescription and non-prescription pharmacy needs, but they also have a section full of great gifts and seasonal items for every occasion.”

Tommy and Ann Glasscock won the Community Spirit Award for their dedication to Chilton County.

Janice Hull, managing consultant for the Chamber, presented the award to ‘the Glasscocks.’

“Ann had a long tenure on the Chilton County Board of Education for a number of years and was the first female elected as chairman,” Hull said. “Now years later, her husband, Tommy, is our superintendent of education. As owners of Morlyn’s Fine Jewelry, they are active in the Alabama Jewelers Association where Ann serves on its board of directors.

Ann and Tommy are a wonderful team serving and helping many non-profit organizations. Any time there is a charity event, you will find Tommy conducting an auction and Ann alongside him donating to the cause.”

This was the second year for the banquet to be held at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.