Annual Banquet 2025

Description

The evening begins as an average of over 300 guests arrive. For about an hour, all attendees mingle and network while enjoying catered tastings from different restaurants around our community. As guests enjoy their dinner, they are encouraged to vote for First, Second, and Third "plate" awards which are then given out after dinner, right before the program starts.

After first, second, and third plates are awarded, the Banquet Chair takes the stage to recognize the outgoing and incoming chairpersons for the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to Linda Horton for your dedication to the Iberia Parish Business Community as Chairperson of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce in 2024, and congratulations to Andree Schilcher, who will be leading the Chamber as Chairperson through 2025.

One of the main highlights of the Annual Banquet is the Keynote Speaker's presentation. A wide range of guests have presented at the Chamber's Annual Banquet, including community members, famous political figures, and even sports hall-of-famers. The Keynote Speaker for our 2025 Annual Banquet is Taylor Barras, past Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Founder of Leadership Iberia, retired Iberia Parish Tax Assessor, past Speaker of the House, and the current Commissioner of Administration for the State of Louisiana.

Lastly, at every Annual Banquet the Chamber recognizes one individual and two businesses who have contributed positively to Iberia Parish. The individual is recognized with the Outstanding Civic Service Award, which has been a tradition of the Chamber since 1947. They are someone who has shown exemplary service by volunteering their time and energy to our community.

The two businesses are each recognized with one of two Business Impact Awards- which are given to a business that has recently developed, expanded, or diversified. The purpose of the Business Impact Awards is to recognize and promote our community's culture of innovation, entrepreneurialism, resiliency, and to celebrate business success in our community.

The Chamber is bringing back our Alcohol Pull for the second year with some tweaks! Tickets will be available for purchase the night of the banquet.