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The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is putting together final preparations for its annual banquet “The Greatest Show” on Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Kiwanis Community Center.

Social hour and entertainment provided by Flying with Ease will begin at 5:30 p.m. with multiple circus acts. The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker for this year’s banquet is LBW Community College President Dr. Brock Kelley.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s banquet and celebrating our achievements and accomplishments in 2023. We will recognize our business award winners, Chamber President’s award, and the Chamber’s Distinguished Service award. We invite you to join us for a night that is sure to be full of fun and exciting entertainment. Thank you to everyone who supports our local Chamber, and we look forward to seeing you there,” AACC Executive Director Mellisa King said.

The AACC will introduce five new members to its Board of Directors at the banquet. Garret Bowers, Marrianne Harper, Ronnie Levitzke, Sarah McClung, and Hayden Raines will each serve a three-year term.

Bowers is an insurance agent at SanBuck Insurance.

“I am passionate about our community and love seeing it grow,” Bowers said. “It’s so important for our local businesses to build relationships with one another and support one another. I wanted to be a part of that. I am always looking for opportunities to get involved and give back to Andalusia. The Chamber is one way to do just that.”

Harper is the marketing manager for Step One Automotive Group.

“I believe in serving your community by volunteerism and support. This is a great way for me to do both, and I am grateful my job allows me to do so,” Harper said.

Levitzke is the production planning manager for Shaw Industries.

“The Chamber plays an important role in driving economic development and improving quality of life in Covington County. I think it’s important that we all do our part to support and further the mission of the organization,” Levitzke said.

McClung works as an accountant for White, McClung, and Barber.

“I have had the opportunity to attend Chamber events since I was a kid with both of my parents,” McClung said. “From my first Chamber banquet when I was 14, I knew I wanted to be on the board. Hearing about our Chamber’s businesses success each year at the banquet, I made it a goal early on to someday be a part of this.”

Raines serves as the marketing coordinator for Andalusia Health.

“Seeing Andalusia’s small businesses grow and thrive is not only a goal of mine, but it has become my passion. Growing up, I watched my dad sit at our kitchen table working tirelessly to chase his dream and grow his business. The small business owners of Andalusia are no different than my hard-working dad,” Raines said. “There is not a small business in these city limits that wasn’t started by a tenacious, valiant, resilient member of our community. We are all the same. When joined together, our Chamber of Commerce will have a much stronger voice than we would as individuals.”

All five are excited about the opportunity to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

“There are many things I’m looking forward to, but I am most excited about building relationships and getting to serve alongside those that make Andalusia great. To me, it has seemed obvious that the Andalusia Chamber has a heart for serving Andalusia. The Chamber offers countless opportunities throughout the year for us to promote how special this community is, and I am excited to play a small part,” Bowers said.

“I am excited to help in making decisions for our wonderful town that will hopefully continue the path of success and greatness,” Harper said.

“I look forward to spending more time at community events and helping out wherever it is needed,” Levitzke said.

“I am looking forward to learning from so many successful business leaders in our community. It is a privilege to get to be a board member at a young age because I know I will get to take these experiences as well. I will also gain wisdom of the other board members serving with me and who have served before me and apply it to the rest of my career,” McClung said.

“I am looking forward to networking and meeting all the community members. I can’t wait to hear the ideas they have and watch our town continue to grow and expand, all while being able to be a helping hand in the process,” Raines said.

Each newly elected board member will use this opportunity to grow further during their tenure.

“As I mentioned before, Andalusia is special not only for the local businesses that pour into our community, but Andalusia is also special because of the efforts and activities hosted by the Chamber. However, some of the most popular Chamber events wouldn’t be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses, volunteers and Chamber staff. I expect to gain a greater appreciation for the many incredible volunteers, businessmen and women, and the dedicated Chamber staff. I am excited to get to work and support their efforts,” Bowers said.

“I enjoy meeting people and networking. I also love Andalusia. I look forward to being more involved in our community while representing Step One Automotive and hopefully partnering with other businesses to benefit everyone,” Harper said.

“I hope to meet new people and gain a better understanding of what drives our city’s economy and brings people to the area,” Levitzke said.

“I hope that from my time on the board I can grow my relationships with other local businesses as well as learn more from other leaders in the community. It would also be my goal that there would be younger people in the community watching board members aspiring to also serve on the board in the future. I would like to encourage them to be a part of contributing to our Chamber,” McClung said.

“I hope this experience allows me to build both personal and professional relationships with the community members. Together, we will partner with them to continue to make Andalusia a place we are proud to call home,” Raines said.

For more information email mking@andalusiachamber.com, maggie@andalusiachamber.com, or call the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce at 334-222-2030.