The Centralia Chamber of Commerce has once again partnered with Kaskaskia College for its 2026 annual banquet event which celebrates the progress made by business leaders in the community.
Celebrate Progress: Annual Chamber Banquet will be held on Thursday, February 5th at the Lifelong Learning Center. It will feature an evening of speakers, presentations, and special awards and acknowledgements for those who have made an impact in the Centralia community, those celebrating milestone anniversaries, and those who have crafted legacies through serving the Greater Centralia Area.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland says new this year is ‘Taste of Our Community’. Several local restaurants will serve dishes, including confirmed catering by Melinda’s Coffee + Bistro, Wintea Express, Simply Soul, and C’s Sweets Cupcakes. More are expected to be added.
Before the awards, the keynote speaker will be Judge Ericka Sanders, who was recognized by the chamber of commerce in 2020 as “Shining Star of the Year” for her role in helping at- risk youth through support of programs, organizations, and her work in the judicial system.
This year’s Partners in Progress Award, which honors those continue to reinvest in the community, will be given to Travis Etheridge of The Insurance Alliance, Hank’s Lounge, and Jack’s – Let’s Play; Heather Day of Colonial Golf Course and MaeDae Gaming; and Bradford National Bank with locations Centralia and Irvington.
Holland says each year they take time to celebrate successful businesses who have reached anniversary milestones, and they have a lot to celebrate this year!
Those acknowledged for significant anniversaries include Jeff’s Chem Dry (25 th Anniversary), Centralia Coin & Stamp (35 th Anniversary), Bandy’s Pharmacy (50 th Anniversary), WJBD Radio (70 th Anniversary), Kaskaskia College (85 th Anniversary), and Centralia Business and Professional Women (100 th Anniversary).
The Legacy Award, for ongoing business growth, expansions, and investment, go to Shannon and Mindy Cooney, along with their partners in RePurpose Development, Cooney Hospitality Group, Crooked Creek Winery, and other developments. Since they have purchased the winery outside of Centralia, they have made significant investment to the Centralia Commercial Historic District, including re-opening Centralia House.
The Banquet will once again feature the Balloon Pop! Prize Giveaway.
Holland says they are a membership organization, but anyone can join the banquet as we celebrate by recognizing businesses and our community’s progress,” says Holland. Tickets to Celebrate Progress – Chamber Annual Banquet at $50 per person. RSVP online at https://forms.gle/5Du5qBHg3bPGoWYY9.
