Tickets still available for Chamber banquet
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Tickets are still available for the Annual El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture's banquet as anticipation of who this year's Citizen of the Year will be mounts.

This year's honoree is sure to be a surprise, Chamber President Becca Socha said, adding the banquet's program is changing slightly this year.

Three people will be recognized: the Achiever of the Year and the Citizen of the Year as well as a "special war hero," Socha said.

"We want to recognize those who fought for our country many years ago and are still living in this community," she added.

The Achiever of the Year is a recognition for a single year's effort.

The chamber will announce its 2007 Citizen of the Year.

The honoree has already been selected, Socha said, but added that identity is a closely guarded secret - the announcement of which is the highlight of the annual banquet.

Past recipients have included those who have worked tirelessly to establish and maintain organizations from the El Campo Museum to the Beautify El Campo Extension, the local chapter of the Boy Scouts and programs for seniors or the mentally disabled.

The award is not for a single shining moment, Socha said, but declined to offer any further hints.

An individual ticket is $25 while tables seating eight range from $200 to $400.