The 91st annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards Ceremony brought together Chamber members Thursday for an evening of appreciation, inspiration and fellowship.

Former Chamber chairman Kevin Dowdy passed the gavel to incoming chairman Bo Jones of Decatur County Farm Bureau.

“I am looking forward to working with a great staff in Adrienne, Kyle, and Chelsey to service our members through the program of work developed at the Board of Director’s retreat in November,” Jones said.

Jones said the Chamber plans to be more active in lobbying and supporting local legislators in Atlanta, better serving Chamber members by implementing a new dues structure aimed at meeting their individual needs, continuing to support tourism in any way possible, including the annual River Town Days event, and helping with the day-to-day issues faced by the membership.

“I look forward to meeting all of our members and helping any way that I can in the coming months,” Jones said.

Chamber of Commerce president Adrienne Harrison said she was excited to have Bo Jones as the new Chairman of the Chamber board.

“Bo has a real heart for our community and our local businesses and I am looking forward to a great year with him at the helm,” Harrison said.

Former Bainbridge city councilman and community servant Luther Conyers was awarded Man of the Year by the Kiwanis Club and the Pioneer Award by the Chamber of Commerce.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would win these awards tonight,” Conyers told the audience, tears welling in his eyes.

Shirley Hall was awarded Woman of the Year by the Pilot Club. Godwin Jewelers was awarded Small business of the Year by the Chamber.

“I thought the banquet went great and I am so appreciative of all who attended to support the Chamber and the award nominees and recipients,” Harrison said.

The guest speaker for the evening was Staff Sgt. Luke Murphy, who shared his story of losing one of his legs while in Iraq in 2006. Murphy provided inspiration for the audience with his recovery from the accident and the success he’s had since then.

“This injury has opened so many more doors than it closed,” Murphy said, explaining that the people he’s met and the life he has lived since the injury has had more of an impact on his life than he ever could imagine.”