“It was a very successful night," said Cory Stearns, Russell County Chamber of Commerce President. "Over 200 people attended the Chamber Banquet."

Business leaders gathered at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park's Lure Lodge last Thursday evening for the 2009 Russell County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Anchors Aweigh on Lake Cumberland was the theme for this year's event that hosted several local business exhibits and featured guest speaker Ron Polli, President of Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS).

The OSS racing series makes its debut in Kentucky May 15 - 17 at Lake Cumberland in Russell County and chamber members were eager to hear more about the event.

"I feel very privileged that we are hosting the first Lake Cumberland Grand Prix in Russell County," Stearns said. "We are hoping it will be an annual event."

Several chamber members were recognized with awards during the banquet including the Barbara Burdette Beautification Award presented to Wilson Building Supply in Jamestown.

In recognition of excellence in Russell County business leadership, the State Dock was named Outstanding Business of 2009. The award was presented to State Dock President, Bill Jasper.

Hall of Fame inductee, Anita Tucker of Monticello Bank, was honored for her lifetime achievement as a leader in service to her community and the chamber.

Ralph Creech received a framed print of local landmark, the Rock House, for his service as President of the chamber in 2008.

As the meeting continued, Chamber Vice President, James Gray reported 58 members were gained during this year's Membership Blitz.

Finally, OSS President Ron Polli took the podium with an enthusiastic overview of the inaugural Lake Cumberland Grand Prix and invited everyone to attend.

 "We're going to put on something spectacular here in a couple of weeks," Polli said. "So, I highly recommend you come out and see what it's all about."

The Russell County Chamber Banquet will air on Duo-County Channel 2 Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. CST. The video will include interviews from chamber members, the presentation of awards and guest speaker Ron Polli, President, Offshore Super Series.