THOMASVILLE — This year, no one will be left in the dark, including the winners.

Breaking from tradition, the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce has decided to announce, in advance, the recipients of awards that will be presented at the chamber’s 83rd Annual Meeting. The prestigious event will take place Monday, Feb. 2 at the Thomasville Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Over the years, the event has recognized hundreds of well- deserving individuals who have worked tirelessly in the community and, at times, have brought national notoriety to Thomasville and Thomas County.

“There is change and excitement this year,” chamber Executive Director Shirlee Bell said. “(Announcing the winners in advance) is a decision which we have thought about for several years. It comes down to making it more convenient for the recipients themselves and our audience.”

In the past, award recipients’ names were kept under lock and key, shrouded in secrecy. However, Bell noted that on several occasions the chamber received calls after the annual meeting by friends of people who had received awards, wishing they had known in advance so they could have been in attendance to celebrate.

“(The award winners) are representative of what sets Thomasville apart,” Al Park, 2003 chairman of the board of directors, said. “These citizens not only care about others, but strive beyond the expected level, thereby unselfishly enhancing our quality of life.”

According to the chamber, the letters received on behalf of the award recipients touched on their commitment to family, devotion to serve other people, passion in the workplace, visionaries to create programs to affect the quality of life for others and excellent character and integrity.

The annual meeting will also highlight some of the chamber’s accomplishments in 2003. Outgoing chairman Park will hand over the gavel to the 2004 chairman, State Farm agent Bob Hutchison. Hutchison will give a forecast for 2004, including the chamber’s business direction and participation in regional development.

“It’s an honor to be the new chamber president,” Hutchison said. “I’ve just been a member (of the chamber) for so long, it’s all about getting involved in the chamber and getting involved in the community, the inter-workings of the city and making it better for business. I want to make sure that everyone outside of the chamber knows that this is everyone’s chamber.

“This might be the change we are looking for.”

Thirty-three members of the Leadership Class of 2003 will also graduate at the event. These individuals have completed a comprehensive six-month program to learn more about their city, county and state.

Chamber members and the public are invited to the event. The evening begins with a heavy hors d’ oeuvres reception followed by the program. For ticket information, contact the chamber at 226-9600

Reporter Alex P. Joyner can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 227 or by cell at (850) 980-6142.