Leaders from Wilkes County and surrounding areas will take part in a special annual salute to local business and civic leaders as the Washington Wilkes Chamber of Commerce hosts the Annual Awards Dinner tonight at 7.

The dinner will be held at the Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School cafeteria.

The evening's guest speaker will be Federal Judge Richard W. Story, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. An invitation only reception will be held in his honor at The Court Street Livery from 5:30 to 6:30 tonight.

The program will include a farewell address by outgoing Chamber president Carol McTier, and the presentation of annual awards recognizing of the contributions made to Washington-Wilkes by special businesses, and groups.

Awards will be given for Big Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. All awardees have been nominated by Chamber members

Chamber members will also have the opportunity to vote on two new Chamber board members. Ballots will be given out at registration or may be picked up at the Chamber prior to the meeting. Ballots will be collected at the dinner.

Dinner will be catered by Cornelia Davis of Home Café and will include a buffet of roast pork loin, shrimp, roast beef, fresh vegetables, and desserts.

Tickets for the dinner are $25 and may still be available at the Chamber office or at the door.