Morrison Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, IL. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. for socializing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks, in the elegantly decorated Auditorium. Photographs projected upon elevated screens displayed a year of Chamber-sponsored events.
In the entrance, Kenzie Workman displayed whimsical props to enliven her complimentary photo booth. Her business is named Mirror Air Photo Booth Rental. If you have an upcoming special occasion, contact Workman–shown below–at 815-441-7833 or perfectpicturememories15@outlook.com.
Citizen of the Year nominee Morrison High School Educator Brian Bartoz and the Editor chose Stetsons. They sent the picture to their phones on the spot, while waiting for the copies to print.
“Tag team” Guest Speakers were Mike Buckwalter and his daughter, Liz. Mike and wife Colleen own The Briefing Room, an event/meeting space at 114 E. Main Street. It was built in 1892. Upstairs is an Airbnb rental. The speakers took turns explaining why someone should move to Morrison.
Five nominees for Citizen of the Year were introduced; their contributions were read from nominators’ statements. Left-to-right Brian Bartoz, Lori Snow, Katie Rodriguez, Rich Criss, and Sharon Moore (not present) were honored.
Snow was chosen as Citizen of the Year because of her charitable efforts at her shop, “God’s Will Giving Center,” 126 E. Main Street.
Morrison Chamber Annual Meetings are noted for their spectacular dessert fundraisers. Participants contribute money to a numbered envelope on their table. These are gathered, counted, and arranged in order of highest-to-lowest amounts, by Chamber Board personnel. The table with the highest donation sends one person to choose a dessert. In sequence, others select something luscious to share at their tables.