The Zachary Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Awards ceremony last Thursday, Oct. 18.

The winners of the business awards were announced at the 2012 Chamber Banquet, held at St. John the Baptist Church.

Master of Ceremonies and announcer of business award was Charles Hanagriff. Kate MacArthur, Chamber Economic Development Director, gave an update on Chamber business and plans for Zachary.

Keynote speaker was Dan Borne', of the La. Chemical Association.

A special award was presented to Warren Drake for his impact on Zachary and its school district by Randy Olson, Chamber board and economic development council member.

The honorable Judge Duke Welch swore in the new Chamber Board for the 2013 term. (See Board Member photo, Page 6.)

The following businesses and individuals were named the winners in their category. Each were chosen by a panel of judges representing the Zachary Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses of the Year awards were presented to the companies with significant business and community achievements during the past year.

• Small Business of the Year:

Cajun Catch

• Mid-size Business of the Year:

Williamson-Allemond Regional Eye Center

• Large Business of the Year:

LeBlanc’s Food Store - Zachary

• New Business of the Year:

This award is presented to the company that opened its Zachary location in 2010 or 2011, has contributed significantly to the community and had a remarkable first year of operation.

Zachary Lumber

• Business Person of the Year:

This award is presented to the person who has made extremely remarkable or memorable business achievements during the past year, as well as had a positive impact on the Zachary community.

Brent Fuselier

• Volunteer of the Year:

This award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond, devoting their personal time and significant effort to charitable works benefitting the Zachary community.

Danette Castello

• Zachary Chamber of Commerce’s Hall of Distinction:

This designation is presented to persons whose life and career have embodied the core values of the Zachary Chamber of Commerce: Community, Excellence, Faith and Family. This person may be inducted posthumously.

Mr. Jack Burk

Mrs. Nell Perry

Sponsors of the event included Georgia Pacific, Americana, Bank of Zachary, DEMCO, Lane Regional Medical Center and Don Lyn Florist.