A Royal(s) speaker

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize several area business people and firms during the chamber's annual dinner and awards celebration next week.

The event, set to take place Thursday at River Room Events, 3 W. Oak St., will include a social and silent auction from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner and an awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Fred White, director of broadcast services and alumni for the Kansas City Royals.

The theme is "Celebrate Good Times ... Come On!" and "party hats are optional," according to a flyer.

"It's a party celebration theme," FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said. "We want to have a fun environment."

Area individuals and businesses donate items for the silent auction.

A few of the pieces up for bid include a poker night at the home of Larry and Karen Gazaway, season tickets and a table for four at the Liberty Theatre for its spring season and a local sports package.

Something new organizers are trying this year involves decoration of the facility prior to the event. On a first come, first served basis, businesses can decorate tables by displaying the products or services they offer in Bourbon County, Madison said.

Awards scheduled to be presented at the fete include:

* New Business of the Year -- given to a business at least three years new to the community that exemplifies the business practices for which all businesses strive.

* Young Professional of the Year -- presented to a professional 35 years of age or younger who personifies the traits desired in a "great" business person.

* Community Spirit Award -- given to a business that goes above and beyond for the community; participating, contributing and adding to the overall enhancement of the Fort Scott area.

* Agribusiness of the Year -- awarded to the agribusiness that has contributed to the overall economy and benefit of the Fort Scott community.

* Small Business of the Year -- presented to the small business that has proved itself to be a strong, sustaining entity in the community.

* Business Person of the Year -- given to professionals who personify all the traits desired in a "great" business person: a dedication to their business, their community and their family and friends.

* Business of the Year -- handed out to the business that continually expands, improves and benefits the Fort Scott area through its achievements and accomplishments.

* The Keystone Award -- honors a person who has continually been a source of support to his or her community. The winner of this award is selected by the chamber board of directors.

A committee of chamber members organize the event each year, Madison said.

White is a former sportscaster who called Royals games for 25 years, from 1973 to 1998. He was also the voice of the Kansas State Wildcats for many years, as well as being the sports anchor at WIBW-TV in Topeka. He has also called events for ESPN, CBS, NBC, and TBS.

In his current position, he works with radio affiliates and former players. He also conducts broadcast seminars for Royals Radio affiliates and hosts youth baseball clinics with former Royals players, according to a bio provided on White.

White was born and raised in Homer, Ill., and graduated from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill.

Cost to attend is $25 per person or $225 for a table of eight.

For more information, contact the chamber at (620) 223-3566, or by e-mail at fschamber@fortscott.com.