The Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber is excited to announce a new date and exciting changes for its Annual Awards Dinner & Gala. The 2027 event will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at the GMC Kidd Center.

The Annual Awards Dinner & Gala will usher in a new chapter for the Chamber as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, unveil our new brand and look, and introduce a new time of year for this signature event.

“2027 is going to be a special year for the Chamber,” said Kara Lassiter, President & CEO of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber. “As we celebrate 80 years of serving our community, we’re also looking ahead to the future. Moving our Annual Awards Dinner & Gala to January gives us an opportunity to begin the year by recognizing the businesses, leaders and individuals who help make Milledgeville- Baldwin County a great place to live, work and do business.”

While the event will have a fresh look and new timing, many of the traditions that make the Annual Awards Dinner & Gala special will remain. The 2027 gala will recognize recipients in five award categories: 

Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, Making a Difference Award and Rising Star.

The evening will also include the official transition of Chamber leadership as we recognize outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors Tori Kala and welcome Amy Loerzel as the Chamber’s new Chair.

The Chamber is now accepting nominations for its Small Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year awards. Community members are encouraged to nominate a local business that has made a significant impact in Baldwin County and deserves to be recognized at the January gala.

“These awards are a meaningful part of our Annual Awards Dinner & Gala because they give us the opportunity to recognize the businesses and individuals who are making a difference in our community,” Lassiter said. “We encourage our members and community to take a few minutes to nominate a deserving small or large business.”

Additional details about the 2027 Annual Awards Dinner & Gala, including event registration and sponsorship opportunities, will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the Annual Awards Dinner & Gala or to submit a nomination, visit the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber at milledgevillega.com or contact Kara Lassiter at [email protected] or 478-453-9311.