Chamber mulling banquet options

CLOVIS — The traditional Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Banquet is not happening in 2020 like it did in 2019 and all of the years that preceded, just like pretty much any gathering.

Chamber board members discussed ideas for having some kind of celebration, with Executive Director Ernie Kos stressing the need to celebrate the work of citizens and President Greg Southard, whom nobody would argue received an optimal year to serve.

“We have had so many people that have stepped up and done incredible volunteer work,” Kos said. “(Recognizing them is) just something we can’t not do.”

The chamber is seeking nominees for its normal cadre of awards, but members weren’t sure what could be done in the next few months should public health orders continue to limit mass gatherings.

“We need to figure out how we’ve going to do it,” Southard said, “and if we’re going to do it.”

Members discussed having outdoor events, such as a parking lot celebration that was seen in high school graduations. However, they were reminded orders since then have included vehicle counts in the definition of mass gatherings.

Kos said people have inquired, with varying levels of seriousness, about holding a banquet in Texas. She said that wouldn’t happen, noting concerns about the message that would send.