The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner Thursday evening, October 22, at the Champaign Aviation Museum, bringing together local business leaders, community members, and agricultural partners for an evening celebrating the people and businesses that help the county thrive.
This year’s theme, “Champaign County Grows: Rooted Here. Growing Together,” highlighted the important role local agriculture plays in the community. The event was presented in partnership with the Champaign County Farm Bureau and Local Agriculture Council.
Guests enjoyed a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients from farms and businesses throughout Champaign County. The menu included pork loin from FunWood Farm, roast chicken from Clark’s Market, butternut squash lasagna prepared and donated by Amy Forrest of In Good Taste Market, and roasted delicata squash from Oaks and Sprouts Farm. Potatoes were donated by Michael Family Farm, while the meal also featured dinner rolls from local baker Sarah Kelly and smoked trout dip donated by Freshwater Farms of Ohio.
The evening ended on a sweet note with ice cream from Woodruff Farm, raspberry jam donated by Champaign Berry Farm, and homemade granola from Case Critters & Blooms Farm.
Local beverages were also featured, including wine from Dragonfly Vineyard and Wine Cellar and beer from Urbana Brewing Company made with hops grown at Zacharich Hop Farm.
Sara Neer, the Executive Director of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, shared the importance and value behind the theme of the dinner and what it means to see local business leaders get together and celebrate.
The annual dinner also included fundraising activities, with an auction featuring pies, cupcakes, freshly picked strawberries and raspberries from local farms, and two lower-bowl tickets to the Ohio State-Michigan football game. A silent auction featured a variety of gift baskets.
The auction raised approximately $3,000 to benefit the Chamber, with additional money generated through drink sales and a 50/50 raffle.
The annual dinner provides an opportunity to recognize the businesses, farms, and individuals contributing to Champaign County’s growth while strengthening connections throughout the local community.
