GRAMBLING, LA – The Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce hosted its 14th Annual Community Contributions Banquet on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Grambling State University’s Black and Gold Room. The event brought together city officials, community leaders, business professionals, and residents for an evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition.

Councilwoman Mrs. Devaria Hudson Ponton served as Mistress of Ceremony, guiding the program with grace and warmth. She opened the evening by welcoming guests and emphasizing the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who uplift and strengthen Grambling and the surrounding communities.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., President of Grambling State University; Mr. Alvin Bradley, Mayor of the City of Grambling; and Cary Brown, Candidate for District Attorney, as well as members of the Grambling City Council and Chamber of Commerce.

Following an inspiring invocation by Reverend McArthur Simmons, guests enjoyed greetings from community leaders. Dr. Lemelle highlighted the continued partnership between the university and the Chamber in promoting education and innovation, while Mayor Bradley shared updates on city progress and praised the Chamber for its leadership and collaboration. Chamber President Jeffery Sims expressed gratitude to members, sponsors, and volunteers for their dedication to advancing Grambling’s economic and community development.

Dinner, catered by Sodexo, was accompanied by a video presentation featuring sponsors, upcoming Chamber events, and honoree highlights — setting the stage for the evening’s most anticipated moment: the award presentations.

This year’s honorees exemplified excellence across education, business, service, and leadership:

  • R.W.E. Jones Education Award – Mrs. Aleane Barnes Hayes
  • L.D. Land Government Award – Mrs. Cathy Holmes Giles
  • A.D. Smith Business Award – Mr. Lawrence Rogers
  • Thelma Smith Williams Community Service Award – Ms. Karen Ludley
  • Dr. Rhonda R. Pruitt Special Recognition Award – The Grambling Connection
  • Young Entrepreneur Award – Ms. Deidra Scott
  • Annie Brown Social Justice Award – Ms. Veda Emerson
  • Chamber President’s Award – Dr. Mynette Mayo

Each honoree received thunderous applause as presenters shared heartfelt remarks about their contributions and character.

Sponsors played a pivotal role in the event’s success, including Title Sponsor True Dental Care – “Dentistry from the Heart,” and Silver Sponsors Origin Bank, Louisiana National Bank, The Signature Touch Barber Gallery, Centric Federal Credit Union, and Century Next Bank. Special thanks were also extended to Perfect Shot Media, Regal Event Company, Copy Cat Printing, Supreme Visionz, Lincoln Preparatory School and Grambling State University students volunteers, Sodexo, Divine Wine & Keg Package, and DJ Rodney Terrell for their invaluable support.

The Chamber Banquet Committee was recognized for their exceptional effort and attention to detail:

Bernadette Huey (Catering Chair), Susan Wiley (Sponsorship Chair), Augustine Moore & Barbara McIntyre (Ads & Sales), and Co-Chairs Sharice Beavers & Fanese Cowan.

The evening concluded with group photos of honorees, Chamber members, and sponsors — a fitting end to a night celebrating unity, excellence, and service.

In his closing remarks, Chamber President Jeffery Sims reflected on the organization’s mission to build bridges between local businesses, educational institutions, and the broader community. “Tonight reminds us that Grambling thrives when we lift one another,” Sims said.

Reverend Simmons delivered the benediction, closing the evening on a note of gratitude and hope.

As guests departed, the spirit of collaboration and pride echoed throughout the Black and Gold Room — a true testament to Grambling’s heart, history, and bright future. The Chamber invites you to checkout their website for future events. greatergramblingcc.org