Kells business to be honoured at ball

The achievements of local businesses will be honoured at this year"s Kells Chamber of Commerce Ball which takes place in the Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, on 20th February. This year, the Chamber will be presenting awards for business achievement in seven categories on the night of the ball. Classic Hollywood-style glamour and red-carpet awards are the themes to this year"s eagerly anticipated event, which is always one of the highlights of the annual social calendar. The President"s Ball takes place the same weekend as the 2009 Academy Awards and the Chamber polans to host its own ceremony to rival the glamorous Hollywood affair. Damien Farrelly, 2FM DJ and MC, will announce the award winners and "A Lifetime Achievement Award" will also be presented to one local business luminary during the course of the gala ceremony. The categories for the awards include "Outstanding Small Business", "Most Effective Marketing Initiative ", "Best Business Shopfront ", "Best Innovation in Business", "Best Contribution To Business Development in the Town", "The Community Spirit Award", the "Chamber X-Factor Award" and the "Lifelong Achievement in Business Award". The black-tie event will kick off with the required walk up the red carpet and a pink champagne reception, followed by a five-course gourmet dinner, complete with free-flowing wine. Chamber president Jess Olohan will do the honours of presenting a specially commissioned piece of sculpture - by local artist Patrick Morris - to each of the award winners. In recognition of the tough economic times currently being faced, the Chamber has reduced the price of tickets this year to €75 each - down from last year"s price of €90 - and individual tickets or a table for 10 can be booked. Tickets for the 2009 President"s Ball and Chamber Awards are available from the Kells Chamber Office on (046) 924 0055 or e-mail info@kellschamber.ie