Last night the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce held its first annual Mix and Mingle Night at Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center. If you remember some time ago the Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce merged to create the LRCC. 

Well last night was fun with food, entertainment available while you met with old friends and met new ones. There were over 350 people in attendance for the event and the evening was capped off with the awards presentations.

Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce has had the honor since 1965 of presenting the Irwin Award, named after the late Jim Irwin and bestowed each year since then to the person or group that demonstrates "a pioneering attitude" and leadership and service to the community over a long period.  This year’s winner is Warren Bailey. Warren is quoted as saying “For someone who has been in the broadcast industry for 30 years, I'm totally speechless.”

Franklin has presented the prestigious Hurst Award, which is named for the Hurst family of Franklin and was designed with the goal of recognizing an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in the areas of community leadership, service and development, as well community spirit and volunteerism.  Sarah Stanley was announced as this year’s winner. “I truly am speechless. I'm very honored and humbled to be standing here tonight,” she said. “I will try to continue to do the Franklin community and the chamber proud.”

Congratulations to Warren and Sarah for the wonderful giving they have done in the community. They are both well deserving of these awards.