The Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its 96th annual Dinner Meeting, with the theme "Hope, Believe, Live the Dream," will be held on Monday, March 7.
The keynote speaker will be Tchicaya Missamou. Born and raised in Brazzaville, Congo, he was "drafted" into the military at age 11, witnessing unspeakable violence before escaping. He then traveled to the United States in search of the American dream.
Missamou's first day in America was met with violence when he was robbed at gunpoint, but he never lost hope. With this hope he entered the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served the nation in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq.
Now living in Santa Clarita, Calif., with his wife and three children, Missamou's new book, "In the Shadow of Freedom," was released in August. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in education and he owns a high-end personal training facility, The Warrior Fitness Camp Inc.
Several area residents will be recognized during the evening with the presentation of the Washington County Council of Cooperative Agricultural Award, Zonta Elizabeth L. Hadler Woman of the Year Award, Gabe Zide Citizen of the Year Award and the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award.
Chartwells Dining Services will serve mixed field greens, roasted red pepper and marinated artichoke salad, fresh herb-marinated olives, feta cheese and tomatoes, roast beef with shallot jus lie, rosemary smashed potatoes and green beans with garlic and olive oil, topped off with assorted cheesecakes with strawberry sauce for dessert.
The event will be at the Dyson-Baudo Recreation Center at Marietta College. Social time begins at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. Reservations are open to the public.
For more information on this event or to purchase tickets: 373-5176 or info@mariettachamber.
com
