The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce and the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee (RMC) combined annual banquets Tuesday evening at Tuscany's Steak and Pasta House in Mt. Carmel.

The highlight of the evening was the naming of the RMC 2007 "Employee of the Year." Merchants President Rita Harness presented long-time Dersch Energies employee Toni Trusty with the prestigious award during the evenings festivities.

Also recognized was the new Chamber of Commerce president for 2008. Current Chamber President Rod Rodriguez introduced incoming president Bill Stinson of Country Insurance and Financial Services. Stinson will assume duties on Jan. 1, 2008.

RMC President Harness outlined several recent Merchants projects, and stressed the importance of community members supporting local businesses during the busy upcoming holiday season, and using Merchants Gift Checks as a tool to help support Wabash County.

"When you come into all the businesses in Wabash County, you are supporting and helping this community and Wabash County," said Harness. "Because that money goes back to help the city, it helps the county, and therefore, it goes back to helping the schools, the library, the hospital."

She went on to explain that tax money generated in the local economy by residents doing business within the community is essential to helping and supporting local merchants.