The Pike County Chamber of Commerce will be presenting awards to area businesses, individuals and community organizations at the end of March as part of a yearly celebration.

Scott Beaulier, Executive Director of the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University, will be the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Banquet on March 29 at 11:30 a.m.

The Chamber chose Beaulier to address the group because of his extensive work in the business world.

“He’ll be speaking on trends and where Pike County is and what he sees Pike County needs to work on in the future to keep growing and prospering,” said Chamber President Kathleen Sauer. “He’ll also talk about how the Johnson Center can benefit local businesses.”

Besides his director’s position at Troy, Beaulier is also the Adams-Bibby Chair of Free Enterprise, the former Department Chair and BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism at Mercer University and his editorials have been published in the Wall Street Journal and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Beaulier is an award-winning teacher who earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and History from Northern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University.

During the meeting, the Chamber will give out nearly a dozen awards, including Business of the Year, Best Service Business, Most Devoted Volunteer, Young Professional of the Year and Most Committed to the Community.

The cost of the banquet is $25 and reservations should be made to 566-2294.