It's an annual tradition to recognize all of the great people and businesses that make Hartford what it is - a great place to live, work and play.

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce presents their Annual Dinner and Awards on Thursday, January 29 at the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford.

The theme is A Night at the Derby.

"Dust off those Derby hats and anything you have that represents the Kentucky Derby," says Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Event and Program Manager Barb Bielmeier. "We will be celebrating our community area businesses."

Derby attire is encouraged.

This annual event serves as a celebration of achievements, community spirit of local businesses, and provides an opportunity to fund programs and initiatives that support the chamber's mission: fostering economic growth, networking, educational workshops, advocacy for businesses, and local community events.

"This is an annual fundraiser for us," according to Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Carroll. "Barb does a wonderful job and our dinner committee is fantastic with reaching out to our membership and even those who may not be a member for possible support with sponsorships. We appreciate all of our donations, it means so much."

The annual dinner is open to the public, along with Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce members.