By Rita Howell

Members and friends of the Panola Partnership will gather for the organization’s annual banquet Thursday night at 6 p.m. at 211 Main Hall and Gardens in Como.

The group functions as the county’s chamber of commerce and promotes economic development.

Partnership CEO Sonny Simmons will give a report on the year’s accomplishments.

The group will present several awards, including the James Hal Moore Educational Excellence Award, the Citizenship Award, the Business of the Year Award, and the Ambassador of the Year Award, honoring an outstanding “Red Coat,” volunteer ambassador for the Partnership.

Announcement will be made of the new Miss Hospitality to represent Panola County in the state Miss Hospitality pageant this summer. Nominees in this year’s competition are Emily Ridge, representing the Batesville Civitan Club; Karlee Darby, selected by the Rotary Club; Cathy Vinson, nominated by the Batesville Woman’s Club; and Keila Duarte, chosen by the Batesville Lions Club. A panel of judges interviewed the young women on Sunday, but the winner’s name will be kept secret until the banquet.

Entertainment will be by comedy magician Dennis Watkins.

For more information, call Panola Partnership at 563-3126.