The Sealy Chamber of Commerce’s annual members banquet was rescheduled from Feb. 5 to May 21 following a decision from the board of directors’ meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Executive assistant Tammy Hall confirmed the move in a phone interview last Thursday, Jan. 14, and said the board of directors made the call because of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Austin County.

“Rescheduling gives us the opportunity to get clear of cases that are coming up, hopefully enough people will have opportunities to get vaccinated if they want to and that gives us four months to put together a safe event,” Hall said.

She said that the added hiatus allows more time for planning and safety measures to be put in place for the event held at the Sealy Columbus Club (formerly known as the Sealy Knights of Columbus) on 1310 US-90.

“It was the board’s decision to reschedule the event as we keep our members’ safety in mind,” Hall said. “We would rather have a successful event in four months rather than putting one on now and risking the safety of our members.”

All of the regularly scheduled events will still be happening, Hall said. Ben’s Chuck Wagon will provide the catered meal, silent auctions will take place and awards will be presented by Master of Ceremonies Jeff Virnau while Don Allphin provides background music.

“We are taking applications for business of the year, members can submit a business, or their own, for multiple awards including the Pinnacle Award, Business of the Year and the Shining Star Award,” Hall said. “Applications will be sent out again in the next couple of weeks.”

For more information about the banquet and the chamber itself, visit SealyChamber. com, call 979-885-3222 or email questions to Banquet@SealyChamber.com.