Gardendale Mayor Othell Phillps, behind the podium, swears in the 2012 Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce officers Thursday at the Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The Gardendale Civic Center was apparently the place to be on Thursday night.

More than 300 people thought so, many of whom were there to hear Gov. Robert Bentley. Bentley was the headliner for the annual Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Bentley spoke on four topics for his north Jefferson audience: Creating jobs, education, roads and bridges, and health issues for Alabama residents.

Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alan Hall said he was pleased with the event.

“It was a wonderful night, from the governor to the food and the music,” Hall said. “We’re excited about moving forward with the new officers, and we truly appreciate and thank the officers whose terms have just ended.”

Mayor Othell Phillips swore in the chamber’s 2012 executive committee and board of directors.

The new executive committee includes: President, Charlotte Reach of First Commercial Bank; vice president, Jack Fields of BJCC (retired); treasurer, Michelle Beasley of Parker & Townes PC;

secretary, Catherine Davis of C4 Creative; immediate past president, Lamar Kelly of Regions Bank; executive director, Alan Hall.

The 2012 board of directors includes: Carrie Townes Cotney of Townes, Woods & Roberts; Allen Folse of Hamburger Heaven; Shelly Fowler of Goody’s Gardendale; Stan Hogeland of the city of Gardendale; Anita Mordecai of Mordecai Sporting Goods; Shane Peacock of Peacock Insurance and Dean Taylor of Webb Payroll.

Also during the banquet, master of ceremonies Sheldon Haygood presented 2011 awards including:

• Chamber Member of the Year: Parker & Townes and Townes, Woods & Roberts

• Gardendale Citizen of the Year: Raymond Doss

• Gardendale’s Own Award: Blake Guinn

• The Ava Grimmitt Tireless Worker Award: Catherine Davis

• Gardendale Chamber Appreciation Award: Kenny Clemmons

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Les Fillmer.

Silver Spoons of Gardendale catered the banquet. Sheran Jeffrey owns Silver Spoons; all of her food is home-made from family recipes.

Poise & Ivy, owned by Dee Fox, decorated the exhibition hall. Jeffrey and Fox are sisters and frequently work together on events.