NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce assembled together to pay respect to individuals and business that work to make a difference in their community.

The theme of the night was a “patriotic matter,” which featured a debate between political analysts Democrat Jere Nash and Republican Andy Taggart as they discussed politics.

During the annual event, Carolyn Ridley was named 2014 Natchezian Woman of the Year.

Chamber President Debbie Hudson said Ridley is a true visionary, because of Ridley’s courage to move Natchez forward with a vision of what Natchez, as a community, could be.

“One of the attributes we celebrate tonight is vision,” Hudson said. “Think about all those who have helped our community move forward, simply because they cared enough and were brave enough to vision something that they wanted — our 2014 Natchezian Woman of the Year is just that person.”

Years ago, Ridley led in the efforts to bring “Ballet Magnificat,” a group of talented dancers, from Jackson to Natchez, as a way to focus awareness on The Guardian Shelter, a safe house for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

“Through her continuing efforts, she will again host this event, helping us to be ever-mindful of the struggles that we withstand in our community,” Hudson said.

The approval for Natchezian Man of the Year went to Dr. Chuck Borum, who Hudson said, is known for promoting a clearer understanding of the history and heritage of Natchez.

For 26 years, Borum has assisted in cultivating the Natchez Powwow, an event hosted at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

“With our 2014 Natchezian Man of the Year, we also have a person that not only reminds us of the heritage of our region, but also the importance of training the next generation of leaders,” Hudson said.

Those in attendance also celebrated Borum’s 15 years of service as Scoutmaster of Troop 157 of the Boys Scouts.

“We remain eternally grateful for those in our town who took time to train the next generation in the values that make our future so bright,” Hudson said.

The 2014 Small Business Award was given to Great River Chevrolet, while Belk was recognized as the 2014 Large Business of the Year.

As the event concluded, incoming Chamber Chairman Key Smith said he is looking forward to serving as chairman, asking those in attendance to take advantage of the chamber so they may serve their community.