NATCHEZ — A love for the community, a love for people and an eye for the future landed three local residents and one area college behind the podium at Tuesday night’s Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce gala.

Pat Biglane, Regina Charboneau, Dianne Kirby and Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez all received awards for their community service and business work.

Biglane, the president and CEO of Concordia Bank, is the 2009 Natchezian Man of the Year.

“So many groups within our community have been made stronger and better from the dedicated service of our Man of the Year,” chamber President Debbie Hudson said. “He encourages and promotes community volunteerism at every level.”

Biglane served as the chairman of the chamber of commerce a year ago, is a board member for the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club, is a member of the advisory board for Alcorn State University’s nursing school and is president of the Vidalia Lions Club.

“This is a total surprise,” Biglane said. “Thank y’all for what you do. That’s what this is all about.”

Charboneau, a chef by profession, has been active in numerous local events. She is the Woman of the Year.

In 2005 she was named one of the 50 leading Mississippi businesswomen of the year. She has authored two cookbooks, and runs a bed and breakfast.

Charboneau is active on several tourism boards and committees and is founder of the Great River Road Food Festival. Currently, she is co-chair of the effort to light downtown for Christmas.

“She is certainly someone you want on your team,” Hudson said. “We are fortunate as a community that she figured out a way to come home to Natchez.”

Kirby’s business, Dianne’s Frame Shop, was the recipient of the Small Business of the Year award.

Kirby opened her shop 30 years ago on Franklin Street. She has since moved to John R. Junkin Drive.

“To say that Dianne has never met a stranger would be the understatement of the year,” Hudson said. “The fact that her business has continued to grow, even during the worst of economic times, is a testament to her understanding of customer service.”

Co-Lin Natchez received the Large Business Award.

“Not only has Co-Lin Natchez made a difference in the lives of individuals throughout our community — it is a vital part of the employment and economic base of our region,” Hudson said. “The members of our community touched by Co-Lin Natchez are not only better educated but are more able to find successful careers. They care for their community, and that matters to all of us.”