BROOKINGS — For the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, it’s time to party.
The newly formed economic development organization will hold its annual “Taste of Brookings” celebration on April 2 at the Dacotah Bank Center at 824 32nd Ave.
The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a social hour to sample the small plates and desserts.
The event gives area residents a chance to sample dishes created by local chefs and restaurants. Diners can then cast their votes for their favorite dishes. The top vote getter will win the People’s Choice Award. A panel of judges will be on hand to select the winners of the Silver Spoon and Golden Fork awards.
Cierra Steffensen, marketing specialist for BRGA, said previously the event was put on by the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce and, obviously, this is the first year it is being hosted by BRGA.
“We’re really focusing on making this a fun community event that features local restaurants and local food,” she said.
“We have this fun tasting event and then we also take this night as an opportunity to celebrate the things we have done through the past year and then this year specifically we’re really focusing on that forward momentum now with those four consolidated organizations under one roof,” Steffensen said
Lori Frederick, the new BRGA chief executive officer, will be on hand to meet and greet the BRGA guests.
After the delicious treats, the BRGA staff will present a program at 6:30 p.m.
The program will reflect on the accomplishments of the four organizations that merged to create the BRGA — the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, the Brookings Economic Develaopment Corp., Downtown Brookings and Visit Brookings. They will also share the goals and opportunities of the new organization.
Steffensen said the celebration usually has 300 to 400 participants.
“We’re hoping for more this year. It is open to the public. Tickets are available online at brookingschamber.org. You do not need to be a (BRGA) member to attend, but we do encourage membership,” she said.
The BRGA will recognize outstanding individuals in the organization and celebrate its Leadership Brookings graduates. Leadership Brooking is a BRGA program aimed at developing leadership skills.
The event will also include the unveiling of the BRGA logo and brand.
Registration for the event closes March 26 at 5 p.m.
For more information, contact the BRGA at 605-692-8922 or email [email protected].
— Contact Doug Kott at [email protected].
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