Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce officials aremaking plans for the organization’s annual banquet Nov. 18, at theThames Center in Wesson.

“Invitations are being mailed out this week,” chamber PresidentKenny Goza said of the event.

Organizers are expecting a large audience as “America’s Ministerof Encouragement” Dennis Swanberg will be the featured speaker.Swanberg is host of “Swan’s Place,” which is televised on theFamNet affiliates.

“We want this to be a motivational and encouraging event,” Gozasaid. “And we want to show what the chamber does for citizens andthe community.”

Tickets will be $25 a person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

Goza said chamber members will have first priority for ticketsthrough Nov. 10. On Nov. 11, Goza said, ticket sales will be openedto the general public.

Seating is limited to 350.

“We feel like we’re going to have a good crowd,” said Goza,citing Swanberg’s appeal. “We’ve already had a lot of interestamong the general public.”

In addition to Swanberg, the event will also recognize newmembers of the board of directors and new chamber and IndustrialDevelopment Foundation officers for 2005. Ballots for new presidentand directors were recently sent out to chamber members.

Chamber officials also hope to use the banquet as a way topromote the holiday shopping season and to encourage citizens toshop locally this year.