ROBERTSDALE, Alabama -- There was a little bit country and a whole lot of “Rockin’ N Rollin’” Thursday night when the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale.

An estimated 400 business leaders, Chamber members, elected officials and the community at large came together to honor Chamber and community leaders and volunteers, to celebrate a year of successes and announce the focus of the coming year.

Baldwin EMC was the presenting sponsor for this year’s event, which was catered by Magnolia Blossom Café in Robertsdale with special entertainment by Elvis tribute artist Shane Tucker.

Following a social hour, which featured a silent auction, music, hors d’oevres, adult beverages and a 50/50 drawing, awards were presented for “Business of the Year,” “Man and Woman of the Year” and “Volunteer of the Year.”

“Business of the Year” awards included Loxley Auto Parts and Hardware; GooRoo’s Grill in Robertsdale, Silverhill Maret and Jet Pep in Summerdale.

John Eringman of United Bank was awarded “Volunteer of the Year,” while Darlene Roper of Magnolia Blossom Café earned “Woman of the Year” honors and accountant Wayne Gruenloh was named the Chamber’s Man of the Year.”

“I feel like being part of the community is part of my business,” said Roper, who started her business in Silverhill before moving to Robertsdale a few years ago. “I get so much pleasure out of doing things that support and promote the community.”

Gruenloh said he was inspired by three things, family, friends and faith.

“I have been truly blessed,” he said. “I have the most wonderful family anyone could ask for, I count several of you (here tonight) among my many great friends, and it is my hope that my faith is evident as I continue to walk through my daily life.”

The evening’s business program culminated with the ceremonial passing of the gavel from 2012 Board Chairman Tommy Herndon of Golden Living Center to 2013 Chairman Mike Allegri with Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co.

Herndon pointed to the many accomplishments made by the Chamber in 2012, including the initiation of a three-year strategic plan, the formation of a beautification committee, headed up by Roper, helping to bring back the annual Honeybee Festival and the institution of quarterly health seminars, among others.

“We’ve been able to accomplish so much because we have so many hard-working dedicated people working behind the scenes, Herndon said. “I believe we will continue to do good work in the year ahead and beyond.”

Allegri and Herndon are joined on the 2013 Board of Directors by David Garbo, incoming chairman, of Firetrop Protection Systems; Patrick Northcutt of Johnson, Slaughter, Driver & Northcutt; Cindy Phipps of Baldwin Farms Apartments; Tim Hobbs of Baldwin EMC; Wayne Gruenloh of Gruenloh & Associates; Leslie Sawyer of Mama Lou’s; Susanna Dollarhide of Regions Bank; John Thomas of Lil’ Johns Big & Tall Men’s Fashions; Kay Arnette of PNC Bank; new members Patti Thames of Thomas Hospital; Daniel McKinney of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center; Brian Davis of Coca-Cola Bottling Co.; Carl Davis of Alfa Insurance; Charlie Crocker of United Bank; and Deborah Morrow of Pen Air Federal Credit Union.

Municipal representatives to the Board are Ruth Campbell, City of Robertsdale; Mary deLaunay, Town of Silverhill; Michael Allegri Sr., Town of Loxley, and Mary Carolyn McDaniel, Town of Summerdale.

Allegri said he counted himself blessed that he is able to continue to live and work in the place where he grew up.

“I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by so many great people,” he said. “I am particularly fortunate that I still have my parents and that I have the opportunity to thank my father, who is here tonight, and mother, who was able to be here, for always being there for me.”

In addition to the presenting sponsor, additional sponsors included Diamond Sponsors South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co.; Gold Sponsors Pen Air Federal Credit Union, Riviera Utilities, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Inc. and Golden Living Center; Silver Sponsors Cain's Piggly Wiggly and Mack Funeral Home; and Bronze Sponsors Franklin Primary Health Center, Gruenloh & Associates and the Town of Silverhill.