The Brundidge Business Association will honor the BBA Business of the Year and the Pike County high school and elementary school Teachers of the Year at its annual banquet Thursday night.

Dorthea Dow, BBA president, said Grafton’s Home Furnishings has been chosen the Business of the Year. The business is owned and operated by Bill Grafton.

“Bill is a man of few words but he is one of the hardest working people in Brundidge,” Dow said. “We are honored to recognize him and his business with this special award.”

Each year the BBA recognizes and honors a teacher from each of the schools in Brundidge. This year’s Teacher of the Year recipients are Regina Catrett, Pike County High School, and Kristina Anderson, Pike County Elementary School.

“We appreciate all of our teachers and thank them for the outstanding work they to prepare our young people for future success,” Dow said. “We are honored to recognize two outstanding teachers among them.”

Mayor Jimmy Ramage will deliver the State of the City of Brundidge address, which is always a highlight of the banquet, Dow said.

The featured entertainment for the BBA Banquet will be the Pike County High School Jazz Band.

Dow said the BBA is excited to bring the jazz band to the stage.

“We want everyone to have the opportunity to hear these very talented young musicians,” she said. “We will be well entertained.”

Dow said the jazz band is raising money for a trip to a competition in Atlanta.

“We’ll have a tip basket and will encourage everyone to contribute,” she said.

The new BBA officers for 2014 will be installed at the banquet. Chuck Caraway will serve as president of the business organization. Dixie Shehane will be vice president; Dow will be the secretary for the year and Bonnie Dansby will be the organization’s treasurer.

The directors for 2014 will be Earnestine Beachum, Isabelle Boyd, Linda Dansby, Linda Faust, King Issac and Lamar Steed.

Dow said the purpose of the BBA is to promote business growth in Brundidge and to bring people to town to support the business community.

The BBA is busy throughout the year supporting the business community in many different ways.

“The BBA sponsors SpringFest, which is traditionally the second weekend of May,” Dow said. “And, also the Miss and Little Miss Brundidge Pageant in April.”

Dow said Miss and Little Miss Brundidge contestants must have a Brundidge address but the other pageant categories are open to contestants throughout the county. Applications will be available at all schools within the county.”

The BBA also sponsors the Independence Day Parade on the last Saturday in June and the Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony the first Tuesday in December.

BBA membership is open to businesses and individuals. The monthly meetings are held at 5:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 101 South Main Street.

“Membership in the BBA is open to anyone who cares about Brundidge and desires to help make it even better,” Dow said.

The BBA Banquet will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the We Piddle Around Theater. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at First National Bank and BB&T in Brundidge and Mobley Business Service.