Beth McLaughlin, spokeswoman for Houston County schools, took over as the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce chairwoman at the group’s annual meeting Thursday at the Perry Arts Center.

She replaced former Chairman Rob Brooks of ComSouth.

Also at the meeting, the group gave out numerous awards. According to a news release, the recipients are:

• Kathy O’Neal, the James E. Worrall Volunteer of the Year Award;

• Ellie Loudermilk and Sheila Jones, the Seabie Hickson Community Service Award;

• Flint Energies, Business of the Year

• Glenn Anderson, Diplomat of the Year

• Stacey Carter-Fite, Spherion Staffing Business Woman of the Year.

Chamber board members, elected officials and leaders in the business community attended the event.