Join us for our 99th Annual Dinner
It’s an evening of celebration, reflection, and connection as we look back on the year’s accomplishments and honor community members who have made a meaningful impact.
The evening begins with a cocktail reception from 5:00–6:00PM featuring a cash bar, followed by a plated dinner service at 6:00PM, catered by Merrill and Houston’s Steak Joint.
During dinner, guests will enjoy our Year in Review and Awards Presentation. At 7:25PM, we are honored to welcome our Keynote Speaker, Michael Watson, before concluding the evening at 8:00PM.
About Michael Watson
Michael Waston will bring experience form both industry and academia. He is a professor in Northwestern’s Industrial Engineering Department and has co-founded Opex Analytics, where he has served as CEO, helping Fortune 500 companies apply machine learning and optimizations
In his talk, What Business Leaders Need to Know About AI, Watson cuts through the hype surrounding AI. While large language models dominate headlines, “AI” often means different things to the media, vendors, and employees. This session clarifies what AI really is, how to think about it, and how it can be practically implemented in the workplace.
Attendees will gain practical guidance on using AI, supporting employees through change, and navigating a fast-moving space. The goal is simple: leave with a clearer, more confident understanding of AI and what it means for your business – and exploring the question, “Should you be worried?”
Dinner Menu
Starter
- Salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Dinner rolls with butter
Entrée (select one):
- Chicken Entrée: Chicken Florentine, garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean almondine
- Vegetarian Entrée: Butternut Squash Vegan Arancini, garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean almondine
Dessert
- Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundtinis in an assortment of flavors
Dinner Reservations
Our Annual Dinner Sponsors Make it all Possible!
Our sponsors believe in our mission to support member businesses, advocate for their success, and strengthen the Greater Beloit community. By sponsoring the GBCC Annual Dinner – our largest business event of the year – they distinguish themselves as leaders in both business and community.
Award Nominations
Each year, we proudly honor investor businesses and professionals during our Annual Awards Ceremony. We invite you to participate by nominating a deserving investor individual or business for one of the following categories:
- Large Business of the Year
- Small Business of the Year
- Paulette Christensen Ambassador of the Year
- Rising Professional of the Year
- Non-Profit of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Walter R. Knight Diversity Award
Nomination Deadline: Monday, February 9
