The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce is ready to celebrate.

The organization is holding its 56th Annual Dinner and Celebration from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 4.

For the second year in a row, the event will be held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

James McCoy, president and CEO of the chamber, said the 2010 dinner was the conference center’s first event.

"It’s absolutely amazing being able to hold this dinner locally," he said.

"That’s no criticism to where we were hosting it, but to be able to have this in our own community is definitely a step in the right direction."

In years past, the event has featured a keynote speaker and a number of awards.

But McCoy said this year’s dinner will be more low key.

"One of the things we did last year was to host a separate awards luncheon after the first of the year," he said. "That will probably be held in February of 2012."

McCoy said this year’s dinner will focus on the Chairman’s Award, which is presented by each outgoing chamber board chairman to someone who provided a great deal of support during his or her term, and the Charles F. Welch Citizenship Award.

That honor, he said, is "the highest recognition" one can receive in Forsyth County.

It is given each year in memory and honor of Charles Welch, a former chamber board chairman, city councilman and county commissioner.

The recipient is recognized for long-standing civic service to the community.

The award will be the focus of this year’s event, McCoy said.

"There’ll be a few comments, but the purpose of this is for it to truly honor and celebrate the Charles Welch award recipient," he said.

Besides dinner, the black-tie optional evening will feature live music from The Infinity Show Band and a cocktail reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Last year’s event drew about 600 people. McCoy anticipated about the same number for this year.

"This is the largest gathering of business and community leaders in Forsyth County," he said.