Debbi Mitchell of Vern’s Catering took home the Chamber’s “first Plate” award as the fan favorite food vendor Thursday night. Mitchell, of Vern’s Bar-B-Que and Catering, provided a mesquite-smoked brisket for the diners.

CADE — More than 500 people flocked to the Cade Community Center Thursday night to celebrate the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet with fellowship, good food and some inspirational words from former New Orleans Saints safety Chris Reis.

“It’s a matter or motivation versus inspiration,” Reis explained to the crowd, talking about his days on the playing field. “Using music to motivate you, get you amped up, lasts about 30 seconds. If you find something that inspires you, it lasts a lifetime.”

Reis, originally from Georgia, now calls Lafayette home, where he is a pastor at Our Savior’s Church.

“What’s inspiring is hearing people in New Iberia say, ‘We’re going to make this place great again,’” he said, eliciting applause from the crowd. “It’s been amazing to feel the energy here. I believe we are living in game-changing times in Iberia.”

Although he has not been in the Black and Gold for several years, he couldn’t help but show his colors after one of the award winners announced that they were a Dallas fan.

“If you are a Dallas Cowboys fan, the doors are right there,” he joked. “All along the back. There’s plenty of exit signs.”

He also told the crowd that his church was establishing a new congregation in Iberia Parish, giving him a vested interest in the success of the region.

“I’m excited about where this place is going,” he said. “I want to help as a partner with the community. I think New Iberia is a great city.”

The Chamber also handed out its annual awards. Two local businesses, the ARC of Acadiana and Iberia Medical Center, were recognized as the Chamber’s 2018 Business Impact Award winners.

The organization’s 2018 Civic Service Award went to local businessman Beau Beaullieu for his work over the years to help establish the Iberia Community Fund, the Bourgeois 2030 group and the Bayou Mardi Gras Association, as well as numerous other volunteer and community activities.

“I have a great team at my office, and a great team at home,” Beaullieu said. “It’s even getting to where when I say, ‘I have a crazy idea,’ they don’t roll their eyes.”

Beaullieu also said his activism is no greater than that of many of those who were sitting in the audience.

“There are so many faces of people I have worked with I can see in this crowd,” Beaullieu said. “And they are all deserving of this award.”