The areas Man and Woman of the Year will be named Jan. 31.

The annual Distinguished Citizen Awards Banquet will return to the Hermiston Conference Center on Jan. 31. The evening begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., and dinner tri tip and mango chicken by Simply Catering will be served at 6:30 p.m. The awards begin at 7 p.m.

In addition to the Man and Woman of the Year, the Business of the Year will be named, as well as the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, the Altrusa Young Citizen Award, the Mayors Award, Educator of the Year and Firefighter/EMT of the Year.

I think its one of Hermistons more elegant affairs of the year, and its a great opportunity to honor people who give so much to the community, Conference Center facilitator Jordawn Wambeke said. These people have been nominated by their fellow citizens and friends. I think its nice that this community has an opportunity for people to be honored.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased from the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce. The deadline to purchase tickets is Jan. 25. For more information, call the Hermiston Chamber at 541-567-6151.