PAULDING – Optimism and hope were recurring themes at the Paulding Chamber of Commerce’s Sixth Annual Membership Banquet, held Feb. 23 at the OSU Extension Center.

About 130 persons attended the event, which included several presentations and announcements, awards and drawings for more than $700 worth of raffle prizes, among them a Kindle Fire.

Erika Willitzer was hired as chamber executive director six months ago. She opened the program with her report and urged those in attendance to think the impossible.

“Every morning, I drive around the courthouse square, focusing in on the vacant store fronts. I have to tell you, I’ve had some community members tell me that I shouldn’t even bother trying to bring in new business to Paulding,” she said. “Well, that’s not my nature. Because when I take that drive around the square, I see hope. I see that the chamber can help. And I believe we can make a real difference.”