Organizers of the Natchez Business and Civic League’s annual banquet are expecting a crowd of nearly 200 tonight.

Rep. Angela Cockerham of House District 96 will be the featured speaker.

“She represents part of Adams County, and we wanted her to report back to her district,” NBCL President Andrew Calvit said.

The banquet will start at 7 p.m. and end around 9 p.m., Calvit said.

Tickets are $20 and are available at Winn Pharmacy, Inspiration Book Store, The Wedding Mart or from any league member.

The night’s events will also include the presentation of several awards, including the man of the year, woman of the year, the civic award and the president’s awards.

The recipients of each award will remain unknown until tonight, Calvit said.

The banquet is a fundraiser for the NBCL — a group aimed at promoting minority business.

Proceeds from the event will go into the league’s budget to pay for community service projects throughout the year and basic operating expenses, Calvit said.

The NBCL is active in the black history parade each February and participates in food drives around the holidays.

Close to 50 businesses and individuals are members of the organization.