NATCHEZ — The Natchez Business and Civic League will host its 35th annual awards banquet Friday, recognizing the city’s small business owners and future economic leaders.

“Financial Empowerment: A Blueprint for Success” is the theme for this year’s banquet, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center, NBCL member Emma Rose Jackson said.

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased at Carter’s Pavilion on Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Winn Pharmacy on Pilgrim Boulevard or from NBCL members.

The Word of Faith praise team and the band Joyful Sound of Baton Rouge will provide entertainment. Joyful Sound will begin performing at 6:15 p.m. for early arrivers, Jackson said.

The guest speaker will be former state senator and attorney Barbara Blackmon, owner of Natchez Manor bed and breakfast located downtown.

Blackmon is the wife of state Sen. Edward Blackmon Jr., who is also an attorney. The couple resides in Canton.

Jackson said Blackmon’s dedication to economic development has inspired many in the community.

“First of all, (Blackmon) is such a dynamic speaker, and secondly, she specializes in community development and educates people about financial planning,” Jackson said.

Following Blackmon’s address, awards will be presented to NBCL’s man of the year, woman of the year, volunteer of the year and two area youth.

Jackson said the common thread among the award recipients is their community-mindedness.

“They are involved in the community and they give back to the community,” Jackson said of the recipients.

Proceeds from the banquet will help fund NBCL’s scholarships and mentoring programs, Jackson said.

For more information, contact Jackson at 601-597-6736 or 601-442-5260.