Comedian Will Durst to head lineup at chamber installation dinner

The Carson Nugget will provide the food and political comedian Will Durst will provide the humor during the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce annual installation dinner on Thursday evening.

Durst has appeared at events featuring President George Bush Sr. and former Vice President Al Gore. Locally, he's appeared at the Governor's Conference and Mayor's Convention and in showrooms of area casinos.

"He has no qualms about skewering politicians on both sides of the aisle," says the chamber.

"We're expecting between 150 and 200 for this year's dinner," said Larry Osborne, chief executive officer of the chamber. "That's more than we usually have."

A no-host bar opens at 5:30 p.m., and dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Officers, directors and board members for 2003-2004 will be presented, and selected businesses will be recognized for their contributions.

Q's, U.S. Restaurant and the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada Community College will be recognized, and Harley-Davidson Financial Services will get special recognition.

Since 1945, the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce has worked for the economic well-being of the community, serving as the initial contact for businesses and potential homebuyers interested in moving to the area.

Market research, demographic information, accounting and recordkeeping are just a few of the services it offers.

The public is welcome at the event, which is sponsored by Imperial Capital Bank. Tickets costs $35 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call the chamber at 882-1565.

Following is a list of chamber officers and directors for 2003-2004:

-- Chief executive officer - Larry Osborne

-- Board chairman - Randall Long, Lumos & Associates

-- First vice chairman - Jeffrey Smeath, SlotWorld

-- Second vice chairwoman - Renate "Ronni" Hannaman, Best Foot Forward

-- Secretary treasurer - Robert Crowell, Crowell, Susich, Owen & Tackes Ltd.

The board of directors includes David Rund of Taiyo America Inc., Christina Slade of Nevada's Job Connect Employment Security Division, Peter Starren of the Nevada Appeal, Mark Beauchamp of Shaheen/Beauchamp Builders LLC, Betty Brogan of State Agent & Transfer Syndicate Inc., Rick Chambers of Wells Fargo Bank, Stephen Lincoln of Re/Max 1st Choice Realty, Richard Linkul of Carson-Tahoe Hospital, Joe Lushina of Edward Jones and Mary Pierczynski of the Carson City School District.

BREAKOUT:

What: Installation dinner for the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce

When: Thursday, 5:30 p.m. no-host cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner

Where: Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St.