PHOTO GALLERY: Chamber honors retiring president

December 21, 2012 | 11:50 a.m. CST

Members of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce honored Don Laird during a reception Thursday evening. Laird officially leaves his post on Jan. 15.

Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Don Laird prepares to take his seat, a director's chair marked "Chamber Executive," during a party celebrating his 25-year career. Laird sat in the chair in the Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College Thursday while past chamber presidents and chairs of the board spoke about his contributions during his time as president. | Kile Brewer

Paul Land, left, and Judy Starr talk while waiting to say goodbye to Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Don Laird, far right, following a party held in celebration of Laird's 25 years of service with the Chamber. | Kile Brewer

Columbia Chamber of Commerce president Don Laird talks to newly-elected State Rep. Caleb Rowden during a party in Laird's honor at the Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College Thursday. Rowden was one of the many in attendance who waited in line to give Laird a handshake or hug and share a few words with him. | Kile Brewer

Guests take their seats at tables in the Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College during the Columbia Chamber of Commerce celebration of President Don Laird's 25-year career on Thursday evening. | Kile Brewer