There is a definite divide in Chautauqua County. It comes down to us and them, specifically the north and south.

That, however, does not mean we do not always come together. Last week, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet, which highlights the best people and happenings in our region.

Todd Tranum, chamber president and chief executive officer, boasted of the good things — the National Comedy Center, the north county water district and the new Celoron Hotel — that have happened in the last year. “When we all gather here, we are here to celebrate our community. We gather here because we have a common objective,” he said. “Our common objective is that we want to build an even better Chautauqua County, an even better future for our families, our neighbors and for future generations. Is that not what this is all really all about?”

But the highlights of the night were the local chamber honorees, which included: James Nichols, posthumously, from Dunkirk; Kurt Maytum from Fredonia; Laurie Bifaro from Silver Creek-Hanover; Bill Stevenson from Jamestown; SandraLee Wagner from Mayville-Chautauqua; and Joan Mascaro Caruso and Rick Mascaro from Westfield. Also recognized was Dunkirk Metal Products and the Calimeri family, which runs Artone in Jamestown.

On that Thursday evening, the county — standing as one — celebrated.