While the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce's annual gala is always highly anticipated, there was extra cause for celebration this past weekend as the chamber nears its 40th birthday.The formal event held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame on March 25 was a time for members, community business leaders and their friends and family to reflect on another year of growth and prosperity in the quickly expanding county. Chamber President Christie Haynes delivered her state of the chamber address to a room filled with sequined gowns and tuxedos. Her address centered on the history of the chamber and its growth over the past four decades.