The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event Thursday.

Originally intended to be the second Battle of the Businesses, the event will focus on appreciating chamber members instead.

While keeping the time frame of 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, along with the planned entertainment — Tyler Calkins and Mick Marshall — the event will now be a Member Appreciation Night at Afterwords (downstairs at Beefeaters Restaurant) — with the chamber staff and board of directors welcoming members of the business and professional community to join in a celebration of “all that is being a member with the chamber.”

Guests are invited to network, meet new members, talk with Board members, eat, drink, and enjoy the relaxed, positive atmosphere.

“Sometimes a plan comes together perfectly, and sometimes it becomes a perfect storm,” BACC Executive Director Kara Kennedy stated, when asked about Thursday’s chamber event.

The gathering this Thursday evening was intended to be the chamber’s second Battle of the Businesses, following the launch of the concept last summer.

“Zippo, as our inaugural Battle Champion, was open to hosting this year’s event on the Zippo/Case Museum grounds, but with the recent near-daily thundershowers, we were very concerned that the outdoor event could become a wash-out,” said Kennedy. “That, combined with feedback we have received from some of our members, prompted us to take things in an entirely different direction.”

A one-of-a-kind BACC Zippo lighter will be auctioned to the highest bidder using a closed-bid format, there will be a 50/50, and giveaways and door prizes will be included in the evening.

Chamber members are invited to provide business cards, brochures or flyers to display, and the chamber’s current styles of Zippo lighters will be available to purchase.

Attire for the event is business casual/professional — or, as noted by the event flyer — what you wear to work.

“If your typical workwear includes jeans and boots; scrubs; or something else a little different from a standard office environment, please feel free to come as you are,” noted Britt Watson, chamber membership and marketing coordinator. “All of our members should feel welcome to join us — they come from a wide range of professions throughout the local community, and we would love to see that variety well-represented.”

The event is supported by sponsors B & T Contractors, Herbology, and Kinect Energy.