PEMBROKE — The Division of Engaged Outreach and the Office for Regional Initiatives at UNC Pembroke will hold its 20th annual Business Visions Awards Banquet on Thursday.

The event will be held in the University Center Annex. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

To mark its 20th year, a video presentation will be shown recognizing previous award winners.

“Engaged Outreach and the Office for Regional Initiatives is the university’s face to the community and bridges the academic work of the university to the community economic development engagement aspect of our work,” said Dr. Cammie Hunt, associate vice chancellor for Engaged Outreach.

“This year we are honored to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Business Visions,” Hunt said. “We will be reflecting on 20 years of recognizing people, businesses and students who have excelled in their field of endeavor. It is a community event where we come together to celebrate every aspect of this great community we serve.”

Since 1997, the university has recognized outstanding business students, business leaders, entrepreneurs and organizations across the region. This year, awards will be handed out in 10 categories, including Entrepreneur of the Year, Master of Business Administration Student of the Year and the Spirit of Unity Award.

“We’re excited to commemorate this year’s special anniversary,” said Mary Beth Locklear, director of the Office for Regional Initiatives. “This event highlights some of the best in our region and we are happy to take part in recognizing their success.”