BLOOMINGTON - Billy Riggs borrowed a portfolio from an unsuspecting woman and set it on the stage.

In a series of dramatic acts, the entertainer eventually smashed up a banana before placing it in the bag. To a chorus of "Ew," he firmly closed the case.

But then, magically, Riggs reopened the object, showing the crowd no trace of the fruit inside.

The trick was one of many the motivational speaker, comedian and magician performed Saturday at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce 2008 annual Gala: An Evening of Illusion and Illumination. His tricks were representative of grand illusions, showing how the possible can become impossible in society's mind.

The biggest illusion people have is that great happiness and success are determined by factors outside of their control, Riggs told more

than 500 people at Bloomington's Doubletree Hotel &

Conference Center. Individuals have the power to face any circumstance with a positive attitude, Riggs said.

"The only thing heat can do is reveal your melting point," Riggs said.

In addition to motivational and magical entertainment, the chamber's gala also was a chance to celebrate the year before and look to the year ahead in McLean County business.

Chamber President Ken Natzke also brought up the theme of choice as he told chamber members it was their decision whether to get involved in the group's events and services this year. "We will be there, and you can, too," Natzke said. "It's up to you, but we will continue to be the beacon for business in McLean County."

Shari Buckellew, the chamber's past president, highlighted several of last year's accomplishments, including work to defeat the proposed gross receipts tax and the start of a chamber electric cooperative. She looks forward to the future of the chamber and noted her appreciation for the journey behind her.

"It was a good one," Buckellew said.

In recognition of business success in 2007, Illinois State University and Specs Around Town Optical Boutique in Bloomington received the chamber's President's Awards at the gala.

ISU won the large business award for its economic impact in McLean County. The university, which celebrated its sesquicentennial year in 2007, has more than 2,000 employees and more than 20,000 students.

The school has partnerships with the town of Normal, city of Bloomington and McLean County government. ISU also is recognized as one of the main drivers in the uptown Normal redevelopment project because of its significance as a community center for educational, athletic, cultural and social activities.

Specs Around Town received the small business award for its example of excellence for a small, unique retail shop.

Owner Julie Kubsch started her mobile eyewear service in 1998. Because of demand, Kubsch opened a retail operation in downtown Bloomington in 2001.