Foreign correspondent Charles Jaco, seen on CNN during the Gulf War and reporting from more than 50 countries for NBC, CBS and C-SPAN, will speak Thursday at the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet.

Jaco is a radio talk-show host for KMOX in St. Louis. He grew up in Poplar Bluff.

"Charles Jaco is an excellent choice for our special evening," said Jim Schwaninger, executive director of the Sikeston chamber. "He has worldwide experiences beyond those of most of us, yet his roots are in Southeast Missouri. He knows how we feel about our country and our community."

In addition to Jaco's presentation, the chamber will give awards for business success and community commitment.

All net proceeds from the dinner will go to Sikeston's City of Flags project to build permanent welcoming points at the city's main entrances.