Chamber officials made the announcement Monday, saying the former Alaska governor had been a top choice as the keynote speaker for the Feb. 5 event.

The chamber typically brings in prominent figures for its annual meetings. Speakers in the past decade have included longtime sports broadcaster Bob Costas, former President George H.W. Bush, former British Prime Minister John Major and former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The banquet takes place at the Salina Bicentennial Center arena. The event is open to nonmembers if any tickets remain after sales to Chamber members.