Dexter, Missouri – It was a red carpet event at the Elks Lodge on Saturday evening. The Dexter Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Awards Banquet recognizing Educator of the Year, Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Industry of the Year and Organization of the Year for 2014.
Kevin Bishop, 2015 Chamber President, recognized Janet Coleman and Chamber Secretary Carol Roberts for their continued work at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce, along with the retiring directors and new directors. He also introduced a couple of speakers, Senator Doug Libla and State Representative Tila Hubrecht who spoke briefly and were then on-hand to present resolutions from the Missouri House and Senate to the award recipients.
Organization of the Year went to the Stoddard County ARC. The ARC was organized by Joe Weber and the late Joyce Weber. Their daughter Beth faced developmental disabilities and not much was known in the 1960s. The Stoddard County ARC provides community integration, socialization activities, developmental rehabilitation services, residential services, and referral services and personal assistance.
Small Business of the Year went to Corner Cottage. Owned by Gary and Kim Williams. The business opened in 2002 and has grown to be one of the most visited businesses in Dexter. Gary and Kim and their daughter, Jansen, were also credited with hosting numerous fundraisers to benefit local charitable organizations including the Stoddard County Gospel Mission and the Mother-to-Mother program.
Business of the Year presented by Debbie Stidham went to SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County. Dexter’s local hospital became a part of the Southeat Health System in 2013 and have already built an addition, the Southeast Medical Plaza, to their existing hospital as well as offering state-of-the-art care and equipment. This venture is a 15,000 square foot facility costing nearly $3 million and opened in 2014.
Accepting the award on behalf of SoutheastHEALTH was CEO Adam Bracks with a host of representatives from the hospital including Dr. Bobby Jibben and Corey Blocker, CPNP. Both have volunteered their time on and off the football field at Dexter High School.
Industry of the Year was awarded to Bootheel Recycling. Owned by Mark and Kristi Booker. This was the second time they have received the award. The first time was in 2008 and is currently in their tenth year of business.
Educator of the Year was bestowed upon Mrs. Anita Joyner, a math teacher at T.S. Hill Middle School. She graduated from Dexter in 1981 and received her bachelor of science from Southeast Missouri State University in 1984 and her Master in 1998 from Southwest Baptist University. She was hired in 1988 and will retire at the conclusion of the 2015 school year.
Joyner was credited for her work with the Stoddard County 4-H program and the Dexter Booster Club.
