Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Tara Barker presented the 2021 Dexter Chamber Citizen of the Year Award to Scott kruse.
"Scott has done some remarkable things for our community throughout his time here. In 2000, along with his brother Ben and a small group of friends, he created the 18 Fore Life Charity. Ben Kruse, a part of the heart behind 18 Fore Life, departed this world too quickly, but Scott was determined to carry on his legacy and keep their dream alive. his driving force and energy has been funneled into countless volunteers and events that have allowed the charity to send out over 3 million dollars in Love Offerings as of 2021."
"He continues to make not just Dexter a better place, but the world as well. He is actively raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. He organized 10 Pins for Ben, a local bowling tournament benefiting St. Jude. he participates annually in the St. Jude Marathon each December in memphis, and even recruits runners for the 18 Ore Life Marathon Team. St. Jude has even selected Scott to run and raise money for them at the Boston Marathon, which a a huge honor."
"Not only has he made a difference in the fight against cancer, but he makes a difference every single day as the principal of T.S. Hill Middle School. I promise you he is always encouraging someone or helping to make someone's school day a little bit brighter. I think all our middle school years would have been better with him as principal. he is respected by not only students, but parents, teachers, staff, and the community.
"Dexter is a better place because of his presence. We are all better people for knowing him."
Congratulations to Scott Kruse, 2021 Dexter Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year!
Pictured from left is Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell, Representative Herman Morse, Kruse, senator Jason Bean and Barker.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Dexter School Board President, Ben Worley, presented the Dexter Chamber 2021 Educator of the Year Award to Mrs. Brenda Mason.
"Google defines a teacher as 'a person who teaches'; however teachers are so much more than that. They are counselors, friends, support systems, a safe haven, and then they just so happen to teach as well."
"All our teachers go above and beyond for their students, but one has stood out this year. Mrs. Mason is a preschool teacher at Southwest Elementary."
"For twenty-seven years, Mrs. Mason has continually poured into her students and set them up for the big world of elementary school. She is an amazing teacher who cares about her students as if they were her own children. She goes above and beyond what is considered "teacher's job".
"Her classroom is one of the first a child will ever step into. It is because of her love, patience, and kindness that these preschoolers get the best learning experience. She is truly devoted to giving her all to the position she has been trusted with at Southwest Elementary.
Congratulations Mrs. Brenda Mason, 2021 Dexter Chamber Educator of the Year.
Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Mason, Jason Bean and Worley.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Misti McBride presented the 2021 Organization of the Year Award to The Stoddard County Gospel Mission.
"The Gospel Mission is a nonprofit organization striving to reach people in their desperate time of need. Providing food, nutrition, education, financial planning, clothing, and household items to low-income families who are in dire need throughout our local county is an example of work they do every single day."
"The Mission has been in operation since 1990 and is well established in our community helping approximately 1,200 families with food boxes each month."
"The Mission also operates a thrift stores in Dexter, with another location in Puxico, with clothing and household items that are donated from our community. The proceeds generated by the stores help support the food pantry by allowing them to purchase food items not supplied by grants or government assistance. In addition, the Mission offers nutrition classes and financial planning classes to participants in the food program. The Stoddard County Gospel Mission operates solely on donations from within our amazing community and the proceeds from the thrift stores."
"Their goal is to be the hands and feet doing God's work here on Earth. Over the last 32 years at the mission, they have gone above and beyond what is expected to help those who truly need it. Without their hard work and dedication, the number of families who would be hurting and in desperate need would be astronomical."
"When my mom, Kim Lemon-Youngman, director of the Mission for the past twelve years, called me two weeks ago to let me know that she had been surprised with the Organization of the Year, I was absolutely thrilled for her and the Mission."
"It's an honor that I get to present to you the 2021 Organization of the Year, the Stoddard County Gospel Mission."
Congratulations to Kim and the Stoddard County Gospel Mission on your Organization of the Year Award!
Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, McBride, director of the mission Kim Lemons-Youngman and Jason Bean.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Mark Whitehead presented the 2021 Business of the Year Award to Dexter Cinema. Chris and Alysa Costin are the owners and were unable to attend the banquet.
"Chris began working at the cinema at the age of 16. His grandfather ran the Dexter cinema for 30 years and the reason why Chris is now the proud owner."
"In 202 they purchased the cinema and shortly after taking over the cinema closed from February 28th through March to make remodeling upgrades. Then on March 18th Covid-19 guidelines forced them to shut their doors. They would not open their doors again until June 2020. Even though doors were open, business was not the same. The film industry was hit hard and new movies were not being produced. If new films were not being released, then the enticement of seeing the latest movie in the theaters wasn't there either."
"Then in May of 2021, a vehicle crashed into their front lobby. It wasn't until December that new windows were able to be delivered and installed."
Congratulations to the Dexter Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business of the Year - Dexter Cinema.
Accepting the award for them is from left Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Jason Bean and Whitehead.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Dustin Mayor presented the 2021 Industry of the Year to Rick Shipman Construction.
"Rick Shipman Construction was established in 1991. Throughout its thirty years, this company has been able to employ hundreds, currently having over 120 employees. "
"From commercial, industrial, and retail construction to remodels or retrofits, Rick Shipman Construction contracts services nationwide and has completed projects in nearly all 50 states."
"A few of their most known projects include newly builts and remodels of Walmart stores, Sam's Club stores, and Love's Convenience Stores. Rick Shipman Construction's growth is evident in our community.
"Instead of housing their employees in different locations, they recently built a new building to accommodate everyone under the same roof.
"During their recent building dedication, Rick Shipman dedicated the building to the Lord. To symbolize this dedication, the Christian flag flies in front of the building. It is very humbling to not only know, but to see a business so graciously acknowledge the Lord's presence."
Rick was unable to attend tonight due to a prior commitment.
Congratulations to Rick Shipman Construction on the Dexter Chamber of Commerce 2021 Industry of the Year!
Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Vice President of Rick Shipman Construction Danny Shelto, Rick Shipman's wife Barbara Shipman, Jason Bean and Mayer
