Dexter, Missouri - The 2016 Organization of the Year was announced at the annual Dexter Chamber of Commerce banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2017. 

Rhonda Hall of Bagby Wealth Management awarded the Organization of the Year Award.

"Being a native of Dexter and residing here most of my life it is a great honor to stand before you and present to you the 2016 Organization of the Year," commented Hall.

"Dexter has several great organizations that do a lot for the community.  This organization stood out the most for their tireless efforts to bring awareness and excitement to Dexter," continued Hall.  "This is a group made of individuals who all have different backgrounds in business and come together as one to increase foot traffic to their stores and others.  15 years ago this group came together and said 'We aren't going to let Dexter lose its beautiful downtown'.

The 2016 Organization of the Year is the Historic Downtown Dexter Association (HDDA).

They have increased awareness to the downtown area and provided several great events for people not only from our community, but form all over to enjoy.  Some of the events include Hop into Downtown, Pictures with the Easter Bunny, Santa Pictures, Moonlight Madness, Shop Local Campaign, Pen Houses, Pageants, and Fall Fest.

These events bring to Dexter over 50 vendors and hundreds of people.  This organization really focuses on the awareness of why shopping local is important and why a thriving downtown is so important.  They are planning for another big year of making a difference in our community!

Tila Hubrecht, 151st State Representative and Billy Pat Wright, Field Representative for Senator Doug Libla were also on hand to present Missouri House and Senate Resolutions.

Congratulations to the Historic Downtown Dexter Association!

Shown in the photo from left to right: Hillary Starnes, Tila Hubrecht, Ashley Miller, Peggy Barks, Billy Pat Wright, Alisha Trammell, and Kathleen Dover.