Dexter, Missouri - The 2016 Industry of the Year was named at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
"Industries in Dexter are a big part of our workforce and this Industry has over 600 employees and occupies three buildings in the Willis Conner Industrial Park," stated Jake Nesselrodt. "The original company, Arvin was built in 1974, it merged with Arvin Meritor in 2000, was redesigned as Emcon Technologies in 2007 and in 2010 became Faurecia."
Faurecia is a worldwide automotive supplier of seating, exhaust systems and interiors with 330 sites in 34 countries. In 2015 they created an initiative called "Being Faurecia" and it focused on creating a team that gives back to the community by raising money and volunteering their time on projects.
They have donated to Mother-to-Mother and helped paint the Rainey House. They gave money to the DARE Program and fed 5th grade students pizza for completing the program. They have helped with Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, 18FORE Life, and Shop with a Hero. They recently had 40 volunteers assist with filling holiday baskets at the Stoddard County Gospel Mission and distribute them to the families in need.
The employees of Faurecia once again participated in their FUELS Program which in September 2016 raised 11,000 lbs of food for the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. They had employees volunteer with the Stoddard County Fair Parade and the fairground in September 2016.
Faurecia also buys over $20,000 in Dexter Dollars each year for their employees, either for birthday, Thanksgiving, or just to say Thank You!
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 Faurecia as the 2016 Industry of the Year.
Dexter, Missouri - The 2016 Business of the Year was named at the annual Dexter Chamber of Commerce Awards banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
"We can't express how grateful we are to have such wonderful businesses in Dexter," commented Chamber Director Aaron Mathis. "The nominations this year showed us what a great community we have and that the citizens really appreciate our local businesses."
"Hard work and a dedicated team have made this business a very notable restaurant," continued Mathis. "This business has truly touched the lives of many people an dhas contributed behind the scenes not wanting any credit."
The 2016 Business of the Year is Pizza Hut.
Nine years ago Phil and Pam Ternes purchased the Pizza Hut in Dexter and not have a total of 5 stores. They provided DARE shirts for 5th graders at Central Elementary and gave certificates for pizzas for completing the Book It Reading Program. In the late 1990s they heard that bus drivers didn't have a way of communicating on their daily routes so they donated phones for all 23 bus drivers to make it safer for children.
They have donated to 18 FORELife and host the breakfast for the Chamber of Commerce Industrial Appreciation Week.
Three years ago they gave their corporate office on Stoddard Street in downtown Dexter a facelift to help improve the look coming into the downtown area.
"With their only son by their side, Phil, Pam, and Matt have created such a fun and family atmosphere for their employees and their community," continued Mathis.
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 Pizza Hut as the 2016 Business of the Year!
Shown in the photo from left to right are: Hillary Starnes, Tila Hubrecht, Tony Rushin, Phil Ternes, Pam Ternes, Billy Pat Wright, and Matt Ternes.
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.
Dexter, Missouri - The 2017 Chamber of Commerce Board members were introduced during the annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
Named were Jason Banken with Hickory Log, Aaron Mathis with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home, Rhonda Hall with Bagby Wealth Management, Dr. Ryan Schlief with Schlief Chriopractic, Alisha Trammell with Trammell and Son, Andrea Sisk with Bank of Advance, Chrstine Young with Southern Bank of Poplar Bluff, Kim Norman with Locust Str Flowers, and Jake Nesselrodt with National Title & Escrow.
Shown in the photo from left to right are: Jason Banken, Jake Nesselrodt, Kim Norman, Andrea Sisk, Rhonda Hall, Aaron Mathis, and Alisha Trammell. Not pictured are Dr. Ryan Schlief and Chrstine Young.
Dexter, Missouri - Retiring Chamber President, Debbie Stidham, was recognized for her service to the Dexter Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
Stidham has served on the Board since 2014 and finished her term in December of 2016. She will continue to sit on the Chamber Development Board.
"Thank you fo all that you have done and being a strong leader," stated Hillary Starnes, Executive Director of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce.
Shown in the photo are Debbie Stidham (left) and Hillary Starnes (right).
