Sullivan Chamber Awards Honors With Record Attendance

The Sullivan Chamber of Commerce had a record crowd of more than 400 people in attendance Saturday, Feb. 17 for the 2017 annual Awards Banquet, which recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations in the community for their services and efforts during the year.

The event, held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, brought wonderful use of the hall's new video screens providing a review and photographs of all award nominees during the nights pre-award activities.

Guests enjoyed appetizers and a full dinner catered by Barn ’n Grill Catering and music by Hysteria Sound, prior to the awards ceremony beginning.

Paul Lang, 2018 Chamber President addressed those in attendance along with Chamber Director Shawna Speaks, Sullivan Mayor Dennis Watz, KTUI’s Radio John Rice and Meramec Community Fair 2017 Queen Natalie Lambing.

Col. Robbie Berti and Chamber Board member Byron Thurmond conducted a live auction of items benefiting the Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to this event, Thurmond, who also serves as Meramec Community Fair Board Vice President, announced that country rising star Lindsay Ell will perform at this years Meramec Community Fair, see related article in this weeks issue of Sullivan Independent News.

The first award to be presented Saturday night was the 2017 Beautification Award, which was presented by Mike Hoffman and Dale Cottrell, Bank of Sullivan, sponsors of the award.

The nominees were Medlin Pet Company, Nancy Boyster and Harney Mansion Foundation.

The award was presented to Medlin Pet Company, owners Cole and Taylor Medlin.

The 2017 Educator of the Year Award nominees were Mary Lisa Ackerman, Angie Blue, Sandra Fuchs, Becky Melton, Jessi Payne and Saundra Schneider. Christina Sego, 2016 Educator of the Year and Barbie Hoke, representing First Community National Bank, award sponsor, presented the award to Sandra Fuchs.

Franklin County Second District Commissioner Dave Hinson and Missouri House Rep. District 119 Nate Tate, sponsor of the 2017 First Responder Hero Award, presented the nominees: Sullivan Police Officer Daniel Adams, Sullivan Firefighter Gary Midyett, Sullivan Firefighter Nick White and Sullivan Firefighter Trevor Woods. The award was presented to Firefighter Gary Midyett.

Jerry Thurmond, of Gospel Hoot n Nanny, 2016 Public Service Award recipient, and Byron Thurmond, chamber banquet committee member presented the Town and Country Bank-sponsored Public Service Award. The nominees were: Fraternal Order of Eagles, Kathy Berti and Paul Kamp, Kecia Philpot, Life House Youth Center, Lori Jane Perdew and Sullivan Community Toy Drive. The award was presented to Life House Youth Center.

The 2017 Healthy Organization award was presented by Natalie Parks, banquet committee member and Jari Dawson, representing Sink’s Pharmacy, sponsor of the award. The nominees were: Anytime Fitness, Missouri Baptist Therapy and Wellness, Show Me CPR and Personal Safety and Sullivan CrossFit. The award was presented to Sullivan CrossFit.

2016 Young Lady of the Year award recipient LeighAnn Allen was joined by Debbie Mathews Dixon, First State Community Bank, sponsor of the 2017 award. The nominees were: Logan Bartle, Alex Blankenship, Lauren Hoffman, Bria Jones, Libby Jones, Lauren Justice and Clare Shetley. The award was presented to Alex Blankenship.

The 2016 Young Man of the Year award recipient Ben Morrow was joined by Kyle Hoffstetter, representing First State Community Bank, award sponsor to present the 2017 Young Man of the Year Award. The nominees were: Korbin Bennett, Caleb Brendel, Aaron Mesey, Wyatt Schmidt, Landan Wiese and Casen Zelch. The award was presented to Wyatt Schmidt.

The 2016 Woman of the Year, Michelle Beckett and 2015 Woman of the Year, Dr. Debbie Depew, presented the 2017 Woman of the Year award. The nominees were: Julie Carey, Natalie Counts, Chris Dace and Jennifer Massie-Fadler. The award was presented to Jennifer Massie-Fadler.

J.T. Hardy, 2016 Sullivan Man of the Year was joined on stage by Nathan Elbert, representing Peoples Bank, award sponsor, to present the 2017 Man of the Year. The nominees were: T.J. Carey, Kyle Counts, Byron Thurmond and Stefan Wehmeyer. The award was presented to Stefan Wehmeyer.

Haden Lock, Heartland Farms, 2016 Business of the Year award winner was joined on stage by John Rice-Fidelity Broadcasting, sponsor of the award. The nominees were: Fidelity Communications, Jimmy John’s-Torrey Woodcock, JV Contracting, Kids Village West, Mercy Clinic Family Medicine, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital and Starbucks. The award was a tie vote going to Jimmy John’s and Starbucks.