Chamber awards banquet highlights achievements of 2023

Each year the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes a citizen who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community service and volunteerism. This year, Terry Sanders, left, was named Citizen of the Year for his hard work, including serving on the Community Foundation of West Plains board, the Senior Age Board of Directors, West Plains City Planning & Zoning Board, Rural LISC, the 2013 City of West Plains Charter Commission Board and the L.E.A.D. West Plains Advisory Board. He has been an employee of Ozark Action for 44 years and is the current executive director. "His tireless commitment to serving the community through volunteerism and education and dry sense of humor makes him the ideal and very deserving Citizen of the Year," said presenter Eric Gibson.

STAFF PHOTOS / KIMBERLY LANGSTON

The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce recognized locally owned and operated Hibby's Sports Grille as its 2023 Customer Service Award winner. Presenter Lana Snodgras, far right, talked about the restaurant's friendly staff, amazing food and overall cleanliness and described it as an "all-around great place to go." From left are owners Mike and Stephanie Hibler.

Lifelong West Plains resident Ken Joplin, at left, was named the 2023 Honorary Member For Life by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, presented by Jon Plummer. Joplin has served on numerous local boards that impacted business and civic growth over several decades, including the chamber Board of Directors, the Ozarks Medical Center (now Ozarks Healthcare) Foundation as chairman and the Ozarks Healthcare board for over 35 years, plus many Chamber committees that strive to promote West Plains and its economic development. Additionally, he has chaired bond campaigns that benefit West Plains schools, brought attention to the area by inviting Missouri governors here and was a recipient of a Missouri Hospital Association Board Award.

The Community Foundation of West Plains presented grant funds to worthy local charities at the year-end Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held Thursday. One of the recipients was The Chaos Closet, also named the Nonprofit Organization of the Year. Both awards were accepted by Chaos Closet Executive Director DeeDee Button, left. Community Foundation of West Plains President Eric Gibson spoke to the organization's work in relieving some of the financial burdens placed on foster parents by providing good, used clothing for children and teens, plus items like underwear that can't be accepted unless new. The $800 donation will be used to purchase new undergarments through Chaos Closet's "Undies For All" project.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace was awarded $1,000 by the Community Foundation of West Plains, to be used to buy materials, bedding and mattresses to build and provide beds to children who have none. The organization was founded in Idaho in 2012, check presenter and local foundation President Eric Gibson, right, noted, and David Ball, receiving the check, started a West Plains chapter of the charity after seeing a local need. The organization's motto and mission is, "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town," and the funds will be used to buy materials and supplies for the beds, built with volunteer labor.

Posted Tuesday, January 23, 2024 3:36 pm

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET

The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony Thursday at the West Plains Civic Center, a night of socializing and celebrating the achievements of educators, volunteers, businesses, charities and individuals and their efforts in making West Plains a great place to live.

The awards ceremony was sponsored by The Dels Corporation, and emceed by chamber outgoing Chairman Joe Kammerer and incoming Chairman Eric Gibson. Award presenters included Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor Dr. Dennis Lancaster, West Plains R-7 Director of Communications Lana Snodgras and chamber immediate past Chair John Plummer.

West Plains Elementary teacher Angela Phipps was recognized by the chamber as Educator of the Year. Hibby's Sports Grille was presented this year’s Customer Service Award.

Ken Joplin was made an Honorary Member For Life; Dr. Dennis Lancaster, Eric Gibson and Joe Kammerer were celebrated as Volunteers of the Year; Terry Sanders was named the chamber’s Citizen of the Year; and Ron Grennan received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

DeeDee and Ed Button, founders of The Chaos Closet resource for foster families in the 37th Judicial Circuit, were presented with an award for Nonprofit Organization of the Year. Business of the Year went to West Plains Bank and Trust Company.

Tracy Jo Hollis-Cooper was honored as Humanitarian of the Year, while Crockett Oaks III and Tonya Oaks were presented the City Beautification Award. Plummer, not just a presenter this year, received the Chairman's Award.

As Community Foundation of West Plains President, Eric Gibson also presented four worthy local charities and community service providers with donations to help further their work. They are Senior Age and Ozark Action Head Start, each receiving $2,500; Sleep In Heavenly Peace, $1,000; and The Chaos Closet, $800.

Chamber awards banquet highlights achievements of 2023

Chili supper raises $700 for Garnett Library

From the Publisher's Desk

Homeward Bound: A Pioneer's Odyssey to the Ozarks

MSU-WP Calendar of events