The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce presented nine awards during its annual banquet held Feb. 3 at Pine Meadows Venue on Highway 76 in Willow Springs.
Live music performed by Brady Walton entertained 194 attendees, who dined on a menu provided by Leslie’s Catering, officials reported.
Awards presented include the Lifetime Achievement Award, to Jim Plowman; Citizen of the Year, Dean Aye; Volunteer of the Year, Philip Chafin; Community Spirit Award, Robert Hollis Shelter Insurance, including employees Brittney Collins and Kim Blankenship along with Hollis; Small Business of the Year, Children’s Behavioral Services; Large Business of the Year, Jasper Engines & Transmissions; Educator of the Year, Willow Springs Elementary first grade teacher Nikki Wake; Youth of the Year, Willow Springs High School senior Emma Spence; and Leadership Award, Kim Fredrick.
“Each of the award winners exemplify the very best of Willow Springs and we are very proud to honor each of them,” said chamber Director Kim McCormick.
McCormick credited the evening’s “huge success” to the effort given by seven Willow Springs Future Business Leaders of America and Junior Chamber members: Lili Leija, Allie Martin, Alex Moritz, Jackson Lee, Mason Owens, Luke Mansfield and Spence, noting, “They are proof that the future of our business community looks very bright.”
Prizes given away by random drawing through the evening were sponsored by Howell County News, Coastal Energy/FMC, Mainstreet Wellness Center, Robert Hollis Shelter Insurance, Everything Longer, Bear Crossing Truck Wash & Tire Center, Willow Healthcare, Bright Glow Esthetics by Hanah, C&R Gun & Pawn, Waggoner True Value Hardware, Cross Hairs Salon, Ozarks Family YMCA, Ozark Sweetest Bakery, Pizza Americana, Simmons Bank, West Plains Bank and Trust Company, Blue Buck Flower Farm, G&W Foods, H&M Ranch Store, Good Graces Pharmacy, Tammy Schulz Artworks, Missouri Home Realty, Mid-Ozark Insurance, Penmac Staffing and Leslie’s Catering.
