2022 Dexter Chamber Banquet

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Citizen of the Year - Scott Kruse: Tara Barker presented the award saying "He has done some remarkable things for our community throughout his time here. In 2000, along with his brother Ben and a small group of friends, Scott Kruse created the 18 Fore Life Charity. Ben Kruse, a part of the heart behind 18 Fore Life, departed this world too quickly but Scott was determined to carry on his legacy and keep their dream alive. His driving force and energy has been funneled into countless volunteers and events that have allowed the charity to send out over three million dollars in love offerings as of 2021." Kruse was also recognized for the money he has raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and his work as principal of T.S. Hill Middle School. Pictured from left is Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell, Representative Herman Morse, Kruse, senator Jason Bean and Barker.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Misti McBride presents the Organization of the Year award.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Chamber director Mark Whitehead presents the Business of the Year award.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Chamber President Dustin Mayer introduces the 2022 Dexter Chamber Board of Directors.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Chris Guethle leads the opening prayer.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell delivers her opening remarks dressed as a gorilla. She dressed as such due to the theme of the event being wildlife based and to signify the chamber was willing to think outside of the box for the community and its businesses. The sponsors of the event were designated as gorillas, lions or zebras depending on the sponsorship they purchased.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell delivered the closing remarks.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Educator of the Year - Brenda Mason: Dexter School Board President Ben Worley presented the award saying "All our teachers go above and beyond for their students, but one has stood out this year. Mrs. Brenda Mason is a preschool teacher at Southwest Elementary. For twenty-seven years, Mrs. Mason has continually poured into her students and set them up for the big world of elementary school. She is an amazing teacher who cares about her students as if they were her own children. She goes above and beyond what is considered a "teacher's jobÂ." Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Mason, Jason Bean and Worley.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Organization of the Year - Stoddard County Gospel Mission: Misti McBride presented the award saying "The Stoddard County Gospel Mission is a nonprofit organization striving to reach people in their desperate time of need. Providing food, nutrition education, financial planning, clothing, and household items to low-income families who are in dire need throughout our county is an example of the work they do every single day. The mission has been in operation since 1990 and is well established in our community helping approximately 1,200 families with food boxes each month." She said the mission also operates a thrift store in Dexter and Puxico with clothing and household items donated by the community. Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, McBride, director of the mission Kim Lemons-Youngman and Jason Bean.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Industry of the Year - Rick Shipman Construction: Chamber President Dustin Mayer presented the award saying "Rick Shipman Construction was established in 1991. Throughout its thirty years, this company has been able to employ hundreds, currently having approximately 120 employees on staff. From commercial, industrial, and retail construction to remodels or retrofits, Rick Shipman Construction contracts services nationwide and has completed projects in nearly all 50 states. A few of their most known projects include newly built and remodels of Walmart's, Sam's Clubs, and Love's Convenience Stores. Rick Shipman Construction's growth is evident in our community. Instead of housing their employees in different locations, they recently built a new building to accommodate everyone under the same roof." Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Vice President of Rick Shipman Construction Danny Shelton, Rick Shipman's wife Barbara Shipman, Jason Bean and Mayer. Rick Shipman was unable to attend due to another commitment.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Business of the Year - Dexter Theater: Mark Whitehead presented the award saying "The movies can take you to any place in the world, let you be anyone you want to be, and land you in the past, present or future. That first movie experience is what always brought us back for more. It's the reason Chris Costin's grandfather ran the Dexter Cinema for 30 years, and the reason why Chris is now the proud owner. The love for movies is what has kept Chris and Alysa going. They have not had an easy experience as business owners. Chris began working at the Dexter Cinema at the age of 16. His love for the movies is what led him to purchase the Dexter Cinema in February of 2020." Whitehead also spoke of the difficulties the business had to work through including a remodel, the COVID-19 pandemic and a vehicle going through the front window. Chris and Alysa Costin were unable to attend the event. Accepting the award for them is from left Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Jason Bean and Whitehead.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

the 2022 Dexter Chamber Board of Directors: Alisha Trammell, Leslie Ackman, Misti McBride, Linda Ulm, Mark Whitehead, Matt Harris, Tara Barker, Kim Williams and President Dustin Mayer. Not pictured is Tiffany Wright.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Retiring Chamber President Cecil Hayley was honored for his service to the chamber. Also honored was retiring director Maddie Guethle who was unable to attend attend. Pictured are Alisha Trammell, Hayley and Dustin Mayer.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Chamber director Tara Barker present the Citizen of the Year award.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

Dexter School Board President Ben Worley present the Educator of the Year Award.Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The 2022 Dexter Chamber Banquet was held Friday evening at the Lair Event Center. The meal served was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Representative Herman Morse and senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.

Links

Support Guide

Sitemap Terms Privacy