2025 Awards Banquet Honors Several

The Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the White Magnolia Banquet Hall in Leadington.

Chuck Odle served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He asked Joshua Kennon—First Baptist Church of Park Hills Pastor and 2024 Chamber Board President—to bring the invocation, then recognized distinguished guests in attendance.

The Murder Mystery Company provided unique entertainment for the evening, with an interactive 1920s-themed mafia wedding unfolding around several unexpected murders. The immersive experience was provided courtesy of the Chamber’s Elite Partners; the actors’ performances provided drama and laughter throughout the evening. Some attendees dressed in 1920s attire, which added to the entertainment level of the event.

The social hour began at 5 p.m. with a full cash bar by Fyre Winery and a selection of hors d’oeuvres prepared by caterers Glenda Straughn, Anne Strangmeier, Coleen Williams, and Sharon Meier. At 6:30 p.m., Straughn and crew presented an Italian-style meal with several pasta entrees, citrus broccoli Normandy, green beans, salad, and garlic bread. A wide assortment of desserts was available after the meal.

Recognition of Chamber Leadership

Retired board member and former president Ronni Conley, of KBH Realty, was recognized for her six years of service to the chamber.

Joshua Kennon was recognized as the Immediate Past President and was described as a steadfast leader who guided the Chamber through challenges and triumphs with unwavering dedication and vision.

The 2025 Board of Directors, officers, and members were recognized: President: Brenda Jordan with Prestige Trucking; First Vice President: Tom Abel with the Lunch Lady Food Truck; Second Vice President: Brooke Maynard with Four Towns Brewing Company; Treasurer: Yvette Smith with First State Community Bank; Chamber Executive Director: Tammi Coleman; City of Park Park Hills Ex-Officio: Zachary Franklin, Park Hills City Administrator; City of Leadington Ex-Officio: Dustin McKinney, Leadington Mayor; Director: Dr. Joe Gilgour, President of Mineral Area College; Director: Chris Hulsey with Hulsey Properties; Director: Andy Inman with Andy’s Garage; Director: Terry “T.J.” Isgrig with the St. Francois County Ambulance District; Director: Zech Payne, Assistant Superintendent with Central R-3 School District; Parks Peterson, St. Francois County Treasurer; and Director Glenda Straughn with the White Magnolia Banquet Hall.

The St. Francois County Rotary Club’s ‘Service Above Self Award’

The St. Francois County Rotary Club’s ‘Service Above Self Award’ was presented by Rotarian Maddie Erwin to Adam Bowers.

“St. Francois County Rotary Club recognizes individuals in our community who exemplify our motto of ‘service above self.’ We proudly present the Service Above Self Award to Mr. Adam Bowers this year. Adam has significantly impacted local scouting programs by helping local groups maintain resiliency and grow through and after the COVID pandemic,” Erwin said. “Through his various positions, he has been a strong advocate for youth in need who want to join Scouting programs. Adam has been recognized as North County High School Teacher of the Year for two years and has educated youth there for 15 years. He has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer, an alderman for Park Hills, and the Council President for Esther Methodist United Church.” Proud father Mike Bowers accepted the award on his son’s behalf.

KFMO B-104 'Kelly Valle Sweat Equity' Award

Chelley Odle, the owner and managing partner of KFMO and B-104 radio stations, presented Judge Brice Sechrest with the KFMO B-104 Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award.

“The Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award represents more than just hard work. It embodies a deep-seated commitment to community investment and the power to inspire others. Brice Sechrest doesn’t just meet these criteria–he exceeds them. His dedication serves as a beacon, inspiring others to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the betterment of our community. In him, we see the culmination of generations of community service combined with a forward-thinking approach to addressing our current challenges. His work reminds us that true community leadership is about more than visibility. He honors his family’s legacy but also paves the way for future generations to understand the true meaning of community service,” Odle said.

The KREI KTJJ '110%' Award

Jessica Shipman presented Clint Price with the KREI KTJJ 110% Award. Price was described as a man who always tries to remain behind the scenes and will go to great lengths to ensure that others receive credit.

Shipman said, “He has donated water and Gatorade to the Firecracker Run; organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey, ham, and grocery giveaways; sponsors countless events around the county. Sometimes, he has paid the sponsorship fee and put someone else’s name on the logo or the sponsorship. It was a little over a year ago, but he donated all of the food and the time to organize a fundraiser that ultimately raised $15,000 for the Central School District to pay off school lunch debts. He did that for the North County as well.”

Chamber Director Tom Abel told Shipman Price’s superpower is “to give, and always give someone else the credit.” He said Price is the “ultimate yes man,” always willing to feed someone or pay for someone’s groceries at any of his five Save-a-Lot stores. Chamber Director Terry Isgrig told Shipman that he knew of a family needing food and had contacted Clint to purchase some gift cards. Price not only assisted with Isgrig’s card purchase, he matched it. Isgrig said Price has done this countless times.

The Daily Journal 'Citizen of the Year' Award

Dan Schunks presented the Daily Journal’s Citizen of the Year Award to restauranteur Jeff Lin who owns First Wok in Farmington and Park Hills. Schunks said the Daily Journal takes great pride in sponsoring the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award.

“It is an award that recognizes an individual’s efforts, not only for the year but for the continued commitment to improving the community and its residents. This is accomplished over some time. Rewarding such an individual is a small way of communicating our thanks for their tireless and often anonymous contributions to business and humanity.”

“I learned of an individual who is successful in business but also shares his success with those who need support. Those who, like himself, have dreams but need assistance making them happen. Life has not been easy for our recipient, but he has excelled through perseverance and commitment to excellence, never forgetting the helping hand given to him and his family. Depth of character is never trumpeted by the individual. Instead, it is exhibited through their actions and the results of those actions.

“This evening’s recipient has that helping hand of a consistent basis supporting backpack programs and a scholarship program for those building their future and in the present, supporting veterans and first responders, as well as helping those in need. Tonight, our award recipient shows us that success and empathy are indeed compatible. And as he builds through his actions, he builds not just a better business but a better community,” Schunks said.

Lin accepted the award and addressed the audience.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award and to be recognized as a part of such a wonderful community. I moved to Farmington in 2003 and opened my first store in downtown Farmington. The support from the community has been not only for the restaurant but also for my family. It has meant the world to us. I will never forget how the customers brought new books, school supplies, toys, and new clothes for my daughter, Megan. They treated us like their own family. It’s been an incredible experience to give back to a community that gives us so much. Thank you all for making us feel so at home here,” Lin said.

Lifetime Contribution Award: Ginger Williams

Doug McDermott presented the chamber’s Lifetime Contribution Award to Ginger Williams, the recently retired Director of Missouri Community Improvement Industries (MCII). This award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to their community and field over an extended period.

“For nearly 40 years, Ginger’s devoted her career to helping MCII improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them dignified, safe employment,” McDermott said. “As a 10-year member of MCII’s board of directors, I’ve seen firsthand the many facets of Ginger’s leadership. They go far beyond what the title of a general manager could ever encompass. Her vision has helped hundreds of real people experience the value of work in a place where they also feel a special sense of belonging. Her creativity and initiative to find every opportunity to maximize the workshop’s offerings and serve our manufacturing customers have helped local businesses thrive.”

“Her keen ability to convince people to join in her meaningful cause has given board members, volunteers, community leaders, and legislators a special gift of getting to know and love a unique group of people we may have never met otherwise. Her deep love of family and friends and her willingness to share them with her workshop family sets an example that work and personal life don’t have to be separate. Her bright smile and some of the best hugs I have ever had let the people she encounters know that they matter and that she cares for each one of them as individuals,” McDermott said.

Williams accepted the award and said she would always advocate for MCII.

“My life has been enriched. I’ve been blessed. And honestly, I don’t feel like I should be the one to receive the award because it’s just been such a blessing and a joy in my life. We also have a workforce that is, we can brag about the fact that our employees show up every day and that they take pride in their work. I would ask that anyone unfamiliar with MCII and the services we offer, that you keep that in mind,” Williams said.

Lifetime Contribution Award: Debbie Bunch

Chamber President Brenda Jordan presented Debbie Bunch with the Lifetime Contribution Award. Jordan said the award recognizes community involvement and contributions and that Debbie Bunch has left an indelible mark on our community.

“We reflect on a career and a life dedicated to service, leadership, and community building. Debbie exemplifies the values of our region. Her remarkable 17-year journey at New Era Bank from 2005 until her retirement in 2022 is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and leadership abilities. Debbie’s impact extends far beyond banking. Her dedication to community service is evident through her numerous leadership roles. She currently serves on the New Era Bank Advisory Board as a board member for the United Way of St. Francis County and holds the position of Treasurer for the St. Francis County Industrial Development Authority,” Jordan said.

A former member of the Park Hills Lions Club and past president of the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber, she has shown unwavering commitment to local development and community welfare.

“One of Debbie’s most notable contributions was the creation of the Chamber’s Firecracker Run in 2004. This beloved community event, which ran for two decades, united our community and promoted healthy living while supporting local initiatives. Her vision and dedication to this event exemplify her ability to create lasting, meaningful impacts.”

Legacy Awards

Dr. Kinch Jones

Two large easels sat covered on opposite corners of the stage. The one on the left was unveiled to reveal a portrait of Dr. Kinch Jones, who passed away on September 2, 2024.

Era Gibson presented the first Legacy Award of the evening, honoring Jones’ memory and the legacy of his many contributions to the Parkland community. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, he was the first in his family to achieve a higher education. He attended the Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee, where he met the love of his life, Joyce. She said that was the beginning of their life—and adventures—together.

“This was during the Vietnam War, and after college, she moved to Houston, Texas. After basic, he and Joyce were married and stationed at Fort Leonard, where he sometimes saw over 100 patients a day and said it was the best training he could have received. After his service, he had planned on returning to Illinois to practice optometry and settle down,” Gibson said.

Fate intervened when a friend at an optical lab in St. Louis informed him about the need for an optometrist in Flat River. He opened his practice in July 1966 at 212 West Main in Flat River, and when he went on a courtesy call to introduce himself to the local part-time optometrist, Dr. Morgan ended up selling his practice and patient records to Jones.

”Kinch was a visionary. He could see potential in what could be, and Joyce helped bring the vision to fruition. They were a team in every sense. They became significantly involved in the community in several partnerships. Kinch’s word, or handshake, was better than any contract you would get today. He was a man of his word, and Joyce said they did several deals with handshakes,” Gibson said.

While serving on the First State Community Bank’s Board of Directors, if he knew a family that the loan committee didn’t approve for a home loan, Jones would sometimes put up a personal certificate of deposit as collateral; families were never aware of how he had helped them achieve the dream of home ownership. Other boards where he served included Mineral Area College and the Lions Club. He and Joyce were also very committed to volunteerism with the Meals on Wheels Program.

Joyce Jones graciously accepted the award in her husband’s memory.

Leonard Henson, Jr.

The remaining easel was unveiled to reveal a portrait of Leonard H. Henson Jr., who passed away on April 10, 2024.

Notable citizen Harvey Faircloth presented the second Legacy Award in memory of Henson and the mark he left on the Parkland community, where he always served with a smile. He said, “Most of you know I’m a Mineral Area College fan. I had planned on being there tonight for a homecoming basketball game against Three Rivers–big rivalry–and then I got a phone call. Would I consider giving this award? And when they told me who it was, MAC was set aside for the night. It is such an honor to be picked to give this award. This is a legacy award, and I had to look up and see for sure what is a legacy. The award says it encapsulates the enduring imprint shaped by one’s actions, values, and contributions.

“I first became acquainted with Lenny Henson in 1980 when I joined the Park Hills Lions Club. He always had a smile on his face, which I later learned many times because he was getting ready to play a practical joke or was on the receiving end of one. As much of a participant as he was in these activities, he was one of the hardest working members in the club and served as treasurer for many years.”

Faircloth said Henson grew up in what was formerly known as Elvins. He graduated high school and then served his country for four years in the US Marine Corps.

“When he returned home, he had a successful career in the banking business, eventually serving as president of First Bank in Park Hills, where he and his friends and family have memories of his 1972 red Ford with glass packs that he loved to show off, singing to his grandkids, his love for good food, his special cologne, and of course, his fur babies,” Faircloth said.

“He was perhaps more widely known throughout the region for being Flat River’s last mayor and Park Hills’s first mayor. The benefits of consolidating Flat River, Esther, Elvins, and Rivermines are evident.”

Sharon Henson graciously accepted the award in her husband’s memory.

Elite Partners

As the night concluded, final recognitions were given to the Park Hills – Leadington Chamber’s 2025 Elite Partners. The Elite Partner program represents the pinnacle of chamber membership, offering premier businesses enhanced visibility and exclusive benefits. This distinguished group of community leaders actively contributes to chamber initiatives and community development while enjoying year-round promotional opportunities and special recognition at chamber events. This year’s Elite Partners include Domino’s Pizza, Belgrade State Bank, First State Community Bank, Prairie Farms Dairy, Park Hills Chevrolet, Kevin Ball Auto Body, Parkland Health Center, Home Pools & Spas, Unico Bank, C Z Boyer & Son Funeral Homes, Kary Buckley Towing, Leadbealt Properties, and The White Magnolia Banquet Hall.

This article was written by Lisa Brotherton-Barnes a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer in cooperation with Tammi Coleman, Executive Director of the Park Hills – Leadington Chamber of Commerce.