Jefferson City business and community leaders capped an exciting week by celebrating its members' positive contributions and achievements Friday night at the annual Chamber of Commerce Gala.
Special Olympics Missouri announced Tuesday that it would build its new training campus in Jefferson City, a months-long effort that included the work of the chamber, the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department, Lincoln University and the owners of Land Investments, who donated the site.
"This is a good example of many entities working together for the good of the community - no personal agendas, no politics, just working together to achieve positive results," said Greg Bexten, 2015 chamber board chairman. "I pledge to you that the chamber will continue to work with the city, the county and our business partners to grow our community. We will continue to bring entities to the table to discuss economic development projects as we work toward shared goals."
The gala, with the theme "Shine On," offered an opportunity not only to reflect on the year's successes, but to applaud the people who contributed to them.
The William W. Quigg Award, given annually to a person who has demonstrated lifelong leadership and dedication to the Jefferson City community, was given to Phil Freeman, of Freeman Mortuary, who has served as past president of the United Way, YMCA and Capital Region Medical Center Foundation, and has chaired a variety of community fund drives including those for renovations at Adkins Stadium and the final phase of the fund drive for the Miller Performing Arts Center. Freeman currently serves as chairman of the Old Town Redevelopment Board, and was instrumental in passing the city's half-cent sales tax for community betterment.
Bob Gilbert, 2014 chamber board chairman, introduced Freeman as "a distinguished leader who is dedicated to all aspects of the quality of life - recognizing a need for a thriving business sector, a social and charitable network meeting residents' needs, as well as a local government that is wise and discerning in its governing and progressive and proactive in its strategic planning.
"His passion for his community and his resolve to provide a better quality of life for future generations has been his motivation for community involvement," Gilbert said.
Freeman's advice to those in attendance illustrated the sentiment.
"To the young people that are here tonight, you are the future of our community. By being here tonight you embody our community," Freeman said. "Please serve on chamber boards, the United Way, on city and county commissions. If there's one thing I've learned, it is easy to identify problems, but it is much more difficult to solve the problems. I challenge everyone here tonight to leave reinvigorated not only in identifying the problems, but in solving the problems."
Cary Gampher, of Architects Alliance, accepted the Chamber Meritorious Civic Service Award, which honors an individual who has gone above and beyond expectations in service to the community. A Jefferson City Public Schools graduate, Gampher served three years building a safe drinking water system in the Philippines with the Peace Corps before serving as a Red Cross volunteer assisting with the Philippines Evacuation in Olympia, Washington, and in Oklahoma City at the time of the Murrah Federal Building bombing.
"It is clear our award recipient believes in community service no matter where he is, and we are very fortunate he returned to Jefferson City," Bexten said.
Gampher is a past member of the chamber board of directors and has offered pro-bono design assistance for the Greenway Art Program, Capitol Cork renovation, Veterans Tribute at Freedom Center, Holts Summit Veterans Memorial and Rotary Park.
The Chairman's Award went to Janet Weckenborg, of Capital Region Medical Center, who has volunteered with the chamber in many capacities by serving on the chamber board and executive committee, and as a focus area leader.
"This individual sees the whole picture of what the chamber is and does," Gilbert said. "Her organization's motto is "Better. Every day,' which motivates her not only in her professional career but in all her leadership roles. In turn, her leadership motivates everyone who works with her to achieve the goal of becoming better every day."
Weckenborg also was one of the original organizers of the chamber's Big Idea Sharing process.
Andy Fechtel of Fechtel Beverage received the third annual Fast Forward Award, given to a young professional making a difference in the community.
"This young man is proud to call Jefferson City home and believes it is his responsibility to give back to the community," Gilbert said, noting Fechtel's volunteer service to the Capital Region Board of Governors, 2013 Boys & Girls Club "Cork, Fork & Brews" event, and United Way as 2013 and 2014 campaign co-chair. "Representing the fourth generation in his family's business, he's proud of the legacy he is continuing."
Bexten wrapped up the event by encouraging attendees to continue their efforts to support the Jefferson City community.
"It is the chamber's responsibility to shine a light on the great attributes of our community and to continue to work toward making our community a city on a hill that cannot be hid," he said. "Each of you as a member of the chamber and as a member of our community is responsible for being a shining light, a positive supporter of our mission. Together we can accomplish a great deal."