Joplin Area Chamber Of Commerce Recognizes Community and Business Leaders

JOPLIN, MO --   A special recognition was also presented to City Manager Mark Rohr, School Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff, former Mayor Mike Woolston, and Chamber President Rob O'brian for their leadership helping the business community recover from the May 22nd tornado.

Director of Communications for the Joplin Area Chamber Of Commerce Kirstie Smith says the business community has a lot to celebrate this year.  "You know we've got great news to report.  Almost 80% of our businesses that were damaged or destroyed, have already reopened."  Smith says.  "And we've really tried to make sure we have resources available for those businesses."

Here is a complete list of awards presented to companies and individuals this evening. 

Outstanding Citizen of the Year sponsored by Southwest Missouri Bank

Jane Cage

Golden Apple Awards sponsored by The Empire District Electric Company and Warten, Fisher, Lee and Brown, LLC.

K-2 category - Karen Evans, Kelsey Norman Elementary School
3-5 category - Brandi Landis, Kelsey Norman Elementary School
6-8 category - Ivan Obert, South Middle School
9-12 category - Jeff Brown, Joplin High School
74 teachers from Joplin public and private schools were nominated by students, parents and coworkers. The Golden Apple Awards program, in its 27th year, is designed to recognize excellence in the teaching profession.

Small and Large Industry of the Year, sponsored by the Joplin Business Industrial and Development Corporation

Every year a manufacturing, transportation or utility company is recognized as the Large and Small Industry of the Year for exhibiting substantial growth and creativity in addressing operating obstacles. The winners must make an ongoing commitment to the community as a company and through their employees.

Large Industry of the Year
Hampshire Pet Products

Small Industry of the Year
The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Mid-America

Small Business of the Year sponsored by BKD,
LLP

The Small Business of the Year Awards program is our opportunity to recognize the importance of small business to the economy, job growth, new products & services. Presenting Sponsor of the awards is BKD, LLP.

1-10 Employee Category
State Farm Insurance - Kyle Hickam Agency

11-50 Employee Category
Anderson Engineering, Inc.

Not for Profit Category
ACCESS Family Care