The Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated another successful year with an awards banquet held at the Sedalia Country Club Thursday night.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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Chamber Executive Director Angie Thomas, now in her fourth year, was every pleased with the tireless efforts of all her 262 Chamber members.

“Everybody's been so good to the Chamber, and we have some outstanding Chamber members that just can't go unnoticed," Thomas said.

Thomas said that the Chamber focuses on the "full spectrum" of business -- from manufacturers and entrepreneurs to small business owners as well as big "box-top" companies.

"We're really excited that SFCC now has a new, small business technology center, and Chris Hines is the new director for that. And we've already met with him, and started to work with him on some of the small businesses in trying to help them," she told KSIS just prior to the dinner.

A total of 10 awards were presented to various individuals and committees that promoted the Chamber over the past year.

Phyllis Domann was named Volunteer of the Year, Karl Kramer received the Outstanding Citizen Award as well as the Past President Award, Greg Hopper received the Lifetime Membership Award, while Liz Butterbaugh was named Amabassador of the Year.

Tough Mudder Comittee was named the Chamber's Committee of the Year, and The Use Tax Committee was given the Sedalia Progress Award.

Callis Integrated Marketing was presented with the President's Award, while 1 Million Cups was recognized as Special Project of the Year.

Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, who was unable to attend the dinner, was recognized with the Chamber's Spirit Award. Tibbets will be transferred to Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.

Incoming Chamber President John Meehan also presented his thoughts on the upcoming year.

New Executive Committee officers were also named at the banquet: Susan Mergen, President Elect; Cheryl Barnson, VP of Community; Ahrazue Wilt, VP Membership; and Robert Marsch, VP Business.

On Thursday, April 13, the newest Sedalia Leadership Class will graduate, Thomas noted. The event will happen immediately following the Chamber's monthly breakfast at Best Western.

Also coming up is the Chamber's Annual Whiteman Wreath-Laying Ceremony in mid-May, followed by a golf tournament in June.

In the top photo: Outgoing Chamber President Karl Kramer is presented with the "Velvet Hammer," or Past President Award by Chamber Executive Director Angie Thomas Thursday night at the Sedaluia County Club.

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