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Dr. Woodrow Burt, who is retiring this year as president of Hannibal-LaGrange University, was honored with a standing ovation when he received the 2012 Pacesetter Award from the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Before presenting Burt his award, 2011 Pacesetter winner Frank Salter listed some of Burt’s numerous accomplishments since becoming president 18 years ago. Burt has been with HLGU for 33 years.
Burt was among numerous people and organizations recognized for their community service at the chamber’s 103rd annual meeting and banquet at the Quality Inn & Suites.
Dr. Cindy Lovell, executive director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, received the Community Betterment Award. She was recognized for the production and distribution of the “Mark Twain Words & Music” CD. Later Lovell noted the museum’s 100th anniversary will be on May 15 of this year, and events are being planned for all year.
General Mills was named Civic Contributor of the Year, with the award received by Lori Dowil. She said General Mills’ more than 900 employees are “truly honored to be asked to help.”
Terry Sampson, who ended four years as the chamber’s executive director on Saturday, also was honored. The 2011 president, John Ravenscraft, listed some of the chamber’s accomplishments during the past year under Sampson’s leadership, such as moving its offices to 201 Broadway at the corner of Main and Broadway, supporting MoDOT’s Bolder Five Year Direction, a discussion of bringing Amtrak to Hannibal and the “Live Local” program that encourages local shopping. Ravenscraft invited the public to use the new web site, hannibalchamber.org, which he said is having “900 hits per day.”
The new executive director is McKenzie Disselhorst.
Ravenscraft then introduced Ron Hendren, the new president. Hendren focused on the banquet theme, “It’s personal,” to share some childhood experiences that illustrated the importance of having pride in your profession. He said at age 7 he was bought a pair of shoes by his grandfather, who was proud that he had made the shoes, as foreman at the International Shoe Co.
Hendren listed several local drug stores that he recalled from his childhood and said “it was a neighborhood thing. ... They made their living by being personal and giving you what you needed.” He said the chamber’s goal “should always be providing a positive influence.”
Among highlights of the evening was a look at what the current Toms and Beckys have been doing since beginning their duties on July 4, 2011. Tom and Becky, Logan Locke and Jessica Taylor, gave an amusing account of the activities as they were viewed on screen.
The Chamber Ambassadors were recognized, and Angie Gooding was named Ambassador of the Year. Also, the “highest point” Ambassadors team was honored. Members are Guy East, Ed Trotter, Barb Steinman, Megan Rapp, Connie Benson, Julie Leverenz, Mary Gibbons, Ron Hendren, Joe Yarbrough, Beth Knight and Ginny Webb.
New Emeritus Ambassadors announced were Dan Griffen, Megan Rapp and Joan Bogart.
Honored as retiring board members were Dr. Richard Draper, Ron Hendren, Matt Oleksy, John Ravenscraft and Susan Till.
Debbie Catlett, whose term also was expiring, will remain on the board because she is the president-elect.
Dr. Woodrow Burt, who is retiring this year as president of Hannibal-LaGrange University, was honored with a standing ovation when he received the 2012 Pacesetter Award from the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Before presenting Burt his award, 2011 Pacesetter winner Frank Salter listed some of Burt’s numerous accomplishments since becoming president 18 years ago. Burt has been with HLGU for 33 years.
Burt was among numerous people and organizations recognized for their community service at the chamber’s 103rd annual meeting and banquet at the Quality Inn & Suites.
Dr. Cindy Lovell, executive director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, received the Community Betterment Award. She was recognized for the production and distribution of the “Mark Twain Words & Music” CD. Later Lovell noted the museum’s 100th anniversary will be on May 15 of this year, and events are being planned for all year.
General Mills was named Civic Contributor of the Year, with the award received by Lori Dowil. She said General Mills’ more than 900 employees are “truly honored to be asked to help.”
Terry Sampson, who ended four years as the chamber’s executive director on Saturday, also was honored. The 2011 president, John Ravenscraft, listed some of the chamber’s accomplishments during the past year under Sampson’s leadership, such as moving its offices to 201 Broadway at the corner of Main and Broadway, supporting MoDOT’s Bolder Five Year Direction, a discussion of bringing Amtrak to Hannibal and the “Live Local” program that encourages local shopping. Ravenscraft invited the public to use the new web site, hannibalchamber.org, which he said is having “900 hits per day.”
The new executive director is McKenzie Disselhorst.
Ravenscraft then introduced Ron Hendren, the new president. Hendren focused on the banquet theme, “It’s personal,” to share some childhood experiences that illustrated the importance of having pride in your profession. He said at age 7 he was bought a pair of shoes by his grandfather, who was proud that he had made the shoes, as foreman at the International Shoe Co.
Hendren listed several local drug stores that he recalled from his childhood and said “it was a neighborhood thing. ... They made their living by being personal and giving you what you needed.” He said the chamber’s goal “should always be providing a positive influence.”
Among highlights of the evening was a look at what the current Toms and Beckys have been doing since beginning their duties on July 4, 2011. Tom and Becky, Logan Locke and Jessica Taylor, gave an amusing account of the activities as they were viewed on screen.
The Chamber Ambassadors were recognized, and Angie Gooding was named Ambassador of the Year. Also, the “highest point” Ambassadors team was honored. Members are Guy East, Ed Trotter, Barb Steinman, Megan Rapp, Connie Benson, Julie Leverenz, Mary Gibbons, Ron Hendren, Joe Yarbrough, Beth Knight and Ginny Webb.
New Emeritus Ambassadors announced were Dan Griffen, Megan Rapp and Joan Bogart.
Honored as retiring board members were Dr. Richard Draper, Ron Hendren, Matt Oleksy, John Ravenscraft and Susan Till.
Debbie Catlett, whose term also was expiring, will remain on the board because she is the president-elect.
