The Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce State of The Chamber Banquet was held on February 20 with guest speakers and award presentations. Jo Ann Lane, Executive Director of the Benton County Economic Development (BCED), was presented with the Community Partner Award. Charlie McGann, owner of Train Station and Deer Rest Campground, was given an award as Top Sponsor; Mike Barker, owner of Rolling Perfection LLC, was give the Individual Award; and the Lifetime Award went to Chuck Allcorn, SVP and Commercial Banker with Hawthorn Bank.
Allcorn is Past President of the Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Benton County Elk’s Lodge 2738, Chaplin for the American Legion Post 217, VFW 5925, and Shawnee Lodge 653. He is a member of the Warsaw Shrine Club, Past President of the Warsaw Lion’s Club, Vice President for the Benton County Food Pantry, Vice President of the Warsaw Senior Housing Board, President of the Jubilee Days Committee, member of the Warsaw Leathernecks Marine Corp. League Post 1254, and a Warsaw Wildcats Booster Club member. He has been instrumental in many areas, including keeping traditions alive for Jubilee Days and Heritage Days.
“I feel very honored,” said Allcorn. “It is the first time they have handed this award out. I have enjoyed spending the past 10 years participating in the Wine Stroll, Heritage Days, Jubilee Days, and other events. I have a Gator and have given rides to attendees at these events to allow other volunteers to attend to their duties. I was Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade, Man of the Year, and have enjoyed helping build up events where everyone has a good time.”
Mike Barker, who has been in the business that his wife started for 12 years, was credited with individually helping every event the Chamber has sponsored, and for providing volunteers from his employees. He was applauded for always doing anything he could for the community.
“I greatly appreciated the award from the Chamber,” said Barker. “It also belongs to my wife and employees who try to give back to the community. The community has made us (our business) who we are.”
Charlie McGann, received the Top Sponsor award for donating endless hours of volunteering and providing monetary donations for all of the Chamber’s events throughout the year. He and his Pizza are appreciated. The Benton County Enterprise was unable to contact McGann for comment on his award.
Jo Ann Lane received the Community Partner Award for helping the Chamber succeed in its mission of economic sustainability and growth to better the community.
“It was very meaningful to be recognized for the Community Partner Award and to know my work is valued by others,” said Lane. “My job relies on partnerships and I’m very thankful to have an amazing partnership with the Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce. I am truly grateful. Thank you.”
Other news at the Chamber is the announcement that Interim Chamber Director Megan Petersen accepted the position of Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Administrator, and stepped into her new job on February 19. The Chamber is also considering hiring an assistant for Petersen.
“Right now I am working on putting committees together for our events and will post their information on line,” said Petersen. “The committees include one for Budget, Outdoor Shows, and Academic Excellence. We are also working on what more we can offer to our current 263 members. Coming up possibly around the beginning of May will be our Expo Adventure Show with RV and boat venders as well as activities such as a beer garden.”
Petersen said that she has been bridging the Chamber’s relationship with the BCED and Benton County Missouri Tourism and Recreation to make it stronger.
Petersen and her family moved to Warsaw from Kansas City two and a half years ago. She has a daughter who is a sophomore at Warsaw High School. She said that her family has had lake property in the area, and she has been visiting the area for 15 years. Her work experience includes working for a hazmat chemical company, in its laboratory, where she broke down chemicals to be used at landfills.
“I enjoy my job and my community,” said Petersen. “It was the best move for me and my family.”
