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New Madrid chamber holds annual banquet
NEW MADRID - Just like the fortune teller who sat by the door as members of the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce arrived for their annual banquet, guest speaker Dr. Devin Stephenson was also looking into the future.
Stephenson, president of Three Rivers College, urged the Chamber members and their guests to forge ahead toward a common goal. He called on the group to communicate and to collaborate in order to ensure the community and the region will shine.
"Too many people are willing to settle for an average life" Stephenson said. "You need to keep stretching to reach goals that make a better community."
Encouraging the citizens to work together, Stephenson concluded, "I can see a great deal of success in New Madrid's future."
As part of celebrating the community's success, the Chamber made four award presentations.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Juan Guzman, assistant manager with El Bracero Mexican Restaurant. New Madrid Chamber secretary Monica May, who presented the honor, noted the new New Madrid restaurant has proved popular, adding their community pride is reflected in their food and their customer service.
Martha Mainord was honored as the Educator of the Year. According to New Madrid Chamber President Reagan Baird, who made the presentation, Mainord was described by her co-workers as a loyal and dedicated instructor, as a "mentor to students and teachers" and as "New Madrid Elementary's own rock star."
Thanking the community for the award, Mainord said she was accepting it on behalf of all the teachers. "They are all your educators of the year," she said.
Selected as the recipient of the 2014 Tourism Award was the Higgerson School Historic Site. Michael Comer, vice president of the New Madrid Chamber, noted the community has lots of history and the Higgerson School has made in-roads in preserving the history of the one-room school and rural life from that time period.
Accepting the award from the site were Mary Lois Henry and Faye Halferty, who both attended the Higgerson School. Halferty described it as an honor to share the story of Higgerson School and Higgerson Landing with the public.
"It's with a tremendous amount of pride and lots of hard work, we accept this award," Halferty added.
In presenting the Lifetime Achievement award to Dr. and Mrs. T. Pattaropong, Chamber member Ed Thomason described "Dr. Pat" as more than a small town doctor but also a trusted friend, neighbor and someone who had raised his family in the community.
Recently retired from his private practice as well as the medical director for the local nursing home, the physician's dedication and compassion for his patients and their families was praised by Thomason.
"His lifetime of service with caring commitment was witnessed by his patients, nurses, staff and families," Thomason said.
Also Thomason praised Mrs. Pattaropong and her role in supporting her husband and his work in the community.
Pattaropong thanked the Chamber for the award. "It has been a privilege to live and serve this community for the past 40 years," he said. "I'm proud to be a part of the community."
New Madrid Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christina McWaters also presented two Chamber Volunteer Service Awards. In making the presentation to Melanie Smith and Marcia Stafford, McWaters praised their willingness to help with all Chamber events and going above and beyond what is asked.