Dr. Sam Hunter smiles during a standing ovation after being announced as the 2021 Lifetime Achievement winner Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, during the 2021 Sikeston Regional Chamber Banquet held at the Sikeston Municipal Airport.

David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

SIKESTON — Leaders of Sikeston were honored Thursday night at the Sikeston Regional Chamber’s annual awards banquet.

Held for the first time at the Sikeston Municipal Airport, the event drew a large crowd as emerging leaders to those honored for a lifetime of work were honored.

Dr. Sam Hunter was the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“This year’s honoree has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the community he has made his home in many ways,” said last year’s recipient Mary White-Ross.

Hunter has been generous with his time over the years, serving as a member of the South Scott County Ambulance District, a member of The Special Road District, member of the Board of Directors of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors and Discount Committee for Bank of New Madrid.

He has also proven to be a trusted leader, serving as president of the Sikeston Fire Protection District, chairman of the executive committee of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association, as well as president of the Board of Supervisors of the Little River Drainage District.

He also served one term on the Saint Francis Xavier Parish School Board as well as two terms on the Saint Francis Xavier Parish Council. He has volunteered as a Boy Scouts Assistant Scout Master and is a member of the Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow and was appointed a member of the Missouri Clean Water Commission from 2007 – 2013 over which he served as president during 2012 and 2013. In 2007, the Chamber recognized him as their Agribusiness Man of the Year.

He is also a past president of the Southeast Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and his business, the North Ridge Veterinary Hospital has expanded into a multi-doctor practice with branches in New Madrid and Charleston.

Citizen of the Year

After a long history of community service and successful business leadership, Steven Burch was named the 2021 Citizen of the Year.

Steven Burch, 2021 Citizen of the Year, speaks after receiving his award Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, during the 2021 Sikeston Regional Chamber Banquet held at the Sikeston Municipal Airport.

David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

Burch, who served as a city councilman from 2013-15 and mayor from 2015 until April of 2021, was involved with a long list of accomplishments in his tenure, including the siting of Do It Best, expansion of Orgill and Unilever and the recruitment of Carlisle Construction Materials to Sikeston.

He was also instrumental in the reorganization of the Chamber and DED entities, modernization of the airport, organization of TIF districts bringing Watami, Hampton Inn and a new Malco Theater to the community, along with many other accomplishments.

Burch started his community service in the late 1980s with the Sikeston Jaycees, he served as Rodeo Board President, overseeing some of the most successful rodeos in history with multiple sellouts each year. The rodeo also made major facility improvements during his tenure.

After leaving his position as mayor, Burch, who is president of Burch Food Services, is currently serving on the Sikeston BMU Board and was appointed to the Board of Directors of Missouri Partnership, the entity responsible for economic development for the State of Missouri.

“There is no doubt that the impact that Steven has had on the community of Sikeston has changed the future of Sikeston and will be beneficial to citizens for decades to come,” said Brian Menz, last year’s recipient of the award. “Sikeston is definitely a better place to live because of Steven’s leadership.”

Emerging Leader

Brandon Sparks was honored as the 2021 Emerging Leader.

Despite not being born and raised in Sikeston, Sparks has lived here for over a decade, fully immersing himself in the Sikeston community. Sparks is an active member of the Sikeston Regional Chamber, a graduate of Vision Sikeston and involved in Sikeston Young Professionals.

In 2019 Sparks was elected to the Sikeston City Council where he served two terms as Mayor Pro-Tem. He is active in his church and several community organizations where he volunteers his time, knowledge and resources.

Brandon Sparks speaks after receiving the 2021 Emerging Leader award Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, during the 2021 Sikeston Regional Chamber Banquet held at the Sikeston Municipal Airport.

David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

“He rarely says no when it comes to any aspect of Sikeston and is constantly serving others and our community with a smile on his face and a giving heart,” said last year’s recipient John Leible.

Educator of the Year

The late Troy Riley was named the 2021 Educator of the Year.

Riley, who passed away earlier this year, was a teacher at the Sikeston Career and Techonology Center whose impact went far beyond the classroom.

“(Riley) was able to take a lifetime of professional experience and transfer that knowledge and passion into eager young minds,” said Brent Trankler, last year’s recipient. “He inspired, led and guided students — helping each of them find their individual genius.”

Brent Trankler hugs Michelle Riley, who accepted the 2021 Educator of the Year award for her late husband Troy Riley, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, during the 2021 Sikeston Regional Chamber Banquet held at the Sikeston Municipal Airport.

David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

Riley always answered the call, whether it be as a blacksmith for an upcoming Boy Scout camp in the middle of the sweltering summer, helping a family or student get their only mode of transportation back on the road or helping an elderly neighbor out with storm damage.

“It has been said that students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” Trankler said. “He led by example, always putting others ahead of himself and truly embodied this sentiment each and every day.”

Riley’s wife Michelle accepted the award on his behalf.

SRC Volunteer

Sandy Mehner was the winner of the 2021 SRC Volunteer of the Year award.

Mehner was described as someone who believes in teamwork and creating a positive work environment while being reliable and caring deeply for her work family and her family at home.

Over the past few years, Mehner has become one of the most active and reliable Chamber Ambassadors, attending almost every Chamber event. She is quick to volunteer her time when needed and if she can’t attend will find a replacement for herself.

Sandy Mehner, winner of the 2021 SRC Volunteer of the Year award, speaks Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, during the 2021 Sikeston Regional Chamber Banquet held at the Sikeston Municipal Airport.

David Jenkins/Standard Democrat

She encourages her employees to actively participate in Leadership Sikeston, Young Professionals or sits on the Board of Directors. Mehner served as a judge for Stampede Week decorations and was quick to lend a hand to serve at membership luncheons while also volunteering with the SRC program SOAR (Students Observing Area Resources) where she introduced students to banking.

“She emulates what a great chamber volunteer is, often working in the background to get things done,” said Jennifer Hartlein, last year’s recipient. “There is no doubt the SRC is stronger because of her participation, her ‘say yes’ attitude, and her steady reliability.”

Winner’s of other awards announced before the banquet were:

• Civic Group of the Year — Sikeston Jaycees

• Law Enforcment Officer of the Year — Flint Dees, Sikeston DPS

• Jaycees Distinguished Service Award — Kris Eastwood

• Small Business of the Year — The UPS Store

• Business of the Year — Missouri Delta Medical Center