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SACC Awards are given
SIKESTON - It was truly a "Community Celebration," as honors went out to Sikeston area businesses, individuals and organizations.
The Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce membership gathered at the Sikeston Field House Friday night to recognize those who give their time and talents to their community. For the first time ever, the Chamber's membership selected the honorees and those who cast ballots earned praise for their choices for the 2002 honors.
It was a standing ovation with the announcement that the honor of "Citizen of the Year" would go to Steve McPheeters, former Chamber director.
McPheeters was praised for his work with the Chamber as well as with the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, where he continues to serve as president of the Advisory Council. Also he is an elder in the First Christian Church, a member of the Lions Club and serves on the boards of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center and the Sikeston Area United Way.
McPheeters plaque was presented to him by Tom Austin and Judy Buck.
Honored for his "Lifetime Achievement" was Robert L. Mitchell Sr. The award was presented by Dr. Joe Blanton following an audio-visual look at Mitchell's life.
The presentation noted Mitchell, a lifelong resident of Sikeston, purchased an insurance agency in Sikeston in 1948 and since then has directed its growth to become an agency of seven producers, 13 customer-service representatives and locations in Sikeston and East Prairie. The firm includes three generations of the Mitchell family with Mitchell serving as the company president.
In addition to his business, Mitchell has been an active member of the community. He is a past president of the Sikeston Jaycees, former member of the Missouri Delta Medical Center's Board of Directors and past president of the Lions Club and of the Sikeston Industrial Development Corporation. He is an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
Growing from a small diesel repair shop in Wyatt to a fleet of five trucks located in Sikeston, Pullen Brothers Inc. today consists of a fleet of refrigerated trucks crossing the United States to deliver food from processors to the buying public. The company was honored as the Business of the Year with the award presented by Blair Moran.
"The husband and wife team that started the business do not seek out the spotlight but prefer to work behind the scenes for many projects in our community," said Moran. He added this has included not only Chamber projects but also the Sikeston Corporate Games, Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo and many, many charities.
Moll Printing was named the Small Business of the Year with a presentation made by Tom Nunnelee to Mike Moll. The company was praised for its friendly staff and the assistance provided to community organizations.
Although described as a quiet individual who shys away from recognition, Ted Martin, the SACC Volunteer of the Year, was cited by Connie Mooneyhan for his many projects on the Chamber's behalf including the membership drive.
"This past recruitment drive our winner brought 11 new members into the organization," said Mooneyhan. "Even when the official membership drive ends, he continues to recruit new members, by promoting the benefits of belonging to the Chamber."
The award for "Educator of the Year" was presented by Sally Lape to Sikeston High School's head football coach Charles Vickery. Variously described by Lape as a "good disciplinarian," "master of the playbook" and a "great communicator among his athletes," she added he has become the "winningest coach" in Bulldog history."
Also Lape praised the award winner for his involvement off the football field. She noted as athletic director for the past nine years, he has scheduled every athletic event for every sport at the high school and junior high.
The Rev. Rufus McLean announced the selection of the Sikeston Lions Club as the Civic Group of the Year. The Lions members were honored for their active support of a wide variety of local charities and it was noted that their local donation of $75,000 was matched by the Lions International program to provide $150,000 to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center for the purchase of new equipment at the facility.
Completing the evening's presentation was the selection of Mark Crocker, a lieutenant with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, which was presented by Capt. Dan Armour and Greg Turnbow announced by Brian Menz as the recipient of the Sikeston Jaycee Distinguished Service Award.