2022 Volunteer of the Year: Mac Gum Robert Hollis had the honor of presenting this award to this third cousin, Mac Gum (pictured left). Hollis described Gum as "someone who devoted their entire career and retirement to the service of this community." Before handing over the plaque, Hollis suggested everyone present should try to prank Coach Brent Colley in Gum's honor to settle an old, friendly score. "There's no way I can take this without taking it in the honor of all the other people at MUNCH," Gum said. "I can't say enough about what I have learned and gained from them."
2022 Citizen of the Year: JT Tooley Heather Duddridge presented the award to her father, Jerry "JT" Tooley. She highlighted his dedication to positively influence and serve the community. Recently retired from G&W Foods, Tooley took the microphone and described the start of his forty-year career spent, "cutting up cows, pigs, and chickens" "Having a positive influence in somebody's life...that just throws diesel on my brush fire," he said. Tooley issued a challenge to the audience to use the remaining eleven months of 2023 to be a positive influence in a life this year.
2022 Educator of the Year: Sabrina Lee High School Principal Nick Schmitt had the honor of presenting the award to Sabrina Lee. He recognized Lee's efforts with Bear Media Productions, which he said has "done amazing things." Lee expressed gratitude for her twenty-year career in education and all it has opened and afforded to her. "It's another family...I believe in our district because I feel we are always trying to do the right thing for your kids, your grandkids," she said. She invited the high school students that were present to stand, and said to them, "You guys are the reason I do this. We know that you are our future."
2022 Youth of the Year: Stacie Johnson Presenter Jeff Conger described Johnson's winning personality and good heart. Johnson took the microphone with aplomb and, though surprised, confidently credited her faith with anything she can accomplish. "I love God with all my heart, my soul, and my mind, and He encourages me to help out with everything," Johnson said.
2022 Large Business of the Year: Bear Crossing Truck Wash and Tire Center. Chamber board member Miranda Brotherton presented the award, mentioning the winner's commitment to customer service and community involvement. On behalf of Bear Crossing Truck Wash and Tire Center, Joe Blankenship accepted the plaque. He described the process that began in 2020 with an idea to expand the truck wash facilities for FMC Transport. That idea grew to include a retail truck wash business and a tire shop. "It was a huge challenge," Blankenship said. "But it's a great company to work for. David [Montgomery, company president] always says, God is number one, family's second, but work better be a really close third." Pictured left to right: Phil Chafin, Emily Scarbrough, Joe Blankenship, Brady Walton, and Miranda Brotherton.
2022 Small Business of the Year: Ozarks Sweetest Bakeshop Chamber Board President Kim Fredrick presented the award to "two girls with a dream and determination." She praised the bakeshop's participation in Chamber activities such as the Let it Glow contest and the Bear City Fall Festival. "They put everything they have into what they make," she said. Owners, left to right, Becca Stites and Libby Knox. "We thank God, and our families. I cannot believe we made it this far. Thank you so much for everything," Knox said.
The Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet took place Saturday night at Pine Meadows venue. Brady Walton (pictured)performed a selection of country songs after Chelsea Bittick and Adam Hajeh with the Willow Springs High School Choir Ensemble gave performances.
![2022 Large Business of the Year: Bear Crossing Truck Wash and Tire Center. Chamber board member Miranda Brotherton presented the award, mentioning the winner's commitment to customer service and community involvement. On behalf of Bear Crossing Truck Wash and Tire Center, Joe Blankenship accepted the plaque. He described the process that began in 2020 with an idea to expand the truck wash facilities for FMC Transport. That idea grew to include a retail truck wash business and a tire shop. "It was a huge challenge," Blankenship said. "But it's a great company to work for. David [Montgomery, company president] always says, God is number one, family's second, but work better be a really close third." Pictured left to right: Phil Chafin, Emily Scarbrough, Joe Blankenship, Brady Walton, and Miranda Brotherton.](https://howellcountynews.com/sites/default/files/IMG_6414w.JPG)
