2021 Dexter Chamber of Commerce Awards

The recipient of the Dexter Community Lifetime Achievement Award was Mark Stidham. Mark started his work for the City of Dexter in 1997 as Ward 3 alderman. In March of 2001, Mayor John Pruitt appointed Mark as Dexter's first City Administrator. During Stidham's 20 years with the city, he worked tirelessly for Dexter. From 1997 to 2020, Dexter has consistently seen a yearly sales tax increase. Stidham served on several state and local boards. Such boards were the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, The Bootheel Regional Planning Commission, the Transportation Advisory Council and last year he was appointed by Governor Mike Parson to the Missouri 911 Board. Pictured from left accepting for the late Mark Stidham are Senator Jason Bean, Debbie Stidham, Brent Stidham, Lauren Stidham and Representative Herman Morse.

Dee Loflin is the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Loflin is at nearly every Dexter event and Bearcat sporting event. Her business Show Me Times is celebrating its 10th year in business. Loflin serves on several non-profit committees. Pictured from left are Senator Jason Bean, Dee Loflin and Representative Herman Morse.

Dexter kindergarten teacher, Whitney Horton was named Educator of the Year. Horton is able to take a class of 20 students and meet each students' individual needs. She gives everyone of her students a unique kindergarten experience that will help instill a love for learning. Pictured from left are Senator Jason Bean, Whitney Horton and Representative Herman Morse.

The 2020 Organization of the Year is the Dexter Schools. When the school year abruptly ended in March the school district was able to continue providing breakfast, lunch and snacks to students. In August the district elected to keep the students in the classroom and each school in the district works together to provide a safe environment for the staff and students. Pictured from left are: Senator Jason Bean, School Board Members Nancy Mayer, Rick Williams, Representative Herman Morse, School Board President Jim Reiker, School Board Vice President Ben Worley and Assistant Superintendent Gavin Miller.

Tyson Foods was named the 2020 Industry of the Year. Tyson Foods, which began in 1935 and came to Dexter in 1997. While other plants shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic Tyson took steps to stay open and keep heir employees safe. They hired a COVID nurse, installed barriers in their beak room and training center, provide masks for all employees, conduct temperature checks and do random weekly COVID testing. Pictured are: Senator Jason Bean, Representative Herman Morse, Tyson Foods Representative Mark Avery, Debbie Soloman, Brian Cato, Kelly Schaefer, Caleb Shafer, Reginald Griffin, Rhonda Arnold and Cathy Smart.

SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County was named the 2020 Business of the Year at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Awards Reception. They worked closely with the Stoddard County Health Department and emergency response agencies regarding testing and distribution of public health information. SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County opened an Occupational Medicine Clinic in 2020 to serve the area. Pictured are CEO of SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County Sue Ann Williams, Dr. Drew Satterfield, Dr. Raza Jalal, Dr. Mayur Ramesh, Kim Essner PA, Region Vice President SoutheastHEALTH Kathy Vickery, Amy Ellinghouse, SoutheastHEALTH COO Maria Sudak, Senator Jason Bean and Representative Herman Morse. 

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from left are President Cecil Haley, first Vice President Dustin Mayer, Secretary/Treasurer Maddie Guethle, Second Vice President Tara Barker, Tiffany Wright, Mark Whitehead and Matt Looney. Not pictured are directors Misti McBride and Linda Ulm.

The retiring members of the board of directors were recognized at the event. Pictured is Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell (center) along with retiring board members Sue Ann Williams (left) and Janet Palmer. Not pictured is retiring president Matt Ternes.