2023 Dexter Chamber Banquet

Friday, March 3, 2023

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The 2023 Dexter Chamber Banquet was held at the Dexter Elks Lodge Friday evening. The evening featured a meal catered by the Dexter Elks,a photo booth, music and the annual awards. Senator Jason Bean and Representative Herman Morse were on hand to present proclamations to the award winners.

Patty Shell was named the Citizen of the Year. Pictured from left: Senator Jason Bean, Shell, Representative Herman Morse and Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell.
Music for the Mind is changing our community for the better. This organization has given over $17,000+ in Love Offerings to help families with their needs during traumatic times or are battling mental illness. Music for the Mind has provided multiple schools throughout Stoddard County with mental health resources that have the power to save a life. Partnering with Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, Music for the Mind has also provided self-defense classes for women who have been victims of sexual assault and/or violence. This organization was established in honor of the late Josh Monroe. Pictured from left is Chamber Board President Tara Barker, Bean, Stephanie Monroe with Music for the Mind, Morse and Trammell.
Lindsay Woods was named Educator of the Year. Pictured from left is dexter Schools Superintendent Amy James, Bean, Woods, Morse and Trammell.
The Business of the Year is El Cabrito. Pictured from left is Bean, Dexter Chamber Board Vice President Matt Harris, Morse and Trammell. El Cabrito owners Rodolfo and Maria Lara were unable to attend and will be presented with their award at a later date.
Outgoing Chamber Board President Dustin Mayer was recognized for his service. Pictured are from left Chamber Board President Tara Barker, Mayer and Trammell.
Dexter Chamber of Commerce Office Manager Karlee Wright surprised Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammell with the Dexter Exceptional Leadership Award.
Dexter Chamber Executive Director Alisha Trammel welcomes everyone to the event and announces that a Hampton Inn is coming to Dexter.
One of the main investors for the hotel is Keith Davidson. Davidson is shown speaking to those in attendance.
The hotel is slated to open in March 2025 and will feature 70 beds, indoor pool, fitness connection and provide 30 jobs to the Dexter area, the main investors are Keith and Robin Davidson and the Gill family. Financial support is being provided by First Midwest Bank.
Kim Williams and Karlee Wright check people in at the door.
Dexter City Administrator Dave Wyman speaks to those in attendance.
Mark Whitehead leads the prayer prior to the meal.
The retiring directors were honored at the event. Pictured are Chamber Board President Tara Barker, retiring director Mark Whitehead and Executive Director Alisha Trammell. Not pictured is retiring director Tiffany Wright who was unable to attend.
the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Matt Harris, Brock Williams, Josh Miller, Linda Ulm, Misti McBride, Leslie Ackman, Kim Williams, Brandy Allen, chamber office manger Karlee Williams and Executive Director Alisha Trammell.
Senator Jason Bean speaks at the event.