Stellwagen, Drury GO, Alejandra singled out for service

By Murray Bishoff Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its biggest night with the annual membership banquet on March 5 at the Monett City Park Casino. Awards for the year were presented, outgoing board members recognized, and new board members elected. 

City Commissioner Ken Gaspar served as master of ceremonies. In his opening remarks, Gaspar said, “Every community has a story. Monett’s story began as a railroad town – built on connection, grit, and opportunity. What started as a stop along the rails grew into a community defined by hard work, resilience, and vision. Through decades of change – from agriculture to manufacturing, from small storefronts to thriving industry – this city has continued to adapt, grow, and move forward. That is the heart of our theme tonight: ‘A Tale as Old as Time.’ 

“Because Monett’s journey connects our past, our present, and our future. Like any timeless story, ours is one of reinventions and heart. It’s written by businesses willing to take risks. By leaders willing to serve. And by neighbors who believe in the power of ‘we.’ Each year, we write another chapter together. Tonight, we pause to reflect on where we’ve been…to celebrate who we are…and to step forward with pride – and purpose – towards what will come next! This isn’t just a banquet. It’s a chance to honor the authors and illustrators of our community – the businesses, the leaders, the volunteers, and all the partners who helped shape and continue to develop Monett’s future every single day.”

The program opened with Dr. Tom Trent, chief medical officer with Cox Monett Hospital, sharing a welcome. He noted, “At Cox Monett, we recognize success is measured by the growth of our community. Today we take a moment to show the strides we’ve made as a healthcare provider.” A brief video, narrated by hospital president Andrea McKay, followed.

The National Anthem was sung by Laura Saunders and her small daughter, Jane, who gave a very spirited rendition. The Saunders are part of the family that runs Great Dave’s Coffee. 

The meal was catered by B&N Concessions. 

Community Service Award

The top honor, the Chamber’s Community Service Award, given for making a longstanding contribution to the community, went to Dustin Stellwagen, a Monett native who has been a member of the Monett Fire Department since 2003, and full-time since 2005, now serving as deputy chief. In addition to helping coach the high school football team for six years, Stellwagen has taught the Big Red fire prevention course to Monett school children since 2005. He also helps with Special Olympics. 

More recently, Stellwagen has led the department’s annual fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This past year he expanded the effort with the “Hunt for a Cause” scavenger hunt activity event, which raised more than $14,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. 

In accepting the award, Stellwagen, the youngest recipient of the Chamber’s highest honor, said he had been drawn to the breast cancer issue by personal experience helping a Monett woman in her final battle. He hopes to expand the hunt next year to include a procession of survivors down Broadway. Getting recognized for his efforts, he noted, was a different experience, as he said, “I do stuff behind closed doors. I love helping.” 

Donna Beckett, a past Community Service Award winner, made the presentation. 

Pride and Progress Award

The Pride and Progress Award, offered for a significant but short-term contribution to the community, This year’s honor went to the Drury GO University campus in Monett for hosting a multi-cultural showcase on Oct. 18. It was Drury’s first foray into such a public event, emphasizing the many cultures in the Monett community. 

In announcing the award, Andrea McKay from Cox Monett Hospital outlined the achievement, as read by Heidi Clark, nursing executive with the hospital. “This year, we celebrate an event that not only highlighted the beautiful diversity of Monett, but also brought our community closer together.” McKay referred specifically to the “culture and community” showcase Drury hosted on Oct. 18.

“This event,” McKay continued, “featured cultural presentations, performances, and displays from multiple cultural groups, including those representing Myanmar, Nepal, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, and many more. It was an extraordinary celebration of cultures that make Monett and the surrounding communities so vibrant. 

“Drury GO’s contribution to our community has made a real difference. They have not only provided a platform for diverse cultural expressions but have also shown us the power of coming together to celebrate what unites us, rather than what divides us,” McKay concluded. 

Rhonda Schilly, senior director of Drury’s Monett GO campus, accepted the award with several of her colleagues. She asked members of the audience to stand who were Drury graduates, had family or someone close who had benefited from the Drury experience. 

“This is how we do what we do,” Schilly said. “All of you are part of the story we are telling. Thank you for supporting our big ideas, our crazy dreams. We are so proud to be part of this community.” 

Young Professional of the Year Award

The Young Professional of the Year award went to Alejandra Ortega, who works at First State Bank of the Ozarks as assistant cashier and also teaches. In presenting the award, Cory Hartman, last year’s winner, identified Ortega as a 2021 Drury graduate who has been with the bank since 2017. “She is also very involved in the community, serving both on the Cox (Monett) Advisory board, the Monett Young Professional Network board, and teaching [religious education classes] at St. Lawrence Catholic School, where she teaches fourth through sixth grade.”

Ortega, clearly surprised by the recognition, expressed thanks for the support she has received “to do this for the community.” 

Business awards

The Big Business of the Year Award, chosen from a slate of choices presented to the membership, went to Clark Industries. Jack Schulz, company president, called the award “a great honor.” Schulz said the business had struggled in recent years, but he added that, “If you keep your nose to the grindstone, ask customers what they want, things happen,” resulting in a major boom for the company.

Heather Van Note, representing last year’s winner, Schreiber Foods, made the presentation. 

The Small Business of the Year went to Briar House Brewing Company, a newer entry to the Monett downtown scene, owned and run by Matt and Rawn Batson. David Saunders from Great Dave’s Coffee, presented the award “from one brewer to another.” 

Chamber business

Outgoing members of the Chamber board received plaques for their term of service. Coming forward to accept their honor were Kevin Jones and Matt Batson, along with Brad Hill, who was recognized as a past president, stepping into that role when President Mary Dutton resigned. His plaque included a gavel in recognition of that service. 

Hill’s service, as it turns out, has not ended, despite receiving the plaque. Having completed only two years of his three-year term, Hill asked to stay on the board. Heather Van Note, who came on the board in December as an alternate when Cassie Branch resigned as president-elect, agreed to step aside to allow Hill to continue, though not as an officer. 

Andrea McKay was also recognized for her three years on the board, but was absent. 

The six candidates placed up for the four open seats on the Chamber board were summoned to the stage. Although the results of voting by those present were not announced, joining as full board members were Kristi Chapman from Drury GO, Jake Saffer from Jack Henry, Bryan Taylor from B&N Concession, and Michael Roberts from Roberts Family Eyecare. Treanna Daughtery from Arc of the Ozarks and Jared Barchak from EFCO were named as alternates. 

Entertainment

The banquet had an unusual post-business attraction, in the form of fish races, a feature previously undertaken at the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce banquet. Two lengthy fish tanks, each with two lanes, offered a chance to race fish against the clock from one end to the other. 

The event served as a fundraiser for the Railroad Boys 7v7 touch football team, whose members volunteered to be “auctioned” as jockeys, using a straw to blow air or squirt guns to encourage the fish. Professional auctioneers Jason and Britini Bates ran the event and the auction. The 16 fish in the races raised $2,910. The boys earned $750 to help their team from their efforts. 

A strategically placed camera enabled bidders to watch the races from screens in different locations around the room. 

Chamber executive director Jasmine Burks coordinated the evening.