The California Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards Saturday, Jan. 21, at the annual dinner meeting at Centennial Hall at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.
The event, which drew about 130 people, began with a social time with entertainment by Jesse Rohrbach, while guests conversed, sampled appetizers, bid on silent auction items and checked out live auction items.
On behalf of the California Ministerial Alliance, Dr. Peter Kurowski, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, presented the invocation about 6:30 p.m., after which the guests began dinner.
After the meal, Chamber President Amanda Trimble welcomed everyone and introduced those presenting the awards. Keith Selk, former owner of Aerosonics, presented the 2016 Business of the Year Award to Norris Gerhart for Mr. G's. The business dates to 1979 and relocated to its present location at 306 West Buchanan St. about 1981. In 1993, Mr. G's began seven-day-a-week operation. It has been open 365 days a year since that time. "It's been a lot of hours," said Gerhart.
Amanda Trimble presented the 2016 Citizen of the Year Award to Irene Matheny. Trimble spoke of the attributes of Matheny in concern and involvement in the city, her caring, loving and volunteerism, especially at Proctor Park.
Kim Drummond announced the 2016 Volunteer of the Year, Linda Baer, who has long volunteered for many things, and served as a mentor for many people.
Tyler Clenin was called on to be auctioneer for the live auction, assisted by Justin Trimble and several others. The live and silent auction of many items donated from a number of sources. The live auction included a sports ticket package, a Yeti cooler and much more. All of the auction proceeds go to the Chamber Scholarship Fund.
The chamber annual meeting included approval of minutes of the 2016 meeting and treasurer's report. Trimble gave the president's report.
A report of the 2016 Chamber Year, including the Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival, was presented by Brad Baer.
Chamber board officer nominees for 2017 were approved. They are: President Cale Brown, Vice President Robin Ratcliff, Secretary Rita Hammerly and Treasurer Pamela Pearon.
Following approval of the new officers, incoming Chamber President Cale Brown presented the Past President's Award to outgoing President Amanda Trimble.