Chamber hosts Annual Dinner and Scholarship Fund event for 2023

Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Robin Staton browses items up for auction Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, during the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting, held at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Robin Staton browses items up for auction Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, during the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting, held at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.


Because the California Area Chamber of Commerce was so busy in 2022, members felt the year passed surprisingly quickly.

Chamber president Sharon Campbell praised members for their dedication and hard work during the organization's annual dinner meeting and fundraiser event. But it's a new year, and work starts all over again.

"2022 was a busy year for the chamber and I have to tell you that went like a blink of an eye," Chamber president Sharon Campbell said.

The annual meeting is a chance for the Chamber to reflect on the past year, recognize people who had made significant contributions to the the community and set a direction for the coming year. Over the course of the evening, the Chamber conducted two auctions and selected new officers.

In her speech, Campbell mentioned the success of last year's Chamber dinner meeting, providing funds for 10 $750 scholarships. She also discussed the success of 2022 events such as the Easter egg hunt at Proctor Park; the Chamber's annual golf tournament, which raised over $7,000; the 32nd Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival and much more.

The Citizen of the Year award, the Business of the Year award and the Volunteer of the Year award were given to John Kay, of the Kay, Green and Benne LLC law firm and California Historical Commission; the California Veterinary Clinic; and Tyler Clenin, of Clenin Farm Supply, respectively.

Brad Baer, of Baer Brothers Woodworking, introduced Kay to the Chamber citing his family's long history with Moniteau County and his efforts to help preserve California's historic district. Kay accepted his award, telling guests he would be delighted to speak to anyone interested in the historical commission.

Campbell highlighted the California Veterinary Clinic and its owners Mark and Marcy Oerly for their dedication to the community. Campbell said the veterinary clinic provided employment and income to a number of local families, acted as a consistent Chamber member and supported many of the community fundraising efforts related to the Chamber and other core organizations.

For the Chamber's final award, California City Clerk Blake Howard recognized Clenin for his volunteer work throughout the year. He said Clenin chaired the car show at the Ozark Ham and Turkey festival for the past two years; cleaned and organized the Chamber's storage unit; and operated California's Christmas parade for 2023. He was also heavily involved in the Chamber Christmas display in Proctor Park and was instrumental in establishing the Christmas display around the Moniteau County courthouse. Although Clenin couldn't attend Saturday's event personally, his sister Megan accepted the award on his behalf which he was able to view through FaceTime.

Afterward, Campbell returned to the podium for the evening's business meeting. There she confirmed the organization's 2023 slate of directors - new president Chelsea McGill, vice president Becky Collier, secretary Sally Vogel and treasurer Becky Wood. The chamber also approved Matt Abernathy, Heather Allen, Elaine Anderson, Brad Baer, Melissa Bonecutter, Cale Brown, Sharon Campbell, Tyler Clenin, Becky Collier, Norris Gerhart, Shelly Hampton, Blake Howard, Madison Imhoff, Kennedy Juul, Becky Lawson, Chelsea McGill, VanDee Miller, Kelsey Ott, Pamela Pearon, Jennifer Riggs, Stephanie Stokes, Sally Vogel, Tom Winters and Becky Wood as this year's board of directors.

The chamber concluded the night with a live auction provided by Trenton Barbour and a Piccadilly auction, with proceeds going toward the Chamber's scholarship fund. On Monday, Executive Secretary Sandra Ratcliff reported in a weekly email to Chamber members that funds from the live auction on Saturday exceeded $5,100, although the final total of proceeds from the event are still to be determined.

The organization held its Annual Dinner Meeting and Scholarship Fundraiser event at the West Ridge Event Center.

  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — John Kay, center, and Resa Dudley, right, listen as Jeff Korte speaks Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) during the social hour portion of the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Guests look over the various items up for auction Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Guests inspect the various items up for auction Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Karen Korenberg, left, of the Moniteau Christian Ministries Center food pantry, and Lina Eddy, center, also of the MCMC pantry, listen to Devora Longan on Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) during the social hour at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Meghan Clennin, center, poses for a photo with David Ratcliff, left, and Sandra Ratcliff, executive secretary for the California Area Chamber of Commerce, on Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) during the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at the West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Sharon Campbell, outgoing president of the California Area Chamber of Commerce, introduces awards Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — John Kay, left, poses with the Citizen of the Year award after Brad Baer presents him with the award Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) at the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Sharon Campbell, from left, outgoing president of the California Area Chamber of Commerce, presents Mark Oerly, of California Veterinary Clinic, and Marcy Oerly with the Business of the Year award Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) during the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown.
 
 
  photo  Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Blake Howard, left, smiles after presenting Meghan Clennin with the Volunteer of the Year award on behalf of her brother, Tyler Clennin, on Saturday (Jan. 28, 2023,) during the California Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner Meeting at West Ridge Event Center in Centertown. Tyler Clennin was unable to attend the event in person.