Dr. Lisa Roark (above, left), of Roark Family Health, was presented with the Cassville Area Chamber's "Business Beautification Award" by board president, Emily Jackson (above, right).
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Traci Mitchell (above, left) presented the Cassville Area Chamber's "Leader in Business Award" to Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Cassville Schools, (above, right).
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Devon Forsythe (above, left), of Willis Insurance, was chosen as the Cassville Area Chamber's "Volunteer of The Year." The award was presented by Rachael Freeman (above, right).
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Business leaders, Roaring River personnel recognized at Cassville Chamber banquet
March 24, 2021
Sheila Harris
Sheila Harris
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual chamber banquet Saturday, March 20, at the Crowder community building in Cassville.
After a welcome by outgoing chamber director, Rachael Freeman, an invocation was offered by Pastor Scott Mitchell, followed by boxed dinners catered by Flat Creek Restaurants.
Chamber board members were recognized by president, Emily Jackson, followed by one of many highlights of the evening: presentation of plaques honoring various board members for outstanding community service.
Emily Jackson presented the “Beautification Award” to Dr. Lisa Roark, in recognition of her bravery for moving forward with the remodeling of Roark Family Health and the opening of two new businesses in Cassville (Cassville Dispensary and Pot of Coffee), while facing the challenges brought with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rachael Freeman presented the award for “Volunteer of The Year” to Devon Forsythe, in recognition of her willingness to taking over the management of the chamber’s annual Chili Cook-Off when Freeman was stricken with COVID-19 just prior to the event.
“I don’t know when there would be a good time to have COVID,” Freeman said, “but I can certainly tell you when a bad time was.”
Dr. Traci Mitchell presented the award for “Leader in Business” to Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Cassville Schools, for coming to the aid of the entire community in its response to dealing with the repercussions of COVID.
“We truly saw a servant leader rise up after the school went on what we supposed would be a short wellness break a year ago in March,” Mitchell said. “The entire community turned to Dr. Asbill for guidance, and asked him for advice, opinions and support in matters financial and otherwise business-related.”
The banquet’s keynote speaker, Mike Sutherland, of Missouri State Parks, spoke of the challenges he, too, faced as the newly appointed director tasked with closing down state parks and campgrounds when COVID struck.
While at the banquet, he presented Roaring River State Park employees with plaques in honor of them being chosen as DNR “Employees of The Year,” for saving the life of a pedestrian accident victim at Roaring River, while simultaneously dealing with a car accident.
Roaring River State Park was also the recipient of a $25,000 grant by the Cassville Community Foundation to be used toward their new fish-cleaning station. Or “grinding station,” as Rachael Freeman put it - a fact not mentioned until members had finished their meals.
After the check presentation, the chamber gavel was formally handed over to new director, Morgan Williams, for the drawing of the names of winners of table centerpieces.
Chamber vice-president, Chad Johnson, then announced the winning bidders for the silent auction items donated by area businesses.
The banquet was deemed a success by those who attended, although attendance was down a bit this year, according to Freeman.
Sheila Harris
Sheila Harris
The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual chamber banquet Saturday, March 20, at the Crowder community building in Cassville.
After a welcome by outgoing chamber director, Rachael Freeman, an invocation was offered by Pastor Scott Mitchell, followed by boxed dinners catered by Flat Creek Restaurants.
Chamber board members were recognized by president, Emily Jackson, followed by one of many highlights of the evening: presentation of plaques honoring various board members for outstanding community service.
Emily Jackson presented the “Beautification Award” to Dr. Lisa Roark, in recognition of her bravery for moving forward with the remodeling of Roark Family Health and the opening of two new businesses in Cassville (Cassville Dispensary and Pot of Coffee), while facing the challenges brought with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rachael Freeman presented the award for “Volunteer of The Year” to Devon Forsythe, in recognition of her willingness to taking over the management of the chamber’s annual Chili Cook-Off when Freeman was stricken with COVID-19 just prior to the event.
“I don’t know when there would be a good time to have COVID,” Freeman said, “but I can certainly tell you when a bad time was.”
Dr. Traci Mitchell presented the award for “Leader in Business” to Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Cassville Schools, for coming to the aid of the entire community in its response to dealing with the repercussions of COVID.
“We truly saw a servant leader rise up after the school went on what we supposed would be a short wellness break a year ago in March,” Mitchell said. “The entire community turned to Dr. Asbill for guidance, and asked him for advice, opinions and support in matters financial and otherwise business-related.”
The banquet’s keynote speaker, Mike Sutherland, of Missouri State Parks, spoke of the challenges he, too, faced as the newly appointed director tasked with closing down state parks and campgrounds when COVID struck.
While at the banquet, he presented Roaring River State Park employees with plaques in honor of them being chosen as DNR “Employees of The Year,” for saving the life of a pedestrian accident victim at Roaring River, while simultaneously dealing with a car accident.
Roaring River State Park was also the recipient of a $25,000 grant by the Cassville Community Foundation to be used toward their new fish-cleaning station. Or “grinding station,” as Rachael Freeman put it - a fact not mentioned until members had finished their meals.
After the check presentation, the chamber gavel was formally handed over to new director, Morgan Williams, for the drawing of the names of winners of table centerpieces.
Chamber vice-president, Chad Johnson, then announced the winning bidders for the silent auction items donated by area businesses.
The banquet was deemed a success by those who attended, although attendance was down a bit this year, according to Freeman.
The Cassville Community Foundation issued a check in the amount of $25,000 to Roaring River State Park to assist with the cost of park improvements, including a new fish-cleaning (grinding) station. Mike Sutherland (center, left), Director of Missouri State Parks, and Joel Topham (center, right), Director of Roaring River State Park, are shown holding the presentation check. Cassville Community Foundation members (left to right) are: Chad Johnson, Whitney Craig, Laura Holycross, Rachael Freeman, Angela Seymour, Skyler Bowman, Devon Forsythe and Dr. Richard Asbill.
