Kennett Chamber officials say 2001 was good year

Business Today

KENNETT -- It was a good year for the Kennett Chamber of Commerce, Kennett's business community and citizens of Kennett, said Paul Combs, out-going president of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce.

He told those attending the organization's annual banquet meeting April 8 that 2001 was fortuitous.

Combs listed accomplishments during the past year:

* The hiring last summer of a new executive director, Jan McElwrath, to replace Jim Baker.

* Construction was started on a new facility for Great West Insurance claims processing center, an industry that came to Kennett with the idea of employing up to 64 people and now employs 137.

* Custom Steel completed a 40,000-square-foot expansion. The company originally came to Kennett to manufacture components for ARI and has grown to doing much more.

* Updated manufacturing techniques and modern technology continued moving into the factories of Emerson Electric and Parker Hannifin, two of Kennett's older manufacturing companies.

* Construction on a new four-lane Highway 412 between Kennett and Interstate 55 progressed, bringing Kennett and its industries closer to a major interstate.

* The Kennett marketing campaign began in 2001 to help increase awareness the community and to encourage people to visit and locate their businesses there.

* Enrollment at Kennett Area Higher Education Center went from 95 students enrolled in 23 courses, to 270 students enrolled in 49 courses.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with our community leaders and businesses and feel that we have a good product to market," said Bob Hancock, the new Chamber president. "Growth in jobs, housing, education and business show that Kennett can and is growing and prospering. Our marketing campaign with the Marjorie Beenders Group is shining the spotlight on Kennett throughout the state."

Awards were presented to organizations in recognition of their accomplishments and service to the community. Clubs honored and those acceping are Adelphian Civic Club, Judi Wilson; FOE 3715 Auxiliary, Pat Mounce; Azalea Garden Club, Nancy Kinsey; Beta Sigma Phi-Theta Rho, Donna Padrones; Beta Sigma Phi-Delta Omricron, Fay Williams; FOE 3715, Roy Cunningham; Business & Professional Women, Sharron Gargas; Jaycees, Miguel Nunnery; Lions Club, Lisa Johnson; Rotary, Steve McElwrath; Kiwanis, Don Collins; LaFemme Club, Kim Rouse; Southwestern Bell Telephone Pioneers, Faye Williams; Wednesday Music Club, Nancy Schanda; Women for Kennett, Janice Swift; Xi Delta Phi, Beta Sigma Phi, Consuela Easburn.

Business milestones were also recognized:

70 years: Wednesday Music Club.

60 years: McHaney Paint, National Laundry Cleaners.

55 years: Kennett Animal Hospital, Turner Holdings, Kennett Chamber of Commerce.

50 years: Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center; American General Finance; Skaggs Auto Parts.

45 years: Don B. Walls, State Farm Insurance.

35 years: Dairy Queen, Kelly Electric, T.R. Baker Insurance Agency.

30 years: Duncan Sheet Metal, Johnson's Station, Gibson Auto Sales.

25 years: Time for Talk, Dr. Surat Sinasi, M.D., Fraternal Order of Eagles. 3715, Fraternal Order of Eagles 3715 Auxiliary, Family Counseling Center, Dr. Maynard Sisler, Dr. Terasita Manubay, Dr. Ted Manubay.

20 years: Delta Insurance Agency, Dr. Sinforiano Tangonan.

15 years: Dr. Tim McPherson.

10 years: Shands Electric, Dr. David Jain, ABC&123's, McDonalds.

5 years: Bootheel Youth Museum, Harris Pharamacy, Bootheel Area Independent Living Services, SEMO Drugs, Sunsplash Tanning Salon and Kennett Dialysis Center.