Business, community leaders honored at Jackson's Chamber banquet

Editor's note: The following story has been corrected to reflect the correct location for Associated Sheet Metal.

A record number of attendees packed the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson on Friday night for the annual Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce banquet, during which awards were presented to business and community leaders.

Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr was presented with the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award. The award has been presented each year since 1978,

Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr

Alderman David Hitt, who received the award in 2011, introduced Lohr. Hitt acknowledged Lohr as an educator, community organizer, advocate for the city of Jackson and active member of Immaculate Conception Church.

"One of the things that I said when I became mayor was that I was just wanting to help give back to this family that helped me raise my family," Lohr said.

Associated Sheet Metal of Jackson was named Industry of the Year. Accepting the honor were owners Brian Sievers and Boyd Sievers and owner and founder Don Sievers. The company fabricated sheet metal for projects including Jackson High School and the Nordenia facility.

McDonald's received the Business of the Year award. Cheryl Farrow, the restaurant chain's area supervisor, spoke of McDonald's community involvement through efforts that include awarding grants to schools and teachers.

The Small Business of the Year award went to Strickland Engineering of Jackson. The engineering and land-surveying company is in its 34th year and the award was accepted by owners Mark Strickland and Brian Strickland and owner and founder Tom Strickland.

Kevin Schaper, account executive for Withers Broadcasting and a member of several community organizations including the Jackson Uptown Redevelopment Organization and the Jackson Optimist Club, was named Ambassador of the Year for his efforts in helping attract business.

Lohr and Jason Wray received recognition for their service to the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, from which both are stepping down. Also recognized was board member Tom Ludwig, who was not in attendance.

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee was named Volunteer Committee of the Year. It has been responsible for conducting an agriculture tour for 33 years, which director Brian Gerau said was the longest-running such tour in Missouri.

Committee members recognized were Darrell Aufdenburg, David Wells, Roger Eakins, Dean Sawyer and George Kirchendorfer.

Gerau swore in new chamber officers, including president Beverly Koehler, vice president Connie Werner and secretary/treasurer Charlie Glueck.

Also sworn in were officers for the Jackson Industrial Development Company, including president Greg Nolan and vice president Steve Green. Lohr will be secretary/treasurer.

Gerau said 425 people -- 50 more than last year -- registered for the event.

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