CHAMBER HONORS LEGISLATORS FOR THEIR `SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE'

LAKE OF THE OZARKS - Two Southeast Missouri legislators were honored Thursday night by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce with the organization's Spirit of Enterprise Award.

Receiving the award at the Chamber's annual legislative conference at Lake of the Ozarks, were Sen. John Dennis, D-Benton, and Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett.

Tony Reinhart, vice president of legislative affairs for the Chamber, explained the awards are presented each year to members of the Missouri General Assembly who have worked to improve the state's business climate. In particular, the award recognizes legislators who promote the free enterprise system and the business community.

"Their efforts over the years have served to better the business climate in Missouri and build an economic climate that is good for business in general," declared Reinhart.

To qualify for the award, Reinhart said legislators must have a voting record that is generally pro-business and must be approved by the Chamber's Public Affairs Committee. Final approval is made by the the state Chamber board.

"This goes through a fairly stringent review to decide recipients of this award," noted Reinhart.

Each year the Chamber honors one Democrat and one Republican from each house. Also recognized last night were Sen. Irene Treppler, R-St. Louis County, and Rep. Carson Ross, R-Blue Springs.

In choosing Sen. Dennis, who is serving his fourth term in the Senate, Reinhart noted, "He has been an advocate that the way to build is not through regulation but to stimulate people to do a good job so businesses can hire people and pay a good wage."

Reinhart stressed that the senator has worked to keep government regulations from crippling state businesses.

Reinhart noted that Rep. Thomason "has been superb in economic development" and has handled a variety of bills dealing with things like enterprise zones and tax incentives. "He does not advocate giveaways, but rather programs to help us be competitive with other states and other nations," said Reinhart. "Larry has worked very hard in those areas."

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce President Bob Hendrix, who attended the conference, praised both Dennis and Thomason for their efforts in the Legislature. "I'm tickled to death to see both of them get it," declared Hendrix. "They are both personal friends of mine and I'm happy to see them get the honor.

"John Dennis has been a long-time supporter of business and a better business climate in Missouri and I can't think of a better person to give it to. He has had a lifetime of service to Missouri and Southeast Missouri and this is the minimum respect they should be paying to him."

Hendrix noted that Dennis has "kept an eye out for small business" and has worked to stop restrictive regulations.

Dennis plans to retire at the end of his present term next year, and Hendrix said he'll be missed.

Before his election to the House from the 163rd district in 1988, Hendrix knew Thomason because he was executive director of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm very happy to see a young legislator, who is only in his second term, get something like this because it depicts a good future for the state," said Hendrix. "I am pleased with the way he has grasped ahold of economic development issues, and he is one of the hardest working legislators I have seen up there.

"He has really picked up a grasp of state government, and in particular, the problems of the business community since he has been there."

Ironically, the two Democrats honored last year were also both from Southeast Missouri - Rep. Joe Driskill, D-Doniphan, and Sen. Mike Lybyer, D-Texas County.

Reinhart said that speaks well for the caliber and influence of legislators from Southeast Missouri. He noted that it shows the Southeast Missouri legislators work well with Democrats as well as Republicans, and are able to balance political concerns with the needs of the state and their constituents.

Among the issues addressed at the legislative conference, that will be considered in the 1992 session of the General Assembly, were health care, the environment, ethics, workers compensation, and taxes.