Wilferth, Red Letter Communications get awards for business

For the first time, a businesswoman received the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's 2004 Rush H. Limbaugh Award.

Judy Wilferth became the 16th recipient of the honor, which was presented Friday evening by David Limbaugh, a grandson of Rush H. Limbaugh Sr., at the Show Me Center during the chamber's annual dinner and dance.

The chamber also awarded its 2003 Small Business of the Year award to Red Letter Communications, a marketing and communications firm employing 19 full-time staff members.

The late Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. was a practicing attorney in Cape Girardeau for more than 75 years and was the award's first recipient. The chamber established the award in 1989 to recognize exceptional effort on behalf of the community over an extended time.

Wilferth is co-owner of Crossroads Shopping Center with her husband of 42 years, Rock.

"Needless to say, I was very surprised," she said with a wide smile. "I'm very thankful, especially to Rock, my best friend and still the cutest guy I know."

Wilferth started her successful business career with the Children's Bazaar clothing store in 1973.

Before presenting the award, David Limbaugh read a lengthy list of her community involvements, including service as president of the Cape West Merchant's Association and memberships on the original task force exploring a charter form of government for the city, Vision 2000's steering committee and the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Council. She also chaired the university's foundation board.

Wilferth has chaired the chamber's board and the organization's retail steering committee and university relations committee. She's been active on the Metro Business College advisory board, the Chateau Girardeau Foundation's board of directors and the Missouri Governor's Small Business Advisory Council. In addition, she's chaired the Cape Girardeau Parks Development Foundation and co-chaired the Salvation Army Capital Fund Drive.

She is also active at La Croix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Red letter day

F.R. "Buzz" Sutherland of the Small Business Development Center presented the Small Business of the Year award to Frank Kinder of Red Letter Communications, who also accepted on behalf of founding partner Jim Riley.

"I am bless and humbled," Kinder said. "I am humbled as I look around this room at all the businesses that make up the vibrant economy of Cape Girardeau."

In 1980, the company began as a two-person agency serving automotive and medical industries, along with retail and commercial businesses. By 1988, the company developed into a full-service advertising agency, added employees and moved into larger facilities. Major clients included Crader Distributing and Spartech Corporation.

In the 1990s, the agency created GardenPower LLC, a separate entity for its gardening and growing television show and print content.

By 2002, the company had become a full service marketing and communications agency with relationships with such clients as AmerenUE, Scotts Miracle Gro and Big River Telephone. Also in 2002, the owner took in a new partner with significant national background with such companies as Verizon, Pizza Hut and Nestle.

By 2003, the agency had made additional investments in five new employees and the physical plant and invested $100,000 in equipment and technology.

The agency has had a long history of participating in civic, educational and religious organizations to benefit the community. Most recently, the agency commissioned a local artist to do an oil painting of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. And through its efforts, more than $11,000 was raised for the bridge's lighting project.

Also honored Friday night was Tracy Glenn, who received the Go-Getter Award for her work with the chamber's membership committee.

New chamber board chairwoman Janet Esicar of Capaha Bank closed the evening's program by offering thanks to those who organized the event.

Midlife Crisis provided music entertainment for the dance.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160