Chamber awards

Last Friday the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner at the Show Me Center. At the dinner, three awards were presented: The Rush H. Limbaugh Award, Small Business of the Year Award and Go-Getter Award.

Receiving the Rush H. Limbaugh Award was Janet Esicar, vice president at First Missouri State Bank. Esicar's resume of community involvement is substantial. She served as a member of the chamber's board of directors from 2002 through 2005 and was chair of the board in 2004. A 1996 graduate of Leadership Cape, Esicar has also been involved in several other community related volunteer efforts. Presenting the award to Esicar was Jim Limbaugh. Limbaugh received the award in 2004 and was presented with it by Esicar, who was the chairwoman of the chamber board at the time.

This year's Small Business of the Year Award went to Leet EyeCare. The company was started in the 1940s, but ownership was transferred to Dr. Gregory Leet in 1987. Leet EyeCare has seen tremendous growth over the past five years, 65 percent in fact -- a feat Dr. Leet attributes much to his associates. Dr. Laura R. Evans joined the practice in 1999 and Dr. Kory P. Thoma joined in 2002. In 2005, the practice grew into a partnership, and in 2010, Hall Eye Center was acquired and Dr. J.T Hall joined as an associate.

Paula Myers was named this year's Go-Getter Award recipient. The award goes to the chamber ambassador who brings in the most new members, helps retain members and represents the chamber at events during the year.

Congratulations to all the award recipients. You are representative of the many talented business leaders in our community, and your efforts help shape Southeast Missouri into the great place it is.