Chamber awards

Friday night members of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Show Me Center for the organization's annual dinner. The event is an opportunity for business leaders to socialize, recall major milestones, look forward to year ahead, and recognize individuals who have made a difference in the community. This year the following chamber members were honored:Danny Essner received the Rush H. Limbaugh Award. Essner is a former chairman of the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, having served on the board for nine years. Award presenter Jim Limbaugh introduced Essner and listed numerous ways the Cape Girardeau banker has served the community.

Dennis and Summer Riney, owners of Premier Rehab, were recognized with the Small Business of the Year Award. The Rineys opened the physical therapy center in 2006 and have seen impressive growth since. At its opening, the business had three employees. Today 13 full-time and 15 part-time employees are on staff. Along the way Premier Rehab has given back to the community monetarily and through its volunteer efforts.

Heather Short, United Way communications director, was honored with the chamber's Go-Getter Award, an annual award that goes to a Chamber Ambassador.

Congratulations to all of this year's honorees.