Congratulations to winners of Fulenwider, other awards

Since 1978, local entrepreneurs, ministers, judges and others have been honored with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce's R.A. Fulenwider Award.

The award is presented at the chamber's annual banquet to a person who has "dedicated their life to the advancement of Jackson and the area," according to a chamber promotional video.

This year's Fulenwider Award recipient was David Reiminger, who called the honor "humbling."

"I have always tried to make Jackson special," Reiminger told the Southeast Missourian. "You can only get out of something what you put into it." Reiminger retired from Overhead Door Co. of Southeast Missouri in 2014, after taking it over for his father in 1983; his sons have taken over the business.

Other winners at the Jan. 15 banquet were Shelly Kaiser of First Midwest Bank, who received the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer Ambassador of the Year Award; David Bloom of the Cash-Book Journal, who received the Community Service Award, Perryville Machine Shop, which was named Industry of the Year; United Land Title, named Business of the Year; and Harold's Jewelry, this year's Small Business of the Year.

It is important for the community to recognize people such as Reiminger and other winners for their contributions. Most, if not all, of them would tell you they don't do what they do for the glory. They don't get up and go to work every day hoping to someday win an award. They simply go about their lives, hoping to make a difference in some small way, but in many instances end up going above and beyond.

We thank all the winners for their contributions, and congratulate them on their awards.