Newsmakers receive deserved recognition

A few weeks ago, the annual Southeast Missouri Newsmakers edition of Business Today was printed and distributed, and hopefully you were as impressed and inspired by the 16 area men and women who were recognized for their contributions to their communities as we were.

The winners range from business owners to healthcare professionals, artists to volunteers and philanthropists.

This year's Newsmakers are Mary Jo Bammel, Jason Bandermann, Tyler Brune, Anna Galeski, Brian Gerau, Liz Glastetter, Sarah Hickey, Aaron Horrell, Jennifer Icaza-Gast, Shelly Kaiser, Victoria Moon, Stan Polivick, Laura Simon, Robert Smith, Kim Voelker and Penny Williams. Congratulations to all!

Each of these individuals are much-deserving of this honor, and you can read more about them at semissourian.com/newsmakers, but we'd like to highlight a few here.

Williams was born and raised in Perryville, Missouri, and was one of several Newsmakers who attended Southeast Missouri State University.

After working in both Jefferson City, Missouri, and Scott City, Williams achieved her "dream position" as the recreation division manager of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. She and her husband Scott also helped establish the Special Olympics in Cape.

"I love Cape Girardeau, I love the atmosphere, I love what it's become," she told the Southeast Missourian. "I've seen so much advancement since I attended college here, and then just to see the growth and to be a part of that, you know, it makes my heart full and it makes me feel like I've been a part of every step of the way with this community."

Smith also returned home, to Poplar Bluff in 1990, and continues to practice law at his own firm, tackling many cases pro bono and many "family and juvenile law cases involving methamphetamine-addicted individuals," according to the Southeast Missourian article.

"They say it takes a community to raise a child, and it takes community involvement. I just try to establish those things," Smith said.

We invite you to come meet the 2016 Business Today Newsmakers at an event on Sept. 7 at First Midwest Bank in Cape Girardeau. There will be a reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 5-6 p.m. and a presentation of awards to follow. If you'd like to attend, RSVP by Thursday to Heather Short at 573-335-3682.