Outstanding contributions to the community were applauded during the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet at the Chillicothe Elks Lodge Thursday night.
Paul Steele received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kenneth Lauhoff received the Personal Community Service Award.
Martha Berry received the Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award. The Diamonds are Forever Ambassador Team, chaired by Berry, was named the Ambassador Team of the Year.
Karen Kay Summerville was named the Chamber Person of the Year, and Golden Corral was named the Chamber Business of the Year.
Outgoing Chamber President Diane Garber presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Paul Steele. The recipient of this award, which is presented annually, must be a respected resident of the community, a leader, and someone who makes a significant contribution to the community over many years. Additionally, the recipient must have led several campaigns to promote the community and special events.
Garber said that Steele has invested time, money and effort into other businesses around the area. In addition to farming, some of his other business ventures have included T&R Soil Service, S&S Construction and KMZU and WHB radio stations.
“A generous, giving heart and spirit exemplify the way our winner lives his life,” Garber said.
Steele has served on the boards of Chillicothe State Bank and the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center capital campaign. He also served 15 years on the Chillicothe Board of Education, serving as president three terms.
Chillicothe, Mo. —
