March Investor Connect
The Park Hills – Leadington Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host its March Investor Connect at the Cardinal Center in the MAC Tech Building, made possible through the continued support and partnership of Mineral Area College. This month’s meeting brought together a strong group of Chamber investors, including several first-time attendees and new members. We were especially encouraged by the continued growth in engagement and participation, which reflects the strength and momentum of our local business
2026 KREI/KTJJ 110% Award: Corey & Brooke Maynard
The KREI-KTJJ 110% Award is given to those who believe in giving back to the community not asking anything in return. Tonight two people will receive this award for the countless hours of support they’ve given our schools, the business community, and others. The pair took over the valuable space that is now a thriving business on West Main Street a little over two years ago. What began as a labor of love has grown into something truly special. They expanded and curated every inch of the property, from the
2026 KFMO/B104 Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award: Zach Franklin
The Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award-Presented by: Jase Odle Good evening everyone, For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jase Odle with Odle Media Group, KFMO and B104 Radio Stations located, right here in Park Hills. Tonight, I have the honor of presenting one of our most meaningful recognitions — The Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award. Now, the name of this award says a lot. “Sweat equity” isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about the work people do when no one is watching. It’s about the long
2026 St. Francois County Rotary Service Above Self Award: Harvey Faircloth
Rotary is dedicated to causes which build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world. Each year local clubs, such as the St. Francois Co. Rotary Club, recognize non-member individuals who represent the ideals of Rotary within their respective communities. These are people who get personally involved with making their community a better place for all its inhabitants. Tonight, we honor such an individual. There are few people in our area who have touched more lives than our
2026 Chamber’s Friend Award: Kyle Bonney
Good evening, everyone!!! At the Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce, we are fortunate to work with so many businesses and individuals who care deeply about this community. But every once in a while, there is someone who quietly goes above and beyond, time after time, simply because they want to help. Tonight’s award recognizes exactly that kind of person. If you have ever helped with a Chamber event or a City of Park Hills event, you know that behind every parade, festival, car show, or
2026 Lifetime Contribution Award: William Bess
Good evening everyone!!! Tonight, we gather to honor a lifetime defined by trust, service, and unwavering commitment to community. The Lifetime Contribution Award recognizes individuals whose work has not only shaped their profession, but whose character and consistency have strengthened the very fabric of the community they serve. This year’s recipient has played an important role in the business community of Park Hills for more than four decades. His story is one rooted in dedication, relationships,
2026 Lifetime Contribution Award: T.J. Isgrig
Good evening everyone!!! Tonight, we gather to honor something truly extraordinary. Not a single achievement. Not a single moment. But a lifetime shapedby courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others. The Lifetime Contribution Award honors a lifetime of outstanding dedication and profound impact. It is reserved for someone whose work quietly shaped our community, whose influence is felt not only in accomplishments, but in lives forever changed. For more than three decades, this year’s
2026 Citizen of the Year Award: Rebecca Buchanan
Hello again. It’s an honor to stand here again and present this year’s Citizen of the Year Award. Tonight, we come together to celebrate what truly strengthens our community – the everyday people whose compassion, dedication, and selflessness uplift others and inspire us all. The Citizen of the Year Award is more than a recognition – it’s a tribute to the spirit of service that defines who we are. This year’s recipient has gone above and beyond to make a difference, through work, leadership, and a
2026 Legacy Award: Gary Busenbark
Good evening everyone!!! We are gathered tonight to celebrate a life defined by passion, purpose, generosity, and service. A life that left an unmistakable mark not only on our business community, but on all our hearts. It is my honor to present the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award to a truly remarkable man, Gary Milton Busenbark!!! Gary Busenbark was born on September 4, 1939, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Leslie and Irene Busenbark. Even at a young age, his entrepreneurial spirit
2026 Awards Banquet: Celebrating 30 Years of Service with Tamara Coleman
Good evening, everyone. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Brenda Jordan, immediate past president and current board member of the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber. I am not on the agenda and without looking at her, I am quite positive Tammi is wondering… What is she doing? Why is she up there right now? This is not on tonight’s schedule!! We are here tonight to recognize community leaders, community legacies, and community accomplishments. We are going to start off these awards with one
2026 Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce Award Banquet
The Park Hills – Leadington Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Annual Awards Banquet at The White Magnolia Banquet Hall, bringing together local business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an evening dedicated to recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the region. The event was emceed by Chuck Odle and began with an invocation by Harvey Faircloth. Guests enjoyed dinner prepared and organized by the Chamber’s own Glenda Straughn and amazing assistants and
Park Hills - Leadington Chamber Foundation Launches Official Facebook Page
The Park Hills - Leadington Chamber Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its official Facebook page. The new page will serve as a central hub for updates, scholarship announcements, community initiatives, fundraising efforts, and Foundation-supported programs throughout the region. Community members will now have an easy way to stay informed and engaged with the Foundation’s work. The Chamber Foundation was established to support charitable and educational initiatives that strengthen local
Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce Endorses Prop U
The Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce has announced its official endorsement of Proposition U, the local use tax proposal that will appear on the April 7, 2026 ballot in the City of Park Hills. The Chamber’s endorsement reflects its commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting a strong, sustainable local economy. As shopping habits continue to shift toward online and out-of-state purchases, Proposition U addresses an important issue facing local retailers and service
Community Leaders Share Updates at 2026 State of St. Francois County Address
Community leaders, elected officials, business representatives, and residents gathered this morning at Mineral Area College’s Cardinal Center – Industry & Technology Center for the 2026 State of St. Francois County Address. The annual event was hosted in partnership by the Chambers of Commerce of Bismarck, Bonne Terre, Desloge, Farmington, and Park Hills–Leadington. Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of progress and priorities across the county, the program featured updates from municipal,
