The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce first annual Picnic in the Park was attended by over 120 area community and business leaders. The event was also the organization’s annual meeting for 2020.

Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jackson Tough said “We were pleased that so many joined us to support the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate our municipal band, and to recognize some valued members of our community. Our member’s support truly maintains the organization for the benefit of our community and businesses. Their support is the reason these efforts continue. The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce staff and board members would like to say thank you to each and every person that contributed to make this organization the success it continues to be. The activities, events and projects have been many and yet there is still so much to accomplish.”

The Chamber of Commerce also acknowledged community members/entities who helped make the evening possible: the City of El Dorado Springs, El Dorado Springs Municipal Band, Count On Us Catering, LCN Graphics (printing programs), Ron Alumbaugh (sound), and Keili Tough (photography). Personal Picnic Raffle Package sponsors included: Woods Supermarket-gift cards, Sac Osage Electric Co-op-electric grill, Farran Family/Shelter Insurance-Cedar Cabin getaway, Jeremy & Renea Hayes-custom cornhole game, Randy Breshears/R&R CNC Services-custom tumblers, Travis Comeau/McDonald’s Restaurant-gift pack.

The evening also included the chamber’s “Excellence in El Dorado Springs” community awards. Award nominees and winners included:

2020 Member / Citizen of the Year

Nominee – Dr. Theresa Christian

Dr. Christian is the El Dorado Springs R-2 School Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Christian has served on the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Board since January 2017, and has served as the organization’s treasurer for two terms. Theresa is also committed to our local Bright Futures organization as the public schools liaison, ensuring that many student’s basic needs are met to help them fulfill their potential in learning.

Nominee – Mr. Mark Koca

During his career in education in El Dorado Springs, Mark has inspired his students, taught members in the community, served as facility/safety committee chair, and been a leader in school improvement. During his term as Superintendent, he has been responsible for major physical improvements and saved the school district many dollars through his knowledge and experience. Any graduate of El Dorado Springs public schools can return to find a facility not run down, but improved in every way. Mark is retiring this year, and deserves our thanks for making our world a better place.

Winner – Dr. Sharon West Lansing

After many years of working away from her home town, Sharon returned to the area as a Professor at Cottey College, and elected to select a home just a block south of her beloved downtown Spring Park. Almost immediately upon arrival, she became active in trying to help preserve and protect our heritage by active roles in the Preserve Our Past Society (POPS) and the Wayside Inn Museum. Sharon also began brainstorming with others and urging the mission of Spring City Revitalization. Many of the early meetings focused on restoring our  historic downtown were around Sharon’s kitchen table. She purchased two adjacent properties to save them from total collapse; tore one down and created a beautiful Oasis  Garden; completely renovated the other; eventually selling it as a useful home-place for another family. Of late, Sharon has been instrumental in the procuring of the Community Garden and the constant maintenance along with other dedicated gardeners. The garden produces hundreds of pounds for community members.

2020 Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year

Potential Nominees: Dr. Neil Linsenmayer, Heather Brown, Dr. Theresa Christian, Toshua McCormick, Vicki Hillsman, Debbie Floyd, Jordan Payne, Ryan Cloyd, Travis Comeau, Peggy Snodgrass and Jackson Tough.

Winner – Dr. Neil Linsenmayer

Dr. Neil Linsenmayer is the current president of the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. Neil has been the Chairman of the Christmas Parade and Lighting Celebration for ten years and has served on the Chamber’s Executive Board since 2012. Neil is also on the 2020 Gala Committee, the past Chamber Vice President and past Chamber Treasurer.

2020 Business/Organization of the Year

Nominee – Evans Drugs         

Even though owner Kevin McCullough is consistently busy with the daily challenges of owning four pharmacies he is always ready to take time with customers to discuss their health. Evans Drugs continues to be a leading business when it comes to community causes, especially our youth. Evans Drugs has been and continues to be one of our chamber’s biggest supporters. It would be a challenge to find a more professional hometown pharmacy anywhere.

Nominee – Fidelity Communications

Fidelity Communications provides internet, cable and phone services to El Dorado Springs. Since coming to El Dorado Springs, Fidelity has invested in technology, equipment, and infrastructure upgrades in order to provide increased reliability and internet speeds. Fidelity is a proud community partner and has participated in a variety of events and fundraisers in El Dorado Springs, including donations to the food pantry and Senior Center, as well as participation in many Chamber initiatives.

Winner – Fire Department Auxiliary

Organized only two years ago, their impact on our volunteer fire department has been significant. The Fire Department Auxiliary is composed of about 25 wives, girlfriends, friends and family members. Their activities for the last two years include adopting two local families at Christmas, helping at junior fire fighter events that have served 150 local children, sold refreshments and T-shirts and raffle at the Picnic as well as a Fire Fighter Calendar. Fundraising from activities go to Auxiliary projects. They make care packages for fire victims and send birthday gifts to fire fighters. The auxiliary also provides fire fighters meals and drinks.

2020 Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement

Winner – Mr. Mark Koca

Our schools have a great impact on our children, families, businesses, and community. As Superintendent of the El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools, Mark Koca has led the District for the past 9 years with dedication to the success of our students. During his tenure as  Superintendent, the District passed a $5.4 million bond issue for needed additions to the Middle School and High School including an elevator. He has also overseen the renovation of the track, added new parking around the football stadium, added fencing and a new driveway for the Elementary to improve safety and security of our students. Additionally, he serves in the El Dorado Springs Municipal Band and has performed since 1974. Before becoming Superintendent, Mr. Koca taught for 22 years including 11 in El Dorado Springs. He was the High School Principal and Superintendent in Humansville before returning to El Dorado Springs as Superintendent in 2011. As the leader of the school district, he has provided wisdom, integrity, fiscal responsibility and most importantly a vision of success for all students, faculty and our community.

Scholarships

The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Recipients were Allyson Snodgrass and Brayden Housh. The chamber’s scholarship committee consisting of Heather Brown, Debbie Floyd & Vicki Hillsman presented the certificates for $500 each to the school of their choice.

Executive Board Election

The event also featured the executive board member election. Three board members were re-elected to their seats, including Vicki Hillsman (Brower Real Estate), Dr. Theresa Christian (El Dorado Springs Public Schools) and Heather Brown (Abilene Enterprises).

Tough also mentioned that without the executive board and our assistant director the event would be very difficult to pull off. The board also acts as the annual meeting event committee. Chamber CEO, Jackson Tough introduced the executive board including Dr. Neil Linsenmayer – President – El Dorado Springs Family Chiropractic, Heather Brown – Vice President – Abilene Enterprises, Dr. Theresa Christian – Treasurer – EDS R-2 Schools, Toshua McCormick – Past President – State Farm Insurance, Vicki Hillsman – Brower Real Estate, Debbie Floyd – Santa Paula Awning, Jordan Payne – Mid Missouri Bank, Ryan Cloyd – Mike & Joe’s Service Station, Travis Comeau – McDonald’s Restaurant and Peggy Snodgrass – Assistant Director.

Sponsors

The event’s 2020 Corporate Gold Sponsors included Kevin & Brandi McCullough – Evans Drugs, Bob & Debbie Floyd – Santa Paula Awning, Travis & Melanie Farran – Shelter Insurance, Community National Bank & Trust, Citizens Memorial Hospital, and Mid Missouri Bank.

2020 Corporate Silver Sponsors included Dr. Neil & Yolandie Linsenmayer – El Dorado Springs Family Chiropractic, Travis Farran – Physicians Medical Equipment & Supplies, Joe, Mike & David Barger – Mike & Joe’s Service Station, Randy Bland – Bland Hackleman Funeral Home, Toshua McCormick – State Farm Insurance, Shannon Mays – Shannon & Associates, Travis Comeau – McDonalds Restaurant, Stephanie Harper – H & R Block, Nikki Allison – Simmons Bank, Dennis Lundy – A-1 Body, Pat Taylor – QB Resources, and Fidelity Communications.

Tough said “this was a good opportunity to get together, especially since it was outside and folks remembered social distancing. The municipal band had an amazing and inspired performance. We encourage folks to get out and enjoy Spring Park and the longest continuously performing municipal band in Missouri, celebrating their 135th year.”