The Jefferson County Growth Association honored two businesses, a civic organization and one individual with its Jeffersonian Awards at an Oct. 19 ceremony.
Good Earth Tools in Crystal City won the large business award, and Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In, also in Crystal City, won the small business award.
The Jefferson College Foundation was recognized in the nonprofit organization category, and Kami Kimes of Hillsboro Title Co. won the individual award for her community service.
About 95 people attended the event, held at Oak Valley Golf Course and Resort in Pevely.
“It was a good one,” said JCGA president Dan Govero. “We really decorated up the place, and (JCGA executive director) Sharon (Floyd) did an excellent job with it. She even had Hershey bars with the award winners’ names on them on all the tables.”
The JCGA gives out Jeffersonian Awards to spotlight efforts that promote the county’s economic and civic progress.
Andy Held, executive director of the Mercy Health Foundation and a JCGA board member, was the emcee.
“I think this was one of the better nights in recent memory,” Govero said. “The venue was great, the food (catered by Andre’s) was superb, and you can’t go wrong with desserts from the Blue Owl (Restaurant and Bakery in Kimmswick). They brought in pies and cake poppers. And all the award recipients were very deserving.”
Award winners
■ Govero said Kimes, account executive with Hillsboro Title Co. for 34 years, deserved the individual award.
“She was definitely very deserving,” Govero said. “She’s on our board, and when I was working to form a women’s business group, she took it by the horns, and now 75 to 100 people come to the meetings. I don’t know how that word gets out, but people from St. Louis come down for this. That’s awesome.”
Kami Kimes, left, with Sharon Floyd of the Jefferson County Growth Association, received the individual Jeffersonian Award.
Kimes, 53, of Hillsboro also was recognized for her work on behalf of BackStoppers; Brenden’s Friday Backpacks; the Hillsboro Community Civic Center; Ride on St. Louis; Angel Arms; Mary’s House of Hope; the Jefferson Barracks and Ozark food pantries; the Jefferson County Rescue Mission; Secondhand Heroes; the Jefferson County Foster Closet; a coat drive in Sullivan; and the United Way of Franklin County.
Kimes said she was floored by the honor.
“It’s such a blessing to get such a recognition,” she said. “I’m still in shock. It’s awesome.”
The Jefferson County Council presented her with a proclamation that declared Oct. 19, 2023, Kami Kimes Day.
“It’s such an honor to get a day named for you,” she said. “But really, I guess I celebrated it by working, and then going to the ceremony.”
Testimonial videos of each Jeffersonian winner were shown during the evening.
“I think I cried all during my video,” Kimes said.
■ The Jefferson College Foundation, established in 1991, received the award for civic groups because it works to raise money to fund scholarships for students at the college through monetary donations, in-kind donations, as well as investments.
Dr. Julia Hampton and Blake Tilley of the Jefferson College Foundation receive the foundation's awards. From left are U.S. Congress District Office Director Donna Hickman, Hampton, Tilley, State Senator Elaine Gannon and Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon.
“They are great at doing things for students and the college,” Govero said. “They do a lot of good, helping students earn two-year degrees at the school and making sure they get training to enter today’s workforce. They’ve done a lot of good over the years. They’re well deserving of this recognition.”
■ Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In at Bailey Road and Truman Boulevard opened in 1948 and is a “a landmark,” Govero said. “We all know how good the shakes and burgers are. And to keep it going through all the years, that’s a real testament.”
Govero also noted that Gordon’s burgers have been named the state’s best by both Missouri Life and the Travel Channel.
■ Good Earth Tools, which opened its plant more than 50 years ago, specializes in designing, engineering and manufacturing durable parts for the railroad, mining, construction, waste management, transportation and recycling industries, among others.
From left, Lori and Brian McKee and Kip Williams of Good Earth Tool, which received the Jeffersonian Award for a large business.
“I’ve worked for them for a few years,” said Govero, who owns Govero Land Services, a civil engineering and surveying firm in Imperial. “They buy more land, and then expand, and then they do it again, each time hiring more people. And they continue to expand. They are a great example of progress in Jefferson County. I think they, too, deserve the award.”
