About 85 people turned out last week for the annual Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, a night filled with fun, awards and camaraderie, said Cindy Horn, the chamber’s executive director.
The dinner was held Jan. 23 at Andre’s at Fox Run Golf Course Carriage House in Eureka.
“It was a great event, with a large turnout,” she said. “There was a lot of networking and great conversation, a lot of laughing and a good time.”
In addition to dinner, the event included silent and live auctions to raise money to fund chamber operations and to provide scholarships for Northwest High School students.
Over the course of chamber history, it’s given away more than $100,000 in scholarships, Horn said.
A band played music, and five awards were presented at the event.
The Small Business Award went to Benz Press Werks, a printing company based in High Ridge.
“They won for their dedication to the chamber and ongoing support to the community,” Horn said.
The Large Business Award went to the H-J Family of Companies, a global company that manufactures and supplies products and solutions to the heavy electrical industry. It is based in High Ridge, but has offices around the world, according to its website.
Danny Tuggle presents the 2024 Large Business Award to Amer Krvavac, representing the H-J Family of Companies.
“It’s an international company that does business in 70 countries, and their headquarters started in High Ridge and they’ve kept it there,” Horn said. “They bring jobs to the area and support the community.”
The chamber presented its Community Service Award to the North Jefferson County Ambulance District.
The 2024 Community Service Award was presented to North Jefferson County Ambulance District. From left are Jamie Guinn, Jeremy Walter and Kate Buss.
“It got the award for all the first responders and service they do in our area,” Horn said.
The chamber’s President’s Award went to Katelyn Mary Skaggs, the Leader’s digital marketing manager.
“She serves on the chamber board and started the craft fair in our area and continues to organize and run that,” Horn said.
The Man of the Year Award went to Jefferson County Councilman Brian Haskins, who lives in High Ridge and represents District 1, which covers the northwest part of the county.
“He got the award for all his hard work and dedication to our community and for helping with getting new sidewalks and the beautification of High Ridge Boulevard,” Horn said. “He’s always focusing on our parks and recreation.”
All last year’s chamber board members remained on the board and were recognized at the event, Horn said.
Board president Danny Tuggle was the emcee for the dinner and presented all the awards, Horn said.