Chamber celebrates successful year

Thursday, 31 January 2013 by Matthew Girard

During the awards ceremony portion of the evening, Leigh awarded the 2012 Chariman’s Award of Excellence to David Jones for his work on the 4th of July Parade. Keith Leija was presented with the Ambassador of the Year award, Anne Jackson was named the Citizen of the Year and Richard Schigut was presented with the Beltonian Award.The main event room at Cathedral Oaks was filled with applause and congratulatory remarks last Thursday as the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a successful 2012 and began looking to 2013 during its annual Awards Banquet.

After the dinner portion of the evening, Dr. Andy Crowson led the attendees through the program, which featured a 2012 year in review video, remarks from outgoing Chairman David K. Leigh via video and incoming Chairman Jim Reed, and the announcement of the 2012 Chamber award winners.

BACC President and CEO Stephanie O'Banion gave the audience an update on the Chamber building renovations and also highlighted the Chamber's new programs including, the Apprentice Belton Program and the revitalization of the Belton Wireless program.

During the awards ceremony portion of the evening, Leigh awarded the 2012 Chariman's Award of Excellence to David Jones for his work on the 4th of July Parade. Keith Leija was presented with the Ambassador of the Year award, Anne Jackson was named the Citizen of the Year and Richard Schigut was presented with the Beltonian Award.

Leija said he wasn't award of the honor he received.

"It was a shock, but it's a nice award," Leija said. "I was able to do a lot of great work with the Chamber and the Ambassadors all through 2012, so it was a really good accomplishment. I'm just thankful and humbled that I was noticed for the work and it's something that I really love to do."

Leija said the people associated with the BACC is why he enjoys being an ambassador.

"I work with a lot of different Chambers and organizations and the people at the Belton Chamber have always been great," Leija said. "They are very involved in the community, they are instrumental in growing local business and they really just do a great job of embracing people and inviting them into the community.

"When I partnered up with them a few years ago, there was an immediate connection and I've always felt like I'm a part of the family."

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