Chamber Recognizes Top Citizens

     (Cameron)  Awards highlighted the 66th Annual Cameron Chamber of Commerce Banquet held Thursday night at the Cameron VFW.  Receiving the Outstanding Chamber Member Award was Ken Harriss (pictured right).  It was Harriss who birthed the idea of the Cameron Education Center Temple College, a 1999 event that outgoing president John Egger called the single most important accomplishment of the year.       Two organizations shared the Organization of the Year Award for their work in making the Education Center a reality.  The Cameron Industrial Foundation and the Industrial Development Corporation were both recognized as Presidents of each organization, Bill Meachum and Stewart Perkins accepted the award. And Patsy Gaines received the Citizen of the Year award, for her tireless community work.  

     The Crowd of more than 300 was touched with mixed emotions from Cowboy Poet Pete Davis who masterfully delivered heartwarming humor with rhyming words.   The crowd got a bonus when emcee Rob Reed, host of KMIL's Breakfast Club, was interrupted by a "cellery" phone call from Ella Louise Johnson.

     Also during the evening, outgoing President John Egger talked of the 1999 accomplishments.  In addition to the Cameron Education Center, Topping the list were the new Primary school and High School Gymnasium, and the courthouse renovation.  Egger introduced incoming President Janet Sheguit who used a snowflake to symbolize each citizen coming together to make Cameron a better place to live, work and raise a family.  

     Retiring directors were recognized.  They are David Angell, Carolyn Hux and Melanie Shuffield.  2000 officers and directors were also recognized.  They are Janet Sheguit, President.  Jeannine Dohnalik, First Vice President.  Glenn Laurence, Second Vice President.  John Egger, Past President.  and Directors Margia Barkemeyer, Al Dobos, Larry Hauk, Teri Keratsopoulos, Tom Loth, Ed Magre, Bobbie Miller, Jeanie Orsag, and Mike Shelton. 

     Tammy Fisher Jung (pictured right) was recently named executive director of the Chamber.  Gina Coldiron is the Administrative Assistant.

     The meal was catered by Jerry & Agnes Kostroun.