Pacesetters recognized by chamber of commerce at annual event

Chamber recognition was held at the Eagles Lodge Saturday night with hundreds in attendance.

In recent years this annual event has grown so much that it has outgrown other locations.

There is a great amount of enthusiasim being shown by the chamber. The night was mixed with fun and awards. The fun included casino games associated with the theme of "Las Vegas, Nevada Style." This is the second year for the Las Vegas-style event.

The buffet provided a "Taste of Nevada."

A silent auction was also conducted to raise money for scholarships and other expenses. It was a great event for those in attendance. Several people were involved in the planning, making arrangements, selecting award recipients and other things needed to make the evening a success.

This is an event to place on your schedule when it is held next year.

Sponsors for the Pacesetter awards realize and believe the recognition is important and were graciously willing to sponsor the award program. They included: First National Bank, Grizzle Shelter Insurance, Heritage State Bank, Metz Banking Company, US Bank, and Wilkinson Pharmacy.

There are many individuals and businesses who contribute much to the community in a variety of ways, including service and leadership.

It is a good community gesture for some of these to be given special recognition by the chamber.

Sam Foursha was awarded the Individual Pacesetter award. This award gives recognition to individuals for their superior contributions to our community at large. They give unselfishly of their time and energy to the common cause, promoting Nevada and Vernon County and working to make our area better.

In announcing the winner, Mike Bell said, "It has been an incredible year in the growth cycle for Nevada and Vernon County.

æThis year's Pacesetter has spent his life serving the needs of others, in service to his country, his family and now, thankfully to our community. He is a leader who has made our town a new home to many and is committed to making life better for each of us."

Sam is the director of economic development for Nevada. People in several towns are commenting on the progress that Nevada is making and looking at Nevada.

I had the privilege of meeting his in-laws befor meeting Sam. They told of his Navy career, and related that he and his family planned to settle in Nevada. I had heard great things about him, not only from his in-laws, but others in the community, anticipating him coming back to the town where he was raised.

He works with a great amount of energy and uses his leadership skills to serve the community.

He has made many good contacts for Nevada and has done much in the way of promoting the area.

Through his efforts and special contacts, he has been instrumental in bringing industry into the community and other things to promote economic development.

He was a Naval officer, and he retired at the rank of captain after 25 years of service.

He used and developed his leadership skills in the Navy, and we are now reaping the benefits of those skills in our community.

Sam started working for the city of Nevada four years ago, having also served as deputy information director for Missouri Department of Revenue.

Sam expressed appreciation for the recognition he received. It was an honor for him to be nominated, along with Dr. Warren Lovinger and Dr. Jason Meisenhemier, the other two finalists, as these two have made high personal service to the community in a variety of ways, including sports, YMCA, and others.

These two have made many things happen in the community.

He said it is fantastic to be in the company of these nominees. He said it was not only what he has done, but he gave credit to individuals, the city, the county, the chamber, and Main Street.

He expressed that he received the recognition in behalf of other people. He said "We all worked together and with individual efforts this is a good place to live."

His memberships include: First Baptist Church, Rotary, Lions Chamber of Commerce and VFW. He is also on the Regional Planning Commission and several organizations at the regional level.

Sam related that there have been many accomplishments in the last two years and great things will be happening in the next two years, in spite of limited funds by the state.

The spec building is the only commercial building left. All of the others are occupied.

Also many of the retail spaces available are being filled.

There are many things on the horizon that will be happening. Some of these will be announced in the near future.

Congratulations goes to Sam for being selected for the 2004 Individual Pacesetter award.

Also congratulations goes to the other two finalists, who are also well qualified for the award.

There are others who are also providing great service to the community and are also Pacesetters.

There have been many accomplishments in the last two years in this community.

As things develop, we will begin to see the positive effect in our economy.

It is like a flower beginning to bloom -- many of these accomplishments have not blossomed -- results aren't yet noticeable. We will become more aware after these efforts come to fruition.

If other communities are looking to Nevada in envy now, just wait until they see some of the things that are on the horizon begin to develop!