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NRMC, NPD, Ernsbarger's, Pecan Growers, YMCA winners at Chamber Gala
Nevada Daily Mail
Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada Police Department, Ernsbarger Heating and Cooling, Missouri Northern Pecan Growers and Osage Prairie YMCA were the winners at the 2016 Nevada Vernon County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Gala and Awards Banquet.
On a night that featured live and silent auctions, the return of the "Dueling Pianos," and with a packed crowd, emcee and chamber board member Ross Lawrence began the awards portion by "recognizing the businesses and community members who strive to make Vernon County the place we all love to work and call home."
The Worksite Wellness Award, a new award presented this year in partnership with Healthy Nevada, "highlights employers that demonstrate a commitment to employee health by implementing worksite wellness offerings," Lawrence began.
"It also acknowledges efforts of the employers to facilitate and encourage a healthy work environment."
Nevada Regional Medical Center was the winner, chosen from among 3M, Cottey College, Murphy Family Ventures, and Pathways Community Health.
"NRMC offers birthday month lab draws and open participation in any community screenings to employees. Evidence based improvements have been noted in cost, absenteeism and morale. Goals are to continue and improve efforts to promote employee/community wellness; lower high cost claims by education of disease management and accountability measures; offer rewards for goal achievements; and expand participation in initiatives made available to employees."
The Nevada Police Department was the winner in the Large Business Pacesetter of the Year Award. Other nominees were 3M and Nevada Regional Medical Center.
"The Nevada Police Department serves a daytime population of approximately 12,000 for the city," said Lawrence. "The department maintains a presence in the community through the Vernon County Domestic Violence Task Force, Children's Division, Southwest Missouri Children's Center, the Vernon County Youth Task Force, National Night Out, Citizens Police Academy, Crisis Intervention Team, Drug Take Back, Neighborhood Watch, Bushwhacker Days patrol, Major Case Squad, sex offender verification sweeps and Volunteers in Policing programs.
Ernsbarger's Heating and Cooling was the winner in the Small Business Pacesetter of the Year award. Other nominees were Carlini Construction, Nevada Veterinary Clinic, and TCB Towing.
"Ernsbarger Heating and Cooling has become a major business in the community after being in business for 25 years with seven employees making an economic impact in the area. They removed an old building on West Cherry and renovated the building that was once a Dairy Queen.
"They support and donate to many organizations and school functions in a variety of ways."
The Agri-business Pacesetter Award went to Missouri Northern Pecan Growers.
Other nominees were H and H Show Supply and Brad/Sherry Hurst, Murphy Family Ventures, R and R Equipment, and Natural Solutions and Cody Claflin.
"Missouri Northern Pecan Growers has shown growth by purchasing an additional location," said Lawrence. "They have created a larger demand for a native crop to the area."
Winning the Community Involvement Pacesetter of the Year award, formerly the Wayne Neal Award, was Osage Prairie YMCA.
"This award is meant to recognize individuals, businesses or organizations that showed commitment to improving their community through involvement, action and giving back," noted Lawrence.
Other nominees were Curtis & Sons Realty, Leslie Carroll-Bartlett, Kora Anderson, Community Outreach, Staci Andersen, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pastor Chad Bailey, Dr. Ron Schowengerdt, Kim Niestrath, and Nevada Parks and Recreation Director Dana Redburn.
"Osage Prairie YMCA began teaching life-saving swimming lesson skills to all area second graders through the Make a Splash program. They also served area youth who need additional food support in the summer with the Serving up Summer program. These are in addition to other successful programs such as Camp Osage during the summer months, Y Club after school care and numerous play and swim programs."
Lawrence saluted all the winners by noting, "We are proud of the work you do in our community."
Outgoing Chamber Board President Leva Richmond received the final award for the evening, being recognized for her service.
"We have appreciated her tenure with our group," said Lawrence.