Our Opinion: Celebrating a continuum of progress

News Tribune editorial

Any gala become more celebratory when there is more to celebrate.

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce's annual gala marks a transition in leadership, a recognition of past progress and a demarcation of future initiatives.

The event followed a major win for the community; a chamber-orchestrated proposal was accepted by Missouri Special Olympics to locate their new Training for Life campus in Jefferson City.

The evening also served as an opportunity to celebrate some of the volunteers who have distinguished themselves serving both the chamber and the community.

This year's award winners included:

• Phil Freeman received the William W. Quigg Award, which recognizes lifelong leadership and dedication to the Jefferson City community.

In addition to serving in leadership roles for the area United Way, YMCA and Capitol Regional Medical Center, Freeman, owner of Freeman Mortuary, has chaired fund-raising efforts for city government and for public school performing arts and athletic facilities. He now serves as chairman of the Old Town Redevelopment Board, which coordinates enhancements for an significant segment of the city.

• Cary Gampher, an architect with Architects Alliance, won the Chamber Meritorious Civic Service Award, for exceeding expectations in service to the community.

In addition to his service in volunteer leaderships posts, Gampher has offered pro bono assistance in designing local structures and monuments, including memorials for military veterans.

• Janet Weckenborg, an employee of Capitol Region Medical Center, won the Chairman's Award for her service to the chamber as a member of its board, executive committee and chairman of one of its Big Idea Sharing programs.

• The Fast Forward Award was given to Andy Fechtel of Fechtel Beverage. Now in its third year, the award honors a young professional for making a difference in the community. He has served in a range of positions, including co-chair of the recent area United Way fundraising campaign.

In his remarks, Freeman acknowledged the young men and women in attendance as "the future of or community."

And, he reminded everyone that: "If there's one thing I've learned, it is easy to identify problems, but it is much more difficult to solve the problems. I challenge everyone here tonight to leave reinvigorated not only in identifying problems, but in solving the problems."

We encourage everyone in our community to accept that challenge. Let's not simply point fingers at problems, let's work together to explore and implement solutions.