DEXTER CHAMBER PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS

DEXTER -- Dexter honored its proud past and its bright future at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet this week.

Tapped for the evening's two top honors were Ruby Watson and M.A. Hart, who received the 1995 Woman and Man of the Year awards respectively for their volunteer work and community involvement.

The Organization of the Year award went to the Dexter Elk's Lodge for its community projects and donations, many of which benefit local students.

The Daily Statesman newspaper of Dexter received the 1994 Business of the Year distinction for its continued service to the community.

Other highlights of the banquet included remarks from outgoing Chamber president Greg Mathis, who traced the changes made in the chamber office the past year with Janet Coleman being named executive director.

He said he would like to see initiated a diversified group of local individuals working for the city and chamber's future. "Instead of off and running, this group is still waiting at the runway," Mathis said. "But hopefully they will get started very soon."

On his tenure as chamber president, Mathis said, "I can't tell you it's always been fun, but it has been interesting and I'm glad I took the opportunity to serve on the chamber board."

Incoming chamber president, Dr. Debra Owens, was unable to attend the banquet due to illness, but first vice-president Dave Clark, who presided in her absence, said: "Over the past two years, I've seen the chamber make positive strides."

Owens also recognized Mathis "for his encouragement, his patience and his focus." Mathis received a plaque at the banquet, along with a scrapbook highlighting his year as president. Plaques also went to outgoing chamber directors Mona AuBuchon and Richard Pitt.