Monett Area Chamber of Commerce elects new board

Officers of body to be elected at annual joint meeting, look for smoother sailing in year ahead
The Monett Area Chamber of Commerce capped a tumultuous year with its annual banquet on March 6, electing a new board and honoring service in 2024.
The main Chamber business of the event was selection of new board members from a slate of six candidates, chosen by the members present. Named to the board were Trevor Convirs of Convirs Web Design, City Clerk Kelley McMillan, Brett Jones with Edward Jones investments, and Cassie Branch with Architectural Systems Inc. Ada Noriega from Arvest Bank and Jennifer Rodriguez from Dream Casa Real Estate were named alternates and will likely assist in activities through the year.
Outgoing board members Sarah Weber, Jack Williams, Elsa Porras, and Scott Thrasher were recognized for their service, receiving tokens of appreciation.
The Chamber banquet betrayed none of the difficulties of the past 12 months, nor was there a recap to review the troubles. First incoming president Mary Dutton resigned, and was succeeded by Brad Hill, who had previously served on the board. The Chamber lost its bid to retain management of the Monett License Office, which it ran since 1976, taking with it half of the Chamber’s annual revenue and most of the staff. Executive director Brett Heman resigned in July, after which the board reassessed that job description, extracting duties of running the license office.
In October, two people were hired in Heman’s place. Colten Coy, hired as operations and events manager, was recently voted out, considered “not a good fit.” That left Jasmine Burks, the membership relationship manager, to run the office, organizing the banquet and upcoming events. Leading up to the banquet, Burks enlisted City Commissioner Darren Indovina, former Small Business of the Year winner in 2015, to help with event logistics.

The banquet, again held at the City Park Casino, used a slightly different physical arrangement for a smaller crowd and faster food service by caterer Keen Bean. Burks, having not seen a Chamber banquet before, prepared a shorter program that focused on the annual awards. There was a notable lack of dignitaries present, no introductions for city officials or visitors from other Chambers, and no resolutions from the Missouri House or Senate for the award winners.
Usually, the president will review the past year and introduce the incoming president. That didn’t happen this year because an incoming president had not been chosen. When the outgoing and incoming boards had their joint meeting on March 12, voting took place for officers. Cory Hartman was named president. Brad Hill stepped into the past president position. Cassie Branch was named president-elect. Kelley McMillan was named the new treasurer.
At the banquet, Scott Thrasher, serving as past president, offered the main comments for the leadership. Thrasher recalled how much had changed since he first became involved with the Chamber in 2015.
“One thing remains constant – you, the members, who are active and involved,” he said. “Applaud yourself. Think of the Festival of Lights, the Young Professional Network, and the lunch and learns. None of that could take place without you.”
Thrasher further praised President Brad Hill for the considerable time he gave during the past year working on Chamber business and recent help by Young Professional Network volunteer Cory Hartman. He cited the “three I’s” as keys to a successful Chamber: interest, investment, and involvement.
The only other extended address came from State Representative Mitch Boggs, on hand to introduce the Small Business of the Year. Boggs spoke about “back in the day,” a figure of speech referring to a nostalgic past. For himself, Boggs recalled bucking hay as a youth, later graduating into the construction business, and now serving as a state legislator, flying his own plane back and forth to Jefferson City in an hour.
“I tell my kids, ‘It’s never been easy,’” he said. “Someday you will look back and call this ‘back in the day.’ I think the greatness is here in front of us.”