2007  ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP

The Chariton Chamber and Development Corporation held their annual meeting at Carpenter's Hall on July 20, 2007.  Four awards were given out including the 2007 Citizen of the Year award, which was presented to Rev. Bill Nielsen, pastor of First Lutheran Church in Chariton.  Presenting him with the award was last year's Citizen of the Year, Abe Savage.  Rev. Nielsen has served our community for ten years, he has been a leader of Lucas County Interchurch Council, and active volunteer counselor at the Ministries Center and a youth baseball coach. Earlier this year, Rev. Nielsen served on the steering committee for Chariton's Horizons Program, an effort to reduce poverty in the community, and he was the driving force behind Carpenter's Hall. He has devoted thousands of hours to its construction and operation.  Without Rev. Nielsen's leadership on this project, Carpenter Hall would be just an empty warehouse building instead of a community asset.

The recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year Award are Ervin and Darla Morgan, who volunteer manage the Humane Society of Lucas County. Other awards were Chamber Supporter Award presented to Lucas County Interchurch Council and accepted by Rev. Bill Nielsen.  The 2007 Bridge Builder of the Year award was presented to Joe Steinbach, who has donated many hours of his time to community projects.  As an active volunteer for the Chariton Fire Department, Joe was instrumental in the restoration of Old Betsy, he also worked diligently to restore the clock on the courthouse, joined the volunteer efforts to build the concession stand and announcer's building at the Chariton Girls Softball Complex.   The Pillar of the Community award was presented to Johnson Machine Works and accepting it on their behalf was President, Jeff Johnson.  Johnson Machine Works is celebrating their 100th Anniversary this summer.  They produce products and building structures that people count on throughout the world, from Locks and Dams for the Army Corp of Engineers to a new stadium for the Indianapolis Colts.

Outgoing Chariton Chamber and Development Corporation President, Linda Baynes, did the passing of the gavel to 2007-2008 President, Betty Pepping.

 Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting!