Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce ready to embrace change in 2020

Couples sway together on the dance floor Friday during the after-party of the 127th annual Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Gala at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The after-party also featured free beer, provided by NH Scheppers.
Couples sway together on the dance floor Friday during the after-party of the 127th annual Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Gala at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The after-party also featured free beer, provided by NH Scheppers.

Decked out in pinstripes, flapper dresses, suspenders and feathered hats in accordance with the Roaring into 2020 theme, Jefferson City businesses and community members gathered Friday night to celebrate the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce's 127th annual gala at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

Incoming 2020 chamber Board of Directors Chairman Darren Heckman asked the crowd to be willing to embrace change this year, beginning his speech with a quote from author Robin Sharma.

"'Change is hard in the beginning, messy in the middle and gorgeous in the end,'" he said.

Heckman pointed to examples of recent success in the community like The Linc, the revitalized downtown and the new Capital City High School.

"All gorgeous examples of results from tough decisions and individuals with a commitment to a vision," Heckman said. "As a community, as a chamber, we want the gorgeous. To get there, we're going to take some time, and we have to embrace the difficulties and the mess, see the process through."

The biggest change surrounding the chamber this year is an ongoing strategic plan that began in September 2019 and will conclude this year.

With help from Atlanta-based Market Street Services, Inc. - an economic development consulting firm - the chamber is working to create a strategy that makes the community better while focusing on community input.

In 2018, Cole County chose to end economic development services with the chamber in favor of Iowa-based Victory Enterprises and Strategic Capital Consulting.

The chamber decided to make a change, Heckman said.

"This change is going to take additional time, money and most importantly by-in and support from a larger segment of our membership and our community," Heckman said, before recognizing the support of the community and the Economic Development Steering Committee.

Heckman told the story of a meal he once had at a friends house. Although it was cooked by professional chefs, he admitted being wary of the food - fried fish, red beans and rice - because they weren't foods he enjoyed. But the meal ended up being one of the best of his life, Heckman said.

"I have one simple ask of each of you - try the fish, red beans and rice," Heckman said. "Embrace the change, support the process and support the implementation. To win, we will have to commit to the strategy and see it through together."

Each year at the gala, the chamber also honors members and residents who have made an impact on the community through their work or service.

The Chairman's Award, which honors a member who provided excellent volunteer service to the Chamber of Commerce over the previous year, went to Jason Otke, of Dick Otke Construction. Otke has volunteered with the chamber for more than 16 years and was a 2011 graduate of Leadership Jefferson City and a member of the Young Professionals. He also served as the treasurer of the chamber board and as an executive committee member.

The Chamber Meritorious Civic Service Award, which honors an individual who has gone the extra mile when serving the community, was awarded to Ann Bax, president of United Way of Central Missouri, for all of her service to the community over her 10 years with the organization. Bax's efforts during the aftermath of the May 22 tornado were especially praised.

The Fast Forward Award goes to a young person who is making a difference in Jefferson City. On Friday, it was given to Charlie Christiansen, an entrepreneur and local business owner, who most recently purchased and redeveloped the old JCD Building, now known as River Park.

Finally, the William W. Quigg Leadership Award, which is presented to an individual who has shown lifelong leadership and dedication to the community, was awarded to Sharon Naught. Among many other things, Naught has been involved with the Veteran's Council, Operation Bugle Boy, the East Side Business Association, Relay for Life and the Capital Region Medical Center Board.