Steelville Businessman Honored With MRPC's Highest Award

MRPC News Release

Nov. 17, 2005

For more information, contact: Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993

STEELVILLE BUSINESSMAN HONORED WITH MRPC'S HIGHEST AWARD

Fourteen other regional volunteers recognized

Meramec Regional Planning Commission presented its highest award for community service to John Britton of Steelville during its 2005 Annual Dinner, held Nov. 10, 2005, at the University of Missouri-Rolla's Havener Center. MRPC also recognized 14 other volunteers from across the region for their community service work.

Each year, MRPC honors residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties who have exhibited outstanding voluntarism and community service. MRPC also presents its highest honor, its annual Eugene E. Northern Award, to volunteers who have demonstrated lifelong community service. Northern, a former Rolla mayor, was a Missouri Circuit judge that was dedicated to his community and went beyond the call of duty.

Britton, nominated by Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Ed Worley, was honored for his many years of outstanding community service, corporate and personal giving and leadership.

Britton is a former president of the Meramec Regional Development Corporation (MRDC), has served as chairman of the Steelville Community Park Fund committee, and assisted in the establishment of the Steelville Community Foundation, serving as president of that board. Britton also served as the president of the Steelville Planning and Zoning Commission for six years, spent 10 years as the chairman of the Crawford County Red Cross and nine years on the board of directors for Steelville Telephone Exchange.

He has served as president of the Steelville Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the clean up and beautification of Yadkin Creek, which runs through the heart of Steelville. He serves on the Steelville Industrial Development Authority (IDA), currently as president, and never misses an opportunity to make contacts to bring jobs and/or business to the area.

One of the accomplishments of which Britton is most proud has been the establishment of Meramec Music Theatre, a 700-seat theatre that brings more than 20,000 people to Steelville every year. He serves as chairman of the committee that oversees the theatre’s weekly functions, and doesn’t miss an opportunity to promote its upcoming shows.

He is president of Britton Funeral Home, Inc., Britton Enterprises, Inc. and the BEC Group, LLC, is active in his church and still finds time for community involvement. He has been married to his childhood friend, Ava, for 57 years.

Those volunteers recognized for community contributions and volunteer efforts include:

• Charles Bade of Owensville, nominated by Owensville Mayor Louise Baker;

• Norma Bretz of Cuba, nominated by Franky Todd, MRPC at-large representative for aging;

• Dana Campbell of Sullivan, nominated by Sullivain Mayor Jim Schatz;

• Linda Claycomb of Linn, nominated by Osage County Presiding Commissioner Russell Scheulen;

• George & Liz Gruendel of Salem, nominated by Salem Mayor Gary Brown;

• Mary Happel of Salem, nominated by Earl Brown, MRPC at-large representative for the disabled;

• Anton Libbert of Meta, nominated by Maries County Presiding Commissioner Jim Kleffner;

• Bill Marshall of St. James, nominated by John Petersen, representing the mayor of Rolla;

• Harvey Richards, Jr. of Steelville, nominated by Kathy McCann, representing the mayor of Steelville;

• Charlotte Wiggins of Rolla, nominated by State Representative Bob May, ex-officio board member;

• Patricia Young of Doolittle, nominated by Doolittle Mayor Paul Smith;

• Tyler Richter of Steelville, a youth nominated by Kathy McCann, representing the mayor of Steelville and;

• Alicia White of Rolla, a youth nominated by Laura Cyr, MRPC at-large representative for small business.

The guest speaker for the evening was Duane Michie, a member of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.

Also honored during the evening was James Gwyn of Potosi, who served on the MRPC board for five years as commissioner at large for the unemployed. Robert Simpson, former Washington County presiding commissioner, accepted the award on behalf of Gwyn.

Five MRPC staff members were honored with years of service awards; Housing Program Manager Linda Hollandsworth was honored for five years of service to the organization; Fiscal Officer Linda Loughridge was honored for 10 years; and Housing Coordinator Tammy Rigsby was honored for fifteen years of service. Additionally, Housing Inspector/Coordinator Teresa Murdie was honored as Employee of the Year for 2005, a selection made by MRPC staff.

Some 220 people attended the dinner, which was hosted by the city of Rolla and the Phelps County Commission. The reception was sponsored by the city of Rolla, Phelps County Commission, Rolla Regional Economic Commission, Missouri Enterprise Business Assistance Center, Fort Leonard Wood Regional Commerce and Growth Association, and Rolla Community Development Corporation. Chartwell's Food Service of Rolla catered the event. MRPC Chairman Gary Brown served as master of ceremonies.

MRPC is a voluntary council of local governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Officers are Chairman Gary Brown of Salem, Vice Chairman Bob Reed of Washington County, Secretary Mary Heywood of Bourbon and Treasurer Laura Cyr of Rolla. A professional staff, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, transportation planning, housing assistance, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans, strategic planning and other services to member communities upon request.

Those honored at MRPC's 2005 Annual Dinner included, front row from left, Robert Simpson of Washington County; Tyler Richter of Steelville; Anton Libbert of Meta; Mary Happel of Salem; Patricia Young of Doolittle; Linda Claycomb of Linn; Charles Bade of Owensville; John Britton of Steelville; back row from left, Harvey Richards, Jr. of Steelville; Charlotte Wiggins of Rolla; Dana Campbell of Sullivan; Alicia White of Rolla; Bill Marshall of St. James; Norma Bretz of Cuba; and George and Liz Gruendel of Salem.