CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber presents 2024 Business Awards
2024 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
THE CITY OF EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
Excelsior Springs is earning recognition on a global scale for its accomplishments, innovative community improvement programs, and success in securing federal grants. At the heart of these achievements is none other than the City of Excelsior Springs.
“Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the city and witnessing firsthand the tireless efforts of Molly McGovern, Melinda Mehaffy, and the dedicated city staff,” said Brian. “Their commitment to seeking opportunities that enhance the quality of life for Excelsior’s residents and businesses is truly inspiring.”
The city has made historic strides, securing over $30 million in RAISE grant funding to improve our community’s streets and sidewalks, with another $20 million in EPA grant funding currently being pursued. These funds will bring transformative improvements to our downtown and business districts. Additionally, the city has a comprehensive plan in place to address flooding in the downtown area, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for our businesses and residents.
Beyond infrastructure, the city is an avid supporter of local businesses, consistently nominating them for prestigious awards such as the Clay County Economic Development’s Keystone Awards. Their efforts extend to the “Neighbors” department, which recently earned Excelsior Springs the title of “Most Neighborly City in Missouri,” outshining 118 other mid-sized cities across the state.
The city’s impact also resonates deeply in the non-profit sector. Each year, its initiatives benefit local charities and organizations, including the Chamber. Thanks to city-supported grant funding, the Chamber was able to acquire a new trolley, the Farmers Market has grown and flourished, and countless other organizations—like DEP, the Museum, and Friends of the Wells—continue to thrive.
“It is because of these extraordinary contributions and more that we proudly present the City of Excelsior Springs with this year’s Chamber Business of the Year Award,” said Brian. “Their unwavering dedication to our community sets a standard of excellence and reminds us all of what can be achieved when we work together for the greater good.”
2024 CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR:
CORA BOOTHE / BEACON REALTY
“I first met Cora Boothe in November 2022, shortly after she and Charles opened Beacon Realty LLC here in Excelsior Springs and immediately joined the Chamber,” said Brian. “It didn’t take long for me to recognize Cora’s impressive accounting expertise, and I quickly introduced her to our finance team. Around the same time, Julia Westerheide was diving into the Chamber’s finances, earning last year’s Volunteer of the Year award. Not far behind, Cora was making her mark by helping the Chamber strengthen its financial position and streamline its operations.”
Cora’s involvement with the Chamber and the community has only grown since then. She graduated from Thrive’s Leadership Academy and is an active participant in Thrive’s Economic Vitality Committee. Her leadership is evident in her instrumental role in planning the annual dinner fundraising event, scheduled for March 6.
Cora and Charles have shown unwavering dedication to Excelsior Springs. They attend and support nearly every Chamber networking luncheon and activity, and their commitment to the community is truly inspiring. Most recently, Cora has been key in collaborating with a group of us and iWerx cofounder Bob Martin to establish a business co-op right here in Excelsior Springs—an initiative that promises to strengthen our local business community.
“Starting and growing a business is no small feat, yet Cora has gone above and beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors,” said Brian. “She has generously contributed her time and talents to the success of the Chamber and the betterment of Excelsior Springs.
“Because of her exceptional contributions, unwavering civic dedication, and commitment to both the Chamber and our community, it is my honor to recognize Cora Boothe and Beacon Realty as this year’s Member of the Year Award recipients.”
2024 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR:
KRISTEN DEHART / JANET WESLEY
“You’ve heard the saying, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.’ The strength of our Chamber of Commerce lies in the dedication of its volunteers, and there are no better examples of this than Kristen DeHart and Janet Wesley,” said Brian.
Kristen, the CEO of Excelsior Springs Hospital, and Janet, a leader alongside her husband James at Main Street Baptist Church and a recent retiree from Mediacom, have plates overflowing with responsibilities. Between business operations, community leadership, and family obligations, most would say they already do more than enough. But Kristen and Janet saw opportunities to make a difference in Excelsior Springs—and they never hesitated to step up.
Their impact is perhaps most evident through the Excelsior Springs Farmers Market, which just completed its third year. This market has gained regional attention for its incredible growth, diverse selection of vendors, and meaningful programs like SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program. Over the course of two weekly markets from June through October, it provided access to healthy, local foods and fostered connections with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, all while supporting over 20 local vendors and entrepreneurs.
Market Coordinator Tammy Murphy has praised Kristen and Janet, sharing that she could not have achieved this success without their unwavering support.
But their contributions don’t stop there. Kristen and Janet bring the same energy and commitment to Waterfest every June, as well as countless other Chamber functions and activities throughout the year.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that I present Kristen DeHart and Janet Wesley with this year’s Chamber Volunteers of the Year Award,” said Brian. “Their dedication, generosity, and passion for Excelsior Springs inspire us all.”