Chamber Banquet, March 29

The Kennett community will join together to celebrate the achievements of the last year and look forward to future successes at the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, scheduled for Monday, March 29.

The banquet will be held in the Kennett American Legion Hall with a social networking time beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the banquet at 6:30 p.m.

Guest speaker will be David Kerr, the new Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Kerr was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon in October 2009 to the state position. Prior to his move to Missouri, Kerr served as Secretary at the Kansas Department of Commerce. His efforts in Kansas resulted in job growth and investment from several major corporations, including Goodyear Tire, Spirit Aerospace, Black and Veatch and Cessna.

"He brings the perspective of knowing that there is a very competitive world today," Jan McElwrath, Executive Director of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. "It will be interesting to learn more about his prospective."

McElwrath noted there are new programs in Missouri as well as proposed legislation in the Missouri General Assembly that have an impact on economic development in the state. The

Prior to being appointed by then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius as Kansas Secretary of Commerce Kerr was president of AT&T Kansas for four years, where he directed all AT&T public policy efforts in the state, as well as directing the company's regulatory activities with the Kansas Corporation Commission.

He joined AT&T in 1979, working for more than 15 years in executive management positions in St. Louis for SBC/AT&T before moving to Dallas in 1997 to become vice president for access marketing for SBC. Kerr is a native of Ness City, Kansas, and received a bachelor's degrees in economics and business administration from Avila University in Kansas City.

McElwrath is encouraged Kerr is coming to Kennett and Southeast Missouri. She said it is always helpful to have state officials visit a community and to learn first-hand of the work being accomplished.

"This is a real opportunity for our community to demonstrate and visit with the new director of economic development," she said. "It is an honor to have him here and is a chance for us to shine."

McElwrath noted that through efforts in recent years, including Kennett Day at the State Capitol, the community has earned a good reputation in state government.

"We have a number of people from our community who are various boards and commissions. It does get the positive word out there about the community. We want folks in state government to know we are here. It's great he's taking the time to come here," she said.

McElwrath said when she spoke recently with Kerr he indicated that he will visit with other community leaders on his round-trip travels between Jefferson City and Kennett.

"This is a time when we can all get together," said incoming Chamber President, Lanny Geary. He said the banquet can serve a number of functions, including informing community members of Chamber projects and recognize chamber members.

McElwrath noted that the local Chamber is more than 60 years old, and that a look through records shows the community leaders in the 1940s faced some of the same issues the Chamber addresses today.

"It's interesting, they were talking in 1946 and 1947 when the Chamber started some of the same things we talk about today: Transportation, education, housing, industrial development. That group really brought us forward; they lobbied to get the existing bypasses that we have. The got the Cotton Boll Hotel in town. They thought there was a need for a hotel in town and group went together and raised the funds and built a hotel. So the Chamber has been dedication. We are the only organization in Kennett dedicated to sustaining jobs, creating more jobs and helping our community grow."

McElwrath said she has received two proposals for businesses in recent weeks, and that the Chamber of Commerce continues to work to bring new business to the area.

"We just been very fortunate and very supportive membership and a very proud history," she said.

McElwrath said the evening's program will also include remarks by current president Joe Stillman and Geary, recognition of chamber members and paying tribute to businesses marking anniversaries this year. Catering will be provided by Traveling Whisk and business attire is suggested.

The cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the event. Reservations may be made by contacting the Chamber office by e-mail at info@kennettmo.com, fax at 573-888-9802 or the office at 573-888-5828.