VIENNA — The Vienna Chamber of Commerce (VCOC) distributed its Pioneer, New Horizon and Heart of Vienna awards at its annual banquet last Friday at the Coffey Brothers American Legion building.

VCOC President Preston Hodapp began the evening by recognizing the chamber’s 2024 board officers. He will continue in his role on the 2025 board while Vice President Lisa Garro and Secretary Danielle Eads end their stints as officers. Tania Lambert, the treasurer for last year’s board, will serve as the 2025 secretary.

Next, guest speaker state Rep. Bennie Cook shared some updates on the current legislative session (see related story). Then, the awards began.

Up first was the Pioneer Award. It recognizes a VCOC business and its owners for their noteworthy accomplishments, long-standing contributions to the community, ethical approach to business and significant community service efforts. To qualify for the award, a business must operate for at least 10 years.

The nominees for the award were Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna Bassett Eagles Club, The Market Restaurant, Shelter Insurance - Courtney Jeremy, Vienna Veterinary Clinic and Vienna Quik Spot.

Shelter Insurance won the award. Jeremy graduated from Maries R-1 in 1999 and moved to Nevada to teach elementary school. When Shelter Insurance expanded into the state, she began working there and eventually returned home to Vienna in 2010. She is a third-generation insurance agent in the area.

Next came the New Horizon Award. The award recognizes a VCOC business and its owners for their motivation and inspiration to find their niche in the community, their ability to evolve as the business develops and their accomplishments with the services they provide and their personal dedication to the community through things such as volunteering and donations. To qualify for the award, a business must have opened within the last five years.

The nominees were Farmers Meat Market, N&M Xtreme Detailing Service LLC, Show-Me Land Surveying and Studio 607.

Farmers Meat Market won the award. Owners Chris and Joan Brundick are Maries County natives and graduates of Maries R-1. They raise cattle, hogs and crops on their farm. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they opened Farmers Meat Market as their own packing house after they had difficulty selling hogs. The business has a retail component along with meat processing.

The final award was the Heart of Vienna. It recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional devotion and love for the community.

The nominees for the Heart of Vienna were sisters Debbie Deeken and Sharon Wulff.

Cook presented the Heart of Vienna along with a resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives recognizing the winner for her achievement.

Deeken won the award in part because of her many volunteer efforts around town, which include VCOC events, the county fair board, Heartland Regional Library, Loaves and Fishes food pantry and other nonprofit organizations.

Hodapp ended the evening by recognizing the 2025 VCOC board. In addition to Hodapp and Lambert, Hannah Shanks will serve as the vice president and Cole Higbie will serve as the treasurer.

Argyle Catering provided a fish and fried chicken dinner with sides. Lambert provided cupcakes for dessert. A game of Farkle followed the awards presentation.