The Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce honored members who have worked countless hours in their support of the community.Michelle Smith was selected as Volunteer of the Year and Maze Collision Repair was named Business of the Year. Both were recognized for their involvement in the Chamber over the years at last Tuesday’s awards and installation luncheon.The event was held at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building.“Both of these awards went to longtime members and supporters of the Chamber and both are well deserved,” Chamber President Tim Schmidt said. “We appreciate all they have done over the years to help the Chamber move forward.”Smith, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Edge, served as membership chairman in the past year and led the effort to have a Chamber directory published in 2015. She attended numerous events representing the Chamber.“Her selfless acts are the true definition of a volunteer,” Schmidt said.Other nominees were Curt Kehoe, Robin Polston and Jackie Stewart.Maze Collision has operated out of three locations in Wright City, Wentzville and St. Peters.In the past year, the company has supported the Chamber in many areas, such as participating in the Trunk or Treat event by distributing pumpkins and candy apples to hundreds of kids. In addition, the company raises thousands of dollars annually to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.In nominating Maze Collision Repair, the nominee said: “They show compassion toward our community. They are always eager to give back to the neighborhood where they do business.”Other nominates were Farmers Supermarket, Westbound Real Estate and Wright City Parks Department.Jack Groeper was named the 2015 Person of the Year. He was presented the award at Strassenbash, a two-day festival held the third weekend of September.Schmidt will remain as president in 2016. While speaking at last week’s membership meeting, he recalled some of the positive moments that occurred in the past year, including a successful Strassenbash weekend, Wright City R-II students excelling in the classroom and a growth in new home construction.Also, Scenic Regional Library District announced it would construct a future branch on Wildcat Drive and EPC chose Wright City as the new location of its new facility.“We had a lot of good things happen,” said Schmidt, who encouraged Chamber members to get involved in a grassroots effort to oppose converting Interstate 70 into a toll road.“Should the toll gain approval, it will affect each of us personally and professionally,” he said.Other officers and members of the board of directors are Vice President Ruth Walters, Warren County Health Department; Treasurer Phil Reid, Westbound Real Estate; Secretary Jill Smoot, Wright City R-II School District; Tim Flake, Warren County Ambulance District; Curt Kehoe, Wright City Parks Department; Jack Groeper, FMB Bank; Kelly Hill, Shelter Insurance; Tina Lashley, Our Hair Salon; and Karen Girondo, city of Wright City.The Chamber meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building. Meetings begin at noon.For more information, call 636-745-7855 or visit wrightcityareachamber.org.The 2015 Wright City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors were sworn in during the group’s meeting Jan. 26. Pictured, from left, are Curt Kehoe (Wright City Parks Department), Jack Groeper (FMB Bank), Tina Lashley (Our Hair Salon), President Tim Schmidt (Warren County Record), Karen Girondo (city of Wright City), Secretary Jill Smoot (Wright City R-II School District), Treasurer Phil Reid (Westbound Real Estate), Kelly Hill (Shelter Insurance) and Tim Flake (Warren County Ambulance District). Not pictured is Vice President Ruth Walters (Warren County Health Department. Jana Todd photo.
Michelle Smith was selected as the 2015 Volunteer of the Year. Chamber President Tim Schmidt presented the plaque to Smith. Jana Todd photo.
Maze Collision Repair was chosen as the 2015 Business of the Year. Pictured, from left, are Nancy Dempski, Maze Collision Repair; and Tim Schmidt, Chamber president. Jana Todd photo.
