Honoring People that Hold the Vitality of Butler in Their Hands

BUTLER, Mo – The majestic lobby of the historic Inn Hotel Building, now known at the Pennell Inn, was the back drop for the Butler Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards Banquet Thursday, March 26th.

Chamber President Greg Mullinax, welcomed everyone and the invocation was given by Peggy Buhr.

Featured speaker of the evening was Mike DeArmond, former Butler resident, who while working for the Kansas City Star, covered 8 Olympic games. While covering the Olympics, he had the opportunity to interview Fidel Castro while covering the Pam-American Games. DeArmond was also one of the first two journalists on the scene when the Hyatt collapsed. His reporting was one of the reason the Kansas City Star and Kansas City Times won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the disaster. Mike reminisced about his earlier days in Butler, as well as members of his family that resided in Butler.

Mike DeArmond

The highlight of the Banquet is always the recognition of those members who have continued to support the Butler Chamber of Commerce throughout the years. Recognized this year:

5 years – Bethany House and Cottage, L & E Outdoors, Marais des Cygnes Society

10 years – Andy Minor Chiropractic, Astronomical Society, Butler Abstract and Title Co.. Butler Glass, El Charro’s and Max Motors

15 years – Thom and Sally Burg

25 years – American Family Insurance, Bates County Redi-Mix, Dr. Corry Lanyon, DDS, EBT Furniture, Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Umstattd Investments

30 years – Betty Robey, Don’s Tire and Service

35 years – Corner Hardware and Plumbing

40 years – Bates County Health Center, Butler Pharmacy

55 years – Farm Bureau

60 years – Clifford Clark

105 years – First Baptist Church

Greg Mullinax

The evening ended with Greg Mullinax turning the presidency over to Tyler Bise of Security Bank, noting the Chamber was in excellent hands for the next year.

Honoring People that Hold the Vitality of Butler in Their Hands