11-04-2025
Joplin Chamber celebrates individuals, community at 108th Annual Banquet
The disco theme was on bright display Thursday night as 495 Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce members and guests gathered at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center at Missouri Southern State University for the chamber's 108th annual banquet.
'We are here tonight to celebrate our members and our community and all the positive things happening, all the accomplishments, all the milestones achieved, just all around good work being done in the community,' said Joplin Chamber President and CEO Travis Stephens. 'The most important part of it is the fact that we are convening 500 business leaders and influencers all under one roof. That type of engagement and connection just leads to conversations and more ideas and people getting together and saying, 'Let's talk about some other ideas, let's go to lunch, let's meet at your office.''
Some in attendance reached deep into their closets to celebrate the disco era of the 1970s and 1980s, which was the theme for the event.
Emma Ball, with Jordan CPA in Carthage, attended with her husband, Matthew Ball, and both pulled out the glitter and polyester.
'I loved it,' Matthew said. 'I'm all about getting the opportunity to dress up and experience something new because I love it.'
'It's really fun to pull things we already have and get out your party clothes,' Emma added. 'I just threw in a bunch of glitter, plus I have a 15-year-old daughter, so I asked her to help me put my hair up and all that. This was fun.'
Some of the loudest applause of the night was reserved for the Outstanding Citizen of the Year who was described by presenter Craig Tankersly, with Southwest Missouri Bank, as 'a true community leader whose efforts transcend traditional civic engagement," and someone who embodies what it means to be a community champion.
Curt Carr, of Joplin Greenhouse and The Coffee Shop, said he was surprised when his name was announced.
'I'm in shock but there's a lot of gratitude,' Carr said immediately after the banquet. 'I'm very grateful to the people who submitted this nomination for me. I'm very grateful for the committee that I'm in and grateful for the staff I work with every day. They make it pleasurable for me to come to work. There are so many leaders in this area and they need an avenue to be recognized. The chamber does that well I think."
The original Joplin Greenhouse and The Coffee Shop is at 2820 E. 32nd St. The greenhouse opened in 2001, and the coffee shop opened in 2018. In December, a second location, Bloom, opened at 218 S. Main St. in Joplin. Joplin Greenhouse and The Coffee Shop has announced plans for a third location, this one in Diamond. It will be along Missouri Highway 59 at 17920 Aspen Road in Diamond, on the same property as Joplin Greenhouse's mum fields.
Other awards
• Danae Taylor, Freeman Health System, was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year.
• Josh Howard, of Happy Trees Table Co., received the Joseph Newman Rising Star Award.
• Richard Huskey was named Ambassador of the Year.
• Travis Keller, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, received the Spirit Award.
Business awards
The Business of the Year awards recognize the importance of small businesses and nonprofit organizations and the impact they have on the local economy, job growth, and the creation of new products and services.
• 50 employees or fewer: Binky Guy Textiles.
• More than 51 employees: American Ramp Co.
• Nonprofit category: Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri.
