WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE GREATER CLINTON-AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/BY DAVID LEE-DIRECTOR: 3.27.26
The 85th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held Thursday night (3.26) at the Benson Center. The dinner was catered by Applegate’s Catering Co. and the bar was a service of Primitive Olde Crow & Winery.
Chamber Director David Lee was the Master of Ceremonies. The Clinton High School JROTC presented the colors last night…Karli Sargent and Matthew Wombles from Clinton Christian Academy sang the National Anthem…and the Invocation was given by Monty Stratton from the Clinton Methodist Church.
After dinner, those who spoke included Mayor Carla Moberly, plus Amber Hansen and Sabrina Harris with the Chamber’s Ambassadors and Childcare committees, and 2025 Chamber Board President Harris. Harris and Joyce Carr presented a “Years of Service” plaque to Daniel Dody for his work on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He was unable to be at last night’s event.
The Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year was Chester Jones…Citizen of the Year was the late Mike Keith…and the Business of the Year is Pizza Glen as they are celebrating 50 years in business.
For the third year in a row, the “Olde Glory Days Hall of Fame” inducted individuals who have worked hard over the past 30+ years on this yearly 4th of July celebration. Of course, OGD will continue this year, scheduled for July 1st-5th. Those honored with this award in its first year, which was in 2024, included David Mills, Tim Glasscock, Dan Wallace, Dave Garnett, Craig Thompson, and Jim Martin. Last year’s Hall of Fame inductees included Gail Mothersbaugh, Larry Mothersbaugh, Jim Raysik, Dennis Sieger and Debby Van Winkle. The 2026 class includes Paul Barbee, Scott Bernard, Gene Henry, and Barb & Jerry Mosley. Barb and Jerry were not present last night.
Jared Goodbrake is the Chamber’s Board of Director’s President for 2026. He spoke to those in attendance about his 2026 theme: ““Together Toward Tomorrow”.
Donnie Kuck is President-Elect and Harris is the Past-President. Others on the Board include Scott Bernard, Steve Bradley, John French, Amber Hansen, Jim Huenefeldt, Landon Modlin, Tammy Nadler, Jeff Stone, and Lori Taber. Roger House continues as a Board member representing the City.
Lee and Carr continue their work as the Chamber of Commerce employees.
In 2025, 23 new businesses, individuals, non-profits and more signed up to be members of the Clinton Chamber.
Dillon Oder from Hawthorn Bank highlighted the career of Dave Garnett as he gets ready to retire and Sarah Wilson highlighted the career of Kathy Shoemaker now that she has sold REMAX Truman Lake Realty.
Mike Meyers, 2026 President of Clinton Main Street, provided an update on all the activities, promotions, events and more this organization has planned for this year. Clinton Main Street also thanked and gave a plaque to Stacy Hinkle for her past-presidency and years of continuous work for CMS.
The Chamber gave away food certificates from Holly’s Kitchen, El Puerto and Joe’s Catering and a gift certificate from the Chamber of Commerce to conclude the evening.
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Today (3.24) was ribbon-cutting day for REMAX Truman Lake and the new owners, Jenny Hann and Jack Wetzel. They take over from Kathy Shoemaker, who started this business 35 years ago, with her husband, Scott Shoemaker. Don’t worry, Kathy will continue to be a real estate agent with REMAX Truman Lake.
5 NE 91st Rd, Clinton, MO
https://www.facebook.com/weselltrumanlake
660-885-2201
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The Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Association was proud to be a part of yesterday’s activities.
INTRODUCING, LILLESTON FIELD
On March 25, the Clinton School District proudly dedicated Lilleston Field, the district’s first-ever baseball and softball facility. A transformational $750,000 lead gift from the late George Lilleston sparked the project, followed by nearly $1 million in additional contributions from the Clinton community.
In honor of his generosity and lasting legacy, the facility at Clinton High School now bears the name, Lilleston Field.
The special dedication celebration brought together donors and supporters who helped turn this vision into reality. Remarks were shared by:
Eric Mitchell, Trustee, George R. Lilleston Estate
Carla Moberly, President, Education Foundation for Clinton Students, Inc.
Matt Lowe, Co-Chair, Home Run for the Future Capital Campaign
Cody Westendorff, President, Clinton School District Board of Education
Tayler Ross & Jason Pleacher, Clinton High School Baseball & Softball Coaches
Following the program, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce hosted an official ribbon cutting, the Cardinal Pride Pep Band shared their talents, and guests enjoyed tours of the facility, refreshments, and the opportunity to experience this beautiful new space firsthand.
Lilleston Field represents more than a new facility, it is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to invest in opportunities for students.
While this milestone has been reached, the Home Run for the Future capital campaign continues, with approximately $300,000 left to raise to fully complete the project. Community members who would like to support Lilleston Field can learn more by visiting – https://www.clintoncardinals.org/…/a_home_run_for_the…
All donations are tax-deductible
Major gifts may be pledged over multiple years
All donations of $1,000+ will be honored on the donor wall
Lilleston Field officially comes to life next Tuesday, March 31, as Clinton hosts Pleasant Hill for the first home game in this historic new facility.
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Dear Friends of Education:
The Society for Academic Excellence invites students who have achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average during this school year to be recognized. Last year, 286 8tudents were honored, including 45 graduating seniors who maintained a 3.5 GPA each year throughout high school. In addition, four seniors from Clinton High School and one senior from Clinton Christian Academy received $500 scholarships. We invite you to join other individuals and businesses in the Clinton area to help honor the scholastic achievements of Clinton High School and Clinton Christian Academy students.
This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Academic Excellence Program, all because of our supportive community which has taken an interest in education for the youth within our school districts. Our program this year will be focused on providing a quality experience for our students and an opportunity for the graduating seniors to be recognized with scholarships to encourage furthering their education.
The consistent support of the program from sponsors like you have allowed the Society to provide this recognition for our top performing students and their families. Your contribution of $100.00 will benefit the students as they receive their official Academic Excellence medals and ribbons. For your support, you will receive the following:
- Recognition in the CHS Academic Excellence Ceremony’s program with that ceremony being held on April 8th. CCA includes A.E. as part of their year-end ceremonies, and you will be recognized there as well.
- Listing as a sponsor in Chamber of Commerce Facebook posts before and after the CHS and CCA ceremonies.
- Either a walnut plaque as a first-year sponsor or a 2026 date plate as a returning sponsor.
- Satisfaction from supporting our youth in Academic Excellence as a partner in education.
Also, many continuing sponsors may need a new plaque for additional year bars. Let the office know when you send your sponsorship. Please make your checks payable to Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce with a memo for Society for Academic Excellence. Checks can be mailed or delivered to the Depot, 200 South Main, Clinton, MO 64735. Your Chamber will also pick up checks if needed. Please respond by April 1st.
Thank you for your consideration and support of our youth and education.
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The Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce has again partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our upcoming Membership Directory. It has been two years since our last Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will be managing the project, including advertising sales and layout/graphic design. They will be contacting all members about the advertising opportunities available, and we ask that you give them a moment of your time. The publication will be a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure.
To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please visit: https://reserveyourad.com/GCACOC/
If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!
Also feel free to contact us here at the Chamber. 660-885-8166.
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This week, we continued our “Featured” segments on the Chamber’s Facebook page. We are now taking text and images from our member’s websites, Facebook pages, Google searches, etc. and combining them into posts on our Facebook page. “Featured with the GCACC”. It gives the viewer a “one-stop shopping experience” for each of our Chamber members. We have a lot of Chamber members so getting every business on our page will take quite a while, but we think it’s well worth it! It’s just another service from YOUR Chamber of Commerce. This week, we “Featured” Culligan Water…Schreiber Foods…Cummings Men’s Wear…Rustic Bridges…Dalmatia BNB…RM&I Services…Deer Creek Pawn & Gun…Rise Comm. Services…Descombes Agri…Rejuvv Med.
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I am reaching out to you today as the 509th LRS is in the process of finalizing the details for our upcoming Combat Dining Out event, which is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2026.
A gift auction will be held during the event. We are seeking contributions in the form of gift baskets, gift cards, or individual items from local businesses and individuals.
We are asking for a few auction items with a value of $25 to $40.
Your assistance in this endeavor would be immensely valuable.
We are deeply appreciative of your past contributions and are confident that your involvement will be instrumental in the success of this event.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
ALEX D. LEE, SSgt, USAF
Air Transportation Function Supervisor
509th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Whiteman AFB, MO
For more information, contact Chester Jones, the Clinton Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee Chairman:
660-924-3720 cell
jonesiecl@gmail.com
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Hello Employers and Industry Representatives,
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Empowering Employers – Employer Service Showcase, an event designed to connect local businesses with the workforce services, tools, and resources available to support your hiring, retention, and workforce development needs.
During this event, employers will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of workforce solutions, including:
- On the Job Training (OJT) wage reimbursement opportunities
- Work Experience Programs to build hands on skills
- Information on no cost employer services
- Hiring and recruitment tools to support your talent pipeline
- Training and upskilling resources for current and future workers
- Veteran Services to support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of veteran talent
- Missouri Apprenticeship Programs
- Re entry Employment Services
- Support programs available to your business through the Missouri Job Center system
- Opportunities to connect with local workforce professionals who can assist with your hiring and training needs
- Community Resource Partners who will be in attendance to share additional support services
Whether your business is looking to hire, retain skilled workers, or learn more about the services available through Missouri’s workforce system, this event is a great opportunity to gather helpful information and network with experts who are here to support you. We encourage you to review the attached flyer for full details about the event.
If you plan to attend, please register by QR code.
Event Location: DeLozier Building
201 W Franklin Street
Clinton, MO 64735
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 10am-2pm
Lunch provided
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting your workforce needs!
Martha Patterson, CWDP
Benefit Program Senior Specialist,
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Sedalia Job Center
515 S. Kentucky Ave Sedalia, MO 65301
Office Phone: 660-530-5627 | Direct Line 660-851-7892
Email address: Martha.Patterson@dhewd.mo.gov
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The Pediatric Place Family First Initiative-We’re Here for Families — Because Community Matters
At Pediatric Place Family First Initiative, we believe strong families build strong communities.
Our mission is simple:
Support families
Connect our community to resources
Show up when it matters most
Whether it’s helping meet basic needs, sharing valuable resources, or creating opportunities for connection — we are committed to walking alongside families every step of the way.
We’d love to hear from YOU what resources or support would be most helpful for your family right now?
Let’s continue building a community where no one feels alone.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568824034820
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Help Wanted? Of course we can do that.
If you are a member of the Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, remember that we will post your job openings for free on our Facebook page. If you post them on your Facebook page and we see them, we will share it to our page. However, we’re sure we don’t always see those posts, so send those openings to us. You can tag us in your post of just email david@clintonmo.com or joyce@clintonmo.com.
We can also post job openings for non-members as well, but there is a small fee.
For more details, you can also call us at 660-885-8166 or stop by 200 S. Main St.
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Are you needing a meeting space in Clinton? If so, the Chamber of Commerce may be able to help you out. The Chamber of Commerce building at 200 S. Main St. features a conference room with a table and chairs for about ten people, possibly more if needed. The room features a big screen TV with access to Internet, zoom and more, a sink, coffee pot, microwave, refrigerator, and restrooms. This room is available to members of the Clinton Chamber free of charge. It is also available to those that are not members of our Chamber, however there is a fee. The room can be used during business hours from 8am till 4:30pm Monday through Friday. After hours and weekend hours can be discussed. For more information, call, email, or stop by. 660-885-8166, david@clintonmo.com or joyce@clintonmo.com. Our Chamber reserves the right to accept or deny meetings.
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Clinton Main Street-SAVE THE DATE!!
Piccadilly Ladies Night Out is moving to May! This is going to be the best one yet! More information to come!
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The following is an incomplete schedule of events pertaining to
2026 Clinton Tourism/Chamber of Commerce/Clinton Main Street/Henry Co. Museum. More activities with their dates will be added as those become available.
Schedule of Events
Chamber of Commerce/Clinton Main Street Annual Banquet: 3/26
Snagging Tournament: 4/4
Academic Excellence: 4/8
Disc Golf Tournament: 4/11
Piccadilly: 5/1
Quilt Walk: 5/1-2
National Crappie Trail: 5/1-2
All-American Kayak Bass Tournament: 5/1-2
Cruise Nights: 5/9, 6/13, 7/11, 8/8, 9/12 and 10/10
Fiddle Contest: 5/23-24
Big BAM: 6/7-13
Crappie Masters National Qualifier: 6/12-13
Big Brothers Big Sisters Historic Half Marathon and 5K: 6/13
Museum Chicken Dinner and Live Auction: 6/20
Truck and Tractor Pull: 6/27
Disc Golf Tournament: 6/27
Olde Glory Days: 7/1-7/5
Henry County Fair: 7/11-7/19
Ag Golf Tournament: 7/19
Demolition Derby: 7/25
Elks State Golf Tournament: 8/1-2
Golden Valley Train Show: 8/8
Ag Dinner: 8/17
Brian Sowers Scholarship Tournament: 9/11-13
Northern Cherokee Nation: 9/18-19
Big Fish-Bright Future: 9/19
Wine Stroll: 9/26
Big BAM: 10/11-17
Red Star Intertribal: 10/17
Merry Main Street: 11/14
Downtown Lighting and Christmas Parade: 11/27
Shop Small Sat.: 11/28
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Volunteers needed for Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program
Interested in helping older adults in your community?
We are seeking volunteers for our Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program.
The program needs volunteers, especially in Benton, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, and Pettis counties.
“This opportunity is perfect for someone who wants to help older adults in the community without committing to a long-term volunteer responsibility,” said Benefits Counselor Coordinator Penny Humphrey, who operates the TCE Program for Care Connection. “We provide the support that the volunteers need to succeed in this extremely rewarding service.”
Care Connection provides all the training and software necessary for volunteers to assist seniors in electronically filing their state and federal income tax returns. Volunteers need basic computer skills.
The tax sites are in the senior centers; volunteer times are flexible, but generally average five or more hours a week from February through April. Each site must have at least one tax preparer and one quality reviewer to ensure that tax returns are error-free.
The TCE program enables older adults to receive refunds from their income taxes, and this money often helps cover essential home repairs, medical expenses, or other unbudgeted necessary items.
To learn more or to volunteer, call Penny at 1-800-748-7826 ext.228.
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Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Looking for quality health coverage at a reasonable price? Check out the Chamber Benefit Plan. Learn more https://mochamber.com/memb…/missouri-chamber-benefit-plan/
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If you need help with your job search, we’re here to assist you. Whether you’re starting a new career journey, preparing for your first job, or recently unemployed, we offer resources and services at no cost.
Visit https://bit.ly/2QsgIcf to learn more.
Take advantage of the FREE job-related skills workshops offered at Missouri Job Centers. Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your career potential – register TODAY: buff.ly/3XvBTMu
Jobs Mo Gov·Are you interested in expanding your knowledge and skills? To learn more about online learning and training courses that are available at no cost, visit https://bit.ly/3U3YgGl
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RISE Community Services is seeking opportunities within Henry County for individuals to participate in job shadowing experiences for their community-based assessments, as they learn their strengths and limitations, to see if they can work in the community. Please reach out to Katie Windholz, Employment Specialist with RISE Community Services. 660-747-7990 kwindholz@watchusrise.org
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TO FIND OUT WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND CLINTON, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR AT https://clintonmo.com/clinton-chamber-of-commerce/calendar/
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO OUR WEBSITE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR, JUST EMAIL david@clintonmo.com
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VENUES FOR CLINTON
1311 Event space, 1311 North Washington St., 660-885-2201
American Legion Post #14, 1003 S. Lakeview Dr., 660-885-5306
Amphitheatre, Artesian Park, 660-885-2181
Benson Center, 1004 E. Sedalia, 660-885-2181
Clinton Country Club, 225 NE 100 Rd, 660-885-2521
Clinton Eagles Aerie #3667, 723 N. 3rd St., 660-885-5811
Clinton Elks #1034, 115 W. Franklin St., 660-885-3481
Clinton Housing Authority, 7 Bradshaw Dr., 660-885-5852
Clinton Masonic Lodge #548, 1109 East Ohio St., 660-351-4040
Clinton Rotary Club, 200 W. Franklin St., 660-885-6914
Clinton Senior Center, 970 E Sedalia Ave., 660-885-3482
Dietz Family Buffet, 1520 E Ohio St., 660-885-6545
Friends Room-Henry County Library, 123 E. Green St., 660-885-2612
Gathering House, 1321 E Ohio St., 660-869-7804
Golden Valley Eagles, 723 N. 3rd Street, 660-885-5811
Hampton Inn, 900 Kansas Ave, 660-885-4488
Henry County Museum, 203 W. Franklin St., 660-885-8414
Mallard’s Roadhouse, 201 NW Hwy 7, 660-885-3824
Meadow Lake Golf Club/Holly’s Kitchen, 1000 Watson Parkway, 660-885-8326
Parkfield Inn, 506 Kansas Ave., 660-890-6188
Primitive Olde Crow, 32 SE AA Hwy, 660-885-2051
VFW, 510 West Allen, 660-525-0470
Village Pavilion, 303 S. Vansant, 660-885-6114
Let us know if you know of others. Thanks!
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We’ve had people come into the Chamber over the years wanting some item with Clinton on it…either as a souvenir, gift, school project, etc. We’ve had some items, but never before…magnets. Well, here they are! $5.00 at 200 S. Main St. M-F 8am-4:30pm.
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