Bass Pro president is 2001 Springfieldian

John L. Morris, president of Bass Pro Shops, is the 2001 Springfieldian of the Year.

He was surprised Jan. 26 with the highest honor bestowed by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting and banquet at University Plaza Convention Center.

Past recipients of the honor include Jack Stack, Ken Carter, Jan Horton and Charlie O'Reilly.

Morris received the award for his " outstanding leadership vision and commitment to Springfield and the region," according to Web Freeman, a spokesman for the chamber. He said the award has been presented every year since 1957. The chamber chose Morris because he "recognizes the need to take a strong position in the careful management and use of our natural resources. He contributes heavily in both time and resources to many conservation organizations."

The chamber award is another in a string of accolades Morris has earned for his efforts in business and in wildlife conservation. Just last year he received the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency's Golden Eagle Award for of his outstanding contribution to the Team With Wildlife Program. In 1999, he was awarded the John James Audubon Environmental Steward Award, which recognizes leading citizens in the area of conservation and conservation protection.

Other awards include the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award, Fisherman of the Year, Missourian Award and Outdoorsman of the Year. He also is an inductee in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Missouri's No. 1 tourist attraction, started in 1971 as a small fishing department within the Brown Derby stores operated by Morris' father, John A. Morris. In 1974, the first catalog was published. Today, more than 34 million master, seasonal and specialty catalogs are sent out all over the world.

In 1981, Morris opened the Outdoor World national headquarters showroom here that attracts nearly 3.5 million visitors a year, according to a Bass Pro history. Within that facility are two restaurants, a barbershop and a 250-seat auditorium.

The Wonders of Wildlife National Fish and Wildlife Museum, scheduled to open in fall of 2001, is a long-cherished Morris dream. To support the project, Bass Pro Shops contributed one of the most extensive collections of fish and wildlife artifacts ever assembled.

Morris and his wife, Jeanie, have four children and reside in Springfield.