Bolivar chamber recognizes top businesses

Photo provided by Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce

The Polk County Health Center is honored for its COVID-19 work.

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce honored two organizations as its large and small businesses of the year.

The Bolivar R-1 School District was named large business of the year, with the Polk County Health Center designated small business of the year, according to a news release issued this morning. A chamber spokesperson said the awards were announced late last year.

Chamber board President Bobbie McKnight said the organizations were chosen for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These businesses have always been there for our community, but this year in particular have really stepped up their involvement for the greater good of families and community members alike,” McKnight said in a provided statement. “During these unprecedented times, both businesses have gone above and beyond and continue to give their best.

"We support them and all they do to make our community great.”

Nominations for the small and large businesses of the year came from the chamber's nearly 300 members and local residents, according to the release.

The Bolivar chamber last month ranked No. 7 on Springfield Business Journal's list of the area's largest chambers of commerce. Led by Executive Director Linda Bunch, the chamber reported 281 members in Polk County and surrounding areas.