Chamber to give Springfieldian award

The award has been given every year since 1957, but Chamber Communications Manager Ann Elwell said the Springfieldian shouldn’t be mistaken for an “of the year” award.

“The reason why we differentiate is because we look at it as a recognition of an individual’s life’s work, not just what they’ve done in one year’s time,” she said. “It’s a compilation of their many accomplishments.”

Criteria for the award include a nominee’s contributions to the community, Elwell said, as well as his or her business success.

“It’s also about someone who has excelled in their career, and generally through that, has used that career to help the community in some way,” she said.

A committee under Chamber President Jim Anderson will choose the winner from an average of 10 to 15 nominees, according to Judy Galbraith, executive assistant at the chamber. Past winners include hotel developer John Q. Hammons, City Manager Tom Finnie and Charlie O’Reilly of O’Reilly Automotive.

Nominations are accepted from chamber members and the general public. Individuals serving on the current board of directors of the chamber are ineligible.

Nominations will be taken until Nov. 30 through the chamber Web site, www.springfieldchamber.com, or by mail at P.O. Box 1687, Springfield, MO, 65801.