Sports Hall of Fame to honor Advertising Plus, Branson CEO

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will honor a Springfield company and Branson CEO during its 2015 enshrinement ceremony.

Advertising Plus Inc. will be recognized with the John Q. Hammons Founder’s Award for its years of support to the Hall of Fame, as well as financial contributions to the Price Cutter Charity Championship, charity events and local high school athletics. Founded in 1989 by Michele Kiser, Advertising Plus sells screen-print clothing and offers promotional service, according to a news release.

White River Valley Electric Cooperative CEO Chris Hamon will be presented with the President’s Award during the Jan. 25 ceremony at University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. A longtime member of the Sports Hall of Fame board and its current secretary, Hamon has supported the PCCC and local college and high school athletic programs. Branson-based White River also received the hall’s Founder’s Award in 2010.

As previously announced, Ned Reynolds of KY3 Inc. will receive the Hall of Fame’s 28th Legend Award.

2015 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductees:

• Chris Carpenter, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals;
• Nick Lowery, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs;
• Mike Alden, athletic director of the University of Missouri;
• Andy Russell, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers;
• Winston Garland, formerly sof Missouri State University basketball;
• Hillyard Inc. board Chairman Bob Roth, for sports contributions, specially basketball flooring;
• the Farmer family of Jefferson City for multiple athletic accomplishments;
• Kathy Anderson, administrator for the University of Central Missouri;
• Keith Guttin, MSU baseball coach;
• Larry Anderson, Central Methodist University athletic director;
• Ann Cook, a former Glendale High School soccer player and coach;
• Fred Merrell, a high school football coach for teams in Monroe City, West Plains, Blue Springs and Independence;
• Virgil Ward, posthumously honored for fishing;
• the Webb City High School football program; and
• the 1969 Missouri Tigers football team.