In an effort to recognize our most influential entrepreneurs, The Chamber introduced our Business Person of the Year award in 1999. Our 2018 Business Persons of the Year are Tully Garrett and Holly Barker. They are the owners of The Launching Pad, and are being honored for their contributions to the community.

The owners have been promoting tourism and have supported other local businesses when visitors stopped to buy gas, sandwiches, or shop for antiques. The Launching Pad is open now, filled with Route 66 memoribilia for visitors to take in, and will begin serving food in 2019.

All our honorees are given the opportunity to be the Grand Marshal in our yearly Winter Wonderland lighted Christmas Parade along with a write up in the Free Press Advocate.