A lifetime tried, a lifetime true: O'Neal receives chamber's Keystone achievement award

Joy O'Neal is awarded the Keystone Award at Thursday night's 58th Annual Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Celebration Dinner at the Liberty Theatre. From left: Senator Bob Marshall, Chamber Chairman of the Board Mark McCoy, Lavetta Simmons, Dick Hedges and Jerry Witt. -- Michael Pommier/Tribune Photo

By Michael Pommier

The Fort Scott Tribune

The local business community gathered at Liberty Theater Thursday night for the recognition of outstanding individuals and businesses throughout the year during the 58th Annual Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration.

Citizen's Bank of Fort Scott Owner and Chairman Dean Mann receives the Businessperson of the Year award at Thursday night's Annual Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Celebration Dinner. From left: Kansas District 13 Senator Bob Marshall, Dean Mann and 2009 Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman and McDonald's of Fort Scott and Nevada Owner Mark McCoy. -- Michael Pommier/Tribune Photo

This year's Keystone Award was presented to Joy O'Neal for her "endless" contributions to the Fort Scott Community.

"I'm very appreciative, I enjoy helping," O'Neal said.

O'Neal has been involved in the community for many years and has served in many different capacities. She has been involved in Relay for Life as well as The Beacon. O'Neal said she began getting involved in the community after sitting next to Mary Asher in a meeting about Downtown Fort Scott.

"Instead of an alcoholic, I'm a workaholic," O'Neal said. "I enjoy it, that's why I do it."

Other award winners include: Dona Jean Bower, who received the Mayor's Citizenship award; Libation Station, receiving the New Business of the Year award; Chris Maycumber, who received the Young Professional of the Year award; Dean Mann who received the Businessperson of the Year award; KOMB/KMDO receiving the Community Spirit award; Nu-Grille receiving the Small Business of the Year award; the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta receiving the Agri-Business of the Year award; Care 4 All receiving the Business of the Year award.

The evening also included a silent and a live auction. Items auctioned included a No Fuss Boyd and Nuss Shrimp Boil, dinner with Senator Bob Marshall and his wife Judy, tickets and limo transportation to the opening event of the new fine arts center, a Cinco De Mayo party, a hunting package, a fitness package, 52 movie tickets, reservation for the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and a 30 minute radio experience on KOMB.

The evening concluded with a thank you from Chairman of the Board Mark McCoy.