The St. James Chamber of Commerce honored Mary Lou Corn, Renee Ridling and Phelps County Bank for demonstrating community leadership, volunteerism and dedication to St. James at its 2009 annual dinner at Matt's Steakhouse on Friday.

First, Chamber President Dominic DeLuca presented the Business of the Year award to Phelps County Bank.

Phelps County Bank is one of only two banks in the U.S. that are 100 percent employee-owned through the Employee Stock Ownership program. The bank's employees donate more than 1,000 hours a year professionally and to the community.

DeLuca said the bank has made contributions to area organizations and needs such as: an annual partnership with St. James schools, Missouri Veterans Home, Russell House, the Tour of Missouri, St. James Kiwanis, St. James Lions, St. James Sports Club, Boys & Girls Town, Beautify St. James, the St. James Caring Center and MRPC.

Branch manager of Phelps County Bank Jody Sanders accepted the award.

Next DeLuca presented Renee Ridling with the Citizen of the Year award.

Among her accomplishments, DeLuca noted Ridling: was key in hiring a full-time Chamber director, has coordinated the Chamber business directory for the last three years, was the 2009 Grape & Fall Festival Chair, has been the voice on the radio for the St. James Christmas promo, organized the Golden Age Games and organized the General Federation of Women's Clubs 6th District of Missouri convention, which 100 women attended.

Ridling is also the executive director of the Golden LivingCenter-St. James and is available 24-hours a day for the welfare of its residents, DeLuca said. She is a member of the Missouri Health Care Association and was vital to the Golden LivingCenter winning American Health Care Association National Quality awards in 2008 and 2009.

Ridling makes time to attend coffees and luncheons, as well as work at activities including Trout opening, the Wine Country Bike Ride, the Sip 'n Savor and Old Iron Works Days.

Next, DeLuca presented Mary Lou Corn with the Lifetime Achievement award.

DeLuca read an introduction from Mayor Dennis Wilson, who was unable to attend the event.    
Wilson's letter noted Corn as being a resident of the community for more than 50 years and her tremendous artistic talents.

Wilson stated Corn helped renovate the old grade school, donated time to produce a design of the City's flag and began a community-recycling program. He said she began her artistic endeavors at William Woods College.

“She has always been willing to open her home and gardens for community activities and donates her original artwork in support of civic, charitable and school-related fundraisers,” Wilson said.
In his letter, Wilson also noted Corn inspired the bike art contest for the Tour of Missouri and organized the art show for the Sip 'n Savor event.

Besides water color, she also is skilled in many types of crafts including rug-braiding, decorating, antique refinishing, painted eggs, jeweled Christmas ornaments and more. Corn has demonstrated her crafts throughout the years at events such as Old Iron Works Days.

Corn's daughter, Johanna MacPherson presented a slide show of her mother's artwork at the dinner, as Corn's son John described each slide.