Thirty nine communities and 18 individuals were honored at the Missouri Community Betterment (MCB) conference in Jefferson City. The Awards Banquet was the highlight of the 46th conference which assists communities to improve their quality of life. Nearly 350 volunteers, community leaders and youth from across the state were in attendance.

The city of Higginsville won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year Award over the other 38 communities that entered this year. MCB judges and Board members were impressed with the overall number and level of projects that were completed using a variety of community resources, and for completing projects that were prioritized in their own community assessment. Other winners in their population groups were: Caledonia, Grant City, Albany, Eldon and Kirksville.

“The Missouri Community Betterment Board congratulates all the winners and participants,” MCB President J.C. Smith said. “Because of these dedicated individuals and organizations, Missouri communities will continue to be a place where our children can, and want, to come back to live.”

The Awards Banquet is an integral part of the MCB program, which is administered by the Missouri Community Betterment Educational Fund. MCBEF is a not-for-profit organization made up of businesses, public utilities, community representatives, federal and state agencies and individuals.

Following is a list of the community and individual award winners:

Gene Speichinger Community of the Year Award       Higginsville
 

Certificate of Merit:

Category I        Sheridan, Hawk Point

Category II       Clarence, Morley

Category III      Paris, Monroe City

Category IV     Charleston, Mt. Vernon

Category V      Aurora

Glenn Smith Youth Group of the Year Award Clinton

Youth Groups

Certificate of Merit:

Adult Leadership Award

Youth Leadership Award

MCB 2009 Ambassador Award            Janie Dunning