Cuba Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Annual Awards Banquet on May 1 at the Recklein Auditorium, recognizing 12 businesses and individuals who are dedicated to serving the community.

Before the awards were presented, a dessert auction conducted by Joe Cason as auctioneer, raised $2,515, which benefits the Chamber. 

Beautification Award

Presented to a chamber member, business or organization that has made an exceptional effort to make Cuba a more beautiful place to live and visit, the beautification award was presented to The Mother Road Boutique.

Other nominees included Lowes Landscaping and Rich’s Famous Burgers.

Educator of the Year

Educator of the Year is awarded to a teacher, administrator or school counselor who has dedicated themselves to the Cuba School District’s youth. This year, the award went to Chris Case.

Educators who were also nominated for the award included Aurpra Pfeiffer, James Steiner, Kaleb Cason, Kyleah Stahlman, Melanie Weber, Kelly Hatton and Alexis Treece.

First Responder

Cuba Fire Protection District Ryan Bussell was presented with the 2025 First Responder Award for his outstanding service within the community of Cuba.

Other nominees for the award include Erik Lowes, Tammy Peart, Cuba Ambulance Crews, Jimmy Ludwig, Betty Post, Eugene Fox, Cyndi Mercer and Doug Shelton.

Public Service

Presented to a city, church or other organization for their outstanding service to the community in 2025, Cuba Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry was presented the Public Service Award.

Covenant Praise Church of God, Cuba United Methodist Church, Cuba Animal Control and Shelter, Deer Creek Church, Bruce Nebel and Ben Scharfenberg were also nominated.

Young Woman of the Year

Presented with the award for Young Woman of the Year and receiving $500 from the Chamber, Josey Licklider is a senior at Cuba High School and has demonstrated a dedication to both her school and community.

Other nominees for the award include Cadynce Basham, Saige Hanes, Bailey Weber and Gabby Garms.

Young Man of the Year

Three Cuba High School seniors were nominated for their dedication to the community of Cuba and their school. Kaiden Hess received the award and the $500 prize.

Cameron Carnal and Caden Nix were also nominated.

New Business Award

The New Business Award is given to an individual, business or organization that began operating during 2025, and provides employment to local residents and possibly introduces a new industry to Cuba.

The All-American Food Company LLC. Won the award with Diamond L. Driveway Sealing and Rocky Creek Bulk Food, Deli & More as the other nominees.

Business Longevity

Honoring the remarkable endurance and success of businesses that have stood the test of time, Hayes Shoe Store won the Business Longevity Award because they exemplify the essence of longevity within the community by supporting growth, development, betterment and pride in Cuba.

Other nominees include 3rd Generation Salon, Swinger Sanitation, Copling Appliance, Peoples Bank, Versa-Tags, Frisco’s Grill & Pub and Riviera Maya.

Woman of the Year

Tracy Staples was presented with the Woman of the Year Award for her continuous support to the Cuba community. Recipients of this award demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the community by supporting its growth, development, betterment and pride.

Jill Barnett, Cyndi Mercer, Ciara Kitchen, Missy Mullally, Dori Stubblefield, Diana Lea, Caitlin Rosemann and Alexis Treece were also nominated for Woman of the Year.

Man of the Year

Four men were nominated for Man of the Year for dedicating themselves to growing, developing and bettering the community of Cuba and continuously providing their support.

Man of the Year went to TJ Maxwell, with other nominations for Dennis Copling, Dan Eidson and Joel Escamilia.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Ben Campbell, of Scooter’s Coffee, is the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.

The award is presented to a Chamber member (individual, business or organization) who has demonstrated a true enterprising spirit in creating or retaining jobs within the Cuba area.

Other nominees were Erik Lowes, of Lowes Landscaping; Ryan Meiser, of Missouri Hick BBQ; Joel Raber, of Countryside Farm + Market and Caitlin Rosemann, of Rosemann Dental.

Lifetime Impact

This award is presented to a person who has spent a lifetime giving back to the Cuba community, strengthening it. They also uplift others and make an overall measurable difference.

Linda Bast is the 2026 recipient of the Lifetime Impact Award, with other nominations for Jill Barnet, Dr. Donald Fuchs, Missy Mullally, Ray Mortimeyer and Dori Stubblefield.

The Chamber’s board of directors for 2026 were also introduced at the event. New members include Hunter Hindman, Aimee Halbert, Zack Minardi and Averie West.

Erik Lowes, the new Chamber President, closed out the banquet.

“We’re all so busy, but I encourage everybody this year to get involved,” Lowes said. “The Chamber is only as strong as the community members in this room.”