Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Annual Awards Banquet and Meeting on March 24 at the Community Center. The Chamber presented four awards to those who have shown outstanding dedication to Steelville’s community.

The theme of the evening was “That’s Amore!” and an Italian dinner and dessert catered by Becker Road Baking Company was served to those in attendance. Live music was provided by Bob Kraus of Trilogy.

Following a social hour, Chamber President Angie Green kicked off the awards presentation with a welcome speech.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen growth, resilience and continued commitment,” she said. “Our local businesses are the heart of this community and tonight is all about recognizing their hard work and dedication.”

Outstanding Young Leader

Bella Cardoni was named the Outstanding Young Leader of the Year. Cardoni is a senior at Steelville High School who serves as the President of Student Council, the Class of 2026 and FCCLA. 

She is also Vice President of the Crawford County 4-H Council, a member of Outdoors and More 4-H Club, a preschool leader in the AWANAS ministry, an auxiliary member of the Steelville Fire Department and a coordinator for the Crawford County Flower Fair Show and the Route 66 Classic Inclusion Show. 

Cardoni is involved in an Early Childhood and Teaching Careers Program, working in the special education classroom. Through this experience, she has built bonds with students and strengthened her leadership and communication skills.

All nominees were asked to answer the question “What are your motivating factors to make Steelville a beautiful place to live, work and visit?” In her essay, Cardoni wrote:

“It takes a village. As someone who will be graduating from Steelville High School this spring, I have truly learned that it does take a village, and Steelville is my village. Since being an educator is my future career goal, what motivates me most is the strong sense of community and the small town support that people show each and every day.”

The award is presented to a high school student residing in the Steelville R-3 School District area who has displayed leadership abilities, dedication to the community and assistance to local businesses and organizations during the 2025 calendar year. 

After receiving nominations, the Chamber narrowed down to three finalists who were all invited to attend the awards banquet. Steelville High School junior Jazmyn Hurd and senior AJ Cardoni were also nominated. 

Hurd is the Steelville FFA Chapter Secretary, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Vice President and Class of 2027 Treasurer. She is also a member of NHS and Prom Committee, an intern with Steelville School District Communications and a kindergarten summer aide. Outside of the classroom, she’s a children’s leader, piano player and youth worship leader at NHIM Fellowship, a youth group member and worship leader at Center Point Baptist Church and a youth group member at Steelville First Assembly.

Hurd also plays volleyball and basketball. In her nomination, she was praised for how she has supported youth in the community and shown a positive attitude and work ethic.

In her essay, Hurd wrote: “I do the things I do to make this town a better place because God has blessed me with a community that has made my life better. I have been raised here, and this town has supported me in my wins and losses. There is nothing I can do to repay my amazing community. However, I do my best to lead and inspire my peers to give back in the way they’ve been giving to me by staying positive, pushing our community to do our best and encouraging young students to do the same.”

AJ Cardoni attends Rolla Technical Institute in the Automotive Tech program and is a Skills USA Representative. He is a recipient of the Cardinal Character Award and serves as a cadet teacher at school. In his nomination, he was praised for the leadership he has shown in this role.

His essay reads: “My motivation to improve Steelville comes from a sense of pride and responsibility for where I’ve grown up. I spent two summers at one of the river resorts in Steelville that Steelville is famous for, where I took initiative in keeping the campground clean and helping maintain a safe environment for others. That experience has shown me the importance of taking care of my community.”

Citizen of the Year

Brad England was named the 2026 Citizen of the Year for his work as Director of Crawford County 911 Emergency Services. The award is presented to someone who has shown exceptional service by volunteering and significantly contributing to the Steelville community.

England was nominated by his team at Crawford County 911. In the nomination, he was commended for being an “outstanding pillar of the community” and showing exemplary service.

England worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency last year following the 2024 flood in Steelville, and was awarded the 2025 Director of the Year award from the Missouri 911 State Board for his dedication.

“During said flood, he kept morale of the 911 team high and helped work through a very trying time for everyone,” his team wrote in the nomination. “911 services did not go down once, even when being performed from cell phones in the Country Mart parking lot.”

Under England’s leadership, the Crawford County 911 team was awarded the President’s Award from the Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, the first issuance of this award since the 2011 tornado in Joplin. The team also achieved the Zetron Golden Headset Award.

“Without his leadership and promotion of exemplary work culture, we do not believe this would have been possible,” his team wrote.

England has served as a Chairman for the Chiefs Association for the county’s first responders and has been certified through National Emergency Number Association for the Center Manager Program. He’s also worked with other area counties to join a Next-Generation 911 Emergency Services IP Network partnership through INdigital, furthering state and federal goals for the 911 industry as a whole.

“This will promote easier communications within our community and the state, to better serve our local Steelville residents,” the team said. “We believe that Brad cares deeply for his community and wants the betterment of not only Steelville, but all of this county.”

In his acceptance speech, England extended gratitude to his team.

“They are magnificent,” he said. “They have a servant’s heart, and they serve you. I’m more than proud of them.”

Organization of the Year

The Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee was recognized as the Organization of the Year. The award recognizes a nonprofit that demonstrates good employee/customer relations, contributes to the betterment of the community and the quality of life of its citizens and demonstrates staying power in the Steelville R-3 School District area.

According to the event’s program, the committee aims to honor, educate and raise awareness about the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek) and enslaved people forced through Crawford County during the 1837-1839 removal.

Committee member Robin Brandenburg was the event’s guest speaker, and gave attendees an overview of how Steelville is connected to the Trail of Tears before awards were presented. 

When Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and journeyed over 800 miles on foot to present-day Oklahoma. The northern route of this path passes through Steelville. 

An estimated 4,000 people died along the journey, and the committee’s goal is to honor them by raising funds for a 10-foot bronze monument by Cherokee/Pawnee artist Daniel HorseChief in Steelville City Park, along with a memorial path and native garden to foster community reflection and honor the resilience of those on the trail.

“I believe knowing your history is an important step in your path forward in life,” Brandenburg said. “I also hope that erecting the statue will help others understand the significance of the Trail of Tears and its connection with our community. History is not always pleasant, sometimes it’s downright uncomfortable, but it needs to be understood.”

Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association and Crawford County Library District (CCLD) were also nominated for the award.

Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association was formed in 1992 to bring men and women in the beef industry together. It currently has a membership of 60 people. The association hosts informational programs, awards scholarships to seniors pursuing agriculture and supports the county’s 4-H and FFA programs.

CCLD was established in 2018 with a mission to strengthen and support the education, enjoyment and lifelong learning skills of the community by providing free and equal access to information, ideas and knowledge through books, programs and other resources. The CCLD operates three branches in Bourbon, Cuba and Steelville and employs 11 area residents.

Business of the Year

Reining Trails was awarded Business of the Year. The award is given to a business that demonstrates good employee/customer relations, contributes to the betterment of the community and the quality of life of its citizens and demonstrates staying power in the Steelville R-3 School District area.

“Reining Trails began as a far-fetched dream between two friends and quickly grew into a thriving, ever-expanding business,” Business of the Year Chair Liz Bennett said.

The guided horseback riding business launched in March 2025 and is owned and operated by Madyson Roper and Kaley Hopkins. It is set on 1,500 acres of privately owned trails and offers guests the chance to explore the countryside on horseback.

In addition to multiple options for trail rides, kiddie rides, horse rentals and “rent a guide,” the business offers primitive camping with horse stalls available and an overnight guided horseback trip.

The owners hope to continue expanding the business and creating new adventures for guests, including a new ranch house AirBnB opening next month.

Peoples Bank and Riddle Me This Escapes also received nominations.

Founded in 1901, Peoples Bank has served Crawford County, Franklin County and the surrounding areas with high quality, trusted banking products and services. With full-service branches in Cuba, Bourbon, Sullivan and Steelville, they have a strong culture of community service and seek to invest in making the areas they serve better for future generations.

Riddle Me This Escapes is an escape room attraction in downtown Steelville that offers immersive, story-driven games where groups work together to solve puzzles, crack codes and complete challenges. Opened in March 2022, it has introduced an experience not previously available locally and has quickly become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

The Chamber’s officers for 2026 were also introduced at the event. President Angie Green, Vice President Tara Hamilton and Treasurer Peggy Alexander will all continue to serve in their respective roles. Heather Boone will replace Mandy Bowen for the secretary position.