When it comes to planning and orchestrating the Callaway Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, there isn't a detail that executive director Tamara Tateosian isn't involved in.
Well, almost every one.
Tateosian was the most surprised person in the room Wednesday when she was named the Loyal Subject recipient during the chamber's annual banquet at 54 Country in Fulton.
The banquet - which draws local business, government and school leaders - is typically held in January, but was rescheduled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is my party and I'm supposed to know who gets these awards - I check all of those boxes," Tateosian said as she fought back tears after being honored. "Not this time.
"When I arrived in 2015, I was by myself and scared - I didn't know what I was facing. I love this community and I give my 110 percent to it every day. Everybody in this room makes an impact on what we do (as a chamber) every day."
Marty Martin-Forman - the outgoing chamber board president - was the recipient of the J.H. Atkinson Award. The award is named after Jack Atkinson and originated in 1967.
It honors a Callaway resident who has made a unique social, civic, political or aesthetical contribution to the community not common to their vocational career.
"This is truly a surprise," Martin-Forman said. "I'm so happy to say that this community is moving into the next generation - so many young people are willing to stay here and raise their children.
"I'm so happy to be a part of it."
The Callaway County Commission received the Special Service Award for its work over the past year in distributing $5.2 million in CARES Act funds due to COVID-19.
The commission is comprised of Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann, Eastern District Commissioner Randall Kleindienst and Western District Commissioner Roger Fischer.
"I want to thank all of you for letting us do what we do, but we can't accept this award without saying that we had some help," Jungermann said. "We put a (CARES Act) committee together and found people in each community and region of the county.
"We didn't always agree on everything, but I think we had some really good conversations and were all on the same page."
Jungermann was also chosen for the Chamber Leadership Award.
"I'm just doing my job," Jungermann said. "It has its moments, but it's also gratifying to serve this county.
"I appreciate what I do and love what I do, but we've got more work to do."
Fulton High School senior Lima Sherzad was honored with the Allen Conner Youth Award, which recognizes a high school student or youth organization for their service and dedication to the community.
Kelly Borman was selected as the chamber's Ambassador of the Year.
"I'm so humbled and what an honor to be among a fantastic group of people," Borman said.
The Small Business of the Year went to GoPo Gourmet Popcorn Bar, owned by Brooke and Nick Bartlett.
"Obviously, I'm shocked - Nick just went to pick up the kids," Brooke Bartlett said. "Small business is a passion of ours and it reflects the personality of the community we're in.
"We have literally grown this business one cup of popcorn seeds at a time for the last eight years."
GloveCon, Inc., was selected as the Large Business of the Year.
"Our team members couldn't be here today, but their dedication and leadership allows us to win awards and provide services to Callaway County," said Jake Long, GloveCon's treasurer/secretary.
Nicole Elliott - director of undergraduate enrollment at William Woods University - also announced at Wednesday's banquet that the university would be giving a 10% discount to any Chamber member or partner for undergraduate and graduate online courses starting in June.