By SAMANTHA TUCKER
Assistant Editor
When Citizen of the Year was declared at the 85th Annual Chamber Banquet, it came with a twist. Instead of one recipient, the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce recognized two people who have accomplished big things in Poplar Bluff as a united team. Thus, the 2022 Citizen of the Year award goes to husband and wife entrepreneurs Larry and Lisa Hafford.
“Occasionally we will have two recipients of Citizen of the Year honored on the same night. I believe this year it was very clear these two individuals should both receive the award,” said Morgan McIntosh, director of Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc.
There were several reasons the chamber chose the Haffords, McIntosh continued: they treat their employees like family, and generously patronize fundraisers for non-profits, sports teams, clubs and individuals. They often donate to fundraisers themselves in addition to hosting them. This, coupled with their devotion to Downtown Poplar Bluff, was what made them stand out.
The Haffords have made three major contributions to downtown. They bought and renovated two businesses on Broadway Street, which are now Haffy’s Sports Bar & Grill and Haff Whiskey Saloon. Across from Haffy’s, they beautified a vacant lot into a courtyard, which hosts live entertainment and events throughout the year.
“Our Citizens of the Year have not only spent a great deal of money but have physically put in the work themselves to be some of the most dedicated leaders in revitalization efforts downtown. Downtown Poplar Bluff has turned a corner largely because of their efforts,” McIntosh said.
The Haffords felt “excited” and “overwhelmed” by the award, they said.
“It’s a really great award and the biggest one you can get,” Larry Hafford explained. He went on, “It means a great deal. We spent a lot of hours, we raised a lot of money. We try to do a lot of things, we try to get everybody in as much as we can. And everybody always helps out. That’s why we love this community, it makes us so strong.”
Lisa Hafford agreed.
“It feels amazing because a lot of times you feel like people don’t understand all the blood, sweat and tears that go into something like this,” she said. “This just makes you realize that people did really understand and notice. It feels really nice to be appreciated.”
The Haffords were previously recognized for their impact in 2021 when they won the Game Changer Award, presented by Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc.
Lisa Hafford operates the family businesses full-time. Larry Hafford splits his time between the restaurants and his job at Southern Bank, where he is a loan officer.
Another cause for celebration was the unveiling of a memorial award. From now on, said Chamber President Steve Halter, the Ambassador of the Year award will bear the name of a former mayor and beloved community member. The first-ever Ed DeGaris Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Amber Christian of Christian Automotive.
The banquet also saw Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Todd Bullington deliver his departing remarks. Bullington stepped down after serving two years as chair.
“It was truly an honor to serve as your Chamber board chair in 2022. I believe the Chamber is in good hands with Brandon Woolard as your incoming board chair,” he said.
Bullington highlighted the board’s accomplishments during 2022. Among them:
• Receiving over $1 million in grants for various community projects.
• Reaching 14 million people through regional tourist efforts via See the Ozarks.
• Hosting the first-ever Live2Lead event for community and business leaders. Live2Lead will return later this year.
The board has big hopes for 2023, he went on.
“We are hopeful that we can get our new 50-foot Poplar Bluff Archway sign erected this year on the east side of town, near the Business Highway 60 off-ramp,” he said.
Bullington also welcomed four new board members: Poplar Bluff Industries Chair-Elect Mark Webb of Smith & Company, Chamber Chair-Elect Terri McCormick of Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland, Jason Thurlow of Wil Fischer Distributing and Will Cooper of Three Rivers College
In keeping with tradition, the event also announced graduates of the Gateway to Leadership Program. They were Amanda Dunlap, Ozark Federal Credit Union; Angel Johnson, Ozark Federal Credit Union; Ashley Lutton, FCC Behavioral Health; Benji Perrigo, Southern Bank; Cheri Dorshak, US Forest Service; Hunter Aud, Sterling Bank; Jack Elder, Briggs & Stratton; Jason Wood, Briggs & Stratton; Joey Jones, Kissinger & Kirkman; Kayla Marshall, Ozark Federal Credit Union; Lucas Moe; Southern Bank; Lydia Keller, OFRPC; Mike Wawak, Briggs & Stratton; Morgan Moffitt, Southern Bank; Steve Nelson, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; Tara Lance, Express Employment; Tiffany Patterson, Gregory Logistics; and Wanda Reynolds, Ozark Federal Credit Union.
Dinner was catered by Tasteful Creations. Live music was performed by The Millstones.
The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 1111 W. Pine St.
Updated at 5:58 p.m. Jan. 30
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