V iews from the Parsons Chamer of Commerce Annual B anquet Local stars recognized during Hollywood- themed Chamber banquet
Local community leaders, volunteers, and representatives from numerous regional organizations attended the “Night on the Red Carpet” themed annual banquet hosted by the Parsons Chamber of Commerce.
The event was held at Brown-Bishop V.F.W. post 704, featuring live music by Split 2nd, a silent auction, a desert dash fundraiser, a catered dinner from Joe’s Italian, and an awards ceremony.
Chamber Director Liz Cochran and Chamber Board member Gary Hogsett welcomed the crowd.
“We are here tonight for a night on the red carpet, celebrating our local stars, so thank you for joining us here and being a part of our community, and what makes this area strong,” Cochran said.
Hogsett said the evening was about recognizing service, leadership, reflecting on the past year, while looking ahead.
Ahead of announcing the awardees, Cochran recognized the 2026 Chamber Board of Directors; Chair Jared Cagle of Cagle Custom Colors, Treasurer Jeff Alexander of Alexander Manufacturing, Spence Allison of USD 506, Callie Carpenter of the City of Parsons, Connie Goodnight of Tank Connection, Jada Gournaris of Cherry on Top, Gary Hogsett of the Labette Health Foundation, Roxie Howard of Labette Community College, Angelica Odell of the Parsons Recreation Comission, Scott Ozier of Jock’s Nitch, Crystal Packard of Presybyterian Manor, Lori Perkins, of USD 503, and Max Wilson of Edward Jones.
“The first award for the evening is actually for Spence Allison,” Cochran said.
Allison, the principal of Bartlett Grade School, could not attend due to the school’s annual carnival taking place on the same evening.
“Spence is constantly advocating for strong connections between education, local businesses, and broader community,” Cochran said of Allison.
The Volunteers of the Year Award was presented to the Philantropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter JE.
“This year, the Chamber is proud to recognize the P.E.O. Chapter JE as our Volunteers of the Year for their outstanding commitment to service and their quiet, consistent impact on the Parsons community,” Cochran said. “The P.E.O. Chapter JE exemplifies what it means to serve with heart and with purpose.”
Cochran highlighted that over the last year, the chapter has awarded three $500 scholarships to local students.
“Their members have also supported families and students through hands-on service, including filling bags for the care cupboard and providing much-needed toiletry kits to both junior high and high school students,” Cochran said.”
She also noted the organization’s adoption of two area families through the holiday season to ensure they had a joyful and meaningful Christmas.
“Their compassion extends beyond the holidays as well,” Cochran said. “For several years, the chapter members have provided Christmas gifts for boys at the Youth Crisis Shelter, along with hosting Pizza Parties and sharing fresh-baked cookies to bring more than encouragement during difficult times.”
She also highlighted the organization’s volunteer participation in the annual Stella Wells auction.
“Members continue to uplift individuals and families across Parsons and the Chamber is honored to recognize this remarkable group of volunteers whose service reflects the spirit of our community,” Cochran said.
See STARS, Page 7.
Speaking on the organization’s behalf was Jamie Barcus, the current president.
“On behalf of P.E.O. Chapter J.E., thank you for this incredible honor. We are humbled to be named Volunteers of the year,” Barcus said. “Parsons has a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors, and we’re proud to be a part of that. Our members give their time, energy, and hearts because they deeply care for this community.”
The next award recognized the Business of the Year, which was given to Remnant Cafe and Church.
“The Remnant Cafe and Church has an invaluable presence in the Parsons Community, a place where connection, kindness, and belonging are felt the moment someone walks through the door,” Cochran said. “Each morning, the cafe serves as a gathering place for friends, neighbors, and visitors, welcoming everyone with warmth and genuine hospitality.”
Cochran said that beyond the cafe, the church demonstrates a deep commitment to the local people and their employees.
“Their willingness to support the community initiatives makes it a meaningful place to go and reflects their dedication to the success of our area,” Cochran said.
Pastor Christie Walker accepted the award alongside several other church staff members.
“Remnant is honored to receive this award tonight. Remnant would not be who we are today without God’s blessing and our awesome community,” Walker said. “We have an incredible staff, an even more incredible group of volunteers that help run Remnant every single day. We have incredible customers that support us day after day.”
The last award presented was the Zetmeir Legacy Award, which was given to Aquila and David Winchell.
“Their long and storied history in Parsons continues,” Cochran said. She noted that both have been active at First Baptist Church for many years on various boards. Aquila has also served as choir director and secretary of the church. Cochran highlighted David’s roles at USD 503, Peabody TecTank, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice before retirement.
Aquila is a Soroptomist, and is known for creating and running the Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry. David is a member of the Parsons Lions Club, is a coordinator for the Stella Wells food basket program, and is a trustee on the Labette Community College board. Both have also been active in the annual Katy Days celebration, along with many other local events.
“This award is presented to a couple who really exemplify the value and the impact that will be felt for generations to come,” Cochran said.
The couple was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation.
“We couldn’t do what we do without all of you,” Aquila said, noting that many of the events take the efforts of the whole community to put on.
She said that the hygiene pantry began as way to help that wasn’t related to food, because those services already existed.
The original goal was to serve 100 people per month. Today, the Care Cupboard serves over 350 individuals per month.
She said the cupboard has become a mission of the Parsons community, extending beyond her church.
“It truly is because of you — our community — the activities we are involved in have given literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to make them more successful. That we couldn’t even have begun to do that without all of you being generous and faithful to the projects,” David said.
Aquila said the program began with no money and has grown to have an $81,000 budget per year.
“We are a great community. We are a strong community, and we stand together and serve those who need help, and once again, it’s all because of you to help people like us who have these ideas and crazy notions, and you are helping us make it work,” Aquila said. “Thank you so much for this award. It is truly a very meaningful thing for both of us.”
