The Missouri Chamber Annual Awards Gala — presented by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — is where Missouri’s business community comes together to celebrate the people, partnerships and achievements that are building a stronger future for our state.
This year’s theme, Building Tomorrow, reflects more than our new headquarters. It represents our shared commitment to creating a more competitive Missouri. Join Missouri Chamber board members, employers, local chambers, legislators and statewide elected officials for a “must-attend” evening.
Celebrate with us in Kansas City at the Missouri Chamber’s premier event of the year!
Attire: cocktail or business
Member: $225 per person
Non-member: $325 per person
We have secured a block of rooms at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
5:30 p.m. | Check-in
6:15 p.m. | Program begins, dinner service included
7:45 p.m. | Program ends
8:00-9:00 p.m. | Dessert & Cocktail Reception
— featuring live music provided by A La Mode.
Last year’s program was memorable. Check out the highlights below to relive the night and to get a glimpse of what to expect this year!
Where has the Missouri Senate been — and where is it headed next?
As we look to build a stronger, more competitive Missouri, hear from two leaders representing different eras of the Missouri Senate. Charlie Shields, who served 20 years in the Missouri General Assembly and rose to President Pro Tem of the Senate, joins Sen. Jason Bean, who has represented southeast Missouri since 2020, for a conversation on the past and future. They’ll explore how the Senate has evolved, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the role state leaders can play in Building Tomorrow.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry annually presents its Missourian in the Arena award to an individual who has gone above and beyond to champion Missouri employers. It is inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Warren Erdman, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, has dedicated his career to advancing Missouri’s economy and communities. Erdman is a retired railroad executive with the former Kansas City Southern Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. He has served on the Missouri Chamber Board of Directors and numerous civic boards, including the University of Missouri Board of Curators, UMKC Trustees and Missouri Hawthorn Foundation.
Before joining KCS, Erdman served as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Christopher S. Bond and held roles in the administrations of Missouri Govs. John Ashcroft and Bond.
Erdman’s commitment to public service and civic leadership has left a lasting mark on transportation, business and education across Missouri. We look forward to honoring him on November 19 for his lifetime of leadership and steadfast support of the Missouri Chamber.
Champion of Enterprise
Pictured left to right: Mark Miles, President & CEO, Orscheln Management Co.; Barry Orscheln, Chairman & Director, Orscheln Industries; Jeff Jones, President, Orscheln Products
Chamber of the Year
Pictured left to right: Katlyn Bowens, Events Coordinator; Jamie Wallingford, Business Engagement Coordinator; Tamara Tateosian, Chief Executive Officer; Rebekah Mauschbaugh, Tourism & Marketing Specialist; Avery Cockerham, Workforce Development Coordinator
Engagement Excellence
Legacy of Leadership
Spirit of Enterprise
Spirit of Enterprise
If you’re interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities contact Chris Burruss
at cburruss@mochamber.com or call 573-634-3511.
For more event information, please contact Andrea Mancino at amancino@mochamber.com.
If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley James at ajames@mochamber.com or call 573-634-3511.
