The Parsons Chamber of Commerce had its annual banquet Saturday and recognized chamber members for their accomplishments during the past year and beyond.
The event took place at the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Liz Cochran, chamber executive director, recognized chamber members with four awards: Volunteer of the year, business of the year, the Zetmeir Legacy Award and the Chamber Citation.
The Zetmeir Legacy Award was created in 2018 to honor community members who have made a lasting impact on the city.
Award winners were Courtney Stangle, volunteer; J.R. Keene (Outsider’s Tacos and More), business of the year; Don and Jane Alexander, legacy award; and Debbie Lamb, Chamber Citation.
Volunteer
Cochran said that Stangle has been a force for good in Parsons. She’s served on the board of the Curious Minds Discovery Zone, where she helped shape the future of children and promoted exploration and learning. She’s also served on the Labette Community College foundation board. She’s also served in booster club at Parsons High School.
After seeing a need, Stangle and her daughters took on the project of raising money to replace the scoreboard at the Forest Park field where PHS plays softball. This was accomplished last year.
“Your generosity, your energy and your unwavering commitment to Parsons make you a true asset to our town,” Cochran said in introducing Stangle.
Stangle joked that the awards were like the Oscars for Parsons. She said she was humbled and honored to know that she has made an impact on the community. She follows her friend’s advice to see a need and fill a need. In 2024, Stangle said she saw growth, challenges, stepped out of her comfort zone, learned about herself and found where she fit in the community.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most amazing people,” she said, adding that she was grateful to serve. “Never stop growing and learning. And if you want cool things to happen in your little community, you have to do cool things. So cheers to 2025,” Stangle said.
Business
J.R. Keene was recognized for his catering truck, Outsider’s Tacos and More.
Cochran said the choice for this award was easy once she made sure it was OK because Keene is on the chamber board. She said the business and Keene champion the community. And Keene has proven time and again that success is not just about food but having a lasting impact. She recognized his spirit of entrepreneurship and noted his dedication goes beyond the kitchen as he helps with community causes. She said he is a former law enforcement offi cer and remains committed to service and safety. She said Keene and his wife, Jessica, have five children. He’s served on the Southeast Kansas Point of Pride and the LCC foundation and alumni board.
Keene honored Jessica for all she does.
“Parsons has truly welcomed us with open arms,” J.R. Keene said.
He gave a shout out to his customers and supporters in See CHAMBER, Page 3.
the room.
“If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have the ability to give back like we do. Giving back is not about being recognized for an award, but I can’t help to feel a little selfish and just a little bit proud of this one tonight,” he said.
He thanked M.T. Smoke for catering the meal and recognized the business as the “second best caterer” in Parsons.
Zetmeir Legacy Award
Cochran called Don and Jane Alexander to the stage to give them the Zetmeir Legacy Award for their long commitment to the community.
Don owns Alexander Manufacturing, a place where he and Jane’s two sons now work. The business has been around nearly 100 years. “To me, that is legacy,” Cochran said.
She said the Alexanders met at LCC, where she studied human relations and he studied business.
Don’s first recognition for community work was earning his Eagle Scout award in high school, Cochran said.
Jane was working toward an education degree but life had other plans, Cochran said, and Don joined his father in the family business.
“It was the only opportunity I had,” Don said. The Alexanders have been involved in numerous organizations, including the chamber, SEK Inc. and St. Patrick Catholic Church.
“To me this was an easy decision for my board to make for this family,” Cochran said.
Jane thanked the chamber board for the award. She said she wanted to do great things when she was young. Then she heard that you can do great things by helping making your neighborhood great. So she tried to focus on that, helping the community and doing things for local people.
Don said he was short on words and thanked the chamber for not making him follow U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, who attended the event. Schmidt didn’t speak at the banquet.
Don said the legacy award makes him feel old, even though he acknowledged having the hair the chops for it..
“You do make a difference where you’re at, and the small difference where you’re at is the big changes you can make,” he said.
Chamber Citation
Parsons City Manager Debbie Lamb received the Chamber Citation for her 50 years of service to the city of Parsons. Lamb will retire in just over 50 days.
Cochran noted that Lamb served on the chamber board over the years and has encouraged other city employees to be involved in the chamber.
Lamb said she was caught off guard by the award. She said it has always been her pleasure to serve the community and to receive the support of many in the room over her career. One supporter is no longer with us, Sonny Zetmeir, she said.
She said he pushed her the hardest to succeed and was always there when she needed him.
He and his wife Sophia have been steadfast community supporters over the years. Two buildings at LCC have the family name on them. Sonny died in 2013.
“I could not have done it without each and every one of you. I look across this audience and I see very many supporters,” Lamb said.
