Difference Makers: An event that finds the good in the area

For many of the people who came out Thursday to honor the first group of Difference Maker finalists, it was about recognizing those who do not seek that recognition.

“Usually these individuals don’t really step forward, you have to go out and find them,” said Kevin McCormick, community bank president for the Poplar Bluff branch of Bank of Missouri. “This event goes out and finds the good in the community.”

At the first of what will be an annual event, 10 finalists were chosen as Difference Makers from community nominations.

On Thursday, Becky Winters was named Difference Maker of the Year during a banquet at Holiday Inn with the finalists, their family members, co-sponsors and community members in attendance.

The event was hosted by the Daily American Republic, and co-sponsored by the Bank of Missouri, Smith & Co. Engineers, Pack’s Do It Center, Southern Bank, First Midwest Bank, Barker’s Towing & Recovery, Sterling Bank, Godfather’s Pizza, Donut House, Ellis Battery, Poplar Bluff School District, Holiday Inn and Quality Air.

“There are many needs in every community and it takes many people with different talents to fill those needs. Each individual that was honored has been helping the community in different ways,” said city manager Mark Massingham. “They truly are the people that make a difference and never ask for recognition.  

“I think it’s a great event that will most likely grow each year. Hats off to the DAR and all of the sponsors that made it happen.”

Everyone makes a difference, said Kim Capps, chief operating officer of Southern Bank.

“Southern Bank is here to make a difference, and everybody together can make a big difference,” she said. “People that work hard at making differences in other people’s lives may not want the attention, but by recognizing their hard work, and how they are making a difference, it may prompt other people to want to do the same thing.”

Each of the nominees is a great person, said Butch Anderson, Butler County Eastern District commissioner.

“It’s good to have people who care about the community,” he said. “We have a beautiful town and the better we work at it, the better it will be.”

The businesses in Poplar Bluff are always so giving, Holiday Inn wanted to be part of that, said Candice Pearson, director of sales. Both she and general manager Jackie Hubbard want to help anything that benefits Poplar Bluff.

“If you really, truly love the town and care about your community, you try to make sure that’s known,” she said.