Chamber Press Releases

Barb Wilson recognized as Stribling Community Service Award Recipient

MEXICO, MISSOURI: Longtime Mexico resident, store owner, Barb Wilson will be the recipient of the Stribling Community Service Award. The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce will present the award at the annual meeting and dinner February 16, 2024, at the Audrain County 4-H Center.

 The Stribling Community Service Award is the top presentation of seven awards given during the evening. The Stribling Award is presented for exemplary efforts on behalf of the Community of Mexico for an extended period; the recipients of the award can only be nominated by past presidents of the chamber.

 Wilson graduated from the University of Missouri 1983, with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics.

 Active in St. Brendan Catholic Church, she has served as a member of the School Board, and Parish Finance Committee. In addition, she was the chairman of buildings and grounds, and currently serves as the is the secretary/treasurer for the St. Brendan Educational Foundation.

 Much of Wilson’s civic involvement has focused on agriculture, she previously served both on the Audrain County Farm Bureau and the Missouri Farm Bureau Board of Directors, University of Missouri Extension, and is currently on the Mid America Biofuels Board of Directors.

 Wilson is the owner of Kates’s Hallmark Shop. In 2009, with encouragement from friends, and after her two children went to college, she was quick to jump on the opportunity to open a storefront on the Mexico Village Square.  What began as The Scrapbook Store and More later transitioned into Kate’s Hallmark Shop. Wilson has been active in the Village Square Association and is currently president. Additionally, she was on the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was the president in 2009.

 Wilson’s love for children kept her involved with Boy Scouts on a local and district level, as a volunteer at St. Brendan School and currently with the Audrain County Historical Society’s Childrens History Camp. Wilson is also an active board member with the Audrain County Health Department.

 Wilson is married to Bruce, and they have two children, Allison Tait (Matt)and Matthew Wilson (Emily) and four grandchildren.

 In addition to presenting the Col. C. R. Stribling Award, several other awards will be given throughout the evening.

 G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award: Clarissa Cauthorn

Civic Award: Audrain County Historical Society, Children’s History Camp

Philanthropic Award:  Knights of Columbus

Excellence In Tourism Award: Walk Back In Time

Educator Of The Year: Jessica Brown

President’s Award: Brad Walker