South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Green Park chamber presents awards

Young Entrepreneurs of the Year honored by the Green Park Chamber of Commerce, front row, from left, are: Sarah Berman, Emily Dahmer, Katie Poulin and Chase Niewoehner. Back row, from left, are: chamber Vice President Larry Callahan of DiSalvos Jeep/Chrysler/Plymouth; chamber President Jim Smoot of Fantasy Coachworks and Green Park Mayor Steve Armstrong.
Young Entrepreneurs of the Year honored by the Green Park Chamber of Commerce, front row, from left, are: Sarah Berman, Emily Dahmer, Katie Poulin and Chase Niewoehner. Back row, from left, are: chamber Vice President Larry Callahan of DiSalvo’s Jeep/Chrysler/Plymouth; chamber President Jim Smoot of Fantasy Coachworks and Green Park Mayor Steve Armstrong.

Four pupils recently were presented Young Entrepreneur Scholarships by the Green Park Chamber of Commerce.

Each of the award winners received a $250 savings bond and an engraved brass and walnut wall plaque. The winners are:

• Charles Niewoehner — 13-year-old eighth-grader at St. Simon.

• Katherine Poulin — 14-year-old eighth-grader at St. Simon.

• Sarah Berman — 12-year-old seventh-grader at Sperreng Middle School.

• Emily Dahmer — 18-year-old senior at Metro High School.

“These outstanding young people have demonstrated a strong desire to succeed with numerous accomplishments in academics, sports, the arts and volunteer services to their community,” Green Park Chamber of Commerce President Jim Smoot stated in a news release. “The chamber will continue to encourage, motivate and inspire the next generation to success.”

The Green Park Chamber of Commerce also honored Rich Baseler as Business Person of the Year and James Gleason as Citizen of the Year.

Baseler, president of J.R. Disposal and R.B. Roofing, also operates Trash Taxi.

“Rich operates a true family business, with his wife, son and soon to be daughter-in-law all working full time at his company,” Smoot stated. “Rich was the largest contributor to the chamber’s Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund and his company Trash Taxi participates in numerous community cleanup events. Most notably is his volunteer work with County Executive Charles Dooley in the Neighbors Assisting Neighbors program where Rich helps low-income communities improve their environment.”

Gleason has been active in the Rotary Club and has served as its president. He also served on the city of Green Park’s Board of Adjustment.

Gleason is best known for his volunteer work with the organization Nurses for Newborns and sits on its Board of Directors.

“Green Park resident James Gleason is a community leader,” Smoot stated. “Mr. Gleason sets an example every day as a successful small-business owner. He is the President of Sign-A-Rama in south county.”