Jana and Sam Kuhnert 2015 Citizens of the Year

A very powerful sense of pride in their hometown of Du Quoin and its people came into full focus Wednesday during the annual Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce banquet hosted by the American Legion

The greatness is found in the 2015 Citizens of the Year Jana Kuhnert and son Sam, founders of NubAbility Athletics, who this coming year see the first international limb-different athlete fly to the United States to attend next summer's camp.

The greatness is seen in the Ron Porter family of Fare Foods, whose entrepreneurial success began in two backyard refrigeration trucks as Porter Produce. Ron and his family were presented with the 2015 Business of the Year Award. The Porter family and Fare Foods staff were so thrilled by the honor that almost everyone connected with the business came to the banquet for the presentation.

The greatness is seen in Gene Krone and Scott Latta, owners of Baked by Gene, who had a vision that Smalltown USA was ready for some world class breads, pastries, cakes and cookies. Gene and Scott received the Emerging Business of the Year Award.

The greatness of this community is seen in Tim Leake, training and development manager for 28 years at Pepsi Mid-America, a protege of owner Harry L. Crisp, who inspires all who work for him to bring unconditional caring to the communities of Southern Illinois. He received the president's award.

During the introduction, Supt. Dr. Gary Kelly said Leake is an "asset because he is willing to listen to any idea that will better our community. "I admit it. I love Du Quoin. There is a certain element and pride in being part of this community, said Leake.

And, there is greatness in the ongoing contributions of Dr. Kelly, District 300 superintendent and past chamber president who received the Past President's Award for 2 1/2 years of service to the chamber.

Approximately 180 attended the banquet, the largest in memory, to pay tribute to these honorees.

A great roast beef dinner was prepared by Cathy Chaney Catering and serviced by the Future Business Leaders of America members at DHS.

The evening included a number of great silent auction items like a family fun BBQ from Tracy Fenton, two passes for two years to all DHS athletics, being assistant SIU coach for a day under Saluki coach Nick Hill, a Super Bowl party from Fare Foods and tickets to the "Wizard of Oz."

There was also a 50-50 raffle.