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2021 Du Quoin Chamber awards Weekly-Press honored as Business of the Year

The Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce presented its first 2021 award on Monday, honoring the Pinckneyville Press-Du Quoin Weekly with the Business of the Year Award.

The chamber has taken its award presentations on the road for 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, rather than hold an awards banquet as in previous years.

The Weekly-Press award was nominated and presented by chamber board member Jessica Holder, who noted the important work of local journalism as the watchdog for taxpayers and holding elected officials accountable.

Holder added that while systems of checks and balances may be in place for local officials, the Weekly-Press goes further to investigates irregularities in how taxpayer dollars are being utilized, sometimes filing FOIA requests to insure accountability.

Holder added that the Weekly-Press provides assistance to many businesses in the Du Quoin chamber, a thought echoed by chamber Executive Director Abigail Hammonds and President Abby Ancell.

Members of the Weekly-Press staff expressed their appreciation for the award and the recognition that they carry out their supportive role for the communities they serve and for the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce.

Coming up: The chamber will continue to honor its award winners all the rest of this week: Tuesday, the Perry County Health Department; Wednesday, Southern Homestead by Sassafras Woodworking; Thursday, Du Quoin Community Health Center (REA Clinic); Friday, Marshall Browning Hospital.

Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce President Abby Ancell brings in lunch from her restaurant, the St. Nicholas Brewing Company in Du Quoin. Daniel Herbst photo
Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce Board Member Jessica Holder presents the Business of the Year plaque to the Weekly-Press staff. From left, Jerry Reppert, Amanda Morgenstern, Stephanie Waller, Jessica Holder, Pete Spitler, Emily Shanklin, Jeff Egbert, Pat Bathon and Amanda Holmes. Daniel Herbst photo