~~ BY INVITATION ONLY ~~ Click Here to RSVP if you have received an invitation ~~

This event is the first event of the year.  It is held annually, in April, to thank everyone for their part in making economic development work in Pettis County.  We host a reception/social hour and dinner at the Sedalia Country Club.  Invitees include Pettis County Manufacturers, our “Partners,” Mayors & City Councils, and the Pettis County Commissioners, Missouri Representatives, Senators, and Missouri Department of Economic Development staff.  Our Partners sponsor a table, which allows them the opportunity to select those they wish to have seated at their table, and to be recognized throughout the evening.  We also strategically have a city council person, county commissioner, state representative, etc. seated throughout the room at various tables.

Our Economic Development Board of Directors serves as hosts.  At the dinner our Board President, introduces and recognizes the Partners of the Works For You Banquet.  This Award is presented to an individual, group, organization, or business that has gone above and beyond to support, promote, and assist economic development in Pettis County.

Past Recipients are:  2005-Duke Manufacturing, Ron Ditzfeld; 2006-Mayors and City Councils of EEZ Communities La Monte, Sedalia, and Smithton, the Pettis County Commissioners and Todd Smith for assistance in passage of EEZ; 2007-Mark Dawson, Aquila and Scott  Grandison, Project Manager of Missouri Department of Economic Development; 2008-Marsha Drennon, SFCC and Keith Riesberg, City Administrator; 2009-Kansas City Power & Light and Ditzfeld Transfer; 2010-Presiding Commissioner Rusty Kahrs, Representative Kenny Jones, Senator Delbert Scott, Senator Jim Mathewson; 2011-John Simmons, Community Development Director, City of Sedalia and Grey Jackson, Incentive Specialist, Missouri Department of Economic Development; 2012-Mr. Tony  Grandison, Project Manager, Missouri Department of Economic Development; and, John Swearingen, Immediate Past President, Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County; 2013-Ms. Brenda Bryan, State Fair Community College; and, Mayor Elaine Horn, City of Sedalia.

We have also awarded two Lifetime Achievement Awards:  2007-David Curry and 2011-Larry Foster.