W.P. Chamber honors those who ask, “why not us?”
Tue, 01/27/2026 - 12:20pm
admin
By:
Amanda Mendez, publisher
At the annual banquet on Thursday, Jan 22., the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce honored members of the community who are, “making it happen here.” Members of the Chamber gathered in the Expo Hall at the Civic Center for the annual awards ceremony. From recognition that focused on the important work in recovering after the March 2025 tornado, to decades-long careers of quiet service, to those who used their influence across the state to improve West Plains, each honoree was described as leading in West Plains and making the community better for their presence.



![Humanitarian of the Year – Brian White White, pictured left, was recognized for professional, civic leadership, and volunteer service that, “spans generations,” by presenter Eric Gibson, pictured right, who mentioned White’s 20 years with the Boy Scouts, his mentoring work at church, his service on the West Plains Community Police Advisory Board, and, “one of the three individuals who helped build the concession trailer stilled used at Mighty Mites football games.” “Humanitarianism is…about consistency, character, and care over time. [White] can always be counted on, not only to help financially, but to roll up his sleeves and dig in wherever help is needed,” Gibson said. Sees the Moment Photography for Howell County News](https://www.howellcountynews.com/sites/default/files/styles/slideshow/public/field/image/afront-wp%20chamber%20humanitarian.jpg?itok=IS9dhsW-)







