PERRYVILLE — About 200 people attended the Perryville Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting Thursday evening at the American Legion, where chamber leaders reviewed the past year, shared key details about the upcoming Mayfest, and introduced the organization’s 2026 board of directors.
The meeting opened with remarks from Chamber Executive Director Renee Lottes, who focused on the chamber’s busiest and most visible event of the year — Mayfest — and what attendees and the public can expect in 2026.
Lottes said this year’s Mayfest will carry the theme “Hometown American Spirit,” tying the event to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. She noted that longtime crowd favorites will return, while new elements are also being planned to keep the festival fresh and engaging.
Among the activities already confirmed are the return of the popular bed races, a mullet contest, and a horseshoe tournament. Organizers said they remain open to additional ideas from the community as planning continues.
Following dinner, light entertainment was provided by Joy Brooker, whose performance added a relaxed, upbeat tone to the evening. Brooker has previously appeared at chamber events and was featured on America’s Got Talent.
YEAR IN REVIEW, YEAR AHEAD
During the program, chamber leaders highlighted accomplishments from 2025, including hosting the largest Mayfest to date, awarding scholarships to graduating seniors, supporting local schools and nonprofits, and expanding professional development opportunities through Leadership Perryville and networking events. The chamber ended the year with 320 members.
Looking ahead to 2026, the chamber announced plans to continue its major annual events, including the Golf Classic, Women’s Leadership Conference, Moonlight Madness, Trunk or Tree, and Business Appreciation Luncheon. A new Business of the Month program was also introduced, with Dryer Electric recognized as the inaugural honoree.
BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED
The meeting concluded with the induction of the chamber’s 2026 board of directors. Those announced include: Brandie Mantz, president (Perry County Community Task Force); Greg Yamnitz, vice president (Immanuel Lutheran Church & School); Amy Hager, treasurer (HSB Advisors, LLC); Melissa Hoehn (First State Community Bank), Shannon Allison (Perry County Farm Bureau), Annie Bauwnes (Citizens Electric Corporation), Emily Blyzes (Citizens Electric Corporation), Jamie Robinson (TG Missouri), Janet Squibb (United Enterprises, Inc.), Shannon Tarrillion (Journey Hospice) and Devon Taylor (Reliable Community Title).
Outgoing and past presidents were also recognized for their service, and longtime member Robinson Companies was honored for 50 years of chamber membership.
Table sponsors were Aqua Adventures Super Spa, The Bank of Missouri, Citizens Electric, Ritter Real Estate – Alex Lueders and Kelly Brown, CN Dents Paintless Dent Repair, Robinson Companies, Crosstrails Medical Center, Journey Hospice, Perry County Extension, Baer Engineering, Hoeckeles Bakery and Deli, Mercy Perry, Zoellner Construction, Soto Property Solutions, TG Missouri, Mineral Area College – Perryville, Independence Health Systems, Perry County Farm Bureau, Park-Et Restaurant, Reliable Community Title, First State Community Bank, Roziers Food Center, HSB Advisors and the Perryville Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber officials encouraged members and residents to watch for additional Mayfest announcements and event details in the coming weeks.
