MEET THE - GateHouse Media

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Cover Story

MEET THE

Community Impact Award Recipients

S T O R I E S B Y C H A R I S PAT I R E S | P H O T O G R A P H S B Y A L A N W O H L G E M U T

This year’s Community Impact Awards recipients embody what it means to be leaders in the community. We recognize five individuals who have paved the way in the development of Lake of the Ozarks, and who continue to give back to the community through their business and civic service.

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BOB HATFIELD Occupation Hope House volunteer Residence Lake Ozark Family Darlene (wife, deceased), Rob (son, deceased), daughters Gwen Riney and Susie Bennett The Lake of the Ozarks community is full of dedicated volunteers. Bob Hatfield is one of them. More than a decade ago, he joined a group of local pastors and community leaders to open Hope House, a non-profit that offers a food pantry, emergency aid and operates a thrift store to assist the needy. Today, Hope House serves more than 600 Lake-area families every month. More than 300 volunteers make Hope House successful. “They do all the work, and I seem to get the credit,” Hatfield said. He also actively supports the annual CROP Walk, a nation wide event that raises money and sheds light on hunger. When asked what his future goals are, what he says is no surprise. “Make Hope House more successful and help more of the Lakearea’s less fortunate.” Give us some background information about you. I attended Shurtleff College in Alton, Ill., and Washington University in St. Louis. I sold advertising for the Alton Evening Telegraph for 22 years before launching an advertising career with Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, then with Saatchi where I headed the Toyota retail account coast to coast. I served in Korea and stayed in the Army Reserve and/or National Guard retiring as a Colonel. I graduated from the Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. My family vacationed here as my children were growing up and I bought my Lake house so we could again share vacations. What are your strengths? Honesty and reliability. Do you have a motto? I attempt to apply the Golden Rule. What is the best advice you have received? Treat people the way I’d like to be treated. What do you do for fun? I research and write about Remington firearms. Last book published: “Remington Vest Pocket Pistols.” What his nominator said:

“Bob’s calm demeanor and quick wit are the hallmarks of leadership that, coupled with passion for those in need, creates a can-do attitude for him and those around him. He leads by example and encourages others to come along for the joy of witnessing community improvements in every endeavor.”

— Glenda Frasier THELAKEONLINE.COM | 39


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JOE ROEGER Occupation Owner of First Title Insurance Agency Residence Four Seasons Family Terri (wife), and children Jill, Laura, Sara and Dan Attention to detail, honesty and respect for others. That’s Joe Roeger’s secret to success. As the owner of First Title Insurance Agency, it’s this combination that has helped him build a business at the Lake, while being an active leader in the community. Roeger helped develop the Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge, chaired the committee to construct the Lake of the Ozarks “Hollywood” sign, and desires to lead the chamber in a major effort to help businesses along Osage Beach Parkway West. But he’s careful about taking credit for his efforts. “Few things are solely personal accomplishments; it takes a team effort,” he says. Roeger spends his time volunteering for the Lake Regional Hospital Foundation, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Willmore Lodge Foundation, Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge and the Four Seasons Property Owners’ Association. Give us some background information about you. We moved to the Lake in 1983 when I took a job as a controller for Four Seasons. I was the Chief Financial Officer for Four Seasons Holding Company for 10 years prior to opening First Title Insurance Agency. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. What do you love about your job? The best part is meeting new owners of homes here at the Lake. The buyers are excited about their new Lake home and I love talking to them about the history of the Lake and all it has to offer. What does being a business person mean to you? A really short answer — responsibility; to your family, employees, clients and community. What advice do you have for others? Do not think for a moment that you have all the answers. Finish a project with as much energy and professionalism as you started. What his nominator said:

“Any time there is a community need, Joe seems to be the one to organize the efforts to get it done. He is a huge supporter of the Lake community.”

— Dave Creel



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TIFFANY RIEMANN-MAASEN Occupation Executive Director of Lake Area Industries Residence Camdenton Family Mark (husband), and sons Jacob Riemann, Ben Riemann and Matthew Maasen “One team, one dream.” That is the company motto at Lake Area Industries (LAI). As the Executive Director, Tiffany Riemann-Maasen oversees a staff of 70 employees with disabilities, and 15 additional staff members. LAI started in 1983, primarily providing contract packaging services. Riemann-Maasen came on board in 2010. “I quickly realized that to survive, we had to develop additional revenue sources,” she said. The organization started adding services, which has also meant that employees now have more job choices. To date, LAI has opened Gifted Goods & Garments (a resale store in Osage Beach), a document shredding service, Gifted Gardens greenhouse, custom wood crate and pallet manufacturing, and dock foam recycling. Riemann-Maasen says it’s her employees who motivate her every day. “They have so many hurdles to overcome, yet they rarely complain and come to work every day with an amazingly positive attitude. Their families often make great sacrifices to ensure people respect them for their ‘ability’ and not focus on the disability.” She also serves on the Sharing and Caring Foundation board and volunteers for a number of events during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Give us some background information about you. My family relocated to the Lake 11 years ago to pursue a job opportunity. The Lake has always been a place where I wanted to live and one day retire. What is your greatest personal accomplishment? Organizing and coordinating the Wishing on a Ride boat rides at the Shootout. It started as a chance for a few kids who were dealing with disabilities or a serious medical condition to ride in a Shootout race boat. The event has grown and now provides more than 150 rides each year and raises money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. What’s the best advice you have received? Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a chance to learn and grow. What do you do for fun? Spend time with family, go boating and watch Mizzou football. What her nominee said:

“Tiffany is a very caring, thoughtful, hard working and energetic person. She really cares about the Lake community as a whole and would do anything to help it.”

— Mark Maasen

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BILL BASSETT Occupation Retired realtor, recently retired volunteer from Lake Regional Health System Residence Lake Ozark Family Carol (wife), and children Kimberly Bechtold, Toni Milner, Ginger Moore, and Mary Kay Quiett Bill Bassett has a long and impressive history at Lake of the Ozarks. Many organizations and businesses have him to thank for their very existence, including the city of Lake Ozark, the Lake Ozark Fire Department, Lake Ozark Lions Club and the area’s first Chamber of Commerce. He helped incorporate the city of Lake Ozark and, as alderman, wrote ordinances, outlined the city limits and was even the city’s first police officer. Bassett has served on the board for School of the Osage, helped develop the Lake Ozark Water Department and has clocked more than 1,000 volunteer hours for Lake Regional Hospital. The list of his 42 | LAKE LIFEST YLES


efforts on behalf of the area goes on. Bassett has owned many businesses over the years. His very first was a tarp-covered 4 x 4 stand that displayed merchandise. It was called Poverty’s Last Stand. He later earned his real estate license and became only the second broker in the Lake area. He eventually opened Bill Bassett Real Estate. “I knew that promoting the community to better improvement and offering more services would also improve my businesses, as well as others,” Bassett says of his community involvement. In addition to serving his community, Bassett has also served his country. He received a Purple Heart for his service in WWII. Give us some background information about you. By the time I was discharged from the Army in 1945, my parents had moved here from Iowa. I managed Brunner’s Resort and Holsman’s Resort, owned the first hardware store in Lake Ozark in 1948 and later a real estate office in Osage Beach.

What are your personal strengths? I am willing to take chances. I relate to people very well. What has been your secret to success? Hard work and long hours. Do you have a personal philosophy? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What his nominator said:

“Anyone who knows Bill always thinks of him as an honest and trusted individual in everything he does. This is evident when he was on the city council, school board, in real estate, as a business owner and in day-to-day life.”

— Kim Bechtold

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PETE LEYVA Occupation Corporal with the Osage Beach Police Department Residence Osage Beach Family Anita (wife), Kerrigan (daughter, deceased), Unique (niece) Pete Leyva doesn’t just like what he does for a living — being on the job is his all-time favorite thing. He has been a law enforcement officer with the Osage Beach Police Department for the last 15 years. Despite having to deal with situations that are sometimes difficult, Leyva says he hopes the public sees him as a professional law enforcement officer who’s doing his job to protect the public. “Our community is small,” he says. “I have made traffic stops or had to deal with many friends or business owners, and I treat them all equally, the same as any one of our visitors,” he said. Thanks to his training and quick response, Leyva has saved two people’s lives while in uniform. He sees that as his greatest professional accomplishment. He has also been a D.A.R.E. officer for 10 years, making an impression on students and parents when teaching about the dangers of drugs, smoking and alcohol. In addition, he is an active volunteer for Citizens Against Domestic Violence, a member of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Corps League (performing military funerals and color guards), and the Special Olympics (he founded the local Polar Bear Strut). Give us some background information about you. I graduated from Bloomington High School in California. At 17, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do in life so I joined the Marines. When my wife helped a friend move here, she discovered how nice it is. We moved to the Lake in November 1994. What are your strengths? I stay in very good shape and wear my uniform proudly. Both of these things help when I’m dealing with people, either in good or bad situations. What is the best piece of advice you have received? No matter how rough things are, or can get, I must never forget to show compassion to people. What do you do for fun? I love to play softball and I very much enjoy running — for health, and I’m very competitive. What his nominator said:

“His devotion and passion for bettering the lives of others is inspiring. Second only to his family, Pete puts our community on a pedestal.”

— Angie Fiene

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Community Impact Award Judges

TRENNY GARRETT

MIKE KENAGY

JIM JUDAS

Occupation Senior Vice President at Central Trust & Investment Company Residence Linn Creek

Occupation Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association Residence Fayette

Occupation President and CEO of Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks Residence Osage Beach

“The Lake area is so blessed to have an incredible number of caring and giving individuals. I have the utmost respect and adoration for this year’s winners. Being a part of this selection process makes me want to be a better person.”

“Our community is so lucky to have business people and volunteers who give so much of their time, energy and funds. For all of that effort to translate into a big impact on our community, it takes vision and leadership. Congratulations to the winners and also to everyone who was nominated for having an impact on their community is some way! Our community is a better place because of all of you!”

“There are many deserving candidates for this award at the Lake. Congratulations to this year’s winners — well deserved.”

“I am honored to be a judge for the inaugural Community Impact Award program. Reviewing dozens of resumes of our outstanding candidates reminds me of how fortunate the Lake area is to have so many selfless individuals, our neighbors, who are willing to give so much of themselves to improve the communities in which we live.”

RHONDA WILKENING Occupation Full-time community volunteer for multiple organizations Residence Osage Beach “The Community Impact Awards is just that — an award given to those that have impacted the Lake area community in one way or another. This program lets all nominees know that what they do day-to-day makes an impact on the Lake of the Ozarks as a whole and that each and every one is appreciated for all they do.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BRENT DEPEE Occupation Superintendent of Schools at School of the Osage Residence Lake Ozark

ABOVE&BEYOND R O O F I N G SERVING LAKE OF THE OZARKS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Impacting our community by supporting non-profits and charities around the lake including: • Christmas For Kids • CADV • Dogwood Animal Shelter • Forget-Me-Not Horse Sanctuary • Eagle Days • HK Hospital Benefit

RELIABLE QUALITY & COMPETITIVE PRICES

“References Available Upon Request” Member Chamber of Commerce & BBB – We take Visa/MC Office: (573) 302-0354 • Cell: (573) 280-7159 • www.LakeOzarkRoofing.com 44 | LAKE LIFEST YLES


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Member FDIC

2015

SM

Member FDIC

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY WE WORK AND LIVE IN! Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks Supports Over 160 Local Non-Profits and Charities that Impact our Lake Community Including the Following: *Alzheimer’s Association *Lake Area Arts Council *B25 Veteran Air Show Sponsor *Lake Area Big Brothers/Big Sisters *Blue Moon Sanctuary *Lake Area Christmas for Kids *Central Missouri Food Bank *Lake Regional Hospital HK Golf *Cerebral Palsy Wing Ding *Local Schools Student Scholarships *Citizens Against Domestic Violence *March of Dimes *Columbia College *Vitae Foundation *Community Foundation of the Lake *Concerns of Police Survivors *Camp Wonderland *Dogwood Animal Shelter

*Local Rotary Clubs *Dogwood Festival *Pregnancy Help Center *Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary *Dream Factory/Clown Golf *Ellis Fischel Cancer Center *State Fair Community College *Girl Scouts of Missouri *SCORE *Great Rivers Council Boy Scouts *Tri-County YMCA *Habitat for Humanity (3 Counties) *Newcomers/Longtimers *Hope House *Fellowship of Christian Athletes *Kids’ Harbor, Inc *Kiwanis

Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks

Impacting Our

Community Through Service and Donations for Over 55 Years!

Main Bank/Osage Beach ................ 573-348-2761 Camdenton .................................... 573-346-2203 Lake Ozark .................................... 573-365-5314 KK................................................. 573-348-2282

Laurie............................................ 573-374-7775 Eldon ............................................ 573-392-5086 Walmart/Osage Beach .................... 573-302-1120 Walmart/Camdenton ...................... 573-302-2424

cbolobank.com THELAKEONLINE.COM | 45


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“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” — John Maxwell

Proud to support our community through: * Each year, we donate 10-20 mattresses to families in our community, everyone deserves a better night sleep. * We donated beds and mattresses to CADV and continue to support their fundraising throughout the year * Having been a prior Educator, Slumberland Furniture supports our Schools with donations to Project Graduation and many other school events * Each year we donate a recliner to the Wounded Warrior project and the YMCA benefit

CLICK • CALL • COME OVER

6241 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach KK Exit • 1/2 Mile W on Pkwy (Old 54) 573-302-4222 www.slumberland.com 46 | LAKE LIFEST YLES

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K W t t c s e a w t o W a r s c t a w c n

W s K w t o a t t l n t t W 1 a s w s a a o

Congratulations To All Of The Community Impact Winners Keller Williams takes to heart the value of community, sponsoring events such as KW Red Day when Tens of thousands of Keller Williams agents wear red shirts and spend the day contributing their time and effort with specific community needs. We also support KW Cares which helps take care of our own agents and their families that have legitimate needs throughout the world. We are 110,000 agents strong and want to support our agents in need as we would our family.


6600+ Sq.Ft., 2 Car Garage,5 Bedrooms, 5 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths, 100’ Waterfront Osage 11 MM, Unobstructed Views, Cul-de-sac, Private Setting MLS# 3096423 $499,000

Sherri Weeg 573-216-3819

1800 Sq.Ft., 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Room to park 5 cars, Furnished, Virtually Maintenance Free, Desert landscaping, Steel & Concrete Dock, 17 MM of Osage MLS#3104324 $348,000

Jan Smith 573-280-7646

Sherry Stevens 573-216-8599 2600 Fin.Sq.Ft., 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage, Brazilian Granite, S.S. Appliances, Custom Stone Work, 400+ Sq.Ft. Unfinished Man Cave, Cruiser Dock, 20 MM of Osage MLS#3104326 394,900

Keller Williams Lake of the Ozarks Realty, 3524 Osage Beach Parkway Osage Beach, Mo 65065 | Office: 573-348-9898 | Toll Free: 877-378-9898

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Member FDIC

2015

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