He’s already a Springfieldian, Missourian and a Lifetime Achievement in Business winner, and now, Jim Anderson has reached the pinnacle - at least according to the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Anderson took home the CVB’s Pinnacle Award, the organization’s highest honor, during last night’s Travel and Tourism Awards banquet. The award honors individuals who have been active in the travel industry for many years and have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the Springfield area’s travel industry, according to a release from the CVB.
“It was most humbling and I very much appreciate it,” Anderson said this morning. “Thinking about the people who have won this award before me, Tracy (Kimberlin), Howard Fisk, Gordon Elliott, I can say I stand in tall cotton.”
Currently the vice president of marketing, public affairs and system administration for CoxHealth, Anderson spent the previous 26 years leading the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. He helped the organization earn both state and national Chamber of the Year awards. As part of chamber leadership, Anderson served on the CVB’s board of directors for 26 years, helping the Queen City through a referendum in 1998 to increase the hotel-motel tax.
“That led us to Hammons Field, Jordan Valley Park, the ice park and helped venues like the Landers, Gillioz and the zoo,” he said. “I was on that board a long time and saw a lot of positive change in the city.”
Anderson said he helped hire CVB President and CEO Kimberlin nearly 27 years ago. “He’s now a nationally recognized expert and a great asset to the city,” he said.
Anderson also has advocated for education, transportation and economic development issues and served eight years on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He was instrumental in establishing Springfield’s Partnership for Economic Development in 1991, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.
Other awards presented during CVB’s annual meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel:
- Randy Little, owner of PFI Western Wear, and the Ozarks/4-State Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society received Ambassador Awards;
- Rep. Don Phillips, R-Kimberling City, received the Diplomat Award;
- Andy’s Frozen Custard took home the Hospitality Award; and
- Assemblies of God was honored with the Spotlight Award.
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