Information taken from the Siloam Springs Herald Leader, Jan. 30, 2013, by Kent Marts. Quoted with permission.
Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/12g3gtH
Each year, the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce awards two outstanding citizens from the community with the Pioneer Citizen Award. Historically, the winner is announced at the annual Chamber Banquet. However, this year's recipients have been named a week early to avoid the stress of secretly inviting their families without the recipient's knowledge. We are proud to announce that Bob Wasson will be awarded with the Pioneer Citizen Award at the 83rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Mary Benjamin is this year's female recipient.
"The Pioneer Citizen award is given to a member of the Siloam Springs community who leads with their heart, who faces new challenges and who paves the way for new frontiers. Recipients must meet the following criteria: 1) be a resident of Siloam Springs for at least 10 years, 2) be 65 years old or older, 3) be heavily involved, past or present, in various activities or committees of the City of Siloam Springs or the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce. The recipient’s activities are to have either enhanced the economic or cultural development of Siloam Springs, or promoted Siloam Springs on a state, national or international level." - Herald Leader
Bob Wasson’s nomination emphasized his tireless efforts to serve members of the community through some the most difficult moments of their lives. Being a native of Siloam Springs, Bob has been involved in many facets of the community besides funerals, including: Rotary (since 1959), the Chamber board, the United Way, the Museum board, Noark Girl Scout Council, the NWA Symphony Board, and the Masonic Lodge #7. Bob's photography skills contributed to the promotion of downtown Siloam Springs. He was also involved in serving the State of Arkansas through the state Funeral Directors Association and the state Burial Association.
The 83rd Annual Chamber Banquet was Feb. 7, 2013 at John Brown University in the cafeteria. For more Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce visit their website at www.siloamchamber.com.
