GODFREY - Community members and business owners from across the region gathered at the RiverBend Growth Association Chamber Choice Awards.
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On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) hosted their fifth annual awards luncheon, featuring music by the Alton Youth Symphony Chamber Strings, a meal catered by Nicky G’s, and the recognition of several award and scholarship winners. The event, held at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College, invited community members to come together to honor those who have gone above and beyond in the area.
“This is one of the larger turnouts we’ve had, and we’re grateful for that,” John Keller, president of the chamber, said during the luncheon.
Pastor Peter Hough provided an invocation. Brian Campbell, the chamber’s board chair, introduced the presenters and the award winners.
John Barnerd, who serves as the Young Adults Committee mentor, shared that the high school members of the RBGA learn a lot from the organizations and businesses involved in the chamber. There are 20 students from five local high schools who have joined RBGA over the past year.
“The students at the Young Adults Committee gain valuable skills and benefits that prepare them for success,” Barnerd said. “They build confidence through public speaking, leadership, organization, and time management skills. They gain exposure to local organizations and career opportunities in the community. They develop meaningful relationships through peers, mentors, and professionals.”
Barnerd, with Simmons Hanly Conroy, mentors students from East Alton-Wood River High School. Campbell with Colman’s Country Campers mentors Alton High School students. Terri Herbstreit with 1st MidAmerica Credit Union oversees Civic Memorial High School students. Tiffany James with Midwest Members Credit Union works with Roxana Senior High School students, while Taylor Justice with the Beverly Farm Foundation mentors Marquette Catholic High School students.
Twelve of the 20 students received scholarships at the luncheon, including Mia Buchanan, Bri Bagwill, Landon Bomkamp, Anthony Hardin, Keira Perjak, Itzel Sanchez Cook, Mariana Silva, Adyson Bunt, Jace Burns, Kennedy Lacey, Bailey Schallenberg-Decker, and Noah Smith.
Throughout the past school year, the students have fundraised for these scholarships and worked with different nonprofits — RiverBend Family Ministries, Beverly Farm Foundation, Senior Services Plus, Community Hope Center, and the Madison County Child Advocacy Center — to serve the community and learn more about the organizations’ work. The students chose to present $1,000 to the Beverly Farm Foundation.
Campbell and Board Chair-Elect Danny Adams then announced the main award winners. The chamber decided to honor Erin Bickle, founder and president of Refuge, with the Pioneer Award, sponsored by Phillips 66-Wood River Refinery and 1st MidAmerica Credit Union. Refuge serves children who have experienced abuse, neglect and violence. Bickle thanked the community for their support of Refuge’s mission.
RBGA announced two winners of the Captain Award, sponsored by Midwest Members Credit Union and Alton Works and First Mid Bank & Trust. Imperial Manufacturing Group is a major manufacturer of building products in heating and air conditioning. The organization supports several local initiatives. The Wedge Innovation Center is “a hub” in Alton that offers coworking space, networking opportunities, and more, creating opportunities and supporting downtown Alton.
Laura Brackett accepted the award on behalf of Imperial Manufacturing Group and said the recognition was “truly an honor.” Scot Heathman with The Wedge invited the community to stop by and tour the newly renovated building.
The Legacy Awards, sponsored by Lewis & Clark Community College and Asbury Village, honor two individuals who have committed their lives to service in the Riverbend. Campbell explained that these winners are deserving of recognition for the energy they have given to the RBGA and the larger community.
“The 2026 awards are being given to two outstanding individuals who have recently retired after years of service to the RBGA and the community as a whole,” said Campbell.
This year’s Legacy Awards winners were Tony Fuhrmann and Karen Wilson. Fuhrmann recently retired as the director of Madison County Employment and Training.
“I was very excited to understand that I would be receiving the Legacy Award,” Fuhrmann said. “I’m sure there are other individuals much more deserving than I. I think it’s a reflection on the partnerships that we have tried to develop in the community, especially with the Riverbend area. The Riverbend is a dynamic area.”
Wilson retired last summer after spending 24 years as a State Farm Insurance agent. She grew up in Alton and was also involved in the initiative to create a Miles Davis statue downtown.
“I’m very humbled by receiving this Legacy Award,” she said. “Of course, there are so many people that deserve it more than I. My family, my upbringing, this community has all been a part of what’s made my opportunities so special. I just can’t thank the Growth Association enough for the experiences I’ve had and for this award.”
The Chamber Choice Awards aim to inspire individuals, businesses and organizations to stay involved in the RiverBend Growth Association and support the community. Organizers thanked the many attendees and sponsors, including title sponsors Colman's Country Campers and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc.
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