Behind the Community

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with new Chamber Board Members Carrie Williamson, Kelly Brownfield and Laura Schoephorster. They shared why they decide to apply for a Board seat and their journeys of growth through service helped them get ready for this new leadership role. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Fort Wood Hotels, Rick Morris. Rick talks about the opportunities he has had "roll up his sleeves" and serve in this community and the joy he feels seeing the beauty in this region. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with new Armed Services YMCA Executive Director, Zach Guller. Zach shares information about the mission of the Armed Forces YMCA and defines social responsibility, “when we have the power to make a difference, it becomes our responsibility to make a difference.”  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with outgoing Chamber Board Members Janel Rowell, Deborah Baker and Josh Deavours. The board members discuss about learning the big picture of the Chamber’s mission and share how rewarding the experience was to serve our unique community. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with State Representative Bill Hardwick.  Representative Hardwick shares insight into his role as a State Representative, the importance of being yourself and why it's important for leaders to develop empathy. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Carey Heitman from State Farm Insurance.  Carey shares how he came to follow in his father's footsteps and what he hopes his legacy will be and the importance of being purposeful.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Leadership Pulaski County Class 8 members, Tonya Hudson, Amber Box and Christina Mastrine .  They discuss what they got out of participating in the Leadership Pulaski County program and why others should too.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Mike Dunbar from Security Bank of Pulaski County. Mike shares his thoughts about leadership and remembering that it's about the ability to serve.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Chief Doug Yurecko from the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District. Chief Yurecko talks about some of his role models and how they shaped him to become the fire chief he is today.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with COL Jeffrey Paine, the US Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood. COL Paine talks about how we are one community.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Chris Landes from Colton's Steak House and Grill. Chris shares how he has applied the lesson his mom taught him that you can work hard, but you can care harder. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Al Morgan from Sakelaris Ford/Lincoln of Rolla. Al shares his perspective on leadership and establishing relationships in a business world. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Levi and Brandi from Vidies Catering. They share that their goal is to provide more than just good food to those that serve, they want to build relationships.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with outgoing Chamber Ambassador President, Melissa Martinez and incoming Chamber Ambassador President, Chantel Higdon. Both reflect on the past year and discuss goals for the upcoming year.  To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

On today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Kelly Brownfield, the Western Missouri Regional Operations Director for the USO of Missouri - Fort Leonard Wood.  Joining Kelly was the newest addition to her therapy dog family, Apache. Kelly shares what brought her to the USO and what inspired the widely popular USO Therapy Dog program.  She tells us how the USO continues to support our Military and their families during these unprecedented times. To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com.

Today’s Behind the Community is a special interview with Staff Sergeant Daniel Barnes, USA, Retired, the 2019 Chamber’s Veteran of the Year. The City of Waynesville nominated Barnes last year but because the parade was canceled, due to inclement weather, he is being recognized this year. Barnes and Chamber Director Cecilia Murray discuss his involvement in the community; and the importance of being thankful for what you have rather than what you have lost.  

Today’s interview is bittersweet; Chamber Director Cecilia Murray chats with Chamber Office Manager Leanna Weathers, whose time with the organization is drawing to a close. For nearly ten years, Weathers has been a stalwart in the Chamber office. During the discussion, she shares how working at the Chamber has changed her and clears up a few misconceptions about what a Chamber is and does.  

On this episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director Cecilia Murray talks with Fort Leonard Wood’s Commanding General, Brig. Gen. James Bonner. They discuss everything from Bonner’s history in the Midwest and the role of a commanding general and the duties that go along with the position.

Michael and Amanda Koren are the reigning champions of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber’s Rt. 66 Challenge; and today they’re joining Chamber Director Cecilia Murray to talk about their experience.  They share a laugh discussing the different adventures that make up the challenge like Fishing for Frogs or digging through a muddy sewer pipe. Tune in to hear all the details!