Cameron International and The Bowlus Fine Arts Center were named this year’s big and small industries of the year, respectively, by the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce. KIMBER WALLACE, editor and publisher of Southeast Kansas Living magazine, was featured speaker for the evening.
The awards were announced at the Chamber’s annual dinner Friday night at Bass Community Center.
Cameron purchased Precision Down Hole Pumps in 2009. Cameron works in the oil drilling industry, maintaining a work force of 60. It is part of global network with over 300 plants around the world. Michael Johnson is plant manager in Iola.
The fine arts center’s recognition coincides nicely with its 50th anniversary this year.
The center came about through a bequest by Thomas H. Bowlus, longtime Iola banker and philanthropist. It continues to be the premiere venue for entertainment in southeast Kansas.
Wallace purchased the magazine in 2012 from Jackie Witherspoon, who launched the quarterly publication in 2003.
The magazine “celebrates the people, places and spirit of southeast Kansas,” Wallace said.
Human interest stories and appealing photos have propelled the magazine to a circulation of about 4,000 subscribers.
Wallace manages the publication by herself.
“I’m a one-woman show,” she said.
The June issue will include a story about the Bowlus’ 50th anniversary, she said.
Wallace grew up in Girard. She and her husband, Sean, live in Neodesha.
Chamber lauds area businesses
