Mark DeJaynes expressed surprise by an honor he received Feb. 28.

DeJaynes, owner of A Marked Hair Salon, dedicated friend and tireless community leader, received this year’s Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce banquet Feb. 28 in recognition of his efforts to his found home here in Mexico.

The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce and its board members often work behind the scenes to promote the growth and prosperity of Mexico. They, like the honorees of the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, all strive for a better Mexico every day.

“It’s nice to be recognized,” said DeJaynes. “I am so grateful and so humbled by this. It was completely unexpected when I got the call and it’s a wonderful honor.”

The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce held the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the 4-H Center and honored those in our community dedicated to the chamber’s mission.

“The Chamber continues to support the Main Street Mexico efforts and the economic development and tourism efforts towards the City of Mexico and Audrain County,” said Josh Frantz, immediate past-president.

In 2024, the Chamber of Commerce facilitated 10 ribbon cuttings for new businesses, three ribbon cuttings in progress awards and saw the biggest graduating class of Leadership Mexico with 26 graduates.

“I want to say that it has been a great experience serving as the Chamber president,” Frantz said. “If you haven’t served on the board, I highly encourage you to consider it. There is a significant amount of impactful work being accomplished in Mexico.”

Frantz concluded his year in review by officially introducing the 2025 Chamber of Commerce president, Matt Gowin, passing the proverbial torch, and the microphone, to him.

“I’d like to say thanks to Josh for his leadership and dedication to the Chamber of Commerce this past year – it doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Gowin, who honored his predecessor with a plaque dedicated to his service as president.

Before recognitions to the night's award recipients began, President Gowin had two more plaques to give out.

“I would like to recognize a couple of outgoing Board members: Judge Melissa Buckman Young and Brad Walker of True Manufacturing,” Gowin said.

The night honored Sebastien Heintz of Zenith Aircraft Co. with the G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award, Rush Hill Community Church with the Civic Award, Ben and Darla Eggers with the Excellence in Tourism Award, Stephanie Robinett with Educator of the Year, and Tad Dobyns with the President’s Award.

Finally, it was time for DeJaynes to receive the Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award, the most prestigious of the six awards presented at the annual banquet.

This honor celebrates sustained efforts toward the betterment of the community focusing on selflessness, dedication and positive impact over an extended period. Recipients of the Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Awards are nominated exclusively by past Chamber presidents.

DeJaynes also received proclamations from elected dignitaries: State Rep. Kent Haden, State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin and Mayor Vicki Briggs, who proclaimed Feb. 28, 2025, to be a day to honor Mark DeJaynes

“I keep telling him this is his day,” said DeJayne’s husband Jerry Ahillen. “I am so proud of him.”

After thanking Mayor Briggs, State Rep. Kent Haden, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mexico, Chamber of Commerce President Matt Gowin concluded the evening.
DeJaynes stood, smiled politely and made a beeline for the tables, briskly making his way through the crowd that had started to gather. He was focused on one thing – his mother – who was sitting in row three, waiting to give her son a hug.

For more photos, see The Mexico Ledger’s online photo galleries.