Mexico resident Sterling Oliver has been named the 2021 Col. C.R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award recipient. The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce will present the award at the annual meeting and dinner on Feb. 18, 2022, at the Mexico Elks Lodge.

The Stribling Service Award is the top presentation of seven awards given during the evening. The Stribling Award is given to an individual demonstrating exemplary efforts on behalf of the Community of Mexico for an extended period; the award recipient is nominated by past presidents of the Chamber.

“Sterling has been a dependable, dedicated volunteer in many organizations over the years,” Kim Sydenstricker, 2021 Chamber of Commerce president, said. “His involvement is a testament to his work ethic and team spirit. His service to his community is a hallmark and a great example of the notion expressed in a plaque Ronald Reagan kept on his desk in the Oval Office: There is not a limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he does not mind who gets the credit.”

Sterling and his family are longtime residents of Mexico, Missouri. Sterling is most recognizable to the Mexico community from his long tenure with Central Bank of Audrain County (formerly First National Bank of Mexico), where he started as the Assistant Vice President and Cashier in August 1981. He retired as the executive vice president of Central Bank in 2019.

Sterling offered gratitude to his parents for instilling a heart of service within him. His volunteer efforts were also perpetuated by the corporate culture of Central Bank. 

“Sterling is quiet and unassuming as he goes about the work of the community,” said  Mike Bunge, president of Central Bank of Audrain County. ”He is not looking for notoriety; he volunteers because he cares about this community and the people that live in it.” 

Through his commitment to banking, customer service, and finance, Oliver has served several organizations as the treasurer: Children’s Therapy School, AMC Foundation, Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant, Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, Mexico Methodist Church, Mexico Jaycees, and the Mexico Country Club.

 Sterling appreciates his wife and two sons who support him in his volunteer efforts in and around the community. He has been involved with the Mexico Optimist Club as President and Optimist Youth League Coach, as well as the Boy Scouts of America. 

“Very simply,” Oliver stated, “it makes me feel good.”

Sterling’s list of endeavors also encompasses service efforts with the United Way of Audrain County (president), the Miss Missouri Scholarship Pageant (president/chairman), Mexico Community Betterment Association (chairman), Enterprise Development Corporation (director), Audrain County Board of Health (trustee), Audrain County Hospital Board of Trustees (chairman), and City of Mexico Industrial Authority and Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (member).

Sterling is married to Pam Oliver, a retired educator, and they have two sons: Cameron, engaged to Brooke Jameson, and Blake, married to Lauren, who are also the parents of their grandson Keller.

In addition to the Col. C. R. Stribling Award, several other awards will be presented throughout the evening.

President’s Award:  Dr. Ayanna Shivers

Andy Runge Ambassador Award: Darren Smiley

Civic Award: Children’s Therapy School

Philanthropic Award:  Williams Family Support Center

Excellence In Tourism Award: Matt Pilger, KXEO AM I Awake Morning Show

Educator of the Year: Sarah Gleeson

Reservations for the event can be made through the Chamber office beginning Jan. 4, 2022. Those attending to honor one of the award recipients should let the Chamber office know when the reservations are made. Seating is limited.