As I venture deeper and deeper into business ownership in Cassville, being employer rather than employee, nights like Saturday’s Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet also take on an expanded meaning.
Inspiration comes in many forms, and prodding the hearts and minds of more than 120 Cassville area business leaders was a man who has devoted many years to business, volunteerism and action in his local community.
If you’ve ever gone to the Rotary Rodeo, you’ve probably seen Dr. David Cupps, DMV. I’ve been to nine Rodeos, and each June, he waves me through the gate for my photos and wishes me well when I depart.
If you have a pet — or even more likely if you raise cattle — you’ve possibly seen Dr. Cupps in his main occupation of veterinarian. Brought on by Dr. Eugene Miekley at the Barry County Veterinary Service, traveling with his mentor across the county serving the needs of large animal owners and kennel clients.
How many people do you know that would go to a rural farm to perform a C section at midnight, 3 a.m. or 5 a.m.?
As time passed and success mounted, Cupps and Miekley expanded to build the current facility on Old Highway 37, where though he is retired, ranchers can bring their animals there.
If you have goBEC fiber, you can thank Dr. Cupps for that. It took the better part of a decade for him to convince Barry Electric Cooperative Board members and “indoctrinate” new ones, as he said, that fiber was the way to go.
With the support of then-CEO Bill Shilveley, Cupps helped spearhead the fiber initiative that is regarded as some of the best internet access in the state.
We have yet to see the true potential of fiber and what tech businesses it could bring to the Cassville area. That would be another feather in Cupps’ cap.
From his professional to civic accomplishments, Cupps is a 40-year leader in the Cassville community, and the honor is more than deserved.
During his acceptance speech, Cupps overflowed with emotion, deeply humbled by the honor. I’m sure it was even more poignant with Miekley’s death in June 2022 and Cupps overcoming serious health issues in the last year.
Awarding him a Lifetime Achievement Award in lieu of Businessperson of the Year was a classy move by the Chamber, and I know it made Cupps proud.
Pride swelled for two others prior to Cupps’ award, possibly to individuals on the same path.
Vacant for several years, those who drive south on 76/86 out of Cassville will notice life breathed into the nursery past the Barry County Museum.
That is all thanks to Lainey and Joseph Harvick, owners of Harvick Farms running a nursery and orchard at the property.
In a recent column I wrote on business growth in the area, I mistakenly failed to include this business in my list. Not only have they revived the tattered greenhouses and building, they are also offering a wide range of classes, from gardening to art and cooking to beekeeping.
They are also venturing into creating a community garden, which could benefit Cassville and any other small town in southwest Missouri.
I’m excited to see where their business goes and hope they get the community engaged.
Also honored was another member of the doctor community, Dr. Chad Johnson, who was named the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.
The former Chamber Board and Rotary Club president is on planning committees for the Rotary Rodeo and Chili and Salsa Cook-Off. He has served several terms on the Chamber Board, is currently on the Cassville School Board and Barry County Fair Board, and is also the president of the Cassville Community Foundation and Cassville Industrial Development Corporation.
It takes more than a few ounces of commitment to be that involved, but being a positive influence on your community does not come by sitting on the sidelines.
I commend volunteers like Chad, small business owners like the Harvicks and community leaders like David.
We celebrate your achievements together and hope your influence on Cassville businesspeople will spark inspiration.
Kyle Troutman has served as the editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014. In 2017, he was named William E. James/Missouri Outstanding Young Journalist for daily newspapers, and in 2022, he won a Golden Dozen Award from ISWINE. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or ktrout-man@ cassville-democrat.com.
“If you have goBEC fiber, you can thank Dr. Cupps for that. It took the better part of a decade for him to convince Barry Electric Cooperative Board members and ‘indoctrinate’ new ones, as he said, that fiber was the way to go.”
