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COLUMBIA — The Columbia Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2009 Outstanding Citizen Award to Lynda Baumgartner, owner of Image Technologies of Missouri.
“She’s definitely a mentor to other women in business,” Don Laird, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said.
Greg Steinhoff, executive vice president and director of sales at Boone County National Bank, cited Baumgartner’s leadership, selflessness and devotion to Columbia as reasons why she deserved the award. He said she’s been involved with “a million things” and still continues to be involved.
“I don’t believe that there’s anyone more deserving. I’ve always felt like she represents the spirit of Columbia more than anyone I’ve ever met,” he said.
Baumgartner's community involvement has included acting as chairwoman of the chamber, volunteering at Woodcrest Chapel and serving on the advisory board for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
She has also served as committee chairwoman of the Women's Network and this year went on a mission trip to Africa to assist women and children.
In their letter of nomination to the chamber, Barbie and Jose Lindner said Baumgartner’s selection for the award is long overdue. They cited her broad involvement in the community as reason for the nomination.
"Lynda is a tireless member of our community who has repeatedly devoted herself as a volunteer and leader for more than 30 years," the Lindners wrote in their letter. "When it comes to serving her community and her country, 'NO' is not part of her vocabulary.”
There were four nominations this year for the award, and nominations from the past five years also were considered, chamber program development director Victoria Brees said.
Baumgartner, who was unavailable for comment, received the award Tuesday at the annual meeting and awards banquet at the MU Reynolds Alumni Center.
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