November 25, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has honored Rep. Steve Tilley, of Liberty, with the 2009 Man in the Arena Award. The annual award recognizes one legislator who champions challenging issues for the betterment of Missouri businesses and workers.

Tilley was elected to the House in 2005. He quickly rose into a leadership role and currently serves as the Majority Floor Leader. He has also been elected to be Speaker of the House upon the current speakers’ departure. As a leader who has a large role in deciding which legislation moves through the House, Tilley has been instrumental in the passage of many important economic development bills. He was also a key player in the House passage of House Joint Resolution 37, which sought to protect secret ballot elections in Missouri in the wake of dangerous proposed federal legislation.

Rep. Tilley received the award at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on November 19, at Union Station in Kansas City.

"During his entire tenure in the House, Rep. Steve Tilley has been one of the business community’s strongest friends in Jefferson City. With our state currently facing a recession, we should feel confident that we have leaders like Rep. Tilley who are working to help put our state on the right path toward recovery," said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. "Rep. Tilley has always had an open ear to listen to the business community and we look forward to continuing to work with him when he ascends to Speaker of the House."

The entire list of legislators honored this year by the Missouri Chamber are:

Man in the Arena Award winner:

Rep. Steve Tilley, R-Perryville

Spirit of Enterprise Award winners:

Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington

Sen. Victor Callahan, D-Independence

Rep. Tim Flook, R-Liberty

Legislative Freshmen of the Year:

Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia

Rep. John Diehl, R-Town & Country