Jeff Arens was named the 24th recipient of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award on April 23 for his numerous contributions to the Montgomery City community.

Arens received his award during the chamber banquet at the Mid-Mo Shriners Club. He was thrilled to be part of an elite group that included his father, Dick, who won the award in 2003.

“Probably the best part about tonight is getting to be on the list that my dad was on,” Arens said. ”I thank you all for that.”

Arens was presented the award by his children, sons Alex and Lafe and daughter Merrill Kaye. Merrill Kaye was the last one to speak, saying that her father has been a valuable asset to the Montgomery City community for most of his life.

“Dad loved his community and he’s willing to work hard to make it a better place,” Merrill Kaye said. “In addition to what he has done to Montgomery City, he’s the best husband, dad, a great brother and son and, I think many of you agree, an incredible friend. This award is given to those who showed a lifetime of service to this community and we think dad is more than that deserving.”

The banquet returned this year after a one-year hiatus. After dinner was served, former Chamber president Desiree Peak shared the 2025 year in review with the audience.

Then, Brock Lough, CEO of the Arthur Center, spoke and got to reflect on the new Arthur Center Community Health Clinic that opened in 2024 on Highway 19 in Montgomery City.

“The community was very receptive to that,” Lough said. “We had a great showing of patients as well as other community groups that met there.”

After Chamber board member Dale Hawkins read the previous Chamber Lifetime Achievement winners, Arens was recognized. His children talked about his life and accomplishments.

Arens graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1983. He was a member of the school’s glee club, FBLA group, choir and golf team.

Five years later, Arens graduated from Columbia College. The next year, he married his wife Amanda.

Arens worked for Arens Oil as a supervisor, director of marketing and human resources and president. Arens Oil was sold in 2002.

Arens has been a Chamber member since 2007. He is currently the organization’s treasurer. He is also a member of the Montgomery City Kiwanis Club, which he joined in 1989.

Arens opened My Office Plus in Montgomery City in 2006. He’s also a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish and the Greater Montgomery County Economic Development Council and teams up with wife Amanda to operate Glitterville, a store full of holiday items, every year in November.

One of Arens’ biggest projects was heading a committee to plan Montgomery City’s Sesquincentennial Anniversary Celebration in 2007. The three-day celebration ran from Aug. 31-Sept. 2 and included a parade.

“This celebration was a great way to watch the community come together to celebrate its history and Jeff was instrumental in making it happen,” Merrill Kaye said.

Merrill Kaye got emotional after reading what Arens wrote in a thank you ad that was published in the Montgomery Standard following the city’s 150th anniversary. It said, “If indeed we get to choose where we live, then I am happy to have chosen Montgomery City. I am grateful to know the people I know and be able to share with them all that our town has to offer.”

After Arens received his award, he presented an appreciation plaque to Peak for her nine years of service with the Chamber.

“Desiree approaches everything with the passion to succeed,” Arens said. “She doesn’t shoot for just the passing grade. She expects the best of the best. That passion for success served the chamber well. Her belief that it should have more members and more active members to help us grow and become a better chamber under her leadership.”

Then, Peak introduced David Reagan as the new president, a role he took in January.

“I ask that all of you as members and this board take it upon yourselves to show David as much help and support as you showed me over the last nine years,” Peak said. “I’m very grateful for all of that.”