Welcome to Ava, Missouri

 Treasure of the Ozarks

Nestled here in the middle of Ozark Mountains, Ava is truly a treasure with forest, fields, and streams, friendly and kind-hearted residents, fascinating historical and cultural heritage, and diverse educational opportunities. For that reason, we have formally adopted the motto: Ava ~ Treasure of the Ozarks.

Ava offers a small town atmosphere, down home celebrations and festivals, and a Triple-A school system. Ava is fortunate to be home of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, which holds two annual festivals drawing thousands to our community. We are also partially surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, where we have a fall festival each year celebrating the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

Our business community is diverse, with many locally owned and operated businesses, as well as big name retailers. We are also fortunate to have Copeland Corporation as a major employer in our area. Ava welcomes new businesses and will work with potential business operators and entrepreneurs. Ava also has many recreational opportunities. Our city park is home to the Ava Water Park, which offers residents summer fun, as well as certified swim lessons and competitive swim team programs. The park has a beautiful walking trail, tennis courts, and pavilions for picnics. Ava prides itself in having dozens of community-based organizations from which to choose and be an active participant.

Ava's biggest treasure is its quality of life! It offers a place to live, work, play, and raise a family in a small town atmosphere, with people who really care.  

Discover more about this "Treasure of the Ozarks"         

~ Chamber Happenings ~  

2012 Membership and Awards Banquet

This year's "Flashback to the 50's" themed Banquet~ Enjoyable and Well Attended!

On March 24th, the Chamber held their annual Membership and Awards Banquet, with a “Flashback to the 50’s” theme, at Ava Victory Academy.  Chamber Members, their employees, and their families enjoyed a night of 50’s music, delicious food, silent auction, games, door prizes, and fun  activities. The highlight of this annual event was the awards presented to some very deserving members of our community.  

The Will McFarlin Youth Award went to Lucas Tabor, a senior at Ava High School, for his involvement in community activities and organizations while being a mentor to the youth in our community.

The Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year recipient was Bill Jones. Bill is employed part-time at DOCO Inc. and has volunteered each Friday in the Chamber office since last September. He is a cheerful worker with a keen attention to detail.

The recipient of the John Dickison Award, for a lifetime of community service, was Donald Pinckney, who has given many years of dedication to serving the people of our community, through various organizations. Marie Bristol, daughter of the award’s name sake, and grandson, Dominick, presented Don’s award.

Recognition was given at the banquet, to Max and Wanda Murphy, owners of United Country Area Land Realty. Their ongoing support and donation of office space for the Chamber of Commerce is greatly appreciated.        

Outgoing 2011 board members were also recognized at the banquet: Sandy Hylton; outgoing president, Kathy David, Linda Weisbrod, Larry Morrison, and Jowanna Catt.

The costume contest  winners at the Chamber Banquet were Sheera Vanderstine (Lil Elvis) and Brian Wilson (best dressed man).

Best Dessert went to Norma Stillings, Best Casserole to Kim Farmer, and Best Veggie-dish to  Rosie Harris.   

We hope you'll plan to join us at next year's Banquet!  

It's a Great Time to Join the Chamber!

 For a complete list of membership benefits, click on the "Join the Chamber" tab at the top left side of this page!  

Contact us at 417-683-4594 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and start reaping the benefits of YOUR membership today!