Rudy Farber honored by Hawthorn Foundation

Sep. 25—The Hawthorn Foundation recently awarded Rudolph Farber with its inaugural Award of Excellence for his support of economic development in Missouri.

Gov. Mike Parson presented the award to Farber during the recent Missouri Governor's Conference on Economic Development.

"Rudy is a great example of the many champions of economic development around the state," Becky Willard, executive director of the Hawthorn Foundation, said in a statement. "Rudy's leadership has made a tremendous impact on the state over the years. We believe it's important to recognize Missourians making a difference in our communities, and the Hawthorn Award of Excellence helps us do just that."

Farber is chairman of Community Bank and Trust in Neosho and has over the decades worked to improve Southwest Missouri by supporting development, infrastructure improvements, historical renovations, education and the arts. Farber also is the former chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.

"Economic development is a team effort and not a one-person endeavor," Farber said in a statement. "Working together, we can and are making Missouri a more prosperous place to live and raise a family. It is an honor to be a part of the excellent work being done by the Hawthorn Foundation through its support of Missouri partnership."

Farber is a longtime investor in the Hawthorn Foundation and has served on its executive committee and as its treasurer.

The Hawthorn Foundation hosts the annual Governor's Conference on Economic Development. It typically draws more than 400 attendees from across the state. In addition to the Hawthorn Award of Excellence, the Hawthorn Foundation honored American Foods Group with the Project of the Year Award.