Six Missouri Businesses Earned Neighborly Awards
Six local businesses were selected as the state's most neighborly companies during Missouri Good Neighbor Week.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Six Missouri businesses have been honored with the Most Neighborly Business Award for their exceptional community engagement and support. The winners were chosen from a pool of 29 nominees based on seven key community-focused factors.
Why it matters
Recognizing these businesses highlights the vital role local entrepreneurs play in fostering neighborhood connections and ethical community practices. The organizers opted to double the number of awards this year to reflect the high quality of community contributions.
A total of six businesses were selected for the award out of 29 nominations received. The number of winners was expanded from three to six this year due to the high quality of entries.
The players
Leopold Country Store
This local business, which has roots dating back to the 1930s, is located in the community of Leopold.
D'Zines by T
Based in Macon, this business was recognized for its significant contributions to local community engagement.
Villainous Grounds
This Perryville-based establishment was named as one of the state's most neighborly businesses.
Mama Lisa's Grille
Located in Sweet Springs, this restaurant received the award for its supportive role in the community.
Bolton's General Store
Operating out of Walnut Grove, this store was honored for its focus on building neighborhood connections.
The details
The recognized businesses are D'Zines by T, Villainous Grounds, Mama Lisa's Grille, Bolton's General Store, Granny Barb's Pies and More LLC, and Leopold Country Store. These entities were evaluated on their neighborhood engagement, community support, and ethical business practices.
Timeline
The Leopold Country Store established its roots in the 1930s.
Missouri Good Neighbor Week is observed from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
The awards follow the precedent of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, a recurring celebration of community spirit. This initiative highlights the growing emphasis on localized corporate social responsibility within the state's small business sector.
Residents are encouraged to support these businesses, which have been formally recognized for their positive local impact and community-first business practices. These awards provide a guide for shoppers looking to patronize establishments that prioritize ethical engagement in their neighborhoods.
The takeaway
Small businesses serve as the backbone of community identity by maintaining long-standing local traditions. Supporting these award-winning establishments helps reinforce the social ties that keep neighborhoods vibrant and connected.
Further reading
Discover more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
More information
For more details on the initiative, visit the Missouri Good Neighbor Week program website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Columbia Daily Tribune.
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