Hometown McDonald County Fall/Spring 2024-25 | Page 10

Big Elk Floats & Camping has been selected from among the many outstanding , qualified county businesses as the 2024 McDonald County Chamber ’ s “ Small Business of the Year .” The awards committee felt that Big Elk Floats & Camping exceeded all the criteria for this prestigious award through its unwavering commitment to the many diverse communities and residents of McDonald County .

What Pat Tinsley , Drew Daniels and their entire staff have done with Big Elk Floats & Camping is simply incredible . With well over 7500 campers per year , when multiplying that number by the average each of those campers and visitors will spend while in the County , the overall impact is well into the millions of dollars .

And while economic impact is one of the criteria reviewed , that is only one of the important criteria for awardees of the “ Small Business of the Year .” Another critical element is community involvement , not only in their immediate community , but throughout the entire County .

As Chamber president and CEO John Newby noted , “ Big Elk Floats & Camping is always ready , able and willing to step forward and assist with whatever projects we put before them . They are not a business that wants or needs to always be in the spotlight , they just simply work behind the scenes and provide assistance without needing the fanfare .”

Big Elk Floats & Camping assists and supports numerous church groups , scouting organizations , back to school initiatives and outdoor education . They supply food and other items through Crosslines , serve veterans through the Sheep- Dog program at Hero ’ s Ranch , support Horses of Hope , along with many other great and worthy causes and organizations . They are also involved with the mission of the McDonald County Chamber and can be seen offering their support at many of their functions and activities .

Newby concluded , “ We are proud to have Big ElksFloats & Camping as a Chamber member , they certainly exemplify how a business can help to elevate the entire County through their small and large actions and deeds .”

Open 8:30-5:30 Mon-Fri

Carpetologist

10 • 2024-2025 Hometown McDonald County

• Carpet

• Hardwood

• Vinyl

• Vinyl Plank & Tile

• Laminate

• Area Rugs