Messick, Hufford to be inducted into Business Hall of Fame on Jan. 17

QUINCY — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize Wayne E. Messick and Marvin Hufford at the Business Hall of Fame Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Oakley-Lindsay Center.

The Business Hall of Fame, established in 2006, honors people and organizations for their impactful contributions to the Quincy area business community.

“This year’s honorees exemplify excellence and have made remarkable contributions to our community on so many levels,” Bruce Guthrie, president/CEO of Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. “The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame allows us to celebrate the substantial investment of innovators, leaders and business owners whose efforts have made the Quincy community a better place.”

Admission is $45 per person and includes lunch. Reserve your spot at https://business.quincychamber.org/chamber-events before Friday, Jan. 12.

Messick bought Lincoln Hill Nursing Home from bankruptcy court in 1990 and renamed the facility to St. Vincent’s Home. Te rededicated the home to Saint Catherine Kapser and St. Vincent De Paul. This allowed for the nursing home to remain open and provide a home for up to 90 residents and a place of employment for more than 100 employees for more than 30 years.

Messick dedicated his life to the healthcare industry, serving as director of the Adams County Illinois Health Department from 1950 until 1969. He bought Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle in 1969. It also was operated under the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

Messick owned and managed St. Vincent’s Home from 1990 and Carlyle Healthcare Center from 1969 until his death in 1999. When Messick managed St. Vincent’s, the facility was completely renovated, a new wing was added to the nursing home, the groundwork for a 10-bed assisted living center next door was laid, the neighboring “Christian Shelticenter” on 10^th Street was demolished and 26 independent living duplexes were built in its place.

Messick’s wife and his daughter’s families ran the facilities for an additional 22 years after his death. 

Hufford served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Rochester as a fire control technician first class. Following his discharge, his ship still met for reunions every year at various places around the country.

Hufford first worked at Illinois Bell Telephone Company from 1956 to 1989, retiring as the regional superintendent and plant manager. He was instrumental in getting 911 established in Quincy along with Deputy Chief Harry Cramer of the Quincy Police Department.

Hufford later was the owner/operator of TCBY in Quincy. He opened the first TCBY in Quincy in June 1986 at 36th and Maine. After retiring from Illinois Bell, he opened a second store at 18th and State, then opened other stores in Hannibal, Mo., and Jacksonville.