CWA Local 6300's Gary Slane wins Arnold Chamber's Businessperson of the Year

Slane, owner of Arnold Minuteman Press, recognized for community involvement and support of local businesses

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Gary Slane, owner of the Arnold Minuteman Press and a member of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6300, has been named the Arnold Chamber of Commerce's Businessperson of the Year. Slane was nominated by three different chamber members for his involvement in the community and support of local businesses.

Why it matters

The award highlights the important role small business owners like Slane play in supporting their local communities, especially through industry groups and chambers of commerce. It also showcases the value of union membership for small business owners and the collaborative relationship between labor organizations and the business community.

The details

Slane opened the Minuteman Press print shop at 531 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold, Missouri in July 2024. He was nominated for the award by three different chamber members for his involvement, including donating raffle items and logo items to multiple community initiatives. Slane credits his customer service representatives Stephanie Tompkins and Pam Wakefield, as well as graphic designer David Hollenberg, for helping him receive the honor.

  • Slane opened the Minuteman Press print shop in Arnold in July 2024.
  • Slane was named the Arnold Chamber of Commerce's Businessperson of the Year in March 2026.

The players

Gary Slane

Owner of the Arnold Minuteman Press and a member of Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6300.

Stephanie Tompkins

Customer service representative at Minuteman Press.

Pam Wakefield

Customer service representative at Minuteman Press.

David Hollenberg

Graphic designer at Minuteman Press.

Courtney Sokolis

Executive director of the Arnold Chamber of Commerce.

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What they’re saying

“I was very honored and very shocked. I feel very privileged to be recognized and very thankful.”

— Gary Slane, Owner, Minuteman Press (The Arnold/Imperial Leader)

“He donated to multiple things throughout the community with raffle items or logo items. He has just been a bright beacon, and every time we turned around, Gary was present.”

— Courtney Sokolis, Executive Director, Arnold Chamber of Commerce (The Arnold/Imperial Leader)

The takeaway

This award highlights the important role small business owners can play in supporting their local communities, especially through active involvement in industry groups and chambers of commerce. It also showcases the collaborative relationship that can exist between labor organizations and the business community when they work together to uplift their shared local economy.