Community Chamber Banquet

2025 Community Award Nominations

Save the date for our annual Community Chamber Banquet scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd at Fort Larned National Historic Site!

We're excited to recognize the fine businesses, organizations, and individuals of our community. Below, you will find the list of awards that will be given out this year.

Please nominate an individual, business, and/or organization for each award and include your reasoning for their selection. These nominations will be compiled and then a ballot will be emailed to Larned Area Chamber Members to vote for one out of the top nominees. Nominated businesses, organizations and individuals cannot win more than once within 5 years, and all nominated businesses and organizations must be Larned Area Chamber members.

Return your nominations by Wednesday, September 3rd through email (larnedcofc@gbta.net), hand delivery (502 Broadway, Larned), fax (620-285-6917), or submit your nominations through this page.

2025 Chamber Members

Nomination Ballot

Name:

Email Address:

Optional

Large Business of the Year:

Chamber businesses with more than 10 employees; May possess these qualities: excellent customer service, philanthropic, community-minded, workforce development.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Doerrs Ace Hardware ('24), Fusion Bank ('23), Golden Belt Telephone ('22), Ward Feed Yard ('21), Fort Larned USD 495 ('20).

Small Business of the Year

Chamber business with less than 10 employees; May possess these qualities: excellent customer service, philanthropic, community-minded, workforce development.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Dress It Up ('24), Reed Pharmacy ('23), Larned Veterinary Clinic ('22), Country Seasons Flower Shoppe ('21), Heart of Kansas Family Health Care ('20).

Non-profit organization/Civic Group of the Year:

Chamber organization (i.e. civic group, church, non-profit, that assists individuals through various programs or outreach—very community-oriented.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Jordaan Memorial Library ('24), Welcome Inn Senior Center ('23), Larned Fire Department ('22), Larned Noon Lions Club ('21), Pawnee County Extension ('20).

Volunteer of the Year:

Individual within or outside of the Chamber (Ambassadors, Board of Directors) whom goes above and beyond to assist in various events, committees or programs. This individual does not necessarily have to be a leader or brainstormer but rather, a “do-er”.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Kim Barnes ('24), Kyle Beckwith ('23), Janet Fleske ('22), Mike Burdett ('21), Josh Riedel ('20).

Emerging Leader:

Passionate individual within or outside of the Chamber (Ambassadors, Board of Directors), who leads a movement or union of people. This movement may be a kind of lifestyle, a business environment, a steering committee or just a group of individuals. Since this is an emerging leader in our community, please select someone who is 39 years and below.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Jacque Wasinger ('24), Jarred Smith ('23), Landon Erway ('22), Kyle Grant ('21), Jason Rath ('20).

Empowering Leader

Passionate individual within or outside of the Chamber (Ambassadors, Board of Directors), who leads (and empowers) a movement or union of people. This movement may be a kind of lifestyle, a business environment, a steering committee or just a group of individuals. Since this is an emerging leader in our community, please select someone who is 40 years and above.

Reasoning for your nomination:

Previous Winners: Carlton Bert ('24), Lewis Young ('23), Buddy & Judi Tabler ('22), Scott King ('21), Chris Froetschner ('20).

*Note: Chamber Members with multiple memberships have the ability to vote more than once.

Please submit your nominations by Wednesday, September 3rd!

Additional questions can be directed to the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce at larnedcofc@gbta.net or 620-285-6916.