Community Chamber Banquet

Our community banquet is a special occasion to get together to recognize the inspiring individuals, businesses, and organizations of our community, as well as recap the successes and projects this year.

2027 Banquet Date: TBD


Before the awards are handed out, our community is invited to nominate a(n) individual/business/organization for each award. These nominations are then compiled. Chamber Members then will be given the opportunity to vote for one individual/business/organization out of the top nominations with winners to be revealed at the Annual Banquet. 

2026 Banquet Recap

It was a wonderful evening celebrating our many outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals at our annual Community Chamber Banquet at the Knights of Columbus! Congratulations to our very deserving award winners and nominees. Our community is fortunate to have many fantastic businesses, organizations, leaders, and volunteers!

2026 Award Winners

  • Large Business: Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

  • Small Business: Reed Pharmacy

  • Non-Profit Organization: Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary

  • Youth Volunteer: Harleigh Ehrich & Jordyn Cook

  • Volunteer: Erin Atteberry

  • Emerging Leader: Allisa Spain

  • Empowering Leader: Jackie Ehrlich

  • Educator: Mrs. Jennifer Fitzpatrick

Awards

Large Business of the Year
Chamber Business with more than 10 employees. May possess these qualities: excellent customer services, philanthropic, community-minded, workforce development.

Small Business of the Year
Chamber Business with less than 10 employees. May possess these qualities: excellent customer services, philanthropic, community-minded, workforce development.

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.

Volunteer of the Year
Individual 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.”

Emerging Leader
Passionate individual 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. (39 years of age and below). 

Empowering Leader
Passionate individual 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. (40 years of age and above).

Educator of the Year

An educator from any Pawnee County school, including Fort Larned USD 495 and Pawnee Heights USD 496, who makes a lasting impact on students and their school community.

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Individual 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.” 18 yrs of age or less.


To Note:

All businesses (large and small) and organizations nominated must be a current Larned Area Chamber Member; individuals nominated for emerging leader, empowering leader, and volunteer of the year do not have to be members of the Chamber, but active in Pawnee County.

Nominated businesses, organizations and individuals cannot win more than once within 5 years.

Chamber Members with multiple memberships, have the ability to vote more than once or count their ballot X amount of times.

Larned Chamber