Large Business of the Year: *

Chamber businesses with 10 or more employees; May possess these qualities: excellent customer service, philanthropic, community-minded, and workforce development. Please vote for 1 business.

Big R: “Big R brings a wide range of supplies to our community. Their customer service is amazing.”

City of Larned: “Our city crews do a lot to keep our community running smoothly.”

Country Living of Larned: “Country Living of Larned has a very positive influence on our town. We are very thankful to have their services.”

Dillons: “They always give back to the community. They go the extra mile to support us.“

Eakin Enterprises: “Chad and his team at Eakin Enterprises provide a valuable service to Larned and the area. We are grateful for all they do!”

Small Business of the Year: *

Chamber business with less than 10 employees; May possess these qualities: excellent customer service, philanthropic, community-minded, and workforce development. Please vote for 1 business.

Comfort Pro: “Comfort Pro provides a great service for our community. They’re always very helpful and friendly.”

The Diner: “The Diner has friendly staff, and they are a great dining addition to our community!”

Humble Pie: “Humble Pie has the best hospitality and makes you feel like a valued customer. They have given back to our community with providing pizza for various events at the school district and community events. They have assisted students within our school district to become more involved with the community and more responsible.”

Progressive Therapy & Sports Medicine: “Progressive Therapy has a great staff and is a very helpful business serving the health and wellness of our community for more than 25 years.”

Redux: “Redux is community-minded and a great addition to our downtown as they have really helped boost the atmosphere of downtown Larned.”

Non-Profit Organization/Civic Group of the Year: *

Chamber organization that assists individuals through various programs or outreach—very community-oriented. Please vote for 1 non-profit organization/civic group.

Larned Civic Pride: “Larned Civic Pride goes above and beyond to invest in our community's needs. From the Community Garden, to Bingo, helping regularly with the State Theatre, putting on Halloween in the Park, the Schack Express Train, and much more. We are glad to have them.”

Larned Columbus Club: “The knights are always willing to help the community, whether it is for the Red Cross Blood Drive or a fundraiser dinner.”

Pawnee County Humane Society: “Our Humane Society is great for our community. You can tell Andrea and her team of volunteers truly care about the animals and the services they provide.”

Prairie Arts Unlimited: “This group embraces the arts and provides the Picture Lady visiting classrooms, to art shows, and sidewalk chalk art.”

United Way of Central Kansas: “The United Way of Central Kansas provides so many helpful services to Pawnee County. They work with all ages - youth through Reality U, to assistance programs like Laundry Love every month, plus so much more.”

Volunteer of the Year: *

An individual within or outside of the Chamber who 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”. Please vote for 1 individual.

Connie Carlton: “Connie is always busy supporting the community from the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary, DAR, and her sorority.”

Cory Johnson: “Cory is a great role model and a very hard worker, he spends countless hours volunteering on every board in the county. He is a true inspiration. Cory is currently the president of the Pawnee County Fair Association and has helped get new bleachers, a world-renowned steak and rib cookoff going, and will always help others.”

Dody Burkey: “ Dody is very involved in the community - especially with her involvement in Hillside Envisions, Antiques & Artifacts, and Larned Civic Pride.”

Duane Fogo: “Duane is very involved in the community, especially with the Larnd Noon Lions Club and all the events and activities they coordinate, plus his work with OPI.”

Kristy Hagerman: “Kristy is always busy helping the community. She is a 4-H Club Leader for Tiller Toilers 4-H Club, an active Noon Lions member, and organizes holiday flags for the Larned Chamber Ambassadors.”

Emerging Leader: *

A passionate individual within or outside of the Chamber, 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. Please vote for 1 individual.

Alexis Dickens: “Alexis does such a great job within her business, Harvest Nutrition, and does different things to try to serve the community - like the backpack and shoe drive she did at the beginning of the school year.”

Allisa Spain: “Allisa has worked hard to instill pride and unity within our school district. She has done a great job connecting our community with our schools!”

Brady Keith: “Brady has done an amazing job with the football players since he came back. He is a passionate individual and a positive leader.”

Jose Madrid: “Jose brings energy, vision, and dedication to everything he does. He was recognized last year in the Tribune’s 20 Under 40 for his professional achievements in marketing and his deep commitment to community involvement. Beyond his career, he invests in the next generation by coaching athletes from 9U all the way up to high school, where he models teamwork, discipline, and leadership for these young athletes.”

Rachel Hill: “Rachel is an active Chamber Ambassador, member of the Christmas Decorations committee, and helps lead through Kiddie Day, flags, and fundraising, as well as a member of the Fire Department.”

Empowering Leader: *

A passionate individual within or outside of the Chamber, 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 empowering leader in our community, please select someone who is 40 years and above. Please vote for 1 individual.

Brenda Martin: “As the Dillons Manager, Brenda shows her smile, positivity, and love for customers and employees each day. She does this while fighting her personal health challenges.”

Jackie Ehrlich: “Jackie is a leader in our community in various capacities. She owns her own business and serves on the Chamber board. She’s incorporating fun ways for people to be healthy and get in shape with Pawnee Valley Sport and Health.”

Jim Haynes: “Jim gives of his time to all things Larned. He serves on several committees for the city including the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the City Licensing Board. He serves his church passionately in numerous ways. He donates his knowledge, resources, and time freely.”

Kelsi Williamson: “During the toughest of times, Kelsi is there to provide reassuring support, positive words, or a hug. She runs Beckwith Mortuary with a heart for her customers and their well-being.”

Tom Giessel: “Tom has been the go-to guy for any information about Larned. You can ask him about the history of a certain building, and he can give you info quickly.”