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 5 businesses.

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!”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital: “Beyond patient care, PVCH actively supports community initiatives, invests in advanced medical services to keep care close to home, and continuously works to improve the health and well-being of those it serves. For its leadership, impact, and unwavering commitment to strengthening both the health and vitality of our community, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is a deserving nominee for Large Business of the Year.

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 5 businesses.

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!”

El Dos De Oros: “We are very fortunate to have El Dos in our community, especially with the tough year it's been. They serve our community in more ways than great food.”

Farmers Bank & Trust: “The team at Farmers Bank is amazing. They always have a smile on their face and are willing to do whatever needs to be done.”

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.”

My Favorite Furnishings: “My Favorite Furnishings is very philanthropic, community-minded, and has a beautiful business.. They care about the presentation of their front door. They took advantage of the SIGNS grant to put up department signs on their separate buildings. They also have great customer service. "

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.”

Santa Fe Liquormart: “Great store with great selection. We’re very fortunate to have them in our community. They have been a great asset to the south-end of town.”

Smith Dental: “Dr. Trent and his team have provided dental services for many years.”

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

Chamber organization that assists individuals through various programs or outreach—very community-oriented. Please vote for 5 non-profit organizations/civic groups.

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.”

Orphan Grain Train: “The help they give anyone and everyone who needs it.”

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.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation: “The Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation is dedicated to strengthening healthcare in our region through philanthropy, community engagement, and advocacy. As a nonprofit, the Foundation connects donors and partners with meaningful projects that directly benefit patients and families — from funding advanced medical technology to enhancing patient comfort and supporting wellness initiatives.”

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 5 individuals.

Angie Murray: “Angie stays active in our community by serving as a Pawnee Peppers 4-H Club Leader, Larned Pride, and Santa Fe Trail Center.”

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.”

Dakota Thacker: “As a volunteer firefighter, Dakota dedicates countless hours to protecting and serving our community, often putting the needs of others before his own. Beyond his role in public safety, Dakota continues to give his time and energy to local events and community initiatives, always stepping up to help where he’s needed most.”

Danielle Fox: “She has helped step in to help with the theater and has been active within the community.”

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.”

Jason Murray: “Jason is involved in several organizations serving our county. He spreads positive information and news in Great Bend.”

Katelyn & William Nusser: “In addition to having a business, they are very involved in Larned Civic Pride and our City.”

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.”

Richard Wolf: “Richard volunteers for Larned Civic Pride and does so much for the Community Garden.”

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 5 individuals.

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.”

Brian Carlton: “Brian is a leader in our community, serving on various committees, an incoming Larned City Council member, and the new manager of ILS Feeders.”

Jessica Perez: “Jessica goes above and beyond every day to meet the needs of our residents as well as their families. She is expanding her career in November, and I am certain she will succeed in anything she decides to do.”

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.”

Shabree Eakin: “Shabree is an active member of the Larned Area Chamber Ambassadors. She’s done a great job with the mum fundraiser and many other things.”

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 5 individuals.

Arlo Reimer: “He has had over 24 years of experience in the medical profession and has done well as the CMO at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and a physician at the clinic.”

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.”

Chad Erway: “Who doesn't know Chad? He has been the baseball coach for the High School and American Legion forever. Chad has given so much back, and he has spent so much of his own money.”

Israel Hagerman: “He has helped build up a great JAG-K program and helped many kids find their path in life. He is at many events and is an active member in our community.”

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.”

John Moore: “John handles all things dietary at Country Living of Larned. He has to make sure all the planned meals meet the nutritional needs of our residents according to state guidelines. He spends tireless hours making sure he and his staff meet and exceed the residents' expectations. He rarely has a day off. He does not allow meals and desserts to be purchased, prepared, and frozen. They cook meals daily, often from scratch.”

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.”

Melanie Urban: “Melanie Urban is someone who uplifts others, builds confidence, and creates growth opportunities. Through her leadership at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Melanie has cultivated a culture where associates feel supported, valued, and motivated to excel. Beyond organizational success, Melanie is deeply committed to strengthening the community, fostering collaboration, and inspiring others to reach their full potential.”

Suzan Haynes: “Suzan is very involved in the community - being a member of the State Theatre Board, owner of My Favorite Furnishings and Haynes Electric, plus she's been an instrumental part of the Christmas Decorations Committee.”

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.”