Abilene Kansas Banquet Awards Deserving Community Members and Former Board Members

Abilene Kansas Banquet Awards Deserving Community Members and Former Board Members

The 88th Annual Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce was held this past Tuesday at the Eisenhower Library Courtyard.  Over 160 people were in attendance. 

Awards - Annually the Chamber of Commerce recognize excellence and outstanding citizenship through the awarding of the following honors: Quiet Hero, Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Chamber Ambassador of the Year.  Nominations for awards are made by the public and a subcommittee of the Chamber Board of Directors determines who will receive the awards.

  

This year's recipient for the Quiet Hero Award was SFC Kurt Wassenburg or the Kansas National Guard.  SFC Wassenburg saw a need for high school students to cross NW. 14th Street during the current construction at the Abilene High School.  SFC Wassenburg has been the crossing guard every morning during this construction and have become a familiar and respected site during the morning commute.  Board Member Diane Miller (M&M Tire) presented the award.

The Distinguished Citizen award celebrates an individual who excels in civic involvement and community leadership.  The 2015 award winner was Mark Wilson, partner of Warren Wilson Hay.  Mark has served for many years on the USD 435 School Board and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County Board.  Mr. Wilson is also involved in a number of volunteer organizations.  Mr. Wilson personifies business leader involvement in civic affairs and serves as a great example for others.  Board member Cassy Wilson (Rawhide Portable Corral) presented the award.

The Distinguished Business Person of the Year recognizes an individual's excellence in managing, promoting and expanding a business endeavor.  The 2015 recipient of this award was Elizabeth Weese, Executive Director of the Great Plains Theatre.  Following the disastrous fire that destroyed the theatre location on Mulberry and NW. 3rd Streets, the theatre regrouped and worked within the community to continue providing live theatre entertainment to Kansas.  Mrs. Weese's tireless efforts to continue performances, establish a new theatre location, continue marketing and manage internal operations has been inspirational and demonstrated that hard work and grit can overcome significant obstacles.  Board member Superintendent Denise Guy (USD 435) presented the award.    

The Volunteer of the Year awardis given to an individual who has given generously of their time to promote the health, education and general welfare of the community and people.  The 2015 Volunteer of the Year was Bruce Dale, who is well known for contributing to multiple causes and initiatives over the years.  While Mr. Dale is involved in several organizations including the Eisenhower Foundation, Rotary Club and others, he is recognized with this award most notably for his efforts for the Great Plains Theatre.  In 2015, Mr. Dale's physical, mental and material efforts to create the theatre facility and bring movie equipment has been exceptional and worthy of this recognition. 

The Chamber Ambassador program offers participants greater visibility in the community by having them directly involved in the planning, promoting and execution of Chamber member events.  Ambassadors are cheerleaders for the business community and Chamber of Commerce.  The 2015 Chamber Ambassador of the Year was Todd Moore of Brookdale Abilene.  Todd's infectious smile and enthusiasm has brought energy to Chamber events.  Todd has visited with numerous non-member businesses and organization about the value of Chamber membership and is a strong proponent of the business community.  Todd has recently been elected to the Chamber Board of Directors.

Board Members - Chamber President, Kyle Becker (Smart Insurance), thanked out-going board members for their service to the business community.  Former members thanked were Dennis Weese (Eagle Communications), Glenda Purkis (City of Abilene) and Kelly Cooper (Cooper Clean).  New Past President, Marc Beswick, was recognized for his service to the membership. 

Speaker - This year's presenter on entrepreneurship was Mr. Michael Utz, principal and co-founder of Ripple Glass. He is also employed by Boulevard Brewing Company as the Director of Engineering, in charge of technical direction for the company since 1998. Mike is a graduate of the University of Kansas and holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Prior to attending college he served the U.S. Navy on board the ballistic missile submarine USS Lafayette and operated the nuclear power plant and electrical generation systems.

Mr. Utz presentation focused key characteristics of a successful entrepreneur as exemplified by his friend and business partner, John McDonald, Founder of Boulevard Brewing Company.  His key point was that successful entreprenuers have vision, passion, engage others, acknowledge their limitations, and empower others.

State Of The Chamber - James D. Holland, Executive Director, provided an overview of recent efforts to promote commerce in the Abilene and outlined efforts for 2016.  Mr. Holland outlined improvements to the current member services and new initiatives to promote commerce and the health of the business community.  Specifically, he spoke about the continuing to promote business after-hours, ribbon cuttings and other member events.  He encouraged the membership to provide news items for the newsletter and to provide information on positions available for a new "Live, Work, Play - Abilene" newsletter. 

The Chamber is spearheading a "Live Abilene" initiative funded in part by a generous donation from the Jeffcoat Foundation.  This initiative will market Abilene as a great place to live, work and play to encourage residency.  The Chamber is also developing a "Legacy" program, which will provide confidential business consultation for existing and start up businesses.  The Chamber will pair up consultation members with retired business owners and managers to provide guidance on matters of business.

In closing, Holland and Chamber Chairman Kyle Becker, encouraged the membership to take full advantage of Chamber services and to recognize that the Chamber of Commerce is a partner in growing member businesses.

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