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.”

Carr Auction & Real Estate: “Carr Auction is a long-time, family-owned business who has brought many people into the community with their auctions. In addition, they support the community in many ways including providing auctioneering services for area county fairs (livestock sales) and the Pawnee Valley Hospital Gala. They expanded into Pratt and have continued to grow their business.”

Doerrs Ace Hardware: “Doerrs is a long-standing business in Larned and a great asset to this community. They truly are “Ace the helpful place”. Great business and great people!”

Haynes Electric, Inc.: “Haynes Electric is a longstanding business in the community providing excellent customer service and is a shining star for giving back to the community. They are committed to supporting local businesses and organizations and a large employer. Haynes Electric is worthy of recognition.”

Pawnee County Cooperative Association - “PCCA actively volunteers to help with many projects throughout the entire USD 495 district (Hi-Five Friday, ice cream treats at LES and LMS, sponsoring several school groups just to name a few). They allow patrons to stay local when it comes to bringing in grain, buying chemical/fertilizer/fuel/etc. They are currently serving 3rd-4th-5th generation farmers and hope to continue that well into the future! PCCA continues to grow and they have some amazing opportunities for growth in the community!”

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.

Central Kansas Respiratory: “Central Kansas Respiratory is a great service for our community. They’re always very helpful and friendly.”

Dress It Up: “Dress It Up strives to give the very best customer service we can, even telling customers to bring an item in that they may have bought elsewhere & they will help pair it with something from the store. They support our local youth through various programs and are very community-minded because they are community-owned.”

Harvest Nutrition: “What Alexis and her business Harvest Nutrition have done for our community in such a short time is amazing! Whether it's whipping up some energy teas/coffees/shakes, donating her own time, or putting on a 100% free clothing giveaway to community members. She does it all!”

My Favorite Furnishings: “My Favorite Furnishings has been open under its current ownership for 7 years. Suzan and her team are always quick to help you find exactly what you want and help you design your home. My Favorite Furnishings delivers within a 100-mile radius of Larned and has many loyal Larned and out-of-town shoppers. Many shoppers also purchase via their Facebook page and have their items shipped to their homes. My Favorite Furnishings is quick to donate items for auctions and charity events throughout the year to different organizations in Larned as well as surrounding communities. They provide you with a small-town shopping experience that rivals that of big cities. My Favorite Furnishings offers local options for furniture, mattresses, flooring, appliances, and home decor.”

Pawnee Valley Sport & Health: “Jackie has moved back to Larned and has implemented her business into the community by providing health and fitness training.”

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.

Jordaan Memorial Library: “The gals at Jordaan Library have done an amazing job of offering fun and creative events and programs to get people of all ages involved in the library, and added a book dropbox outside. They have brought the library to life.”

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

Pawnee County Childcare Coalition: “The Pawnee County Childcare Coalition is a great example of community leaders and members across Pawnee County coming together to focus on expanding childcare services for our families and businesses. Through these efforts, the coalition has successfully sought and received grants that have been instrumental in supporting existing childcare providers. These funds were also used to support the newly opened Valley Kids Daycare. The Coalition has passionately provided education and necessary resources to those interested in starting their own daycare service.“

Pawnee County Humane Society: “Our Humane Society is great for our community.”

Santa Fe Trail Center: “The Santa Fe Trail Center has coordinated so many programs to encourage people of all ages to visit.”

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.

Art Riedel: “Art has spent countless hours volunteering on the State theatre board, and scheduling groups. He makes sure everything gets done, even when groups are unable to volunteer at the State Theatre. Art has given up countless holidays and family events to work at the theatre.”

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

Debbie Makings: “Debbie has organized the Summer Kids Meals program and has organized a staff to help prepare and distribute meals for our kids over the summer. She is a true gem to our community.”

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

Kim Barnes: “Kim Barnes sets the bar high when it comes to volunteering. He is a community member worth cherishing and recognizing. Kim has displayed a heartfelt desire to promote the welfare of others through volunteering and generous donations. Kim provides lunch to the PVCH Associates and Medical Staff, donates tickets and auction items to the PVCH Foundation, and supports community organizations, including 4-H groups, fire department, and school projects. Kim makes sure the teachers know they are appreciated and loved and gets the entire USD 495 staff (over 200 employees) muffins to start every school year off. He gives carnations to every resident and staff member at Country Living and Diversicare every year. He has made it his goal that LES gets a nice, safe, and fun playground that the children will absolutely love! He has reached out to many of his business acquaintances that he has built remarkable relationships with while working at PCCA over the past 52 years.”

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.

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!”

Dr. Jacque Wasinger: “Since she returned to Larned, she has hit the group running and shown tremendous leadership skills in education and working with the youth along with numerous volunteer associations around town. Whether it is at school or volunteering, you can find Jacque providing a plan of action and a hand of assistance to ensure the best outcome.”

Jane Bleakney: “Jane is passionate about volunteering for the Larned Fire Department. One of her most recent accomplishments for the community was a grant that she volunteered to write that enabled the fire department to purchase two new fire trucks and Pawnee County Dispatch to purchase a new radio system. She has an infectious personality and laugh, always willing to devote her time to helping anyone in need.”

Kaitlyn Hatfield: “Kaitlyn is very active in supporting our schools and teachers. She currently serves as President of the PTO. She also serves on the Fort Larned Foundation for Education and Site Council boards.”

Rachel Hill: “Rachel is the Chamber Ambassador President 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.

Ben Ramsey: “Ben is such a positive and highly involved member of our community.”

Carlton Bert: “Carlton has a huge vision for our community – he has invested in our community and brought Redux to life - a great new addition to downtown. He has done a lot to drastically improve the southern end of town.”

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-known steak and rib cookoff going, and will always help others.”

Eli Makings: “He is a great leader and jumps in where he is needed.“

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.”