The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted its 101st-annual Banquet and Awards Saturday night at the Great Bend Events Center. This year’s event brought together nearly 400 guests to celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication of the business community over the past year.

The evening’s festivities began with a warm welcome from the chamber’s President, Jane Smith, who expressed her gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the chamber members, and Eagle Radio’s Matt Althouse as emcee. Throughout the night, many chamber members were featured and highlighted for their contributions to the community.

During the evening, the following awards were presented:

• NextGen Leader of the Year: Presented by the 2021 recipient, Chuy Loera, to this year’s winner, Megan Hammeke. This award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has made significant contributions to the community.

Just taking a glance at Megan Hammeke’s title at the Great Bend Recreation Commission could be seen as an indication of why she was selected for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce NextGen Leader Award.

As marketing, aquatics and program director, Hammeke’s reach extends throughout The Rec and into the community. 

• Citizen of the Year Award: Presented by 2018’s recipient, Barry Bowers with Spectrum CPA, to Scott Donovan. This award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in their service to the community and has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Great Bend.\

When Scott Donovan’s name was mentioned as a possible nominee for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, Barry Bowers said it was “almost embarrassing” that Donovan hadn’t yet received this recognition in the past. “And, on top of that, he is just an all-around good guy,” Bowers said. “He would do anything for you; it is just the kind of person he is. You don’t hear negative comments about him.”

Donovan specializes in sales at Eagle Radio and his background is chock-full of service on local boards and committees. His real name is Darrel Bieker, but because he is Scott Donovan while on the air, that is how most people know him.

• Business of the Year Award: Presented by Maggie Harris, Barton Community College chief communications officer, to Dry Lake Brewing. This award recognizes a local business that has shown exceptional growth, innovation, and community involvement.

Dry lake Brewing has only been open for about two years now, and it’s already a challenge to think of Great Bend without it. It has cemented itself as the prime place for locals to get together for a pint and/or cocktail or grab a bite to eat from one of the many amazing food trucks that frequent the back parking lot. When someone strolls through the DLB door, they can be assured they will be well taken care of by the staff because at this brewery they not only serve up drinks, but they also aim to serve up a memorable experience every time. This experience is something that founders Ryan Fairchild and Kevin Burkey keep at the forefront of their minds when they plan or produce anything at DLB.

• The Legacy Award: Presented by Josh Gant, director of ancillary and support services at the University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, to Golden Belt Community Foundation. This award honors an organization that has made a lasting impact on the community and has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of its residents.

While countless local individuals and businesses are responsible for GBCF’s success, three groups of community members came together at just the right time. They are the 37 founding donors, first board of directors and the Kansas Health Foundation.

Christy Tustin, executive director, said the three groups that helped create GBCF “set us up for success. This started in 2001 when the Kansas Health Foundation became involved in community philanthropy by helping build and support community foundations.

Today’s board concentrates its efforts and dedicates a portion of available funding to three strategic areas – childcare, mental health and economic development philanthropy, along with competitive grant programs that support many other causes and needs. 

“We would like to extend our congratulations to all the award recipients and thank them for their contributions to the Great Bend community,” said chamber President Megan Barfield. “Their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all.”

A great evening

Guests were treated to a dinner of smoked pork tenderloin by A&G Catering, accompanied by scalloped potatoes, green beans, and homemade bread by Great Bend Coffee. Each table was set with a charcuterie board, salads, and desserts by RePerks/Tellers. The food was a highlight of the evening and received rave reviews from guests.

The Mirror of Memories Star Photobooth, created by Rana Luna Boutique, was a hit with guests, who enjoyed taking photos against the beautifully crafted backdrop. Josh Blankenship Media created the video graphics and the printed program, adding to the professional and polished atmosphere of the event. Shelly Arnberger assisted with decor, and Charlie’s Place provided the bar services, ensuring that guests had a great time throughout the night.

The Jay Bennett Jazz Band provided live music throughout the evening, adding to the celebratory and lively atmosphere of the event. The energy and excitement in the room were palpable as guests mingled, networked, and celebrated together.

Plenty of thanks to go around 

“The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce would like to extend its sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the event,” Barfield said. “The 101st Annual Banquet and Awards was a night to remember, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and support the businesses and individuals who make our community great.”

She also thanked the Presenting Sponsors. These included Barton Community College, Spectrum CPA, and the University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend; Chamber Ally and Experience Sponsors: First Kansas Bank, Equity Bank, Great Bend Tribune, and Nex-Tech. Special event sponsors included TCI Answering Service and KanEquip. 

For a full list of sponsors, and more information on the event and award winners, visit www.greatbend.org.