By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
A new year is quickly approaching, and for the Hays Chamber that means another awards banquet celebrating area business people for their work and contributions to Hays and beyond.
“The annual chamber awards banquet is one of the best nights that the chamber gets to celebrate every year, and it also serves as a fundraiser for the chamber,” said president and CEO Sarah Wasinger. “And more than anything, it's just really a great chance to celebrate our strong business community and the individuals who make Hays such a special place to live, work and play.”
This year eight awards will be given out, including one of the chamber’s newest awards the Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award.
“The award is focused on businesses that invest capital into the Hays community and events that the Chamber sponsors, as well as investing time,” said Tim Werth, founding and managing partner of Werth Wealth Management.
“We think this will be a very exciting one. We've never had this award before,” Wasinger said.
Also being added this year is the Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
“This award is going to be presented annually to an entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business while adding value to our communities,” Wasinger said.
“The award, just as a whole, I'd say, what a great tribute to one of the true icons and pillars of the Hays community. How appropriate to have that named after Robert Schmidt,” Werth said.
“There are a number of great entrepreneurs in the Hays community, a number of great businesses. And it's obvious that brings dollars into communities when you have successful businesses. And, you know, Robert Schmidt certainly laid a good path for many to follow.”
Awards returning this year include the City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award, eyeSMILE Vision & Dental Helping Hands Award, Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award, Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award, Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award and the Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award.
While the awards will celebrate those making a difference in the community, the banquet also serves as a fundraiser for the chamber, itself a community resource.
“We have such a great community and a lot to be proud of,” Werth said. “And it takes it takes work from all of us to make a community go and what a great investment to make into the chamber and, you know, other civic organizations as well, that makes our community so great.”
Award nominations are due to the chamber by Jan. 7. The banquet is scheduled for Jan. 25.
“And of course, because we pick January for that day, sometimes weather can, you know, poke fun at your plans and good intentions,” Wasinger said. “So the backup weather date would be Feb. 1."
The evening is set to begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. in the Black and Gold Room located on Memorial Union on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Dinner will be provided again by Chartwells, one of our premier sponsors, and the program will start around 7 p.m.
“We intend on wrapping up right around 8:30 p.m., Wasinger said. “So, it's really about three hours, just wonderful socializing, networking with your counterparts across the business community. And then, of course, getting to see some wonderful businesses and folks being recognized.”
A full list of awards and requirements can be seen below. For more information, including the nomination form, visit hayschamber.com.
. . .
City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award
• Must be a long-standing member and a small business that has had a significant impact on the community, and contributed to the overall success of the Hays area.
eyeSMILE Vision & Dental Helping Hands Award
• Nonprofit organization or employee
• Demonstrated commitment to caring, generosity of spirit, openness and inclusion
Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award
• Long-term community service and history of civic imvolvement
• Demonstrated excellence in business or profession
Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• This award is presented annually to an entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business while adding value to our community.
Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award
• Community involvement during the past year
• Has given themselves for the betterment of our community and it’s people over the past year
Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award
• Business accomplishments, history of community service, Chamber participation, etc.
• Assists others in reaching their full leadership potential
Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award
• Within the ages of 21-40 with a history of community service and Chamber participation, etc.
• Demonstrated excellence in leadership qualities in business or community
Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award
• Consideration will be given to members who support the chamber throughout the year through the investment of capital and time of volunteers, including service to the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Hays Young Professionals, and committees, as well as attending chamber events throughout the year.
Cover photo courtesy Pixabay.