The Chamber in Hays
The Chamber in Hays hosted its 40th-Annual Chamber Awards Banquet on Tuesday at the Fort Hays State University campus, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to community service, business excellence and leadership.
President and CEO Sarah Wasinger delivered remarks commending the honorees for their commitment to strengthening Ellis County through various initiatives, projects and professional achievements.
“Celebrating men and women who positively impact the quality of life we all enjoy in Ellis County is a great honor, and we thank them for inspiring others to make a difference,” Wasinger said.
2025 award winners
Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award
Recipient: James Robben, director of business development and special projects, Grow Hays
Sponsor Presenter: Travis Kohlrus, Regional Vice President at Vyve Broadband
Robben was recognized for his exemplary leadership in business, as well as his deep commitment to Ellis County.
He has taken on numerous projects, including the Grow Hays E-Community Loan Program and the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Robben was also a key figure in securing more than $5 million in grants to establish the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center and furthered local housing development by facilitating multi-million-dollar grants for retail growth in Ellis County.
Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year
Recipient: Amanda Rupp, executive director, Ellis County Historical Society
Sponsor Presenter: Jimmy Todd, CEO of Nex-Tech
Rupp was honored for her unwavering dedication to preserving local heritage and reinvigorating the Ellis County Historical Society.
Her efforts in leading fundraising, community outreach, and the refurbishment of a significant local historical building have revitalized public interest.
She has also helped organize the sesquicentennial action committee in honor of the 150th anniversary of Volga Germans settling in the region, ensuring that area residents remain connected to their roots.
Commerce Bank Helping Hands Award
Recipient: Women Who Lead
Sponsor Presenter: Shane Smith, Community Bank President at Commerce Bank
Women Who Lead was celebrated for its influential community work.
Established in recent years, this nonprofit comprises more than 160 members committed to volunteerism and service projects.
Their impact spans youth initiatives, support for older adults and assistance for underserved populations in Ellis County.
Recent endeavors include adopting Sunrise Park and collaborating with the city of Hays to introduce new recreational equipment, reflecting the organization’s mission to foster positive community growth.
Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year
Recipient: Ruth Ruder, vice president of branch operations, Golden Plains Credit Union
Sponsor Presenter: John Lightle, president and CEO of Nex-Tech Wireless
Ruder’s leadership achievements span over 30 years, during which she has empowered women to pursue professional development opportunities.
She was recognized for her roles serving as a Chamber ambassador, supporting the Hays Recreation Commission, leading Women Who Lead and advocating for education through her service on the USD 489 Board of Education.
Under her guidance, Golden Plains Credit Union’s Hays location has expanded significantly, emphasizing service to the local community and beyond.
Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year
Recipient: Dallas Haselhorst, owner of TreeTop Security, STEM Harvest and Cold Stone Creamery
Sponsor Presenter: Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays
A Hays native, Haselhorst was honored for establishing multiple successful enterprises and for offering robust support to other local businesses.
His cybersecurity training tools have garnered recognition nationally and internationally, and he was named the Kansas Small Business Person of the Year in 2024.
Haselhorst’s community-focused initiatives, including the development of a comprehensive STEM program, reflect his passion for nurturing future innovators while preserving Hays’s welcoming business climate.
Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year
Recipient: Sunflower Bank
Sponsor Presenter: Tim Werth, founding and managing Partner at Werth Wealth Management
Sunflower Bank was acknowledged for its longstanding commitment to the Chamber as an executive-level member and its extensive support for local initiatives.
Employees regularly volunteer as Chamber ambassadors, on the Hays Young Professionals team and in community boards and programs.
Since establishing its ABC Program, Sunflower Bank has contributed $1.8 million to local schools, demonstrating an ongoing dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in Ellis County.
City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award
Recipient: Werth Heating, Plumbing & Air Conditioning
Sponsor Presenter: Mason Ruder, vice mayor of the city of Hays
This company was commended for its significant growth under new ownership, expanding from seven to 18 employees and adding various residential and commercial services.
Management’s emphasis on local hiring and training, combined with volunteer work, underscores the business’s dedication to Hays’s long-term sustainability.
Their commitment to succession planning and construction of new facilities has set a strong precedent for other small businesses in the region.
Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award
Recipient: Judge Glenn Braun
Sponsor Presenter: Chris Wente, president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank
Braun was honored for his remarkable legal career and many years of civic service.
From his early days as an attorney handling numerous cases to his tenure on the bench, he has earned recognition from legal peers for professionalism and integrity.
One of his most notable achievements is the development of the Ellis County Recovery Court, which has helped more than 60 individuals overcome addiction and pursue stable, productive lives.
Braun’s dedication to improving the justice system and his community exemplifies the hallmark traits of a Hall of Fame honoree.
At the conclusion of the program, Wasinger thanked the event sponsors and the Union Catering Company staff for their exceptional service.
She extended special gratitude to all attendees and encouraged them to continue supporting Chamber programs that promote business, leadership and community development throughout Ellis County.
“Our award winners represent the best of what Hays can achieve,” Wasinger said. “Their collective efforts inspire us to strive for a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous community. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we enter a new year.”
For more information on the Chamber in Hays, visit hayschamber.com.