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In celebration of the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is embarking on a special project to commemorate four decades of community engagement, business growth, and individual achievements.
As part of this milestone, Chamber staff are reaching out to past award winners, banquet attendees, and participants, asking them to share memories, photographs, and videos that capture the essence of the event over the last 40 years.
The annual banquet has long served as a cornerstone event for the Hays business community, celebrating the accomplishments of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made a significant impact on the region.
With the 40th anniversary approaching, The Chamber is taking the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of those who have shaped the local economy and culture.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Sarah Wasinger, President and CEO of The Chamber in Hays, expressed her excitement for the project, noting the importance of capturing these stories for future generations.
“As we celebrate the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, it’s not just about looking back but also about recognizing how far we’ve come and what we’ve achieved together as a community,” Wasinger said. “The awards banquet has been a platform to highlight the incredible businesses and individuals who have made Hays what it is today, and we
want to honor that legacy by documenting the memories that have been created over the past 40 years.”
The Chamber is inviting all past award winners, nominees, sponsors, and attendees to contribute photos, videos, and written memories that highlight the impact of the banquet on the community.
These materials will be incorporated into a multimedia presentation that will be featured during the 2025 banquet, offering attendees a chance to relive past moments and see how the event has evolved.
“We want to bring people together to remember and celebrate the role the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet has played in their professional and personal lives,” Wasinger said. “When you look at the names of past recipients, you see a collection of people and businesses who have dedicated their lives and passion towards making Hays and Ellis County a special place to call home.”
How to Participate
To participate in this unique project, previous attendees and award recipients are encouraged to submit their materials to The Chamber by December 1.
Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected] or dropped off at The Chamber office at 2700 Vine St.
For those wanting to set up a time to capture those memories on video are encouraged to schedule a time with chamber staff.
All submissions will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the banquet’s multimedia presentation.
Those with compelling stories or particularly notable contributions may also be featured in a special retrospective video series leading up to the event.
About the Annual Banquet
Since its inception, the Annual Chamber Awards Banquet has grown into one of the most highly anticipated events in the Hays business calendar.
The event serves as an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the year’s successes while fostering connections that fuel future growth.
“The Annual Banquet is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a celebration of the Hays community and the people who drive it forward,” Wasinger said. “This year’s event
promises to be even more special as we take a look back at the incredible impact the banquet has had on local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, while ushering in our next class of inductees!”
Event Details
The 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet will be January 28, 2025, at Fort Hays State University. The evening will include a formal dinner, awards presentation, and the unveiling of the 40th-anniversary project, featuring contributions from community members.
For more information on how to submit materials or to learn more about the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet, visit hayschamber.com or call (785) 628-8201.