News release
On Tuesday, The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, held its annual chamber awards banquet at the Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Eight awards were given to businesses, organizations and individuals who provided significant contributions to Ellis County.
The sellout crowd of 402 guests enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, which included pro tips from fellow members, a recap of everything the business community accomplished in 2022 and honoring the award winners. A special thank you to Mike Morley of Midwest Energy for serving as the ceremony’s emcee.
The following award winners were announced:
• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award
Kelly Lewis, Assistant Vice President and New Accounts Representative at Bank of Hays
• eyeSMILE Vision + Dental Helping Hands Award
Kyle Carlin, Director of the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative at USD 489
• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the YearAward
Carol Harfmann, Owner and Certified Public Accountant at Harfmann Accounting
• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Wes Rathbun, Owner of 8th Street Liquor, Golden Q, and The Fort Tavern & Patio Bar
• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award
Sarah Meitner, Executive Director at Heartland Community Foundation
• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award
Nex-Tech Wireless
• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award
Simpson Farm Enterprises
• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award
Marion Dreher, Kiwanis Club of Hays