Chamber in Hays
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, recognized eight outstanding individuals and organizations Tuesday during the 41st-Annual Chamber Awards Banquet at Memorial Union on the campus of Fort Hays State University.
More than 400 people attended the event, which celebrated those who have made a lasting impact on Ellis County through business excellence, professional achievement and volunteer service.
Video entertainment for the evening featured Chamber’s Got Talent, during which Marley Dechant, a student at Hays Middle School, received top honors for her dance performance.
The following award winners were announced:
• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award: Macey Pfeifer, executive director for First Call for Help of Ellis County
• Commerce Bank Helping Hands Award: Kiwanis Club of Hays, Kansas
• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award: Melissa Romme, principal and CPA for Adams Brown
• Grow Hays Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Israel Luna, owner of Las Hefas Latin Cuisine
• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award: Nex-Tech
• City of Hays Small Business Achievement of the Year Award: Hays Veterinary Hospital
• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award: Scott Heimann, Hays Police Department sergeant (posthumous)
• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award: Clare Gustin, board chair for the Innovation Center
The annual banquet honors individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication help strengthen Hays and Ellis County. Sincere notes of thanksgiving are extended to all sponsors whose generous support helped make the event possible.
Thanks to the dedicated service business professionals across the community, The Chamber offered nearly 250 ways for members to engage in 2025, and advocated on behalf of quality of life for all Ellis County residents.
For more information about the Chamber in Hays or the 2026 award winners, visit hayschamber.com.