The Chamber in Hays
Special toast, new additions, and afterparty highlight milestone event
The Chamber in Hays is excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet.
This milestone event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Fort Hays State University Memorial Union, 600 Park St.
The event promises to celebrate four decades of success, recognize outstanding individuals and organizations, and provide a memorable evening of entertainment and networking.
President and CEO Sarah Wasinger emphasized the importance of this milestone in the organization's history.
"Reaching the 40-year mark is a testament to the strength, commitment, and passion of our local businesses and community leaders," Wasinger said. "We’re incredibly proud to host this event that honors the outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a meaningful impact in our region."
This year, eight prestigious awards will be presented, recognizing excellence across various sectors.
The awards include:
• City of Hays Small Business Achievement Award
• Commerce Bank Helping Hands Award
• Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame Award
• Grow Hays/Robert E. Schmidt Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award
• Nex-Tech Wireless Businesswoman of the Year Award
• Vyve Broadband Rising Star Award
• Werth Wealth Management Member Investor of the Year Award
Tickets for the event are priced at $60 each, which includes the meal and drinks.
Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Chamber at 785-628-8201.
"We are thrilled to provide an evening that not only highlights local achievements but also brings together the entire community for a night of celebration," Wasinger said. "This year, we have added several exciting features, including a special champagne toast to commemorate our 40th anniversary, a 360-degree photo booth provided by Nex-Tech, and an afterparty at The Strand Event Center."
The banquet meal will be provided by the Union Catering Company.
The menu will include a Little Gem Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps, potato rolls with thyme and parsley butter, a choice of beef bourguignon and/or honey mustard chicken, rice pilaf, green beans almondine, and a variety of desserts.
Following the awards ceremony, the celebration continues at The Strand Event Center, 1102 Main St., with an afterparty that promises a lively atmosphere and opportunities to network with fellow attendees.
"We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, including Premier Sponsors like Astra Bank, EnerSys, Golden Plains Credit Union, HaysMed, Hays Regional Airport/Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau, Insurance Planning, Inc., ITC, Midwest Energy, Sunflower Bank, Walmart SuperCenter, and Werth Wealth Management, as well as many other valued partners," said Wasinger. "This event would not be possible without their generous support."
The Chamber also extends a special thank you to Fort Hays State University for serving as the Venue Sponsor and to other sponsors, including Chestnut Street Floral & Wedding Connections (Floral & Decor Sponsor), Northwestern Printers (Print Sponsor), Golden Plains Credit Union (Wine Sponsor), and The Strand Event Center (After Hours Party Sponsor).
For more information about the 40th Annual Chamber Awards Banquet or to purchase tickets, please contact The Chamber at 785-628-8201 or visit The Chamber’s events page.