K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN —  “Service” would be a common theme among the five Kansans who were recognized at a Feb. 19 luncheon by Kansas State University’s Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development as 2014 Leaders of the Year.

“Whether advocating for agriculture on social media, adding value to honey as an energy food, customizing flower arrangements for families, leading a statewide organization, or attracting hunters to our state from far away, these Kansans have demonstrated outstanding service in diverse ways,” said Clare Gustin, chairwoman of the board of directors of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development.

Gustin is a vice president at Sunflower Electric Cooperative in Hays.

This year’s award categories, winners and their home communities are:

• Agribusiness: Greg, Nathan and Kendal, the Peterson Brothers, Assaria;

• Business and Entrepreneurship: Jerry and Debbie Brown, RevHoney, Haddam;

• Leadership: Brenda Chance, city clerk, Phillipsburg (past president of League of Kansas Municipalities);

• Local Retail: Matt and Bronwyn Douglas, Kistner’s Flowers, Manhattan; and

• Tourism: Carlos Navarro, Santa Maria Ranch, Junction City.