Multiple awards ranging from Tourism Advocate of the year to Business of the year were handed out during Thursday night’s Annual Chamber Dinner.
Connie Hall, Director of the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented the 2014 Tourism Advocate of the year award to D.E. Lacer.
Hall explained that Lacer is involved in the community in a lot of ways and is a major sponsor for Junction City’s annual Mudd Bogg and Sundown Salute.
“He’s an advocate for Junction City and he believes, as many others do, that keeping money local is great,” Hall said.
This years Lodging of the Year Award went to three different lodging properties within Junction City and Geary County. Hall explained that each of the Lodging properties had a vote and this years three winners rose to the top.
“We had a difficult job and our properties are doing more than just checking people in, they’re giving back to the community,” Hall said. “So when we went to pick the best apple in the tree we couldn’t pick just one, all three were picked.”
This years award winners were Acorns Resort and RV Park, Candlewood Suites and Holiday Inn Express.
Jeff Underhill presented this years Young Professional of the Year Award to Jessica Rondeau, Secretary of the Young Professionals.
“She’s not afraid to jump in with both feet and was always happy to volunteer her time, energy and many talents to their en devours. Her positive attitude and happy go lucky demeanor is evident in all of the accomplishments within our community,” Underhill said.
Shannon Watkins was named this years Volunteer of the Year Award presented by Tom Weigand, Chamber Executive Director.
Watkins has served on multiple committees and volunteered for multiple events such as the United Way Day of Caring, The United Way Financial Group, The Chamber Legislative Committee and the Sundown Salute Committee to name a few.
“She has proven herself to be giving, resourceful and a cheerleader of the Chamber and the community at large,” Weigand said.
The final award presented during last nights dinner was the 2014 Business of the Year Award.
Weigand presented this award to Cloud County Community College Geary County Campus.
“We look at the positive impact that they have on Junction City and Geary County. When we collectively look at the assets of our community, this business is a part of that discussion. When we look at ways that we can improve our community this business is always a part of the equation,” Weigand shared.
Approximately 260 people turned out for Thursday nights Annual Dinner. Along with the awards presentation the keynote speaker was 12 time pro-bowler and a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, Will Shields.