A large crowd braved the cold and snow to attend the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Saturday evening. Cathy Wolters, president of the Chamber, was on hand to welcome them all. A delicious pork tenderloin dinner was catered by Janice Morgan.
In 2014, at this time, Executive Director of the Hugoton Area Chamber of Commerce Ruth Van Horn announced the Chamber had 91 members of which 16 were new.
Ruth Van Horn presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Erick Nordling and Ted Bansemer for the many years of work they have put in with the Boy Scouts. They have worked relentlessly in helping young men to earn their Eagle rank in scouting.
Erick retired as scoutmaster in January of 2014. He had ten scouts earn their Eagle rank during his tenure as scoutmaster. Even after his retirement, Erick still remains involved in scouting. Erick was an Eagle scout at the age of 15 and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He received the Boy Scout of America District Award of Merit and the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award. He has served as scoutmaster of Troop 189 for over 13 years.
Ted Bansemer is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He has served as District Chair and Executive Board Member of the Santa Fe Trail Council. He has received the Boy Scout of America District Award of Merit and the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award. Ted has served as scoutmaster of Troop 189 for over eight years.
Erick and Ted were not able to attend the banquet to claim their awards as they were attending the annual banquet of the Santa Fe Trail Boy Scout Council at Garden City where they were also presented awards in behalf of their community service.
Ruth presented the 2014 New Business of the Year Award to Caring Connections, LLC. This business has filled a huge need in the community for mothers, not only to keep their children, but to allow the parent to watch their children at any time with their smart phones while the children are attending day care. Caring Connections was established by Nicole Krites to provide
quality care to infants and children. It is a day care and preschool. It is the only one of its kind in Hugoton. Video cameras are placed throughout the establishment for the parents convenience. Caring Connections started operations in January of 2014. They have the capacity to care for 75 children. They offer childcare for children from age two weeks up to 12 years old. Preschool is offered to the three year old children.
Ruth then presented the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award to Ghumm’s Auto Center. This family owned and operated business was opened by Jim and Stacey Ghumm in October of 2009. The success of this business is due to their commitment to customer service. They work hard to meet the needs of their customers when it comes to finding just the right vehicle for each customer. In September of 2010, Ghumm’s Auto Center expanded their operations with the aquisition of Napa Auto Parts located just across the street. Then they expanded their business again in January of 2014 when they became the owner of Ghumm’s Collision Center.
J. Schafer of Kansas Public Radio then presented an entertaining and informational program about the State of Kansas, to the delight of the Chamber
members.
