Nine businesses, individuals gain Chamber recognition

    Nine Imperial businesses and individuals in the community were in the spotlight last Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce’s business recognition program.
    Chris Lee, a member of the chamber’s awards committee, emceed the program at St. Patrick Parish Hall.
    Lee said the chamber is back on track this year with the awards program after a couple of years without them.
    The process started in late March/early April when nominations were made by chamber members. After given the nominations, chamber members voted and the top two vote-getters were named finalists, and invited to last Thursday’s awards program.
    Here is a little about each award and recipient:
Young Professional
(35 years or younger)
    Winner: Kevin Chavira
    This award recognizes a professional under the age of 35 who exhibits exemplary professional accomplishments and a commitment to their profession as well as our community. Candidates must portray specific professional examples of leadership and possess important personal traits such as integrity, professionalism, creativity and leadership.
    Kevin moved back to Imperial and works at Pinnacle Bank. When Kevin and his wife Ashley aren’t chasing their son, Leo, Kevin can be seen volunteering his time. Kevin was instrumental in helping Imperial host the BRAN riders in 2019. He has served on the Imperial Chamber Board and will serve as president next year.
    Other finalist: Jakob Burke.
Business Professional
(Older than 35)
    Winner: Tiffany Reeves        This award recognizes a professional over the age of 35 who exhibits exemplary professional accomplishments and a commitment to their profession as well as the community. Candidates must portray specific professional examples of leadership and possess important personal traits such as integrity, professionalism, creativity and leadership.
    Tiffany has been giving back to Imperial for many years. When she isn’t keeping up with husband, Dan and small army of children, Tiffany can be seen around town in many different aspects. In 2013, she opened up her clothing boutique and coffee bar. Having served as a nurse for many years, Tiffany connected with the hospital again and serves on its board of directors.
    Other finalist: Tyler Pribbeno.
Rising Star
    Winner: Gigabit/ALLO
    The award recognizes a chamber business that has been in operation for less than five years and provides a new service or product to the area.
    Gigabit formed to help bring a new fiber optic network to the area and teamed with ALLO to offer another option when it comes to high speed internet, phone and television. Bill Brophy, Ben Brophy, John Paisley and Russ Pankonin saw another need for fiber service and teamed up to make it happen.  
    Other finalist: Hayden Outdoors.
Business of the Year-small
(One to 5 employees)
    Winner: MorningStar Café
    This award recognizes a chamber business that has expanded its facilities or had major equipment upgrades in the last year.
    Morning Star Café moved from the sale barn in 2019 and now operates at 140 E. 12th Street. Cindy and Jeff Castor spent countless hours remodeling the café and now operate a very successful business. Breakfast and lunch is available five days a week with the occasional special evening menu. Cindy and her staff do a great job of taking care of their customers. You never leave hungry and always happy.
    Other finalist: M&M’s Natural JAZ.
Business of the Year-large
(Six or more employees)
    Winner: Hill’s Family Foods
    This award recognizes a chamber business that has expanded their facilities or had major equipment upgrades in the last year.
    Have you ever seen someone build a building over a building? Well you’re blind if you haven’t because that’s exactly what Dirk Hill did at Hill’s Family Foods. Needing some extra storage space, Dirk spruced up the grocery store by building a new building over the existing structure. Not only does the new structure appeal to the eye, Dirk and staff completed the project without any businesses interruptions.
    Other finalist: Farm Credit Services of America.
Outstanding
Customer Service
    Winner: Beverage Barn
    This award recognizes a Chamber business that excels in customer service. These businesses not only provide their customers with high quality of service, but take pride in sharing information with visitors about local points of interest and  community events. The business should be a good corporate neighbor.
    It’s nearly impossible to walk into the Beverage Barn without an employee saying hi before you make it through the door. Donna and staff make the Beverage Barn a very welcoming and fun place. With numerous games and contests on a weekly basis, there is always something to do. They’ve also teamed up with Broken Arrow Cellars and have participated in all of the Mini Masters putt putt tournaments.
    Other finalist: Myrtle Health.
Good Neighbor
    Winner: Jan Elliott
    This award spotlights a chamber person(s) who makes an overwhelming contribution of time and talent to the community, encompassing multiple organizations in which they belong. The volunteerism efforts of these individuals should encompass multiple organizations.
    Jan is always willing to step up to help her community. She is serving as the treasurer for the Chamber of Commerce—a role she wasn’t necessarily looking to take on. Without missing a beat, Jan stepped up when asked, or more likely was forced to take it. Jan has been one of the first people to show up to an event ready to get to work. She goes above and beyond not only for Chamber but also Imperial.
    Other finalist: Jack Schnieder.
Tried and True
    Winner: Super Foods
    This award honors an established chamber business that has been a strong supporter of Imperial for many years. This business has given back to the community either monetarily or through volunteering their time and employees.
    Super Foods has been a community business for years and years. Brad and Jill Moline are the first to step up when called upon for help. The Super Foods staff is friendly and caring every time you step through the front doors. This longtime business doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
    Other finalist: Pinnacle Bank.
Helping Hand
    Winner: Ed Cupp
    This award honors a non-chamber person(s) who has made an overwhelming contribution of their time and talents to the community.
    Ed is the type of guy who will stop and help at the drop of a hammer. Ed is very instrumental with the expo at the Chase County Fair. When he isn’t servicing a carwash or delivering soap as part of AACE Wash Systems, Ed can be found helping his community. There have been numerous occasions where Ed will donate his time and energy setting up one of his many tents for area functions. It’s just Ed’s nature to be there to help when needed.
    Other finalist: Imperial Volunteer Fire Department.