For decades, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce has been privileged to annually recognize a Business of the Year and a Citizen of the Year for their impact on the Great Bend business community. Established in 2012, the NextGen Leader of the Year Award aims to recognize a particular individual’s service to the community as an up-and-coming leader. Nominations are being accepted now, through Nov. 15.

All the nominations collected will be reviewed by an anonymous selection committee. The winner will be announced during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. 

Additional criteria for NextGen Leader of the Year include:

• The nominee must be affiliated with a member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

• The nominee must have lived in the Great Bend service area for at least three years.

• Nominee must be seen as a leader in their work environment, as well as in the community.

• Nominee must be creating a meaningful impact in the community and be seen as a rising leader.

Citizen of the Year

The Great Bend Chamber recognizes outstanding service by an individual who contributes to the quality of life within the community of Great Bend. This award recognizes an individual who has given their time, talent, energy, and shown outstanding service to the community and members of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, or persons who have excelled in their chosen profession giving of their time and talent to enhance the culture and work environment around them.

Nominee must possess and demonstrate a generous community spirit and demonstrate the following:

• Exemplifies quality leadership

• Proven his or her commitment and has a reoccurring pattern of effort directed toward the community

• Acts as a role model in the community and thereby raises the standards of social and business responsibility.

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year Award is an annual award showcasing companies demonstrating excellence in the marketplace. Companies who are chosen for Business of the Year are members of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and have demonstrated excellence in the following areas:

• Customer Service – A company ensures a quality customer service experience every time.

• Shown growth

• Positive response to adversity

• Community Involvement – A company involves itself in business and non-business-related activities in the Great Bend community.

• Innovative Business Practices – A company constantly improving its products, services, and programs to best serve its customers, vendors, and employees.

More information on the awards program can be found on www.greatbend.org/awardprograms.