The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s 95th annual meeting and banquet took place Saturday night. A full house at the newly remodeled Great Bend Events Center heard about the strides made in the business community.

The banquet remains a key gala event for the community and serves as a forum to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. In a time of financial uncertainty, it was good to hear good news.

Recognized were a the Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and NextGen Person of the Year.

But, it is easy to lose sight of what has happened in light of such high profile recognitions. However deserved these awards may be, there are a lot of other things happening that are worthy of note.

In the past year, economic development successes included the new Great Bend transload facility, expansions at Bartlett Grain, the opening of Freddy’s and A&W, and many more. The new businesses that open in 2016 included outside entities moving to town as well as local entrepreneurs who brought their ideas to life.

On another front, the second phase of a housing project broke ground.

 This year’s meeting theme “Opportunity in  Focus,” was a nod to these efforts. It showcased the vision of civic and business leaders.

It’s nice to know we still have much to celebrate.

Dale Hogg