Feb. 09, 2019
Each year at the Chamber’s Annual Gala, recognition is given to Chamber members who have donated much time and energy for the greater good of the Chamber and the community. These members attend as many events as possible, are always available when needed and include the Chamber as a part of their lives on a frequent basis. 2018 Chair of the Board Rosalie Newkirk presented the following awards to Chamber members:
The 2018 Mentor of the Year award goes to Carson Graff with Bank Midwest. Carson has become a go-to person for all things Chamber. He mentors several new members each year to help them become more involved and engage in the community. Carson is actively involved in the Membership and Young Professionals committees, and also emcees ribbon cuttings, serves on the Board of Directors and attends numerous events.
The 2018 Volunteer of the Year is Cara McElhaney with ENT Associates of Greater Kansas City. Cara McElhaney joined the Chamber and hit the ground running. She’s volunteered for a number of committees and task forces, including Annual Gala, Golf and Health & Human Services. She also serves on the Board of Directors and volunteers her time helping out at Oktoberfest and many other events throughout the year.
The Bob Glaser Ambassador of the Year award goes to a member of the Chamber Ambassador committee who recruited the most new members. Mike Maksin exemplifies what it means to be a Chamber Ambassador. Mike takes advantage of a variety of Chamber events, committees, volunteer opportunities, and even served on the Board of Directors. In 2018, he recruited 7.5 new members to the Chamber, and also participates as a mentor to new members.
The 2018 Steve Gouldsmith New Member of the Year is Joel Wilson with Edward Jones. Joel Wilson joined in 2017 and immediately jumped into various activities. He is a part of the Membership, Young Professionals and Military Affairs committees, including chairing the MAC in 2019. Joel participates in a Leads Group, emcees ribbon cuttings and can be seen at many events throughout the year.
The Chamber’s Lifetime Member award goes to someone who has been involved for many years and shown great support to the organization. The 2018 recipient is Kathy Hughey, a long-time member who has dedicated hundreds of hours volunteering and helping the Chamber. She’s been extremely involved in Oktoberfest, the Annual Gala, Holiday Reception and other committees. Kathy also helped with Operation Thank You and is always willing to lend a hand with various projects and events.
In 2006, the Chamber established an annual Hall of Fame Award. The criteria for this award includes being a member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber for a minimum of 10 years, showing continuous active involvement through financial and volunteer support and being respected throughout the community. Each recipient has had a significant positive impact and has consistently exemplified the philosophy, value and mission of the Chamber.
This year, the Chamber welcomes Tingle Flooring. Tingle Flooring has been actively engaged in the Chamber since they joined in 2008. They’ve contributed countless hours serving on committees and the Board of Directors, including the Executive committee. Tingle also has supported the Chamber financially via sponsorships and gold partnerships. Multiple employees have been through the Leadership Lee’s Summit program, and continue to engage in the community and a number of organizations outside of the Chamber. Their knowledge and dedication have been a key component to the Chamber’s overall success.