Annual Chamber Banquet, Auction & Community Recognitions
Annual Banquet is set for August 23, 2025 reservations and nominations due August 15th
Keep reading to see who has been nominated for 2025 !
Join The Chamber to honor our community members, welcome new businesses and help raise funds for community enhancements
Each year The Trego County Chamber celebrates a night of community. Nominations are received from the community to honor The Business of The Year and The Community Citizen of The Year. Anyone in the community can make a nomination and Chamber Members will vote the night of the event to determine the recipients. Nominations are open until August 15, and as of the date of this article we have received three Citizen Nominees and three Business Nominees.
Our First Community Citizen Nominee is Candice Beuttenmuller
Candice Beuttenmuller has been nominated for the Community Citizen Award because of all the amazing work she puts in for our town. Candice does such a wonderful service for this community. Not only is she a part of the Chamber but she is involved in the Eagles, TCFFEE, and she also teaches CCD for the Christ of King. Candice is the one who coordinates the kids games and activites on the court house lawn for The Buzzard Bash and The County Fair. Guaranteed, whenever there is an event in the community you can guarantee you will see Candice there helping in any way she can. Candice is a warm and inviting friend who is always there to lend a helping hand or just a listening ear. Candice is the epitome of an outstanding citizen. -SFOur Second Community Nominee is Shari Funk
I am honored to nominate Shari Funk for Citizen of the Year in recognition of her quiet but powerful dedication to keeping our community clean and beautiful. Shari exemplifies what it means to take pride in where you live—not just in words, but in action, every single day.
Shari can regularly be seen walking around town, not only choosing a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, but also carrying a bag and picking up litter along the way. She doesn’t just limit herself to sidewalks or areas of high visibility—she’s often seen by the railroad tracks or out-of-the-way spots, going above and beyond to make sure nothing is left behind. Her efforts may seem simple, but they have a noticeable impact. Thanks to her vigilance, our streets and gutters are largely free of the usual trash and debris that blow through many towns.
She asks for no recognition and expects no reward, which is exactly why she deserves this one. Shari leads by example, showing us all that a single person, with consistent effort and a caring heart, can make a tangible difference in the appearance and health of our shared spaces.
Her contribution might not always make the headlines, but it certainly shapes the daily experience of everyone who lives, works, and visits here. For her commitment, humility, and unwavering civic pride, I can think of no one more deserving of Citizen of the Year than Shari Funk. - TM
Our Third Community citizen Nominee is Tasha Malay
Tasha Malay has been nominated because she does so much for the community that many people have no clue about. She is currently on the Travel and Tourism board and Drive-In Movie board. In the past she was also on the Dog Park Board and she has helped with the Buzzard Bash as well every year. Tasha also volunteers her time helping run every home wrestling tournament. She is constantly writing grants and thinking of new way to improve our community. - MMOur First Business of the Year Nomination is the Prairie Rose
The Prairie Rose Inn has become a steady and reliable choice in WaKeeney, as well as a valued contributor to our community. Offering comfortable overnight lodging, a welcoming morning coffee stop, and a full-service restaurant open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and supper, they provide hospitality that meets both local and visitor needs.
Beyond serving travelers, The Prairie Rose Inn opens its doors to local groups for meetings, business gatherings, and special celebrations, giving the community a place to connect and thrive. Their efforts to transform a property that could have become an eyesore into a vibrant, well-maintained asset are truly commendable.
With multiple businesses operating under their umbrella, they have created a destination that draws people from WaKeeney and beyond—making a lasting, positive impact on our town’s economy and sense of community. -AL
The Second Nominee for Business of the Year is The Well - Center for Hope
Gibson Health Mart is a true gem in our hometown and a vital part of our downtown. From their charming Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain to fresh flowers, unique gift selections, and even a small craft supply section—not to mention a full-service pharmacy—they offer something for everyone.
For many of us who prefer not to travel to Hays, Gibson Health Mart meets our needs right here at home. Beyond their products and services, they are deeply involved in our community—always ready to participate in events, support local causes, and donate generously to community projects.
Thank you, Gibson Health Mart, for being our “one-stop shop” in downtown WaKeeney. Our town simply wouldn’t be the same without you.
- AC
We will also be welcoming NEW Businesses
that have opened their doors for business since our last banquet. It's always a joy to see how WaKeeney commerce is growing !
Don't miss it!
Reservations are due August 15 and can be made through email - [email protected] or call 743-8285 or through Venmo @Trego-Chamber
See you there !
