The Chamber recognizes outstanding performance and service to the Lawrence and Douglas County business community and community at large.
Citizen of the Years
Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award
Buford M. Watson, Jr. Public Service Award
Athena Award
Citizen of the Years
Each year the Chamber recognizes a Citizen of the Years—a community leader who has shown a lifetime commitment to our community. Download the 2010 nomination form here.
Past winners include:
| 2012 |
Dwayne Peaslee |
| 2011 |
John McGrew |
| 2010 |
David Ambler |
| 2009 |
Don and Alice Ann Johnston |
| 2008 |
Deanell Tacha |
| 2007 |
Tom Groene |
| 2006 |
Dolph Simons, Jr. |
| 2005 |
Bob Georgeson |
| 2004 |
Hortense “Tensie” Oldfather |
| 2003 |
Bob Stephens |
| 2002 |
Bob Billings |
| 2001 |
Nancy Hambleton |
| 2000 |
Jim Schubert |
| 1999 |
Al & Julie Hack |
| 1998 |
Art Wolf |
| 1997 |
Jessie Branson |
| 1996 |
Olin Petefish |
| 1995 |
Warren Rhodes |
| 1994 |
Jim Owens |
| 1993 |
Charles Stough |
| 1992 |
Emily Taylor |
| 1991 |
Russ Mosser |
| 1990 |
Dick Barber |
| 1989 |
Arden Booth |
| 1988 |
John Vogel |
| 1987 |
Ray Nichols |
| 1986 |
Art Heck |
| 1985 |
Dolph Simons, Sr. |
| 1984 |
Art Weaver |
Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award
Each year the Chamber recognizes one of our outstanding volunteers with the Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award. Wally was a legendary volunteer who served the Chamber in many ways, including a term on the Board of Directors and as the first chairman of the Envoy Committee in 1982. Wally was president of Haskell Indian Junior College from 1970 to 1981 and was always the first person to volunteer when the Chamber needed assistance. Nomination forms are made available online or in the Chamber office.
Past winners include:
| 2012 |
Kevin Loos |
| 2011 |
Ranelle Fischer |
| 2010 |
Michelle Fales |
| 2009 |
Rachel Rademacher |
| 2008 |
Jana Dobbs |
| 2007 |
Jandi Smith |
| 2006 |
Earl Reineman |
| 2005 |
Ryan Wedel |
| 2004 |
Linda Trotter |
| 2003 |
Bob Bowline |
| 2002 |
Allison Vance Moore |
| 2001 |
Becky Mason |
| 2000 |
Rusty Thomas |
| 1999 |
Debbie Liddel |
| 1998 |
Shirley Martin-Smith |
| 1997 |
Kurt VonAchen |
| 1996 |
Linda Tochtrop |
| 1995 |
Jane Bateman |
| 1994 |
Frank Male |
| 1993 |
Chuck McPheeters |
| 1992 |
Steve Figuieras |
| 1991 |
Mary Lou Roberts |
| 1990 |
Phil Bradley |
| 1989 |
Gloria Morton |
| 1988 |
Bernard Judge |
| 1987 |
Al Hack |
| 1986 |
John Humphrey |
| 1985 |
Ron Miller |
| 1984 |
Meredithe McCormick |
Buford M. Watson, Jr. Public Service Award
Buford Watson, who served as our city manager from 1970 to 1989, was a leader who left the fingerprints of his work all over our town. In 1990 the Chamber established the Buford M. Watson, Jr. Public Service Award to recognize an individual whose work in the public sector serves as a role model for others. Nomination forms are made available online or in the Chamber office.
Past winners include:
| 2012 |
Mary Loveland |
| 2011 |
Sharon Spratt |
| 2010 |
Ron Olin |
| 2009 |
Randy Weseman |
| 2008 |
John and Carol Nalbandian |
| 2007 |
Fred DeVictor |
| 2006 |
Ray Wilbur |
| 2005 |
Jim McSwain |
| 2004 |
Sue Neustifter |
| 2003 |
Dan Neuenswander |
| 2002 |
Rehelio Samuels |
| 2001 |
Ted McFarlane |
| 2000 |
Rod Bremby |
| 1999 |
Emily Dahlem |
| 1998 |
Roy Williams |
| 1997 |
Bob Frederick |
| 1996 |
Bob Taylor |
| 1995 |
Tom Wilkerson |
| 1994 |
Jean Shepherd |
| 1993 |
Rex Johnson |
| 1992 |
George Williams |
| 1991 |
Edwin Mumford |
| 1990 |
Buford Watson |
Athena Award
The ATHENA Award Program, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Crown Chevrolet, celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, including women and men, who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so that others may follow.
Past winners include:
| 2011 |
Ann Gardner |
| 2010 |
Jane Bateman |
| 2009 |
Judy Billings |
| 2008 |
Deanell Tacha |
| 2007 |
Vickie Randel |
| 2006 |
Barbara Carswell |
| 2005 |
Sue Morgan |
| 2004 |
Marilyn Bittenbender |
| 2003 |
Marilyn Dobski |
| 2002 |
Joan Golden |
| 2001 |
Jean Milstead |
| 2000 |
Judy Wright |
| 1999 |
Shirley Martin-Smith |
| 1998 |
Dee Bisel |
| 1997 |
Jan McNish |