The annual Business Appreciations Breakfast sponsored by the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Doniphan County Economic Development Commission was held on Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the Highland Community College Wellness Center.
Chamber President, Marty Allen, welcomed guests and led the group in the pledge of allegiance. Pastor Cody Norton of Wathena Christ Lutheran Church prayed before breakfast which was catered by Great Western Dining.
The program started with a recap from Representative Dr. John Eplee of how things are progressing in the capital. Next, Ben Gilmore talked briefly about the Doniphan County Community Foundation and how it provides donors more flexibility when giving back to the county.
Awards for the morning started with presenting scholarships. Chamber Board members Theresa Rohrer and Joyce Simpson awarded scholarships to Maddyson Bradshaw, attending Kansas Wesleyan University, Copper Leach and Payton Leach, both attending Washburn University and Abigail Smith, attending Kansas State University.
Marty Allen presented Business Expansion/Capital Improvement Award to John’s Market in Troy and Simpson’s AF Super, Inc. in Wathena for their recent grocery store business expansion and improvements. Allen also recognized and presented awards to the following new businesses: Diner 36, Flower Peddler and Grain Belt Insurance in Wathena, Hogs N’ Hardleys in Troy, You Pic It, LLC in Elwood, Freeman Electric in White Cloud, Highland Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center and Wathena Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center. Then Lyle Peterson, of the Kansas Department of Commerce, awarded Marie Antoinette’s in Wathena with the innovative business award.
Teresa McAnerney, of the Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation, spoke about the Entrepreneurship Academy for local high school students which took place that week. McAnerney thanked the Chamber for their support in providing this opportunity for the students to learn best practices for starting and managing a business.
Barb Derrick received the George N. Jorgenson Jr. Natural Resource Award in honor of later father Doyle Derrick who planted 100,000 walnut trees in 1986.
Sue Bartley of Elwood, KS accepted the Jack Euler True Leader Award presented by Theresa Rohrer.
Joel Euler presented his uncle J.D. Euler with the Quiet Hero Award.
Marty Allen and Adrienne Korson closed the program with a reminder of upcoming events including the Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21 and the Chamber Golf Tournament on Sept. 15.