4 Members, 2 Businesses to be Honored at the Annual Meeting
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will salute community leaders and recognize the contributions made by Lawrence businesses during its Annual Meeting set for 5:30 p.m., Friday Jan. 27 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 200 McDonald Drive.
Four individuals will be honored for their service to the community. This year’s honorees are:
Citizen of the Years Award: Dwayne Peaslee
The Citizen of the Years Award recognizes individuals whose positive influence and commitment to Lawrence have had a significant impact on the community over the course of an entire lifetime. Dwayne Peaslee was born & raised in Lawrence and recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Ruby. Dwayne has been a pipefitter for 60 years; and served as the Business Manager for the Kansas Plumbers & Pipefitters from 1987-1993 in Lawrence. He has helped people see how important the skilled trades are to our quality of life and has been at the table on almost every important issue related to job creation. In August 2011, Dwayne was inducted into the United States Apprenticeship Association Hall of Fame.
Buford M. Watson Jr. Public Service Award: Mary Loveland
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. On June 30, 2011, Mary Loveland completed 20 years of service through five four-year terms (1987-2001 and 2005-2011) on the Lawrence Board of Education.
Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award: Kevin Loos
Kevin J. Loos is the Phosphate Business Manager at ICL Performance Products. He’s been employed at this location for 15 years. Kevin is currently serving his second year as Chair of the Leadership Lawrence Advisory Board, having served as curriculum chair and chair for the Quality of Life day prior to that. He also serves on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, volunteers with United Way and Junior Achievement, and coaches several youth sports teams.
ATHENA Award: Ann Gardner
The ATHENA Award is presented to a business person who assists women in reaching their full potential, demonstrate excellence in their chosen profession and provide valuable service to the community. Ann Gardner is the Editorial Page Editor at the Lawrence Journal-World. Gardner has led and mentored women as part of a variety of organizations, and is a current member and past president of AAUW. She has won numerous awards for editorial writing for the Lawrence Journal-World. Her community service has included work with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Douglas County, Friends of the Lied and the Douglas County Historical Society. The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Crown Chevrolet Toyota Scion.
The “Business of the Year” award recognizes businesses for their investment and commitment to the community. This year the award is presented to Berry Plastics, in recognition of its investment in the community through its recent expansion and potential for bringing new manufacturing lines to Lawrence and to Grandstand Sportswear & Glassware, in recognition of its choice to expand and grow in Lawrence and create new opportunities for residents.
Click here to register for the event. The Annual Meeting is open exclusively to Chamber members.
KU Dean Is Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker
Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, the dean of the KU School of Business, will be the keynote speaker at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, to be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Drive.
Bendapudi, who earned her doctorate degree at the University of Kansas, was named dean in August 2011. She has previously taught at Texas A&M and Ohio State University. Bendapudi's research focuses on customer willingness and ability to maintain long-term relationships with firms and with the employers and brands that represent them.
Also during the annual meeting, the Chamber will recognize the winners of the following awards:
- Citizen of the Years Award
- Buford M. Watson Jr. Public Service Award
- Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award
- Athena Award presented by Crown Automotive
- Small Business of the Year Award
- Large Business of the Year Award
The Chamber would like to express gratitude to our Annual Meeting sponsors.
Title Sponsor: Knology
Platinum Sponsors: Briggs Auto, Black Hills Energy, The Kern Group, U.S. Bank and Westar Energy.
Gold Sponsors: Douglas County Bank, INTRUST Bank, Lawrence Journal-World, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Knology.
Silver Sponsors: Barber Emerson, L.C.; Berry Plastics; Capitol Federal Savings; Emprise Bank; Hallmark Cards, Inc.; Hy-Vee; McGrew Real Estate and Stevens & Brand, L.L.P.
Bronze Sponsors: Allen Press, Alvamar Country Club, AT&T, Boston Financial Services, Brandon Woods at Alvamar, Capital City Bank, Central National Bank, Commerce Bank, Dillons, Hamm Companies, Haskell Indian Nations University, KU Credit Union, Mainstreet Credit Union, Minuteman Press, The Olivia Collection, P1 Group, Stephens Real Estate, University National Bank of Lawrence and Walmart.
A seat at the annual meeting costs $75 and is open to Chamber members only. Dinner, wine and beer are included. Cocktail attire is suggested. To purchase seats, click here. If seats are included in your membership tiers, please contact Adam Handshy at 785.865.4427. Reservations are due Jan. 20.