The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the successes and outstanding achievements of our members in six categories: Cornerstone (Lifetime Achievement in Business and Industry), Small Business of the Year, Women/Minority Owned Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Tourism/Hospitality Awards. Criteria were established for each award and nominations were taken. A committee evaluated each nomination and decided finalists based on those businesses that most matched the criteria.
“We are thrilled to get the opportunity to honor so many great businesses,” said Jason Smith President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great opportunity to recognize the importance of the business community on Manhattan’s economy and the quality of life of its residents. We can’t wait to announce the winners on Sept. 13.”
The Business of the Year Award is awarded to a business within the Manhattan community that exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Community involvement, management practices and overall financial performance are the primary criteria for this category.
The 2022 finalists for the Business of the Year Award are: McCownGordon Construction, Midwest Concrete Materials and Ultra Electronics ICE.
The Small Business of the Year is awarded to a small business within the Manhattan community that exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Community involvement, management practices and overall financial performance are the primary criteria for this category.
The 2022 finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award are: Anderson Knight Architects, Manhattan Running Company and TimberCreek Veterinary Hospital.
The Women/Minority Owned Business Award recognizes diverse business leaders and decision-makers across all industries who have a proven track record of excellence in advocating for others within their communities and workplaces throughout the local community.
The 2022 finalists for the Women/Minority Owned Business are: Andrews & Associates Counseling, MHK Play Space and T&M Concrete.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award celebrates the entrepreneur who has led the way for their business. The nominee will demonstrate true entrepreneurial spirit through the creation of a new business locally, despite the risks involved. The entrepreneur will be noted for the creativity of the new product or service being offered as well as the demonstration of sound business practices.
The 2022 finalists for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award are: Back 9 Development: TJ Vilkanskas, Blueville Nursery: The Westervelt Family and One Egg Group: Evan and Andrea Grier.
The Tourism/Hospitality Award is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in the area. This business has created a new, innovative product, policy, service or event to promote and enhance tourism in the local community.
The 2022 finalists for the Tourism/Hospitality Award are: Flint Hills Discovery Center, Liquid Art Winery & Estate and the Midwest Dream Car Collection.
In addition to the above awards, The Cornerstone Award will also be given to a Manhattan area business. The Cornerstone Award is generally considered a lifetime achievement award for a business that has had significant impact on the community. The 2021 winner was Manko Window Systems.
Please plan to attend at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 13, at the Manhattan Conference Center for the Business Awards Lunch as we announce the winners of these award. More information about this event can be found at www.manhattan.org. Thank you Presenting Sponsor, ESB Financial and Award Sponsors, Hi-Tech Interiors, Leiszler Oil, Midwest Dream Car Collection, Sink, Gordon and Associates and WTC Communication.