Chamber members pick annual honorees

    Three businesses and an individual were in the spotlight Thursday night at the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Awards program.
    Chamber members and guests gathered at ALLO for a two-hour social during which the awards were presented.
    Chris Lee emceed the program, noting the Chamber trimmed down the awards from nine to four this year.
    “In an effort to recognize those truly deserving, we decided to highlight four core areas,” he said.
    The newly combined award categories are Outstanding Customer Service, Outstanding Employee, Tried and True and Business of the Year.
    Lee provided an explanation what each award means.
    Once nominations were received from Chamber members, another form was sent out with two finalists. Chamber members voted again on the finalists, with the following results.
Business of the Year
    Recognizes a Chamber business that has gone above and beyond for themselves and Imperial. This business may also have expanded/upgraded its facilities or had major equipment upgrades in the last year.
    Winner—Imperial Manor/Parkview Heights. Also nominated: Hayden Outdoors.
    Imperial Manor and Parkview Heights has gone above and beyond for the residents and families they served throughout COVID. Often times, federal regulators would issue healthcare changes on a weekly or daily basis. These changes involved staff personal protective equipment wearing, resident isolation, COVID testing and vaccination mandates. Regulators would not allow families to visit their loved ones which led directly to residents who became withdrawn, stopped eating and became depressed. The staff protected and loved the residents like their very own families. Staff came in and tried to cheer up the residents in order to keep their spirits up and fight social isolation. Working in a nursing home is not a glamorous career. However, the staff understood the assignment to protect the residents from both illness and depression due to forced social isolation. Upgrades to the facility have also taken place. Within the past year, the original nurses’ station was replaced, the dining room drapes were brightened and interior paint and new resident furniture were upgraded. In September, the manor also welcomed Little Love Bugs Daycare in the basement of the facility.  
Outstanding
Customer Service
    Recognizes a Chamber business that excels in customer service. These businesses not only provide high-quality customer service, but take pride in sharing information with visitors about local points of interest as well as events going on in the community. To be considered for this award, a business should also be considered a good corporate neighbor.
    Winner—Adams Lumber Co. Also nominated: Owens True Value
    Lee said it’s difficult to walk into Adams Lumber without being greeted by one of their employees and be asked what they can do for you. Chad Leibbrandt and his crew are professional, knowledgeable and friendly. If they can’t find the item you’re after, they can usually have it ordered and in town in less than a week.
Tried and True Award
    Recognizes an established Chamber business that has been a strong supporter of Imperial for many years. This business has given back to the community either monetarily or through volunteering their time and employees.
    Winner—Imperial Beef. Also nominated: Imperial Country Ford.
    Few know how generous Imperial Beef is to the community and school, Lee said. Did you know Imperial Beef and the Footes feed steak sandwiches to the local and visiting football teams once a year? Brad and Linsey, as well as other Imperial Beef managers, are big supporters of the Imperial Community Foundation. Brad Foote currently serves as the Rotary president while Linsey sits on the Chase County Schools Board of Education. The nomination added, “Imperial Beef is an excellent representation of a business that gives back to its community on a consistent basis.”
Outstanding Employee
    Recognizes an employee who exhibits exemplary professionalism and a commitment to their profession as well as the community. Candidates must portray specific professional examples of leadership and possess important personal traits such as integrity, professionalism, creativity and leadership.
    Winner—Michelle Spady, Pinnacle Bank. Also nominated: Jodi Spady, Chase Co. Community Hospital/Clinics.
    Michelle Spady’s nomination reads: Michelle has been a staple of the Imperial community for most of her life.  Michelle represents Pinnacle Bank as a Chamber member, and is also active in Imperial Rotary and Lions Club. She has been active in her church and with school programs including the Chase County Schools’ PTO. She recently celebrated 20 years with Pinnacle Bank.  Her contagious personality, leadership abilities and professionalism have been a huge reason for Pinnacle Bank’s continued success in Imperial.