NEWS RELEASE

March 5, 2008

Contact: Ryan Entz, 268-1152

Honors Night 2008, presented by Metro Courier, Inc. to be held on April 17.

Wichita, KS - The Wichita Metro Chamber will celebrate one uncommon citizen, four outstanding organizations and one architectural achievement at Honors Night 2008 on April 17.

Honors Night 2008 continues the Wichita Metro Chamber’s long tradition of recognizing and celebrating the incredible difference that inspirational citizens and organizations have made for our community.

“This community and, in no small way, our business community, are indebted to the commitment of these six individuals and organizations,” said Bryan Derreberry, president & CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber. “This year’s honorees connected with the community in a positive and powerful way. They have given us their knowledge, expertise, experience and time to truly make our community a great place to call home.”

The 2008 honorees represent the very best in our community.

The 2008 recipient of the Uncommon Citizen Award is Jeff Turner, president & CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. Established in 1974, this award recognizes individuals that have given of themselves to serve their community year after year in an extraordinary capacity —making outstanding contributions to the civic and cultural institutions in Wichita.

The 2008 recipient of the Spirit of Wichita award is Via Christi Wichita Health Network. This award, established in 2002, is given to a business that has previously been given the Over the Years Award a minimum of twenty-five years prior, with the organization’s culture continuing in its strength of employment, leadership, innovation and community involvement.

The Over the Years Award is given to businesses who have exhibited a long-standing performance as good business citizens and major contributors to our area's economic well-being. The 2008 recipients are: Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm, L.L.C.; Spangenberg Phillips Architecture and Goodwill Industries Easter Seals of Kansas, Inc.

The Keeper of the Plains recognizes outstanding local architectural construction. The 2008 recipient is Greater Wichita YMCA, NW Branch. Requirements include: aesthetic quality; improvement to the physical environment; visibility to the general public; and a well-maintained appearance.

Honors Night 2008 will be held Thursday, April 17 at Beech Activity Center, 9710 E. Central. Tickets are now available and include dinner, award recognition and a reception. The cost is $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30.

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