Date: March 27, 2006

Contact: Ryan Entz, (316) 268-1152

Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Honors Uncommon Citizen and Companies

The Wichita Metro Chamber Hosts Honors Night 2006 on April 27

The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce continues a long tradition of celebrating outstanding citizens, companies and achievements attributed with making Wichita an incredible community. The 2006 honorees represent the best in our community. 

Award recipients include:

The 2006 Uncommon Citizen Award goes to Linwood Sexton a Kansan who has been active in civic and service enterprises for many years, is well known for his athletic achievements and has been an invaluable advocate for education for minorities. He was elected President of the United Way in 1982 and in addition has given many years of service to our community through the Chamber, YMCA, Wichita State University and many other organizations. 

The Spirit of Wichita Award is given to a past Over the Years Award winner; the 2006 winner is Cessna Aircraft Co. The Spirit of Wichita is awarded to a company showing employment stability, leadership, business innovation and community involvement.

The Keeper of the Plains Award was established in 1982 and recognized outstanding local architectural construction. The 2006 award winner is Commerce Bank, chosen by an expert committee of design professionals, based on aesthetic quality, visibility and maintenance.

Over the Years Awards recipients are businesses who have exhibited a long-standing performance as good business citizens and major contributors to our area's economic well-being. They must also show employment stability, leadership, business innovation and community involvement. Listed are the three 2006 Over the Years Award winners:

In 1971 BG Products took its first two products to market, by 1976 BG added a dozen new distributors and made their first million in 1976. Today BG continues an aggressive policy of product improvement and innovation and 10 percent of their business comes from the global marketplace.  

In 1931, the Kansas Foundation for the Blind was founded in a dusty workshop providing employment opportunities for people who were blind. Today the Foundation has grown into Envision, one of the largest employers in the U.S. of blind or visually impaired workers.

WDM Architects is one of the largest, most recognizable architectural firms in the state. One that has grown to a staff of 44 and to a nationwide client base, all from a two-man business that started in an attic studio 26 years ago. WDM helped create Wichita’s own world-class zoo with the Downing Gorilla Forest which was a springboard for opportunities around the nation.

Tickets are now available for Honors Night 2006, presented by Fidelity Bank, prices are $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight, the program includes dinner, award recognition and a reception.

Honors Night 2006, Thursday, April 27, doors open at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30 at Beech Activity Center, 9710 E. Central.

For tickets or additional information contact Cindy Reves at 265-7771 or creves@wichitachamber.org.

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Fidelity Bank

Decoration Sponsor: Yingling Aviation

Gold Sponsors: Bank of America

  BESCORP

  Central Mechanical Wichita

  Eurest Dining Services

  Grant Thornton LLP

  Westar Energy

Reception Sponsor: Commerce Bank

Design & Printing Sponsor: Consolidated Printing