Honorees Announced for Chamber’s Honors Night 2025

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations who will be recognized at the 62nd annual Honors Night on April 17.

Honors Night serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of those who have significantly impacted Wichita and beyond.

“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas we know that when businesses thrive, communities do too,” said Matt All, President & CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “The leadership and dedication of our local businesses are fueling growth and opportunity for the Wichita region through their innovation, resourcefulness and connectedness. We’re proud to serve alongside them to make Wichita a great place to live, work and play.”

2025 Honors Night honorees include:

Uncommon Citizen: Doug Stark, ComfortCare Homes, Inc.

Established in 1974, this award recognizes individuals who have served their community year after year in an extraordinary capacity - making outstanding contributions to the civic and cultural institutions in Wichita.

Doug Stark has been president of ComfortCare Homes, Inc. for the past 30 years, expanding the business his parents founded to provide dementia care in a home-like environment with multiple locations in Wichita and Newton. Doug has served on the boards for Goodwill Industries and Wichita State University and was president of Wichita Rotary in 2019. He continues his father’s philanthropic legacy through The Grumpy Old Men, a group that has donated more than $2 million to local organizations.

Exceptional Young Leader: Lauren Clary, Kansas Gas Service

Established in 2017, this award provides premier recognition of extraordinary young talent who have a history of demonstrated leadership within their job and philanthropic involvement.

Lauren Clary serves as a senior market development representative for Kansas Gas Service, where she focuses on partnering with economic development organizations and supporting growth across their 360 communities in Kansas. She currently serves on the board for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce as the Vice Chair of Inclusion & Diversity and previously served on the board for W - A Community of Young Professionals for six years.

Spirit of Wichita: Emprise Bank

Established in 2002, this award is given to an organization that received the Over the Years award at least 20 years ago, in recognition of its continued strength of employment, leadership, innovation and community involvement.

Headquartered in Wichita, Emprise Bank is a family-owned financial institution with nearly 40 locations throughout Kansas. With a legacy spanning more than a century, Emprise manages assets totaling approximately $2.5 billion and employs more than 400 people.

Over the Years: McCurdy Real Estate & Auction

The Over the Years award is given to companies and organizations that have exhibited a long-standing performance as good business citizens and are major contributors to our area’s economic well-being.

McCurdy Real Estate & Auction is a family-owned firm with more than 40 years of experience in the auction industry. Now led by third-generation auctioneers Braden McCurdy and Megan McCurdy Niedens, McCurdy conducts more than 550 auctions annually, offering services in residential, commercial, farm and ranch, premier properties, personal property and benefit auctions.

Keeper of the Plains: Phillips Fundamental Learning Center

The Keeper of the Plains award recognizes an outstanding architectural achievement completed by a firm, organization or individual, which has contributed to the beauty of our community.

Inspired by a Frank Lloyd Write design, the 37,800 square-foot, $20-million Phillips Fundamental Learning Center opened in 2023, serving children with dyslexia and educating parents and teachers about the needs of struggling readers.