Business Award Winners Announced

We love to recognize successful businesses.

As a business organization, we feel it is incredibly important to recognize and spotlight the importance of private business in the long-term success of a community. Manhattan is fortunate to be home to so many great businesses and organizations that we decided five years ago to create an annual awards event that would spotlight those entities that were making a significant impact.

This year’s winners include:

The Trust Company was awarded this year’s Cornerstone Award, which honors a business that exemplifies what being a “solid pillar of the community” is all about. It is generally considered the Chamber’s lifetime achievement award for business. WTC Fiber was selected as the Business of the Year, which 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 other finalists for the Business of the Year Award were: Addair Law and Ascension Via Christi Hospital.

Canopy was named the?Small Business of the Year. This 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 other finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award were: Vista Burger and BBN Architects.

Steve’s Floral was honored with the Women/ Minority Owned Business Award. This 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 other finalists were: Clay Taylor – American Family Insurance and AsterHouse Design. ?

The?Entrepreneurial Spirit Award celebrates the entrepreneur who has led the way for their business.? The nominee demonstrates 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 2024 finalists for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award were: Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Hi-Tech Interiors and Purple Wave, Inc. The 2024 recipient is Purple Wave Inc. Manhattan Running Company won the?Tourism Development Award. This?is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the tourism industry in the area. The other finalists for the Tourism/Hospitality Award were: Manhattan Arts Center and Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art.

Congratulations to the 2024 business award winners and finalists. Also, a big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and our award sponsors, SGA Accountants/Advisors, Leiszler Oil Company, WTC Fiber, Meritrust Credit Union, Hi-Tech Interiors, Inc. and Midwest Dream Car Museum.