Every year the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce honors members of the community for their service. This year the Eldon L. Hoyle Economic Development award was presented to the Weary Davis law firm with Keith Henry accepting on behalf of the firm.
Henry noted that the message is "we have to work together, collaboration is the key."
Sgt. First Class Ret. Brian Coleman received the Seitz Family Military Community Award. He remembered his late wife, Betty Coleman. "Eight March, 11:15 at night I lost my soulmate. " Coleman added that he wouldn't be there if it wasn't for her. He also noted that he was very humble.
Award presenter Phyllis Fitzgerald told the large audience at the Geary County Convention Center that Brian Coleman served 21 years in the Army, including 12 years at Fort Riley, and is a Past Commander of VFW Post 8773.
The Outstanding Citizenship Award went to Terry Butler, who has been instrumental in helping the new Junction City Main Street program get started, along with other community efforts.
The Business Excellence Award was presented to Jim Clark Chevrolet, with General Sales Manager Jarrod Leis accepting. "My coworkers, our employees, we don't come in and punch a clock every day. We're friends. "
Dr. Marche Fleming Randle, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Wichita State University, served as the keynote speaker.