Six Hays business people were honored for their contributions to the community during the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Thursday night at Fort Hays State University.

Emcee Jerry Haley introduced the winners, listing their many accomplishments.  Awards were presented by HACC Executive Director Tammy Wellbrock, with the help of HACC Chairman Travis Kohlrus and past chairman Eric Norris.

The 2013 award winners are:

Eagle Communications Rising Star:  Brian Weimer, IPI Financial Services

James Motor Company Small Business Achievement:  Summer Melvin and Danielle Markley, Hays Academy of Hair Design

Citizen of the Year:  Nikki Pfannenstiel, Sunflower Electric

Golden Belt Bank Hall of Fame:  Jean Ross, former Thomas More Prep-Marian High School president

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Business Woman:  Deanna Doerfler, Doerfler’s Harley Davidson