The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Thursday night at Fort Hays State University. KWCH Meteorologist Merril Teller was the keynote speaker. Each year the chamber honors several community members and this year’s award recipients are:

• James Motor Co. Small Business Achievement Award went to Leon and Ann Staab from Pioneer Photograghy
• Girl Scouts of KS Heartland Business Woman of the Year Award went to Michele Flax from Bildschon Haus of Windows

• Eagle Communications Rising Star Award was given to Shane Smith of Commerce Bank
• Citizen of the Year is Lance Smith from Hays Medical Center
• Hall of Fame Award was presented to Bob Helm of Midwest Energy