|
On October 16th, 2023, Paola Chamber of Commerce and Members of the Chamber came together at Town Square Events to celebrate the legacy of our business community.
We began our evening by catching up with friends, networking, enjoying beverages and a meal provided by Price Chopper Catering.
Following dinner, we honored our immediate past chair, Michelle Kaiser, former owner of Town Square Events, and owner of Home Town Market and Floral, who served from 2018-2023. We honored her for her fierce loyalty and passion for Paola and her commitment to see her hometown grow and thrive. The Paola Chamber of Commerce thanked her for her service to the Chamber, to the business community, and to Paola as a whole.
We introduced our new Board President, Joe Fester (read about Joe here), and our new Vice President, Hannah Aude (read about Hannah here). They were both voted in because of their loyalty and commitment to serve the Chamber Community and to see Paola businesses thrive, and we look forward to continued success under their leadership.
We also honored our current Board of Directors, who each volunteer their time and energy to further the mission of the Chamber for the success of the community:
Awards
Each year, the Chamber invites Chamber Members and those in our community to nominate individuals or businesses for the following awards:
The Dale Mitchell Chamber Service Award - In recognition for service through the Chamber to the people of the City of Paola for the past year. This person has given of time, talent, and resources for the betterment of our entire community. CRITERIA: Community involvement for the past two years, exhibits drive and initiative, demonstrates excellence in business or profession, and is a Chamber Member or employed by a member firm.
The Paola Spirit Award - In recognition of a Chamber Member who supports the community and works to make Paola a better place to live and work. CRITERIA: Nominees should be a member of the Paola Chamber of Commerce or be employed by a member firm.
The Business of the Year Award - In recognition of outstanding examples of business entrepreneurship and community support for the people of Paola. This business exhibits creativity in promoting the business or profession and helps others advance as professionals. CRITERIA: Has been in business in this area for three years or more, demonstrates excellence in business or profession, and maintains high quality of service to our community.
This year's award recipients are:
The Dale Mitchell Service Award: Staff Sergeant Mark Brull. Mark was not present to accept his award, as he is currently actively deployed as a squad leader with the 242nd Engineer Company in the Army National Guard. We look forward to giving his award to him in person.
The Paola Spirit Award: Hannah Aude - Security Bank of Kansas City
The Business of the Year Award: Security Bank of Kansas City
Congratulations to all!
---------------------------------------
Following the awards, we highlighted our new 2022-2023 Members:
And we celebrated with established Members who have had milestones in their businesses this year:
We ended the evening by having tables select the winners of the centerpieces, provided by the Table Sponsors (listed below).
Thank you to all who joined us for the evening. And a special thank you to our Sponsors who made the evening a success! We are looking forward to serving our business community this coming year and are already looking forward to next year's Annual Dinner.
Please scroll down to enjoy the pictures, and make sure to check out our Sponsors below!
| 
