Arkansas City Chamber Honors Local Businesses at Annual Banquet

ARKANSAS CITY — The Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated local businesses and community leaders at its annual banquet Thursday evening.

The event began with a happy hour at Union State Bank before moving to the Horton Theatre at The Stars to Celebrate The Stars of Arkansas City.

Creekstone Farms provided brisket, with Jay Warren preparing and serving the meal. Grouse Valley Grill & Catering prepared and served sides, while Ark City Greenhouse created floral centerpieces.

Entertainment was provided by Jess Bowling and The Cowley Singers. Guest speaker Bonnie Niles discussed her dedication to Arkansas City and the community's significance to her. Niles also received an Award of Honor for building community connections and belonging.

Pumpkin Pants Ranch received Business of the Year honors. Kelly Dillner was named Chamber CHAMP, and Pizza Ranch earned STAR of the Year recognition. Merchants In Motion was selected as Team of the Year.

Chamber officials expressed gratitude to businesses that donated items for the live auction and raffle drawing.

Live auction donors included Rock & Brews Casino Braman, Hollow Point 2.0 and KPM Computer Solutions. Raffle donors included VISIT Ark City, Main Street Consulting, Kaw Nation, Burford Theatre, Pizza Ranch, Pina Lodge Resort, Xtreme Jumpin' Joe Party Rentals, Farm Path Tour, City of Arkansas City, Angels in the Attic, Inc., Summit Realty, Cowley College, Spring Hill Golf Course, Ark City Golf & Fitness, Transformations, Brittany Dunlap-Shelter Insurance and The Property Shop.

Chamber organizers credited committee members and attendees for making the event possible.