County buisness achievements highlighted during luncheon
The achievements of numerous businesses in Leavenworth County were underscored last week during a luncheon hosted by Leavenworth Area Development.
In addition, Charlie Gregor Jr., Leavenworth, who has been active in LAD and the area chamber of commerce, was honored as LAD’s 2002 Volunteer of the Year.
Gregor was described as a tireless spokesman for economic development in Leavenworth County.
Gregor told about 150 people gathered at the Leavenworth Country Club that economic development efforts have changed during the 20 years he’s been involved.
“People don’t call anymore,” he said. “They don’t need to. We have people now who come to Leavenworth electronically.”
Business prospects visit cities through the World Wide Web, doing much of their legwork through computers.
Four companies that have operations in Tonganoxie were among those that were honored by the county’s three chambers of commerce and LAD. These firms were recognized:
B&J Country Market, Tonganoxie, for expanding its operations, including the addition of a pharmacy and larger deli.
First State Bank and Trust, Tonganoxie, for its commitment to community service.
Midwest Carpet Center, Tonganoxie, for owner Finney Robbins’ decision to purchase a building, which now houses a health center, chiropractic clinic and physical therapist.
Community National Bank, which has a Tonganoxie branch, for its recent expansion to Basehor.
Two other Basehor companies Elite Electric and Scherer Construction also were recognized.
The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce honored these 13 companies and people: Jay Carety Photographic Studio and Gallery; Crow, Clothier and Bates law firm; Crown Lanes; Mr. Goodcents; June’s Cottage; Kincaid Motors; David T. Moulden; Luxury and Imports; Ramada Inn; Riverside Resources; St. John Hospital Women’s Center; Vetter’s Collision Repair; and Village Square Restaurant.
And Leavenworth Area Development presented awards to these three companies for making recent significant investments: CompuChair Inc., which will soon begin manufacturing office and executive chairs in Leavenworth; Hallmark Cards, which recently decided to move operations of a Kansas City plant to Leavenworth; and Henke Manufacturing, led by Win Zoellner, which expanded into Leavenworth.