News and Media

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the April Small Business Award to Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm and Bed & Breakfast. This incredible business began in 1979 with Joe Hedrick, a man whose love for animals was born in the rodeo arena and grew into a lifelong passion. What started as specialty rodeo acts and 3 full-time employees has evolved into something extraordinary—an exotic animal farm that has touched the lives of millions across the country and today has 18 full-time employees.What began as a small operation with petting zoos and pony & camel rides, grew into...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the March Small Business Award to Sunflower Electric Supply.For more than seven decades, Sunflower Electric Supply has been a pillar of Reno County’s business community, evolving to meet the changing needs of electricians, contractors, and industries. The company’s roots trace back to 1950, when Edward Engler, a local accountant, recognized a major gap in the electrical trade. At the time, electricians in Hutchinson didn’t have a dedicated electrical distributor, which made sourcing supplies a challenge. Engler stepped up to meet that need, opening a store to provide the specialized materials...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the February Small Business of the Month award to State Farm Insurance – Greg West Agency!Greg West started his agency in June 2000 after years with State Farm. Coming from a family in the business, he wanted to own his own agency and help people in times of need. His office at 216 E. 30th Ave. has been a trusted source for insurance ever since. Greg’s commitment to his clients has made his agency a staple in Reno County.From two employees to a strong, dedicated team, Greg’s agency has achieved...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the January Small Business of the Month award to Mitch Rice Injury Law. Mitch Rice is not your typical attorney. Known for his spirited personality and relentless drive to win, Mitch stands out in a world of over-the-top advertisements and catchy gimmicks. As a proud Hutchinson native, Mitch’s roots run deep in this community. From his days as a student at Lincoln Elementary and Hutch High to running track at Hutchinson Community College, Mitch has always called Hutchinson home.Before becoming the legal powerhouse, we know today, Mitch started his career...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the December Small Business of the Month award to Kauffman Seeds. For over five decades, Kauffman Seeds has been deeply rooted in Reno County’s farming community. What began as K & W Fish Farm under Edward and Frida Kauffman in the early 20th century has blossomed into a cornerstone of agricultural innovation and service. When the fish farming days ended, the Kauffman’s pivoted to certified wheat production in the 1980s and later expanded into soybeans and corn. Today, under the leadership of Dustin and Megan Miller, this legacy continues to thrive. The...

The Agri-Business of the Year Award is intended to honor the agri-businesses in Reno County and thank them for the important role they play in strengthening the local ag economy.  This year’s Agri-Business of the Year Award went to Ehling Custom Mills.Custom mills were first founded in 1972 by three gentlemen that called the business MTN standing for Miller, Troyer and Nisly in a shed on Miller’s farm. In two years, they built on a site in Pleasantview. In 1999 Sam Miller bought the mill and changed it to Custom mills. Debra started to work for Sam in the office...

The Farm Focus Family Award began in 1985 as part of National Farm City Week.  There have now been over 100 families in Reno County that have been recognized for their contributions to Reno County Agriculture. This year’s Farm Focus Family Award goes to the Headings family.Nestled near Hutchinson, Kansas, Randy and Marie Headings proudly operate their fourth-generation family farm, with the invaluable support of their son, Ben. Together, they cultivate a diverse array of crops, including wheat, sorghum, and soybeans, while also raising beef cattle and producing alfalfa for both feeding and selling. The family’s agricultural legacy continues with their daughter Kendra,...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the November Small Business of the Month award to Chaffin Electric. Roger Chaffin’s path to entrepreneurship started with a roadblock that might have stopped others in their tracks. After serving in the military and earning his master electrician certification in Washington, he returned to Kansas in 1998. But he faced a setback: his certification wasn’t recognized here. This meant starting from scratch to qualify for Kansas’ licensing exam. Not one to be discouraged, Roger joined a local company to gain the hours needed and eventually passed the exam, finally opening Chaffin...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the October Small Business of the Month award to Waggoners Inc., a family-owned company with deep roots in our community. Their story is one of vision, hard work, and adaptation over the years, and today we’re celebrating their success. Waggoners Inc. was founded in the late 1960s by James J. Waggoner. After noticing churches adding cushions to their pews, he saw an opportunity and launched what would become a thriving business. Starting small — with family members helping on sales trips and even making cushion buttons — the company steadily grew...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present the Small Business Award to A5 Western, a remarkable company that has truly made its mark in Reno County and beyond. Michael Anderson, the founder, has been in the western industry since 1991, working both in retail and wholesale, giving him unique insight into the business. In 2010, he and his wife Janey decided to open their own store. Their journey led them to McPherson, Kansas, where they found the perfect location for their business. They acted quickly, and opened their store within 45 days, and have been serving the community...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the August Small Business Award to a truly exceptional and inspiring company - Leu + Co Properties. Logan and Emily, the dynamic duo behind this thriving business, have built something extraordinary, and it’s an honor to recognize their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community.Leu + Co Properties started with a leap of faith—a transition from demanding corporate careers to a journey of entrepreneurship for Logan and Emily. They wanted a better work-life balance, more time to nurture their family, and an opportunity to create something meaningful. With Logan’s...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is proud to award the July Small Business Award to Janitorial Solutions owned by Gary Newcome. Janitorial Solutions (formerly known as Janitorial Supply) has a rich history dating back to 1943, when Fred Blick and his family founded the company as a window washing business. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, particularly after the 2008 recession, when Gary Newcome purchased the business from Fred in 2011. Gary's decision to diversify and modernize the company has been instrumental in its growth and success. When Gary took over, he began transforming Janitorial Solutions, modernizing operations and expanding...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is proud to award the June Small Business Award to Special K9 Dog Training & Country Resort owned by Jenny Oberhelman.  What began as a childhood passion, Jenny has built it into a successful enterprise, creating a unique and impactful business in our community. Jenny's journey with Special K9 Dog Training & Country Resort began long before she opened her doors. Growing up in a family that owned a dog training and boarding facility, Jenny’s first job involved scooping poop and cleaning bowls. Her true calling emerged at the tender age of four, when she started...