News and Media

It is the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce’s pleasure to recognize Mike's Rent-To-Own as the July Small Business of the Month.Like so many great small business stories, this one began with a leap of faith.In 1981, Mike left a successful management career with Chrysler in St. Louis looking for something more than a good paycheck. He wanted a better quality of life for his family and believed in building something of his own. He moved to Hutchinson, opened a small Curtis Mathes franchise across from Dillons at 5th and Adams, and even lived upstairs while getting the business off the...

It is the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce’s pleasure to recognize Inland Ocean Vineyards as the June Small Business of the Month.When owner Dr. Jim Lairmore reflects on how he got started in the wine business, he often jokes that it was “a series of bad decisions.” Fortunately for Reno County, those decisions led to the creation of something truly remarkable.What began nearly 40 years ago as a hobby with a few grapevines in his backyard has grown into a thriving vineyard and winery with more than 1,200 vines spread across two acres. Today, Inland Ocean Vineyards produces nearly 3,500...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the May Small Business Award to Visionaries Eyecare owned by Dr. Steve Miller. Dr. Miller’s journey is a great example of building a business around both passion and purpose. After graduating from optometry school, he opened his first practice in Buhler in 2005 and spent the next decade building strong relationships with his patients and community. In 2016, he sold that practice and joined a larger vision group. But over time, it became clear that the corporate model of healthcare was not aligned with the kind of personalized care he believed...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the April Small Business Award to T & B Electric.Founded in 2018 by Travis Kinast and Blaine Barnes, T & B Electric was built on a simple but powerful idea—if you want greater opportunity, you create it. What started as a two-man team has quickly grown into a thriving company with 25 full-time employees, thanks to hard work, strong values, and a commitment to quality.From the beginning, Travis and Blaine have focused on intentional, steady growth—and it shows. In 2022, they purchased their first commercial building, quickly outgrew it, and...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the March Small Business Award to Critter Cleaners owned by Terri Foulk.In 1993, Terri Foulk agreed to help a friend launch a dog grooming business. What she thought would be a two-week favor turned into a 31-year journey. After managing the business for years, Terri officially purchased Critter Cleaners in 2006, turning what started as a simple act of helping into her life’s work.Since then, she has grown the business with care and intention. In 2015, Terri expanded into a new location on Sherman Avenue, doubling her space and adding...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the February Small Business Award to Weber Auto Glass owned and founded by David & Christena Weber.After working for two of the largest glass corporations in the country, the owners of Weber Auto Glass felt called to do something different. They took everything they had learned and opened a business rooted in faith, integrity, and personal service. Their goal was simple: bring back hands-on, relationship-driven customer care in an industry that has become increasingly automated.From day one, they committed to walking customers through the insurance process, especially those who may...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the January Small Business Award to Leading Edge Technology Partners owned and founded by Gavin Lusk. Founded in 2004, the business began as a part-time, one-person operation while Gavin was between IT roles at Tyson Foods. Working in information technology had always been his calling, but at the time, he never imagined he was building something long-term. That quickly changed after securing his first client, Fee Insurance, followed by the City of South Hutchinson. What started as a temporary solution soon became a growing business with a clear purpose.As demand increased, so...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the December Small Business Award to Carrie's Beer Garden, owned and ran by Carrie Thatcher.Carrie’s Beer Garden was born from a lifelong love of entrepreneurship, family, and the Kansas State Fair. Carrie grew up immersed in the energy of the fairgrounds, working a booth from the age of eight alongside her parents, Charles and Janice Griffin, who have been entrepreneurs for over 45 years. That early experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work, creativity, and community.In 2021, Carrie turned that passion into Carrie’s Beer Garden, now one of 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 Bridgman Oil. The story of Bridgman Oil began in 1960, when Bud Bridgman became a commission agent for Standard Oil in Mount Hope, Kansas, delivering fuel and oil to local agricultural customers. In 1964, Standard Oil relocated Bud to Burrton, combining the Mount Hope and Burrton territories into one. In 1977, when Standard Oil transitioned from commission agents to jobbers, Bud purchased both...

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 Royer family. Bill and Kelly Royer, along with their sons Alek and Koby, represent six generations of farming in Reno and Harvey counties, with roots that trace back to 1886.  The Royer family primarily raises wheat, soybeans, and oats, and maintains a small cow-calf operation. Bill has farmed full-time for 38 years, while also working part-time as a Senior Bank...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the November Small Business of the Month Award to Acoustic Contracting Inc., owned and founded by Larry Kucharo.Larry’s path to business ownership didn’t start with blueprints and tools — it started at Wichita State University, where he was studying business. But he soon realized he liked working with his hands a whole lot more than sitting behind a desk. So he enrolled in a carpentry apprenticeship program — and, in true Larry fashion, finished the four-year program in just two and a half years. That determination and drive have defined his entire...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the October Small Business Award to Sage Brush Dental Health, led by Dr. Susan Evans.Dr. Evans’ journey started right here in Kansas, where she grew up on a farm near Stafford. After graduating from Stafford High School, she went on to earn her degree in Biology from Oklahoma Christian University and her Doctor of Dental Surgery from UMKC School of Dentistry. In 1987, with just one chair and one employee, she opened her dental practice in Hutchinson.Since then, her business has grown tremendously. She expanded in 1997, and most recently...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the September Small Business Award to Redemption Ink. Founded by Luis Guiterrez, his journey is a story of true transformation, creativity, perseverance, and redemption!Growing up in California, Luis discovered his love for art at a young age. At just nine years old, he was fascinated by tattooing—so much so that he built his own tattoo machines. Soon, he became known in his neighborhood for his artistic skill and creativity. Despite many challenges along the way, Luis never gave up on his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. That dream brought...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the August Small Business Award to Sturgeon Plumbing and Air. Ron Sturgeon began his career at Stevens, Inc., where he worked for 16 years. But the day after his youngest daughter was born, Ron learned the company was closing its doors. With a young family to care for, Ron decided to take a leap of faith. Drawing on his experience, he started his own HVAC business — and soon realized the importance of adding plumbing as well. With guidance from mentors and referrals from loyal customers, Ron built Sturgeon Plumbing...