Recent News

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...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the July Small Business Award to Wooten's Sweet Cakes owned by Adam & Roseann Wooten. Their business began when Adam Wooten, while working at The Hutchinson News, started bringing sweet treats to share with coworkers. What started as a kind gesture turned into a booming side gig—and before long, Adam and his wife Roseann were baking for birthdays, retirements, weddings, and every celebration you can imagine. Officially founded in 2017, Wooten’s Sweet Cakes has been crafting memories—and masterpieces—ever since.Adam and Roseann are not just bakers—they're artists. From lemon-blueberry to white...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the June Small Business Award to Service Plus Electrical Solutions.  Service Plus was founded on one simple but powerful idea: that the interaction between electrician and homeowner could—and should—be better. After years of working for other contractors, Steven saw firsthand the need for clearer communication, better value, and a stronger sense of trust in the trade. From offering a range of up-front pricing options and payment plans, to using drop cloths and even Swiffers to leave spaces cleaner than they found them—this team isn’t just fixing wires, they’re rebuilding confidence in...

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the May Small Business Award to Sugar Creek Boutique. Sugar Creek Boutique’s story began where cattle and creativity met — at livestock shows with Shelby’s family. Noticing a lack of retail options for women at these events, Shelby saw an opportunity. What started as a small rack of clothing at a cattle show quickly grew into a full-fledged boutique, following the family to craft fairs and the Kansas State Fair. Shelby’s entrepreneurial spirit took a bold leap in 2020, when she left her full-time retail job to focus solely on building...

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...