Making a Lasting Impression
William “Bill” Sheets was the first recipient of the “Man of the Year” award when it was started in 1966. (This picture was probably taken around 1978/1979 when Mr. Sheets was the Chamber President.) The Man of the Year was selected because of his contributions to the community and was honored during the Good-Will Trip sponsored by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce. The award was renamed in 1982 to the President’s Award and still follows much of the same criteria as when it originated. The President’s Award recipient, chosen by the past-presidents of the McPherson Chamber, is “a person who has given of his/her time and talent for the betterment of the business community and whose contributions have a long-term impact.”
Maybe you recognize a few of the past honorees and the contributions they have made to our community: Man of the Year Award (starting in 1966) Bill Sheets, Herb Heidebrecht, Robert Eickbush, Udie Grant, Joe Ostenberg, Paul Sargent, Keith Greenwood, Merwin Hapgood (Special Award), Warren Underwood, Gene Copeland (Special Award), Bill Nicholson, Fred Diehl, Ivan O’Dell, Myron Garrelts, M. Clare Miller, John Casebeer, George Hess, W.E. (Bill) Lehmberg. President’s Award (honored during the Chamber Annual Meeting starting in 1982) Stan Sargent, Ernest Wall, Herman Sudman, Don Gerard, John Wall, John Bremyer, Bob Wise, Don Steffes, Vaughn C. Price (Special Award), Wilbur Yoder, Delbert Crabb, Larry Williams, Jim Ketcherside, Paul “Zeke” Anderson, William “Bill” Goering, Max Ebaugh, Dale Renberger, Bob Harder, Vern Dossett, Bill Adams, Chet Anderson (Special Award), Mike Rausch, Linn Peterson, Keith Birkhead, Priscilla Smith, Harold Schlender, Bryan Hess, Norlan Ferguson, Marvin “Pete” Peters, Gary Hess, Rick Wilborn, Brett Reber, Kyle Hawk, Jason Hoover, LaVon Ediger, Fred Bohnenblust, and Michael Schneider in 2020.