Hype Launch Highlights Annual Meeting; Sisley, Morgans Honored
The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce leadership has committed to moving Manhattan’s successful young professional program to the next level. At the 95th Annual Meeting of the organization, dozens of the community’s 20 to 40 year olds were on hand to launch the transition from Manhattan Young Professionals to Hype, the newest version of the group. That launch highlighted a sold out event which included the formal transition of chairs from Wayne Sloan, BHS Construction, to Larie Schoap, ESB Financial, as well as recognition of Ward and Brenda Morgan as Lud Fiser Citizens of the Year and Lisa Sisley as the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year.
Blade Mages and Tara Grubb narrated the Hype launch, which described the new format and ways people can become involved either as members or as investors. The highlight was when the duo asked young professionals to leave their tables and move to the edge of the room, spotlighting what the community would look like if it doesn’t find ways to keep young people in Manhattan. That was followed by the addition of a number of other young professionals where Mages highlighted the opportunity to add even more young people. Manhattan is No. 1 in Kansas in terms of percentage of millennials as part of the overall population. The Hype program will be part of the Chamber’s overall talent retention and attraction program which include many items identified in the strategic plan for economic prosperity launched in 2019. “Standing all around you are your future board members, your future civic leaders, your future small business owners and philanthropists, your
succession plan,” Mages said. “This is why a thriving young professional program matters. The time has come to do a better job of reaching, involving, engaging and shaping the future leaders of Manhattan.” The group held an event after the annual meeting at the Flint Hills Discovery Center where young professionals from the region were invited to hear about the new program.
Sloan announced the two annual award winners, first recognizing Sisley as the chamber’s top volunteer. While reciting her many accomplishments in the community, Sloan specifically discussed Sisley’s work with the Business Advocacy Committee and its predecessor as helping move the community forward with growth and economic prosperity. Sisley is a partner at New Boston Creative Group and C. Clyde Jones was on hand to present the award named for him nearly 30 years ago. Ward and Brenda Morgan were the first married couple to win the Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year award. While the couple could not attend, Sloan had prearranged a video in which he presented their award in person. That video was played for the audience during the presentation. Finally, the annual meeting is a time to discuss the transition from one year’s board leadership to the next. Schoap recognized how much Sloan has meant to the Chamber and the community. “Now and in the future, when we sit down and visit about the success of Manhattan, the name of Wayne Sloan will stand out,” Schoap said. “Wayne has been instrumental in helping our community by
being a positive and visionary person. He is one of those people who has helped our community come together and prosper. He has served as a leader in many roles many times.” Sloan eloquently discussed why he decided to get involved in the Chamber and lead the organization. Using pictures of the BHS team and their family, Sloan discussed the awesome responsibility of business owners in creating and maintaining a sustainable quality of life for their team members and families. “Our Chamber, which is all of you, makes a difference in Manhattan,” Sloan said. “When you leave tonight, I hope you have a new meaning of why you are a Chamber member.”