Osage City Chamber of Commerce 2026 award winners, from left, Tori Holmberg, CJ Holmberg, Mica Lindbloom, Michelle Byerly, and Gwen Crane; not pictured, CJ Adkins. Chamber photo.
Friday, May 1, 2026, marked the fourth annual Osage City Chamber of Commerce awards banquet, which was held at St. Brigid Hall. There were approximately 75 attending the evening event filled with a variety of entertainment, good food and visiting with friends from the community. C.J. Adkins, Flinthills Catering, catered a delicious meal topped off with a chocolate swirl cheesecake dessert that melted in your mouth. Tricia Gundy, Jim Seeman, and Austin McConnell provided soft musical entertainment to accompany the meal.
Following the meal was guest speaker Leticia Rust, a cybersecurity advocate and expert. She shared with the group information on the ever-changing world of cyber threats. She discussed how small businesses can still practice cyber security while navigating new technology, like artificial intelligence and digital wallets.
Highlighting the remainder of the program was presentation of awards for four categories. Nominations for the awards were submitted to the Chamber throughout the month of April.
Osage City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year recipients were CJ and Tori Holmberg, of Holmberg Oil. In July of 2023, CJ and Tori opened their doors as Holmberg Oil, after buying the Haskins fuel station. The couple work together as he handles the hands-on business and she takes care of everything behind the scenes. They have continued providing a full-service station, which is vastly becoming a thing of the past.
In a short span of time, they are experiencing growth, as they recently purchased Buzz’s Automotive building for mechanical repair and detailing services. Their two fulltime and four parttime employees are great, and they work to continue to provide the services needed to make their business prosper. They also appreciate the loyal customers that seek their services.
The United Methodist Church was the recipient for the Osage City Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year award. This church does not only provide a house for worship, they make their place available to the community for many resources.
The non-profit makes available space for pre-school youngsters to have a safe place for learning experiences and making new friends. An area is available for the Boy Scouts to have Tuesday meetings. The Chamber utilizes the newly remodeled basement for the Christmas on Market craft show. Crosswinds is organizing a summer program that they will be utilizing the basement this summer. The Osage County Senior Center utilizes the large parking lot for bus trips, so people can park their cars safely off the street. Most important of all, the non-profit is a designated tornado shelter for the community. The Chamber also recognized Gwen Crane for her service as the church secretary since 2011.
Mica Lindbloom with Branine Chevrolet was selected as Osage City Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year.
Mica has worked for several owners in the same location for 46 years, and with the current business owner for the past 17 years. She has been a very reliable, dedicated bookkeeper and general office manager, and very committed to her position. She meets everyone with a smile and is eager to help with any request. Mica has experienced professional growth over the years and has become very important to Branine Chevrolet, taking on more responsibilities and keeping the operation running smoothly. Being very pleasant and friendly with her co-workers are examples of her leadership and she provides excellent customer service.
CJ Adkins, owner of Flint Hills Catering, was selected for the Osage City Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year. Upon retirement, CJ Adkins established a full-time catering business. He prepares a variety of meals for all occasions. Another option of CJ’s catering business is “A Taste of Home.” CJ will prepare a selection of several entrees and will sell individual meals or half-pan meals. This certainly helps with meal planning!
CJ has expanded to servicing outside of Osage City and Osage County. With the shortage of eating establishments in the area, having Flint Hills Catering available has certainly helped fill the void and allow families to remain in the area to enjoy a full-course meal and not have to travel out of town.
Information and photos thanks to Annie Gile, Osage City Chamber of Commerce executive director.
