Osage City Chamber of Commerce 2023 award winners are, from left, Non-Profit of the Year, ECAT President Kathy Lincoln; Employee of the Year, Gregg Croucher, city of Osage City; and Business of the Year, Becky, Craig and Cameron Siljenberg, of Osage Garden & Produce. Chamber photo.

Friday, March 31, 2023, marked the first Osage City Chamber of Commerce awards banquet in recent years, which was held at St. Brigid Hall. There were approximately 100 in attendance at the evening event filled with a variety of entertainment, good food, and visiting with friends from the community.

C.J. Adkins, with Flinthills Catering, catered a delicious meal topped off with a cheesecake dessert that melted in your mouth. The Catholic Church Youth Group were greatly appreciated as they assisted with bussing the tables. Gavin Robert, a talented junior at Osage City High School, provided a nice medley of soft dinner music on his keyboard and guitar.

Following the meal, the first segment of the evening program included two OCHS forensics students presenting their award winning presentations. Dustin Stucky, forensics instructor, introduced Gavin Ericson and Emily Whalen. Both students gave very entertaining presentations and kept the attention of everyone.

Following the students was guest speaker, Jeff Bender, region supervisor of the Parks Division of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and Osage City Manager Rod Willi. They gave a detailed and informative speech on the Flint Hills Trail, which will be going through the north part of Osage City.

Highlighting the remainder of the program was the presentation of awards for three categories. Nominations were submitted to the Chamber throughout February and March.

Business of the Year recipient went to Osage Garden and Produce, owners Becky, Craig and Cameron Siljenberg. They purchased the business from Derald and the late Marylou Stromgren in the early months of 2020. They worked their way through the pandemic and have created a successful business in a short amount of time.

The second category was Non-Profit of the Year. Ecumenical Christian Action Team was the recipient of this award. ECAT has been in operation locally since 1987. The staff consists of 21 part-time volunteers. The mission statement is “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” In the last year, ECAT’s food pantry served approximately 7,400 meals. They also provide clothing, bedding, kitchen ware and dishes either free or they accept free will donations. They also assist with rent and gas vouchers.

Gregg Croucher, employee of the city of Osage City, was recipient of the final category, which was Employee of the Year. Gregg has been reliable, dedicated, adaptive and committed to his work as he has been employed with the city for approximately 16 years. He encourages his crew to be very conscientious about their work. The crew, through his instruction, do small favors for townspeople, especially the elderly. Some of the greatest examples of Gregg’s leadership and excellent customer service is displayed through the exhausting heat of summer and the troublesome snow and ice of winter. Gregg leads his crew to get the job done which is exemplary of a loyal employee.