Top businesses, Ambassador Of The Year Honored During Annual Chamber Of Commerce Banquet

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Candy aficionados were in luck last Saturday evening as the Grant County Chamber of Commerce banquet satisfied your sweet tooth with “Candyland Adventures.” The banquet honored departing chamber board president Ivy Rodenberg and welcomed incoming president Dana Trahern, as well as recognized the Business Builder of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, and honored retiring chamber board member Jeri Lynn Wells.

Chamber Director Marieta Hauser kicked the evening off with some recognitions before turning it over to out-going board president Ivy Rodenberg. Jeri Lynn Wells gave the invocation before dinner – catered by Alejandros – was served.

Chamber committee were recognized before Nancy Borthwick took over to honor the 2025 Ambassador of the Year, Kristi Breese.

“Each year, a group of Grant County Ambassadors recap the year involving Chamber Coffees, ribbon cuttings recognizing Business of the Month attending and participating in chamber events and numerous other activities,” Borthwick said. “Our 2025 ambassador of the Year has been a tireless volunteer and can be found at most chamber-sponsored events.”

Breese is a Ulysses native who is a devoted wife, mother, and community member who volunteers in many organizations and has worked at Grant County Recreation since 2006. She has three siblings, four children, and two dogs.

“You will also find her helping out in the recreation office when needed, Borthwick said. “Our Ambassador of the Year is always willing to lend a hand and gets things done in the community.”

Breese thanked everyone for the honor.

“I knew something was up when my brother Tim showed up,” Breese said. “I love volunteering, my husband says I’m an over-achiever, and that’s fine because I think I’m on every committee Known to man in Ulysses. But I just love to do stuff, and I love to see things get done in town.”

Hauser said she appreciated Breese and everything she does.

“She has stepped up to the plate for us more often than I can count,” Hauser added. “She’s a very valuable asset to our community.”

The Business Builder of the Year was presented to Tate’s BBQ, and other nominees included 5G Irrigation, Next Home Dana Trahern Realty, R&R Liquor and Cigars, Jackson Pest Control, Rolling Rentals, and Vita Wellness.

Rachel Thooft was honored for her work as chamber board treasurer, outgoing chamber president Ivy Rodenberg received recognition from incoming president Dana Trahern.

The Table Topper Award for the Best Decorated Table went to Grant County Recreation.

Table sponsors included Grant County Recreation Commission, Grant County Bank, R&R Liquor and Cigars, Pioneer Communications, Skyland Grain, City of Ulysses, Pioneer Electric, Prairie Vista Dental, Faulkner Real Estate, and Grant County Economic Development.