Kevin Tubbesing Honored as 2017 Citizen of the Year

February 1, 2018, Shawnee Chamber of Commerce

Business and community leader, Kevin Tubbesing, Stag’s Creek, has been named the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce 2017 Citizen of the Year.  During the award ceremony Tubbesing was described as a small business start-up innovator; real estate broker; master developer; and long-time, dedicated Shawnee Rotarian. Tubbesing was presented with the prestigious award by 2016 Citizen of the Year Charley Vogt during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on January 27 at the Sheraton Overland Park.

Tubbesing was described as a leader with a vision.  The vision of a better world, a vision of a more just and fair society, and most importantly, a vision of building a better community in this place he calls home. Vogt emphasized that Tubbesing has a “build it and they will come” attitude. Having worked as a banker, Vogt has seen first-hand Tubbesing’s commitment, compassion, and tenancy to get things done. Where others saw all the obstacles, Tubbesing was always the one who saw the opportunity.

The Chamber has awarded the Citizen of the Year award annually since 1972. The distinction goes to an individual — nominated by Chamber members and selected by past recipients — who has worked hard to make Shawnee a better place to live, work and grow.

The Annual Dinner was a celebration of the past year, with the theme of “A Night Under The Big Top.”  Abby Eden, WDAF-TV/FOX 4, was the Honorary Master of Ceremonies, and Eddie Powers served as the auctioneer. More than 400 members and guests enjoyed dinner, silent and live auctions, in addition to dancing and entertainment. A portion of the proceeds from the auction benefit the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Foundation which supports leadership, business and education programs.

The Annual Dinner honors the 2017 Chairman of the Board of Directors Brian S. Brown, Team Health, and welcomes the 2018 Chairman of the Board Dennis Monahan, Central Bank of the Midwest. Brown recognized the retiring 2017 Board Directors JoLynn Brosnan, Courtyard by Marriott, and Pam Cooper, The UPS Store.

“This spectacular evening would not have been possible without the hours of time and the dedication of the Chamber’s Annual Dinner Committee,” said Shawnee Chamber of Commerce President | CEO Ann Smith-Tate. “These outstanding volunteers have worked months and given hours of their time to make the annual dinner a huge success.”

The Annual Dinner Committee was led by: Chair, Michelle Hereford, American Family Insurance, and Co-chairs, Suzanne Schmidt, Capitol Federal Savings Bank and John Wills, State Farm Insurance. Committee members included: Lori Barngrover, Keller Williams Realty Legacy Partners, Inc., Karen Boyd, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, Carole Collyard, Reece Nichols, Christine Hamele, HCA Midwest, Jean Nelson, Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory, Dale Warman, International Lineman’s Rodeo, Jennifer Williamson, American Family Insurance and John Wills, State Farm Insurance.

“Our event sponsors play an important role in the success of the evening’s celebration and we want to extend a special thanks to each of them,” said Smith-Tate.

Diamond Level Sponsors included: Bayer, Central Bank of the Midwest, JE Dunn Construction, Shawnee Mission Health and Waste Management of Kansas City. Emerald Level Sponsors included American Family Insurance (Paul Ridgeway Agency, Inc., Bryan Rapp Agency, Brad Henry Agency, Jennifer Williamson Agency and Michelle Hereford Agency); Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory, City of Shawnee, Commerce Bank, Kansas City SmartPort, Kutak Rock, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Shawnee Mission Ford, The University of Kansas Health System and Zarda Rieke Development Corporation.

Ruby Level Sponsors included: Community America Credit Union, Consolidated Communications, Hammond Chiropractic, Olsson Associates, Shawnee Gardens Healthcare and Rehab Center, Terracon and Weaver’s Auto Center, Inc. Pearl Level Sponsors included: Bank Midwest, Bennett, Bodine & Waters, P.A., Frontier Restoration and Grafton, Inc. The Stilt Walker sponsor was John Wills, State Farm Insurance, and the Heads and Tails sponsor was Heartland

Seating. Full table sponsors included: AT&T, Country Club Bank, Goering and Granatino, P.A., KCP&L, McCownGordon Construction, Parkway Real Estate, Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, Shawnee Mission School District and Summers, Spencer & Company, P.A.

The evening’s program sponsor was Capitol Federal Savings Bank, and Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory sponsored the Balloon Pop. The beverage cart and specialty drink was sponsored by The Land Source. Entertainment sponsor was GBA and the wine sponsor was First Business Bank. In-kind support was provided by Lori Barngrover, Keller Williams Realty, DHTV Digital, Robin Frazee-Photography, Hy-Vee, Speedpro Imaging and Rex Taylor. Official print sponsor was Moss 2.0 Printing.

About the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce 

Established in 1946, the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization with 1,400 business representatives that works to preserve the best possible business climate and quality of life for Shawnee. The Shawnee Chamber Corporation 501(C) (6) includes the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, the Shawnee Economic Development Council and Visit Shawnee. For more information, visit our website at www.shawneekschamber.com

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