The Thrive Annual Celebration will take place on Friday, November 19, 2021. At this beloved event, our community comes together to celebrate the people making Allen County a better place. Awards for Excellence are given in our programs areas of economic development, education, health and wellness, and recreation. Join us to celebrate these shining stars of our community!

And the nominees are…

Economic Development

B&W Trailer Hitches: Allen County’s largest employer building a legacy of giving back to the community

The Feedlot: a longtime locally-owned business serving Iola area animal owners

J&K Tires: a Moran business going the extra mile for customers and community

Education

Kay Lewis: Humboldt’s retiring superintendent with a passion for education

Southeast Kansas History Online: the Iola Register’s new virtual home for local history stories

Southwind Extension District: educators bringing together nutrition, agriculture, 4-H, and more for a strong and healthy community

Health and Wellness

Allen County Public Transportation: providing life-changing services to community members in need

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas: going above and beyond with quality, whole-person care

La Harpe Veterans of Foreign Wars: serving those who served with mental health resources and more

Recreation

Iola Elks: bringing the community together for live music, fireworks, and pure outdoor fun

Iola Municipal Band: the longest-running city band west of the Mississippi River

Savonburg PRIDE: determined volunteers building a playground for the youth of a small community

We will announce one winner in each category at our Annual Celebration on November 19, 2021. Don’t miss it!