PITTSBURG, Kan. — During the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet and Fundraiser, several people and two businesses were recognized for their dedication to the community.

Once the food had been served and silent auction ended, the program began by naming the 2026 Volunteer of the Year as Kaylyn Hite.

“What sets this volunteer apart is not just what they do, but how they show up with kindness and compassion for serving others,” Chamber Membership & Special Events Director Daisy Flood said before naming the recipient. “They remind us why we volunteer in the first place and why Pittsburg is such a special place to be.”

The next award was presented by the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals (PAYP), a group that started working closely with the Chamber in recent years. The 2026 Young Professional of the Year award was given to Renato Pinto, who opened his own business in 2025 and has worked to grow an organization that has raised more than $30,000 for the charitable organizations.

“Most importantly, this recipient is a father, husband and a leader who leads by example through service, generosity and commitment to others,” PAYP President Adan Nance said before announcing the recipient.

Preston Frazier with Pitsco Education presented George Nettels Library Media Specialist Lori Wilks with the 2026 Educator of the Year Award, by quoting historian Henry Adams, “A teacher affects eternity...”

As Wilks approached the stage to accept her plaque, she received a standing ovation.

Mayor Chuck Munsell named Eagle Picher as the recipient of the 2026 Employer of the Year award, a recognition that has been bestowed on businesses in Pittsburg since 1996.

“They are truly dedicated to our city’s growth, prosperity and future,” Munsell said. “We offer our sincere thanks to Mike Rogers and the Eagle Picher Technology team for their continued growth, leadership and investment in the community.”

Jess Myers of FORVIS MAZARS presented Arck Construction with the 2026 Small Business of the Year Award.

The final award of the evening was the Spirit of Pittsburg Award. Brad Wells of JT Companies introduced the award by talking about the community members who play an important role in Pittsburg as a whole.

“When people come to this town, they are always so impressed,” Wells said. “They are impressed by the energy they feel; they are impressed by relationships we have between fellow businesses, between the university, the city and all of that. But most of all, and I’m sure you hear it all the time when you have guests in town too, they are impressed by the people. The people are unreal. You can go sit in a restaurant and meet new people all the time. It’s incredible how you all shine to those who don’t know us.”

Dawn McNay was called to the stage to introduce Kathleen Flannery as the award recipient.

“While she considers to be her greatest accomplishment to be her family, her husband, Jeff, her two grown sons, Casey and Kyle, and soon to be daughter-in-law, Jill, her enduring impact on our community is reflected in the thousands of students who have been able to pursue their education and career aspirations through her leadership at PSU,” McNay said.

Flannery, PSU vice president of Advancement and president/CEO of the University Foundation, received a standing ovation when she approached the stage to accept her plaque. Her husband and one of her sons surprised her on stage.

“When Jeff and I got here, we came for Jeff’s role, and we stayed because this community has embraced us, and it has been a wonderful home and a great place to raise our two boys,” Flannery said. “I’m just blessed. I see so many friendly faces and we’ve worked on so many projects together at the university as well as in the community and beyond. I’m so grateful to be able to be named.”

The Chamber reported that 350 community members attended the annual banquet. The theme of the evening was “A Night on Broadway” with a black and white color scheme. Attendees were able to participate in a paint by numbers art project, led by Jenna Spencer, that was auctioned during the event. Dozens of businesses donated items and gift baskets to the silent auction.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.