News Releases

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012

LAWRENCE — Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, the dean of the KU School of Business, will be the keynote speaker at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, to be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at the Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Drive.

Bendapudi, who earned her doctorate degree at the University of Kansas, was named dean in August 2011. She has previously taught at Texas A&M and Ohio State University. Bendapudi's research focuses on customer willingness and ability to maintain long-term relationships with firms and with the employers and brands that represent them.

Also during the annual meeting, the Chamber will recognize the winners of the following awards:

• Citizen of the Years Award
• Buford M. Watson Jr. Public Service Award
• Wally Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award
• Athena Award presented by Crown Automotive
• Small Business of the Year Award
• Large Business of the Year Award

The Chamber would like to express gratitude to its annual meeting sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors: Briggs Auto, Black Hills Energy, Lawrence Journal-World, U.S. Bank and Westar Energy.

Gold Sponsors: Douglas County Bank, INTRUST Bank, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Knology.

Silver Sponsors: Barber Emerson, L.C.; Berry Plastics; Capitol Federal Savings; Emprise Bank; Hallmark Cards, Inc.; Hy-Vee; McGrew Real Estate and Stevens & Brand, L.L.P.

Bronze Sponsors: Allen Press, Alvamar Country Club, AT&T, Boston Financial Services, Brandon Woods at Alvamar, Capital City Bank, Central National Bank, Commerce Bank, Dillons, Hamm Companies, Haskell Indian Nations University, KU Credit Union, Mainstreet Credit Union, The Olivia Collection, P1 Group, Stephens Real Estate, University National Bank of Lawrence and Walmart.

A seat at the annual meeting costs $75 and is open to Chamber members only. Dinner, wine and beer are included. Cocktail attire is suggested. If seats are included in your membership tiers, please contact Adam Handshy at 785.865.4427. Reservations are due Jan. 20.

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