GLADSTONE — Annually, the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates several awards including business, member and ambassador of the year.
Tacie Diehl, longtime chamber ambassador, presented the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award to Alicia Deaton.
“The ambassador of the year is a constant presence at our events and is often one of the first friendly faces you’ll see, greeting members or working at the check-in table. A champion for the chamber, she serves in a leadership role on the board of directors, and volunteers time and energy for countless community events and organizations, including Bluesfest and Gladfest. She is constantly recruiting new members, encouraging her staff to volunteer and spreading the mission of the Chamber throughout the community,” Diehl said.
Dorothy Beckham, past chairman, honored Assistance League of Kansas City as the 2024 capital improvement award recipient.
The local non-profit, founded in 1983, with a long history of philanthropic service to the greater Kansas City community, dedicated the new Program Center, home of Operations School Bell. The flagship philanthropic program provides new school clothes, shoes and books to nearly 4,000 at-risk students in Kansas City each school year.
Beckham, before she completed her term as chairman, presented Diehl with the 2025 Chairman’s Choice award.
“Tacie has been a key chamber member over the past few years. As your VP of membership, Tacie has led our ambassadors, serving our chamber tirelessly,” Beckham said. “From organizing monthly meetings to visiting potential members to stopping to do business with or just say hi to others, Tacie Diehl is a great example of volunteer extraordinaire. I personally have been blessed to serve with her and am grateful for her continued support of our chamber and her friendship. … Her love for this organization and for the Northland can’t be stopped.”
Paul Skehen received the 2024 Member of the Year award.
“The member of the year award goes to someone who is involved in virtually every aspect of our chamber. He served on the board of directors, is an active ambassador, always volunteers for Bluesfest and Gladfest, and so much more! He regularly greets guests at events, or hosts them at his business for After Hours. …” Beckham said. “This giving individual even shared his professional expertise and tools, recently donating a new program to be used by the Ambassadors committee and Board of Directors to further our membership efforts. And he always does everything with the biggest smile, a contagious laugh and the most positive attitude.”
Blue Tree Technology received the 2024 business of the year award.
Blue Tree Technology serves on the board of directors, as well as the planning committee for the new Northland Business Showcase. They have hosted Business After Hours, as well as stepping up to sponsor luncheons, Bluesfest and Gladfest. They were one of the first to sign up to decorate a scarecrow, in support of the new Gladfest contest and provide presenters for Lunch & Learns events.
To end the celebration, Beckham introduced Michael Engleman, the 2025-2026 chair of the board, handing him the ceremonial gavel.
