2025 Annual Membership Meeting

February 11, 2025

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2025 Annual Membership Meeting on February 11, 2025 held at Tony's Pizza Event Center, featuring Mike Massimino!

Annual Meeting Tickets

Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut, New York Times best-selling author, Columbia University engineering professor, and television personality, will be the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11 at Tony's Pizza Event Center beginning at 6:30pm. A membership networking reception will precede the meeting.

Mike Massimino was a spacewalker on the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions and was faced with both success and life-threatening challenges as he performed the most intricate repair ever attempted in space, He persisted through three rejections over seven years to become an astronaut, including overcoming a medical disqualification by training his eyes and brain to see better. Mike has made numerous television appearances (including a recurring role as himself on the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory) and has written several award-winning books. Mike uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences to identify the passion in their work, to use teamwork and innovation to solve problems, to provide leadership in the face of adversity and crisis, and to never give up when pursuing a goal.

“Salina has such a strong history—and future—related to aerospace and aviation that we wanted to celebrate that with our Annual Meeting this year,” Sam Browning, Chamber Board Chair, said, “We also know from historical feedback that favored speakers have been those who have shared inspiring words about leadership, professional/personal growth, and innovative thinking. We are excited to host Mike, as we think he is the perfect fit to ensure that this event meets the hopes and expectations of our attendees.”

The Chamber is also soliciting nominations for Chamber member businesses and individuals that include a President’s Award, as well as the Mace Braxton Volunteer of the Year, Sylvia Rice Excellence in Tourism, Best Place to Work, and Rising Leader awards. More information and a nomination form can be found at www.salinakansas.org/annualmembershipmeeting.html,

Seating will consist of tables of eight, including dinner. Tickets for Chamber members are $65 per person. Tickets for non-members are $85 per person. Reservations for members and the general public can be made online at www.salinakansas.org/annualmembershipmeeting.html, by calling the Chamber office at 1-785-827-9301, stopping by the Chamber office, 120 W. Ash, or emailing Stephanie Gillig at [email protected]. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The evening will consist of remarks by Chamber President & CEO Renee Duxler; a brief review of the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2024, awards and recognition of Chamber members, and the keynote address by Mike Massimino.

A limited number of sponsorships continue to be available for members. For details regarding the cost and amenities of the sponsorships, contact the Chamber office.

2025 Annual Meeting Award Nominations

This year at our Annual Meeting, we would like to further recognize our members by highlighting the important work you do in our community every day. Self-nominations are accepted, and encouraged.

Mace Braxton Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has been a dedicated volunteer on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce or Visit Salina
Sylvia Rice Excellence in Tourism: Recognizes an individual or business who has a history of providing excellent service in hospitality and tourism within Salina and the region
President's Award: Recognizes an individual or business that has served the Chamber and the community over the years, making outstanding contributions to the civic and cultural institutions in Salina
Best Place to Work: Recognizes a business that has gone above and beyond to create an outstanding workplace culture
Rising Leader: Recognizes young talent who has exhibited exceptional leadership within their job or philanthropic involvement

Nominations are due by Friday, January 10th

Nomination Form