From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...
It’s not just professionalism in the field of accounting that earned Spectrum CPA Partners the Business of the Year Award. It’s also the employees’ genuine concern for the community they serve.
“I know this sounds cliché, but this is an amazing group of people,” said Barry Bowers, Spectrum partner. “They are exceptional employees who take care of their clients, while also being plugged in to the needs of their community.”
For example, Operation Christmas Child has grown every year because of the employees, most of whom are long-time Barton County residents. They also serve Meals on Wheels, and support non-profits, civic clubs and churches.
“If we didn’t have these people on staff, we wouldn’t have this award,” Bowers said. “This recognition is about everyone here, the business as a whole. We are selective about who we hire and it pays off every day. It’s great when you don’t mind coming to work.”
In addition to Bowers, Cynthia Lockwood is a partner and Joni Haines is the administrator. Staff accountants are Rick Warnken, Tammy Curtis, Kayla Wimmer, Sheri Yager, John Lane, Ally Stocker and Santiago Talamantes. Penny Dreiling is the receptionist.
Lockwood noted these colleagues comprise the team that offers a full-service menu of accounting services at 1400 Polk. This includes: payroll services; QuickBooks training; business consulting and planning; bookkeeping; income-tax services; investment tax planning; financial and estate planning; and human resources consulting.
“We also continue to create new services as we stay up-to-date with the many changes in technology,” Lockwood said. “These changes happen at warp speed, while we offer more services electronically and remotely.”
Spectrum appreciates not just the award itself, but also the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors it, she said. “This really is for the whole community and everyone appreciates it.
“We come together at the annual banquet and celebrate the business community’s many successes. This is bigger than just one company; it speaks to the whole community.”
Nominators
Those who nominated Spectrum for the Business of the Year Award shared a few comments.
Mark Mingenback, local businessman, said “Spectrum is an excellent example of a truly local firm being a great corporate citizen. It offers an outstanding professional team of CPAs, staff accountants and support staff.”
Mingenback also noted the company’s “significant involvement with many local projects, along with financial donations. Employees give countless volunteer hours to the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, Samaritan’s Purse, Great Bend Foundation, Golden Belt Community Foundation, Boy Scouts and the Chamber. I’m sure there are many more.
“The bottom line is that Spectrum’s staff members live here and genuinely care about Great Bend’s prosperity.”
Scott Donovan of Eagle Radio also noted that “it truly is the entire team that deserves this recognition. I see Spectrum staff at events all the time. When they sponsor a table for a worthy cause, and it fills up, they sponsor another table. This team really knows how to give back.”
On the business side, Spectrum accountants understand what customer service is all about, Donovan added.
“They add services that are requested by their clients and fulfill the needs of the business community. If you need help with payroll services, they can do that. If you have questions about running a company, tax advantages or profit sharing, they offer a business consulting service.
“A trusted partner is hard to find but Spectrum is that partner for many companies in Great Bend and beyond.”
Haley Ruble of FreeStyle Marketing echoed comments from Mingenback and Donovan, while noting “Spectrum stands as a beacon of excellence and community commitment, deserving of every accolade – especially the prestigious Business of the Year Award. What sets Spectrum apart is their financial expertise and unwavering dedication to the community.
“Their ongoing support of non-profits and participation in local events exemplify their role as more than just a business entity. They are a true community partner.”
And it is not just a “mere corporate responsibility; it is a genuine passion ingrained in their ethos,” Ruble continued. “Spectrum contributes to causes that uplift and empower those in need. This commitment is not just a one-time gesture but a sustained effort, which fosters a sense of trust and goodwill.”
Furthermore, she noted, Spectrum’s involvement “serves as a testament to their belief in the strength of community connections. They contribute to the vibrancy of our local culture and economy and showcase their business acumen and their genuine interest in fostering a thriving economy. Spectrum is more than a financial-service provider. It is a cornerstone of community development.”
ABOUT THE GREAT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Business of the Year Award is an annual award showcasing companies demonstrating excellence in the marketplace. Companies who are chosen for Business of the Year are members of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and have demonstrated excellence in the following areas:
· Customer Service – A company ensures quality customer service experience every time.
· Shown growth.
· Positive response to adversity
· Community Involvement – A company involves itself in business and non-business-related activities in the Great Bend community.
· Innovative Business Practices – A company constantly improving its products, services, and programs to best serve its customers, vendors, and employees.
Previous Business of the Year Recipients
2022 Dry Lake Brewing
2021 Bryant Funeral Homes
2020 Mind Sculpt Games
2019 TCI Answering Service
2018 Keller Real Estate & Insurance Agency
2017 Great Bend Children’s Clinic
2016 Countryside Veterinary Associates
2015 Eagle Media Center
2014 Great Bend Co-op Association
2013 Great Bend Regional Hospital
2012 Rosewood Services Inc.
2011 Tim Miller Enterprises
2010 Kustom Floor Designs Inc.
2009 Eldridge Fencing Inc.
2008 Business Management Inc.
2007 Great Bend Tribune
2006 Central Kansas Medical Center
2005 Venture Corporation
2004 Adams Brown, Beran & Ball Chtd.
2003 Great Bend Feeding Inc.
2002 CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc.
2001 Doonan Corporation
2000 Farmers Bank & Trust NA
1999 Dillons Stores
1998 Stickney Distributing Inc.
1997 Office Products Inc.
1996 Fuller Brush Company
1995 Becker Tire & Treading Inc.
1994 Straub International
1993 Marmies of Great Bend