Unlike the other honors awarded annually by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, it bestows the Legacy Award only at the discretion of the Chamber Board to individuals whose impact influences the community at the bedrock level.
This truly is the case with Great Bend native Sheryl Cheely, the 2024 prize recipient.
“It’s kind of unique to have someone this dedicated to their community and willing to give so much back to it,” said Mark Bitter, a longtime friend and business partner of Cheely. “That is Sheryl. There are so many things that happen, and we never realized she was involved. She was content to work in the background.”
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce honored Cheely at the 103-Annual Awards Night and Banquet Saturday, March 1, at the Corinthian Hill Event Center north of Great Bend. Other honorees feted for their service included Business of the Year Mpire Realty, Citizen of the Year Paul Snapp and NextGen Leader Ty Brunswig.
“Sheryl Cheely has left an indelible mark on Great Bend, embodying the spirit and purpose of the Legacy Award,” her nomination reads. “Sheryl has been a foundational figure in Great Bend.”
“Her dedication to helping the community and fostering local initiatives is a testament to her outstanding service,” the nomination continues. She has “significantly contributed to the Great Bend community through her leadership, dedication and philanthropic efforts, making her a deserving recipient.”
A sample of this includes being a founding member of Prairie Godmothers, which provides hardship assistance to women for basic needs not met by other resources, and supporting MyTown, the grassroots effort to fill downtown storefronts. She donated the Dolly Trolley to the Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation, a beloved Christmas tradition, and generously supports small businesses and entrepreneurs, often anonymously.
“As a board member of MyTown, Cheely played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Great Bend,” the nominator noted. Her efforts included overseeing projects that enhanced the local economy and community aesthetics. Notably, she announced the full repayment of a City of Great Bend loan for MyTown, reflecting successful financial stewardship.
“She’s a very generous person,” Bitter said. “Not that many people are that dedicated to their hometown. My Town wouldn’t have happened without her generosity.”
There is also her involvement with the Golden Belt Community Foundation, where she helps shape the future of the region, and the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association dragstrip, where she fuels the town’s vibrant spirit. Her efforts are evident also in her support of community services, the Great Bend Bat Cats, enhancements to recreational opportunities, scholarships and other endeavors.
And then there’s her work with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce (having served as its Board president), and Great Bend Economic Development Inc. and the Final Fridays on Forest events.
“There’s just so much. She is very committed to the community. She wants it to prosper. She wants it to grow,” said Alene Owen, who started working with Cheely 25 years ago with what is now Renue Salon and Spa as part of MyTown and has since become a close friend. Yet, “she’s very humble. She wants no credit for anything and nothing in return, she is very giving.”
“I’ve known Sheryl since the mid-80s, back when we were all young and energetic, playing volleyball on opposing teams,” recalls Jon Prescott, businessman and longtime acquaintance. “Sheryl and her late husband, Ray, were the team to beat—but we never could.”
Prescott’s connection with Cheely deepened in 1986 when he joined her at CPI Qualified Plan Consultants. “From that point forward, she became a true friend,” he said. He emphasized the kind of candor that defines their relationship.
“True friends won’t hesitate to share what’s on their mind, provide constructive feedback, or engage in a good debate,” he said. “But,” he added with a smile, “you better have your homework done because she always had done hers.”
Beyond friendship, Prescott recognizes Cheely’s leadership qualities. “She always commits her mind and heart to anything and everything she does,” he said. As an employee-owner at CPI, Cheely played a crucial role in the company’s growth over her 35-plus-year career.
“She helped grow one of Great Bend’s largest corporations from three employees to over 500, servicing corporations in all 50 states,” Prescott noted. “She helped CPI become one of the most renowned retirement plan providers in the country.”
“She was content to work in the background,” Bitter said. “She’s always there and always a part of it.”
