02 May Kansas Chamber Recognizes 2024 Chamber Champions
TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Chamber announced three Kansas 2024 Chamber Champions during its 100th anniversary annual dinner held Monday night in Topeka.
The honor is given to Kansas Chamber members who go above and beyond in their commitment to the Chamber’s mission of striving to improve the state’s economic climate for the benefit of every business and Kansan, and to safeguarding the nation’s system of free, competitive enterprise.
This is the fourth year the Chamber has recognized Chamber Champions at its annual dinner.
“We’re grateful to all of our members, and especially these three for their sharing their time, energy, and investment into supporting the work of the Kansas Chamber,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb.
Cobb and Chamber Chairwoman of the Board Karma Mason presented the Chamber’s 2024 Chamber Champions to Sunee Mickle, Matt Hickam, and Jack Paradise.
L-R: Kansas Chamber Board Chair Karma Mason, Kansas Chamber Champion Sunee Mickle, Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb
Sunee Mickle is Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Sunee serves on the Kansas Chamber’s board of directors and its executive committee. She is a strong ally at the Kansas Statehouse, helping the Chamber track issues important to the state’s business community. She also works with the Chamber team to plan and execute the annual Kansas Women in Business Conference held each November in Topeka.
L-R: Kansas Chamber Board Chair Karma Mason, Kansas Chamber Champion Matt Hickam, Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb
Matt Hickam is Managing Principal for Husch Blackwell Strategies. He works closely with the Chamber’s Government Affairs team at the Kansas Statehouse tracking bills that could impact business operations. He also doesn’t hesitate to introduce the companies he works with to our chamber team, especially when he recognizes the benefits they will enjoy by being part of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.
L-R: Kansas Chamber Board Chair Karma Mason, Kansas Chamber Champion Jack Paradise, Kansas Chamber President & CEO Alan Cobb
Jack Paradise is owner and President of Jayhawk Plastics. He first became involved with the Chamber in the 1980s, joining the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 1990 and serving as the Board Chairman in 1996. He also has been very active as a Chamber member, testifying before legislative committees and working to help the Chamber elect business champions to the Kansas Legislature. He continues today to serve as a Director Emeritus on the board.