Barbwire Barbecue is this year’s Business of the Year while Grant High is Citizen of the Year, the Chamber announced at its annual gala event Saturday.
Chamber President Anthony Brown said these awards are given to people who play an active role in the community.
“They need to be active in the Chamber, either on the board itself or on one of the subcommittees, or volunteering for our events,” Brown said. “Secondly, we want folks who are highly involved in the community, whether that be through schools, sponsorships or the Eudora Schools Foundation.”
Barbwire Barbecue was chosen not only because of its success as a business, but because of Jay Musick’s and Jason Musick’s involvement with community programs, like the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and their donations to the Eudora Schools Foundation.
“Jason tends to be the guy out in front of people, but Jay does a wonderful job as well,” Brown said. “They are truly committed to the betterment of the Chamber, and we thought they would be a perfect fit.”
Chamber Past President Jannell Lorenz said the Musicks were raised to do their part for their hometown.
As the host of the Chamber event, Jason Musick knew Barbwire Barbecue was going to be announced as the business of the year, but that didn’t affect his excitement.
“I think what it means to me and Jay is that it’s validation of why it’s important to be active in your community,” he said. “It’s really nice when you put in those hours or add in that extra donation and see why it’s all worth it.”
He credited their whole family, including their parents, for their success and said “without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
The brothers have made it a priority to give back to the community using the platform they have with Barbwire Barbecue, Jay Musick said prior to the event.
“Doing our part and helping out makes everything better,” he said. “Everyone thrives in a happy community, and I think being involved is so important for that reason.”
High did not know in advance that he was receiving the Citizen of the Year award. Walking up to the podium, High said he felt shocked, and even a little embarrassed.
“I’m sure there’s someone in this community more deserving of this award than me,” he said.
High grew up in the Eudora community and credits his dad for his inclination for community service.
“My dad set a good example when it comes to giving back and doing things for other people. It’s just engrained in me,” High said. “I don’t really necessarily like to be in the spotlight for it because it’s just my conviction that that’s what I should be doing because I have the time.”
High is president of the CPA, which hosts the carnival every year. His goal as the president was to bring more people to the event – which he did, he said.
Brown said High is someone who helps with multiple organizations.
“He works tirelessly behind the scenes,” Brown said. “We just wanted to give him a spotlight and thank him for his involvement in the community.”
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