By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

According to Ron Wente, president and chief executive officer of Golden Belt Bank, there's a common saying within that business.

"If you need something to get done, give it to Nick," Wente said. "He will tackle any project. ... He's a doer."

So it came as no surprise to Wente -- or many others attending the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Thursday evening -- that Nick Niernberger was given the chamber's Hall of Fame award.

Obviously shocked and emotional, Niernberger accepted the award and stepped off the stage into the embrace of his family, who had gathered at Fort Hays State University's Memorial Union for the occasion.

"This is unbelievable," Niernberger said. "There are so many people to thank."

Niernberger has been involved with the Wild West Festival committee, Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course and development of the new Hays Welcome Center at 27th and Vine.

He is executive vice president at Golden Belt Bank, where he has worked for the last 16 years.

More than 400 community members gathered for the banquet to celebrate a theme of "no boundaries, endless possibilities." The crowd heard from Wichita entrepreneur Jack DeBoer, who shared the story of his successes -- and failures -- and offered business advice.

The Harley L. Rhodes Business Achievement award was given to Brian and Deanna Doerfler of Doerflers Harley-Davidson/Buell, and Tonya Staab with Mam'Zelles Ladies Apparel was named the business woman of the year.

Brenda Meder, executive director of the Hays Arts Council, was named the year's "most valuable citizen."

"This is so cool!" Meder exclaimed from the stage as she received her award.

The award follows Hays' receipt of the Governor's Arts Community Award, which was announced in December. Meder nominated Hays for the third-annual award.

"She's someone who works behind the scenes and often doesn't get pushed into the spotlight for all of her hard work," said Ericka Gillespie, executive director of the chamber.