On September 12th, the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce named Darrell Conrade as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Darrell, Vice President at Conrade Insurance Group, received this honor during the Chamber’s 103rd Annual Banquet.
The Outstanding Citizen Award recognizes a Newton resident who demonstrates exceptional community spirit. Nominees must have lived in Newton for at least ten years and actively participated in local civic, professional, or charitable activities. A committee of previous award recipients selects the winner. As part of the ceremony, Darrell was not aware of his nomination before the Banquet. Typically, the Outstanding Citizen of the prior year presents the award to the new nominee. Dan Heinze, fellow Vice President at CIG, was the 2023 recipient and presented the award to Darrell.
To keep annonminty of this year’s Outstanding Citizen, Dan spoke about Darrell without disclosing his name until the end. During this, he shared Darrell’s honorable qualities, unique facts, and life story before announcing him as the winner. Upon being selected, Darrell’s family members, colleagues, and some of the Conrade team were there to surprise him.
Darrell’s Story
Arriving in Newton in 1982 with his family, Darrell has served the community with exemplary professionalism as a businessperson. He joined Wells Bacon Insurance Agency in 1982 which became Wells, Conrade & Sims Agency in 1988. On January 1, 2006, Darrell founded Conrade Insurance Group. He is described as the industry standard, greatly respected locally, across the state of Kansas, and regionally.
Outside of his dedication to the insurance industry, Darrell’s desire to give back is admirable. Another reason why he is so deserving of this award. He has served on the Asbury Park Board and Chairperson, Northview Foundation Board, Newton Medical Center Board and Chairperson, Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Heart to Heart and CASA Board, Habitat for Humanity Board, Kiwanis, USD 373 School Board Member, Health Ministries Clinic Board and Chairperson, United Fire Group Agents Advisory Board, West Bend Mutual Agents Advisory Board, and the Kansas Association of Independent Agents Technical Affairs Committee.
We could not be more proud of Darrell for his recognition as a leading member of our community. We are thankful for his willingness to serve others with generosity, talent, and care.
Congratulations, Darrell, On This Award!
