Hays receives Community Cornerstone Award

Tim Hays is CornerBank’s Community Cornerstone Award recipient in Arkansas City for June. In recognition of his service, CornerBank will contribute $100 to the non-profit organization of his choice. He has selected Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army to share the contribution. A reception honoring Hays’ service will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, June 28, in the CornerBank community room, 125 N. Summit. The public is invited to attend the reception.

As a local businessman, Hays wanted to give back to the community and sought out organizations that bring about change such as the Jaycees, Lions and Optimist Clubs.

He has served as president of the Early Birds Lions Club three times since its charter in 1981. He has served in every local officer capacity, except secretary, and is currently treasurer. His tireless support of the Lions’ organization has taken him many places around the globe, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and China. He has been recognized many times for his endeavors in Lionism, including the coveted 100% District Governors Award, the Senior Master Award and Melvin Jones Fellow. He has sponsored more than 50 people into Lionism. This past March, he received the third-highest recognition award in Lionism, the International Presidents Appreciation Award for fulfilling the mission of Lions Clubs International.

For his work with the Salvation Army, he was presented with the Harry Long Award, which is given each year to someone who generously gives time, energy and resources for the betterment of the community and the cause of the Salvation Army. He currently is in his fourth year on the advisory board.

Hays has been involved many years with the Ark City Habitat for Humanity program, where he has helped raised funds needed to build the homes and also uses the SkyHook crane from his sign business to set roof trusses. He began serving on the Habitat board in 2008 and currently is vice president, as well as serving on multiple committees.

Hays was born in Hays, Kansas, and graduated from Oakley High in 1967. He started his career in the sign business in Wakeeney, later moving to Wichita. In 1980, he relocated to Arkansas City to purchase a sign company from Glenn Houdek and the Hays Sign Company was born. He later discovered the art of screen printing and established Precision Screen Print, providing imprinted sportswear, caps, jackets and signage. He expanded his company multiple times as his business flourished and as he continued to look for ways to serve the community.

Hays was selected for the award by the Community Cornerstone Award selection committee, which includes Bob Foster, Arleta Rice, Judy Reedy, Curt Freeland and Brenda Combs. All are previous recipients of the Cornerstone Award. Volunteers are the cornerstones of healthy communities. They’re on your corner – the people next door. They’re in your corner – helping make our community stronger. The Community Cornerstone Award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers dedicated to serving people and enhancing the quality of life in Cowley County. If you know of a Cowley County resident who has shown servant leadership in community service, contact Joyce McArtor at 442-6500 or joycem@cornerbank.com for nomination guidelines.