Newsmakers 2026Q2

NEWSMAKERS 2026Q2

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas receives fifth consecutive Call Center of the Year Award

BCBSKS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) has been recognized as a national leader in customer service, earning the prestigious Call Center of the Year award from Service Quality Measurement (SQM) Group for the fifth consecutive year. The honor, part of SQM’s annual Call Center Customer Service Industry Awards, recognizes excellence in delivering world-class customer experiences.
In addition to Call Center of the Year, BCBSKS was also awarded:

Call Center World Class First Call Resolution (FCR) Certification
Call Center World Class FCR Certification – Federal Employee Program
World Class Employee Experience
Highest Employee Experience for the Contact Center Industry
Customer Service Supervisor of the Year Finalist – Brendan McDeott
Customer Service Representative of the Year Finalist – Brittany Metzger

As Kansas’ largest and only local not-for-profit health plan, BCBSKS serves our members and our communities, not shareholders. “This recognition is a testament to the care and commitment our staff bring to every member interaction,” said Holly Graves, Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Government Programs. “We don’t just answer questions – we walk alongside our members as they make decisions that impact their health and their families and communities during some of life’s most challenging and important moments.”.

Silver Lake Bank opens new full-service banking location in Lawrence

Silver Lake Bank has opened a new full-service banking location at 4505 W. Sixth Street, Lawrence, reaffirming its deep commitment to the Lawrence community. The new branch replaces the bank’s downtown Lawrence office, which faithfully served customers for the past decade.
Designed with convenience in mind, the new West Lawrence facility features drive-through teller services, an onsite ATM, and ample free parking—providing customers with quick, accessible options for everyday banking. The modern branch is built to support both business and personal customers who value relationship-based service delivered locally.

Watkins Museum Exhibition Marks Anniversary of Historic Severe Weather Events with current exhibit on display through July 18

Lawrence in the Path of Destruction, a photography exhibition featuring images from the Watkins collection of the damage and aftermath of the 1911 Lawrence tornado and the 1951 Kansas River flood. The free exhibition will is on view in the museum’s third floor changing exhibit gallery through July 18.
2026 is the 115th anniversary of the 1911 tornado, which moved northeast through Lawrence and inflicted heavy damage on the industrial sector of Massachusetts Street, near the Kansas River. 75 years ago, that same river experienced heavy flooding the entire summer, building up to July 13, 1951, known as “Black Friday.” North Lawrence and rural farmland suffered great damage, while the entire community was impacted by the flooding.
The museum would like to thank Daniel Reese, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Topeka branch, for providing severe weather awareness tips and historical weather forecasting information for this exhibition.