Services & Programs

Our Services

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development works hard to provide valuable services you need to enhance your company’s profitability.

Community Marketing

Monthly Outlook Business Journal
Our monthly newsletter, called the Outlook Business Journal, features news and events information from members and pertinent details about community happenings. Members can submit articles, photos, and calendar items to be published in the news pages. Members can also take advantage of advertising opportunities, or they can place a flyer into the mailing that reaches over 1200 professionals in the Great Bend area. To see archived editions of the Outlook Business Journal, click here.

Insert Program
This monthly service allows Chamber members to insert a letter-sized flyer into the Outlook Business Journal mailing. If the business supplies 1,300 copies of the flyer to the direct mailer by that month’s deadline, it will automatically be inserted into the packet for the postage fee of $150 which is billed automatically following the mailing.
 
Weekly Email Updates
Similar to the monthly newsletter, email Updates offer Chamber members a chance to showcase a particular event, news article, or promotion between the monthly mailings. This weekly newsletter features upcoming events and news items submitted by members. If you would like to receive our email Update, subscribe on our Chamber News page.
 
Website
Member businesses have the opportunity to place press releases on the News section of the Chamber web site. This service, which is free to members, can be utilized for promoting a new product or service, introducing new employees, or announcing an upcoming event. Members can also post events to our community calendar for free publicity. Additionally, The website also features a searchable membership directory that gives people a way to find our members online, regardless of whether they have a web site of their own.
 
Membership Directory
Each year, the Chamber puts out a printed membership directory that serves as a handy, desktop resource for community demographics, highlights from the past year, contact information for local government, and much more. Most importantly, it is a reference tool for looking up other Chamber members by category, by alphabetical listing, or by a specific contact person. This directory is also available in a searchable, online format here on our website.
 
Radio Program
On the first Thursday of every month, the Chamber hosts a radio program on KVGB 1590 AM called ChamberConnect. During this half-hour program, we highlight different programs, events, and happenings throughout the year. The show is a great way for members to stay tuned in to the Chamber’s initiatives.
 
Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber staff and Ambassadors host ribbon cuttings for grand openings, expansions, or new members at no charge to the hosting business. During the ceremony, a photo will be taken that will then be showcased in the monthly Outlook Business Journal along with an article featuring that businesses’ news and the products/services they have to offer.

Networking Opportunities

Chamber Coffees
Held each Thursday morning, members have the opportunity to both attend and/or host a Chamber Coffee. The weekly program begins at 9:30 a.m. Members pay $50 to host a coffee (plus the cost of refreshments & door prizes), and we take care of the rest. Chamber coffees draw an average of 50 attendees each week, and are a great opportunity for you to exclusively showcase your business.
 
Business After Hours Events
As a member, you have the opportunity to host a Chamber Business After Hours event held at your business, usually from 5-7 p.m. on a weeknight. Business After Hours events are informal receptions that give businesses the opportunity to showcase their facilities, products, and services. For hosting a Business After Hours event, you receive free promotion in our e-mail Updates and Outlook Business Journal.
 
Legislative Coffees
These events allow local individuals the chance to network with our state legislators directly. All Legislative Coffees are held at the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum at 5944 10th Street and begin at 10 a.m. These events are sponsored by AT&T. Donuts and coffee are provided.
 
Annual Meeting & Banquet
The Chamber’s annual meeting and banquet is held each winter, allowing business and community leaders an opportunity to gather, socialize and celebrate positive community efforts that have taken place throughout the previous year. More than 500 people typically attend the event, enjoying a formal dinner followed by the much-anticipated Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year award announcements. The evening is then concluded with live entertainment and dancing.
 
Gary Gore Memorial Golf Tournament
Held annually each summer, this networking opportunity is a fun way to link business with pleasure. Members are encouraged to sponsor and participate in a growing and fun-filled event that typically draws more than 100 entries each year representing a wide-range of businesses. The tournament memorializes former Chamber President and CEO Gary Gore. Contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development if you are interested in sponsoring the next event tournament.

Promotional Opportunities

Gift Certificate Program
Over 140 members currently participate in the Chamber’s gift certificate program, which encourages local money to stay local to benefit Chamber members who participate. More than $150,000 in gift certificates are issued each year. As a member, you can enroll in this program at no charge, but there is a 3% administrative fee deducted at the time of redemption to cover the expenses of the program.
 
Membership List/Mailing Labels
Want to do a direct mailing of your own? We can help. Members can bring in a box of mailing labels, and the Chamber staff will print off contact information for all the other Chamber members on those labels at no charge.

Making Business Easier

Spray-Holt Family Board Room
This state-of-the-art meeting space can accommodate up to 50 people. Amenities include a 54” flat screen television for digital projection of PowerPoint presentations, picture slide shows, or other online materials; a buffet style serving area; private telephone for conference calls; ample parking space in a free lot; nearby kitchenette; and climate control. To see additional photos or rental information, click here. To see more meeting spaces available for rent in Great Bend, visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau website by click here.
 
Informational Resources
The Chamber has dozens of informational resources for businesses to take advantage of, including city maps, sales tax information, church directories, rental contacts listings, etc. Member businesses also have the opportunity to distribute informational brochures from the Chamber office.
 
Plan Room Connections
The Chamber gathers and provides access to architectural plans for Plan Room members for an annual fee of $50. Members may review plans at the Chamber office or check them out for 24-hour review offsite. The Plan Room is a money-saver for those who would otherwise secure their own set of plans, and it's also a convenient time-saving tool for businesses looking to submit bids. Available plans are listed on our web site, or members can call for an update of available plans. Members are encouraged to request plans from the Chamber by providing the name of the architect and their telephone number, as well as the project number. Every attempt will be made by the Chamber, then, to secure those plans. Click here to view available plans.
 
Kansas Drug Card
Kansas Drug Card is the free statewide prescription assistance program available to all Kansas residents. The program was launched to help uninsured and underinsured Kansas residents with their prescription medication costs. This is an excellent resource for anyone who may not currently have prescription health care benefits or someone who has insurance but the drug they need is not covered/formulary. The Kansas Drug Card allows people to still get the medicine they need but at a reduced cost. This is a great FREE resource for all Chamber members employees that don’t have prescription coverage, part time employees, friends and family
 
Central Kansas Jobs Program
The Chamber maintains a free jobs site known as www.CentralKansasJobs.com where employers can post available positions at no charge by creating an employer account. Job seekers can then apply directly through the website and post their resume to be found by other employers. For more information, email jobs@greatbend.org

Advocacy for Business

Governmental Relations
Government action related to such issues as taxation, education, transportation, regulation, and public safety can significantly affect the health of your business. Each year the Chamber develops a legislative agenda that supports the business community. The Chamber develops and recommends policy, tracks information on legislative issues, and builds relationships with key public officials.

Our Programs

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development provides its members with a diverse list of ways to get involved, both personally and professionally. Depending on your interests and talents, we have a program just for you!
 

Events

Annual Meeting & Banquet
This banquet celebration is held annually each winter, allowing business and community leaders an opportunity to gather, socialize and celebrate positive community efforts that have taken place throughout the previous year. More than 500 people typically attend the Banquet and Annual Meeting where they enjoy dinner, dancing and the celebration of community friends and cohorts who receive awards.
 
Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo
The Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo, held annually during the second week of April, is one of the largest and most well-organized expositions of its kind in the Midwest. Hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of spectators flock to Great Bend each year for the three-day show. For show dates or more information about how you can get involved as an exhibitor or volunteer, visit www.greatbendfarmandranchexpo.net.
 
Gary Gore Memorial Golf Tournament
Held annually each summer, this networking opportunity is a fun way to link business with pleasure. Members are encouraged to sponsor and participate in a growing and fun-filled event that typically draws more than 100 entries each year representing a wide-range of businesses. The tournament memorializes former Chamber President and CEO Gary Gore. Contact us if you are interested in playing in the tournament or becoming an event sponsor.
 
Kids Ag Day
The Chamber’s Agri-Business committee works diligently to provide educational opportunities to all fourth grade students in Barton County through an annual event known as Kids Ag Day, held each September. The Agri-Business committee also serves as a resource to research and promote new markets for agricultural products. To get involved with the growing Kids Ag Day by serving on the Agri-Business committee, contact the committee chair David LeRoy at wceandd@hotmail.com.

Roundtables

Human Resources Roundtable
Four times each year, Human Resources professionals representing a wide range of industries in the Great Bend area gather to hear from a speaker on topics related to workforce issues and opportunities. The quarterly luncheon format gives business representatives the flexibility to come and go as they please with no additional membership dues to be involved. To participate, email your contact information to a member of the Chamber staff.
 
Technology Roundtable
This quarterly forum is centered around the benefits and challenges businesses face as a result of changes in technology. The open discussions are held over a casual luncheon four times each year, and are open to anyone interested in keeping up with trends and developments in the technology field. To participate, email your contact information to a member of the Chamber staff.
 
Manufacturer’s Roundtable
All manufacturing companies are encouraged to participate in this roundtable discussion that addresses specific needs related to manufacturing. This roundtable meets on an as-needed basis whenever a hot topic or new opportunity becomes available to the businesses in our area. To participate, email your contact information to a member of the Chamber staff.

Awards & Recognition

Citizen of the Year Award
Annually, the Chamber recognizes outstanding service by an individual who contributes to the quality of life in Great Bend. The award winner is also someone who gives of his or her time, talent and energy to help the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce excel. Additionally, the award recognizes people who provide outstanding service to the community, or it recognizes people who have excelled in their chosen professions and serve as role models in the community.
 
Business of the Year Award
Business of the Year is an annual award presented by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce to showcase companies that demonstrate excellence in customer service, growth, and response in positive ways to adversity. Businesses must also show community involvement and demonstrate innovative business practices by improving products, services and programs.
 
NextGen Leader of the Year Award
The NextGen Leader of the Year award is presented annually to an individual creating a meaningful impact as a rising leader. Nominees are leaders in their work environment, as well as in the community. Nominations are accepted from the general public through the Chamber website until December 31st each year. To nominate someone you know, contact the Chamber staff at marketing@greatbend.org

Other Programs

Barton County Young Professionals
The Barton County Young Professionals Group is targeted for individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who live and/or work in the Barton County Area. The program has three main goals: 1) fostering business and social networking, 2) providing opportunities to give back to the community, and 3) developing young leaders in today’s workforce. Members enjoy a variety of monthly events, which rotate between sponsored mixers, leadership development luncheons, and social events. In addition to numerous networking opportunities, members also enjoy exclusive perks, including half-price rental of Chamber meeting rooms, professional leadership training, discounts and freebies from local businesses, and more! Click here for more information.
 
Central Kansas Jobs
Our staff maintains a free website called Central Kansas Jobs, designed to connect employers with open positions to the qualified workforce in the Great Bend area. The web site allows businesses to post available jobs at no charge, which are then emailed automatically to the pool of jobseekers interested in receiving those updates. Potential employees can then email their resume directly to the employer through the web site. To post an available job or see what positions are currently posted, visit www.centralkansasjobs.com.
 
Beautification Committee
Great Bend never looked so good. Utilizing private donations, the Beautification committee coordinates projects that improve the look and feel of our community. Planting flowers in public spaces, weeding gardens, organizing the grooming of Great Bend’s distinctive Broadway islands, and more. Projects vary from year to year. The committee also gives out the Beautification Award to businesses and organizations who make significant strides to improve the look of their storefront location. To get involved with this committee, contact a member of the Chamber staff.
 
Leadership Golden Belt
An outstanding leadership development program created in 1985 in Great Bend for the purpose of seeking out, motivating and preparing business men and women to accept future leadership roles in the community. The program now branches out to Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford Counties under the auspices of the Golden Belt Community Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations in central Kansas. Leadership Golden Belt follows guidelines from Kansas Health Foundation, an organization that promotes leadership in communities around the state. Visit www.goldenbeltcf.org for more information.
 
Great Bend High School Alumni Association
As a recruitment tool, the Chamber partners with Great Bend High School to encourage former students to "come home" to raise their families and make a difference in our business community with their professional expertise and skill-sets. For more information about how to get involved with this committee, contact Dan Brungardt at daniel@usd428.net.