We invite you to get involved and directly benefit from your Chamber membership. Participate in the decision making process to shape the future of your community by helping form the Chamber's goals and objectives. Everyone has a particular interest, or an area of expertise. What's yours?


Membership Investment
The effectiveness of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development is greatly dependent upon the involvement of its members. The benefits received from membership investment relate in direct proportion to the extent members become involved in the Chamber's programs, activities and committees. Members can directly shape our business community with their personal involvement in one or more programs offered by the Chamber and Economic Development. Chamber involvement by members assures their business needs are communicated and action is taken in those areas they deem most important. Click here to view the Chamber's member investment schedule.

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. This group is totally voluntary, and no outside time or financial commitment is required. Events are scheduled at least once a month to give group members the opportunity to network in a casual setting. For more information, click here.

New 2 Great Bend
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development has recently incorporated a program geared towards Great Bend's newcomers. That is, people who have moved to the area within the last 2 years. This program is designed to help network newcomers with long-time community residents, possible employers, and people with similar business interests. Also, the program helps inform Great Bend newcomers of how much the Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development is working for them. Click here to learn more about the New 2 Great Bend group, or for more information about this dynamic group and how your business can invest in its success, contact the Chamber's business manager today.

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.

Committees

Human Resources Roundtable
HR professionals meet quarterly and identify areas of interest related to workforce issues and opportunities. Company representatives benefit from networking with other businesses professionals to provide a broader scope of information and a current snapshot about HR-related topics that affect their businesses today and in the future.

Manufacturer's Roundtable
All manufacturing companies are encouraged to participate in this roundtable discussion that addresses specific needs related to manufacturing.

New 2 Great Bend Committee
Responsible for planning and organizing social events for Great Bend's new comers, the New 2 Great Bend committee is a dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about making Great Bend's new comers feel welcome in our community. Click here to find out more.

Big Bend Bike Rally Planning Committee
This committee is responsible for planning and executing the Chamber's annual motorcycle rally each September. The Big Bend Bike Rally was first held in 2008 and has grown substantially each year, drawing thousands of motorcyclists and spectators to the Great Bend Expo Complex. Find out more by visiting the rally web site, www.bigbendbikerally.com.

3i Show Committee
Held in Great Bend or Garden City in the spring each year, this event is the largest free exposition of its kind in the entire state and has attained nationwide recognition. This bi-annual event in Great Bend showcases the advancements in industry, irrigation, and implements. The Great Bend Chamber Partners with the Western Kansas Manufacturer's Association to bring this event to our community every other year. Find out more information at the official 3i Show Web site, www.3ishow.com.

Agri-Business Committee
Provide educational opportunities to inform students and business people of the major importance of agriculture's economic impact on the community and region. Organize Kid's Ag Day program for Barton County 4th graders, promote AgriTourism - "Day in the Country", and serve as a resource to research and promote new markets for agriculture products. Contact committee chairman David LeRoy at wceandd@hotmail.com.

Beautification Committee
Thanks to volunteers related to this organization, Great Bend never looked so good. Utilizing private donations, Beautification plants flowers in public spaces, weeds gardens and even organizes the grooming of Great Bend's distinctive Broadway Islands.