Dear Chamber Members,

In light of the unfortunate closure of ValueHealth/Benefit Management LLC and the resulting job losses, I wanted to share with you how the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and partners are responding and outline the steps we are taking to assist those affected.

Response and Ongoing Efforts:

Rapid Response Coordination: We are actively working in partnership with KansasWorks, Great Bend Economic Development, and Barton Community College to organize a Rapid Response event. This will provide immediate support and resources to those who have been left unemployed.

In the meantime, if you know someone affected by this closure, please direct them to Maria Gamez at KansasWorks. She can provide access to a wide range of direct services, benefits, training opportunities, and income support.

- Maria Gamez
- Kansas WorkforceONE Employment Specialist, CWDP
- KANSASWORKS – Great Bend - 1025 Main St
- Phone: 620-793-5445 | Cell: 620-214-0377 | Fax: 620-793-3188 | TTY: 711
- Email: maria@kansasworkforceone.org

 

Community Support: Our team has been fielding numerous calls from concerned citizens, our members, customers of ValueHealth, and various agencies who wish to offer their help to those impacted.

Emergency Response Page: We are launching an Emergency Response page on our website, similar to what we created during the COVID-19 pandemic and the July 2023 storm. This page will serve as a resource hub for displaced employees and any businesses struggling with the ripple effects of this closure. Please watch our social media and emails for the release once completed.

Job Postings: We encourage our members to post their open positions on Central Kansas Jobs and KansasWorks. This will help connect those seeking employment with available opportunities in our community.

https://centralkansasjobs.com/
https://www.kansasworks.com/employer

Additional Resources:

Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas: We’ve also spoken with Rebecca Ford from Catholic Charities, who has assured us that they are ready to assist as well. If you know anyone in need, they should contact the Catholic Charities office at 620-792-1393 for potential support with rent, utilities, hygiene items, and referrals for unemployment and other essential services.

A Reminder to Our Members:

The Chamber Staff, Board, and Ambassadors are always here to support your business and employees, no matter the size of the need. Whether you're navigating challenges or celebrating successes, we want to help you through the highs and lows. If we aren't able to address the need directly, we will work to connect you with the appropriate resources and solutions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are committed to being there for you, every step of the way.

Please know that as things continue to develop, we will help communicate with our members and community-at-large. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is here to support our community during this challenging time.

Thank you for your time and please feel free to share this information with those in your circles of influence so that we can reach those who need it.


Yours in service,

Megan Barfield
President & CEO
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce