Government Relations Committee & Sub-Committees
The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce's primary government relations goal is to create a better business environment for your company or organization by promoting investment, innovation and job creation. This goal is executed with the oversight of the Chamber's Government Relations Committee, who monitors actions at the local, state and federal government that impact the business community across the region.
The GRC meets every two weeks when the Kansas legislature is in session to discuss relevant business issues and hear updates from our legislative consultant in Topeka. The GRC also meets regularly when the state legislature is not in session to develop the Chamber's State Legislative Agenda after receiving input from Chamber members. In addition to the GRC, the Chamber has several sub-committees that provide opportunities for your input and engagement on business advocacy issues.
Air Services
- Addresses issues related to maintaining and enhancing air service at the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and updates members on current trends and issues that affect the air services industry. This is a coordinated effort with involvement and leadership from the business community in partnership with the airport authority.
Environmental Resources
- This committee focuses on a wide range of regulatory and legislative issues related to air emission, water use, and waste management. The primary focus of the committee is on state-level issues under consideration in Topeka; however, the committee also addresses related federal and local issues when appropriate. This committee meets on an as-needed basis.
Federal Affairs
- This committee meets to discuss legislation and policy that exists at the federal level that impacts the Wichita region, develops the Chamber’s annual federal policy agenda, and meets regularly with staff from our Kansas congressional delegation.
Military Affairs
- This committee provides civilian support to McConnell AFB and engages in every component of the military and veterans spectrum, with special attention paid to the well-being of veterans as a substantial component of the regional workforce. This committee meets on an as-needed basis.
Small Business & Government
- Designed to improve the working relationships between local governments and local businesses, this committee discusses concerns relative to doing business with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County. Local governments send key staff people to listen, observe and take back information to other staff to impact the development process and reduce regulations that impact business development.
South Central Kansas Transportation Coalition
- The Wichita Chamber, in conjunction with the Regional Economic Area Partnership and the Greater Wichita Partnership, has convened key private sector business members of the Chamber and local governments in the region to form the South Central Kansas Transportation Coalition. The Coalition advocates for funding to address regionally significant transportation infrastructure needs (like the North Junction--where I-135, I-235, K-254 and K-96 meet in North Wichita). The SCK Coalition also discusses policies and strategic investments that are necessary to modernize and strengthen our regional infrastructure systems, leverage our location, enhance our multi-modal capabilities, and facilitate the movement of goods and people within the region and around the world. The Coalition operates on an annual membership dues basis for marketing, education and targeted advocacy efforts on transportation infrastructure topics.
The Chamber Government Relations Department has several additional ad hoc task forces focused on workforce and talent issues, energy rate competitiveness and education policy.
If you are interested in joining the GRC or one of its sub-committees, please contact Toni Porter, Vice President of Government Relations.
