Blog

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its new Military Affairs Council, a strategic initiative designed to enhance collaboration between the region’s business community and McConnell Air Force Base.

These discussions reflect the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce's ongoing commitment to advocacy and small business, providing members with direct access to local leadership and a forum to discuss the issues that matter most to their industries and businesses. 

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating a strong business environment by advocating for pro-business policies at all levels of government. The annual Topeka Legislative Reception this week was a prime example of this commitment, offering an invaluable opportunity for business leaders to connect directly with Kansas lawmakers.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Chair’s Lunch was more than just an annual gathering of the region’s top business, civic and community leaders. It was a call to action for the business community to prioritize one of Wichita's most pressing challenges - talent retention.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations who will be recognized at the 62nd annual Honors Night on April 17. Honors Night serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of those who have significantly impacted Wichita and beyond.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce concluded the final day of its City-to-City Leadership Visit to Phoenix. This year’s trip emphasized collaboration across sectors to strengthen regional economies and workforce ecosystems, with sessions featuring leading experts in advanced manufacturing, workforce development and cultural engagement.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s City-to-City leadership visit to Phoenix continued with a focus on Phoenix's rapidly growing bioscience sector, the innovation ecosystem surrounding it and strategic arts investments. The day’s sessions highlighted how collaboration and long-term vision have fueled Phoenix’s transformation into a hub for biosciences, offering valuable insights for Wichita’s leaders.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual City-to-City leadership visit in Phoenix today, diving into discussions that will shape the future of Wichita. A group of more than 60 business and organization leaders gathered for a series of sessions focused on economic development, affordable housing, homelessness solutions and transit systems – issues central to growth in Wichita.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce has created a new sales division, dedicated to supporting membership growth, retention and business investments. This initiative is designed to strengthen the Chamber’s commitment to promoting business development across the region.

 The Wichita Regional Chamber Political Action Committee announces its endorsements for the 2024 General Election. 

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Kansas Chamber, hosted the Kansas Congressional Fly-In to Washington D.C. this week, bringing together members of both Chambers to engage with the Kansas congressional delegation and national organizations.

Seven candidates endorsed by the Wichita Regional Chamber Political Action Committee won their primaries on August 7 and will move on the the general election in November. 

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 2024 class of its Leadership Wichita program, featuring thirty-three dynamic leaders ready to make a significant impact in their community.

Dan’s Heating and Cooling, The Workroom and Thomas Grey Interiors were named the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Small Businesses of the Year. The three winners were among nine finalists for this year’s Small Business Awards, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary.

 The Wichita Regional Chamber Political Action Committee announces its endorsements for 2024 Primary Election. 

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 20th anniversary of its Small Business Awards. 

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Riverfest in several fun ways this year to help amplify nine days of activities, contests, shows, food and cultural experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. This partnership plays a big role in the Chamber's Quality of Life strategic initiatives and our efforts to celebrate community pride.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations who will be recognized at the 61^st Annual Honors Night on April 18. Honors Night serves as a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of those who have significantly impacted Wichita and beyond.

As 2024 Board Chair of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jason Cox will play a pivotal role in guiding Chamber initiatives and the organization’s new three-year strategic plan. His dedication to innovation and community engagement aligns seamlessly with the Chamber's mission to create a dynamic business environment that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Wichita now has a direct, daily flight from Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Washington D.C. (DAC) thanks to the collective effort of businesses, organizations and government officials.

What happens when your business finances are in disorder, the IRS is coming after you and a negative article just came out in the press? Many would fold in that situation, but Mary Kate Denton regrouped with her team and shares with Don and Ebony how that forged a culture of thriving at Mary Kate and Company.

Each year, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce develops a state legislative agenda of initiatives important to the business community in South Central Kansas. This agenda is developed by the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee with input from Chamber membership. It is then approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Justin Eklund's primary goal with Grove9 is helping businesses and organizations focus on their mission and the good they provide the community. He shares with Don and Ebony his journey through ministry and how it eventually led him to take a new approach in a profit driven world.

Passenger rail service through Wichita, a project championed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s South Central Kansas Transportation Coalition, took a major step forward today after being awarded a $500,000 grant by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Josh Oeding and Mary Beth Jarvis aspire to grow the Wichita business scene through NXTUS by capturing the rapid change created by new startups. They share how all of us can be involved in supporting startup growth with Don and Ebony.

Half of the guests on the podcast have mentioned her and now we get to hear directly from the legend, Christina Long. Don and Ebony explore with her how CML Collective and the Create Campaign have lifted other minority-owned businesses in the community.

A desire to be an entrepreneur took this air traffic controller into the world of bartending. Hear how Pat Pelkowski moved from side gig work to creating a thriving business with a unique position in the market.

Andrea Hattan had a vision for women to have their own place to collaborate and encourage one another on their entrepreneurial journeys. She talks with Don and Ebony how The Hive has created that space for the Wichita community.

When Brandon Gaide helped to start the strategy and innovation firm Sevenfold, he found an unlikely partnership with construction firm Hutton. Brandon shares with Don and Ebony how that partnership has allowed the creation of something new to help businesses make work more human.

Sometimes you just have to be willing to follow your passions and lean into what you don’t know. When Stacy Ward-Lattin and her husband, Torrey, started the Hopping Gnome taproom 8 years ago, they had no idea the adventure they were in for. Stacy joins hosts Don and Ebony to share the Hopping Gnome story, from home brewing to deciding to create something brand new in Wichita.