Blog

Riverfront Legacy Master Plan to create comprehensive vision and plan and connect projects for both banks of Arkansas River In response to recent recommendations from Project Wichita and the Century II Citizens Advisory Committee, community ...

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce is diligently working to advocate for a business-friendly environment with our local, state and federal elected officials. Particularly with the 2019 Kansas Legislative Session in full-swing, the Chamber’s Government Relations (GR) team has been busy these past few months promoting our legislative agenda on issues like workforce, taxation and economic development.

We're pleased to share that a three-day membership event has brought 270 new members to your Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce! Chamber Chairman Michael Monteferrante of Envision and Chamber Vice Chair of Membership Greg Klenda of Klenda ...

A first quarter report of activities and initiatives from your 2019 Chairman of the Board, Michael Monteferrante.

Many people would say that Wichita is nothing if not a "foodie city" with seemingly endless dining options. One relatively new option is Lola's Bistro, tucked inside The Collective retail development at 21st and K-96. The restaurant, which was included in Dining with Denise Neil's recent "List of 10 Hidden Wichita Restaurants That are Worth Searching Out," serves what owner Michael Abay describes as New American cuisine. The menu includes items like crispy lumpia, seared duck breast, and banana leaf halibut, and our visit left our mouths watering for more.

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to introduce you to the team of lifestyle and fitness coaches at Profile by Sanford, one of whom is Certified Coach Betsy Schmidt (right). Her team creates custom plans to help their clients make true lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off. The proof is in the success of their 100,000+ members and in their recent ranking of #164 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list. Learn more about how Profile by Sanford can help take the guesswork out of a healthy lifestyle change in this Member Minute.

Twenty-five area businesses applied for the Chamber’s 15th annual Small Business Awards program after being nominated this year. Applicants were invited to showcase their products and services at a Metro Mingle event on March 5, where finalists in each of the three categories were also announced.

What started out as a solopeneur venture in Angela Hull's basement has steadily grown over the last few years, now employing six people in two locations (and plans for more to come). In addition to becoming a go-to source for custom embroidery and screen printing, Wicked Stitch has also quickly evolved into a carrier of fabulous gifts and unique Wichita flag items. Learn more about this locally grown small business in this Member Minute profile.

Ideas flow and problems are solved when multipliers (rather than diminishers) lead meetings, companies and organizations. But what’s the difference between those two leadership styles? Through a partnership with the Kansas Health Foundation, 550 attendees heard from Multipliers Practitioner and Leadership Coach Elise Foster at yesterday's Chairman's Lunch event. Click the link below to see a recap and photos from the event, plus a challenge from Chamber Chairman Michael Monteferrante.

Wichita is where our heart is, so our Valentine gift to the community is an audio tour of local flag-themed art in downtown Wichita. We've developed an audio tour of 28 Wichita flag-themed murals near Douglas using the free izi.TRAVEL app. And through some unique partnerships with Friends University and the Wichita Hispanic Chamber it's now available in English, Vietnamese and Spanish!

2018 was a big year for Hutton, as the Wichita-grown company underwent a name change to more accurately reflect their service offerings and expanded their footprint by acquiring a Salina-based construction firm. And 2019 looks like it will be equally as exciting as they are on track to complete $2 billion in projects since their inception in 1992. Some of their notable projects include Doc's Hangar, the Koch Industries Campus Expansion, multiple school bond projects, and renovations of Union Station, Spaghetti Works, and Naftzger Park. But what truly makes a company like Hutton impressive is how they operate with an employee-first mindset. CEO Ben Hutton shares his thoughts about this intentional method of leadership in this Member Minute. 

Most of us know a bad boss when we see one, but surprisingly few of us have ever worked with or truly experienced a great boss. The book Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter asserts that there are two types of leaders: those who ...

Following a tradition started in 1963, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its annual Honors Night event on Thursday, April 25. Honors Night recognizes an outstanding individual, an exceptional young professional, exemplary corporate citizens, exceptional commitment to the community, and a striking architectural achievement.

Board & Brush is one of Wichita's newest entertainment options that is already growing in popularity. Whether you're looking for a new option for Girls Night Out, a birthday party, Valentine's Day plans, or just time with friends, their team promises to deliver a rewarding DIY experience that results in a decorative piece you'll be proud to display in your home. Co-owners Tami McCue and Ginger Wilson are long-time friends and business partners, who also operate a mobile healthcare practice and a cupcake truck. Learn more about this female entrepreneurial duo and their latest, and most creative, venture.

We are pleased to announce that Chelsea Dyer has joined the Chamber team as Manager of Engagement, effective Jan. 28. Please help us welcome Chelsea to the team!

Sheryl Wohlford, president and co-owner of Automation-Plus, Inc., has been announced as the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Uncommon Citizen.Janelle King, owner of The Workroom, is the Chamber’s 2019 Exceptional Young Leader. They will be recognized at the 56^th annual Honors Night celebration on Thursday, April 25.

Each year, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) releases a ranking of Chamber Membership Professionals in terms of sales, number of new members and retention of current members. We’re incredibly proud to share that Kresta Dundas, Director of Membership for your Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, was ranked #7 in the nation in 2018 (moving up from #11 in 2017).

For anyone who has recently (or even not-so-recently) added a four-legged member to their family, you don't want to miss this next Member Minute profile. As the only board-certified dog behavior consultant in the state, Kathrine Christ's (Owner of Hands Full Dog Training) passion and compassion for her clients is ever apparent. If your family is struggling with your pet dog's behavior or just need advice on how to introduce your pet to a new child, Kathrine and her team are here to help. 

Andrew Wiens will join the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Government Relations on January 2. Tram Ngo has been promoted to Director of the department.

As part of our Annual Meeting on Nov. 29, our 2019 Board of Directors was officially announced. Michael Monteferrante, President, CEO and Director of Envision, Inc., will serve as the 2019 Board Chairman. Junetta Everett, Vice President of ...

A Member Minute profile with Matt Brokaw, Vice President Wichita Thunder 505 W. Maple | Wichita, KS 67213 | 316-337-9199 wichitathunder.com Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube The Wichita Thunder is an ‘AA’ affiliate of ...

Michael Monteferrante and Sal Giunta We’re only a few weeks away from the Chamber’s November 29 Annual Meeting featuring Medal of Honor Recipient, former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta. Michael Monteferrante is the incoming ...

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore “Sal” Giunta was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2010. U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore "Sal" Giunta was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2010.On Thursday, November 29, the ...

By Jonathan Long Director of Community Advancement Earlier this month, 59 Wichita leaders and influencers ventured to Boise, Idaho to find out what has made the City of the Trees the country’s new “IT” place to live, work and play. ...

More than 220 businesses and organizations shared their products and services with 1,759 attendees at the Chamber’s annual trade show, Exposure, that was held on Sept. 27 at Century II. The numbers were up for both attendees (1,759) and ...

In 2017, Diversity and Inclusion became one of the Chamber’s Strategic Priorities. Since then, the organization’s volunteer and staff leadership has led the way in championing the competitive advantage of having a diverse and inclusive ...

If you’re looking for more reasons to attend Exposure on Thursday, Sept. 27, then look no further. In addition to making connections to grow your network, trade show attendees can enter to win the incredible prizes listed below. And ...

By Tram NgoEver wanted to dunk the Mayor, Police Chief or a City Council Member or two? Well we've lined up your opportunity at Open Streets ICT on Sunday, Sept. 23."What is Open Streets ICT?" you might be asking. Open Streets ICT is a FREE (we all ...

Stacy Ward Lattin (owner of Hopping Gnome Brewing) and Natasha Gandhi (owner of The Kitchen) are teaming up to offer a Bite & Sip experience at Exposure. Three weeks from today, Century II’s Expo Hall will become the place to be in the ...

Register for three free sessions today! People in Wichita are looking for your company's products and services. Participating in our Exposure trade show event is one way to boost your brand awareness. But your potential customers are also looking ...