Wichita Chamber Advocates for Business Community at D.C. Fly-In

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.

The Fly-In featured a series of congressional briefings with each member of the federal delegation, interactive Q&A sessions and in-depth discussions on key issues impacting Kansas businesses, including international trade, federal tax policies, labor and workforce, artificial intelligence and the Supreme Court. A panel also discussed the upcoming presidential and congressional elections and how they impact the Kansas economy.

Attendees had the opportunity to voice their concerns, share insights and contribute to discussions on how federal policies shape the Kansas business landscape.

“We were thrilled to see such strong participation from our members, who were eager to engage directly with our federal delegation,” said John Rolfe, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This event is an invaluable opportunity for our members to advocate for the issues that matter most to their businesses and to ensure the voice of Kansas business is heard in Washington.”

Throughout the Fly-In, participants met with key members of the Kansas congressional delegation, including Senators and Representatives, as well as leaders from national organizations and industry groups. These meetings allowed Kansas business leaders to directly address policy concerns and collaborate on potential solutions that will create a more favorable business environment.

“The Kansas Congressional Fly-In is a testament to the power of advocacy,” said Toni Porter, Vice President of Government Relations for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By connecting our members with policymakers, we’re not just discussing policy—we’re actively shaping it to benefit Kansas businesses. The insights gained and relationships built during this event are essential for our ongoing efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity in Kansas.”

Topics covered during the Fly-In included:

• International Trade: Discussions focused on the impact of trade agreements and tariffs on Kansas exports and strategies for businesses to compete in the global market.
• Federal Tax Policies: Attendees examined the effects of current and proposed tax laws on businesses, advocating for reforms that promote investment and economic growth in Kansas.
• Labor and Workforce: Participants addressed workforce shortages and discussed policies to enhance skills training and improve labor market conditions.
• Artificial Intelligence: The group explored how AI can drive innovation and productivity, while also considering the regulatory and ethical implications for businesses.
• Supreme Court Decisions: Discussions centered on recent and upcoming Supreme Court rulings that could affect business regulations and operations.

The Kansas Congressional Fly-In showcased the Wichita Chamber’s commitment to representing the interests of area businesses at the federal level.