Advocacy in Action | Wichita Chamber Connects Business and City Leaders

In a proactive effort to bridge the gap between small businesses and local government, the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce recently brought together hospitality and manufacturing business leaders for two discussions with Wichita City Councilmember Dalton Glasscock.

Councilmember Glasscock participated in both sessions, engaging directly with Chamber members to explore strategies for building stronger relationships and improving the business environment in Wichita.

"Creating direct lines of communication between our members and local leadership is a key part of the Chamber’s mission," said John Rolfe, President and CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. "By facilitating these conversations, we help ensure that our local businesses not only feel heard, but also play an active role in shaping policy that impacts their industries."

These roundtables reflect the Chamber’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.

“The Chamber has been very helpful in organizing these discussions,” Glasscock said. “They’re engaging. They’re important. I hope we continue to have these.”

The hospitality roundtable focused on the need to streamline city permitting and application processes and improve communication between the city and businesses - particularly around construction projects and road closures that can impact customer access and operations. Members emphasized how clear, timely communication can help limit disruptions and support the long-term success of hospitality businesses.

The manufacturing roundtable centered on topics including economic and tax incentive programs, as well as workforce development. Participants highlighted the importance of attracting skilled talent from outside the region and enhancing Wichita’s ability to compete with other cities for high-quality manufacturing jobs and investment.

The sector-specific format allowed for deeper, more relevant discussions, helping both city leadership and Chamber members identify collaborative solutions that can drive Wichita’s growth and resilience.