Wichita Chamber takes Advocacy to Washington, D.C.

When Kansas businesses speak together, our voice carries further.

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce joined the Kansas Chamber and business leaders from across the state in Washington, D.C. for the annual Kansas Congressional Fly-In. The three-day trip brought Kansas businesses directly to federal policymakers, national organizations and policy experts to discuss issues affecting employers, workers and our economy.

A United Voice on Capitol Hill

“This is advocacy that works, making sure our elected officials understand what businesses are experiencing here at home,” said Brecken Morel, Interim President & CEO of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. “When businesses from across Kansas come together with a unified voice, we strengthen our ability to advocate for an environment where companies can succeed. That work benefits businesses of every size, from our largest employers to the small businesses."

The conversations on Capitol Hill are also part of something larger. Strong advocacy depends on relationships developed over time. Meeting directly with elected officials creates opportunities for continued dialogue long after the Fly-In ends.

Relationships Across Kansas

Those relationships are not limited to Washington.

The Fly-In brings together business leaders representing different industries, communities and regions of Kansas. Throughout congressional meetings and policy sessions, participants had opportunities to strengthen connections with one another while gaining a broader perspective on the challenges facing businesses across the state.

That statewide connection makes our advocacy stronger. A workforce challenge in Wichita may look different from one in western Kansas, just as infrastructure, regulation or economic conditions can affect industries differently. Bringing those perspectives together helps Kansas businesses better understand where their priorities align and gives policymakers a clearer picture of what employers are experiencing across the state.

Bringing Kansas Business Issues to Washington

Beyond Capitol Hill, attendees heard from national organizations and policy experts on issues with direct implications for Kansas businesses. Sessions covered workforce, immigration and labor policy; cybersecurity and national security; investment, regulation and the economic outlook; and the growing impact of data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure and the digital economy.

These discussions provide context for the Chamber’s year-round advocacy work and help connect federal policy conversations with the realities facing businesses in South Central Kansas.

The Kansas Congressional Fly-In is ultimately about more than three days in Washington. It is about showing up, strengthening relationships and making sure the business community has a seat at the table.