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Advocacy

Advocacy is a primary function of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas. We focus on intitiatives that support local businesses, employees, and families in our city, county, region, and state, while positively impacting quality of life. Learn more about our efforts and get involved by sharing your talents today!

Local

  • R9 Property Water Project for the City of Hays
    • Provided testimony during local hearing
    • Submitted letters of support throughout various phases of the approval process
  • Hays Regional Airport
    • Connected business community to a needs assessment and survey for local flyers
    • Drafted numerous letters of support to Department of Transportation and federal legislators to support Essential Air Service for area residents
    • Actively encourage business community to utilize Skywest Service in Hays
  • Healthcare
    • Writing letters of support for HaysMed, First Care Clinic, and other healthcare providers for grant funds
    • Partnering with SecondWindIV to offer primary direct care to businesses with waived enrollment fees
  • Imagine Ellis County
    • ​The mission of this committee is to empower the voices of our community by bringing together grous of Ellis County citizens to work collaboratively on a strategic vision for our communty and the surrounding region.
    • Ongoing projects include: disc golf, stage project, trails, paintball park, and transportation
  • USD 489 Bond Opportunity
    • Served as a member of the steering and marketing committee for the USD 489 School Bond to attract workforce with children to locate to Ellis Count
    • Wrote letter to the editor for supporting the bond​
  • Attending city and county meetings
    • Supporting pro-business policies and zoning
    • Connecting businesses to municipalities seeking bids through plans room
  • Election Forums
    • ​During each election cycle for local government for city, county, and school board contested races, The Chamber partners with several organizations from Fort Hays State University to provide residents the opportunity to learn about the candidates and where they stand on impactful issues.
    • This event is free to attend for members and the public at-large.

State

Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas

  • President/CEO Sarah Wasinger currently serves on the board of directors as treasurer.
  • Partnering chamber of commerce for Chamber Solutions, a statewide healthcare plan that makes access to health insurance more affordable for businesses of all sizes through Aetna.

Legislative Coffees

  • The Chamber hosts Legislative Coffees two to three times a year, depending on the legislative session.
  • Generally hosted on a Saturuday morning at Hays Public Library from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Kansas senators and representatives from local districts attend and provide updates on the committees they serve and pending legislation.
  • Questions may be submitted by guests before or during the event.
  • These events are sponsored by Midwest Energy and The Hays Daily News. To help sponsor this event, please contact chamber staff.

Federal

  • The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives