Local Efforts
Most of the The Chamber in Hays, Kansas advocacy efforts happen right here in the heart of Ellis County! We are proud to support these causes and others and encourage members to connect with our team to see how our organization can champion on your behalf through letters of support or other means.
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
Fort Hays Strategic Affiliation Initiative
- Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech | Northwest were approved by the Higher Learning Commission in 2024 to form an affiliation, which created a strong strategic partnership for students, businesses, and communities in Western Kansas.
- The Chamber provided multiple letters of support for legislation leading to the approval of the affiliation.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
