Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Whether you're considering membership, looking for Chamber resources, or already a member, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
Want to go to a specific section?
Click one of these options!
About The Chamber
╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼
Chambers of commerce exist to provide support for businesses. Generally membership based organizations, they assist with promoting businesses, supporting valuable networking, and advocating for pro-business policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Catalyze recruitment, development, and retention of workforce by supporting efforts that enhance quality of life for area residents
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that support businesses, non-profits, and the community
- Grow the strength of The Chamber by increasing membership
These goals were adopted by The Chamber in Hays, Kansas board of directors in March 2026.
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is completely funded by membership dues and non-dues revenue. As such, the organization is at the service of its member investors only. Those who wish to receive member benefits are encouraged to schedule an appointment to learn more about membership benefits by contacting hayscc@hayschamber.com or by calling 785-628-8201.
The Chamber supports local businesses and organizations in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:
- Hosting events on a business' behalf to showcase products, services, and offerings
- Providing a wide array of marketing tools for members to utilize
- Inclusing in an online directory that is accessible 24/7
- Creating a stronger pipeline of workforce through the Hays Young Professionals and K-12 workforce programs
- Providing numerous opportunities for business professionals to connect with each other
- Enhancing access to leadership through programs like Leadership Hays, service on the board, Ambassadors, or Hays Young Professionals
- Facilitating efforts of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, Ellis County Workforce Committee, and Ellis County Wellness Committee to enhance quality of life for all area employers and employees; and
- Providing advocacy at the local, state, and federal level to support pro-business policies and seeking grants and government funding for city and county projects
Although the City of Hays and Ellis County are members of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, they do not provide outside agency funding for our organization. The Chamber is its own 501(c)6 organization and is not a part of the city or county government. The Chamber is proud to work with the city and county during the Western Kansas Congressional Delegation and also offers letters of support for a variety of local government projects throughout the year.
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is completely funded by membership dues and non-dues revenue. As such, the organization is at the service of its member investors only. Less than 50% of The Chamber's budget is allocated towards personnel costs, while the remainder of funds are invested in local programs and events benefitting area employers and their personnel and other operational expenses.
To email all staff, use hayscc@hayschamber.com. This email address will reach all full-time chamber personnel. You can also call 785-628-8201.
Our busienss hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.
Membership
╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼
Any business or organization is invited to particpate as a chamber member. To be a member in good standing, a membership application must be completed, and dues must be current. Invoices for dues are billed out annually in January unless alternative billing arrangements like bi-annual or quarterly invoicing are requested.
A variety of price points are available for businesses and organizations to choose from depending on the benefits they desire.
- Connector - $360
- Elevator - $725
- Collaborator - $1860
- Leader - $3720
- Executive - $6020
To see a full list of membership levels, including benefits, access the current membership guide here!
***Membership dues can be paid by check, cash, or card. There is a $25 one-time administrative fee to set up new member accounts, and dues are prorated to reflect the month when membership starts.
There are a variety of ways to join The Chamber:
- Complete the online application here - this is a great option for busy individuals or businesses who prefer to self-serve online
- Set up an appointment with a friendly chamber staff member to learn more about your business and which membership level may be best for your business. This is a great option for those who want a comprehensive overview of what is included in membership. Membership visits can last anywhere between half an hour to an hour depending on how many questions you have for chamber staff. Email hayscc@hayschamber.com to set up your appointment today! Once you have completed your membership visit, you can fill out a downloadable PDF application form here.
Once a business or organization fills out the membership application and pays their dues, membership benefits will begin once the payment is applied by staff. Generally, that process is the same day that payment is received.
Businesses and organizations outside of Hays and Ellis County are already happy customers of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas. Some of our current members have their primary location roots in communities like Plainville, Salina, Manhattan, Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, and even in different states! If your business bids on projects here in Hays, and Ellis County, chamber membership is likely a great fit for your business.
Membership for businesses and organizations is based on a tax identification number. Any staff who are employed by a member business are eligible to be listed as a representative on the membership account and receive communications from The Chamber in Hays, Kansas unless otherwise specified by the employer.
***There is no cap on how many representatives can be listed under an membership.
Membership with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas will automatically renew for your business on an annual basis in January each year. Chamber staff will meet with any chamber member upon request to review membership on annual basis and make any account adjustments as needed. If a business or organization wishes to discontinue their membership, staff kindly request that a notification be shared via hayscc@hayschamber.com in December each year before the renewal invoice is sent in January.
Benefits & Marketing
╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼
Membership benefits will vary based on the level of membership selected. Members may adjust which level of membership they prefer before each calendar year change. To schedule a membership visit to discuss your benefits or learn about other benefits available, email hayscc@hayschamber.com. Access benefits by level here!
Promoting your business or organization through membership can occur in a variety of ways, including:
- Hosting a Chamber Chat, Ribbon Cutting, Catching Up, Grand Opening, or Grand Re-Opening event
- Sponsoring a chamber event -- for a full list of sponsorship opportunities, access the current Sponsorship Guide
- Advertising in a feature or ad in the annual Community Guide
- Chamber monthly newsletter advertising
- Newsletter Inserts
- Newsletter Ads
- Business Connections
- New business welcome - for new members only
- Business Bulletins
- hayschamber.com website ads
- Chamber Cheques - customers redeem Chamber Cheques more frequently with businesses that advertise with this program.
- Social media - tag The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, and we will share your post as soon as our thread allows
To update your directory listing, access a step-by step tutorial here or contact a chamber staff member for assistance.
To submit a press release to be included on the hayschamber.com website, follow the step-by-step tutorial here.
To submit job openings for your company, follow this step-by-step tutorial here!
If you have any quesions or need assistance, be sure to contact hayscc@hayschamber.com or call 785-628-8201.
Event sponsorship is open to all chamber members. To access the Sponsorship Guide for a full list of events and possible sponsorships, click here.
***Some sponsorships come with first right of refusal. For a complete list of available sponsorships, please email hayscc@hayschamber.com or call 785-628-8201 and speak with the Event & Program Coordinator.
- Life is fast-paced, and we know your time is precious. Get the most of your membership by ensuring your directory listing is always up-to-date. Chamber staff will send out reminders throughout the year to ensure you remember to check your directory listing often. Your directory listing allows The Chamber to go to work for your business 24/7.
- Schedule a membership visit to review all of your benefits to ensure you aren't leaving anything on the table. Membership benefits that are unused in a calendar year are not transferable to the next year.
- Attend events as your schedule allows. Part of chamber membership is developing meaningful relationships with fellow chamber members.
- Get involved on a deeper level and consider serving on a chamber committee, the board, Ambassadors, or Hays Young Professional.
Events & Programs
╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼
Chamber events are open to the community. Depending on the event, there may be a fee to attend. Chamber members receive special member rates for all events, while non-chamber members may be charged a higher fee to attend.
Appreciation events are limited to the profession being served, such as local ag businesses, educators, and child care providers. However, chamber members who sponsor these events are eligible to attend them depending on the level of sponsorship.
To register for chamber events, utilize the Member Information Center. Click on this tutorial for step-by step instructions on how to register.
Non-chamber members may need assistance registering for events. If you are unable to register, please contact staff at hayscc@hayschamber.com or call 785-628-8201.
Members are welcome and encouraged to bring guests or fello staff to chamber events. We kindly request that you always RSVP guests for events that have meals or where tickets are required for purchase. Events such as Chamber Chats do not require registration.
- Chamber Chats - held most weeks on Friday mornings at 9 a.m.
- Ribbon Cuttings - recommended for Tuesdays through Friday (Friday only available at 9 a.m. due to shortened work day for chamber staff)
- Grand Openings are scheduled as required by members throughout the year
- Annual Chamber Awards Banquet held last Tuesday in January
- Ag Appreciation held annually last Tuesday in February
- Legislative Coffees held three times during legislative session (January - April)
- Golf Tournament held first Friday of May
- Child Care Provider Appreciation hosted in June
- Education Appreciation hosted in August
- Career fair events scheduled throughout the year
***For a full list of chamber events, visit hayschamber.com/events.
- Child Care Task Force of Ellis County - meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center unless otherwise specified
- Ellis County Wellness Committee - meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Welcome Center unless otherwise specified
- Ellis County Workforce Committee - meets the last Thursday of each month at the Welcome Center unless otherwise specified
- Government Relations Committee- meets in January, February, and March of each year, with the formal Western Kansas Congressional Delegation occuring in April
- Ambassadors - Ambassadors have a formal election process each year. Applications are recieved the month of August, and voting takes place in October, with newly elected Ambassadors being seated in November annually
- Board of Directors - Board directors have a formal election process each year. Applications are recieved the month of August, and voting takes place in October, with newly elected board directors being seated in January annually
- Hays Young Professionals Advisory Council - HYP AC has a formal election process each year. Applications are recieved the month of August, and voting takes place in October, with newly elected HYP AC members being seated in January annually
***To learn more about participating in any of the committees or serving as an Ambassador, board director, or HYP member, email hayscc@hayschamber.com or call 785-628-8201. Applications for Ambassadors, board directors, and HYP AC will be shared in the August newsletter annually. You can join the other committees at any point throughout the year.
How can I volunteer with the Chamber?
- Visit hayschamber.com/events for a full list of chamber events. Each month's events will be shared on the back calendar page in The Chamber's Newsletter, and weekly events will be promoted in the Monday News Blast.
- To subscribe to event email notifications, click here!
- To subscribe to event text notifications, click here!
- Interested in sponsoring The Chamber's event notifications for an average of 30 notifications each month to nearly 500 individuals? Contact The Chamber team to find out more information!
- Follow us on Facebook @The Chamber in Hays, Kansas
- Follow us on Insta @hayschamber
- Follow us on Linkedin @The Chamber in Hays, Kansas
Ribbon Cuttings & Resources
╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼╼
How do I schedule a ribbon cutting?
Who is eligible for a ribbon cutting?
What does the Chamber provide for ribbon cuttings?
How far in advance should I schedule my ribbon cutting?
Does the Chamber help promote ribbon cuttings?
Where can I find business resources and member tools?
Need More Assistance?
Didn't find what you were looking for? We're here to help. Connect with our team or use one of the resources below to take the next step.
