Jan Peters
By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jan Peters gave her final monthly report to the Great Bend City Council Monday night at City Hall. Peters wished the governing body the best of the luck in the future and expressed her thanks for being able to work at the Chamber for the past 14 years.
"What joy it was to work with so many new businesses that chose to make Great Bend home," said Peters. "It was a joy to watch so many home-grown businesses expand and many young, gutsy entrepreneurs that continue to thrive in this community."
In September, the City Council voted to create a standalone non-profit organization whose purpose would be to conduct economic development activities. In doing so, the City of Great Bend will terminate the agreement for such services from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at the end of the month.
The change resulted in Peters stepping down, and Megan Barfield becoming the president of the Chamber of Commerce.
"It was my honor to serve on numerous state boards representing the community of Great Bend," said Peters. "Also for causes and issues that I think are important for a town and a state to prosper."
The new form of economic development will be guided by a five-person board consisting of Barry Bowers, Jolene Biggs, Mark Calcara, Mark Chalfant, and Dennis Neeland. The board will look to hire an Economic Development Director soon.
"Over these years, I have learned from some the very best, worked with some of the brightest, and collaborated with some of the boldest," said Peters. "The common denominator for each project that I had the privilege to work on was always the incredible, forward thinking and positive people."
Peters plans to meet with Chamber Board Chair A.J. Chrest and member Calcara on Dec. 17 to discuss a transition plan for the new economic development. Peters will share key contacts, programs currently in play, and relationships that have been established.
Peters accepted a position as Regional Director for Client Services for Kansas Manufacturing Solutions that begins Jan. 6, 2020.
"For all of these opportunities and allowing me to serve in this capacity, I will always be grateful and most appreciative," said Peters. "I wish you all the very best of luck."