By KEN CARPENTER
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is beginning its second century of serving the business community in Great Bend. The Chamber held a 100th-anniversary celebration yesterday evening under a tent on the sidewalk in the 1100 block of Main Street.
Megan Barfield, the Chamber's President and CEO, said the role of the organization is simple.
"It all comes back to advocacy," Barfield explained. "Our 100th celebration...we're bringing things to our businesses and we want to keep doing it for another 100 years wherever we can get the chance to tell all about the great things of Great Bend."
Barfield recently had the chance to promote the town. She attended the Kansas Chamber of Commerce annual gathering in Topeka where she had the opportunity to meet with the Governor, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and other state and local officials.
Not only did the Chamber celebrate its 100th birthday yesterday, but members participated in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two businesses located in downtown Great Bend. The candy store Sweet Dreams moved to a larger space at 1403 Main Street, and Dry Lake Brewing opened its doors at 1305 Main Street.
During the Chamber Connection program on KVGB yesterday, Barfield explained the importance of supporting businesses in the downtown area. "People know that with rural America and the small towns, the downtown is the heart of a community. And if you lose a downtown, you're losing the beat, the heartbeat."
Barfield says the Chamber supports the concept of converting the upper floors of downtown buildings into loft apartments. That idea is currently being considered by the Great Bend City Council.
Barfield encourages everyone to find out what the Chamber is doing by signing up for their weekly email at the Chamber's website or Facebook page.