From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will no longer be managing Expo Buildings 1 and 2 at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The Chamber's Board of Directors determined that owning and maintaining the buildings no longer aligns with the Chamber's mission and is not financially feasible for the organization. Ownership and management of the buildings now lies within the City of Great Bend.
The Chamber constructed the buildings in the late 1970s and early 1980s to house the 3I Show, which brought positive revenue to further the Chamber's mission over the last 40 years. However, with no agriculture show and a focus on new initiatives within the strategic plan, the Chamber will be stepping back from the management of the buildings.
As a non-profit organization funded by its membership, the Chamber receives no public funding. The Chamber's Board of Directors have encouraged the City of Great Bend and other potential partners/lessees to continue making improvements to the entire complex enjoyed by the community at large.
"We are proud of the role Expo Buildings 1 and 2 have played in the community over the years," said Megan Barfield, President of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. "We are confident that the City of Great Bend and future partners will be able to continue providing the community with the opportunity to use these facilities for events and gatherings."
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will continue to support the community through its mission to promote economic growth and advocate for businesses in Great Bend and the surrounding areas.
For more information, please contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at (620) 792-2401 or visit www.greatbend.org.