Editor's note: Friday's brief story included only a photo and statement issued by Sen. Moran. The below release had been submitted in the meantime.
From the Chamber
It’s a long way from Great Bend to Washington, D.C., and sometimes it's easy for the needs of central Kansas to get lost in between. A delegation of local leaders was in the Capital for the annual Western Kansas Congressional Delegation visit on April 20 and 21 to change that.
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield, Great Bend City Council member Shelly Peacock and Great Bend Economic Development Inc. Executive Director Jason Kuilian gathered with community officials from across western Kansas to highlight the needs of their respective municipalities. The local team joined peers from Dodge City, Garden City, Hays and Liberal to visit with Kansas senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, and First District Rep. Tracey Mann.
“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase the many great things we have going on in Great Bend,” Barfield said. “We have a lot of amazing projects in the works and on the horizon and our elected leaders in Washington need to know about them.”
In addition to meeting the lawmakers in their offices, the attendees met at the U.S. Capitol Visitors’ Center and heard presentations on the impact of artificial intelligence, the need for cybersecurity and resources for small- and mid-sized businesses. Also discussed were the progress on the federal budget, federal assistance programs and alternative energy.
It’s not just about tooting Great Bend’s horn, it’s also about making sure the city has “top-of-the-mind awareness at the national” level, she said. “We always want to raise our profile and be at the forefront when it comes to discussions about grants and other federal dollars that may be available to bolster our efforts.”
“I recently had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. with the Western Kansas delegation, representing the City of Great Bend, and I’m very grateful the city gave me that opportunity,” said Peacock, who represents the city’s First Ward on the Council. It marked her first time in D.C., and she said it was a really worthwhile experience.
“I was glad to be joined by Megan Barfield from the Great Bend Chamber and Jason Kuilan from Economic Development,” she said. “They’re great to work with, and it was a pleasure representing our community together.”
The team met with Moran and Mann, “and both took the time to really listen to what’s going on in Great Bend,” Peacock said. “We shared updates on some exciting projects like the new dragstrip, swimming pool, Innovation Center and the (Great Bend Recreation Commission’s) golf course renovation.”
And, she said, they had eyes on the future. “We also talked about some of our bigger needs, including funding for a new wastewater treatment plant, along with infrastructure and housing.”
In addition, they participated in a group meeting with Sen. Roger Marshall. It was a more limited in time but “was still a good opportunity to be part of the broader conversation.”
“Overall, it was a great experience and an important chance to tell Great Bend’s story and advocate for our community," Peacock said.
“I was delighted to take part in this event with Megan and Shelly,” Kuilian said. “We make a great team and we made a great case for our community.
“Since I’ve arrived in Great Bend, I’ve been amazed by the energy and the positive vibes I’ve seen here,” he said. “That made selling this to our leaders in Washington an easy sell.”
“I appreciated meeting with Great Bend Chamber President Megan Barfield, Great Bend City Commissioner Shelly Peacock and Great Bend Economic Development Executive Director Jason Kulian to learn more about the recent growth in Great Bend, the progress on their projects at the Innovation Center and receive an update on the health of their businesses and downtown,” Moran said. “I look forward to many good things coming in Barton County.”
About the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading visionary advocate and voice for the local business community, dedicated to enhancing the economic climate of the Great Bend area. Through a strategic focus on business advocacy, community marketing, and future-forward investment, the Chamber fosters an environment where existing members can reach their goals while new enterprises are welcomed and empowered to grow. By delivering high-value services and cultivating vital partnerships, the Great Bend Chamber remains committed to providing its members with the best possible impact for their investment and ensuring a thriving, connected marketplace for all. Visit greatbend.org.