SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
The Small Business Council will meet regularly to discuss issues and opportunities that will benefit Chamber members and the community. The Small Business Council will work closely with the Topeka Independent Business Association. The Chamber will pay TIBA dues for any TIBA member who wants to join the Chamber. Chamber members with fewer than five employees can also request a Chamber-provided TIBA membership. Azura Credit Union is the Small Business Council sponsor. Contact: Glenda Washington
MEMBERSHIP
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS COMMITTEE
The Business After Hours Committee only meets once, early in the year, to set the groundwork for the upcoming Business After Hours schedule. From that point on, they combine the task of helping host one of the best-attended events for the Chamber along with the opportunity to see almost everyone who attends these events! They know that in return for their shift at Business After Hours, they’ll get a chance to network with lots of people in one busy place. The Business After Hours hosts appreciate the extra effort from the committee because they often don’t have the staff to cover all tasks required in hosting such a large gathering. They know that the committee will step in to cover any area. Attendance at Business After Hours averages around 150. Contact: Ashlee Spring
CHAMBER POWER BREAKFAST COMMITTEE
This committee is dedicated to creating a top-notch program for the Chamber membership on a quarterly basis. Their efforts consist of meeting quarterly to determine the agenda for the upcoming Chamber Power Breakfast meeting and to make sure that the host has all the help they need to have a large meeting of this size. Attendance is usually 130 or more for these early morning gatherings, and the committee is proud of the amount of information shared with our membership in a one-hour meeting. Contact: Ashlee Spring
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION COMMITTEE
Legislative action is one of the highest priorities for members of the Chamber. This committee gathers information on business legislative issues, prepares policy information and makes recommendations regarding legislative action to the board of directors. Committee members have knowledge of legislative process, business issues and in some cases lobbying experience. An important role of the committee is sharing information regarding issues and legislative bill monitoring.
FEDERAL EMPLOYERS COMMITTEE
As the capital city of Kansas, Topeka is the home of many federal agencies that employ significant numbers of local citizens. This committee includes representatives from federal agencies who share information regarding federal issues and operations within their agencies. This forum provides a venue for the Chamber to assist in maintaining stability of federal employers and to encourage growth of federal jobs in the community.
LOBBYING
The Chamber employs a registered lobbyist to represent the Chamber at the legislature on issues for which the board has approved positions. Issues at the federal, city and county level are also monitored and lobbied as indicated through policy decisions.
INTER-CITY EXPEDITION
Annually the Chamber plans and executes a trip to a community exhibiting excellence in best practices and constructive outcomes. Elected officials, business and community leaders and Chamber staff travel to the community to learn what has transpired to achieve excellence in business practices, leadership and community satisfaction. These visits are intended to bring fresh ideas, alternate thinking and community cooperation to achieve similar success in our community. Outcomes are tracked and recorded; significant strides have been made within our community in pursuing agreed upon goals and best practices.
For more information about government relations activities, contact Curtis Sneden, csneden@tc.umbrellahost.net.
MARKETING
AMBASSADORS
The Ambassadors are the marketing/public relations “arm” of the Chamber, extending the hand of friendship to new and old members alike. Ambassadors attend Chamber functions such as Business After Hours, Chamber Power Breakfast, New Member Receptions and Annual Meeting. They also assist with ribbon cuttings and special events for Chamber member firms as well as grand openings for new businesses in the community. They often assist with community events, serving as hosts/hostesses or volunteers. They meet monthly and are expected to participate in at least two additional events each month. Contact: Kim Redeker.