BUSINESS REVIEW LITTLE APPLE
Febuary 2019, Volume 15, Issue 2, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Butler’s legacy two decades of steely leadership
Chamber service preceded Chamber professional life
Lyle Butler’s general chamber involvement dates back 45 years to Dodge City, when he worked in management at a radio station. Later he advanced to the city’s executive committee and board chair. By 1990, Butler was president at Dodge City Area Chamber and the city-county development corporation. He served five years for the Dodge-Ford Co. Chamber/EDC and five more at Greeley, Colo. His early broadcast career path initially carried Butler to Dodge City and an early vision of his future home. As then-GM at radio station KEDD-AM (now KDCC college station), Butler attended a Kansas Association of Broadcasters fall conference in Manhattan. He recalls KMAN’s Lowell Jack introductory statements calling him the youngest station GM in Kansas. Butler vividly recollects the Flint Hills’ visual impact upon leaving I-70. Continued on page 7
Manhattan has witnessed innumerable changes that positively moved the city forward since 2000. Champions drive multiple well-founded causes, though few were accomplished without Lyle Butler’s guidance through the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Among many advances, considerable regional growth has been achieved with vital backing from $11 million raised for business expansion efforts through four Advantage Manhattan campaigns.
Many influences can be ascribed to our regional expansion. Butler’s strong leadership moved the community toward commercial advancement with gains realized in perception, retail and tourism. Butler plays a key role among community leaders as Manhattan has attracted additional business, conference and travel visitors. With that momentum, the city moves ahead. Last May, Butler announced plans to retire in February 2019 as president and CEO of the
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Butler’s 18-plus years of service began with a May 25, 2000 introductory press conference as the Chamber’s replacement for Dan Colantone. Ever since, it’s been a steady upward trend when accounted for downtown redevelopment, Kansas Highway 18 project, NBAF, KBED introduction and new retail among the city’s lasting big-project developments. Butler doesn’t want credit as much as simply to know he made contributions to the continuous effort toward progress. “I want to get something done and move ahead,” Butler said. “As Chamber president, it’s not so much what you get done as set a collective mindset to make things happen. None of this is done singularly. It’s all done as a group. I wanted to develop a vision for the community and show how we can collaborate.”
First National Bank & Trust, Dodge City
KEDD-AM radio, Dodge City
1972
1977-80 1972-77
Ottawa University (KS) graduation
KIIX-FM radio, Fort Collins (CO)
“I’m continuing to observe and see a community that’s more diverse and a community that’s thinking more globally,” Butler said. “One of the biggest thrills for me is when people who haven’t been here for 20 years visit again and almost invariably say, ‘Wow, this place has really changed. If Manhattan was like this when I was in school (the Army or their workplace), I never would have left.’ To me that shows what we’ve accomplished to make an impact.”
Dodge City Chamber/ Ford Co. EDC
1986-90 1981-86
Butler will remain in the community with wife, Chris, to nurture the relationships he has developed for nearly two decades. He’s left an enduring legacy for what can be accomplished when Manhattan works together. Compromise and a conciliatory approach can set a tone toward community strength.
President, Manhattan Area Chamber
1995-2000 1990-95
ST Broadcasting Co., Dodge City
2000-19 President, GreeleyWeld, CO Chamber