BUSINESS REVIEW LITTLE APPLE
July 2019, Volume 15, Issue 7, www.manhattan.org
Chamber leaders push local issues to Kansas delegates Leaders from the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce advocated key Manhattan issues to the Kansas delegation during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. The representatives met with Sen. Jerry Moran, Rep. Roger Marshall and members of Sen. Pat Roberts’ staff. Among the issues on which the delegation focused included Fort Riley, Kansas State University Research and infrastructure. The delegation was led by Board Chair Wayne Sloan. Attendees included the MACC executive committee which includes Matt Crocker, Larie Shoap, Linda Cook, Summer Ott Dierks and Mark Bachamp. Additional attendees were Business Advocacy Committee Chair Lucy Williams, Chamber President and CEO Jason Smith, KSU Government Relations Officer Sue Peterson and advisor Dick Carter. In addition to visiting with the delegation and their staffs, members of the MACC group received briefings from the state of Kansas military consultants and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These briefings included updates on tax policy, infrastructure, economic development and national defense. Visits with the Kansas delegation present opportunities to convey business issues directly to Congressional representatives and staffs. Action items beneficial to the Manhattan region have been a dividend of this level of enhanced communication.
Present topics included: • Continued support for NBAF hiring and collaboration between Department of • Agriculture, university researchers and private industry. • Maintain federal funding for research as key driver of nationally innovative economy. • Support infrastructure funding for North Campus Corridor and Manhattan Regional Airport. • Support funding for levy improvements. • Endorse legislation to preserve/ strengthen Fort Riley mission. • Fund new, long-term, federal surface transportation program. The Chamber monitors federal, state and local legislation through an active Business Advocacy Committee that meets bimonthly to advise and make recommendations on behalf of the Chamber members to the Board of Directors.
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5 ways the Chamber can help make you a better networker
Networking opportunities are everywhere.You no longer must leave your house to be able to network, but studies now show that online networking doesn’t hold the same power as in-person networking. Networking is critical to landing a job, learning about opportunities before they are broadcast, and getting more sales for your business. You need to do it, even if you hate it, and one of the easiest most effective networking groups is the chamber. But the chamber does more than just introduce you to others. It offers very strong networking tools and opportunities. Here are several things you probably didn’t know about how you can improve your business networking with chamber membership. 5 Ways You’ll Improve Your Networking Skills with Chamber membership According to HubSpot, 85% of people “say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person business meetings and conferences.” Chambers facilitate this on a weekly basis in some form or fashion, but there are a host of other ways they can help improve your networking. Here are five ways the chamber can make you a better networker that you might not have thought of. In Person Events The chamber offers a host of in-person events from formal networking events to informal member mixers. There are even opportunities to sponsor events and showcase your business location. Networking Assistance If you’re like most people, you’re not a natural networker. It’s something you do because you know it’s necessary, but not something you enjoy. The chamber is rich with experience and advice on how to improve your networking skills. Check to see about networking courses or training. Also, don’t be shy to admit to the Continued on page 7