May 2013, Volume 9, Issue 5, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Discover China – October 2013
Contact us:
501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS, 66502-6005 785-776-8829 phone 785-776-0679 fax chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777
In October, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce will host a trip to China. Travel dates are October 20-28, 2013.
This is a cost-effective opportunity for Chamber members and guests to visit memorable sites, enjoy unforgettable cul-
Congratulations to the Class of 2013!
tural experiences, and learn about the Chinese business system. Attendees will experience China in a group setting with other people from Manhattan and Salina, and will also see area-related employers with operations in China. This program is open to Chamber members, their guests and the general public.
The Leadership Manhattan Class of 2013 Graduation was held at the Manhattan Country Club on April 17th. The audience was graced by an inspirational and entertaining speech presented by Coach Bruce Weber, KSU Men’s Basketball. Devin Wendt was the chosen Class Jason Hilgers received the of 2013 speaker and delivered a Distinguished Service Alumni Award. moving and anecdotal presentation to the audience. This year, a first “Legacy Moment” was shared with the attendees, highlighting and honoring those who brought the Leadership Manhattan program back to the community in 2002. On behalf of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, we congratulate our newest graduates of the Leadership Manhattan program Shon Robben, Lowell Kohlmeier and and welcome them into a dedicatRich Seidler were recognized for their ed and driven alumnus! leadership and drive to revive the program.
Tentative schedule below may be subject to change:
DAY 1: Los Angeles to Beijing, Check in at Los Angeles International Airport for an early morning flight to Beijing. DAY 2: Beijing Arrive in BEIJING at
6:30am. Transfer to a 5Star Hotel. Visit the TIANANMEN SQUARE, the largest square in the world, the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and more. Briefing from Kansas Department of Commerce staff based in China. DAY 3: Beijing Tour SUMMER PALACE and FORBIDDEN CITY, home
of 24 emperors with 9,999 rooms. Meet with China staff of KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY. DAY 4: Beijing - Visit THE GREAT WALL, a 4,000 mile long and 2,000 year old structure. See the MING TOMBS, one of 13 Ming emperors’ tombs, excavated and open for exploration. Continued on page 2
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What is the Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber is a memberbased organization designed to enhance the growth, development, economic health and quality of life for the Manhattan region.
How does the Chamber work? The Chamber is comprised of 795 members – representing 17,002 employees - that financially support a professionally staffed office. The staff, governed by the elected Board of Directors, helps carry out the
goals and objectives set each year by the members. Local goals are accomplished by committees and task forces, while the staff conducts the business of the organization and works on goals requiring full-time attention.
Why is it important to have an active Chamber? An excellent Chamber of Commerce means the difference between a stagnant town and a thriving community. Business retention and expansion success, quality of life solutions, community develop-
ment progress, and many other positive growth elements come directly from Chamber activity and participation.
What good does that do me? The work the Chamber does for the community benefits you and every business, industry and virtually every person in the Manhattan region. If the Chamber didn’t do this job, no one else would (or is equipped to!). Continued on page 12