Community Marketing

Monthly Business Journal
The monthly Chamber newsletter, the Outlook Business Journal, offers information and opportunities for promotion and recognition for Chamber members and their employees. It is mailed out at the first of every month to our members. Click here to see past editions of the Outlook Business Journal.

Outlook Business Journal Inserts
This monthly service allows Chamber members to insert an 8 ½ x 11” flyer into the Outlook Business Journal for only $75.00. We request that your business provide 1,250 copies of your insert by the 25th of each month in order to meet the deadline for the next month’s publication.

Email Updates
Similar to the Outlook Business Journal, email Updates offer Chamber members a chance to showcase a particular event or promotion between newsletter mailings. This service is free and is sent out to all member subscribers on a bimonthly basis. Provide us your e-mail address and we will place you on our list to receive these Updates. Your e-mail address will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of delivering these messages to you.

Ribbon Cuttings
The Chamber staff schedules Ribbon Cutting ceremonies to commemorate new Chamber members and/or existing Chamber members who open a new business location. The photo taken during the ceremony will then be showcased in our monthly Outlook Business Journal along with a brief article featuring the products and services your business has to offer.

Chamber Web Site
Member businesses have the opportunity to place their news releases on the press release section of the Chamber's web site. This service, which is free to Chamber members, can be utilized for promoting a new product or service, announcing extended business hours, or to advertise an upcoming calendar event.

Chamber Membership Directory
Each year, the staff of the Chamber puts out an all-inclusive directory of all their member businesses. Every chamber member business is listed in the directory three different ways. First, alphabetically. Second, by category. And third, by the business representative's last name. This directory, which is circulated to all our Chamber members and given out in our office to individuals condering moving to the Great Bend area, is a great tool to promote your business, and is exclusive to Chamber members. The directory is also available online and is updated regularly. Click here to see the online membership directory.

ChamberConnect Radio Program
On the first Thursday of every month, the Chamber hosts a monthly radio program on KVGB 1590 AM called ChamberConnect. During this half-hour program, we highlight different Chamber programs, community events, or member happenings throughout the year. This is a great way for members to stay plugged in with the Chamber's initiatives.

Networking Opportunities

Chamber Coffees
Members have the opportunity to host a one of our Chamber Coffees, held each Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. Members pay only $25 to reserve their spot on our coffee schedule, and we take care of the rest. Chamber coffees draw between 40 and 60 people each week, and are a great opportunity for you to exclusively showcase your business.

Business After Hours Events
As a member, you have the opportunity to host a Chamber Business After Hours event held at your business, usually from 5-7 p.m. on a Tuesday or Thursday evening. Business After Hours events are informal receptions that give businesses the opportunity to showcase their facilities, products, and services. For hosting a Business After Hours event, you receive a free insert into our monthly newsletter and publicity in our e-mail Updates and our Outlook Business Journal.

Legislative Coffees
These events allow local individuals the chance to network with our legislators directly. Legislators invited to each of the coffees include Senators Ruth Teichman and Jay Emler and Representatives Bob Bethell and Bill Wolf. All Legislative Coffees are held at the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum at 5944 10th Street and begin at 10 a.m. These events are sponsored by AT&T. Donuts and coffee are provided.

Annual Meeting & Banquet
This banquet celebration is held annually each winter, allowing business and community leaders an opportunity to gather, socialize and celebrate positive community efforts that have taken place throughout the previous year. More than 500 people typically attend the Banquet and Annual Meeting, enjoying a formal dinner followed by the traditional Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year Award ceremonies. The evening is then concluded with live entertainment and dancing.

Gary Gore Memorial Golf Tournament
Held annually each summer, this networking opportunity is a fun way to link business with pleasure. Members are encouraged to sponsor and participate in a growing and fun-filled event that typically draws more than 100 entries each year representing a wide-range of businesses. The tournament memorializes former Chamber President and CEO Gary Gore. Contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development if you are interested in sponsoring the next event tournament.

Promotional Opportunities

Gift Certificate Program
Over 140 members currently participate in the Chamber’s gift certificate program. This classic program encourages local money to stay local, benefiting Chamber members who participate. More than 5,500 certificates were issued last year, accounting for nearly $185,000. As a member, you can enroll in this program at no charge, but there is a 3% service fee deducted at the time of redemption to cover the expenses of the program.

Membership List/Mailing Labels
If your business provides the Chamber staff with 40 sheets of blank Avery #5160 mailing labels, we will print our Members’ business contact information on them at no cost to you. This is to allow your business to mail promotional information to other Chamber members.

Making Business Easier

Spray-Holt Family Board Room
This state-of-the-art meeting space can accomodate up to 50 people. Amenities include a 54” flat screen television for digital projection of powerpoint presentations, picture slide shows, or other online materials; a buffet style serving area; private telephone for conference calls; ample parking space in a free lot; nearby kitchenette; and climate control. Click here for more information.

Bulk Mailing Postage Stamp
Members have the opportunity to utilize the Chamber's bulk mailing postage stamp for mass mailings. After aquiring the proper paperwork from the Post Office, members can come into the Chamber to borrow our bulk mailing stamp to receive a discounted postage rate.

Informational Resources
The Chamber has dozens of informational resources for businesses to take advantage of, including city maps, sales tax information, church directories, rental contacts listings, etc. Member businesses also have the opportunity to distribute informational brochures from the Chamber office.

Plan Room Connections
The Chamber and Economic Development gathers and provides access to project architectural plans for Chamber Plan Room members for an annual fee of $50. Members may review plans at the Chamber office or check them out for 24-hour review offsite. The Plan Room is a money-saver for business leaders, and it's also a convenient time-saving tool for businesses looking to secure bids. Available plans are listed on our web site, or members can call for an update of available plans. Members are encouraged to request plans from the Chamber by providing the name of the architect and their telephone number, as well as the project number. Every attempt will be made by the Chamber, then, to secure those plans. Click here to view available plans.


Advocacy for Business

Governmental Relations
Government action related to such issues as taxation, education, transportation, regulation, and public safety can significantly affect the health of your business. Each year the Chamber develops a legislative agenda that supports the business community. Help lead the way on issues critical to our community! The Chamber develops and recommends policy, tracks information on legislative issues, and builds relationships with key public officials.

The Chamber and Economic Development works hard to provide valuable services you need to enhance your business's profitability.