Think of your local community as a single, large living organism, a body. Each business in this community plays a vital role in tune with every other organization to keep the body alive and well. Although healthy competition is no stranger to the environment as they compete for resources, they are all still a part of the make-up of the community. In order to thrive, the community needs the circulation of economy, and it is the citizens that make up the lifeblood that is so important to keep within the body. When we fall and scrape our arm or our leg, we don’t let the blood flow freely out of our bodies, we try to stop the flow and we do whatever we can to lose the least amount of blood possible. Likewise, in a community such as our own, we work together to keep people, money, and business in the community, because if we bleed out too much then our body starts to fail, and we do what we can to attract new people, businesses, and opportunities so that we can flourish. In the same analogy, the Chamber of Commerce is the beating heart of any community. It is the job of the Chamber to pump the lifeblood throughout the community and give life to each of its members keeping the community and small business alive; this is done in a variety of ways.

The life of an entrepreneur is a series of constant rejection, red tape, high barriers to entry, and lack of support. However, the life of an entrepreneur can also be exhilarating, engaging, community-supported, and establish you as a strong member of the community. No one says that being an entrepreneur is easy, the resources available to entrepreneurs in Kansas, and especially in the Salina area, are meant to assist entrepreneurs and support them all the way up until the grand opening and beyond. On Thursday, September 15th, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lender’s Luncheon for the lending members of the Chamber of Commerce. Listed below are few of the resources that were presented that are available to entrepreneurs in Kanas and the Salina area. 

1. Kansas Small Business Development Center
2. NetWork Kansas
3. Project Open

​Our children are quite literally, and figuratively, our future, so it only makes sense that the education that they receive during the most developmental stages of their lives is no less than exceptional. Our kids deserve to not only being taught the basics of math, science, language, government, and every other subject that is necessary in turning their young minds into prospering young adults, but also teaching them how to learn for themselves, how to develop their own intellect, and how to construct their own educated opinions...

Eric L. Brown named 40 Under 40 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Congratulations to our President and CEO, Eric Brown on being named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2021 40 Under 40 list of emerging leaders shaping the chamber of commerce industry.

This annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. The list includes CEOs and staff professionals from a wide variety of roles and chamber sizes. During a year that challenged us all, their creativity, dedication and commitment to identifying innovative solutions will help shape the future of the chamber profession.

ACCE is an association of more than 9,000 professionals from 1,300 chambers of commerce, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas.

This year’s program drew more than 130 nominations. Eligible chamber professionals must be nominated by their chamber’s president/CEO, direct supervisor or board chair. Candidates must demonstrate meaningful involvement in the advancement of their community and proven professional success within their chamber.

Jeff Maes, Owner of Compro Realty and 2021 Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair said, “Eric has positively impacted our organization and community because of his leadership, skills, knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to our mission. His experience and leadership with both long-term and short-term community development efforts, chamber specific programming, advocacy and business development has had a truly positive impact on the future of Salina and our region of Kansas as a whole.”
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The full 2021 40 Under 40 list was announced publicly in the fall 2021 edition of Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine. View all the honorees online at http://magazine.acce.org/40under40

Please join our newest FB group, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce International Travel! We’re excited about offering these trips and we'd love for you to join us!

In the last decade we've traveled to Italy, Austria, Ireland, China, Scotland, N. Ireland, and Greece; the Salina Chamber is ready for more adventures.
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Prep your passports and get ready for new adventures in 2021 & 2022.

Congratulations to Ironstone Wealth Advisors on earning the 2020 Ameriprise Client Experience Award. The award was given to Ironstone Wealth Advisors, who works out of three offices Salina, Abilene, and Newton, for their ability to consistently deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service.

Click here to read the full story from the Salina Journal.