Chamber of Commerce takes job seriously

In towns and cities across the country, chambers of commerce are the eyes, the ears and, in some cases, the voices of the business communities they serve.

Hays is no different. Through the generous investments of our 625-plus members, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce has been given the opportunity to represent some of the best organizations in Kansas and beyond.

We take that opportunity seriously and make every effort to keep our membership at the core of our activities, which include five different but highly interrelated components of chamber work: advocacy, community benefits, economic development, leadership and member services.

These five platforms of chamber service allow us to return the investment made by each chamber member back to the community, making it stronger and more viable for those living and working here.

Your chamber of commerce is an advocate at the local, state and national level, keeping the best interests of your business at heart. The chamber works to provide numerous benefits to the entire community by pooling its resources with individuals and groups from all walks of life. Members of the chamber work together to develop and maintain the economic integrity that is so vital to the success of our city and those surrounding us.

Your chamber is tireless in its efforts to cultivate a new generation of leaders as well as broaden the leadership capacities of those currently leading us into the future. And finally, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is constantly enhancing its range of services to benefit those for whom we work, those who invest in us.

Yes, investment is the key word, but one which makes a world of difference to those who receive its benefits.

In the eyes of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, ours is a city that is truly moving forward.

The business community of Hays embodies the definition of progress.

It looks as though this journey of improvement and success will only gain momentum in the coming years.

Gina Riedel is executive director of the Hays Area Chamber

of Commerce.