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Page 2 Board approves 2019 Legislative Agenda

Page 5 Civic leaders inducted asHonorary Commandershighlights

D E C E M B E R

GIUNTA CAPTIVATES ANNUAL MEETING AUDIENCE

Page 62018 Leadership Wichitaprogram concludes

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On Nov. 29, more than 1,000 attendees of the Chamber’s

Annual Meeting and Dinner were fortunate to hear from Medal of Honor Recipient Sal Giunta (pictured right). His speech was described as “moving, captivating and inspirational” by many of those in attendance.

The event was also when 2018 Board Chairman Bill Wood of Foulston Siefkin passed the gavel to Michael Monteferrante of Envision, who will lead the Chamber in 2019. Thank you to all who joined us and to INTRUST Bank for serving as Presenting Sponsor of the event.

To see additional event photos, please visit our Facebook page.

2018 Board Chairman Bill Wood (left) receives a commemorative plaque from incoming Chairman Michael

Monteferrante (right).

Many Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base were in attendance, as the evening also celebrated the impending arrival of the KC-46 Tanker to McConnell and the upcoming launch of the USS Wichita in early 2019.

MONTEFERRANTE SETS VISION FOR GROWTH IN 2019The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced their 2019 Board of Directors, which will be led

by Michael Monteferrante (pictured below), President, CEO and Director of Envision, Inc. Junetta Everett, Vice President of Professional Relations at Delta Dental of Kansas, Inc., will serve as the Chair-Elect. Ben Hutton of Hutton will serve as the First Vice Chair.

Monteferrante has a clear vision, a full agenda and an ambitious goal for his year as the 2019 Chamber Chairman (which includes adding 275 new companies to the Chamber’s membership). He believes that private enterprise can do more to team up with area educational institutions and other partners to drive success for Wichita, as has been the case for Envision, the longtime Wichita not-for-profit that has experienced significant growth since Monteferrante took the helm as president and CEO in 2013. And he’ll be tapping into his Board’s intellectual capital at each meeting and seeking input from new members to propel the Chamber forward. The 2019 Board Officers and Executive Committee are listed below.

2019 Board Officers and Executive Committee• Michael Monteferrante, Chairman, Envision, Inc.• Bill Wood, Immediate Past Chair, Foulston Siefkin LLP• Junetta Everett, Chair-Elect, Delta Dental of Kansas, Inc. • Ben Hutton, First Vice Chair, Hutton • David Hodge, Treasurer, Leisure Hotels and Resorts• Karma Mason, Vice Chair of Advocacy, iSi Environmental Services • Gary Schmitt, Vice Chair of Economic Development, INTRUST Bank• Junetta Everett, Vice Chair of Inclusion, Delta Dental of Kansas, Inc.• Jason Cox, Vice Chair of Leadership, Cox Machine • Greg Klenda, Vice Chair of Membership, Klenda Austerman LLC• Ben Hutton, Vice Chair of Quality of Place, Hutton • Joy Eakins, Vice Chair of Small Business, Cornerstone Data • Marty Cornejo, Vice Chair at Large, Allmetal Recycling, LLC• Lai-L Daugherty, Vice Chair at Large, Butler Community College• Claudio Ferraro, Vice Chair at Large, Via Christi Ascension • Stephanie Harder, Vice Chair at Large, Textron Aviation Inc.• Vic McMullen, Vice Chair at Large, Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.• Mark Nichols, Vice Chair at Large, Koch Industries, Inc.• Andrea Scarpelli, Vice Chair at Large, Emprise Bank• Mark Tucker, Vice Chair at Large, Cox Business• Pat Gearhart, Ex Officio, Bank SNB

To see a full listing of the 2019 Chamber Board of Directors, visit wichitachamber.org.

Michael MonteferrantePresident, CEO and Director of Envision, Inc.

2019 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

Each year, all Kansas legislators receive a palm card familiarizing them with the Wichita Regional Chamber’s Legislative Agenda. The agenda is developed by the Chamber’s

Government Relations Committee each fall after input from Chamber members. It is then approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

The Chamber’s primary government relations goal is to create a better business envi-ronment for your company or organization by promoting investment, innovation and job creation. The main points of the 2019 Legislative Agenda are available below.

State BudgetThe Wichita Regional Chamber believes the State should practice fiscal discipline.

Taxation The Wichita Regional Chamber believes in a fair and equitable system of taxation that promotes private sector growth and makes Kansas more competitive.

Economic Development The Wichita Regional Chamber believes the State should invest in economic develop-ment and develop programs that result in jobs and investment.

Environmental Resources The Wichita Regional Chamber believes environmental management must take a bal-anced and reasonable approach that protects the environment without putting unneces-sary burdens on business.

Investment-friendly Business Environment The Wichita Regional Chamber believes a low-cost business environment is critical in order to be a competitive and attractive business destination.

Regulatory Environment The Wichita Regional Chamber believes there must be certainty in the regulatory envi-ronment in order for business to grow and relocate in Kansas.

Transportation The Wichita Regional Chamber believes a strong transportation infrastructure is critical in developing and expanding commerce.

Education and Workforce DevelopmentThe Wichita Regional Chamber believes a strong and integrated education system, from grade school through higher education, is vital in workforce and talent development.

Visit wichitachamber.org/agenda to see the full agenda or to download a printable version.

Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

BOARD APPROVES 2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

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Through your support and efforts we’ve been able to produce posi-

tive and tangible results for our mem-bers this year, including this partial list of outcomes:

• Worked with state and local govern- ment to accomplish 17 legislative pro-business wins and 6 partial wins • Endorsed 30 business-focused can- didates in the 2018 election process• Created an Advanced Manufactur- ing Task Force that secured $5 mil- lion in additional funding for the Na- tional Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and helped restore $5 million in funding for the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)• Secured full funding for the state’s Excel in Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative • Invested in Project Wichita and facili- tated 9 focus groups with 274 par- ticipants• Initiated the Wichita Connect web- site and mobile app to improve em- ployee recruitment• Activated small business engage ment in inclusion, policy, talent and quality of place activities• Recognized for Diversity and Inclu- sion work with an award from the Wichita Business Journal

• Connected 42 Young Professionals with 14 community leader mentors• Initiated the Mission Wichita pro- gram to connect Young Profession- als with high achieving Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base• Recognized by analyst James Chung in his 2018 report for the Wichita flag and #ILoveWichita movement in improving local perception issues

It’s been a pleasure to work more closely with our dedicated members, board and staff this year in my leader-ship role. I also appreciate the contri-butions of our affiliates and partners in championing our businesses and our community.

Thank you for your continued sup-port in maximizing every opportunity we have to fulfill the Chamber’s mis-sion and vision. Your membership is the foundation of our current success and our future achievements on behalf of this community.

CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN: OUR 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Bill Wood2018 Chamber Chairman and Partner at Foulston Siefkin LLP

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Follow @ChamberWichita onFacebook, Twitter & Instagram to stay up to date on 2019 progress.

Andrew Wiens has been named as the Chamber’s new VP of Government Relations. He will direct advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels beginning Jan. 2. Wiens was most recently Chief Policy Officer for Governor Jeff Colyer.

Tram Ngo has been acting as Interim Director of Government Relations during the VP candidate search and has now been permanently promoted

to Director.

GOVERNMENTRELATIONSSTAFFING UPDATES

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2019Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

Presented by Grant Thornton, LLP

Wednesday, February 20 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. INTRUST Bank Arena $50 Per Person | $650 Corporate Table Sponsorship Register at wichitachamber.org

CHAIRMAN'S LUNCH

Michael Monteferrante, 2019 Chairman of the Board

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See our Facebook page for more photos of Membership Milestones. Connect with Alison at 268-1123 to obtain a Membership Milestone and Events Packet.

Contact Kresta at 268-1115 for information about all the benefits of Chamber membership.

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Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

M E M B E Rmilestones

Fourth Quarter 2018

Wichita State University, WSU Tech and Shocker Studios have opened at 3821 E. Harry providing high-tech education

in south Wichita.

Blade and Timber has opened at 535 W. Douglas, offering nine lanes of axe-throwing fun for groups of all sizes.

The new Shocker Store location in WSU’s Braeburn Square gives the community another location to purchase Shocker

merchandise.

Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Page 3

The Alley Indoor Entertainment has added two new attractions to their lineup: HOLOGATE and The Hot Seat.

The Dillons store at Central & West has completed their renovations and held a ribbon-cutting event

on Oct. 10 to celebrate.

PrimeLending, a national mortgage lender, has opened a new location in Wichita at 1223 N. Rock Rd.

Dayton T. Brown, Inc. has opened an office at 301 N. Main as they expand their technical services division.

Nitro Joe’s recently moved into a new facility at 2033 E. Northern St., giving them space to expand their operations.

Malibu Creative, a digital design company, has opened their first brick-and-mortar location at 1814 W. Douglas.

The Aldi location at 21st & Woodlawn completed a remodel project and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 31.

The entrepreneurial team of Marisa VanSkiver and Chrissy Robben of Hexcode Designs doubled their

office space at 100 S. Main.

Meritrust Credit Union opened a new branch at Harry & Webb.

Mid Kansas Auto Auction has expanded their footprint and opened a Wichita location at 4716 S. Santa Fe.

Auburn Wine & Spirits is now open at 320 N. Rock Rd.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store opened at Kellogg & Ridge on Nov. 12.

Heartland Credit Union has opened their second Wichita location at 12021 E. Kellogg.

Birds Eye Holdings celebrated the completed renovation of the Farm Credit Bank Building at 245 N. Waco on Nov. 13.

Half Price Books is now open at 8145 E. Kelloggin the Eastgate Shopping Center.

On Nov. 26, K. Lane’s Boutique celebrated the expansion of their location at 600 S. Tyler Rd.

TheraPlay Spot hosted an open house event to celebrate their new physical therapy gym and the milestone

of helping over 1,000 kids.

Advanced Physical Therapy at 4515 E. Central recently completed an expansion project to accommodate

their rapid growth.

On Dec. 6, Cargill Protein Group cut the ribbon on their new headquarters in the heart of downtown Wichita

at 825 E. Douglas.

DAMA Health & Wellness opened Broadway CBD at 2570 S. Broadway.

Advanced Pain Medicine AssociatesAllstate Insurance - Timothy Waltrip AgencyAuburn Spirits N. Rock RoadBel Aire Recovery CenterBlade & TimberBoard & Brush WichitaBrown Reclusinator Pest Control & Bed BuginatorCommerce Construction Services, Inc.Cracker Barrel Old Country StoreDAMA Health & Wellness, LLC/ Broadway CBDDayton T. BrownEasy Credit Auto Sales, Inc.Financial Power SystemsFredo’sFreedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center

Half Price BooksIMS BarterIT SourceJ. Rae’s BakeryLa Familia Community CenterLawnStarterLisa Vermillion WellnessMid Kansas Auto AuctionRaise My Head FoundationSmash Dev ShopTexas Roadhouse West KelloggThe Bug Lady’s Science AcademyThe United States Deputy Sheriff’s AssociationTotal Printing Solutions by Broadstroke, Inc.Wichita Business Journal

Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

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N E W M E M B E R S SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2018

PLEASE WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS TO THE CHAMBER AND REMEMBER TO RECOMMEND MEMBERSHIP TO A BUSINESS YOU FREQUENT.

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Claudia Yaujar-Amaro - AB&C Bilingual Resources, LLC

Francis Baalmann - Foulston Siefkin LLP

Rachel Banning - Special Products, LLC

Courtney Bengtson - Wichita Community Foundation

Rachel Biggs - K·Coe Isom LLP

Brian Blackerby - INTRUST Bank

Todd Carter - Pathway Church

Angie Elliott - Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

Sherii Farmer - Westar Energy

Levi Fitzmier - RSM Marketing

Dioane Gates - World Impact, Inc.

Christyn Gunter - The Kansas African American Museum

Anna Hatter - City of Wichita

Michele Ingenthron - USD 259 Wichita Public Schools

Donita Jarrell - Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Venus Lee - GraceMed Health Clinic, Inc.

Rusty Leeds - Sedgwick County

Erik Lopez - Airbus Americas, Inc.

Jeff Lucas - High Touch Technologies, Inc.

Tevin Manuel - United States Air Force

Thea Pajunen - Fidelity Bank

Laura Roddy - Mark Arts

Dan Shurtz - Oxford Senior Living

Chris Snyder - Kansas Air National Guard

Kevin Steckley - Syndeo HRO

Rachel Thomas-Murphy - Thomas Grey Interiors

Brian Truskett - Eby Construction Company

Fe Vorderlandwehr - Alzheimer’s Association

Katie Wesbrooks - Spirit AeroSystems

Zach Wiggins - Martin Pringle Law Firm

Lora Winchell - Hunter Health Clinic

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eventscalendar JAN | FEB | MARRegister at

wichitachamber.org

J A N U A R Y8 MEMBERSHIP MAXIMIZER | 3 - 4:30 p.m., Chamber, 350 W. Douglas Ave.

This orientation session is for new members and new employees of existing members looking to obtain a better understanding of the Chamber and the benefits associated with membership. Cost: FREE.

10 SMALL BUSINESS OWNER ROUNDTABLE | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Location TBA. Exclusively for the organization’s owner or top decision-maker, the Small Business Owner Roundtable is included as part of

membership investment and lunch will be provided. Monte Vines of Adams Jones Law Firm will present “A Contract is Not a Piece of Paper: Contract Law Basics for Businesses.” Members only. Cost: FREE.

23 SUNRISE SCRAMBLER SPECIAL EVENT: FLY WICHITA | 7:30 - 9 a.m., Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, 400 W. Douglas Ave. You know how to use Wichita Eisenhower Airport. It’s easy. But do you know how crucial quality air service is to our region and

economy? Join us for a free breakfast and panel discussion as we kick off a new, grassroots initiative to help raise our region. You’ll learn how the choices you make affect our economy. You’ll learn what it really means to Fly Wichita. Cost: FREE.

F E B R U A R Y7 NETWORKING AT NOON | Noon - 1 p.m., Sumner One, 1867 S. Hoover Rd.

Grab a bite to eat and work the room while meeting new people and developing new client prospects. This is a perfect opportunity to build your business connections. A lunch of heavy appetizers will be provided. Cost: $10.

13 SUNRISE SCRAMBLER | 7:30 - 9 a.m., Holiday Inn Wichita East I-35, 549 S. Rock Road. The Sunrise Scrambler is an opportunity to enjoy a breakfast and business program. Attendees to these monthly breakfasts can meet

other business people in the community and gain information on topics pertaining to today’s business world from guest speakers. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Breakfast included.

20 CHAIRMAN’S LUNCH | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., INTRUST Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman St. This year, The Chamber is partnering with the Kansas Health Foundation to host the 2019 Chairman’s Lunch. The event will feature

a thought leader on the topic of leadership, and we will officially introduce our new Chairman of the Board. Please plan to join us as we highlight the importance of continued collaboration as we continue to advance the Wichita region. Cost: $50 per person or $650 for a Corporate Table Sponsorship (includes eight tickets).

26 MEMBER BUSINESS EXCHANGE | 3 - 4:30 p.m., Chamber, 350 W. Douglas Ave. This is a pure networking event to speak one-on-one in 5-minute rotations about your business. Cost: FREE.

28 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS SEMINAR | 7:30 - 11 a.m., Location TBA. We’re partnering with Dale Carnegie Training once again in 2019 for our Taking Care of Business educational seminars.

Cost: $35 for Chamber members, $45 general admission. Breakfast included.

MARCH5 METRO MINGLE | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Newman University, 3100 McCormick St.

Join the Wichita business community for food, drinks and making connections at the Metro Mingle. This event will feature the applicants for the 2019 Small Business Awards, and the Finalists will be announced. Cost: $10 for members, $20 for general admission.

12 MEMBERSHIP MAXIMIZER | 3 - 4:30 p.m., Chamber, 350 W. Douglas Ave. This orientation session is for new members and new employees of existing members looking to obtain a better understanding

of the Chamber and the benefits associated with membership. Cost: FREE.

20 SUNRISE SCRAMBLER | 7:30 - 9 a.m., Rolling Hills Country Club, 223 S. Westlink St. The Sunrise Scrambler is an opportunity to enjoy a breakfast and business program. Attendees to these monthly breakfasts can meet

other business people in the community and gain information on topics pertaining to today’s business world from guest speakers. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Breakfast included.

28 SMALL BUSINESS OWNER ROUNDTABLE | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Lubrication Engineers, 1919 E. Tulsa St. Exclusively for the organization’s owner or top decision-maker, the Small Business Owner Roundtable is included as part of

membership investment and lunch will be provided. Nate Regier of Next Element will lead the March discussion. Members only. Cost: FREE.

REGISTER FOR THESE EVENTS AT WICHITACHAMBER.ORG

Synergy is published quarterly by the Marketing & Communications Department of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. The MISSION of the Chamber is to drive economic growth and community advancement in the Wichita region.

For more information, please visit our website at wichitachamber.org.

Become a Chamber insider by visiting our website to subscribe to our weekly electronic newsletter and follow our blog. Join in the conversation about our community by following us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

350 W. Douglas Wichita, KS 67202 316.265.7771

communications@wichitachamber.org

Vice President, Angie Prather

Director, Courtney Sendall

Synergy is published by The Wichita Eagle 330 N. Mead Wichita, KS 67202

Regional Publisher, Tony Berg

Coordinator, Shannon McGregor

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Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber’s affiliates and partners are vital to the success of initiatives that grow our business community. Here are some updates from three of our affiliates.

AFFILIATE NEWS

WMA SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE SET FOR FEB. 11

In 2018, the Wichita Manufacturer’s Association (WMA) awarded 25 scholarships to excep-tional students pursuing certification and/or degrees in manufacturing-related disciplines with the goal of expanding the talent pool in the region. Research shows that many past scholarship recipients are still employed in manufactur-ing in the Wichita area. The organization is already receiving applications and inquiries for the 2019 scholarships that will be awarded next year. With a goal of awarding 28 scholarships in 2019, WMA is currently soliciting membership for more scholarship funding.

The deadline for commitments to sponsor scholarships is March 15, 2019, with actual receipt of scholarship funds by May 23, 2019. Participants can donate $1,000 for a scholarship named for their company or organization by contact-ing Jan Baggett at the Chamber (316-268-1113). Contributions of any amount less than $1,000 are welcomed and will be pooled with other donations for a scholarship awarded in the name of the WMA.

Scholarship applications are available at wichitamanufacturers.org/education. The application deadline is Feb. 11 and recipients will be announced on April 1.

Twenty-six area young professionals have been selected to participate in the 2019 Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) Leadership Academy class. These talented individuals were nominated to participate in the program by members of the community and completed an application, which was reviewed by a selection

committee. The program, which begins in January, includes six weekly sessions that feature interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessments, and in-depth conversations with Wichita’s top community and business leaders.

Leadership Academy would not be possible without the support of community partners like Friends University. Thank you for believing in YPW’s mission and our future leaders.

YPW ANNOUNCES 2019 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS

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CIVIC LEADERS BECOME HONORARY COMMANDERSThe Honorary Commander Program engages, educates and empowers community leaders to be advocates for the Air Force, Airmen and their families. There are currently thirty-one civic leaders matched with Team McConnell leadership. Twelve civic leaders were inducted at a special

ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base on Dec. 6. They are listed below.

Friends of McConnell

2019 Leadership Academy Class

• Zach Alexander, High Touch Technologies

• Becca Boldra, Wichita Police Foundation

• Morgan Cabral, Mahaney Roofing Company, Inc.

• Rachel Carlson, Wesley Medical Center

• Emily Conner, Friends University

• Aaron Courtney, Fidelity Bank

• Lacy Critchfield, Textron Aviation

• Kianga Crowley, Simply a Lady Co.

• Chelsey Garner, Textron Aviation

• Alissa Murphy, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

• Patrick Greene, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools

• Denise Groene, Better Business Bureau

• Elizabeth Hallacy, RE/MAX Premier

• Tyler Harrison, Heartland Credit Union

• Greer Horning, Exploration Place

• Cassy Kirk, Aimbridge Hospitality/Aloft Wichita

• Eduardo Montemayor, Koch Industries

• Tim Pile, Professional Engineering Consultants

• Connor Relph, Westar Energy

• Cassie Routh, Martin Pringle Attorneys at Law

• Danielle Sawyer, Bombardier

• Catherine Seals, YMCA

• Alicia Shankle, Hyatt Regency Wichita

• Kelsi Taton, Weckworth Manufacturing

• Adam Tebben, Wesley Medical Center

• Brett Weller, Hutton

• Rocky Cornejo, Pearson Construction | 22d Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander

• Andrew Nelson, Chick Fil-A @ Central & Rock | 931st Air Refueling Wing Vice Commander

• Dr. Sheree Utash, WSU Tech | 184th Intelligence Wing Vice Commander

• Mark Staats, Derby Chamber of Commerce | 184th Intelligence Wing Command Chief

• Dr. Arlen Honts, Friends University | 22d Maintenance Group

• James Stepien, Wesley Medical Center | 22d Medical Group

• Steven Suellentrop, Legacy Bank | 22d Comptroller Squadron

• James Wilson II, ICS Collision Center | 22d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

• Shane Pierce, Flint Hills Resources | 22d Maintenance Squadron

• Evan Rosell, Greater Wichita Partnership | 22d Contracting Squadron

• Fe Vorderlandwehr, Alzheimer’s Association | 22d Medical Operations Squadron

• Logan Mize, country music artist | 350th Air Refueling Squadron

• Ron Ryan | 931st Maintenance Group

Quarterly publication of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Page 6

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2018 LEADERSHIP WICHITA PROGRAM CONCLUDES

The 2018 Leadership Wichita program concluded with a graduation reception on Nov. 14. Congratulations to these individuals who have committed to becoming stronger leaders for our community.

• Claudia Yaujar-Amaro, AB&C Bilingual Resources, LLC

• Francis Baalmann, Foulston Siefkin• Rachel Banning, Special Products• Courtney Bengtson,

Wichita Community Foundation• Rachel Biggs, K·Coe Isom LLP• Brian Blackerby, INTRUST Bank• Todd Carter, Pathway Church• Angie Elliott, Wichita Regional

Chamber of Commerce• Sherii Farmer, Westar Energy• Levi Fitzmier, RSM Marketing• Dioane Gates, World Impact, Inc.

• Christyn Gunter, The Kansas African American Museum

• Anna Hatter, City of Wichita• Michele Ingenthron, USD 259

Wichita Public Schools• Donita Jarrell, Sedgwick County Sheriff’sOffice

• Venus Lee, GraceMed Health Clinic• Rusty Leeds, Sedgwick County• Erik Lopez, Airbus Americas, Inc.• Jeff Lucas, High Touch Technologies• Tevin Manuel, United States Air Force• Thea Pajunen, Fidelity Bank• Laura Roddy, Mark Arts

• Dan Shurtz, Oxford Senior Living• Chris Snyder, Kansas Air National

Guard• Kevin Steckley, Syndeo HRO• Rachel Thomas-Murphy, Thomas

Grey Interiors• Brian Truskett, Eby Construction

Company• Fe Vorderlandwehr, Alzheimer’s

Association • Katie Wesbrooks, Spirit Aerosystems• Zach Wiggins, Martin Pringle Law

Firm• Lora Winchell, Hunter Health Clinic

ChamberPresidentandCEOGaryPlummertestifiedin Wichita in front of the State Transportation Joint

Task Force in October on behalf of the South Central Kansas Transportation Coalition in support of North

Junction (I135/I235/K96/K254) and surrounding projects that impact economic development and business.

Other transportation partners testifying at the hearing included (L-R) Keith Lawing (REAP), Jeff Fluhr (Greater

Wichita Partnership) and Phil Nelson (WAMPO).

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett visited with members of the Chamber’s Government Relations CommitteeinNovemberabouttheworkhisofficeis

doing to prosecute crimes.Photo (L-R): Sean Robinson, KSN; Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett; Karma Mason, iSi Environmental; Jason Watkins, Watkins Public Strategies; Gary Plummer,

Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce; Bill Wood, Foulston Siefkin

On Dec. 4, the Chamber and Regional Economic Area PartnershiphostedtheannualLocalElectedOfficialsReception. The event is an opportunity for members of the business community to meet face-to-face with electedofficialsfromacrosstheregion.BlackHills

Energy served as the Presenting Sponsor. Photo (L-R): Holli Schletzbaum, Kansas Global Trade

Services; State Senator Gene Suellentrop; Sam Sackett, Spirit AeroSystems

Kansas House Minority Leader-Elect Tom Sawyer met with members of the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee at their December meeting, during which he shared his thoughts and goals for

the upcoming legislative session.Photo (L-R): Jason Watkins, Watkins Public Strategies;

Kansas House Minority Leader-Elect Tom Sawyer; Walter Berry, Berry Companies

FOURTH QUARTER GOVERNMENT RELATIONS EFFORTS