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Chamber announces plan to move once Ignite Innovation Center opens
sunflower center mural 2023
Barton Arts Movement (BAM) members celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new mural, painted by Brady Scott, on the Sunflower Center at 12th and Williams St., on Aug. 30, 2023. The mural was dedicated to Reta Brack. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, located at the Sunflower Center since 2007, announced plans to move to the future Ignite Innovation Center once it opens.

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announced plans to move from downtown to the new Ignite Innovation Center on West 10th St. after it opens. The anticipated move-in date is January of 2026.

The move was announced by the Chamber earlier this week, along with the launch of a new five-year strategic plan known as Elevate GBK.

Rob Bauer, chairman of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Megan Barfield, president and CEO of the chamber, noted in their statement that the announcements were approved by the board after careful consideration and planning and the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to serving its members and driving the future of the Great Bend business community.

“Since 2007, the Chamber has proudly called 1125 Williams St. home, and we are deeply grateful to Sunflower Insurance Group for their generous donation of the building. It has served us well for nearly two decades, enabling us to grow and support our members.

“However, as our operations evolve and new opportunities arise, we must take steps to better meet the needs of our membership.”

The move to the site of the future Ignite Innovation Center will place the Chamber at the same location as Great Bend Economic Development, which will allow both entities to offer more efficient services, seamless access to both organizations, and greater collaboration to support the growth and prosperity of the Great Bend region.

Groundbreaking of the new Center is scheduled for November.


Elevate GBK

Elevate GBK is described as a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan, shaped by input from a broad spectrum of our Chamber membership. It focuses on five core initiatives:

1. Workforce Development

2. Business & People Retention

3. Membership Development & Support

4. Business & Community Marketing

5. Business Advocacy


Where We Are Going

Here is additional information included in the announcement:

Elevate GBK represents a unique opportunity to refocus our efforts and drive Great Bend’s economic growth. Key to this effort is maintaining strong relationships within our local network, including partnerships with the City of Great Bend officials, Barton County administration, the Great Bend Economic Development team, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and our education and health-care partners.

Equally important is our collaboration with state and federal delegations, ensuring that Great Bend and Barton County are represented and heard on a broader scale. We are also committed to enhancing engagement with young professionals and building innovative partnerships that will help retain both people and businesses. Our shared vision for the future is rooted in the unique spirit of Great Bend, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for our community.

For more information about the Elevate GBK strategic plan, visit greatbend.org/elevategbk.