The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will present “Create & Innovate,” at the 98th-annual chamber banquet and awards ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. The evening will celebrate accomplishments of 2019 and inspire those in attendance create and innovate within their businesses, community, county, and the state of Kansas.   

The banquet will feature a look into what our members are doing and plan to do in 2020, in the way of creating and innovating their business and community, and what is needed to accomplish their goals,  Chamber Director Megan Barfield said. 

So, she encourages every business owner to attend. “We are so eager to bring the business community together at this annual event. It is our largest fundraiser of the year and allows the Chamber to continue working towards being a catalyst, convener and champion of Great Bend,” she said.

“Our theme is ‘Create & Innovate,’” she said. “Those two words truly embody what we all must do to create the tomorrow we have envisioned for future generations. We will celebrate 2019 and look to 2020 with great optimism of what can happen when our residents, young and old alike, come together with the business community for the greater good.” 

In addition, Tucky Allen, Kansas WorkforceONE business services director/rapid response coordinator, will deliver the keynote presentation titled, “Workforce Innovation.” Allen will walk attendees through the maze of workforce development and address the hard truth that cultivating the workforce now requires a different approach when recruiting and sustaining that workforce, Barfield said.  

Low unemployment brings low skilled jobseekers. “Now, more than ever, employers have to be ready to take an unskilled jobseeker and give them the tools to become a valued and energetic employee, Allen said. Seeing potential and developing that potential into tangible skills requires partnership and programs designed to meet your needs. “Kansas WorkforceONE is the source for a well-trained and competitive workforce qualified to meet the needs of employers both now, and in the future, creating economic growth and vitality,” Allen said.   

Following a steak dinner and cupcakes, and the keynote speaker, the evening will conclude with the announcements of community award winners for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and NextGen Leader of the Year, as well as a special Legacy Award. 

To reserve a table or seat, visit greatbend.org, stop by the Chamber office at 1125 Williams (Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) or call 620-792-2401.