Kansas Chamber of Commerce 100 Years
By LAUREN JURGENSEN
2024 marks the centennial anniversary of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has experienced remarkable change — and remarkable progress — throughout its busy century of advocating for the state’s business community.
“Influencing policy is what we do,” said Alan Cobb, president and CEO of the Kansas Chamber. “Some of the most significant accomplishments include eliminating property tax on machinery and equipment, eliminating the franchise and estate taxes, modernizing and improving our unemployment insurance system and tax structure, occupational licensing reciprocity, reducing the state regulatory burden and transparency in property tax hearings.”
Since day one, the Chamber has represented local business interests at the legislative level. That began in 1924 when a group of road contractors, who sought to bring better highways to Kansas, founded the Kansas Association of Chambers Commerce to advocate on their behalf.
One hundred years later, the Chamber campaigns for businesses across every industry and sector.
“We have a much more diverse membership than we did originally,” Cobb said. “Our state is home to businesses, many that have been open for more than 100 years, whose ingenuity and craftsmanship have impacted millions around the world. I always am impressed to learn how the Kansas Chamber worked alongside them to keep their operations going through the good and bad times: depressions, tornadoes, floods and world wars.”
The Kansas Chamber may look different now than it did a century ago, but that’s because it’s exploring a new and exciting economic frontier. Cobb said the next century will be different than the last because every state is working fast to become the most attractive place to do business.
“Whether the issue is workforce, taxes, regulation or legal reform, Kansas stands in the middle of the pack,” Cobb said. “We have to do better.”
A passion to do more for Kansas is what’s driving the Chamber’s Vision 2030 plan, a proposed ten-year comprehensive strategy they hope will make Kansas more competitive.
“Legislators and governors come and go,” Cobb said. “The Chamber is constant. Nobody else is putting forward a vision for the state, so the Kansas Chamber will.”
He added that Vision 2030 will encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and even risk-taking. “Risk-taking was how Kansas began and grew,” he said. “We must continue to foster such an environment.”
A WORD FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Local businesses across the state are sharing words of gratitude and respect in celebration of the Kansas Chambers’ 100 years of community service.
“For 100 years, the Chamber has been a cornerstone of support and growth for Kansas businesses, showcasing unwavering dedication to our state’s economic vitality,” said Heather Jantz of MJE, LLC.
Josh Shorter of Integrated Components said he appreciates how the Chamber has always championed practical and common sense business policies.
“The work done by the Chamber and its staff is invaluable to us as a business in Kansas,” he said. “We look forward to many more years of collaboration with the Kansas Chamber.”
Some business leaders were quick to praise the positive impact of the Chamber’s policy work.
“As a longtime member, we appreciate the Chamber’s dedication to advocating for free, competitive enterprise in Kansas, defending against ideas inconsistent with that,” said Security Benefit’s John Guyot.
Beau Jackson of Husch Blackwell agreed. “No organization in the state has fought harder for free and fair enterprise and the rule of law, the bedrock foundations of a prosperous economy,” he said. “As a heartland-based law firm whose clients have benefited from such tireless efforts, we salute the Chamber and emphasize our excitement to continue working together.”
Adecco USA’s Shirley Martin-Smith said the Kansas Chamber’s Leadership Kansas program, which was established in 1979 to inspire upcoming generations of state business leaders, is one of the Chamber’s hallmark achievements.
“The program attracts future leaders,” Martin-Smith said. “It provides them with so much information about our state and the importance of understanding and protecting what makes Kansas a great place to live and do business.
”FACING THE FUTURE WITH OPTIMISM
The history of the Kansas Chamber has been the history of rising and adapting to even the toughest economic challenges.
“The Kansas Chamber has been innovative,” said Matt Cortez of GLMV Architecture. “They’ve sought solutions for the removal of barriers to our industries and businesses.”
Big challenges may lie ahead, but it’s often the challenges that prove the greatest opportunities for improvement. Cobb said he’s optimistic about where both the Chamber and Kansas are headed.
“We have one of the best states in America,” Cobb said. “But Kansans by nature aren’t very good at tooting our own horn. We just put our head down and get to work. If states like North Carolina can go from one of the worst to one of the best states to do business, so can Kansas.”
He credited the business community of Kansas for the Chamber’s longevity.
“The Kansas Chamber reached this important milestone because of the ongoing commitment and strong support of our members,” Cobb said. “We are fortunate to have worked with thousands of business leaders, entrepreneurs and elected officials who believed Kansas needed a competitive business environment so every business and Kansan could succeed.”
Cobb offered some precious advice for future business leaders.
“Be humble, patient and never stop learning. Assume change will happen,” he said. “While your job may not change a lot, how you do your job will. And many young leaders will be in a completely different field than where they started. Live beneath your means as best as you can. Assume the best in people, especially your work colleagues, as it relates to your career.”
The Chamber continues to celebrate its 100th anniversary throughout the year with historical look backs, special gatherings and recognition of members.
