100 Years in the Making: The Great Bend Chamber Turns 100

In 2021 the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce turned 100. This is the story of a century of "boosters for a greater Great Bend," how the Chamber celebrated its centennial, and the 100th Annual Banquet & Annual Meeting on February 19, 2022, where the community honored its 2021 award winners.

100 Years in the Making!

They called themselves "Boosters for a Greater Great Bend."

By Dale Hogg, Great Bend Tribune

In May of 1921, a band of dedicated local business owners and civic leaders, men and women, came together to form the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. A month later, a roster of the membership went out with such names as Charles Lischesky, Earl Moses and Will Townsley (owner of Tribune Publishing).

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the chamber's service to the business community. Members are using this year as lead-in to the centennial observance, a milestone that will take center stage at next year's annual banquet.

In the meantime, the chamber held an anniversary celebration on Thursday during the annual Art and Wine Walk in downtown Great Bend.

A long legacy

"A chamber's legacy will hold lasting value and impact when the chamber acts as the voice for positive growth and change, as well as for the overall economic prosperity of the communities we serve," current Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield said. "We promote and serve. We connect. We create opportunity. We convene, champion and act as a catalyst."

For Great Bend, joining the Chamber has been a long-standing tradition for any new business, she said. "'It's just what you do.' I've heard this from many over the years."

But, that isn't necessarily the case in 2021, she said. Still, in comparison to most chambers, the GBCC does have a large membership count in relation to the city's population, with 550 members as of May, 2021.

"The reputation of the Great Bend Chamber has been strong," Barfield said. "But, like many chambers across the country, as new generations begin opening their businesses or taking over established businesses, the mindset has shifted to more of an independent approach."

A changing landscape

Nonetheless, "while this is true for some in Great Bend, overall the mindset is collaboration, and connecting is key," she said, noting the chamber remains a very relevant force.

"This is how our Chamber continues to evolve and grow – by creating opportunities for businesses to come together, by being present in the community, and by championing the businesses and their successes," she said. "The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce can and wants to be the best friend to the business community. With friendly faces and a commitment to their success, we build bridges connecting the community to their business eco-center."

The Barton County Historical Society has a treasure trove of information on the chamber over the years. It includes such memorabilia as the original 200-plus name membership list, photographs, and visitor guides and city maps. A trip through the bulging folder is a journey through the changing business landscape. From buggies and dirt streets to automobiles and the bustling paved streets of today, progress is demonstrated.

Businesses came and businesses went. But, while the pictures show how the retail and industrial scene has evolved over the century, the chamber's mission has remained the same.

The term "chamber of commerce" can be dated clear back to 1599 in Marseille, France. "It's amazing that over four centuries ago, it was recognized that when a collective group comes together, moving beyond individual interests, forward momentum and action will result," Barfield said. That was true in 1921 and is true today.

"The establishment of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce in 1921 provided the merchants, traders, craftsmen and industrialists a public forum to discuss issues facing them as a business community," she said. This representation of common interests became, and remains, the foundation of chambers of commerce worldwide. "To that end, our mission has stayed relatively the same in our efforts to maintain our fingers on the pulse of our members and the issues they face, and promoting the developments."

The difference is in how that is done, she said. "The mission stands as is, yet how we approach it evolves with the businesses and community."

Its mission is simple: "The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will promote and improve the business climate in the city of Great Bend through its services and partnerships that encourage growth and assist existing and new businesses in reaching their business goals."

What about the future?

"I do believe the chamber is here to stay," Barfield said. "We will continue to bring together businesses over common interests and working to engage not just the business owner, but their staff as well. Doing so is a must as it allows a higher chance of employee retention within the business and community."

The Chamber world is a spider web of resources and connections, a hub, if you will, she said. "There's fun. There's hard work. There's hours of conversations learning and listening, all in an effort to continue forward momentum alongside the business community."

It will be vital to maintain relationships with each other inside Great Bend (Barton County, the city, Great Bend Economic Development Inc. and the Convention and Visitors Bureau) and outside Great Bend (state and federal delegations). "Doing so enables us to be a voice for Great Bend and Barton County."

This works both ways, as new ideas are brought in as well. We have to be willing to think and work "out of our 'silos' to mobilize businesses, employees, volunteers and the community-at-large. Forward momentum takes a village. It is not a one-person or one-organization job and the Chamber is in a position to serve as a catalyst and connector."

Speaking for rural chambers, they will most likely shift to serving not only their memberships, but serving those needing assistance with regard to all facets of commerce, mobilizing more individuals and bringing diversified communities together. These areas include agriculture, manufacturing, retail, quality of life, training, workforce, employee engagement, recruitment and retention of employees, entrepreneurship, etc. This is what Barfield meant by the chamber being a hub.

For information, visit greatbend.org or call 620-792-2401.

Thank you to the Great Bend Tribune, Barton County Historical Society, and Joe Boley for the help in collecting pictures and information about the Chamber's history!

Leading Into the Centennial

• January 2021: In her "Megan's Corner" column, President Megan Barfield wrote that the Chamber was "557 members of fight, grit, determination, unity, ingenuity, and selflessness." "Going into our 100th year, your Chamber is here, standing strong with you now and in the next 100 years. We are the first responders for your business. We are advocating for you at all levels of government. We are promoting you. We are creating and looking for opportunities for you and your staff. We are investing in the future of our business community."

• February 20, 2021: With in-person gatherings limited, the Chamber presented "Awards Night with the Chamber" as a live-streamed production at 7 p.m., with Eagle Radio personalities Scott Donovan, Shannon Stafford and Matt McBain as emcees. A pre-show at 6:45 p.m. included a mixology lesson with Shannon Stafford. Registrants watched on a password-protected page on greatbend.org, and could order a Watch Party Box that included a "100th" Commemorative Chamber Coffee Mug, or sponsor a Watch Party for a group.

• 2021: The Chamber's 100th anniversary (formed May 1921) was celebrated during the Art & Wine Walk in downtown Great Bend, with 550 members at the time.

• November 2021: The Chamber asked members and residents to send stories and photos of Chamber memories (prior Ambassadors, board members, committee volunteers, event attendees) to build a collection of memorabilia, some of which was used at the 100th Annual Banquet, and opened nominations for the 2021 Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and NextGen Leader of the Year awards through November 15, 2021. The NextGen Leader of the Year award was established in 2012.

The 100th Annual Banquet & Annual Meeting

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting & Awards at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. It was the 100th annual gala, themed "100 Years in the Making," and the long-awaited return of the in-person banquet. The evening began with a 6 p.m. live music and cocktail hour and continued with dinner and awards at 7 p.m. The event featured enlarged photographs from the Barton County Historical Society, the Great Bend Tribune and member submissions.

The keynote speakers, sponsored by Central Kansas Orthopedic Group (a part of the University of Kansas Health System), were Great Bend business owner, author, speaker and leadership coach Dr. Nels Lindberg and his son, Nash Lindberg. After a near-fatal accident left Nash wondering if he would ever walk again, the Lindberg family turned all of their focus to his recovery, and they delivered a story of resiliency and the power of positive thinking, prayer, friends and family that captivated the room.

Guests included U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, who kicked off the evening, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, and NHRA Division V Director Rob Park, who presented the Legacy Award and praised Great Bend's work to maintain its historic dragstrip. Scott Donovan served as emcee, Laura Blankenship sang the national anthem, and the Jay Bennett Jazz Quartet provided live music during the social hour and dinner.

The Chamber recognized exceptional volunteer leaders from the Barton County Young Professionals, the Ambassadors Club and the Chamber Board of Directors, including retiring board members Glenna Achatz (Coldwell Banker Sell Real Estate), Rich Baskerville (First Kansas Bank), AJ Chrest (AFLAC), Logan Garrett (G-B Tires, Inc.), Jay Luerman (First Kansas Bank) and Teresa Powelson (Golden Belt Community Foundation). It also introduced the first-ever "Chambie" awards for Ambassadors: Kris Sundahl won Most Chamber Calls; Brad Shirer won a dual award for "Hosted the Mosted" and for appearing in the most ribbon cutting photos; and Jan Westfall received the Lifetime Ambassador Achievement Award.

Tickets were $55 for an individual or $440 for a table of eight (a table of ten for $110 more), including a three-course meal, cash bar and networking; sponsored "Community Champion" tables were $650. "Thank you for supporting our mission and allowing us to serve the business community in our 100th year and beyond!" the Chamber said in its invitation. Read the January 2022, February 2022 and March 2022 issues of the Outlook Business Journal for the full coverage.

The 2021 Award Winners

NextGen Leader of the Year: Chuy (Jesus) Loera Jr.

The first community award of the evening, the NextGen Leader of the Year, went to local soccer coach and youth mentor "Chuy" Jesus Loera, Jr. Andrea Bauer, public information officer for Unified School District 428, and Danny and Junior Franko, former student athletes, presented the award. The NextGen Leader of the Year award, established in 2012, is presented annually to an individual creating a meaningful impact as a rising leader.

Citizen of the Year: Dr. Perry Smith

Teacher. Mentor. Involved. Sports Enthusiast. Devoted. Loving. Unforgettable.

These words describe the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Citizen of the Year, Dr. Perry Smith. The award recognizes outstanding service by an individual who contributes to the quality of life within the community of Great Bend, someone who has given their time, talent, energy, and shown outstanding service to the community and to the members of the Chamber, or who has excelled in a chosen profession. Nominees must possess and demonstrate a generous community spirit, exemplify quality leadership, act as a role model in the community, and thereby raise the standards of social and business responsibility.

Dr. Smith always knew he was going to become a doctor and, with a laser focus through high school and college, graduated from the University of Kansas. His wife, Krista, often asked what his backup plan was should he not get into med school. "There never was any kind of backup plan," she laughs. "He wanted to be in family medicine, and he wanted to serve a small community. We picked Great Bend because it was equal distance between my hometown of Syracuse and his hometown of Inman." In the summer of 1980, the new doctor and Krista came to Great Bend, where they have resided ever since. Perry wanted to live and work in a community where he knew his neighbors and could be within walking distance to his office, the newly constructed Family Care Center at Lakin and Polk Streets. Halloween is his favorite holiday, and he is thrilled with the hundreds of kids who trick-or-treat down Broadway each year.

In his 41-year career Dr. Smith remembered his mentor Dr. Replogle and continued the belief in taking time with each patient and providing individualized care, passing on the way he was mentored to hundreds of students who visited, even taking them to Salty Dogs games. "Perry was just the ideal family practice doctor," Krista says. "He just really and truly cared for each and every one of his patients." He never kept track of how many babies he delivered, and one of his greatest joys was being asked to deliver second and third generations. He provided medical care for Barton Community College athletes, volunteered at the Barton County Community Health Department Family Planning Clinic, served as Chief of Staff for Central Kansas Medical Center, and proctored numerous medical students, residents, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in training.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Smith and Krista have always felt compelled to give back. He has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 40 years (serving as an elder and on the leadership council and the building and grounds team) and of Great Bend Kiwanis for 40 years (currently on the leadership committee), and he has been involved with the Barton County Historical Society, the Brit Spaugh Zoological Society, the Golden Belt Community Concert Association, the Golden Belt Community Theatre and 100 People Who Care. He was United Way Co-Chair in 2014 and is a Barton Community College Hall of Fame inductee.

Dr. Smith retired from family medicine in 2021 but hasn't stopped caring for the people of Great Bend and Barton County. His story of friendships includes the players and families of the Great Bend Salty Dogs, an adult recreational softball league that was once the longest continually running softball team in Kansas, who still gather on Fridays in summer and, in retirement, on Thursday afternoons at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend.

Previous Citizen of the Year recipients: 2020 Randy Smith; 2019 Mike Johnson; 2018 Barry Bowers; 2017 Mark Mingenback; 2016 Dan Bonine; 2015 Jim Johnson; 2014 Jan Westfall; 2013 Roger Murphy; 2012 Rick Ball; 2011 Glen Opie; 2010 Wally Straub; 2009 Bob Dema; 2008 Sheryl Cheely; 2007 Bob Parrish; 2006 Bill Berryman; 2005 Terry & MelEesa Stueder; 2004 Ron Koelsch; 2003 Danny Biggs; 2002 Jean Cavanaugh; 2001 Orville Huss; 2000 Mark Calcara; 1999 LeRoy Dringmann; 1998 Don Whelan.

Business of the Year: Bryant Funeral Home

For demonstrating excellence in the marketplace, a positive response and exceptional customer service in the face of adversity "to the likes they've never known," the Chamber named Bryant Funeral Homes its 2021 Business of the Year. Chamber President Megan Barfield and Executive Committee members Jerry Renk and Shelly Peacock presented the award at Bryant's main location, 1425 Patton Rd. Accepting it were owner and funeral director Michael Nicholson and funeral director Chad Jerke.

"Our service to our community is not measured by gold, but by the Golden Rule, which is a basic rule of ethical conduct," Nicholson said. "We are greatly honored and completely overcome with gratitude... We are humbled to have our commitment to our community recognized." He added that the challenge of the year "was met by our staff, with the outstanding support and love of our community, families we have served, and especially our spouses and families at home," and reminded everyone, "Remember – if our work can make a difference, so can yours."

The business traces its roots to 1899, when Great Bend merchant J. Lester Cox opened a furniture store and funeral parlor, the Great Bend Furniture Company, at Main Street and Broadway Avenue. In 1932 he closed the furniture portion to devote his attention to funeral service; he was also one of the founders of the Kansas Board of Embalming. He sold the funeral home in 1937 to William C. Cook, who had established Cook Funeral Home in 1933 at 1416 Kansas Avenue, and Frank Weber of Ellinwood, and it became Cook and Weber Funeral Home. R. Raymond "Ray" Cornett joined in 1939 and became a partner in 1944. After Cook's death in 1972, the home was sold to Earl Bram, and in August 1975 Gordon R. Brantley, Bill Nicholson and Ted Ricke purchased it. It became Brantley-Bryant Funeral Home when Larry Bryant joined in 1976, then Bryant-Christians Funeral Home with Alan Christians, and in 2000, with Michael Nicholson (Bill's son) taking an active part, Bryant Funeral Home. Nicholson also owns and operates Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.

Shelly Peacock, Chamber Vice Chair and owner of TCI Answering Services, has worked with the Bryant team for over 25 years: "They have always been kind, compassionate and professional and working through the Covid pandemic has been no exception... Often, 'last responders' are overlooked and underappreciated and I am so thankful that they are finally getting the recognition and appreciation that they deserve." Amy Habiger, owner of Yours Truly Gift & Flower Shoppe, called the Bryant and Nicholson-Ricke teams "the epitome of caring, compassion, comfort and strength."

Companies chosen for Business of the Year are Chamber members that have demonstrated excellence in customer service, growth, positive response to adversity, community involvement and innovative business practices.

Previous Business of the Year recipients: 2019 TCI Answering Service; 2018 Keller Real Estate & Insurance Agency; 2017 Great Bend Children's Clinic; 2016 Countryside Veterinary Associates; 2015 Eagle Media Center; 2014 Great Bend Co-op Association; 2013 Great Bend Regional Hospital; 2012 Rosewood Services Inc.; 2011 Tim Miller Enterprises; 2010 Kustom Floor Designs Inc.; 2009 Eldridge Fencing Inc.; 2008 Business Management Inc.; 2007 Great Bend Tribune; 2006 Central Kansas Medical Center; 2005 Venture Corporation; 2004 Adams Brown, Beran & Ball Chtd.; 2003 Great Bend Feeding Inc.; 2002 CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc.; 2001 Doonan Corporation; 2000 Farmers Bank & Trust NA; 1999 Dillons Stores; 1998 Stickney Distributing Inc.; 1997 Office Products Inc.; 1996 Fuller Brush Company; 1995 Becker Tire & Treading Inc.; 1994 Straub International; 1993 Marmies of Great Bend.

Legacy Award: Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA)

Last fall, a colorful mural depicting the historic Sunflower Rod and Custom Association dragstrip and the first National Hot Rod Association race there in 1955 went up in downtown Great Bend. A few months later, at the 100th banquet, the Chamber honored the SRCA and its all-volunteer team for their ongoing efforts to bring racing to Great Bend by bestowing the Legacy Award. The award honors the life and legacy of individuals who have made an indelible mark on the fabric of the community; the first recipient was Great Bend's own Skip Yowell, founder of JanSport. (Previous recipients: 2019 Jan Peters; 2018 Great Bend Recreation Commission; 2017 Kids Ag Day; 2016 Kari Smith; 2015 Skip Yowell.)

"The SRCA, which consists of all volunteers, competitors, and a multitude of local and national sponsors, make improvements to this facility to maintain and preserve its historical presence in NHRA drag racing," said Mike Carlson with the SRCA. "We do this to promote our community and family values, to promote education and safety and a great place to race safely and off the streets." Carlson and SRCA President Hank Denning shared the history of the facility.

• The City of Great Bend acquired the 829 Army Air Force Base in 1946 after it was declared military surplus. The first race was held there on May 17, 1953, and the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association was formed on January 19, 1954, joining the NHRA in April 1955.

• The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of SRCA, wrote to the NHRA president requesting that Great Bend host the first National event. NHRA said yes on June 13, 1955, and the first races started September 29, 1955, with 219 cars and 15,000 spectators. Art Chrisman of Compton, California, ran 145.16 mph in his Gold Dragster, and Lloyd Scott of Long Beach, California, set a new American drag racing speed record of 151 mph in the Bustle Bomb.

• NHRA announced in March 1956 that Great Bend would not host the event again, and it moved on, settling in Indianapolis in 1961 as today's NHRA U.S. Nationals. The AHRA convened in Great Bend in 1956 and held its first National event on the 8,000-foot track until 1959 (the surface was blacktopped in 1958; Don Garlits won his first national title there).

• The club reorganized in 1993 under its original name to maintain the track, won Kansas historic site recognition in 1994, and in 2000 was awarded the operating agreement by the City, revitalizing the facility with a resurfaced track and an extended shut-down area. In 2003 the facility hosted its first NHRA Division 5 Lucas Oil Series event and was set to hold its 20th in 2022.

• Improvements over the years include a new control tower and meeting room (built 2008-2010 and given to the City), go-live 1320 timing (a first in Kansas, 2010), an extended concrete guard barrier and containment trap (2011), track grinding and texturing (2012), and a steel maintenance building (2019). Governor Sam Brownback proclaimed April 27 to May 5, 2013 as Kansas Speed Week. Reconstruction of the dragstrip began in late 2020 with a KDOT cost-share program, and in 2021 SRCA installed the latest Compulink Timing System.

• Events held or planned at the dragstrip include NHRA first Nationals, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Drag Racing Series, NHRA Kansas State Championship, AHRA first Nationals, Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week, Rocky Mountain Race Week, Horsepower on the Plains, the 409 National Convention, the Sammy Mathews Charity Race, and the Big Bend Bike Rally.

Chamber Milestones Along the Way

• 1599: The term "chamber of commerce" can be traced to Marseille, France.

• May 1921: The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is formed by local business owners and civic leaders. The Barton County Historical Society holds the original 200-plus name membership list.

• 2012: The NextGen Leader of the Year award is established.

• 2018-2019: The Chamber & Economic Development and the Barton County Young Professionals lead the Great Bend – Better Than Great community visioning project.

• 2020: Megan Barfield becomes president and CEO, Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. is newly formed, and the Chamber moves its coffees, chats and events online during the pandemic.

• 2021: The Chamber turns 100, with 550 to 557 members.

• February 19, 2022: The 100th Annual Banquet & Annual Meeting.

More Photos

Browse the full photo albums: 100 Years in the Making – Photos and 100th Banquet Event Photos.

Have a Chamber story or photo to share? Contact the Chamber at marketing@greatbend.org or 620-792-2401.