The Winfield Chamber of Commerce marked Kansas Day on Jan. 29 by celebrating local businesses and announcing plans to revive its Young Professionals Organization.
The celebration comes as the Chamber prepares to plan a series of community-focused events aimed at promoting, strengthening and empowering the Winfield area and surrounding communities.
Sarah Werner, CEO of the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce, remarked on the importance of Kansas Day and empowering local businesses.
“We planned a promotion with local shops to promote Kansas Day and local shops,” Werner said. “Through social media, we promoted local shops carrying items locally made.”
The chamber also announced plans to revive the Young Professionals of Cowley County, an initiative through the Chamber to “keep and recruit young professionals in Cowley County through social and professional connection and education.”
The Chamber views the Young Professionals as a key initiative in the Winfield community.
“Young Professionals was formed to help ages 21 to 40 find a community. We host educational luncheons and social events to help all ages find a community and network,” Werner stated. “It’s imperative for Young Professionals to find a group and network within the community.”
The Chamber plans to bring the initiative back after “biting off more than they could chew,” planning to narrow the focus towards a community network.
The Chamber plans to host the first meeting on Feb. 5 from 5 to 6:30pm. The event will be hosted at Ladybird Brewing at 523 Main St. The meeting is open to the public, and the Chamber encourages the community to attend. Southwestern College students are also encouraged to attend.
On social media, the Chamber’s Facebook page stated, “Support local and celebrate the Sunflower State by shopping right here in Winfield! Our local businesses offer homemade and locally made products including crafts and gifts, home decor, baked goods, and Kansas-themed items.”
The Chamber also highlighted the importance of shopping local, encouraging locals to celebrate Kansas Day by “shopping local and supporting homemade local products
Local businesses were also featured through the chamber’s social media, Gottlob Lawn and Landscape, Do It Up Studio, The Hen House Gifts and More, Werner Creek Farm, and Trunk N Treasures were all featured as businesses carrying Kansas made items.