Annual Meeting
This popular event is held each January as we kick off the new Chamber year.
The gavel is passed to the new Chairperson of the Board and awards are presented
to Chamber volunteers and community leaders. The evening begins with the
presentation of awards and a guest speaker and continues with a reception buffet
and drinks. The event is limited to members and their guests only.
Committee members and sponsorship opportunities are available for this event.
Start Here Golf Tournament
The annual 18-hole golf tournament is held each year in the spring.
Combining business with pleasure, this no pressure tournament is a great way to
network your business! Bring a friend, bring an associate, bring a
potential client! Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event.
Taste of Lawrence Fall Mixer
Probably the most popular event of the year, the Taste of Lawrence Fall Mixer
is held each September to honor educators, highlight the LEAP program and
celebrate the beginning of the school year. The food festival format is
open to members as well as educators from all Lawrence and Douglas County
schools, public and private as well as University level. Committee members
and Sponsorships are available for this event.
Eggs & Issues
Each year during the Kansas Legislative session we hold monthly events that
allow our membership to interact with area State Representatives and Senators.
We also invite representatives from the City and County levels. The format
of the series allows attendees to learn more about the current session, ask
questions and have the opportunity to interact with our government officials.
Sponsorships are available for these events.
Excellence in Commerce
The Excellence in Commerce awards program allows us to recognize local
companies for their business stability and growth, their accomplishments within
their industry, their community involvement and their employee culture.
Awards are given in five categories: Manufacturing/Distribution, Retail,
Non-Profit, Service, and the Bob Billings Rising Star. Sponsorships are
available for this event.
“Thank You” Event for Business Appreciation Month
Each June the state of Kansas celebrations Business Appreciation Month.
We take this opportunity to thank local companies for their hard work and
dedication to the community. Whether we deliver pizza, cupcakes or
hotdogs—we offer our true gratitude to the employees that help to make this a great
community. Volunteers and sponsorships are needed for this event.
Business Showcase
Our annual trade show showcases Chamber member businesses in an after-hours
format. Members are given the opportunity to host a booth and distribute
information to other members about their business. Held each November, the
Business Showcase is not only a fun networking occasion but also a strong
marketing opportunity for any Chamber member—large or small.
Guest Speaker Series
From United State Legislators to the Biosciences, each year the Chamber holds
speaker series events to offer members access to important topics and
individuals. The speaker series allows members to meet with government
officials or topical speakers, ask questions and gather relevant information for
local business. Members can keep up-to-date with specific series dates via
the NEWSletter, e-News and the Chamber website. Sponsorships are available
for these events.
Monthly Business After-Hours
Chamber members are given the chance to network with other members during our
monthly Business After-Hours events. Held at a different member location
each month the events are free and typically include refreshments and
entertainment. Whether you simply attend the events or hold an event at
your business—the After-Hours are a fun way to meet other members in a laid back
atmosphere.