Business & Economic Development Committees
Agribusiness Network
The Agribusiness Network meets on a bi-monthly basis at 7:00 p.m. at the Chamber office. The purposes of the Agribusiness Network include advocacy for the agribusiness sector, networking, youth development within the agribusiness sector and economic development - including value-added agriculture.
Staff Contact: Beth Johnson, bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4425
Kansas International
Kansas International holds bi-monthly breakfast meetings, providing a networking forum for businesses interested in international business issues. Meetings include presentations on international business practices or current international business issues and are open to the public. KI also coordinates events and meetings, as needed, for foreign dignitaries that are visiting Douglas County.
Staff Contact: Beth Johnson, bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4425
Manufacturers Network
The Manufacturers Network meets on a quarterly basis to provide a forum for the manufacturing sector to tour other local manufacturing facilities, stay informed of local business issues and provide a networking opportunity for the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturers Network is only open to manufacturers in Douglas County.
Staff Contact: Beth Johnson, bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4425
Chamber Young Professionals Network
The CYPN brings young businessmen and women together to grow their careers and their businesses while they learn about the Chamber. Membership is not required to participate in this group. Monthly events provide fun opportunities for networking, professional development, and philanthropy.
Co-Chairs: Megan Poindexter, Lied Center and Bryan Culver, People’s Bank
Staff Contact: Adam Handsly, ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4427
Membership Service Committees
Envoy Committee
The Envoys help Chamber members celebrate ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. They also participate in Operation Thank You—our yearly distribution of Chamber directories. The committee meets for lunch at noon on the first Wednesday of the month.
Chair: Ranelle Fischer, Emprise Bank
Staff Contact: Adam Handsy ahandshy@lawrenchchamber.com or 785-865-4427
Senior Council
Retired business members stay active in the Chamber through participating in the Senior Council. These members are involved in a variety of projects for the community and the Chamber. They meet at 9:00 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Chair: Joanna Wiley
Staff Contact: Hank Booth, hbooth@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4426
Government and Community Affairs
The committee plans and organizes activities to keep the community abreast of local, state and federal governmental issues. They host events including Eggs & Issues, National Delegation Luncheons and Talk of the Town forums. The committee meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month.
Chair: Phi Strubble, Landplan Engineering
Staff Contact: Becca Booth, bbooth@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4420
Fall Mixer Committee
Our largest annual event, the “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer, is held in September to salute local educators, celebrate the start of a new school year and highlight the Lawrence Education Achievement Partners (LEAP). The committee helps with planning, as well as set-up and tear down the day of the event. Meetings begin in June.
Staff Contact: Cathy Lewis, clewis@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4406
Education and Leadership Opportunities
Leadership Lawrence
The mission of the Leadership Lawrence program is to inspire and strengthen active leadership in our community. Classes meet September through April. Deadline for application is in August. Other volunteer activities include: Curriculum planning, town meetings, Community Candidate School, and continuing education seminars.
Staff Contact: Sue Hack, shack@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4421
Lawrence Education Achievement Partnership (LEAP)
This program is for businesses that would like to create a partnership with one or more of our local schools. More than 100 member businesses and organizations have formed partnerships and have positive influences on the next generation of employees.
Contact: Susan Esau, 832-5000