4
October 2016
Jeanine McKenna President & CEO
From the President
Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau
For nearly 120 years , the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is the community ’ s leading advocate and champion for business . Its primary objective is to create an environment for business and community success . The Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau provide leadership programs and opportunities as well as volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the community . By leveraging the support , talent , and resources of its members , the Chamber is one of the leading organizations helping to improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone .
Advocacy is an important part of our business plan . We believe it is important to advocate on the behalf of the business community and offer opportunities for our members to become more engaged in the process .
With the elections coming up you will have an opportunity to meet the candidates at our Candidates Forum on Tuesday , October 18th . It will be held in the conference room at Flint Hills Technical College beginning at 6:00 pm . We will begin the evening with asking each of the candidates to answer a few questions based off our Joint Legislative Statement , we will then give everyone a chance to visit one on one with each candidate asking the questions that are important to you .
The Journal , a publication from the Kansas Leadership Center has a great article in their most recent issue called opting in . In it they state that about 45 % of all eligible voters fail to show up to the polls for a general election in Kansas . In their Voting in Kansas by the numbers section of this article they show the following . 69,000 , the estimated number by which eligible nonvoters exceed voters in Kansas during the 2014 General Election . 26,228 , the number of names on the 515-page “ Kansas voter Suspension List ” released by the League of Women Voters of Kansas in July 2016 . 700,000 , the estimated number of eligible Kansans likely to skip voting in the 2016 General Election , if past trends hold true . 38 % vs . 70 %, the turnout for young adults compared to those 30 and over in Kansas , according to estimates from the U . S . Census Bureau . Wow ! I think those are some interesting and disturbing stats . Your vote does count and I think that was proven in our primary election for the 76th House position .
So why mention the above ? We believe to have a strong , vibrant community , we must be more engaged , and that means being informed on the issues that affect you and your business .
The benefits of being a Chamber member are endless , and becoming a member is as low as $ 23.75 a month ; 78 cents a day ! Your investment in the Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau is a sound business decision , good for your business and good for the Emporia area . We feel strongly that our programs are designed for you , and that you will be satisfied with your investment . WE GUARANTEE IT !
Remember , It ’ s a Great Day in Emporia . . . tell someone .