FUEL Barton County, formerly Barton County Young Professionals, hosted the Jan. 16 Great Bend Chamber Coffee, where FUEL Chair Callie Miller described the organization. This nonprofit organization’s mission is to foster personal growth and strengthen community connections through active engagement and leadership. It is open to anyone who is 21-40(ish) years old.
The re-branding of BCYP to FUEL (which stands for Focus, Unite, Engage, Lead) was announced almost a year ago. It is still a Chamber-sponsored program. There is a membership fee, which is $50 for Chamber members, but the paid membership comes with perks, Miller said.
“The first big event that we’re doing this year is a leadership luncheon hosted by USD 428. You do have to pre-register for it because they are providing the meal. It takes place on Jan. 28 and we’re really very excited for that one; there are still a few days to register. They’re serving Crunchy Munchy Chili (and cinnamon rolls), so that’s a blast from the past (for Great Bend High School alumni). So if you want to enjoy that again, definitely sign up for that."
In March, First Kansas Bank will host a leadership luncheon explaining its first-time homebuyers program. In addition to that, FUEL has lots of mixers and other luncheons planned for 2025, she said.
The group’s biggest event of the year may be Casino Night, scheduled for June 13. It’s an inter-generational event that is open to the public, including those over 40 years old. “It’s always a great time,” Miller said.
FUEL membership applications are available on the Great Bend Chamber website. The group is overseen by 10 steering committee members, and now it is seeking members for action teams. For more information send an email to FUELbc@greatbend.org.
Chamber President Megan Barfield praised the FUEL organization, saying “Kudos to this group for doing all the work and putting that passion into it.” She urged employers to tell their younger employees about FUEL.
“We want to engage that demographic so they are making friends and finding their people and getting engaged in different parts of the community. When they know their employers support that effort, that adds to your employer culture as well.”
Announcements
• A benefit soup supper for the Loren and Cindy Phillips Family will be Monday, Jan. 20, at American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave.
• Unlock Your Chamber Benefits: Member Info Center and Marketing Opportunities Lunch & Learn, will be at noon Wednesday at the Chamber office.
• The 2025 Heart Walk, sponsored by Heart of Kansas Family Healthcare, will be Feb. 22 at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center.
• The Chamber Banquet will be March 1.
• Next week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Azria Health Woodhaven, 1560 K-96.
