The first installment of the Great Bend Tribune’s annual Progress Edition appears in this issue of the paper, focusing on Pawnee County. With a theme of “Dedication,” the section looks at the commitment of those who continue the pioneer spirit that founded the county and helps it thrive today.
The Tribune’s tribute to this dedication will continue each Sunday in February, showcasing Barton County. These four installments include Community, Agriculture-Oil-Industry, Health and Commerce-Finance.
Meanwhile back in Pawnee County
A big part of Pawnee County’s success has been due to the efforts of the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pawnee County Economic Development Commission.
The chamber was formed in 1947 and commission in 1989.
The two entities issued a joint statement in regard to the Progress Edition. They highlighted what happed in 2021 and what is on the horizon for the future.
According to the release, the groups “were organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, and civic interests of Pawnee County and the surrounding areas. Together, we work hand-in-hand to better Pawnee County and the businesses, organizations and individuals who call our community home.”
Below is what was submitted.
Larned Area Chamber of Commerce
Our Chamber is focused on serving our Chamber Members and overall community. In 2021, we had a total of 153 Chamber Members. Annually, we host a variety of events ranging from coffee hours, ribbon cuttings and after hours to the Antique, Vintage and Collectible Show, Santa Fe Trail Days, Last Chance Golf Tournament, Christmas Celebration, Moonlight Madness, Downtown Shopping Nights, parades, and more. We are continuing to work innovatively to bring in new opportunities for business growth and retention by pursuing the potential opportunities like health insurance. Not to mention we have distributed more than $17,500 in Larned Area Chamber Bucks (in 2021) and sent relocation packets to people in 10 states. One of our local spending initiatives brought money back into our Chamber businesses amounting to more than $100,000. The Larned Area Chamber is always looking for ways to positively impact our members and enhance our community.
Pawnee County Economic Development Commission
The Pawnee County Economic Development Commission had aimed to enhance Pawnee County through growth and retention through development and entrepreneurship opportunities. PCEDC is one of 66 ECommunities in Kansas. As an E-Community, we have access to funding opportunities, resources, and a wide network of connections for entrepreneurs of all ages. Pawnee County E-Community has access to a regional loan fund for businesses. We have administered E-Community loans to help local businesses open their doors. We hosted another very successful Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge for our Pawnee County students in 7th -12th grade. We were also able to send two of our local businesses to Jon Schallert’s Destination BootCamp. We are constantly working with local, regional and state contacts to collaborate on opportunities for funding, incentives, and area resources.
Together
Together, both organizations aim to create strong and vibrant communities throughout Pawnee County, where businesses thrive because of community support by the creation of new commerce and jobs, growth of community life, retention, expansion, and prosperity of agricultural production, and agribusiness, and the retention, expansion, and prosperity of businesses and institutions existing in the county and the State Complex.
We depend on the individuals, organizations, and businesses in order for our organizations to be effective. Pawnee County is a place that continues to grow stronger, even when faced with adversity. Together, we’re able to achieve more.
One can contact them if they are in need of information regarding employment, housing, business retention and expansion, tourism, entrepreneurship, community events, and other areas. Visit them at 502 Broadway, Larned, call them at 620-285-6916, email them a larnedcofc@gbta.net, or visit www.larnedks.org.
They also encourage people to follow them on social media.
