New Fiscal Year, New Board of Directors
While the main areas of focus for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce remain promoting our community and members by providing business connections, educational opportunities, communications and marketing, encouraging new business start-ups, expansions, and community development, your chamber is always planning and investing for the growth and future, through new initiatives and goals implemented each year to tackle issues or enhance the Chamber’s role in the community. Along with the McPherson Chamber staff consisting of Executive Director Debbie Hawkinson, Executive Assistant Michael McGowan, and Program Assistant Shirley Mackey, the Chamber board plays a vital role in evaluating, modifying, and offering new programs and services to our members.
The 2020-2021 Executive Committee will be made up of Kendra Oakes (Peoples Bank and Trust) as President, Lauren Hughes (Wise & Reber L.C.) as President-Elect, Alex Graber (Graber’s Ace Hardware) as Past-President, and Justin Kaufman (Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd) as Treasurer.
In addition, the Chamber welcomes 4 new members to its board as of September 1, 2020, representing a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Beginning three-year terms are Craig Druecker (Midway Motors), Dr. Patrick Romm (Integrated Health and Wellness Center), Jackie Christiansen (CHS Refinery), and Lauren Hughes (Wise and Reber).
Continuing their service on the board is Amy Beckman (McPherson College), Shannon Brake (McPherson Public Library), Ryan Hicks (Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance), Jeff Reitz (JAR Performance Automotive), and Eric Wicker (Viega). The McPherson Chamber values the connections and opportunities to collaborate with Ex-Officio board members Mayor Tom Brown (City of McPherson), Ann Engel (McPherson Main Street), Joni Regnier (McPherson CVB), and Kasi Morales (MIDC).
The Chamber also looks forward to recognizing the service and dedication of their retiring board members at the Chamber Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 18th. Board members who will have finished their terms at the end of August 2020 are Chuck Singleton (Central States Marketing and Manufacturing), Aaron Mayfield (Edward Jones), Kelly Pitts (PrairieLand Partners) and Dr. Trent Timson (Community Foot Clinic of McPherson).