By Chris Walker
walker@emporiagazette.com
Q What are your goals and objectives as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce this year?
A There are two main fronts this year. One is business advocacy and development. We will be working to reduce the cost of doing business in Emporia and the surrounding areas. Our other platform is leadership and membership development. We want to develop the next core group of leaders for the Chamber. One of the things we want to do is start a young professionals group, which would help not just the Chamber but also other nonprofit organizations who are seeking leaders. The goal would be for the young professionals group to eventually be outside the Chamber umbrella and a separate organization.
Q Have you identified any specific ideas that you will do to keep taxes down on your business initiatives?
A Nothing specific yet. But we are going to still look at all the tax governing groups in the area like the city, county, school district and discuss with those leaders how taxes affect businesses.
Q Last year, the Chamber tackled some county issues. What are your plans on those issues?
A The momentum will continue, but no strong initiatives like the ballot issues last year. When we look back on that, we did some good education on those issues and, if anything, it got people to look at their tax statements again and decide if they want that to continue. Over the next few years it may be something that comes up again.
Q What do you think Emporia needs right now?
A I think we need some confidence. I had some people talk to me about how cohesive our city and organizations were when we were making the push for Cessna and some people have said that has gone away. I think we need that confidence to get that collaboration from the city, county, Chamber and (Regional Development Association) back to the forefront again.
We need to work together whether it’s new industrial or commercial development or more expansions of what’s already here.
Q What do you think Emporia is lacking?
A I think there are some quality of life issues in Emporia that could be better — like shopping-wise, dining-wise and entertainment-wise. But there are a lot of things happening to address those issues but it hasn’t happened yet.
Q You may be the youngest chairman to lead the Chamber. Do you feel ready?
A It is a daunting challenge to say the least. But I have some people I rely on as a sounding board and a reality check. They will also continue to push me and encourage me to do the right things for the Chamber and Emporia.
People need to realize the Chamber is not just out for what’s best for the Chamber. We all live in Emporia, we all make our careers and our families here in Emporia and we want what’s best for Emporia and the area. By looking at certain issues, we are looking at what is going to make Emporia grow and make it an attractive place to live and raise a family.
That is ultimately what it comes down to — if people want to live here they will want to work here.
Q Any last thoughts?
A I hope people will get involved and celebrate Emporia’s 150 birthday and celebrate our history. It’s coming up next month.