Alva Review-Courier -

Leaders in the small communities of Hardtner, Hazelton and Kiowa, Kansas, are in agreement to work together as the newly formed South Barber Area Chamber of Commerce. Gayle McNett, president of the new chamber of commerce, said that Hazelton Mayor Tom Traylor; Hardtner Mayor Denise Donaldson; and Megan Meyer, a Hardtner citizen who is active with the Hardtner Community Center, all serve on the new chamber of commerce’s current board of directors. Other members of those communities have attended monthly meetings and begun to be involved as well.

McNett said, “Our ultimate goals are to continue the work of the Kiowa Chamber in promoting economic growth and development in our communities, as well as to provide networking opportunities for local businesses and to advocate for the interests of our members.”

This Saturday, everyone who loves the excitement of watching children search for Easter Eggs, well-beyond the South Barber area, is invited to Kiowa's Progress for the big Easter Egg Hunt where the chamber supplies lots of prizes for kiddos. The hunt begins at 11:30 a.m.

“We understand that each community represented in the SB Area Chamber of Commerce is unique,” McNett said. “We want to embrace each community’s strengths as we also work toward innovative collaboration to strengthen South Barber as a whole.”

South Barber's Area Chamber of Commerce meets the second Tuesday of each month over the lunch hour at Sideline in Kiowa.

When asked McNett said most chamber events will continue to take place in Kiowa. She said, “However, as collaboration continues and involvement grows, we anticipate new committees to form, and events supported by the SB Area Chamber to take place in surrounding communities as well. We will certainly keep the community updated as events/activities are added.”

The Main Street Market/City-Wide Garage Sale event Saturday, April 27, coincides with the Recreational Soccer Tournament that will bring families from at least six other communities to Kiowa that day. A flyer listing garage sale addresses will be distributed and posted on their Facebook page. Main Street will also be bustling with tables and booths set up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many other local businesses will be open.

Besides the two events already mentioned, the new chamber has already approved these dates for the remainder of 2024: Labor Day (Sept. 2), Fall Fest (Oct. 6) and Christmas in the Heartland (Dec. 7).

New Officers, Membership and Benefits

Officers of the new South Barber Area Chamber of Commerce are President Gayle McNett, Vice President Shelby Nielson, Secretary Jenna Mostert and Treasurer Chantel Molz.

When asked how the idea of creating a new area chamber came to fruition, McNett said, “Through discussions concerning the sustainability of the current chamber. Concerns about the declining population and involvement in our area spurred the idea of collaborating with adjoining communities. In addition, the suggestion of transitioning the chamber to a non-profit organization was introduced. After positive conversations with leadership from those communities and discussion among those currently involved with the chamber, a vote to expand the membership area, make the name change, and transition to a non-profit organization passed.”

McNett said they want membership to be available to all local businesses, organizations and individuals who have a desire to be involved. Membership options now include an individual “Friends of the Chamber” rate of $50, a senior citizen individual rate of $35, a non-profit/school/church rate of $75, and a classic membership rate of $100. “We are also encouraging local youth entrepreneurs to get involved,” she said.

How can membership benefit you? McNett explained current member benefits for businesses are participation in the Chamber Bucks Program, access to the chamber's Facebook page and social media marketing. “We are working diligently to further develop our membership benefits to include business listings and job postings on a chamber website, professional training workshops, networking opportunities and more.”

If you are an individual, business or organization in the South Barber area and would like more membership information, please email [email protected].