GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee is seeking community support for its 31st Annual Kids Ag Day, a signature event that exemplifies the Chamber’s Elevate GBK strategic plan in action.
Scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd, Kids Ag Day will bring together over 400 fourth-grade students from across Barton County for hands-on agricultural education, directly supporting the Chamber’s workforce development and business retention initiatives.
“Kids Ag Day isn’t just an educational event—it’s workforce development starting at the grassroots level,” said Megan Barfield, Chamber President. “This event, led by Scott DeWerff and our dedicated Agribusiness Committee, perfectly aligns with our Elevate GBK strategic plan, specifically our focus on workforce development, business and people retention, and community marketing.”
Strategic Impact Beyond Education
The event supports multiple pillars of the Chamber’s five-year Elevate GBK initiative:
- Workforce Development: Introducing students to agricultural career paths and connecting them with local employers
- Business & People Retention: Showcasing Great Bend as a community that invests in its youth from an early age
- Community Marketing: Demonstrating Great Bend’s commitment to education and business partnerships
- Business Advocacy: Providing local agricultural businesses direct access to future workforce pipeline
“We’re not just teaching about agriculture—we’re showing these students that their future careers can be right here in Great Bend,” Megan explained. “That’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment our Elevate GBK plan was designed to support.”
Community Investment Needed
The Agribusiness Committee is seeking donations to cover event costs including educational materials, transportation, and hands-on learning station supplies. Contribution levels range from $50 to $500, with all donations directly supporting the educational experience.
“Every dollar contributed to Kids Ag Day is an investment in Great Bend’s economic future,” said Megan. “Our Agribusiness Committee members understand firsthand the importance of cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. We’re asking our business community to join us in seeing this as part of our broader economic development strategy—because that’s exactly what it is.”
To contribute to Kids Ag Day 2025, visit greatbend.org or checks can be mailed directly to the chamber at 1125 Williams, c/o Kids Ag Day.
About Elevate GBK
Elevate GBK is the Great Bend Chamber’s five-year strategic initiative focusing on workforce development, business and people retention, membership development, business and community marketing, and business advocacy.
About the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is committed to championing local businesses and fostering a thriving, connected community. Through advocacy, events, and resources, the Chamber supports economic growth and celebrates entrepreneurship across Central Kansas. Find us at 1125 Williams, Great Bend, Kansas, online at greatbend.org or by phone at (620) 792-2401.
