Leadership Kansas

At the Kansas Chamber, we pause today to remember the victims of the September 11 attacks and honor the bravery of the first responders and service members who protected our nation.

We also reflect on the resilience of the American people and the spirit of unity that carried our country forward.

Never forget.

From the Dole Institute of Politics to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and Fort Leavenworth, the Leadership Kansas Class of 2026 experienced a memorable month of learning and discovery. Participants explored economic development, higher education, arts and culture, community partnerships, and military leadership while engaging with leaders who are shaping the future of Kansas. These conversations and experiences continue to reinforce the importance of strong leadership and collaboration across every sector of our state.

Excited to see the launch of the Kansas Chamber's 2026 Women in Business Conference!

This year's theme, Lead with Influence: For the Moments that Matter, focuses on how women build influence, communicate with conviction, and lead through the moments that shape careers, organizations, and communities.

We hope to see many Leadership Kansas alumni in the room on November 4! Learn more and register at KansasWIB.com.

Something is changing about the Women in Business Conference this year.

On November 4, we're bringing women from across Kansas together around a simple but powerful idea: Lead with Influence.

How do you show up when the moment matters? How do you build trust, navigate resistance, communicate with conviction, and move important work forward?

Jeanne Sparrow will help us open that conversation — and she has a message for you.
Watch Jeanne's invitation, then make plans to join us in Topeka. https://ow.ly/jhhO50ZEOMT

2026 Women in Business Conference | Lead with Influence | November 4 | Townsite Tower, Topeka

Registration is now open: https://ow.ly/tR6J50ZEOMU

Please join us in congratulating Stan Rasmussen (Leadership Kansas Class of 2007) on being named the 2027 Leadership Kansas State Program Chair.

Stan has been a dedicated leader within the Leadership Kansas network, previously serving as State Program Chair in 2012 and as a member of the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors since 2016. Throughout his career and community service, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, collaboration, and the future of Kansas.

As the 2027 State Program Chair, Stan will work alongside Leadership Kansas staff, session chairs, and alumni leaders to help guide the next class of leaders as they explore the opportunities and challenges shaping our state.

Congratulations, Stan! We look forward to the impact you'll make on the Leadership Kansas Class of 2027.

Kansas has always been known for aviation, but it's the people behind the industry who truly make it special.

Today, we're celebrating the leaders, innovators, and hardworking teams who keep this industry moving forward. We're especially proud of the many Leadership Kansas alumni helping shape the future of aviation and aerospace across our state.

Thank you for the work you do, the jobs you create, and the impact you make in communities across Kansas. Happy National Aviation Day!

Today, we celebrate the aviation and aerospace companies that make Kansas a global leader in flight.

From manufacturing and engineering to maintenance, technology, and workforce training, our aviation members help power one of Kansas' most important industries. Your innovation creates jobs, strengthens communities, drives economic growth, and reinforces Kansas' reputation as the Air Capital of the World.

Thank you for your continued investment in our state, your workforce, and the future of aviation. The Kansas Chamber is proud to advocate for policies that help aviation businesses grow and thrive. Happy National Aviation Day! ✈️

Today is Primary Election Day in Kansas.

The decisions made at the ballot box shape the future of our workforce, economy, and communities. If you haven't already, make time to vote.

Your voice matters. Your vote matters.

Find your polling location, cast your ballot, and encourage others to vote.

The Leadership Kansas Class of 2026 spent three days in Hays exploring the industries, people, and innovations that help drive western Kansas forward.

From learning about oil and gas production, agriculture, manufacturing, and water conservation to hearing directly from community leaders and industry experts, class members gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping this region of our state.

A special thank you to session co-chairs Sara Bloom (LK '22) and Nikki Pfannenstiel (LK '23) for their incredible leadership and countless hours of planning. Their hard work, attention to detail, and passion for showcasing western Kansas created an unforgettable experience for the class.

Thank you as well to our presenters, sponsors, volunteers, alumni, and community partners who shared their time, knowledge, and hospitality throughout the session. Leadership Kansas is stronger because of leaders like you who are committed to investing in the future of our state.

Tiffany Hall had the opportunity to meet with Leadership Kansas Board Chair Doug Gaumer to discuss the future of the program, opportunities to strengthen alumni engagement, and ways to continue developing Kansas leaders for generations to come.

The conversations didn't stop there. Tiffany is also in Hays for the latest Leadership Kansas session, connecting with current class members and alumni who are putting their Leadership Kansas experience to work in communities and organizations across the state.

We're grateful for leaders like Doug and our dedicated alumni network who help ensure Leadership Kansas remains one of the state's premier leadership development programs.

The Leadership Kansas Class of 2026 spent the week in Salina learning what leadership looks like across industries, communities, and experiences.

The session kicked off with the Kansas National Guard, where participants had the opportunity to take part in a Blackhawk flight experience and spend time at Crisis City. It was a powerful way to see leadership in action, especially in high-pressure environments where teamwork and quick decision-making matter most.

From there, the class explored how Salina continues to grow and evolve through strong partnerships, innovation, and community investment. It was a reminder that progress in Kansas is driven by people who are willing to step up and lead in their communities.

Tiffany Hall, Executive Director of the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation, is on the road this week in the Lindsborg and Salina area with Leadership Kansas.

She kicked things off with a stop in Lindsborg at Hemslojd, which recently celebrated an incredible milestone. The business has been operating for 42 years, with the current owners proudly stewarding it for the past 15. It is a great example of the small businesses that help define communities across Kansas.

From there, Tiffany made her way to Salina, where Leadership Kansas is spending the week. One of the first stops was Black Hawk Flights at the National Guard, giving participants a firsthand look at the work being done to serve and protect our state.