06 May Kansas Chamber Announces 2021 Champions

Topeka, KAN. – The Kansas Chamber on Monday began a new tradition by recognizing its 2021 Chamber Champions and Legislative Champions during its annual dinner.

 
“Kansas Chamber members are committed to the Chamber’s mission of striving to improve the state’s economic climate for the benefit of every business and Kansan, and to safeguarding our system of free, competitive enterprise,” said Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb. “However, there are some who go above and beyond that commitment with their time, energy, and investment in supporting our work. These Chamber Champions exemplify that commitment.”
 

Cobb and Chamber Chairman of the Board Chuck Grier presented the Chamber’s 2021 Chamber Champions to:
 

• Bill Pickert, BKD CPAs and Advisors, has been a constant presence on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, serving as Chairman and Vice Chair as well as on the finance committee for several years. He is very involved in the Chamber’s budget process and gives excellent insight and advice regarding the Chamber’s operations and investments. He and BKD also are strong supporters and investors of the Chamber’s Foundation, Kansas Manufacturing Council, the Chamber’s Political Affairs Committee, our Event Marketing Program, and Leadership Kansas.

• John Guyot, Security Benefit, recently completed his second, three-year term on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He has been a long time supporter of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and was the driving force in Security Benefit’s engagement and investment in the Chamber’s Vision 2025 strategic plan as one of the first, and very generous, lead gifts. John also solidified Security Benefit’s continued engagement and support of Kansas Chamber events as a top level Platinum Sponsor.

• Vista Productions is a long time Chamber member and events partner of the Kansas Chamber and has been responsible for the look and sound of the Chamber’s annual dinners for more than ten years. This last year, the Vista team played a crucial role in ensuring the Chamber’s many in-person events and board meetings could switch to a hybrid format to allow its members and guests to attend remotely. No ask was too much. Despite the pandemic restrictions, the Chamber reached more members, stayed within budget, and did not need to cancel a single event. In fact, many more events were added with Vista’s assistance. Owners Angie and Mick Warnock accepted the award on behalf of their team.

“Kansans who support our state’s business community go beyond those who belong to the Kansas Chamber. Key to the success of our team’s advocacy in the Kansas Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. is who is elected to serve and whether they support our pro-jobs agenda,” said Cobb.
 

The Chamber recognized retired U.S. Senator Pat Roberts and 90 Kansas state legislators for their work on behalf of the Kansas business community. Click here for the list of the Chamber’s state 2021 Legislative Champions.
 

These champions were selected based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to their voting records on policies and issues important to the Kansas business community and whether they supported the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda during the session.
 

The Chamber also considered if they took an active role in moving pro-job bills through the legislative process, and if they spoke in favor of bills supported by the Chamber and its members.
 

For more information, contact:

Sherriene Jones-Sontag at SherrieneS@KansasChamber.org.

Posted May 6, 2021