"It is never too late to be what you might have been” — George Eliot

Explore Charleston with Us

The Women’s Event Committee has put together an itinerary with a historic district hotel, scenic tours, and the opportunity to visit many of the iconic places Charleston has to offer. Check out the exciting itinerary for September 27th-October 1st, 2024 and sign up to join us.

Learn about unique businesses and communities, build business relationships and create memories to last a lifetime. Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is a charming city defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses, and we will be exploring it together!



Click on the link to find out about the 2024 trip details. Women’s Trip Deposit Due March 1, 2024.

We Love McPherson!

With February upon us, it is the perfect time to show appreciation, and cheer about why we love our community! This Valentine's the Chamber is celebrating with short video messages from some of our partners. There are so many reasons to love McPherson, we asked them to count the ways.

Click on the image to watch the video and think of all the reasons YOU love McPherson.

OMEGA Award Becomes Optimist Award

What began in 2005 by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce as the OMEGA (Outstanding McPherson area Eighth Grade Award) to recognize 8th grade students for making a difference in our community through their compassionate gestures, positive attitudes, considerate actions, and courage to overcome life’s challenges, will now be organized by the McPherson Optimist Club. The recognition will be called the Optimist Award and aligns perfectly with their mission: “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.”

“For 18 years, the McPherson Chamber has been honored to recognize the incredible youth in our community with the OMEGA Award," said Debbie Hawkinson, Chamber executive director.

“The nominations opened our eyes to the amazing youth who are impacting our community and brightening our world! It also provided public recognition to make sure the students know their positive actions and attitudes are valued,” she added.

We are excited about this transition and believe it will be a perfect pairing with the McPherson Optimist Club and the vast youth programs they organize.

Please take the opportunity to nominate an eighth grader in McPherson County for the Optimist Award. Click here for a form and return it by April 10th to Optimist member Jody Unruh, 200 S. Main, McPherson or by email.

2024 AFA Scholarship Available

It's the time of year for scholarships, and we hope you'll spread the word about a valuable opportunity. The Agriculture Committee of the McPherson Chamber has dedicated substantial effort over the years to raise funds for the local AFA Scholarship.

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee established the local Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarship in 2001. To date, we have granted 34 comprehensive academic and leader development scholarships, along with 12 leadership conference scholarships.

The full scholarship, totaling $4,450, encompasses a $3,200 academic scholarship and tuition for the AFA Leaders Conference (valued at $1,250).

To be eligible for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduates residing in McPherson County or attending a McPherson County high school. They should have plans to pursue a career in the food and agriculture industry and obtain a four-year degree.

Selection of AFA Scholarship recipients is based on their leadership roles in organizations, community service, internship and work experiences, as well as financial need. Additionally, candidates are evaluated on three personal vision statements:

1. Explain your educational and ideal career path.
2. What is one challenge you have had in the last year? How have you persevered through it?
3. How would you describe the personal brand you hope to have in the food and agriculture community?

Chosen scholars are required to commit to attending the AFA Leaders Conference in the fall semester of the awarded scholarship year. They must maintain full-time class status and remain in good academic standing with their institution to receive the academic scholarship.

We encourage you to share this information and motivate eligible students to apply for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship. The application is accessible at www.agfuture.org/scholarships, and the deadline for submission is March 6, 2024. For any inquiries, please reach out to AFA at scholarship@agfuture.org or contact Debbie Hawkinson, AFA McPherson County Scholarship Coordinator, at chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org.

Donna's Pool and Patio

Business has boomed since Brandon Barnhart bought Donna’s Pool and Patio in 2016, attendees at the February 1st Chamber Connection learned. Last year the company cleaned over 50 pools a week and has averaged 25-28 pool constructions per year. They also do pool remodels.

“That’s been kind of nice, to take an older pool and bring it back to life, give it some flair, and make the homeowner happy.” Barnhart said.

“When you see something start from dirt, and you walk away, and you’re the last one on the job, and you see the smiles, there’s a huge, huge joy I get out of that,” said Barnhart, who comes from a construction and electrical background. “The end result, when you walk away, is always really fulfilling.”

Like many businesses these days, Barnhart said that a labor shortage is one of the biggest hurdles he faces. “You just treat the employees you have like gold and hope they stay,” he said.

In addition to pools and hot tubs, Donna’s Pool and Patio sells composite wood patio furniture, fire pits, and even barbeque seasonings – basically things to help you have fun in your back yard. “That’s what this industry is about – just having fun,” he said.

If you’re ready to have more fun in your back yard, stop by Donna’s Pool and Patio at 416 W. Kansas or visit their website or Facebook page. Be sure to also check out photos from the February 1st Chamber Connection.

February

7

Tusk, The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Experience

7:30 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House - 219 S. Main

Tusk, The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Experience, stands out among other Fleetwood Mac tributes due to their unique blend of chemistry, synergy, intuition as well as their unmatched qualities in vocal similarities. Concert tickets can be purchased online.

February

8

Chamber Connection

9:30 a.m. hosted by CherryRoad Media at the Chamber office - 306 N. Main

Come make connections, have a good time, and learn about the company that owns The McPherson Sentinel.

February

10

Mac-Town Invitational 2024

9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mac-Town CrossFit - 715 Woodside

Welcome to the inaugural Mac-Town Invitational! This is an Olympic Weightlifting competition open to anyone 18 years and older. For more information, or to purchase a ticket, visit the Mac-Town Facebook page.

Love is in the Air!

10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Downtown McPherson

Come to downtown Main Street for chocolates, mocktails, and more at participating businesses! Mention the secret code word “cupid” for a special surprise and/or discounts. For a list of the participating businesses visit the McPherson Main Street Facebook page.

Venables Give Back Day

10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Venable Jewelers - 214 N. Main

A percentage of sales on this day ONLY will go to Bullpups Beat Cancer. Come get some new jewelry and support a great cause!

Jazz, Gin, Money, & Murder Mystery Party with CASA

5:30 p.m. at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains – 177 W. Hickory Street in Hesston

The Mystery Party is 1920’s themed. Meal is your choice of spaghetti or chicken alfredo with salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Cost: $50 for singles / $75 for couples. Fundraiser for CASA: A Voice for Children. For more information, visit the CASA: A Voice for Children Facebook page.

February

13

“The Path to Pebble”

7 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House - 219 S. Main

This documentary shares the remarkable story of the McPherson College Automotive Restoration students as they restore a vehicle to compete to win at Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. Admission to see the documentary is free, but tickets are required for entry. For more information about the documentary go here. Tickets can be obtained online.

February

14

Flights of Fancy Valentine’s Dinner

At Three Rings Brewery - 536 US. Hwy 81 Bypass

12 couples will be served an exclusive dinner. Prepaid reservations are required by January 31st. $90 per couple. Includes dinner and Flight of beer from TRB or Flight of wine from Grace Hill Winery. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. For more information contact Three Rings Brewery at 620-386-4709

Teach & Taste

6:30 p.m. at the McPherson County Extension Office - 600 W. Woodside

This free, hands-on class will feature a double treat – Black Bean Brownies and Apple Pie Churro. Be sure to register by going to the McPherson County Extension Office Facebook page or give them a call at 620-241-1523.

February

15

Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting

9:30 a.m. hosted by Empower Fitness - 400 N. Maple

Come make connections, have a good time, and help celebrate the grand opening of McPherson's newest fitness center!

February

15

Family Night

5:30 p.m. at the McPherson American Legion - 401 N. Main

Come get a hamburger or hot dog, fries, drink, and dessert for the low price of $6. Proceeds from Family Night will benefit the Eisenhower Elementary PTO.

February

17

Ben’s Birthday Bash!

9 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Ark Antiques & Flea Market – 301 S. Main

Join us for this fun annual event! Celebrate owner Ben’s 35th birthday! They’ll be giving away 35 gift certificates! Many vendors will be running sales, and the Whiskey Wagon will be on site from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

February

18

Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles

7:30 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House - 219 S. Main

This original Southern California group has reached recognition by flawlessly reproducing the Grammy-winning sounds of the Greatest American Songbook. The longest-running and most successful show of its kind, they’re the ONLY ones authorized to perform the Eagles’ music. Concert tickets can be purchased online.