Board Chair
Casey McBride
A Big Spring Ahead for Shawnee
Dear Shawnee Chamber Members,
While the Chamber continues celebrating its 80 years of history, spotlighting established family businesses who have made Shawnee into the great city it is today, likeĀ Calkins Electric/Aztec Shawnee Theater,Ā Zarda/Rieke Development Corp, andĀ McAnany Construction, Inc., we are still highlighting the businesses and organizations shaping Shawnee into a hometown we can be proud of in the future, likeĀ Very Fit Co,Ā Coleman Worldwide Moving,Ā Stag Homes, andĀ Summit Ranch.
On February 26th, theĀ State of the City at B&B Theatres ShawneeĀ delivered exactly what you'd hope for: a clear direction, real momentum, and a mayor who knows where this city is headed. Mayor Mickey Sandifer made one thing obvious: Shawnee isn't waiting around. With the world coming to Kansas City this summer, Chamber President and CEO Ann Smith-Tate sat down with representativesĀ fromĀ Friction Beer Co,Ā Nick & Jakeās, and theĀ Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas CityĀ to see how they are preparing for this upcoming summer. A big thank you toĀ AdventHealthĀ for sponsoring the State of the City 2026.
What's Ahead
The calendar is full, and every item on it is worth your time:
Ribbon CuttingsĀ ā From autographed Taylor Swift guitar giveaways to first-time expansions in the state of Kansas, there are new organizations that want you to know theyāre here to stay. Join us in April for ribbon cuttings withĀ Truity Credit Union,Ā Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, andĀ Christian Brothers Automotive. A packed ribbon-cutting tells a new business owner they made the right call. Let's fill those rooms.
Prepare to Score BIG! Global Training with KCK and Shawnee ChambersĀ ā The world is coming to Kansas City this summer. This training on April 7th, alongside the KCK Chamber, will help you position your business to compete and connect on an international level.
Eggs and Issues BreakfastĀ ā The decisions made in city halls and statehouses affect your bottom line, whether you're paying attention or not. This is the room where you start paying attention. Learn directly from our Shawnee state delegation about the 2026 legislative session at Eggs & Issues on April 22nd. Thank you toĀ EvergyĀ andĀ AT&TĀ for sponsoring Eggs & Issues.
Community Impact Day, April 24thĀ ā We're rolling up our sleeves across Shawnee. Volunteer teams will support local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. If your team is looking for a reason to get out of the office and into the community, this is it.Ā Sign up here. You can also sign up for the Chamberās Community Impact Day Blood Drive on April 20th atĀ savealifenow.org/groupĀ and use group code EH44. Thank you toĀ Waste ManagementĀ for being the Presenting Sponsor of Community Impact Day.
Americana & Ales, June 20thĀ ā Downtown Shawnee. Live music. Great beer. And an international audience that's about to see what this city is capable of. If you are interested in sponsoring Americana & Ales,Ā contact the Chamber to learn more.
This is a big year for Shawnee, and the State of the City made that clear. I'm proud to serve alongside such a committed membership, and I look forward to everything we'll accomplish together in the months ahead.
Casey McBride
2026 Board Chair
Vice President, A.L. Huber Construction