Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Mike Law as Interim President

The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce recently introduced Mike Law as its interim president. Law grew up in Emporia and attended college at Emporia State University. After moving to Kansas City to work in radio broadcasting, he is returning home to step into the Chamber leadership role and support the greater business community.

“If this were a different town, I’m not sure I would be doing this,” he says. “I wouldn’t be as passionate about other communities in Kansas, but I really want to see if I can help Emporia out.”

Law is the first to say that he isn’t here to “save” Emporia and is clear that he doesn’t have all of the answers. His primary goal is to shift the Chamber's momentum and bring in fresh ideas and good people. This can breathe new life into the Chamber and make it an essential resource for the business community.  

Law Praises the Passionate Residents in Emporia

The City of Emporia has a lot going for it. There is a strong university presence, a diverse business ecosystem, and a community that is passionate about where they live. Law plans to continue breaking down walls to bring in different stakeholders and have conversations about the future of Emporia and the value the Chamber can provide.

His premise is simple: look at what we are doing now and identify how we can do it better.

“There are so many good people here, and they want things to go well,” says Law. “This is a matter of finding the right formula for this community.”

Law has only been in his position for a week and is focusing his efforts on listening and learning. He wants to understand what is working well with the Chamber and the areas where it can improve before he considers any changes. 

He Identifies Three Ways to Measure Success 

While Law is still in the learning phase and unclear how the Emporia Chamber will evolve in the coming years, he has outlined three indicators that his time as interim president would be successful.

• Membership growth. Law would like to retain current members while attracting new business owners and entrepreneurs to the Chamber. 
• Bringing in new people. Law plans to look at the budget and hire at least one person, if not more, to help with Chamber operations.
• Building excitement and momentum. He would like to see community support for the Chamber and for people to feel proud that the organization represents them.

Law is eager to bring in new people, both from a team-building and membership perspective. Fresh faces and people from diverse backgrounds and industries bring new ideas. If what the Chamber is currently doing isn’t working, let’s see what other people think might be successful.

“Let’s make some noise, let’s have some fun,” says Law. 

The Chamber is Made to Support the Business Community

Law encourages business leaders to join the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce or maintain their membership during this time. Participating in Chamber activities can help companies share information across the region while also fostering networking and relationship-building.

“Many people don’t realize the benefits of joining the Chamber and how this organization can help their business,” says Law. “That’s on us to do a better job explaining what we are capable of. If the Chamber isn’t able to help you, we can connect you with resources and other partners who can.”

It’s okay for business leaders to disagree with Chamber actions and activities, says Law. He has been part of local Chambers throughout his career and has raised concerns when he has noticed problems. “I saw it was my duty to voice my opinion,” he says.

Now is a great time to get involved with the Chamber and shape its future. 

Get Involved to Shape the Future of Emporia 

There are multiple ways for business owners to help Emporia grow. Along with Chamber participation, community leaders can keep up with the Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) in its efforts to attract businesses and industries to the region. Sharing ideas and making your voice heard are critical to working toward change.

Learn more about the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and the Emporia RDA. See how these two offices work together to create opportunities for residents and businesses alike.