Pints & Politics - a Members-Only (and their guests) Event

Join us for a fun and casual "happy hour" with candid conversations during Pints & Politics, hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce alongside FUEL Barton County! This exclusive members-only affair is not your run-of-the-mill political gathering – it's a dynamic opportunity to mingle, connect, and exchange insights with your fellow business leaders and the elected officials representing Great Bend, Barton County, Kansas, and the US. This is your chance to engage directly with decision-makers and influencers from various levels of government.
Special Guest Alert! We're thrilled to welcome Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs with the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, to share stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his time in Topeka. Get ready for an insider's perspective on the workings of the Kansas Chamber, Kansas Statehouse, and more.

Eric Stafford joined the Kansas Chamber as the Senior Director of Government Affairs in January of 2011, before being promoted to our Vice President of Government Affairs in May 2014. 

As the Vice President of Government Affairs, Eric serves as part of the government affairs team responsible for the Chamber’s policy and advocacy efforts on pro-business legislation. Eric’s primary focus has included worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, immigration, health care and tort reform. In his new role, Eric is responsible for the Chamber’s advocacy on tax policy, government efficiency, state budget and legal reform. 

Prior to joining the Kansas Chamber, Eric served as the Director of Government Affairs for the Associated General Contractors of Kansas for six years. With AGC, Eric represented and lobbied on behalf of the commercial building construction industry. He also oversaw AGC’s communications and public relations efforts. 

Eric graduated from Kansas State University in 2002. He and his wife Shahira live in Topeka and have two children. 

Elected officials invited encompass a diverse array of representatives from key offices, including:

- Great Bend City Council
- Barton County Commissioners
- USD 428 Board of Education
- Barton Community College Board of Trustees
- Kansas State Legislators
- Staff members of our Federal delegation 

It's an unparalleled opportunity to network and forge valuable connections that could shape the future of your business.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Happy hour kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with light appetizers and a cash bar. Enjoy the conversations!
• 5:15PM - Brief introductions of delegates so you can put a face to a name
• 5:30PM - 5:45PM: Behind the Scenes with Eric Stafford, VP of Government Affairs, Kansas Chamber of Commerce
• 6:15PM - Door Prizes
• 6:30PM - Event Concludes

Attendance is free for Chamber members, but please RSVP to secure your spot. Have questions or need more information? Contact the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at 620-792-2401.
Let's raise a glass to progress and prosperity – see you at Pints & Politics!