This past week, I had occasion to attend the February breakfast meeting of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at the 1861 Club.
As 100 of Hutchinson’s business leaders gathered, Chamber President Debra Teufel spoke briefly about business expansions in the city meaning more jobs and economic development for Hutchinson. Matt Leary, CEO of the Hutchinson Clinic spoke about people from as far away as Oklahoma and throughout western Kansas driving to Hutchinson to seek healthcare. And, others spoke of good things happening in the Salt City.
These monthly breakfasts are feel good moments for our community and we should savor each. It is always good to receive reaffirmation progress is being made in Hutchinson.
Exiting the 1861 Club, one of those business leaders told me what a great asset this venue is for all citizens, and as the old expression goes, the comment was music to my ears. As a member of the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board of Directors (KFF), I remember the decision to build the 1861 Club was made following exhaustive deliberations.
All forward advancements involve risk, and there comes a time when decision makers sit back and take a leap of faith, to make it happen. The KFF Board of Directors did just that.
More often than not, the results exceed all expectations and this was no exception.
Coach/Motivational Speaker Lou Holtz once said, following great victories in life, too many people sit back and say life cannot get any better and essentially cease forward progress. According to Lou, that is the time when we should put the pedal to the metal and continue moving forward as we have momentum moving us upward.
From what I have observed, the KFF Board of Directors adhere to Lou’s philosophy.
There is always plenty to write about in this monthly column as forward thinking, innovation, and progress is a constant at the Kansas State Fair.
Spring arrives March 20. So, when it comes time to write a column for April, let us hope we will observe growing flowers on the fairgrounds, along with chirping birds and warmer temperatures.
We have much to anticipate in the coming months, and do not forget, we are only 161 days until the opening of the 2026 Kansas State Fair.
-Richard Shank
Kansas State Fair Ambassador
Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Member
About the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation
The Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation (KFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Founded in 2003, KFF’s mission is to further the renovation, construction, preservation and beautification of the Kansas State Fairgrounds with a vision of inspiring excellence and understanding of Kansas agriculture, industry and culture through the Kansas State Fair, activities, educational programs and opportunities. The Foundation exists to enrich the unforgettable memories and traditions people experience only at the Kansas State Fair and at the 500+ events on the Fairgrounds year-round.
