Colby Chamber Luncheon Highlights Downtown Growth, Community Service and Tourism Efforts

Downtown improvements, successful community events and new ways to connect with local businesses were among the highlights shared during the Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, October 22.

Chamber business members gathered in the Garvey Room at the Prairie Museum of Art & History to hear updates from the Chamber and its affiliated organizations, along with a State of the City address from Colby City Manager Ron Alexander. Vyve Broadband sponsored the luncheon, with lunch provided by By Galli.

The committee reports shared a common message: Colby’s progress depends on businesses, volunteers and community organizations showing up for one another.

Downtown Colby Builds Momentum

Brenda Mazanec, representing the Colby Downtown Business Association, described a growing sense of excitement downtown as building improvements, restoration projects and new businesses take shape.

She highlighted investments in historic buildings, new shops and services, plans for upper-level living spaces and a family entertainment center project. Alongside those developments, she recognized longtime downtown businesses, including those serving customers for multiple generations.

Mazanec shared a recent experience in which neighboring business owners complimented one another’s building improvements. For her, those conversations reflected the support helping downtown move forward.

“Noticing, encouraging and complimenting the good stuff,” she said. “The good stuff. It really is happening.”

Upcoming activities include downtown trick-or-treating, Christmas on Franklin and the Christmas light parade. Mazanec also said the Christmas committee is preparing lighting displays that promise to build on previous years.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Downtown Business Association can attend its meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m. at The Movement Connection.

Ambassadors Celebrate Car Show Success

Colby Ambassadors President Daniel Blake recognized the volunteers behind another successful car show, describing it as one of the group’s biggest events.

He thanked the Ambassadors and car show committee for their work, along with Chamber President/CEO Lizzie Lewis and the Chamber board for their leadership.

“The strength of an organization comes from people showing up, taking responsibility and doing the work,” Blake said.

The Ambassadors are also preparing a new project expected to launch early in 2027. Details have not yet been announced, but Blake expressed excitement about its potential for Colby and Thomas County.

He encouraged Chamber members to contact the Ambassadors when they have an event, business milestone or idea that could benefit from additional support.

“Every Chamber member deserves our support,” he said.

Diplomats Turn Events Into Community Support

Lewis delivered the Colby Diplomats report on behalf of President Dana Broeckelman, highlighting a year of activities that brought people together while raising money for charitable organizations.

The group hosted its Valentine’s Wine and Whiskey event, brought the beer festival back to the Sunflower Festival, helped with sporting event concessions at the Colby Event Center and worked games at the county fair. Members also continued supporting Chamber activities throughout the year.

In her report, Broeckelman emphasized that the purpose behind those efforts goes beyond putting on enjoyable events.

“What matters most is that they allow us to give back to the community we love,” Lewis read from the report.

CVB Expands Tourism Promotion

Lewis also presented an update from Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Carson McClaughlin, who was returning from a tourism conference in Wichita.

October marks McClaughlin’s first full year as executive director. Her report highlighted event sponsorships, tourism partnerships and investments intended to help Colby attract visitors and host more activities.

Those efforts included support for sound system improvements at local venues, including the Colby Event Center, along with a local field project.

Marketing work included updating billboards along Interstate 70, launching the Visit Colby app and expanding social media content through business spotlights, local history and videos.

McClaughlin also announced that the CVB is moving its office to the Visitor Center alongside the Chamber, strengthening their continued partnership.

Chamber Adds Member Connections

In her Chamber report, Lewis highlighted efforts to make participation easier and show appreciation for members.

The Chamber celebrated its 76th birthday in February with “Chamber Donuts,” inviting members to stop by the office, visit and enjoy a treat. Lewis said she hopes to continue the gathering.

A new, free text reminder system also allows members to receive notifications about Chamber events, including Business After Five gatherings.

The Chamber and CVB are currently preparing their move to the grain bin-shaped Visitor Center near Interstate 70. Lewis said the location will offer more opportunities to interact with travelers and encouraged members to visit.

She also shared several upcoming dates:

• October 30: Downtown trick-or-treating

• November 30: Annual Chamber gift certificate sale

• December 5: Christmas parade and the second annual soup supper

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From restoring downtown buildings to welcoming visitors and raising funds for local causes, the luncheon reports highlighted the many ways Colby’s business community continues investing in the place it calls home.