METL To Host Issue Forums

Several years ago, the Manhattan Chamber worked with several other northeast Kansas chambers to form a coalition to promote regional issues at a state level. The idea was there needed to be a larger group to represent the interests of the people in northeast Kansas. That group, made up of Chambers in Topeka, Lawrence and Emporia along with Manhattan, is known as METL.

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We have worked several issues in the past that effect all four communities including higher education, economic development, and infrastructure projects.

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In September, there will be three issue forums to discuss topics that are top-of-mind in those communities. The forums will hopefully yield ideas that can be added to our state agenda and discussed during the 2025 legislative session in Topeka.

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The Manhattan forum will be first and focus on access to higher education. That event is set for 10 a.m., Sept. 9, at the Kansas State University Alumni Center. Blake Flanders, President and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents, will be in attendance along with several other subject matter experts to discuss how the state can support higher education and access to all Kansas residents.

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That event will be followed by a forum on childcare in Lawrence on Sept. 11 beginning at noon at KU Innovation Park. There will be a forum on workforce development in Emporia at noon on Sept. 25. That event will be at 719 Commercial Street.

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More details will follow but put these on your calendar if you have interest in learning more about the topics or providing input on potential METL priorities.