Your Informational Hub for Great Bend, Kansas

Economic Development refers to the initiatives and activities aimed at improving the economic well-being and quality of life in a community through job creation, business attraction, and overall economic growth.

Economic Development can lead to increased job opportunities, higher income levels, improved infrastructure, and a better overall standard of living for residents.

Governments often play a crucial role in Economic Development by implementing policies, providing incentives, and creating a business-friendly environment to attract investment and foster economic growth.

Businesses can contribute to Economic Development by participating in local partnerships, supporting workforce development initiatives, and engaging in sustainable practices that benefit the community.

Great Bend Alive is Great Bend Economic Development’s downtown arm. Great Bend Alive is also a member of the Kansas Main Street and the national Main Street organization, Main Street America.

As a Main Street organization, the focus is on four main areas: Development, Design, Preservation, and Promotion/Events. Great Bend Alive is known for Fridays on Forest, while this has been the biggest success to date, they have committees in place to give equal focus to our other areas as well.

Learn more online at: www.gbedinc.com/mainstreet

Fridays on Forest are held on the last Friday of the month between April and October. The block party is held on Forest Ave between Williams and Main Street, from 5 pm to 9 pm. The street is blocked off, and food trucks and seating are brought into the "entertainment district" along with live music.

What to expect:

Come after work with your friends, family, or coworkers and sit outside with a beverage in your hand and enjoy some great food, great music, and a great time!

• Alcohol will be served in the district, but CANNOT be brought into the district from outside.

• This is a family atmosphere, feel free to bring the whole gang!

• There will be security to ensure the safety of you and our properties.

• Worried about bathrooms?! Don't be, we've got you covered!

• Bring your appetite - you'll have plenty to choose from!

Learn more about upcoming events online at www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents or on social media @GreatBendisAlive on Facebook or @GreatBendAlive on Instagram or TikTok.

Organizations, Individuals, or businesses can sponsor Fridays on Forest. However, most if not all of the events have been sponsored for 2024. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring an event in the future, please reach out to Lee Ann June, Communications Director at 620-796-2407 or marketing@gbedinc.com.

Another way for an organization, Individual, or business to participate is by volunteering! Each Fridays on Forest needs 12 volunteer gatekeepers to work a one-hour shift. Contact GBED's Communications Director for more information: marketing@gbedinc.com.

What to expect?

Come after work with your friends, family, or coworkers and sit outside with a beverage in your hand and enjoy some great food, great music, and a great time! A live band performs on Forest and Main Street. Forest Ave is blocked off between Main St and Williams, so tables/chairs and umbrellas can be set up for everyone's enjoyment.

​Other reminders:

• The event is open from 5 pm - 9 pm.

• Free Concert! No ticket is needed to enter the district.

• Alcohol will be served in the district, but CANNOT be brought into the district from outside.

• No alcohol can leave the district.

• Food trucks and local vendors have food available for purchase. (Please no outside food brought into the district.)

• This is a family atmosphere, feel free to bring the whole gang!

• There will be security to ensure the safety of you and our properties.

• Worried about bathrooms?! Don't be, we've got you covered!

• No smoking or pets, please.

Attendance to "Fridays on Forest" events is free. However, some individual activities or purchases from vendors may have associated costs. Check the event schedule for specific details. www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents

Yes, the events are designed to be family-friendly. You can expect a range of activities suitable for all ages, including kid-friendly entertainment, games, and family-oriented vendors.

Stay updated by checking the official Great Bend Alive website (www.gbedinc.com/downtownevents), social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), or local community announcements. Event details, schedules, and any changes will be communicated through these channels.

Absolutely! The success of these events often relies on community involvement. If you're interested in volunteering, contact the event organizers to express your interest and learn about available opportunities. Contact GBED's Communications Director at marketing@gbedinc.com for opportunities available. Volunteer opportunities are open to organizations, individuals, and businesses!

The primary goal is to enhance community spirit by providing a third place for residents to come together—a location that fosters social interaction beyond one's immediate living or working circles, encouraging public relaxation. This space aims to support local businesses and allow residents to revel in the cultural richness of Great Bend. It serves as a celebration of community pride and togetherness.

A Chamber of Commerce is an organization that represents the interests of businesses in a particular area. It typically provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to support local businesses.

Joining a Chamber of Commerce can provide networking opportunities, access to business resources, promotional opportunities, and a collective voice for advocacy on local business issues.

Chambers often organize networking events, educational seminars, and community outreach programs. They may also host business expos and collaborate with local entities to support economic growth.

No, Chambers of Commerce welcome businesses of all sizes, including small and medium enterprises. Membership benefits are designed to cater to the needs of a diverse business community.

The Great Bend CVB is an organization that promotes a destination to attract tourists, business travelers, and event planners. Its goal is to boost tourism and contribute to the local economy. Great Bend does this in a variety of ways and is 100% funded by Transient Guest Tax – which is the tax that people pay when they stay in a Great Bend hotel.

CVBs provide information on local attractions, accommodations, dining options, and event venues. They may also assist with event planning, securing accommodations, and navigating local services. Let the Great Bend CVB help make your event a wonderful success!

Tourism can stimulate economic growth by generating revenue from visitor spending, creating jobs in the hospitality industry, and promoting local businesses. According to the 2022 study, The $54 Million visitors spent in Barton County sustained 658 jobs and generated $5.7 million in state and local tax revenues in 2022.

Local businesses can collaborate with the CVB by participating in tourism-related promotions, offering special deals for visitors, and providing input on the development of tourism strategies. The CVB has an Advisory Board appointed by City Council and the Great Bend CVB is a Department within the City of Great Bend Government.

The Community Coordinator plays a vital role in facilitating communication, collaboration, and initiatives within the Great Bend community. They work to enhance community engagement, address concerns, and promote positive development. The role was established by Great Bend City Council to create Retail events and lasting festivals in Great Bend!

You can reach the Community Coordinator by emailing chayes@greatbendks.net or calling City Hall at 620-793-4111. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or want to get involved in community projects, they are available to assist. Any business in Great Bend can be part of her Retail list and join in the retail events, efforts and festivals.

The Great Bend Community Coordinator is the creator and manager of most of the Great Bend Retail events: Ladies Nights, I heart GB Month, Eggstravaganza, Downtown Art & Wine Walk, June Jaunt, City Firework Display, Summer Sidewalk Sale, Party in the Park, Great Bend Airfest, Explore Great Bend Month and the Home for the Holidays Festival & Parade. Stay updated on the latest community developments through official announcements, newsletters, or community meetings by emailing chayes@greatbendks.net or following us on Facebook at Explore Great Bend.

The Community Coordinator welcomes community involvement. Keep an eye on announcements for volunteer opportunities or contact them directly to express your interest in contributing to community projects.

Yes, the Coordinator values community feedback. You can always email chayes@greatbendks.net OR utilize the city Request Tracker at www.greatbendks.net and report your concern or share your ideas.

The coordinator actively collaborates with local businesses and organizations to foster a strong sense of community. This may involve promoting local events, supporting economic development, and facilitating partnerships. There is a local Retail meeting held every other month! To get the full schedule email chayes@greatbendks.net

Absolutely. If you're planning a community event or gathering, the Coordinator can provide guidance, support, and information to ensure a successful and well-coordinated event. If you want to have a parade or use a public space she can get you all the required documents and necessary items.

Regular community updates are available through the two websites at www.greatbendks.net or www.exploregreatbend.com, our Facebook page at Explore Great Bend. Our Eblast where you can sign up on our website at exploregreatbend.com and our City TV station Cox Channel 20. Stay connected to stay informed about ongoing projects and events.