I have the honor of serving as your Chamber Chairman in 2026, and together with the full Board, Chamber leadership, and staff, we are excited to continue building on our strong foundation.

As a small business owner who chose Overland Park more than 20 years ago, my path mirrors that of many others in the Chamber – people who took a risk and pursued a dream. It’s no accident that nearly 10,000 businesses now call Overland Park home. Much of that success stems from the city’s strong foundation and its long-standing support for business growth.

One of Overland Park’s greatest strengths is the diverse mixture of businesses across the city – from global corporations to franchise operators to local enterprises. All call Overland Park home because of the exceptional environment it offers: a place where business owners can thrive, and where employees and their families benefit from outstanding neighborhoods, excellent education and opportunities for a high standard of living.

To support the city’s ongoing growth needs, significant projects will come online in 2026, including:

• The US-69 Express project, which will ease congestion along Kansas’ busiest four-lane highway corridor.
• Equally important are infrastructure upgrades that receive less attention but are vital to safety and mobility—traffic signal improvements, curb and drainage upgrades, and new or improved sidewalks across the city.

In 2026, Chamber priorities include:

• Strengthening the Leadership Overland Park program through alumni engagement.
• Enhancing opportunities for Young Professionals and the Student Chamber of Commerce.
• Preparing our business community for the global spotlight of the World Cup.
• Continuing our role as convener and unifier on key community issues.
• Advocating for our quality of life as political fragmentation grows.
  • We need your voice to help tell our story – how we drive the resources that fund both our quality of life and infrastructure:
    28% of the city’s property taxes are generated by commercial businesses.
  • 130,000 employees work in Overland Park and support tens of thousands of families, fuel local economic activity, and generate sales tax revenues that maintain our essential city services, and:
  • Advancing philanthropy through our time, talent and treasure.
• Accelerating Opportunity NOW.
• Launching new resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Driving redevelopment, recognizing that much of the city’s commercial infrastructure is entering middle age.

Overland Park’s success did not come about by chance. It is the product of the interconnectedness of strong government, a diverse array of businesses, a commitment to public safety, vibrant neighborhoods, an excellent educational system and a skilled and motivated workforce that continues to advance the foundation leaders before us built.

Our commitment is that your Chamber will continue to be your bold, unwavering voice for pro-business policies at the local, state and federal levels, and help shape a thriving Overland Park for future generations.

Wishing you a great 2026 and thank you for your continued support and investment in your Overland Park Chamber.