8/28/2009
TIM UNRUH
A diverse group of Salina leaders plan a trip late next month to Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, S.D. to collaborate with leaders in the two cities and obtain tips to improve Salina.
The first Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Inter-City Visit is Sept. 23-25.
The cities are 90 miles apart and are similar in makeup to Salina, said Daran Neuschafer, chairman of the chamber board of directors and owner of the American Family Insurance Daran Neuschafer Agency.
“We’re going to look at communities that we may aspire to be like,” he said. “This is an opportunity for people to talk and gain knowledge from those who have made those decisions.”
Sioux City and Sioux Falls are far enough from Salina to avoid being in competition, said chamber board chairman-elect Larry Fief, president of the Bank of Tescott.
Chamber President and CEO Dennis Lauver said 20 people are committed to taking the bus trip, but 37 to 38 would be ideal. The $270 cost includes transportation, overnight accommodations and most meals. Anyone wishing to participate may call the chamber office, 827-9301.
Lauver said the trip is meant to mix with the leaders of the two host cities. In fact, only 30 minutes of social time has been scheduled.


Read more about the Chamber initiative in Saturday's Salina Journal.