Committees
Chamber Committees: Building Together with Purpose
The Kearney Chamber of Commerce is fueled by the talents and dedication of members who step up to lead — not only in their businesses, but across the community. One of the most rewarding ways to get involved is by joining a Chamber committee. Whether you're passionate about celebration, strategy or service, there’s a place for you to make an impact.
Here’s how our committees are helping us live out our mission — and how you can be part of it.
To join a Chamber committee, you must be a Kearney Chamber member in good standing. Please contact Stacie Bratcher at (816) 628-4229 with your committee interest or questions.
Celebrate Our Businesses
The Celebration Committee
This committee brings joy to the forefront of Chamber life. From milestone recognitions and ribbon cuttings to event hospitality and community spirit, members of this team ensure that we celebrate the wins that make Kearney and Holt so special. If you're passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and building morale, this is your place to shine.
Committee Members
- Jewelee Cox
- Niki Allen
- Michelle Turner
- Shannon Lykins
- Moira Carder
- Johannah Schrader
- Stacie Bratcher
Empower Business Excellence
The Ambassador Committee
Ambassadors are the face and voice of the Chamber, welcoming new members, building relationships and elevating local businesses. As an Ambassador, you’ll help foster an environment where businesses thrive through engagement, support and visibility. This committee is ideal for those who love connecting people and championing growth.
Committee Members
- Debbie Holt
- Brian Watts
- Niki Allen
- Jason Hoyt
- Carolyn Yatsook
- Nicki Barnes
- Ed Taylor
- Nathan Hall
- Stacie Bratcher
Support Local
The Tourism Development Committee
Tourism matters. This committee promotes Shop Local initiatives and works to amplify regional campaigns like
Go North KC—drawing visitors and residents to discover all that our area has to offer. If you’re passionate about local pride and economic vitality, lend your voice to this impactful group.
Strengthen Community Partnerships
Strengthen Community Partnerships
Our Board leads by example, driving policy, programs, and partnerships that shape the future of our Chamber and our city. Through their leadership, they foster synergy across sectors, ensuring that Kearney and Holt remain thriving, connected communities.
Committee Members
- Gerri Spencer
- Brian Watts,
- Jeff Fort
- Jennifer Grossl
- Niki Allen
- Sheila Ernzen
- Jewelee Cox
- Nic Vasquez
- Emily Miller
- Nicki Barnes
- Johannah Schrader
- Matt Brown
- Stacie Bratcher
- Natlie Thompson
Develop Visionary Leadership
The Leadership Committee
This committee supports the launch and growth of the Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy. Help design curriculum, mentor participants, and promote leadership development that prepares emerging leaders to step confidently into civic and professional roles..
Committee Members
- Stacy Holtzclaw
- Sam Sapp
- Christina Blanton
- Mark McAuliffe
- Gabby Usera,
- Stacie Bratcher
Ongoing & Seasonal Committees
- Community Market Committee – Oversees vendor experience, promotion, and programming for the Kearney Community Market.
- Finance Committee – Recommends financial policies, goals, and budgetary alignment with the Chamber’s mission and strategic plan.
- Nominating Committee – Convenes each April to prepare the annual slate of candidates for the Board of Directors.
- Scholarship Committee – Reviews Kearney High School student applications each spring and selects recipients of our Chamber & Southern Bank scholarships.
Committee Members
- Spencer Steward
- Stella DePrenger
- Michelle Vaughan,
- Rosey Messersmith
- Kenny Barham
- Vonnie Mulvanie
Your Seat at the Table Awaits
Every initiative we lead is powered by volunteers like you—leaders who believe in building legacy through service. No matter your experience level, your perspective and passion matter.
Join a committee. Shape your community. Lead with purpose.
Learn more at KearneyChamber.org/committees or contact us to get started!
Community Market
The Marketing Committee develops strategies that encourage consumer involvement and investment in the organization’s mission and five Pillars of Purpose. This committee creates and reviews proposed marketing strategies and works with the staff to see them through to completion.
Meeting Frequency
Meets Monthly
Committee Members
- Stephanie DePrenger
- Johannah Schrader
- Stacy Jensen
- Michelle Vaughan
- Rosey Messersmith
- Kenny Barham
- Vonnie Mulvanie
Nonprofit Forum
With the goal of Strengthening Community Partnerships we invite our 501c3 nonprofit members (organizations and clubs) to the Nonprofit Forum for collaboration, networking, asking of questions, sharing of advice and resources.
Nonprofit Forum is all about empowering our local nonprofits and service organizations to maximize our mission focused efforts as we serve the Kearney/Holt area.
Meeting Frequency
Meets on the Fourth Wednesday of Every Other Month
Committee Members
- Kearney Food Pantry
- Kearney-Holt CAN
- Fulfillment House
- Kearney Family Foundation
- Kearney Enrichment Council
- Kearney Historic Museum
- Northland Therapeutic Riding Center
- KSD Education Foundation
Nominating
The purpose of this committee is to recruit the best-qualified candidates to serve on the chamber board of directors and present a slate of nominees to the general membership at the May Luncheon.
Meeting Frequency
Meets as needed March - May
Committee Members
- Niki Allen
- Nic Vasquez
- Jewelee Cox
- Gerri Spencer
- Jason Hoyt
- Tammy Bal
Scholarship
The purpose of the Scholarship Committee is to advise the Board of Directors on the awarding of two $500 scholarships to qualified Kearney High School seniors.
Meeting Frequency
Meets as Needed in the Month of April
Committee Members
- Gerri Spencer
- Marion Hood
- Stephanie Deprenger
- Jeremy Hart
- Nicki Barnes
- Nathan Hall
By-Laws Review
The committee reviews the organizational bylaws to see if any changes are necessary. Committee members commonly research the bylaws of other nonprofit organizations in the area as well as organizations that do the same type of work. The committee prepares a detailed list of proposed amendments and presents to the board of directors the recommendation that no changes be made or the list of proposed amendments for approval.
Meeting Frequency
Meets as Needed
Committee Members
- Jennifer Grossl
- Bree Switzer
- Brian Watts
Board of Directors
The Kearney Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the Kearney business community and the most influential business advocacy organization in the area. By advancing a proactive agenda, we are the leading resource on issues that impact our local business community. As the governing body of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors plays an important role in setting policies for corporate management and oversight for the Chamber. Members of the board represent large and small businesses from Kearney, Missouri who believe that the business community must lead the way in improving both Kearney’s and Missouri’s long-term business climate.
Meeting Frequency
Meets Monthly
Committee Members
- Jewelee Cox
- Gerri Spencer
- Niki Allen
- Nic Vasquez
- Emily Miller
- Natalie Thompson
- Jennifer Grossl
- Sheila Ernzen
- Matt Brown
- Johannah Schrader
- Nicki Barnes
- Stacie Bratcher
Harvest Gala
The planning committee is responsible for producing and hosting this annual celebration of Chamber members, featuring networking, awards, entertainment, local food, and more! Held each September.
Meeting Frequency
Meets Bi-Weekly April - September
Committee Members
- Jewelee Cox
- Dan Holt
- Kristen Atwell
- Niki Allen
- Michelle Turner
- Shannon Lykins
- Lisa Friedel
- Martha Yates
- Brian Watts
Tourism Development
Thank you for your interest in tourism in the city of Kearney. The Tourism Development Committee will champion tourism activity and development in Kearney, providing guidance and expertise on tourism implementation issues. Tourism is one of Missouri’s largest industries. In fiscal year 2019, Missouri had 42.9 million visitors. (The state defines visitors as people who travel from out of state or at least 50 miles in-state). Missouri’s tourism industry employs more than 300,000 people – one in 12 Missouri residents – and tourists spend approximately $17.7 billion annually.
Meeting Frequency
Meets Monthly
Committee Members
- Shawn Barber
- Brian Watts
- Gerri Spencer
- Kurt Hamilton
- Marie Steiner
- Brian Hamm
- Jewelee Cox
