Tuesday was a long day for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. In the morning they kicked off Advantage Manhattan with a breakfast and gave the Manhattan City Commission an accounting of their Economic Development activities between 5 and 7 p.m.

The Chamber of Commerce launched its new economic development funding campaign at a Kick-Off Breakfast at the Holiday Inn, Manhattan on Tuesday, August 28 at 7:30 AM.

John Graham, Dennis Mullin and Roger Schultz, who serve as General Co-Chairs for the fund raising campaign presented the campaign to the business community.

"Our numerous campaign committees have been hard at work over the last six months preparing for this day," said Lyle Butler, President and CEO of the Chamber, "and we think our members and all those committed to a strong regional economy will be very pleased."

The Manhattan High School Blue Notes as well as entertainment by the Manhattan High School Cheerleading squad provided special music.

Rich Seidler was the program’s master of ceremony and introduced more then 30 regional economic development partners and a presentation by a "special guest". Bravo Company 1-16th Infantry - Fort Riley, will post colors. General George S. Patton told the group how reach their goal. He was a big hit.

The goal of the campaign is to raise $1.7 million to fund various job creation efforts. The campaign is expected to run through November of this year.

At the City Commission meeting Becky Blake gave a report on the Tourism in Manhattan. She is the Director of the Chamber's Tourism Department. She told the Commission that in 1998 the economic impact of visitors to Riley County exceeded $54 million.

Chamber Vice President Harry Watts gave the Commission a run down on Economic Development in Manhattan. He said, "As a direct result of the strong economic development partnerships the community has formed approximately 2,000 new jobs."

Terry Olson, owner of Eastside and Westside Markets gave the Chamber's Legislative Policies & Positions paper to the Commission. She said the Chamber will be working with the Kansas Congressional delegation and the Kansas Legislature to get action.