Many people identify the Chamber as part of, or under the control or supervision of the City of Manhattan, Riley and/or Pottawatomie Counties, and sometimes even the State of Kansas.

The truth is that the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation founded in 1925. It is operated by its own board of directors, has a set of by-laws, and its own staff. Neither the city nor the counties have any direct control, legal ownership or management over the Chamber.

Contractual Agreements
The Chamber does have a contractual agreement with both the City of Manhattan and Riley County to perform some specified services.

We have a contract with the City of Manhattan to provide assistance in the area of economic development and convention and visitors recruitment. Though approved in advance by the City Commission, the City carries no ownership or management control.

The Chamber has a similar contract with Riley County to perform certain economic development functions, but again, there is no ownership or management control.