Mike Law is getting into his new role as interim president and CEO for the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce.
Named March 27 to the leadership post, Law initially didn’t have the position on his radar, but he had some “down time” after finishing some projects at his home in Olathe. After some phone calls to gauge his interest and meetings with Chamber board members, Law says he was willing to jump in. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Law says it isn’t “a clean slate,” but…
Besides the top leadership position at the Chamber, the Trusler Business Center has one permanent leader post full as Matt Fowler leads Visit Emporia. The Regional Development Association’s permanent president spot has been vacant for nearly 2.5 years after Chuck Scott resigned in early 2024 — long enough so that search is now focused on finding a president for the Flint Hills Economic Alliance instead of the RDA. Also, Ignite Emporia will wind down later this year and current director Michelle Margeson is leaving this week to take a job with Edward Jones. Law isn’t shying away from a range of challenges ahead.
Law’s official duties include oversight of the Chamber’s daily operations, coordination with the Board of Directors, work with Chamber members and stakeholders and supporting ongoing goals and objectives. Law’s immediate priorities?
As far as feedback from Chamber members, Law says those business are willing to help the Chamber move forward.
Law has been reconnecting with Emporia, in part because of additional time at Lake Kahola but also in part through his relationship with Emporia State University, crediting former ESU president Ken Hush for helping the Chamber reconnect with ESU. Law also comes on board at a time when Emporia has had several notable business closures over the last 18 months. He says part of his focus is on how the Chamber can make life better locally
Law follows Christian Keisler as interim CEO after the Chamber and Keisler parted ways earlier this year. Keisler, meanwhile, followed longtime CEO Jeanine McKenna, who now leads the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation after taking that position last summer.
Law says he plans to make himself readily available to residents, including Friday’s Coffee and Conversation event at 9 am Friday at the Trusler Business Center.
