DISCOVER MITCHELL COUNTY TO REPRESENT LOCAL BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND TOURISM IN 2026 Mitchell County, KS (October 31, 2025) – Formerly known as Mitchell County Strong, Discover Mitchell County will launch in 2026 as a 501(c)(3) organization representing local business, economic development, and young professionals, and partnering directly with tourism throughout Mitchell County. The organization will be governed by a 13-person Executive Board composed of committee members representing the Economic Development, Business Support, and Young Professionals Committees, representatives from the existing Mitchell County Convention & Tourism Board, and two at-large community members. Tourism will be an active partner to Discover Mitchell County but continue to be governed by their separate Tourism Executive Board. Uniting the former Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce and Solomon Valley Economic Development under one Executive Board will streamline operations, avoid duplication, and foster greater collaboration across the county. Active committees will assist with strategic planning, goal setting, program development, and community outreach. “The transition to Discover Mitchell County allows us to better align our resources and efforts under one coordinated vision,” said Mandy Fincham, Business Champion and Mitchell County Tourism Director. “This unified approach strengthens our ability to support businesses, attract visitors, and encourage countywide growth.” The mission of Discover Mitchell County is to keep Mitchell County strong by championing local businesses, facilitating future growth and leadership, embracing tourism, and fostering vibrant, collaborative communities. Our vision is a strong Mitchell County where resilient communities embrace opportunities for future growth and tourism, and the quality of life is exceptional due to every resident, business, attraction, and nonprofit having access to the resources they need to prosper. WHY THE CHANGE?For many years, the Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce, Solomon Valley Economic Development, and Mitchell County Convention & Tourism have collaborated for the betterment of Mitchell County. The needs of our rural communities continue to evolve along with the roles of these organizations. Discover Mitchell County provides a clear, unified structure that allows for more efficient service and shared goals. This model also ensures access to business support and community development resources for everyone—regardless of membership status—while offering additional, tangible benefits for investors and partners. Incorporating sponsorship of events and programming into Investor and Partner levels also means one annual ask for our businesses. WHY INVEST?When communities thrive, businesses thrive. Discover Mitchell County invites local business owners, organizations, and individuals to become investors and partners in this effort to strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of life across Mitchell County. “Growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes shared effort and collaboration,” said Emily Benedick, Mitchell County Economic Development Director. “By investing in Discover Mitchell County, you’re helping shape a stronger, more connected future for our communities.” COMMUNITY MEETINGSResidents, business owners, and community leaders are invited to attend upcoming meetings to learn more:
- November 5 – 9:00 AM, Noon, or 5:30 PM – Beloit, Solomon Valley Office Suites, 102 S Mill
- November 7 – 9:00 AM – Glen Elder, American Legion
- November 18 – 10:00 AM – Hunter, Hunter Café
- November 20 – 5:30 PM – Cawker City, Methodist Church Community Room
These are “come and go” meetings, no formal presentation is planned. We will have information to share and answer any questions. Refreshments will be provided.For more information, visit http://www.discovermitchellcounty.com/dmc or Contact Emily Benedick at ebenedick@beloitks.org or Mandy Fincham at beloitchamber@nckcn.com.
