Smith brings a bigger perspective to Chamber leadership job Pratt Tribune – Pratt Tribune

By Jennifer Stultz Editor

New Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce Director Ashley Smith said she enjoyed visiting with many local business owners and citizens last Thursday on S. Main during a July 28 Welcome Event. She said her position as director and the welcoming response she has received is not something she takes lightly. She said she looks forward to finding ways to grow and foster relationships between the people and businesses who make up the Pratt landscape.

I was very happy with the wide variety of people who turned out, Smith said. I am so happy to be back in my home county after several years away and, long term, my goal is really to find ways to bring young people and families back home to Pratt to live and work here and raise their families.

Smith, who grew up a long-time Pratt County 4-H Club member, said she has learned, through personal experience and education, how important it is to build and maintain networks within communities between all businesses and people.

We have to understand here that if one small business goes down and dies, it affects all of use and we all go down, Smith said. Teamwork, cooperation and communication will really help us all survive.

Smith said her many years in 4-H in the local community helped her build networks as she participated in projects such as leadership, beef and buymanship.

Ive just always loved to buy clothes, she said.

With a degree in agriculture communications from Kansas State University, and another degree in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University, Smith said she feels well-equipped to lead Pratt businesses and citizens forward in a difficult economic time.

You know, I have an understanding of how a bigger, broader perspective really works, she said. Ive worked retail in clothing stores, helped manage a small restaurant, and set up communications with large organizations; it all comes together here where the people we love most can work together to make something special happen.

Smith, who lived with her husband Nate Smith in Colorado near Denver for several years, said it was important for young people from Pratt to get outside of their community and experience what other places have to offer, and then consider how good they had it in Pratt and come back.

We have a lot to offer here, she said. We need to be intentional about encouraging each other not to drive to Dodge or Great Bend or Wichita to shop or dine. We have great places here for that. We really need to work hard at supporting our local businesses so that others can experience the best of Pratt and we can all make it work.

Smith said the best way to contact her to share concerns and ideas about the Pratt business scene was to call her at the Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce office at 620-672-5501.

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Smith brings a bigger perspective to Chamber leadership job Pratt Tribune - Pratt Tribune