“An organization is only as good as its people, and we have great people,” said Brian Weimer, from the Hays office of Insurance Planning Inc. “Three of them are here in this office.” He spoke at Thursday’s Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee, hosted by the Great Bend office of Insurance Planning, located at 1901 12th St.

Account Executive Shelly Peacock said her speciality in the Great Bend office is commercial insurance. Working with her are Michelle Zook and Crystal Combs. Weimer and Justin Randa from the Hays office joined them for the coffee.

“Our main office is located in Hays,” Peacock said, "and then we have this Great Bend office, and also an office in Russell.” While she enjoys focusing on commercial insurance, the Hays office has everything: personal, life, home, auto, boat, life and health, as well as a financial services department.

“One of the things that sets Insurance Planning apart from others is that we have our own claims department in Hays,” she said. “Also in Hays, we have our own loss control department.” Ken Brooks, who does loss control inspection, also does some safety trainings. Weimer is in charge of the company’s financial services department.

Chamber announcements

• The Ellinwood After Harvest Festival continues with a parade on Saturday.

• The Barton Community College Big Benefit Auction will be on Aug. 23.

• The Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Gala will be on Sept. 13 and there is early bird pricing for tickets.

• Golden Belt Community Foundation will host a social hour at 5 p.m. on July 30 at Dry Lake Brewing. There will be presentations at 6 on the Innovation Center and more.

• FUEL Barton County (formerly Barton County Young Professionals) will have an adult “Swim and Sip” from 7-9 p.m. on July 26 at the Club West Swimming Pool. You must be 21 to attend.

• The next Chamber Coffee will be hosted by the Barton Community College Foundation at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Best Western Courtyard.