february 2018 volume 58, number 2 · salina, ks 67402-0586. board of directors chairman mark ritter...
TRANSCRIPT
A Monthly Publication of the
CUSTOMER SERVICE SEMINAR
FEBRUARY 2018 Volume 58, Number 2
See Page 4
PASS IT ON!n Human Resourcesn Communicationsn Salesn Staff Break Area
AT A GLANCE...Business After Hours . . . . . . February 8 Lamone’s • 701 Bishop Street 5-7pmLegislative Issues Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 10 Visit Salina Annex • 120 W. Ash 8:30-10pmSalina at the Statehouse . . February 15 Topeka, Kansas 8am-5:30pmBusiness After Hours . . . . . February 22 SkyWest • M.J. Kennedy Terminal 5-7pm • 3237 ArnoldCustomer Service Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 27 Visit Salina Annex • 120 W. Ash 8:30-10:30am OR 1:30-3:30pm
Details inside!
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONThe Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connection (USPS 478-100) is published monthly by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 W. Ash, Salina, Kansas 67401. Periodical Postage paid at Salina, Kansas. Subscription rate to members is $1.25 per year. Sylvia A. Rice, Editor. Consolidated Printing, layout and design. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Connection, PO Box 586, Salina, KS 67402-0586.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Mark Ritter Crown Distributing, LLC VICE CHAIRMAN Dr. Matt Thompson Kansas Wesleyan University CHAIR-ELECT Joyce Volk Joyce Volk Insurance Agency TREASURER Dahx Marrs Marymount Properties, Techniqol Consulting, Kansas Bankers Technologies PAST CHAIRMAN Guy Walker Blue Beacon International PRESIDENT/CEO Don L. Weiser Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Kristy Balthazor Assurance Partners, LLC Jennifer Brantley Schwan’s Global Supply Brandon Ebert Waddell & Reed, Ebert-Stein Group Julie Goetz Salina Regional Health Center Dave Hiechel Eagle Technologies Brandon Hughes Harbin Construction Peter Johnston Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd. James Lambert Kansas Gas Service Dr. Scott Owings, MD KU School of Medicine Bob Protzman Rocking M Media LuAnn Puvogel Salina Surgical Hospital Amber Renfro Coldwell Banker Antrim-Piper Wenger Realtors Father Bobby Smith Saint Francis Community Services Barb Young Triad Manufacturing Mark Zimmerman Salina Supply Company
Downtown NewsBy Penny Bettles, Salina Downtown, [email protected] • 825-0535
SDI AND CHAMBER
I LOVE my downtownThere are many reasons to love downtown from the places and experiences to the
wonderful memories that are made while being downtown. Here are just a few reasons why I LOVE my downtown:
1. Events and Entertainment. We host the town›s most favorite events! From pub crawls, wine walks to Friday Night Live. Salina Downtown definitely creates an event that you just can›t miss! Check out the calendar of events at salinaae.com.
2.The Shopping! We seriously have the best local boutiques around. You can’t beat the one of a kind selection of clothes, novelty gifts, furniture, antiques
and much, much more. We have so much here you have to see it to believe it! 3. SculptureTour Salina. Downtown is a public art lover’s dream year-round. SculptureTour
Salina is an outdoor walking exhibit that changes every spring. Each piece on display downtown is on loan from the artist. We encourage you to stroll through our thriving downtown, tour the sculptures, and vote for your favorite piece. Each year, votes are tallied, and the City of Salina purchases the “People’s Choice” winning sculpture to add to our permanent art collection!
4. The food scene. We have a pretty diverse selection of good eats. You can enjoy amazing Italian, wood fired pizza, yummy BBQ, a Cajun cuisine and a good ol’ fashioned burger all downtown, all within walking distance of any parking lot downtown!
5. The Stiefel Theatre. The Stiefel Theatre has made a huge impact to the community since 1931.The Stiefel has now become a major concert venue to the midwest hosting artists like Peter Frampton, Steve Martin, and Darius Rucker! The Salina Symphony also makes its home in the theatre.
6. Nightlife. Tough day at the office? You can always laugh it off with the co-workers in any one of Salina downtown›s fun and eclectic bars! They even host live music most weekends! P.S. there›s also a hippy-happening coffee shop that has an amazing comfy feel. 7. Hidden gems. Have you ever noticed the beautiful architecture on the buildings downtown? Next time you’re taking a stroll down Santa Fe, look up, it’s beauty in plain sight! 8. The downtown residents. We can’t forget the people that call downtown their home! Loft residents add to the everyday lifestyle and buzz that every downtown needs! They bring the “neighbor” to the hood. 9. Top notch employers. Salina downtown is home to Salina Regional Health Center, City/County building, and many financial and legal offices, making downtown a great place to work! 10. Things keep getting better! While there are countless reasons (these ten are just the beginning) to love Salina downtown, the underlying theme that unifies them all is progress! Will it be easy? No. Will it be challenging? Absolutely. But look at how we are all collectively changing it for the better already. The current projects (streetscape renovation, 5-story hotel, KU Med Center, The Alley, and more!) will draw more Salinans and regional visitors to downtown. Creating the sorts of jobs and opportunities Salina craves and providing the kind of new ideas and energy necessary to keep up the momentum. Our cultural life gets more enriching and diverse by the day. Already great, our food scene continues to expand and improve in mouth-watering ways. Citizens are getting more engaged and involved in improving their neighborhoods. Without these advocates, Salina downtown just wouldn’t be the same.
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Follow theSalina Chamberand Visit Salinaon Facebook.
CHAMBER NEWS
Ribbon Cutting
TK’s Smokehaus celebrated with a Chamber ribbon cutting, and is now open and ready for business!
Officers elected for Chamber Board 2018
Mark Ritter, Crown Distributing LLC, has been elected 2018 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. Mark Ritter is a life-long Salinan! He graduated from Sacred Heart High School, furthered his education at The University of Kansas and graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University with a B.A. in Business Administration. Mark previously served on the Chamber Board of Directors in 1988-90. Mark started working for his father Joe in 1984, and in 1996 along
with his sister Karrie purchased Crown Distributors Inc outright from their father. Crown Distributors LLC was created through mergers across the state, becoming the 2nd largest MillerCoors wholesaler in Kansas, employing 94 between their Salina and Topeka warehouses. Mark is very active in the community, serving Catholic Charities, Salina Regional Health Center Trustees and Foundation, Salina Family YMCA and Sacred Heart boards. Mark’s pride and joy are his two children, daughter Courtney Marie who attends Metro State University in Denver, and a son Tyler Joseph who lives in Lawrence. Mark and his significant other and the love of his life…..Rosie Coleman Lammoglia both attended Sacred Heart High School together.
Other officers elected for 2018 are: Dr. Matt Thompson, Kansas Wesleyan University, Vice Chairman; Joyce Volk, Joyce Volk Insurance Agency, Chair-elect; Dahx Marrs, Techniqol Consulting, Kansas Bankers Technologies, Marymount Properties, Treasurer; Guy Walker, Blue Beacon International, Immediate Past Chairman; and Don Weiser, President/CEO.
Mark Ritter
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“I recently attended Mike Henke’s workshop “The New Keys to Retaining Employees” at the
Chamber. I was a bit skeptical that a two-hour workshop could offer
much in the way of new solutions, but I was surprised how much I took
away from his presentation. Mike offered many practical ideas
that we will be implementing at Rolling Hills Zoo. I look forward to attending more of his workshops in the future and encouraging other
staff to join me.” Kathy Tolbert
Assistant DirectorRolling Hills Zoo
On Tuesday, February 27, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce will present “The Total Experience: Not your typical Customer Service Training”, a learning workshop with Mike Henke. This fast paced session will be great for all types of business.
Along with Mike, participants will establish how customer expectations have risen, how we should customize our service because customers are not all the same, and, “what’s in it for me?” as an employee, so they are self-motivated when they are
working independently. This promises to be a very interactive and upbeat workshop. Participants will learn:• How to coach a new generation on great service• How to deftly handle upset customers• How to build your brand and your reputationThe workshops will be held at the Visit Salina Annex, 120 W. Ash. Two sessions
will be presented, from 8:30-10:30am OR 1:30-3:30pm. Registration is $40 for Chamber Members and $50 for non-members, for either session. Do you work for a Salina hotel? Contact Sylvia Rice, Visit Salina Direct at [email protected] about a special opportunity!
The Chamber received great feedback about Mike after his “New Keys to Retaining Employees” workshop in January. (see right) Please RSVP by February 23 to [email protected] or call 785-827-9310, ext. 124.
CHAMBER NEWS
Register for “The Total Experience”Customer Service Seminar with Mike Henke
Lyle Parks
Mike Henke
Parks is 2017 Mace Braxton, MD Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
The Mace Braxton, MD Volunteer of the Year Award is given in memory of Dr. Braxton, who served this community and the Chamber Board in particular as a dedicated volunteer, prior to his untimely death in 2008.
Lyle Parks of Waddell & Reed was announced as the 2017 recipient at the Chamber Annual Banquet and Membership Meeting on January 30 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.
Lyle is a tremendous asset to the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, and in particular the Visit Salina division. His friendly, positive, and warm personality makes him the perfect hospitality ambassador to visitors of Salina. Lyle has worn many volunteer hats at the Chamber, always willing to pitch in wherever needed. He has served as a team host for the NJCAA National Basketball
Championships and at KSHSAA State High School Tournaments. For more than a decade, he’s welcomed and hosted officials, worked at pass gates, and sold numerous commemorative t-shirts and programs at various sporting events. He’s often found giving referrals for Salina restaurants and attractions to those visitors he meets. He is not only a committed, energetic volunteer himself, but he has recruited his wife Kay to join the ranks as well. Lyle is a mayoral appointment to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee, which he currently chairs. He is a strong advocate of the Chamber’s Visit Salina staff and program, and proudly does whatever he can to further promote Salina as a visitor destination. Thank you for everything Lyle!
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MarqueeWelcomesFebruary 2-3 Smoky Valley Hoops Classic
February 2 WWE Wrestlemania Fans
February 3 Sharp Performance Youth Combine & Speed Clinic
February 14 KS Redi Mix
February 17 Monster Truck fans
Sharp Performance Combine Prep Clinic
February 23-24 KSHSAA 4A State Wrestlers
February 25 USA KS Kids Elementary Wrestlers
February 27-28 KS Board of Regents
Recent groups Visit Salina worked with and the estimated visitors’ spending they created in the community:
VISIT SALINA
DollarsSense
Salina Invitational Basketball Tournament (SIT)
$179,720
MAYB Tournament$207,496
X-treme Winter Wonderland Gymnastics
$111,200
KS Kids Wrestling Tournament of Championships
$645,000
Soil Health U$133,640
Good Sports! Salina Goes to the Mat this Month!!
Salina is proud to host the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Class 4A State Wrestling Championships, February 23 & 24 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. Salina will celebrate its 12th anniversary as host to
the 4A State Championships. The event creates an estimated $784,000 spending in the Salina community. More than 224 wrestlers from 54 schools, PLUS coaches, media, officials, staff, volunteers and some very enthusiastic wrestling fans attend. In each of the 14 weight classes, the top 16 wrestlers will be bracketed. Mark Lentz,
KSHSAA Asst. Executive Director stated, “The people of Salina and the city continue to welcome the KSHSAA MEMBER SCHOOLS, athletes and fans each and every year. We look forward to great hospitality from a welcoming community.”
Tickets for 4A State Wrestling will be available at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office throughout the event. A one-day ticket for Friday or Saturday, all day admission will be $9.00 for students and $11.00 for adults. Updates will be posted on-line. For more information about KSHSAA State wrestling, including volunteer opportunities, contact Tiffany at Visit Salina, 827-9310 x130, [email protected] or Kyle at 827-9310 x136, [email protected]
Visit Salina is delighted to welcome back the USA KS Kids Wrestling 6U & Under Tournament and Elementary State event to the Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Sunday, February 25. This event is expected to bring approximately 700 youth wrestlers, many of which will check-in at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center on Saturday night. According to James Cook, Event Founder and Organizer, “Salina provides us a great central location and the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Staff do a great job to accommodate us and make this event happen. We expect approximately 2,500+ spectators through the door.”
The event began as a 6 & under event only, with about 300 wrestlers in the 2013-2014 season. Recently, the event added an elementary qualifier tournament where the top wrestlers will be able to participate in a larger event in April 2018 in Council Bluff, IA. This change has increased the number of wrestlers to about 700 competitors. Weigh-ins will begin Saturday evening during the KSHSAA State Championship, both at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. Wrestling will begin early Sunday morning and end by approximately 4pm. Admission is $5.00 per person.
Measuring Visitor ImpactWichita State University has conducted a study to determine what the appropriate multiplier for tourism spending is for the Salina area. That immediate multiplier rate was determined to be 1.6, meaning that for every $1.00 spent directly by a tourist/visitor for lodging, meals, entertainment, retail, and so on, our economy is actually impacted $1.60. We believe this to still be a conservative estimate, and we will be using this in calculating our estimated visitor spending. If you have any questions, please contact Sylvia Rice at Visit Salina – [email protected] or 785-827-9310, ext. 138.
The Kansas Board of Regents will hold a Perkins Update and State Planning workshop February 27 & 28 at Kansas State Polytechnic. The event should involve 40-50 participants. For secondary and post-secondary registration please contact Kansas Board of Regents at 785-430-4240.
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In The NewsLINDSEY MILLER-ESCARFULLER is the new director of Salina Public Library. A Salina native, Miller-Escarfuller returns to Salina with 25 years of library experience from around the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
By now, everyone should have received the 2018 edition of the NEX-TECH Directory . Your directory should have arrived via the USPS mail. If you did not receive a directory, or want additional copies, stop by your local Nex-Tech office or call 877-625-7872 to have one sent in the mail.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SALINA will host their premier annual FUN-raising event - Bowl for Kids’ Sake – Saturday, March 3 from 10am-11pm at All Star Lanes. Get together with friends, family and co-workers and have a great time bowling in support of the Big Brother Big Sister of Salina mentoring programs. This event is a fun and easy way to positively impact a child’s life! To register please visit bbbssalina .org .
New MembersLIFE ASSIST USA1009 E. Minneapolis • Rhona Annon(785) 527-1472 • [email protected]
FAMILY HERITAGE217 W. Second • Minneapolis, KSBrenda Forte • (785) [email protected]
IBT2231 B Centennial Road • Jeromy Benien(785) 825-6234 • [email protected]
BLUESTEM PACE113 S. Ash • McPherson, KSShan Copeland(620) 504-5919 • [email protected]
GOT NEWS? Do you have news to share about your business or organization? Email [email protected] and we’ll publish it in an upcoming issue of Chamber Connection .
Meet Chamber Members Rod Meier and Grant Wagner, Owners of Relish as you read excerpts from our 5-minute/5-question interview.
What is it about your business that is unique or special? What separates you from your competitors?
Relish is as yin/yang as its proprietors. A traveling gourmet kitchen that can function as well for a 7 course catered dinner as it can for your daily lunch pick up.
Certainly the kitchen is the biggest difference. It’s so much more than a “food truck”. As for the food, we hope it speaks for itself. We are able to cater plated dinners and that’s not an option offered by many in our area.
See the entire interview, and others, posted at www.salinakansas.org/chamber/take_5.aspx.
Want to be interviewed about your business? Contact
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2018 “Business After Hours” Fast Pass is on sale now!For $40, the pass will gain you admittance to all Chamber After Hour events throughout the year. To order your 2018 Fast Pass, contact Delta at the Chamber office, 827-9301 or email [email protected]
Legislative Issue Meeting UPDATES
DATE CHANGE! Due to scheduling conflicts, the first Chamber Legislative Issues Meeting, sponsored by AT&T, has been changed to Saturday, February 10th. The subsequent dates of Saturday, March 17 and Saturday, April 21 are still on the books! They will be held from 8:30-10am at the Chamber’s Visit Salina Annex, 120 W. Ash.
Senator Randall Hardy, and Representatives Steven Johnson, Diana Dierks, and J. R. Claeys, have been invited to attend. The format of the meetings will consist of opening remarks from the legislators, written questions from the audience, and closing remarks from the legislators. The meetings are open to the public free of charge.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Search for us atSalina Chamber
andVisit Salina
Salina at the Statehouse
Our 2018 Salina at the Statehouse event will be Thursday, February 15. Those attending will travel by Motorcoach to Topeka, leaving the Chamber office at promptly 8:15am. The group will arrive at Westar Energy HQ where the day will begin with State Department updates, including:
• Kansas Department of Commerce Update – Sec’y Nick Jordan • Kansas Department of Trans and Aviation Update – Sec’y Richard Carlson, Interim
Aviation director Bob Brock• Kansas Department of Education Update – Deputy Sec’y Dale DennisThe updates will be followed by a working lunch with local state legislators, and then
private appointments at the Statehouse. The day will end with a tentatively scheduled meeting with the Governor’s office. The Motorcoach will depart Topeka at 3:30pm. If you are interested in more information, contact Don Weiser at the Chamber, 785-827-9310, ext. 127.
The event is sponsored by Westar Energy, Salina Airport Authority and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.
Junior Leadership 2018 Class Announced
The Chamber and the 2018 Jr. Leadership Class wish to thank these sponsors of the program: Bamford Fire Sprinkler; Barton Bycroft, DMD; Bennington State Bank; Blue Beacon International; Central States Enterprises; Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd.; Courtyard by Marriott; Crossroads Collision, Inc.; Frisbie Construction; Great Plains Manufacturing Co.; Hampton & Royce; Kansas Wesleyan University; KCoe Isom, LLP; LTC John D. Riddell VFW Post 1432; McKenna Law Office, P.A.; Mowery Clinic, L.L.C.; Murrison Group; Occupational Performance Corporation; Philips Lighting; Mike Ramage; Alan V. Reed, DDS, MSD, PA; Rose Hill Bank; Salina Massage Therapy; Salina Optimist Club; Salina Surgical Hospital; Salina Vision Care; Salina Vortex Corporation; Sam’s Club; Smoky Hill Education Service Center; Smoky Hill, L.L.C.; Solomon State Bank; Summers, Spencer & Company, P.A.; The Bank of Tescott; Gary B. Weiner, MD, Chtd; Valmont; and Woods & Durham, Chtd.
The 2018 Jr. Leadership Class: Kallie Albrecht, Southeast of Saline; Jeb Allen, Salina High School Central; Christopher Bergman, St. John’s Military School; Jackson Brinn, St. John’s Military School; Burke Clements, Southeast of Saline; Emmalie Corn, Salina High School Central; Nickolas Davenport, Ell-Saline High School; Tyler Doherty, Salina High School South; Ashley Eck, Salina High School Central; Chase Fitzek, St. John’s Military School; Matthew Goldammer, Salina High School Central; Sari Haggard Kiggans, Salina High School Central; Sam Hieger, Salina High School Central; Noah Hoover, Homeschool/Hoover Academy; Monica McNelly, Salina High School Central; Luis Moran, Salina High School Central; Brett Norris, Salina High School Central; Genesis Resto, Salina High School Central; Rudy Rodriguez, Southeast of Saline; Rylee Schrock, Ell-Saline High School; Brice Shao, St. John’s Military School; Maddie Stack, Salina High School Central; Ashley Stovall, Salina High School Central; Annie Taggart, Salina High School Central; Allison Wentzel, Salina High School Central; Clayton White, Ell-Saline High School; and Grace Wyatt, Southeast of Saline.
For more information, contact LaCrista at the Chamber, [email protected] or 785-827-9310, ext. 124
to now have Virtual Option
ChamberNet is a quarterly marketing program that provides an opportunity for Chamber member businesses to place an 8.5” x 11” flyer in a collated packet, which is mailed to 1,300+ members. Many of our members have requested that other Chamber communication come to them via email, and for that reason we will make the March ChamberNet available for download from the salinakansas.org website, in addition to mailing to our member businesses as well. Just as is done with our monthly Chamber Connection newsletter, an email will go out to the membership with a link to the pdf file.
ChamberNet goes out March 1, June1, September 1, and December 1. The cost to participate is $125 per quarter. Participating members provide 1,350 flyers to the Chamber office no later than the 15th of the month preceding each mailing. If you have questions about the program, contact Delta Bryant at the Chamber, 785-827-9301.
Did you know…You can pay your Chamber invoices online – for dues, cooperative marketing, event tickets, and so on. Contact Sandy Cole at 785-827-9310, ext. 123 or email [email protected] for your Chamber Member ID and instructions!
BUSINESS HOURSREFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES
PERIODICALPOSTAGE
PAIDSALINA, KS 67401
120 W. Ash, P.O. Box 586 • Salina, KS 67402-0586785-827-9301 • fx 785-827-9758 • www.salinakansas.orgHELP US KEEP YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT If address is wrong in any respect, please correct directly on the label and return to Chamber of Commerce. Thank You!
Lamone’s, LLC 701 Bishop StreetThursday, February 85-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass($40 in 2018)Lamone’s, LLC invites you to explore their unique event center and hear about their, “You plan the event, We have the place!” rental options. They also host a variety of classes such as: cooking, dance, crafts, yoga, & more. So come on out and discover all they have to offer while you enjoy appetizers, beer and select mixed drinks.
SkyWest 3237 Arnold Ave • M.J. Kennedy Air TerminalThursday, February 225-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass($40 in 2018)Join us as we celebrate SkyWest Airlines’ daily service from Salina to Chicago and Denver starting April 9th. Meet the SkyWest team and get ready to book your flight. You could be the lucky winner of two tickets for either Denver or Chicago! Drinks & appetizers will be served.
Last year we gave away $4,600! It pays to attend!!
$ It Pays to Attend $Come on out, network with fellow Chamber members and discover all that Lamone’s and SkyWest have to offer. For reservations, call (785) 827-9301 or email [email protected].
For reservations call 827-9301 or email [email protected] PRIZES (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) $100 CASH ATTENDANCE DRAWING $500, $500, $1,000 MEMBERSHIP DRAWINGS
Search for us atSalina Chamber
andVisit Salina
Check it out at http://www.salinakansasyp.com
Prescott Room at Salina Public Library “Qualities of a Good Leader”Come enjoy lunch and listen to candidate for the Kansas Governor’s office, James Barnett, share about what qualities compose a good leader. Barnett also looks forward to taking this time with Salina young professionals to listen to our thoughts on how Kansas can better retain young professionals. RSVP to [email protected]
“Night to Shine”—sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a ‘prom’ event for individuals with intellectual disabilities.Please Sign up to help with this wonderful event at which will be held at Kansas Wesleyan University. https://salinanighttoshine.wixsite.com/salinanighttoshine
Come network with your fellow YP’s at Buffalo Wild Wings and watch as the Wichita State Shockers take on the Temple University Owls. Food and drink specials! Attendance drawing for $100 for SAYP Members! See you there (Meet in the bar area!) RSVP to [email protected]
SAYP had their 2018 kickoff event at Salina Community Theatre. More than 100 attended, and had a great time! Thanks to Michael Spicer, SCT Executive Director for hospitality and behind the scenes look!
02.07.18 12-1PM • IN THE KNOW WEDNESDAY
02.09.18 5PM • VOLUNTEER - Night to Shine
02.15.18 5:30PM • THIRSTY THURSDAY