march 2014 march events chamber seeks volunteers · pdf filejan 25, 2014 - brown sugar’s...
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Contact Us
Steve [email protected]
Myca BunchVice [email protected]
Sylvia LiraOffice [email protected]
Mary WilsonAccounts [email protected]
Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce1511 E. Fulton TerraceGarden City, KS 67846
Office: 620.276.3264Fax: 620.276.3290www.gardencitychamber.net
15 - Legislative Coffee 10:00 a.m. - St. Catherine Hospital - Classroom BComplimentary breakfast provided by St. Catherine Hospital
19 - Chamber Breakfast Presentations by GCCC Endowment Association and Nex-Tech. Location: The Golf Club at Southwind - 7:30 a.m.Don’t miss your chance to win two tickets to see the Dodge City Law football team!
27 - Business After HoursHosted by Sleep Inn & Suites - 1931 E. Kansas Plaza. Food, Drinks and Giveaways!! 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
&NEWS March 2014
Our Mission
Improve the quality of life, aid in economic growth and development, represent the business community on legislative issues and pro-mote cooperation between the public and private sectors.
VIEWS
Chamber Seeks Volunteers
Sponsored by:
March Events
Scheopner’s Water Conditioning
HENK’SCarpet & Upholstery
Cleaners
The Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce is continu-ally looking for eager and energetic community members to join our team of dedicated committee members. Over 100 Finney County residents volunteer to help the Chamber with everything from the planning the Annual Banquet to serving on our new Multi-Cultural Task Force. Chamber committees and task forces directly tap into the heart of business community as they are formed by chamber mem-bers and their employees. If you have been looking for a way to give back to your community and become involved, we invite you to consider joining one of the committees or task forces listed below.
AmbassadorsChair: Scott Bauer, Wal-MartVice Chair: Tim Turner, KIUL RadioBoard Liaisons: Mark Nelson, American State Bank and Kenne Whitson, St. Catherine Hospital.The Chamber Ambassadors are the goodwill arm of the or-ganization and host all Chamber sponsored events including ribbon cuttings, after hours events, membership breakfasts and other events.
Annual Banquet CommitteeChair/Board Liaison: Debbie Reynolds, The Golf Club at SouthwindEach year the Chamber looks to recognize its member-ship for their support and dedication to the community by bringing them together for a night of fine dining and entertainment. This committee helps plan the event from start to finish.
Business Visitation CommitteeChair: Robert Sperling, R&M EnterprisesBoard Liaison: Maxine Atkinson, ARC Real EstateCommunication with members is the Chamber’s highest priority. The Business Visitation Committee provides valu-able face-to-face feedback on business trends, challenges and opportunities currently impacting Finney County.
Golf Tournament CommitteeBoard Liaisons: Deanna Mann, GCCC and Keith Collins, Advanced Merchant ServicesThe annual golf tournament for Chamber members and golf
enthusiasts provides members and guests an opportunity to network with clients and prospects in a relaxing fun atmo-sphere. Members have the chance to play and/or sponsor the tournament. This year’s tournament will be held on Friday, June 20th at The Golf Club at Southwind.
Government Affairs CommitteeChair/Board Liaison: Mark Hinde, Southwest Developmental Services, Inc.The role of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is to bring to focus those issues that can have a positive influ-ence on businesses and to those issues that can be costly and unfriendly to businesses.
Wine Tasting CommitteeChair: Scott Bauer, Wal-MartBoard Liaisons: Todd Dauber, Kearny County Bank; Ryan Cornett, Garden City Wholesale Supply; Michelle Stegman, City of Garden CityThe annual event provides an exclusive networking atmo-sphere for the entire community. Guests are treated to a tasting of over 30 fine wines paired with exquisite food and desserts. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014.
Cultural Relations Task ForceChair: Angelica Chappel, Golden Plains Credit UnionBoard Liaisons: Erich Schaefer, Golden Plains Credit Union, Debbie Reynolds, The Golf Club at Southwind and Keith Collins, Advanced Merchant ServicesThis committee is charged with identifying and providing business resources to culturally diverse businesses in Finney County.
Community Awareness & Recognition in Education “Crystal Apple Awards”Chair: Roy Cessna, USD 457Board Liaison: Robert Sperling, R&M EnterprisesTeachers are the heart of our schools. They nurture our children’s inquisitive minds and prepare them for the chal-lenge of the future in the business world. This task force hosts a program that honors six outstanding teachers in Finney County.
Nearly half-way through the 2014 Legislative Session the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee continues to monitor the numerous Kansas House and Senate bills that could impact Finney County businesses.
Each month the Government Affairs Committee meets to discuss all pro-posed legislative bills and track any developments happening in Topeka. If the committee deems one or more of the bills helpful or detrimental to the community the committee will then ask the Chamber’s Board of Directors to publicly support or oppose the bill. The committee also stays in close contact with legisla-tors from our area who consistently provide the group with updates and feedback on the legislative issues im-pacting the Chamber’s members.
The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee is currently monitoring the following legislative issues.
• HB 2227 - Municipalities; elections; odd-numbered years; non-partisan
• HB 2285 - Defining commercial and industrial machinery and equipment
• HB 2713 - Removing vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less from definition of commercial
vehicle; property tax; refunds
• HB 2285 - Defining “commercial and industrial machinery and equipment
• HB 2227 - Municipalities; elections; odd-numbered years; non-partisan
• SB 55 - Specifying responsibility for payment of the mortgage registration fee
• SB 71 - Mortgage registration fees; verification of indebtedness
• SB 115 - Requiring radon testing for residential home sales
• SB 211 - Elections; municipali-ties; primary and general elec-tions; date change; partisan
• SCR 1618 - State constitutional amendment; authorizing chari-table raffles and other charitable gaming
The Government Affairs Commit-tee meets once a month to discuss local and state level issues. The committee uses the Chamber’s cur-rent Legislative Agenda as a guide throughout the year to represent the business community on issues that may affect the business climate of Finney County and the Chamber’s members.
Government Affairs CommitteeMark Hinde, Chair - Southwest
Developmental Service, Inc.
Lon Pishny, Pishny Financial Services, L. C.
Dr. Steve Karlin, G.C Public Schools
Maxine Atkinson, ARC Real Estate
Roy Dixon, Highlands Livestock
Robert McDowell, Farm Bureau Financial Services
Lona DuVall, FI. CO. Economic Development
Lynn Ballinger, Rep for Congressman Huelskamp
Della Brandenburger, AmericInn
Randy Partington, Finney County
Judy Nusser, Coldwell Banker
Nicole Lucas, Downtown Vision
Brian Weber, Weber Refrigeration
Matt Allen, City of Garden City
Lara Blake-Bors, Bors Law, P.A.
Spotlight on...
2014 Legislative SessionMarch Beverage Sponsor
Committees, Task Forces provide fun networking opportunities
ibbon R Cuttings
February 14, 2014 - Edward Jones, Lora Schneider office celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Chamber ribbon cutting and open house. Lora welcomes the community to stop by and visit her at 409 N. Campus Dr. or call (620) 271-0027 for an appointment.
Jan 25, 2014 - Brown Sugar’s Family Restaurant and Bakery celebrated its grand opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting. Brown Sugar’s is located at 118 W. Kansas Ave in Garden City. They offer a wide range of menu options and delivery is available. Contact them at (620) 805-6635.
March 8 2014 - Vapor Wave of Garden City hosted their grand opening & open house event with lots of great food and treats for all to enjoy. Check out their unique line of products by visiting them at 519 W. Mary St., Ste 107 or contact them at (620) 805-1972.
This is your chance to check out Garden City’s newest Hotel and Conference Center, the Sleep Inn & Suites located at 1931 E. Kansas Plaza. Beverages and Hors D’oeuvres will be provid-ed and sponsored by Samy’s Enterprises. Lots of giveaways and entertainment! The newly constructed Sleep Inn & Suites and Conference Center features 60 beautifully decorated guest rooms in-cluding a presidential suite, executive suites, king rooms and double queen rooms. Guests of the Sleep Inn & Suites and conference center enjoy complimentary wireless high speed internet, daily breakfast buffet and managers reception Monday thru Thursday. The newly constructed hotel features meeting and convention rooms. Business clients staying at the Sleep Inn enjoy the conve-nience of on-site meeting and conference space. The hotel features a total of 2,550 sq. ft. of banquet, conference and meeting space. The state of the art meeting space can
accommodate all your business needs from breakout rooms to banquet dinners. Dream Better at the new Garden City Sleep Inn & Suites and Conference Center. Visit their website at http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-garden_city-kansas-KS198
Around the block
The Kindness Revolution Join Lee Barrett’s State Farm Insurance Agency as they work to spread acts of kindness around Garden City through The Kindness Revolution campaign. The idea is very simple…do an intentional act of kindness for someone and then ask them to pay it forward to some-one else. Interested individuals are encouraged to stop by Lee’s office and pick up a wristband that promotes the campaign to wear and then pass on to another person once you have done an intentional act of kindness for them. The Kindness Revolution, a nationwide initiative, is also working with USD 457 and St. Dominic’s School to bring in an anti-bullying program called “It’s Cool 2B Kind” to be presented at each school. The goal of the program is to give the kids positive examples of how to treat each other and have them do intentional acts of kindness for others.” For more information visit Lee at 2606 N. Fleming or call (620) 275-0596
Nature’s Way Offers New ServicesNature’s Way Health Foods, located at 719 E. Kansas Plaza, now has two mas-sage therapists on staff as well Iridolo-gist. Nature’s Way also features Alkaline Water machines. They have an ATM machine located on the west side of the building to make your shopping experi-ence more convenient.
Southwest Kansas Live on Stage launches new websiteSouthwest Kansas Live on Stage is preparing for their 2014-2015 sea-son and they have a new and exciting website to help promote their upcoming events. Those interested can visit their interactive website to view videos of the performers and purchase member-ships online. The 2014-2015 season will feature 6 shows and annual membership fees are: $55 for adults, $30 for students and numerous family packages. The
mission of Southwest Kansas Live On State is to promote arts and culture for individuals in southwestern Kansas surrounding Garden City. For more information, visit them online at www.liveonstagegardencity.org or call (620) 275-1667.
Farmers Insurance Group Now HiringAre you ready to start a great career? If so, Farmers wants you to become part of a dynamic group of entrepreneurs! Farmers is currently seeking candidates who are focused, motivated and up for a challenge. Guaranteed income of $36,000 for 1st year! For more informa-tion contact Jose Gutierrez at (316) 927-2753 or email resume to [email protected]. Visit them online at farmersagent.com/jgutierrez4
Finney County United Way Grant ApplicationsThe Finney County United Way’s grant application period for 2015 funding is now open. Deadline to submit the application is March 27, 2014. If you would like to receive an application by email, contact the United Way office at [email protected] or call (620) 275-1425.
Nex-Tech to Host Tech Edge ConferenceNex-Tech will host a technology confer-ence on June 12, 2014 called Tech Edge. This one-day conference will be held in the Memorial Union on the campus of Ft. Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. The Tech Edge Conference will kick off with keynote speaker, Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs! National technology partners of Nex-Tech will be present to visit with attendees as well as display the latest in business technology. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to join breakout sessions where experts will discuss specific technologies in-
depth. The Federal Bureau of Investiga-tion (FBI) will be presenting on current cybercrimes that can affect businesses. Prize-A-Palooza will close down the day with more than $15,000 in technology prizes given away to attendees. You may register to attend Tech Edge by logging on to nex-tech.com/techedge or by call-ing 877 625-7872 and asking for Trisha.
GCCC named to Aspen Institute’s top 150 Garden City Community College was named to Aspen Institutes’s top 150 community colleges in the nation. The designation opens the door for the college to compete for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excel-lence and the $1 million that comes with it. The Aspen Institute collects data on factors such as student retention, gradu-ation rates, and number of low-income and minority students served in more than 1,000 technical and community colleges every two years.
Golden Plains Credit Union Announces New LocationGPCU recently announced that their two Dillon’s locations have moved. GPCU officials said they had outgrown the current space at Dillon’s and in order to better serve their members they decided to open the 1504 Taylor St. branch. The new branch has plenty of space and features a drive-thru to add even more convenience for their mem-bers. The new location will also offer loan services, safe deposit box services, and a lobby computer for Golden Plains Online customer access.
People are our Priority.
“We make it happen, you make it home.”
1135 College Drive, Suite AGarden City, KS 67846
Ph: (620) 271-9500Fax: (620) 271-9515
www.hometownrealestategc.com
Hours
Business After
Wednesday, March 19, 2014Check -in - 7:00 a.m. / Program - 7:30 A.M.
The Golf Club at Southwind
Sponsors: GCCC Endowment Association
andNex-Tech
Presenting Marketing Southwind
Thursday, March 27, 2014
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Join us at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center located at 1931 E. Kansas Ave. for the
March Business After Hours!
networking - great food - cash prizes & giveaways
Attend the March Chamber Breakfast and register to win two tickets to see a Dodge City Law football game!The Golf Club at
Youth Entrepreneurs4111 E. 37th St. W, Suite D101Wichita, KS 67220(316) 828-3920
Town Place Suites by Marriott3510 E. Kansas AveGarden City, KS 67846(620) 805-6489
Edward Jones - Lora Schneider409 N. Campus St.Garden City, KS 67846(620) 271-0027
Chamber Hosts RentalInspection Process MeetingOn February 21st, the Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce met with over 60 local landlords and property owners to discuss the City’s current rental inspec-tion process. The meeting, facilitated by Chamber President Steve Dyer, was developed as a result of feedback from a recent City Commission meeting where landlords expressed interest in discuss-ing possible solutions to the issue. City development coordinator Caleb Kentner was on hand to provide insight from the City’s view and answered questions from concerned citizens. Many proper-ty owners expressed their wish to leave the rental inspection process as it stands now and asked that the City commission make no changes to the process. Kentner said he would take the feedback received during the meeting and inform the commission of the landlord and proper-ty owner’s thoughts. Kentner said that the issue will most likely wappear on an upcoming city commission agenda but that no future date has currently been announced.
The Garden City Area Chamber of Com-merce hosted its first Legislative Coffee of the 2014 Legislative Session on Saturday, February 15 at St. Catherine Hospital. Senator Larry Powell and Representatives John Doll, Don Hineman, and Russ Jen-nings were on hand to answer questions from interested community members who attend the Saturday morning event. Topics of discussion ranged from Com-mon Core testing within local schools to the ongoing water rights issue in south-west Kansas. The Chamber has three additional coffee dates planned for March 15th, April 19th and May 17th beginning at 10:00 a.m. inside classroom B of St. Catherine Hospital Special thanks to the 2014 coffee sponsors: AT&T, Black Hills Energy and Henk’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners.
Local Representatives Attend First Coffee of 2014 Chamber
BreakfastNew ChamberMembers
Below Left: Landlords and Property owners from Finney County meet at the Chamber to discuss teh Renal Inspection Process
Below: Representative Russ Jennings addresses the the crowd during the Chamber’s February Legislative Coffee. By The
Numbers
Current Active Chamber Members: 434
2014 New ChamberMembers: 11
Chamber Board Members: 15
Chamber Staff: 4
Committees: 6
Task Forces: 2
Annual Community & Networking Events: 4
Monthly Networking Events: 2
For more information, visit tthe Chamber online at www.gardencitychamber.net