8 Wonders of Great Bend - Great Bend Chamber of Commerce

www.greatbend.org
A Monthly Publication of the Great Bend Chamber
November
of Commerce and Economic Development
2009 • Volume 88, No. 11
8 Wonders of Great Bend
Cast Your Vote Today in this Exciting Local Promotion!
The Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau and
the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic
Development would like to thank local businesses and
community members for submitting their nominations
for the “8 Wonders of Great Bend” campaign going on
through the end of November. This special new promotion taking place right here in Great Bend is a spin-off
of the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s “8 Wonders of
Kansas” promotion. However, this local version will give
businesses, organizations, community servants, architectural landmarks, and cultural traditions the chance
to be recognized for their significance in shaping the
Great Bend community as we know it today.
Over the next several weeks, members of the community are encouraged to vote for their favorite aspects of
the Great Bend community, as they fit into the eight
categories of this unique promotion:
1. ARCHITECTURE - Nominees in this category
should possess unique materials, styles, influences, builders, or characteristics.
2. ART - Nominees in this category can be as broad
as music and dance styles, or as specific as
murals, museums, or galleries. Think textiles,
literature, and artists at work, too!
3. COMMERCE - Nominees in this category should
influence the local economy, both past and present.
Did it shape the town, and how have they survived? Feel good about spending money in locally
owned businesses!
Veterans Park – Veterans Memorial Park, located between McKinley Street and K-96 on 17th Street in Great Bend is one of the
many nominated features in Great Bend. Veterans Memorial Park features picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, a walking exercise trail, Frisbee golf course, tennis courts and softball fields, playground equipment, and of course, the Veterans Memorial
Nominating Great Bend resident Steve Corn says, “I feel that Vets Park should be one of the 8 wonders because it is one of the
hubs of this city. You can have a large church gathering, play volleyball, walk dogs, play frisbee golf, fish, walk, etc. Not only that
but the Christmas display is always a wonderful attraction. The park is well kept, and it is all FREE.”
November 2009
Outlook Business Journal
A monthly publication of the
1125 Williams,
Great Bend, KS 67530
Phone: 620-792-2401
Fax: 620-792-2404
E-mail: [email protected]
Web address: www.greatbend.org
Rachel Mawhirter, Editor
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman
Dan Brungardt
USD #428
Vice-Chairman
Gene Dikeman
Farmers Bank & Trust NA
2nd Vice-Chairman
Ron Straub
Straub International
Immediate Past Chairman
Mark Mingenback
Central Kansas Medical Center
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Erika Brining
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants
Gui Burley
USD 428
Deanna Eldridge
Eldridge Fencing
Jeff Fry
Southard Corporation
Mike Gordy
Doonan Specialized Trailer
Tammy Hammond
Rosewood Services
Matt Hoisington
KANSASWORKS!
Jeff Keller
Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency
Julie Kramp
Barton Community College
Curt Mauler
L&M Contractors
Jason Mayers
Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball Chtd.
Dr. Russ McCaulley
10th Street Eyecare Center
Tim Miller
Oilfield Manufacturers Warehouse, Inc.
Andrew Murphy
Innovative Livestock Services
Dr. Bill Niederee
Countryside Veterinary Associates
Steve Pringle
Central Power Systems
Chad Somers
Benefit Management, Inc.
Shane Spurlock
McDonald’s
Kim Vink
Coldwell Banker Sell Real Estate
EX-OFFICIO
Todd Armatys
Great Bend Chamber Ambassadors Chairman
Cris Collier
Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dr. Carl Heilman
Barton County Community College
Ken Roberts
City of Great Bend
Sen. Ruth Teichman
Dr. Tom Vernon
USD #428
Jennifer Schartz
Barton County Commissioner
Rep. Bill Wolf
CHAMBER STAFF
Jan Peters, President/CEO
[email protected]
Lacey Oetken, Office/Business Manager
[email protected]
Lori Waters, Membership Services Director
[email protected]
Rachel Mawhirter, Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
Kristy Rupe, Economic Development Projects Assistant
[email protected]
“Outlook Business Journal” is printed by
the Great Bend Tribune, Great Bend, KS
•
p2
8 Wonders of Great Bend
Continued from Page 1
4. CUISINE - Nominees in this category can be elegant and ethnic, diverse and delicious, hometown and home cooked, or made-from-scratch!
5. CUSTOMS - Nominees in this category may show
up in annual events, long-standing community
practices, and sometimes in hard-to-notice rituals
that happen every day. They're often colorful,
sometimes common, and certainly can be quirky.
6. GEOGRAPHY - Anything on the natural side fits
here. Landmarks, hiking trails, scenic drives,
lakes, birds, wildlife, trees, wildflowers, grasses,
pastureland, and gardens.
7. HISTORY - Nominees in this category should be
historically relevant in some way. You'll find it in
museums, historic sites, and historic markers.
But keep looking! You'll find it in cemeteries and
in architecture as well. It's carved into rocks,
preserved in the landscape, even written on the
back of menus!
8. PEOPLE - Famous citizens, historic characters,
ethnic groups, and everyday folks - they all
helped influence our towns and communities
and should be submitted in this category.
Nominations for this series of awards were collected through the end of October. Two people have been
randomly selected from the pool of submitting
entries to win one of two cash prizes! One winner will
receive a $200 cash prize from the Great Bend
Convention & Visitors Bureau and the other winner
will receive $200 in Chamber gift certificates that can
be used at one of over 400+ participating local businesses. The winners will be announced during the
first week of November in the Chamber’s email
Update. Winners will also be posted on the Chamber
web site at www.greatbend.org.
“We had several reasons for running this promotion.
We wanted to provide recognition to the people, places,
and traditions that make Great Bend such a unique
community,” CVB Executive Director Cris Collier says.
“But even more importantly than that, we wanted to
make sure we can share all of those great ideas with visitors now and in the future.”
Entries nominated to be one of the 8 Wonders of Great
Bend include Veterans Memorial Park, Great Bend
native Jack Kilby, the Argonne Rebels Drum & Bugle
Corps, the Holiday Trail of Lights, and many other distinct characters that put Great Bend on the map.
“The best aspect of this creative promotion is its
educational value,” Collier says. “We are learning so
much about Great Bend from the people who live,
work, and play here.”
The public is once again invited to participate in
this exciting new promotion by voting for their
favorites among the nominees in all eight categories!
Voting will end November 30, 2009 and winning
nominees will be announced in early December
2009. To cast your votes, log on to the Chamber web
site, www.greatbend.org, or on the Convention &
Home for the Holidays Parade – The “Home for the Holidays”
parade is a revived tradition that has seen continued growth in the last few
years. Nominating Chamber staff member Rachel Mawhirter says, “The
Home for the Holidays Parade is a tradition deserving of this award, because
it brings all different types of people in the Great Bend area together for a
fun celebration of family, of Christmas, and of community. The decorated
floats, the smell of hot cocoa, and the sound of children laughing all contribute to the image of the traditional Christmas community Great Bend is so
well-known for.”
Jack Kilby – Great Bend native Jack Kilby was nominated by several
local individuals. Nominating Great Bend resident Don Halbower says, “Mr.
Kilby was a graduate of Great Bend High School in 1941. In 2000 he was
a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing the integrated circuit.
This invention revolutionized all phases of our electronic world.”
Visitors Bureau web site, www.visitgreatbend.com,
and click on the “8 Wonders of Great Bend” link to
submit your nomination! Ballot forms are also available at the Great Bend CVB Office, 3007 10th Street,
and at the Chamber Office, 1125 Williams.
November 2009
Dominican Sisters Host Annual
Mission Bazaar Nov. 14
It won’t be long before the quiet flavors and aromas of the autumn season gradually give way to the miracle and meaning of Christmas. That can
only mean one thing: it’s time for the Dominican Sisters of Peace Annual
Mission Bazaar in Great Bend, Kansas!
The Dominican Sisters of Peace in Great Bend host their famous Annual
Mission Bazaar on Saturday, November 14th, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
motherhouse, 3600 Broadway in Great Bend, Kansas. The aroma and
magic of this festive autumn, pre-holiday excursion includes coffee and
rolls in the morning, soup and pie for lunch, hundreds of handcrafted and
homemade items, their famous raffle, unique gift theme baskets, and a
silent auction.
The spirit of the people on this day is a spirit of friendship and enjoyment all through the house. People are having a cup of coffee and just sitting and visiting, or eagerly finding their treasures among the items for
sale. Even though things are very busy this day, it seems that it is still a
day to enjoy each shopper, renew acquaintances, and feel the excitement
of the season.
Arriving in central Kansas in 1902 to provide education and healthcare
for the early settlers, the sisters relied on their own resources to pay for
their ministries and for a motherhouse where they could live. They began
to sell hand-crafted and homemade items, along with a hot meal. Today,
the tradition continues. Sisters, Dominican Associates, employees, family
members, and friends work on sale items throughout the year. By the
time the second Saturday in November arrives, there is such an array of
goods that repeat customers line up to stream into the auditorium even
before the doors open.
The Sisters are always in awe of the all people who join them in the
work of making the bazaar a success People donate items for sale
throughout the year, and people and volunteer youth are here to help the
weekend of the bazaar with the late night baking, serving the meal, assisting customers, and speeding up the clean-up. The Dominican community
appreciates their generous participation. For more information, contact
Sister Elaine Osborne at the Dominican Sisters of Peace, 620-792-1232.
“Outlook Business Journal”
is printed by the
Great Bend Tribune,
Great Bend, Kansas
•
p3
Becker Tire Recognized as “ASA’s
Dealer of the Year” at InfoExpo 2009
At InfoExpo 2009, ASA Tire Systems
announced the winner of the Dealer of the Year
Award to Becker Tire Trading, Inc. of Great
Bend. Jeanie Radke was on hand to accept the
award. The annual conference was held in
Newport Beach, CA with over 150 attendees representing tire dealers across the
country. Darlene Klug of Becker Tire
also attended the conference. The award was presented to the
tire dealer that exemplified the true partnership spirit with ASA. They
needed to be a forward-thinking company, utilizing technology to
advance their business, and embracing new technologies. They also
needed to be a community leader and a company that thrives to grow.
Becker Tire fell into all of these categories, and received the prestigious
Dealer of the Year Award from ASA Tire Systems. For more information,
contact Becker Tire & Treading, Inc. on South Washington in Great
Bend at 620-793-5414.
Foley Equipment Celebrates Acquisition of
Martin Tractor Company
Foley Equipment Company and Martin
Tractor Company have reached an agreement under which Foley will acquire Martin. Both companies are
dealers for Caterpillar, AGCO, AgChem and Trimble as well as a number of other manufacturers. Both Foley and Martin are privately held
companies, and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With this acquisition, Foley, operating under the names Foley
Equipment Company, Foley Rental and Foley Rebuild Center will now
have 18 locations serving all of Kansas except Doniphan, Atchison,
Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, and Cherokee Counties.
Both companies have an excellent reputation for serving customers
and now are able to bring a total of 165 years of experience together. “By
combining the passion, experience and knowledge of two long standing
leaders, we will enhance our ability to serve customers,” said Ann
Konecny, President and CEO of Foley Equipment Company.
Martin Tractor Company, based in Topeka, Kansas has been in business since 1911. Martin operates under the names Martin Tractor
Company, Martin Rents, and Martin Farm Power. The acquisition, which
is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close on November 2,
2009. For more information about Foley Equipment Company, contact
Foley’s Marketing Director Sara Carter at 316-529-5810.
“HEALTH CHAT”
Find Out What’s New At CKMC
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November 2009
•
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Home for the Holidays Parade and Festivities Scheduled Nov. 28
The sights and smells of Christmas
are warm and familiar to the Great
Bend Community. Each year, the
Home for the Holidays parade brings
residents and visitors together to enjoy
this “Christmas City.” Between the
sounds of children laughing as they
enjoy the synthetic ice skating rink to
the smells of freshly baked cookies in
the MyTown cookie contest, downtown
Great Bend is the place to be on the
Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“The holiday parade used to be a
tradition carried on by the Downtown
Development organization,” parade
organizer Sarah Krom says. “After the
organization closed its doors, the
parade kind-of dwindled away until a
few years ago, when we decided to revitalize the idea.”
Once again this year, the Holiday
Promotions Committee has lots in store
during the 2009 Home for the Holidays
Parade November 28, 2009. This year’s
theme, “Songs of the Season,” will give
businesses and participants a chance
to reminisce on days gone by when
happy carolers went house to house
sharing their holiday spirit with friends
and neighbors.
Festivities will begin early in the
day, with the MyTown cookie contest
beginning at 12 p.m. The first 200
shoppers downtown that day will
Other Holiday Happenings
Santa House, Jack Kilby Square
Nov. 25, 27, and 28 from 5-8 p.m.
Holiday Trail of Lights
Lights turned on at dusk, Nov. 25 – Dec. 31
Christmas Craft Mall, 4811 10th Street
Open Nov. 21-30, Monday thru Saturday 9 a.m.
to 7 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.
BCC Holiday Tree Display, Shafer Art Gallery
Trees on display Nov. 16-30
Santa World, Legends Fine Art Gallery,
1901 Lakin
Open Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Open Nov. 29 from 1-5 p.m.
Synthetic Ice Skating Rink, Jack Kilby Square
Open Nov. 28 from 4-8 p.m.
Open Nov. 29 from 1-5 p.m.
Holiday Fair Trade Market
Open Nov. 11-14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open Nov. 27-28
receive a free goodie bag containing the
cookie contest wristband and a “Shop
Local” button that will get you savings
discounts at 15 downtown businesses
through the end of December. If you
aren’t one of the first 200 shoppers,
you can still get the great discounts by
purchasing a button for just $1.
“The main purpose of organizing a
huge family event like this is to get
people excited about their hometown
once again,” Krom says. “Shopping
local is a great way to support Great
Bend businesses, so we’d definitely
encourage people to take advantage of
the discounts available on the 28th.”
Anyone interested in participating in
the second annual MyTown cookie contest should stop by Perks Coffee Shop
before the contest ends at 5 p.m.,
where they will pick up a wristband for
the cookie contest. That wristband will
let you sample cookies from any one of
the 14 business locations where cookies will be available for sampling. In
addition to receiving free samples of
delicious cookies, you will also receive
a free door prize drawing ticket for
each business you stop in to. Following
the conclusion of the parade and festivities, the winners of the cookie contest,
as well as the door prize winners, will
be announced at the bandshell. You
must be present to win.
If the delicious cookie samples don’t
fill you up, head over to the MyTown
office at 1917 Lakin and enjoy free hot
dogs and cocoa before the parade
starts, donated by the Salvation Army
Thrift Store.
Once you’ve sampled the cookies
and free hot dogs, be sure to take
advantage of the great savings from the
downtown Great Bend businesses in
honor of the Home for the Holidays
parade and festivities. If you’ve got
small children and want to be able to
shop for Christmas gifts without wearing them out, take advantage of the
Great Bend Public Library’s Children’s
Christmas activities that afternoon
from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Children ages
five and up are invited to take part in
Christmas crafts and activities at the
Great Bend Public Library free of
charge. So while your kids read
Christmas stories and make Christmas
crafts, you can enjoy an afternoon of
shopping with your spouse or a group
of your friends.
If you’d rather stay out of the cold
that afternoon, stop by the Barton
County Arts Council between 1 and 5
p.m. and take part in their holiday
open house. The Barton Hilltop Singers
will be visiting to do a Christmas performance that afternoon as well.
As the five o’ clock hour nears, there
will lots to do in Jack Kilby Square.
You can get your picture taken with
Santa in exchange for one item for the
local food back, sponsored by Portraits
by Shane. And before you let go of that
picture-perfect smile, make sure you
also get your picture taken in the
Foundry Methodist Church’s live nativity scene.
Be sure to be lined up and ready for
the main attraction at 5:30 p.m., the
Home for the Holidays Parade. Themed
“Songs of the Season,” this year’s
parade promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Straub
International, the reigning recipient of
the Holiday Spirit Award for the last
two years has issued a challenge to
Great Bend businesses and civic
organizations. “We want to make the
parade a memorable one, so we are
challenging any businesses or organization to out-do our float this year,”
Kristy Straub says. “It’s not that we
don’t want to keep winning, we just
want to ignite some friendly competition.”
Prizes are awarded to the winning
floats in several categories: Youth
Group, Civic Group, Private Entrant,
Best Themed Float, Church Group,
and the Grand Marshal’s Best in Show.
This year’s Grand Marshal is long-time
Great Bend resident Joe Boley.
Following the parade, there will be
family fun galore in Jack Kilby Square.
Immediately following the parade, head
over to the bandshell to take part in
the Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas
Tree. The float winners, as well as the
Holiday Spirit Award winner will be
announced, followed by the door prize
winners from the MyTown Cookie
Contest. Once all the awards have
been announced, the City of Great
Bend’s synthetic ice skating rink will
be open until 9 p.m. with free skate
rentals. Rosewood Services will be
offering carriage rides, and the City of
Great Bend will be giving rides on its
Holiday Train, weather permitting.
Other exciting ways you can get
involved would be to put together a
group of your musically talented
friends to carol in the square or to play
Christmas music in a brass quartet.
“Because the theme of the parade is
‘Songs of the Season,’ we would love for
a church choir or musical group to
carol in the square after the parade,”
Krom says. “The more ambience we
can create the better.”
With all of these activities and more
going on during the Home for the
Holidays Parade on Saturday,
November 28th, downtown Great Bend
is the place to be to take advantage of
great shopping, to enjoy great entertainment, or to make some great lifetime memories. For more information
or to find out how your business enter
a float into the parade, contact Home
for the Holidays organizer Sarah Krom
at Sunflower Diversified Services, 620792-1321.
Dawson Jewelers Hosts Grand
Re-Opening Celebration After
Extensive Remodel
Dana and Diana Dawson, owners of Dawson Jewelers Designs by
Dana in downtown Great Bend, recently hosted a Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their grand re-opening after several weeks of
extensive remodeling in conjunction with their 19th anniversary in business. The Dawson family, however, has been in the jewelers business for
over 60 years.
“We completed this remodeling project to give Central Kansans an enjoyable shopping experience,” owner Dana Dawson says. “We wanted to show
our support and commitment to this community by continuing our tradition of offering quality products and service at competitive prices.”
Remodeling inside Dawson Jewelers included newly refinished display
cases, new furniture, new floors, new color schemes, a high-tech computer system used for explaining the cut and quality of a gemstone, and
even some new inventory.
Dawson Jewelers offers a wide variety of jewelry using all sorts of metals,
precious gemstones, and custom designs. “We offer jewelry in all price
ranges,” Dawson says. “We specialize in bridal jewelry and custom made
items. With the holidays coming up right around the corner, we’d love to
help new and existing customers create a gift that will last a lifetime.”
For more information about Dawson Jewelers or to check out their
newly remodeled location, visit the Dawson staff at Lakin & Main Streets
in Great Bend or contact them at 620-793-7884. “Creating memories that
last a lifetime, a name that’s trusted… Dawson Jewelers.”
November 2009
•
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Optimistic Owner Celebrates Buff Car Wash’s
Grand Re-Opening After Tragic Fire
Early last summer, Buff Car Wash was faced with a terrible tragedy.
Their location on West 10th Street in Great Bend was put out of business by a horrible fire that ruined much of their facility and their equipment. “Nothing can prepare you for a tragedy like losing your business
to a fire,” owner Larry Schaffer says. “It was tough to swallow, but we
had to move on and make the best of it.”
Owner Larry Schaffer and local manager Travis Moos operate the
recently re-opened facility. Despite the unpleasant situation the pair was
in after the fire, they moved forward with an optimistic attitude. “We
decided that this would be a great opportunity to make some upgrades
to the equipment we were using,” Schaffer says. “The facility now provides a much more pleasant car washing experience.”
The Buff Car Wash now features two automatic car wash bays with
state-of-the art washing equipment. “The most technologically advanced
equipment available today makes for a much easier car washing experience,” Schaffer says. “We offer on-board wheel, tire, and undercarriage
cleaners, bug-off applicators, and a computerized sensory system that
allows the bay to sense where and how large your vehicle is.”
If you are a “do-it-yourself” kind of person, you might enjoy the
upgrades made to the self-service bays as well. All high-energy efficient
water heaters and heated floors allow for convenient car washing all year
round. Aluminum overhead doors have been installed to keep the driver
out of the north wind while in the bay, as well as hand-held dryers and
tire brush cleaners. Both the automatic and self-serve bays feature credit card machines to help you save time, and a 16-camera surveillance
system to keep you safe. “In addition to mechanical upgrades, we also
implemented a new recycling system that allows us to recycle a lot of
water,” Schaffer says. “It cuts down our overhead costs and is good for
the local environment.”
Buff Car Wash is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more
information, contact owner Larry Schaffer at 785-650-7250, or see it for
yourself on West 10th Street in Great Bend.
Remodel Revealed: During their Chamber ribbon cutting in October, the staff at Dawson Jewelers
was proud to reveal the extensive work put into their business location to make it a more comfortable
shopping atmosphere. “We spent a lot of time choosing warm, neutral colors that are pleasing to the eye,”
owner Dana Dawson says. “We want our customers to feel welcome and relaxed.”
Pictured in the newly remodeled Dawson Jewelers building at Lakin & Main in downtown Great Bend are
Chamber representatives and inside the display counter are Dawson staff members from left to right:
Bookkeeper and Salesperson Tara Kershner, Head of Sales Mary Jackson, Salesperson Kaylee Kershner,
owners Dana and Diana Dawson with their daughter Rebecca Dawson, Salesperson Samantha Corbett,
and Assistant Manager and Gemologist David Hillman.
Tragedy Tested: Buff Car Wash owner Larry Schaffer and local manager Travis Moos stand with
Chamber Ambassadors during Buff Car Wash’s grand re-opening ribbon cutting ceremony in October. “The
fire that temporarily put me out of business could definitely be called a tragedy,” Schaffer says. “However,
it gave me an opportunity to make some updates and improvements to the car wash that might not have
otherwise been made. I guess if you have to go through such a negative experience, the timing couldn’t
have been better.”
November 2009
•
p6
Holste & Bowers LLC
Welcomes New Accountant
Holste & Bowers LLC, Certified Public
Accountants, announces the addition of
Everett Royer to its firm. “Everett is a
great addition to our staff,” said Barry
Bowers, Holste & Bowers LLC partner.
“His experiences in small business operations along with his recent accounting
degree will make him another valuable
resource to our clients.”
Royer earned his bachelor’s degree in
accounting from Fort Hays State
University. He is a native of central
Kansas and resides with his family in
Otis.
Holste & Bowers LLC Certified Public
Accountants has expertise working with
individuals and business entities and offers a variety of services. Those
services include accounting, tax and management consulting and
bookkeeping. The firm also has a Certified Quick Books Pro Advisor on
staff and the area’s only CPA Endorsed Local Provider (ELP) for Dave
Ramsey. To welcome Royers in his new position or for more information about Holste & Bowers LLC, contact the firm at 620-792-5378 or
visit their web site at www.greatbendcpa.com.
The Club at StoneRidge Wants to
Lighten Your Holiday Load
Under new ownership, the Club at StoneRidge wants to help businesses, groups, and organizations in the Barton County area simplify
their holiday planning. With meeting and banquet rooms galore, they
would love to help host your company’s holiday party or business
meeting. Whether you need to take a valued customer out to a nice
lunch or to host a large get together for your entire company,
StoneRidge has the facilities and the catering experience you’re looking
for. With a friendly wait staff and expert event planners at your disposal, the Club at StoneRidge is the perfect place to get together for a
relaxing end-of-year celebration. For more information or to book your
holiday party, contact the Club at StoneRidge at 620-792-4303.
Eagle Radio Celebrates
Top Arbitron Ratings
According to the latest
Arbitron ratings, 1590 AM
KVGB is the most listened-to
radio station in a 6 county
area in Central Kansas. The
ratings were announced
recently based on surveys
that were conducted by the
National radio ratings company in spring of 2009. The number
one standing is based on Adults age 25 plus, Monday thru
Sunday from 6am until midnight.
This is the first time in years that an AM radio station has
seen such success in this area. The numbers show that 9,900
different people are listening to 1590 AM KVGB throughout the
week, that number is identified by the term weekly CUME. The
six counties surveyed include Barton, Rush, Russell, Pawnee,
Stafford, and Rice.
“We are ecstatic and amazed,” says KVGB AM Program
Director Scott Donovan. “I am guessing the changes we have
made in the talk format, by adding Dennis Miller, Jim Bohannon
and Phil Valentine is part of the reason in the increase in listeners.” When you add in the time-tested programs like the John
O’Conner morning show, Trading Post and Agri-Talk, it’s a sure
success. The station has also added more local infomercials and
locally produced programs in recent months. “A big part of our
success has to go to Dave Ramsey, our afternoon financial
guru,” Donovan adds. “In unstable times people need to hear
something positive and Dave’s simple faith-based approach to
managing money has really made a big difference to helping
people become debt free.”
Six out of the top ten radio stations in the latest Arbitron book
are part of the employee-owned company called Eagle
Communications. 100.7 Eagle Country KHOK showed up in a
tight second place, KBGL 106.9 came in third and B 104.3 KVGB
FM placed fifth, all located in Great Bend. Other Eagle stations in
the top ten include KHMY ranked number 8 from Hutchinson,
and KKQY and KJLS number 9 and 10 respectfully from Hays.
1590 AM KVGB Studios are located in the Eagle Broadcast Center
at 1200 Baker Street in Great Bend, Kansas. For more information,
contact Eagle Radio’s Scott Donovan at 620-792-3647.
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792-3908
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Affordable
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Discounted Prescriptions Available for Clinic Patients
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Great Bend
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P.O. Box 1090
Great Bend
620-792-1779
November 2009
Mike’s Meat Market Offers Great Gift
Ideas for Clients and Loved Ones
Mike’s Meat Market, located at 919 Main
Street in Great Bend, has been open for
business since May 4, 2009. However, there
are still a select few in the business community who have not yet tried the quality choice
meats prepared daily by the Chansler family. “We have people asking
us all the time, ‘When did you guys open?’ thinking that we’ve just
moved to town or something,” Owner Mike Chansler says. “Now that
we’ve been open for six months, we think we’ve got a pretty good
start.”
There are several different qualities of meats available at a normal
grocery store, which is why you might notice a variety of prices.
However, Mike’s Meat Market only stocks the finest quality choice
meats. “Our steaks are cut fresh every day, and if you don’t see something in the cooler that you like, we can cut you something up fresh,”
Chansler says.
In addition to fine steaks, Mike’s Meat Market stocks over 1,000
square feet of show room space with a variety of fresh beef, chicken,
pork, and seafood. “We also have hams, bacon, deli meats, and a lot
more,” Chansler added.
With the holidays quickly approaching, many customer-service oriented
businesses choose to purchase gifts for their best clients. Mike’s Meat
Market specializes in custom meat and cheese bundles, with everything
cut fresh to your order. “We can make small baskets with a couple
ribeyes and a nice meat rub or we can go all out on a large gift basket.”
For your friends and family, Mike can put together a more personalized
gift bundle, or gift certificates are available in any increment. Mike’s Meat
Market is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sundays. For more information,
contact Mike or any other member of the friendly staff at Mike’s Meat
Market at 620-603-6535 or visit them at 919 Main Street in Great Bend.
•
Beautification Committee
Hosts 5th Annual Holiday
Tables Spectacular Nov. 8th
The holidays will soon be here, and that means that it is once again
time for the "Holiday Tables Spectacular," sponsored by the
Beautification Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce &
Economic Development.
A dozen beautifully adorned tables laden with unique decorations,
heirloom dishes, and antique silver will be featured at the Rosewood
Gallery showroom. Committee member Judy Reed said that there will
be a nice variety of tables, and that each table is named to reflect its
theme. She shared a few of the
names:
• Rock a Bye Baby
• Santa’s Coming
• Oh, Deer
• Toile a Good Night
This is the 5th
year for this fund
raising event.
Proceeds have
helped fund the
Broadway
Islands, the
large planters
and flowers on
Main Street,
and the recent
painting and
landscaping at the
airport. Please join us for a pleasant afternoon of beauty, food,
and socializing on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Rosewood
Gallery, 1607 Main. Tickets are just $5 each and are available in
advance at the Chamber Office, 1125 Main, or at the door.
Satellite Pros Expands to Downtown Location
Shawn Hutchinson, owner of Satellite
Pros of Great Bend, would like to invite
everyone to come check out all three theater rooms in their new location at 16th &
Main in downtown Great Bend. “We simply outgrew our old location,” Hutchinson
says. “We needed more room to showcase
more inventory, and this location lets us
do just that.”
For more information, stop by Satellite
Pros’ new building at 16th & Main, or
contact a member of their staff by calling
620-786-1705.
Chlumsky
*
Liquormart
2204 Kansas
Great Bend
620-792-1929
H. MIKE BOYS, LUTCF
H.M. BOYS AGENCY, INC.
1800 Kansas
Great Bend, Kansas
1-800-794-4780
p7
10TH & MAIN
P.O. BOX 1648
GREAT BEND, KANSAS 67530-1648
Office: 620-792-1269
Toll Free: 800-658-1612
Fax: 620-792-1260
E-Mail: [email protected]
Access Anytime: 1-800-MYAMFAM (800-692-6326)
Doing Today,
Determining Tomorrow –
Golden Belt Community Foundation Improves Local
Quality of Life Now and in the Future
W
hen Bob Dema explains the value of the Golden Belt
Community Foundation (GBCF), it could involve a game of
connect the dots. As chief executive officer of CPI Qualified Plan
Consultants, Dema has a clear vision of what the picture will look
like if all the lines are drawn correctly: it will depict a thriving
community with a quality of life that enhances the personal and
professional lives of Barton County residents.
That quality of life can be achieved if the community supports the
GBCF, Dema said. Charitable donations to the GBCF mean that tax
dollars can stay at home to support local efforts to help people in all
walks of life. “It is a way to improve things, and I like to improve
things,” Dema commented. “Why should a business get involved in
the foundation? It’s very straightforward; it’s simple. Any business
should focus on customers. If you are doing something that doesn’t
build value for customers, you shouldn’t be doing it.
“One piece of that value is the customer service you offer,” he
continued. “There is a direct relation between how you treat your
employees and how employees treat customers. It’s a very simple
equation.”
When the employees’ environment is improved, there is less stress
and they are happier at the job and at home, Dema said. This
translates into solid job performance and builds value for the
customer. Voila, quality-of-life dots connected.
The GBCF offers a wide avenue to an enhanced quality of life.
Established in 1996, it provides non-profit organizations in Barton,
Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties with a permanent source of
support and serves as a vehicle for charitable giving.
Dema and his wife, Carol, along with CPI are founding members
of the foundation.
Building Foundations – The Golden Belt Community Foundation is located in downtown Great
Bend at 1307 Williams. “There are so many ways that the Community Foundation ties in with the
Great Bend Chamber,” director Christy Tustin says. “One of the most literal examples of this is the fact
that we are housed in the building they used to occupy.”
When the Chamber moved to the Sunflower Center at 1125 Williams a few years ago, the Golden Belt
Community Foundation quickly took over the occupancy at the old building. “We still get confused
visitors who walk in and ask if we are the Chamber,” Tustin says. “We don’t mind, and usually just
send them over a block to the Sunflower Center.”
November 2009
•
p8
Estate Expert – Estate planning expert John Griffin
“The concept is so relevant,”
with Stewardship Counseling, LLC shows a GBCF client
Dema said. “It doesn’t matter what
the different options for planning their estate. The Golden
tax bracket you’re in. Why not keep
Belt Community Foundation shares Griffin with several
some of your taxes here at home by
other foundations in the area, including Sunflower
making a charitable contribution
Diversified Services and the CKMC Foundation.
instead of sending it to
“Estate planning is a great way to make sure the money
Washington, D.C.? If 30 to 40
you leave behind can make a difference in the future,”
percent goes to Uncle Sam, it is
Director Christy Tustin says. “Lots of generous individuals
gone; it could stay right here.
choose to include the Community Foundation in their
“There is enough wealth in this
wills, which helps them improve the community’s quality
community,” Dema added. “If we
of life, even after they’re gone.”
could just get more of it to stay here,
we can be a top-tier community, not
Griffin provides his services to the Great Bend area one
only within the state but the nation.
day each month, free of charge. Griffin helps clients
It doesn’t take that much to be
evaluate their estate plan, so that they can hire their own
better than the pack.”
attorney to draft their will or trust.
Dema noted that it is
disheartening to see wealth leaving
the area, especially when retirees
move away. “They retire and leave,”
Dema said. “I hate to see that.”
The GBCF channels donors’
money to the charities of their
choice. It could include projects
that encourage college grads to
move back home, new residents to
choose Great Bend and retirees to
stay put – and everything in
between, Dema said.
“There’s no reason why you can’t be
superior in all those areas,” he added.
Small but Mighty – Golden Belt Community Foundation staff members pose for a
When CUNA Mutual Group
photo under the customer window in their office. “We chose to adorn the customer
recently acquired CPI, the CPI
window with our organization’s motto,” says Director Christy Tustin. “It drives
Great Bend and Barton County
everything we do, so it’s only appropriate that our clients and generous supporters be
Corporate Donor Advised Fund was
reminded of that each time they visit us.”
established with a $200,000 gift
from the CUNA Mutual Group
Pictured from left to right are Administrative Assistant and Scholarship coordinator
Foundation. The GBCF manages
Susan Miller, Director Christy Tustin, and Program Officer Kristy Rupe. “One of the
this fund and CPI employees help
many connections the GBCF has with the Chamber of Commerce is our program
decide what quality-of-life projects
officer Kristy Rupe,” Tustin says.
it supports.
“We share Kristy with the Great
Christy Tustin, GBCF executive
Bend Chamber of Commerce &
Chairman’s Corner –
Economic Development in a
director, recalled when Dema and
Community Foundation copartnership, so that she can work
other community leaders banded
chairs Marcia Westhoff and
as
their
Economic
Development
together to get the ball rolling. “We
Suzan Haynes look over the
Projects
Assistant.
It’s
a
win-win
had local individuals who saw a
Community
Foundation’s
situation.”
need to give locally,” Tustin said,
scrapbook and reminisce about
noting they wanted to support nonall the progress they have made
profit agencies and do something
over the years. “It is a joy to
for the greater good of the
serve on the Community
community. “Nothing existed here
Foundation board,” says
to do that.
Westhoff. “It is such a tangible
“We adopted a slogan: ‘what we
way to make a difference in the
lives of others and in the
do today determines tomorrow,’”
community.”
Tustin noted. “It really sums up what we’re about.”
The Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) was instrumental in
getting the GBCF up and running in 2000. Its goal was to
expand philanthropic giving throughout Kansas.
“The KHF posed a challenge to get donors for community
foundations,” Tustin said. “We had 37 founding donors. Now
we are at $5.6 million in total assets and manage 90
perpetuity; it will last forever. We spend a portion of
endowment funds. Within the next year, we will go over the
the earnings, while investing the principal. That’s
one-million-dollar mark in grants to charitable agencies.
how we have built up to $5.6 million.”
“The beauty of endowment funds,” Tustin added, “is
they can support whatever cause the donor chooses in
Continued on Page 10
November 2009
•
p9
November 2009
•
p10
Golden Belt Community Foundation
Continued from Page 9
Marcia Westhoff, GBCF president and co-chair of the board of directors,
complemented the KHF’s foresight.
“They wanted a growing, sustainable Kansas,” Westhoff commented. “If we
keep the money at home and give back what our communities have given us,
we will accomplish that. And with endowment funds, donors can sustain their
dream forever.”
If Tustin and Westhoff could stress one thing, it would be the GBCF’s flexibility. Donors choose what type of fund they want. (see sidebar.)
“When I meet with someone interested in helping a favorite charity,”
Tustin explained, “I ask what is their goal and then find out how they can
reach it. I take their ideas and come back
with a solution.”
Westhoff added that many people want
to do something for a good cause but
don’t know how. “They don’t realize there
is an instrument right here to do that.”
Donor Advised Funds, such as CPI’s,
are a great option for people who want to
be actively involved in making charitable
Caring Contributors – The donor wall at
decisions, Tustin said, indicating it is the
the
Golden Belt Community Foundation Office
most popular choice and a way for famidisplays the portraits of the many generous
lies to encourage future generations to
contributors who helped get the foundation
get involved.
started. “We gave the community a one-time
“You can support agencies but you don’t
opportunity to contribute to the foundation when
have to write the checks,” Tustin said.
we were getting started,” Director Christy Tustin
“Donations come out of the advised funds.
says. “Since then other generous contributors
For example, if you have $500 and want
have helped launch new programs, but we
$100 a year to go to five different charities,
always remember the generous support of our
founding donors.”
we will take care of it for you. The donation is still in your name.
“We also handle memorials,” Tustin
said. “It is a good choice to name the
GBCF as a memorial because it gives the Generous Givers – CPI Qualified Plan Consultant’s CEO Bob Dema meets with HR Director Erika
family time to think about a specific
Brining and Renee Dykes to decide on some of the parameters for the donor fund they have estabcharity. The family might want more time lished for CPI employees. “The idea behind this fund is to make sure that CPI employees remain community-minded now and in the future,” Dema says. “When CPI was purchased by CUNA, we expressed
to make a thoughtful decision.”
In addition, the GBCF offers free estate that necessity to them and they were happy to continue CPI’s tradition of community support.”
planning through Stewardship
Counseling’s John Griffin of Hesston.
Griffin helps formulate plans, which participants then take to their own attorneys and financial advisors.
While cash may be the most obvious donation, the foundation
also accepts stock, grain, real estate, livestock and collectibles; it
The Golden Belt Community Foundation offers a variety of options for donating to
can also be the beneficiary on life insurance policies.
central Kansas charities. Those options include:
The other GBCF employees are Kristy Rupe, program officer,
• Donor Advised Fund: This is a good choice if you want to be directly involved in your charitable givand Susan Miller, administrative assistant and scholarship cooring.
dinator. The GBCF is a member of the Council on Foundations
•
Unrestricted
Fund: You essentially ask the GBCF staff to direct your gift to where they think it will do
and the Kansas Association of Community Foundations.
the
most
good.
The GBCF recently applied for the KHF’s GROW II program and
• Designated Fund: This allows you to identify specific non-profit organizations as grant beneficiaries.
will learn in December if the application is successful. The program is designed to help community foundations build resources
• Scholarship Fund: You may specify the criteria for the scholarship.
to improve the health of local residents and support collaboration
• Field of Interest Fund: You focus your giving by indicating a field of interest such as the arts, eduamong community foundations.
cation or health.
“We just want the community to know we are here for every• Golden Belt Community Improvement Fund: This supports immediate needs as identified by the
one,” Tustin said. “You don’t have to have $10,000 to work with
GBCF.
us; that is not what we are about. It can be a gift of any size.”
Foundation Favorites
Sunflower Bank Recognized by National
Magazine for Strength in Diversity
Sunflower Bank recently received two national honors highlighting the
Kansas and Colorado regional bank’s performance and diversity. US Banker,
a leading industry magazine devoted to coverage of the financial industry
since the 1800s, named Mollie Carter, President and CEO of Sunflower
Bank, as one of US Banker’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking for the
second consecutive year. Carter ranked No. 15 on the list of 25.
Sunflower Bank also earned US Banker’s distinction of Top Banking Team
within its recognition of Women in Banking. Along with US Bancorp and
BNY-Mellon, US Banker highlighted Sunflower Bank’s impressive lineup of
women leaders throughout all levels of the organization - including four
members of Sunflower’s 8-person executive team. “As a company, we’re
always pleased with national honors,” said Carter, “and it’s humbling to
rank highly among our peers. However, it’s not just a few of us committed to
banking excellence and doing what’s right in our communities, it’s our
entire organization.”
The magazine singled out Carter, Executive Vice Presidents Sandra Jacobs
(Community and Western Banks), Jennifer Johnson (Chief Information and
Operations Officer), and Phyllis Pickel (Corporate & Relationship
Development Officer); Sunflower Insurance Group Chief Operations Officer
Kristy Balthazor, and Sunflower Wealth Management Vice President Brandy
Felzien as testimony to the power of diversity.
“This year has been a year of building blocks,” Carter told US Banker
magazine in her profile. “And the most critical thing for our industry has
been the realization we cannot sweep things under the rug.” Carter cited
Sunflower’s 2009 commitment to improvement of its personnel, retail, business and online processes as crucial for the bank’s future growth. Carter
has served as President and CEO of Sunflower Bank since 2005, and a
member of the bank’s Board of Directors since 1995.
US Banker’s annual 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking, in its eighth
year, pays tribute to influential women in finance - who’s professional and
personal achievements leave their mark on corporate America and push the
boundaries of what’s possible in their businesses. US Banker’s editorial staff
typically considers more than 4,700 executives for its honor of 25 Most
Powerful Women in Banking through a detailed and lengthy nomination
process. Candidates are selected and ranked by overall performance - including overall influence on the institution, the industry and the community.
Founded in 1892, Sunflower Bank counts more than $1.7 billion in assets
throughout 34 locations in Kansas and Colorado. A private, family-owned
regional community bank, the six children of H.D. “Joe” Hale and Joyce
Vanier Hale - including Carter - form the bank’s ownership group. For more
information, contact Sunflower Bank of Great Bend at 620-792-2181.
November 2009
•
p11
Workforce Highlight
Barton Community College Provides Effective
Training Options in Tight Economy
It’s a business and industry fact that one of the first areas cut from
budgets in down economic times is workforce training. While understandable, that move tends to be more costly to businesses in the long run.
Why? In down economies, employers utilize fewer employees to maintain workload, which creates stress on those employees who are not
properly trained on how to maximize workload and workflow. Stress
leads to frustration, and turnover becomes a more prevalent issue,
because increased turnover brings more expense to employers. And a
better-trained workforce, however small, is better poised to meet
increased demand once the economy rebounds, unlike its competitors.
The key to implementing effective training during tough economic times
is for businesses to train smarter by cutting costs and getting more bang
for their training buck.
Training opportunities close to home will limit time and travel expenses, and in most cases, will cost less than similar training offered nationally or regionally. Employers can get the most for their training dollars by
contacting Barton Community College’s Workforce Training and
Economic Development department. Training services are convenient,
flexible, cost effective and customized to meet the unique needs of all
types of businesses.
Barton delivers training to accommodate specific business needs:
Onsite – Barton can provide training on your equipment, in your facility.
On Campus – Get away from the many distractions of your office and
come to one of Barton’s seminar rooms on campus.
Online – Training specific to your needs and processes, delivered on your
system or on Barton’s system.
Barton often offers customized training sessions on the following topics, but
you are welcome to request a new topic specific to your organization’s needs.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Command Spanish
Case New Holland
Customer Service
Supervisory Training
Gas Leak Detection Training
Adventure Based Leadership
Education
For more information, contact Barton’s Workforce Development
Training Coordinator, Kala Steffen, 620-792-9332, 866-813-2462, [email protected].
Looking to hire?
Let us help you focus in on
a larger applicant pool.
Post your employment opportunities
or search for a job candidate at
www.hometownrecruiter.com
Don’t forget to post your FREE Employer Listing!
Advertise or find out more at 620-792-1211
November 2009
•
p12
Niederee Awarded First Ever
LGLS Scholarship from KSU
Great Bend Native Katie
Niederee was recently named the
recipient of the first Land Grant
Legacy Society Scholarship from
KSU. Niederee is in her fourth
year at K-State studying public
relations and business. Niederee
was recognized by the KSU foundation for her leadership and
commitment to making a difference at KSU. “At K-State, I just
didn't want to be another number, I wanted to leave my mark,”
Niederee says. “Through the various clubs and organizations I've
been involved with here, I think
I've accomplished my goal.”
The scholarship was established this year in celebration of
the generosity of Land Grant
Legacy Society members. KSU’s
Land Grant Legacy Society honors alumni and friends who have
chosen to support the university
by including K-State in their estate plans. This special society provides its members an opportunity to learn more about the university, its students, and its future.
“Even after K-State, I plan to continue to make a difference in my
community,” Niederee says. “I will graduate in 2010 with a
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.”
While Niederee’s service resume is quite extensive, some of her
most notable achievements include serving as the co-chair for the
2009 Proud Campaign at KSU, serving on the Student Alumni
Board and the Student Governing Association, as well as serving as
president for her fraternity Pi Beta Phi.
Katie is the daughter of Bill and Robin Niederee of Great Bend and
is a 2006 graduate of Great Bend High School. For more information about the Land Grant Legacy Society or about Katie Niederee,
visit KSU’s foundation web site at www.found.ksu.edu.
Tim
Miller ’s
Rhonda Knudson Agency Earns
Distinguished Insurance Agency
Distinction from J.D. Power & Associates
Rhonda Knudson, an American Family Insurance agent, and her
excellent client service team have been recognized for customer satisfaction excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished
Insurance Agency Program. The Knudson agency joins other American
Family agents who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment
to outstanding customer service.
The service excellence distinction was determined through a two-part
evaluation process conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. The first
part consists of a customer satisfaction survey, which measures customers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent.
In order to proceed to the second step, agents must meet or exceed the
standards measured on a national benchmark established by J.D.
Power and Associates’ annual auto and home insurance customer satisfaction studies. Only agencies that perform in the top 20 percent of
all agencies nationwide based on customer satisfaction surveys are eligible to become a Distinguished Insurance Agency.
Agents who meet or surpass the overall national average must then
pass a rigorous on-site evaluation based on five best practice areas:
proactive reviews of customer insurance needs, claims handling, positive customer contacts, responsiveness and office environment.
The Knudson agency has been with American Family since April of
1986. The agency office is located at 2201 16th Street, one block west
of the Great Bend Post Office. For more information contact the
Knudson agency team by phone 620-792-3643 or by email at [email protected].
Montana Mike’s Offers Solutions for Holiday Parties
Book your holiday party at Montana
Mikes now. Private rooms are available
for large parties and we can cater a
menu to your group. No charge for
reserving rooms, so reserve yours while
the date is still available! Off site catering is also available. Montana Mike’s of
Great Bend is open Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and
Fridays and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 10p.m. For more information
about menu options or to reserve your company or organization’s holiday party, contact Al Estrada or Jesse Heier at Montana Mike’s at 906
McKinley in Great Bend, or at 620-792-5930.
Chamber
Great Bend
CHARLIES
EVERY 1st THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
AT 11:35 A.M. ON KVGB 1590
P
LA C E
Your After Hours
– Hangout –
– NO MEMBERSHIP –
1109 Main Street
(620) 793-8668
4107 - 10th Street
2300 Broadway
Great Bend
793-4223 • 800-762-0436
792-3591
1811 Main Street
793-7887
Great Bend, Kansas
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce News
Harlem Globetravelers Visit Hoisington Nov. 14
Now that we have completed another successful Labor Day
Celebration, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce is excited to present
“Showboat Robinson’s Harlem Globetravelers” on Saturday, November
14 at the Hoisington Activity Center. Action is slated to get under way
at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advanced tickets are available at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, Hoisington
Dairy Queen Restaurant, and Cheyenne Hardware.
Robinson, the CEO of the Harlem Globetravelers, is a former Harlem
Roadking. Lamont "Showboat" Robinson formed the team in 1995
(originally called Harlem Roadkings) after touring with the Harlem
Globetrotters in the late 1980's. Robinson played high school and college ball growing up and competed professionally in Europe. Robinson
says a big part of the Globetravelers is to discourage kids from drug
and alcohol abuse. According to the team’s Web site (www.basketballcomedy.com), “Showboat” was inspired by the “Great Meadowlark
Lemon” and has become the “Comedy King” of basketball. Fans will be
thrilled by the supporting cast of the former Globetrotters, collegiate
All-Americans, and ex-NBA players with rim rattling slam dunks and
concert-like musical scores.
In conjunction with the Harlem Globetravelers, the Hoisington
Chamber of Commerce will host a Sloppy Joe Supper. The supper will
be held from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on November 14 at the Hoisington
Activity Center. Tickets are available at the chamber office, Hoisington
Dairy Queen and Cheyenne Hardware for a suggested donation of $5
for adults and children 6 and older, $3 for children 5 and under. Tea,
lemonade and dessert are also included. For a family fun-filled night
come to the Hoisington Activity Center, Saturday, November 14 and
enjoy Sloppy Joes and an evening of comedy basketball at its finest.
Hope to see you there.
Duckwall’s Sponsors Canned Food Drive
Duckwall-Alco will be sponsoring a Canned Food Drive from
November 23 through December 6. The theme will be “A Season of
Giving.” Duckwall’s in Hoisington will be setting up a canned food
donation area at the front of their store during this time. The foods collected will be provided to the designated local Food Bank. The food
banks across our nation are at critical stages and during the holiday
season they have an even greater need for our support. Duckwall-Alco
will also be matching these donations with their own contributions of
up to 50 tons distributed across the participating food banks. In order
to make this a town wide event Duckwall-Alco will have sign packages
available for any other businesses or organizations in town. This will
allow the entire business community to come together for this worthy
cause. If your organization or business is interested in providing a
drop off point during this canned food drive, contact Kevin Wallace at
Duckwall’s in Hoisington, 620-653-4047.
“Shop Hoisington - Chimney Hop”
Wow! The Holidays will soon be upon us. To get you motivated and
start your Holiday shopping, The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce
Promotion Committee will present the “Shop Hoisington-Chimney
Hop.” This promotion will kick off in conjunction with Hoisington Main
Street’s “Ladies Night Out” on November 6 from 6-9 p.m. Registration
forms for the “Shop Hoisington-Chimney Hop” will be available at participating businesses and also at the Welcome Center the evening of
November 6. Both of these events will promote shopping at our local
businesses.
November 2009
•
p13
Annual Christmas Lighting Nov. 27
The Annual Christmas Lighting will be held on Friday, November 27.
Every one is welcome to attend. Santa is slated to arrive at 5:45 p.m.
As the children visit with Santa, hot cocoa and home made cookies will
be available and everyone can enjoy an old-fashioned hayrack ride.
Downtown businesses are encouraged to be open from 5:30 p.m. –
7:30 p.m. Watch and listen for further details. Also in conjunction with
the Annual Christmas Lighting, Hoisington Main Street and the
Hoisington Chamber will present the First Annual Christmas Tree
Gala. Local businesses will sponsor and decorate Christmas trees with
a theme. These trees will then be auctioned off during the Christmas
Gala at the Hoisington Welcome Center. Tickets to the gala are $20
and can be purchased at the Hoisington Welcome Center, 115 N. Main,
or at the Chamber Office, 123 N Main. Or if your business is interested
in sponsoring a tree contact the Hoisington Chamber (620.653.4311)
or the Main Street office (620.653.2208). Proceeds for the event will go
towards the ongoing Hoisington Christmas Lighting project and
Hoisington enhancement projects.
Special thanks go out to Lee Van Scyoc for spearheading the annual
Christmas light bulb checking and replacing. Superior Essex volunteers Brett Evans, Jim Meyers, Carol Owens, Brian Koester, Jones and
Sara Kithuka, Tim Lewis, T.J. Lewis Jr. and Mike Klepper scaled the
buildings on the East side of the Main Street District and Lee Van
Scyoc, Jim Carney, Mike Boys, and Tom Van Brimmer scaled the
buildings on the West side. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
Hopefully more volunteers will step up to help next year.
New Developments
Over the past couple of weeks, some exciting things have taken place
in Hoisington. On October 29, the City of Hoisington, Hoisington
Chamber of Commerce, USDA-Rural Development and Congressman
Moran’s office broke ground on the forthcoming Cardinal Pharmacy
project. The project will help to bring a locally-owned pharmacy back
to Hoisington after almost three years.
Another exciting development of the past couple of weeks has to do
with the proposed Cheyenne Bottoms Inn & Suites project. It was
recently announced that adequate funding had been secured to move
forward with the hotel project in Hoisington. Over the past several
months, the Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task
Force worked to gather information from developers and prepared to
move forward with a project that would enhance Hoisington. By working with the City and the Chamber of Commerce, this task force prepared a number of incentives to make a hotel project in Hoisington
more viable. The incentives that were offered were significant but
would not cost the citizens of Hoisington additional money. The project
will provide a significant benefit to the Hoisington community.
Over a period of ten years, the proposed hotel will increase the City’s
property tax base by more than two percent. Cheyenne Bottoms Inn &
Suites will provide a new sales tax source, generate revenue through a
transient guest tax and will truly enhance Hoisington. The benefits of
the proposed facility in the City of Hoisington are endless. Having a
31-unit facility in Hoisington will complement a number of existing
organizations and events. The local recreation commission, hospital,
businesses, funeral home, senior care facilities and other establishments will all benefit from the additional lodging space. The City, the
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce and Hoisington Main Street, Inc.
will all benefit from the transient guest tax revenues. Every event held
in the area will benefit from the additional lodging capacity and new
events will be feasible with the additional space and funding.
Cheyenne Bottoms Inn & Suites will help our region to flourish with
increased hunters, birders and eco-tourist coming to Hoisington to
enjoy Barton County’s great outdoors. The project continued on page14
November 2009
•
p14
continued from page13 will help to enhance the Wetlands and Wildlife
Scenic Byway which features Hoisington as a starting point for one
and two-day experiences. It is easy to envision the positive repercussions of having Cheyenne Bottoms Inn and Suites in Hoisington.
With overwhelming support from local investors, many Hoisington
residents are excited to see this project move forward. The hotel task
force set a goal of $400,000 in local investment to help bring this $1.8
million project to fruition. The task force recently announced that it
exceeded its goal for funding to make the dream of having a full-sized
hotel to Hoisington a reality. If everything progresses as planned,
Cheyenne Bottoms Inn and Suites should be open in the Fall of 2010.
If you have an interest in enhancing Hoisington, or if you just want
to learn more about projects going on in Hoisington, please call
Jonathan Mitchell at the City office (620)653-4125, on his cellular
phone (785)531-1818 or feel free to stop in some time. He would love
the opportunity to talk with you about the future of Hoisington.
New Member
We wish to welcome Sandy Van Bebber with Dollar General as our
newest chamber member. The Ambassador Club presented Dollar
General with their first dollar of profit plaque and a ribbon cutting
during the October 8th Chamber Coffee.
Remember to “SHOP LOCALLY”. Your dollars spent in locally owned
businesses have three times the impact on your community as dollars
spent at national chains. When shopping locally, you simultaneously
create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.
The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce wishes everyone a safe and
happy Thanksgiving.
Chamber Gift Certificates Make
Great Employee Bonuses
The staff of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic
Development is once again gearing up for a busy holiday season.
With a recovering economy, it is more important than ever to shop
local. One of the best ways you can support the economy is by purchasing Chamber gift certificates for your employee’s end-of-year
bonuses. Chamber gift certificates ensure that those dollars are
spent locally at one of the over 150 businesses that currently participate in this unique program. From increased sales tax revenues
that help maintain our roads and our education system, to the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting your friends’ and neighbors’
businesses, shopping local is the way to go.
If your business isn’t currently participating in the gift certificate
program and would like to be, be sure to contact a member of the
Chamber staff and take advantage of this ongoing promotion. The
gift certificate program is just one of the many services available to
you as a member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce &
Economic Development.
Chamber gift certificates are available in any increment and don’t
expire for 5 years. And if you’re really in a rush, we can have them
ready for you when you stop in. Call or come by to order Chamber
gift certificates for your employees this holiday season. The Great
Bend Chamber of Commerce is located at 1125 Williams in Great
Bend, 620-792-2401.
Nancy Farmer, President
Stacey Bressler, Executive Vice-President
Hoisington’s November Calendar of Events
November 5
November
November
November
November
5
6
6
11
November 11
November 12
November 12
November 14
November 14
November 19
November 26
November 27
November 27
December 3
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting,
9:30 a.m.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Pizza Hut, 9:30 a.m.
Hoisington Main Street’s “Ladies Night Out,” 6-9 p.m.
Start of “Shop Hoisington Chimney Hop” Promotion
Hoisington Chamber Board of Directors Meeting,
Chamber Office, 7:30 a.m.
Hoisington Chamber Ambassador Club Meeting,
Location TBA, 12 p.m.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Hoisington Main Street at
Welcome Center, 9:30 a.m.
“Focus on Hoisington” Radio Show Airs on 1590
KVGB AM, 11:30 a.m.
Sloppy Joe Supper at Hoisington Activity Center, 4:306:30 p.m.
Showboat Robinson’s “Harlem Globetravelers,”
Hoisington Activity Center, 7 p.m.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Logan Haus at Chamber
Office, 9:30 a.m.
No Chamber Coffee “Happy Thanksgiving”
Hoisington’s Annual Christmas Lighting, Santa arrives
at 5:45 p.m.
Hoisington’s Christmas Tree Gala, Hoisington
Welcome Center, 7:30 p.m.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Worth Heating & Electric at
Chamber Office, 9:30 a.m.
Great Bend Chamber of
Commerce New Members
Welcome the following new Great Bend Chamber of
Commerce members and consider them as you shop
and do business in the area. They’ve made an
important business investment by joining the
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.
It Works Marketing
Lynn Schiller
192 Regents Rd.
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-0337
Category: Health Management
P&S Security
Toyia Roblyer
1705 K 96 Hwy
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 796-2133
Category: Security Systems
United Way
of Barton County
1125 Williams
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 792-2403
The American Red Cross
Barton County Young
Men’s Organization
Central Kansas CASA, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Central Kansas
ElderCare
Great Bend Children’s
Learning Center
RSVP
Barton County Youth Care, Inc.
Quivira Council of Boy Scouts
Catholic Social Service
United Cerebral Palsy
The Family Crisis Center
Ourselves and Our Families
(Coalition for the
Prevention of Child Abuse)
Salvation Army
Meals on Wheels
November 2009 • p15
United Way 2010 Campaign Update
The 2010 Campaign is well under
way in Barton County! United Way
thanks the individuals, businesses,
service clubs and employers who have
given their gift to the 2010 Campaign.
Although community participation
has been outstanding, we are not yet
near our goal. The goal for 2010 is
$250,000 with a focal point on the
Professional Division and their goal of
$25,000. If you have not yet reviewed
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Teen Court
Have you signed up
for the new "ECO"
Program?
"Easy, Convenient Option" for
everyone to give back to their
community through United Way
of Barton County. Simply sign
up to have as little as $1 per
month withdrawn directly from
your checking account and
donated to United Way of Barton
County. Forms can be picked
up from the United Way office at
1125 Williams, Great Bend, or by
calling 620-792-2403 and having a form mailed to your home
or business. The true measure
of a community's success is by
how those in need are helped.
Sign up today and make a difference.
$
250,000
United Way Supports Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
Recently United Way
accepted a challenge set
for by the Kiwanis Club
of Great Bend to help
with the Salvation Army
Kettle Campaign. On
November 21st, United
Way Executive Board
members will help the
Salvation Army by ringing bells for the annual
Kettle Campaign. You
will find United Way
Executive Board members at the front doors of
Ellinwood Heritage Center
Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice
your personal pledge card, please take
a moment to review and complete
your card and mail to the United Way
office at 1125 Williams, Great Bend.
Don’t forget, there are many ways
that you can help! Please contact
Executive Director Heather Lockhart
at the United Way of Barton County
office for more information (620) 7922403
or
via
email
[email protected].
Wal-Mart throughout the day on the 21st. United
Way now passes the challenge on to you! To sign
up to help with the Kettle Campaign please call
Jane Berg at the Salvation Army (620) 792-4299.
The Kansas Sidewinders Motorcycle Club Presents
HELP US HELP THEM!
O
N
I
S
A
C NI
GHT
These agencies depend on
United Way funds
100%
OF PROCEEDS GO
TO UNITED WAY
OF BARTON COUNTY
Upcoming
Events
A Fund Raiser for United Way of Barton County
November 7th –
Casino Night presented by Kansas
Sidewinders 7:00
p.m. KS
Sidewinders
Clubhouse in
Ellinwood.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 • 7:00 - 10:00 PM
November – Eagle
Radio hosts
Radio-a-thon with
Andie Price
**For more information on
upcoming events please
contact
Heather Lockhart at
(620) 792-2403.
KANSAS SIDEWINDERS CLUB HOUSE
21 N. MAIN STREET, ELLINWOOD
Food & Beverages Available • Prizes Awarded
Everyone is invited to a fun filled night at our newly remodeled clubhouse
Casino Games • Raffle Tickets • Silent Auction
Several large raffle items including:
19” Flat Screen TV • $200 Cash • $150 Meat Bundle
Round Trip Airline Tickets • Harley Davidson Leather Jacket
$20 Donation at the door
(You receive $10,000 in chips or 2 tickets for the raffle.)
HEY BARTON COUNTY!
Join us for an evening of fun as we take this opportunity to help meet our United Way
of Barton County goal and fully fund the agencies listed below.
UNITED WAY OF BARTON COUNTY MEMBER AGENCIES:
American Red Cross • Great Bend Childrens Learning Center • Barton County Youth Care
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland • Barton County Young Men’s Org./Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice
Big Brothers Big Sisters • Meals On Wheels • Catholic Social Service • Ourselves and Our Families
Central Kansas CASA, Inc. • RSVP • ElderCare, Inc. • Salvation Army
Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center • Teen Court • Family Crisis Center • United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas
November 2009
•
p16
Great Bend Chamber – November 2009
Economic Outlook
1......Back Room Concert feat. Claude Bourbon, Barton Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
2......Great Bend Community Concert “Riders in the Sky,” Great Bend Municipal
Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
2......Barton County Commissioners Meeting, Court House Room 106, 9 a.m.
2......Great Bend City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers, 7:30 p.m.
3......Ribbon Cutting, Satellite Pros’ New Location, 1520 Main Street, 10 a.m.
3......Talent Auditions for Habitat for Humanity Dinner Theatre, First Assembly of God,
601 Patton, 6-9 p.m.
5......Chamber Coffee: Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, 9:30 a.m.
5......Ambassador Luncheon, Chamber Conference Room, 12 p.m.
5......Great Bend Fire Department Spaghetti Feed, Knights of Columbus, 5-7:30 p.m.
7......New 2 Great Bend Wine and Cheese Tasting, Farmers Bank Annex, 1612 Main Street,
7:02 p.m.
7......BBQ 101 Class, National Guard Armory at Great Bend Expo Complex, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7......All Church Bazaar, St. Rose Auditorium, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7......United Way Casino Night, 21 N. Main Street in Ellinwood, 7-10 p.m.
8......1st Annual S.A.L. Chili Challenge, American Legion, 1101 Kansas Avenue, 4-7 p.m.
8......Beautification Holiday Tables Spectacular, Rosewood Galleries, 1:30-4 p.m.
9......New 2 Great Bend Coffee Hour, Great Bend Coffee Company, 10:02 a.m.
9......Barton County Commissioners Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
10.....3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, KANSASworks Office, 1025 Main Street,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
12.....Chamber Coffee: Sunflower Diversified Services, 8823 4th Street, 9:30 a.m.
12.....Soroptomist International Chili and Chicken Noodle Soup Supper, Knights of
Columbus, 723 Main Street, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
14.....Dominican Sisters of Great Bend’s Annual Mission Bazaar, 3600 Broadway,
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
14.....Harlem Globe Trotters Come to Hoisington, Hoisington Activity Center, 7 p.m.
14.....America Recycling Day Celebration, First Step Recycling
15.....Sunflower Diversified Services Texas Hold’em Tournament, Highland Hotel &
Convention Center, Registration at 10 a.m., Tournament at 1 p.m.
16.....Barton County Commissioners Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
16.....Great Bend City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers, 7:30 p.m.
16.....BCC’s Winter Instrumental Concert, BCC Fine Arts Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
18.....Great Bend Chamber Executive Board Meeting, Chamber Conference Room, 12 p.m.
18.....Beautification Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room, 12 p.m.
19.....Chamber Coffee: Perkins Family Restaurant, 9:30 a.m.
19-22.Great Bend Community Theatre Production of “The Love List”, Crest Theatre, Thurs.Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
20.....Back Room Concert feat. Tom Kastle, Barton Arts Center, 8 p.m.
21.....4 Legs Up BBQ & Steakhouse Country Smokers Cooking Class, Part One 10 a.m. to 1
p.m., Part Two 4-7 p.m.
23.....Barton County Commissioners Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
26-27.Chamber Office Closed
28.....Barton County Arts Council Open House, 1401 Main Street, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
28.....Home for the Holidays Parade and Festivities, Downtown Great Bend
28.....Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, Jack Kilby Square following parade
30.....Barton County Commissioners Meeting, Courthouse Room 106, 9 a.m.
Employment – Barton County
Labor Force
Employment
Unemployment
Unemployment Rate
KS Unemployment Rate
August 08
15,338
14,840
498
3.2%
4.7%
August 09
15,163
14,162
1,001
6.6%
7.1%
August 08
7
14
0
August 09
12
35
0
34
8
41
34
Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development
Coffee Schedule • Thursdays at 9:30
November 5, 2009
Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice
Central Kansas Medical Center, St. Dominic’s Room
Home Health has a trained professional staff to coordinate your care and provide treatment throughout your recovery. Hospice has an interdisciplinary team
of professionals and volunteers to provide compassionate, quality care.
November 12, 2009
Sunflower Diversified Services • 8823 4th St.
Sunflower Diversified Services provides services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Sunflower believes that every person is entitled to the opportunity to maximize their personal independence. Assessment, intervention and
therapy services are available to children birth to age three, as well as support services to their families. Sunflower’s Incredible Years Preschool is available to all children ages 2 _ to 5, including those with special needs. Adults can access a range
of services including case management, residential supports, job training and
employment, medical/therapeutic supports, and retirement services. Sunflower
offers case management, in-home family supports and transition services to adolescents and their families. To the community, Sunflower offers public transportation and a state-recognized recycling program.
November 19, 2009
Perkins • 2920 10th St.
Perkins Family Restaurant in Great Bend is a family owned franchise. Perkins
offers a variety menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have a bakery
where pies, muffins and cookies are baked fresh daily. Place your order and
let us bake for you this Holiday Season. Don’t forget banquet rooms are available to reserve from meetings to Holiday parties; we can serve your group.
November 26, 2009
No Coffee - Happy Thanksgiving!
December 3, 2009
Central Kansas Christian Academy • 215 McKinley St.
Central Kansas Christian Academy is a non-denominational Christian educator providing quality, comprehensive education for grades K-8. CKCA has been
operating at its current location on South McKinley in Great Bend since 2001.
3307 10th Street • Great Bend, KS 67530
McDonald’s
is providing coffee for Chamber of Commerce coffees.
City/County Local Sales Tax
Distributions Report
August 08
$414,915
$151,634
Sales Tax for Barton County at 1.00%
Sales Tax for Great Bend at .75%
Great Lakes Airlines Flights - August 2009
Permits
Commercial – GB
Residential - GB
Addition/Equip - GB
Cars - County
Trucks - County
Flights from Kansas City
Flights to Kansas City
41
41
August 09
$348,316
$185,116