Start Build … Conquer …

Business
A publication of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce | Volume 45, No. 7 | July 2010
Start ... Build … Conquer …
JULY
events
Fast Forward Educational Luncheon
“Professional Presence—Branding You”
Presenter: Gail Hermesch, The Network Today
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Washburn Bradbury Thompson Center
Cost: Fast Forward members, $20;
Fast Forward member firm reps,
$15; Guests, $25; Students, $10.
RSVP online or by calling 785.234.2644
Conference keynoters David Chavez, left, and Dr. Barrett Hatches, right, answered attendee’s questions.
Start, Build, Conquer was the mantra spoken by
many business professionals at the June 10 oneday workshop that attracted 75 local and regional
entrepreneurs. The conference was presented
by GO Topeka’s DBE Advisory Council and the
Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development
staff at El Shaddai Ministries, 920 SE Sherman.
One attendee shared, “This program opened my
eyes to the certification world. Having 8A and
Hubzone specialists from the Small Business
Administration and Kansas certifiers from the
Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas
Department of Transportation in one central
location with access to their knowledge was
unbelievable.”
Another attendee referenced GSA, DBE Staff and
Council and, most of all, the bankers that were
interested in seeing small business owners make it,
commenting, “It brought a level of comfort knowing
we were not alone.”
Morning keynoter David Chavez, CEO of Latin Pointe
Inc. and executive producer of the ALMA Awards,
focused on small business marketing efforts,
defined event marketing and detailed advantages
to marketing to the Latino population that is the
fastest growing market segment in the United
States.
Lunch keynoter Dr. Barrett Hatches, president
and principal owner of BHMM Energy Services
and a current consultant with the Department of
Education, shared his own journey of growing from
a microenterprise to becoming a national award
winning small business to a multi-million dollar
operation within the energy sector.
Other key benefits were delivered via panels sharing
expertise about marketing, financing
and certification. In addition, representatives
of the DBE Advisory Council, the Washburn
Small Business Development Council and
SCORE were present to share information
about their services.
The DBE Council understood the benefits
of encapsulating a one-day process where
entrepreneurs would be able to hear about many
(continued on page 2)
Online Registration Available
You can now register and pay for most Chamber events online by
going to the Chamber’s Website—TopekaChamber.org—and clicking
on “Register Now!” on the right sidebar. It’s easy and quick!
GAIN Seminar
“Coming Out of the Great Recession” Workshop
Presenter: Steve Jenkins, Senior Vice President
Economic Development, Chamber/GO Topeka
Thursday, July 8, 2010
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Chamber Board Room
Cost: $25 per person, includes continental
breakfast
RSVP online or by calling 785.234.2644
Small Business HR Express
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Customer Service- Tips and Techniques
for Developing your Employees’ Customer
Service Skills
10:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
Cost: $15 for small business; $20 for medium/
large business; $35 for recertified credit
attendee
RSVP online or by calling 785.231.6000
Business After Hours
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Held at Ramada Hotel & Convention Center,
Downtown Topeka
Sponsored by Parrish Hotel Corporation
and Ramada Hotel & Convention Center
No cost to attend.
RSVP online or by calling 785.234.2644
Fast Forward Networking Social
Thursday, July 22, 2010
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by and held at Visit Topeka,
1275 S Topeka Boulevard
Free for paid Fast Forward members;
all others $5 at the door.
RSVP online or by calling 785.234.2644
You can make reservations and pay for
these events on the Chamber’s Website
at www.TopekaChamber.org. (See event
registration on right side bar of home page.)
chamber
mailings
Promote your organization’s products
and services in the upcoming
Chamber mailings.
Start ... Build … Conquer …
Chamber Connection
A quarterly mailing available
to all Chamber members
subject matters. “The DBE Advisory Council is a
group of volunteers that bring different degrees
of expertise for small business development with
sensitivity and priority to our low to moderate
income, minority and women owned businesses in
Shawnee County,” said Lonnie Williams, chair of
the DBE Advisory Council.
Third Quarter 2010
Deadline for pieces and $250 fee:
July 16, 2010
Mailing date: July 23, 2010
Community Happenings
A quarterly mailing available to all
non-profit Chamber members. The
organization benefiting from the
information on the piece must be a
Chamber member.
Second Quarter 2010
Deadline for pieces and $60 fee:
August 13, 2010
Mailing date: August 20, 2010
Call Sherry at the Chamber office,
785.234.2644, to reserve your place
in the mailing of your choice. Mailings
are limited to the first 12 organizations
that reserve a place. Check the
Chamber’s Web site for all 2010 dates.
Chamber Officers
John Dicus
Chairman of the Board
James Davis
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Greg Schwerdt
Treasurer
Rick Wienckowski
Immediate Past Chairman
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
Council Vice Chairman
Coleen Jennison
Government Relations
Lucky DeFries
Development/GO Topeka
Jim Ogle
Leadership
Amber Gentry
Marketing
Randy Goldsmith
Membership
2
Chamber/GO Topeka
news
(continued from page 1)
Elizabeth Barranco, a vice president of Capitol
Federal and a DBE Signature Committee chair said,
“As productive business owners and community
members, it is our duty to help build our city
regardless of location or area. With that in mind
the DBE Advisory Council has developed the
Signature Initiative Project. This is not an event,
but rather a process. Our purpose is to strengthen
local community businesses by identifying needs;
providing community networks, direct training,
open access and growth opportunities; and provide
resources for youth and adult entrepreneurs
specifically in East Topeka.“
Response Great to Innovation
Engineering Institute
There is urgency in the U.S. like we have seen
only a few times in our history. This time it
involves the very thing that made America
great ... our innovation.
Doug Hall’s Innovation Engineering Institute,
in partnership with Eureka! Ranch, MAMTC,
Washburn University and the Washburn
School of Business, and GO Topeka, provided
a three-day intense seminar June 16-18 on the
importance of innovation.
“We see our preeminece in innovation rapidly
slipping away and it endangers our economic
future in America,” said Hall. “We must infuse
innovation back in our businesses, organizations
and all levels of government if we expect to see a
prosperous future.”
Doug Hall, considered by many to be the nation’s
most respected expert in innovation, spent three
days teaching 132 people from across Kansas,
surrounding states, and even Scotland, techniques
to reengerize innovation in their processes no
matter what type of organization. He turned
the concept of traditional planning upside
down with focuses on “fail fast/fail cheap” and
“meaningful uniqueness.” He provided techniques
to help stimulate new thoughts and ideas that
lead to innovations that fundamentally change
organizations and their competitiveness.
“We live in a ‘new normal’ that will require
everyone to look at things differently, innovate
constantly and continually scan for new
opportunities. This will demand new approaches
to the way we do things,” stated Hall.
After the end of the three days, many walked
away with one word on their lips … WOW!
Since the response to the program was so
great, plans are being made to bring Hall
back next summer.
Chamber staff members Doug Kinsinger and Christy
Caldwell, along with local legislators and others
interested in the transportation industry attended
the bill signing for the new ten-year $8.2 billion
“Transportation Works for Kansas (T-Works) Plan”
May 25 at Billard Airport. The Chamber has been
working for the passage of a state transportation
plan for over two years. Shawnee County and
the City of Topeka jointly approved a list of
transportation priorities and support for new funding
during that time. Passage was important because
one of the major Topeka area projects that will need
to be completed within the ten-year program is the
replacement of the aging I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
Chamber/GO Topeka
news
Kansas Wins Recognition
The June/July issue of Area Development announced the magazines’ gold and silver shovel awards. Kansas
won the silver shovel award for populations under 5 million. Topeka’s Home Depot project with 300 new
jobs and $24 million in investment was included in the award list. The projects had to break ground or have
started hiring in 2009. The Kansas list included:
1. Home Depot, Topeka, new project, 300 jobs, $24 million, distribution
2. NCO Group, Lenexa, expansion, 750 jobs, $10 million, customer service
3. Black & Veatch, Overland Park, expansion, 500 jobs, $115 million, engineering
4. Siemens, Hutchinson, new project, 400 jobs, $30 million, wind turbines manufacturing
5. Spirit Aerospace, Wichita, expansion, 700 jobs, $300 million, aerospace manufacturing
6. Sara Lee, Kansas City, new project, 250 jobs, $149 million, food product manufacturing
7. General Motors, Kansas City, expansion, 1,300, investment amount not available, automotive
manufacturing
8. Tindall Corporation, Newton, new project, 405 jobs, $66 million, wind tower bases manufacturing
9. JP Morgan Retirement Services, Overland Park, new project, 800 jobs, $30 million, headquarters
10. US Bank, Overland Park, new project, 1,200 jobs, $21 million, customer service
Jefferson City, Missouri Leaders
Visit Topeka
A thirty person delegation from the Jefferson City, Missouri, Chamber
of Commerce visited Topeka June 24-25 to learn about best practices
that have been incorporated in our community’s growth in recent
years. They were interested in education, economic development,
downtown and riverfront development, reuse of state property and
facilities, and what it takes to have a convention center. They also
heard presentations about Topeka’s young professional programs,
leadership programs, community partnering with Washburn
University and Heartland Visioning.
Ellis Appointed to
Board Vacancy
Tom Ellis, Washburn University
Foundation, has been
appointed to fill the vacancy
on the Chamber’s Board of
Directors created when David
Monical resigned prior to his
retirement from Washburn
University. Ellis will complete
the board term which expires
December 31, 2011.
Business Expo 2010
Coming Soon!
The Chamber’s annual
Business Expo will be
Tuesday, October 19 at the
Ramada Convention Center,
Downtown Topeka. Plan now
to be an exhibitor! Watch for
the official form coming soon!
Chamber Offers New Marketing
Opportunity
Chamber member firms can now offer a “deal of the week” in the weekly Chamber eNews communication.
Be one of the first firms to sign up for the weekly marketing opportunity—only one member firm each
week! We’ll need your “deal” description (50 words or less, please!), your logo and the Friday date of your
choice. Email these items to Sherry Boyer at [email protected]. Cost is $50 per week, payable
BEFORE you run your “deal.” The Chamber accepts credit cards or checks for this opportunity.
“We hope that members will see this as an opportunity to reach over 1,300 targeted business people with a
specific ‘deal of the week.’ Perhaps it will be a discount or a special item or service,” says Adrianne Evans,
vice president membership.
July 2010
3
Community
news
Thinking of Adding
Employees or
Expanding Your
Facility?
There may be $$$ available to you
in the form of tax incentives and
small business or employee
on-the-job training programs!
Call GO Topeka at YOUR Greater
Topeka Chamber of Commerce
for more details – 785.234.2644.
Steve Jenkins
Senior Vice President,
Economic Development
Kathy Moellenberndt
Vice President,
Business Development
Dan Schemm
Vice President,
Existing Business
Cyndi Hermocillo-Legg
Vice President,
Entrepreneurial and Minority
Business Development
Are You Getting
the Chamber eNews?
Make sure the Chamber has
your correct email so you can
receive weekly communication
from the Chamber about events
and projects YOUR Chamber is
involved with! If you’re not getting
eNews on Friday mornings,
call Adrianne at the Chamber
and make sure she has your
correct email, 785.234.2644.
You might also want to put into
your contact information the
following email so it will get
through your security systems:
[email protected].
Heartland Visioning Sets Operational
Priorities
As Heartland Visioning wrapped up its first year
of implementation and made its way into 2010, the
staff began to review its strengths, weaknesses and
priorities. In April 2010 at a joint meeting where
all six Foundation Teams shared the successes
and difficulties of the past year, the Heartland
Visioning staff discovered key areas that called
for action.
The first is communication. The Foundation
Teams expressed the need for Heartland Visioning
to bolster its communication efforts and find new
ways to communicate at a grassroots level. One
agreed upon area, a high priority, was the need to
update the Heartland Visioning website.
The next is clarity of the vision process. Since
the community-wide vision process is new,
it has taken time for the community to grow
into it. Clarifying the roles of the office staff
and the volunteers is helping refine everyone’s
understanding and place in the overall process.
The office staff and volunteers continue to learn
how to explain the process and how to go about
working on strategies.
Another priority is the continued recruitment of
Vision Partners and the formation of Strategic
Lee Hanner (left) of Confectionary Disasters
won the Best at Speed Marketing trophy! “She
was thrilled to have her first ever trophy!”
said Adrianne Evans, Chamber vice president
membership. Fifty-six Chamber members
participated in the annual Speed Marketing
event June 2 hosted by the ClubHouse Inn and
sponsored by Networks Plus. Door prizes were
provided by Best Buy.
4
Alliances. Basically, this means getting more
community individuals, organizations and
businesses to identify strategies in the plan that
they are willing to make a reality. In some cases,
organizations are already tackling a strategy,
and by their stepping forward, Heartland
Visioning can celebrate the assets our community
already possesses and help encourage further
collaboration.
Regular evaluation of the progress also is
important to the vision process. It holds Heartland
Visioning accountable and challenges the group
to be innovative in its solutions. Therefore in
order to continue fulfilling its priorities, staff
and dedicated volunteers will continue utilizing
innovation, collaboration and accountability to
work toward the greater purpose of creating a
better community.
Contact us today to get involved at 785.231.6006 or
[email protected].
In honor of her career achievements, Cristina
Carper (left), has earned the use of the exclusive
Mary Kay pink Cadillac, the most coveted incentive
awarded by the Company. Cristina accepted the
keys to the car June 16 at Doug Richert Cadillac.
Maggie Kelley, Chamber Ambassador and I’m OK
Laughter Club, presented a congratulations plaque
to Cristina. Independent Sales Directors (ISD) earn
the use of Mary Kay career cards by demonstrating
their outstanding business and leadership skills.
Carper began working with Mary Kay in 2000 and
because an ISD in 2001.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
member
profile
Skinner’s Adapts to Industry Changes
Just like any other business, the garden store
industry needs to keep up with the times.
It’s a little odd at first, thinking that change
is a necessity for a company whose primary
concern is trees, shrubs, plants and other
such things known for standing the test of
time. But according to Cameron Rees, general
manager of Skinner Garden Store, a business
that has been around in some form or another
since the 1880s, change is a major factor of
staying in business.
“There’s a need to be continually adapting and
growing because the industry changes,” said
Rees. “The ‘garden store’ just used to be trees
and shrubs, but there has obviously been quite a
bit of change away from that.”
The current Skinner Garden Store at 4237
NW Silver Lake Road opened in 1956, as the
Skinner brothers, who owned a landscaping
wholesale business that began more than 120
years ago, recognized the need for a retail outlet
to sell their products commercially. The retail
operation has grown in size and scope in the
54 years since opening and Rees, who has been
around the business for 30 years—full-time for
the past 20—has been able to see quite a lot of
that growth.
“It’s grown in size tremendously. Just
physically, it was a fraction of the size it is now,
a lot of that because the popularity of taking
care of outdoor spaces has grown,” said Rees.
“The changes to the store were subtle—we
expand a little bit over here, a little over
there—but you look back over the years and
they add up to a big change.”
Last year, Skinner implemented one of those
subtle changes—upgrading their internal
technology to have better point-of-sale and
inventory control systems. It’s the type of
change that may not be readily apparent
to those who wander in, but helps the staff
maintain the high level of service that has made
Skinner a premier area business for so long.
“We’re proud of our staff—we have an
extremely knowledgeable staff that tries hard
to be top-notch horticulturists,” said Rees. “We
take pride in the business and the selection
July 2010
Cameron Rees, Skinner Garden Store
we have. You can have the coolest stuff in the
world, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have
people who know what to do with it.”
Rees said that Skinner’s size and service are
what set it apart and draw people in from a
good distance around Topeka. He said it’s not
unusual to get customers in the store from
Nebraska, the Kansas City area and western
Kansas, all on the same day.
“Hopefully, when someone needs something,
people tell them to go to Skinner, because we
always have it, and we have the knowledgeable
people that can assist clients,” said Rees.
fun, so we try to have fun here. If we’re having
fun, the customers are having fun.”
Skinner Garden Store is open 8:30 a.m.-6:00
p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. on Saturdays and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on
Sundays. For more information, visit www.
skinnergardenstore.com.
A Chamber member firm will be featured in Topeka
Business each month. Company names will be
drawn quarterly by the membership department
from the labels prepared for the Chamber Power
Breakfast. Chamber communications specialist
Andrew Davis writes the company profiles.
After 30 years around the business, Rees still
puts in the long hours doing what he enjoys. In
an industry more dependent on the weather
than the economy, enjoying the work is a large
part of sticking around.
“I enjoy what this
business is—working
with plants, with
people, with retail.
The same reason
someone would
come out and shop
is the same reason I
like working here,”
said Rees. “We think
the outdoors and
landscaping is about
Tom Moses, CCIM
Senior Vice President
NAI Kaw Valley Commercial
Topeka, Kansas
785-232-1602
[email protected]
5
Community
news
Women and Money Series Offered
Women of all ages, income and education levels are invited to enroll in the Women & Money Series
to be offered on Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m., September 9 -October 14 at Washburn
University’s Henderson Hall. The classes are sponsored in part by The Women’s Fund.
“These classes were developed by women, for women,” said Susan Krehbiel William, a member of The
Women’s Fund board of directors and a member of the Women and Money Coalition. The coalition is a
group of Topeka women representing education, financial institutions, financial advisors, non-profit
organizations and others in the professional community who want to help women learn good money
management skills for banking, credit, investing and related issues.
Waste Management of Kansas and
Westar Energy hosted grand opening
ceremonies at the site of the Rolling
Meadows RDF Landfill Gas to Energy
Facility, 7351 NW Highway 75, June 10.
The new facility will use methane gas
to power up to 6,000 homes in the
surrounding area. This represents a
new source of green energy entering
the power grid, lessening dependence
on fossil fuels. Methane gas—created
from the natural decomposition of
waste—will be taken from the landfill
through a series of wells placed around
the site. From there, gas will be used to
power seven large engines (see picture)
that will generate electricity, creating
approximately six megawatts of power.
Westar Energy, Inc. has agreed to
purchase the clean, renewable power
for use by its customers.
“This series of six classes is a tremendous community service for women and covers everything from
developing a basic spending plan to saving for special life events and investing for retirement,” said Bob
Mackey, executive director of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. “HCCI is extremely pleased to serve as
the lead agency for the Women and Money Coalition. The economic picture is very different now than
it was ten years ago or even two years ago and that’s why these classes are so important and timely for
women who are most often paying the bills and making major decisions for the family about insurance,
investments and savings.”
Social Security research shows that the average woman will live to age 80 and many will live much
longer. This class gives women the tools they need right now to make good financial decisions and
the skills and confidence to manage their futures, too. To enroll or to inquire about sponsorship
opportunities, contact HCCI at 785.234.0217, ext. 330, or visit www.hcci-ks.org.
Lean Six Sigma Fall Courses
Announced
Lean Six Sigma courses offer organizations a structured and systematic method for improved
profit, employee morale and quality of product. Various levels of classes will be offered this fall
through the Washburn University Academic outreach programs.
Classes include:
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Sunny
Street Café, 2135 SW Gage Blvd., were
May 25. Paul Jensen (right), co-owner,
and Megan Rice (center), manager, cut
the ribbon.
6
White Belt:August 25. A short program that
Green Belt:September 30-November 19 (two
provides an introduction and
overview of Lean Six Sigma.
Yellow Belt:September 9 & 10 (two full days)
and November 1-November 22
(one three-hour session each
week). This class provides a basic
understanding of concepts with
familiarization of a few tools for
immediate application.
full days every other week). This indepth class provides information,
analysis and application of Six
Sigma and lean concepts.
Black Belt:November 2010. This class focuses
on mastery of Lean Six Sigma
theory, strategies and advanced
tools and techniques through indepth application and analysis.
The Chamber/GO Topeka and Crimson Corporation have partnered with Washburn to offer these
classes. For more details about program, dates, fees and registration call 785.670.1399 or go to
www.washburn.edu/ao and then select Lean Six Sigma.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
ECONOMIC
TRENDS
Monthly Economic Indicators for the Topeka Area Economy
ACCRA Cost of Living Data
Topeka MSA* (five counties)
Selected Cities
Civilian Labor Force
Total
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
122,675
114,998
7,677
6.3%
122,427
114,032
8,395
6.9%
123,226
115,962
7,264
5.9%
April
2010
March
2010
April
2009
Natural Resources/Construction
Manufacturing
Trade, Transportation,
Warehouse, Utilities
Information
Finance Activities
Professional & Business Services
Education & Health Services
Leisure & Hospitality
Other Services
Government
Total
Construction Permit Information
City of Topeka
5.5
7.0
5.0
7.0
5.3
7.2
17.7
1.9
7.0
9.1
17.9
8.9
4.8
29.4
109.2
17.7
1.9
6.9
8.9
17.8
8.6
4.8
29.3
107.9
18.2
2.2
7.2
9.4
17.4
9.1
5.1
29.3
110.4
April
2010
New Residential Permits
6
New Multi-Family Residential Permits
1
Value, New Residential Units $1,242,000
New Commercial Units
7
Value, New Commercial Units
$3,832,675
New, Commercial Alterations
25
Value, Commercial Alterations
$1,391,436
Construction Permit Information
Unincorporated Shawnee County
April 2009
*These numbers reflect the five-county MSA. Comparing these figures with 2004 and prior years is not advisable.
March 2010
Employment (In Thousands)
Non Farm Wage and Salary
April 2010
New Residential Permits
Value, New Residential Units
New Commercial Buildings
Value, New Commercial Buildings
New, Commercial Alterations
Value, Commercial Alterations
Estimated Taxable Sales - Topeka/Shawnee County
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
April
2010
13
$2,402,560
0
$0
1
$3,332,000
February 2010
$177,909,024
March
2010
9
0
$976,000
9
$2,553,500
37
$1,577,270
YTD
2010
March
2010
21
$3,156,560
1
$170,000
0
$7,000
YTD
2009
7
22
0
3
$1,282,500 $4,617,500
16
27
$2,332,594 $24,987,127
24
86
$537,100 $7,712,867
YTD
2010
April
2009
YTD
2009
43
$7,564,810
2
$1,422,000
2
$3,339,000
7
$1,181,000
2
$100,000
0
$0
34
$6,826,665
8
$2,308,000
1
$25,000
YTD 2010
$351,601,132
February 2009
$179,961,303
YTD 2009
$364,864,011
Washburn University School of Business Leading Index & Coincidence Index
APRIL 2010
104
102
100
98
96
Leading Index (National, State, County)
Coincidence Index (Shawnee County)
94
92
Apr-06
July 2010
Dec-06
Aug-07
Apr-08
Dec-08
Aug-09
Kansas City, KS/MO
97.6
Little Rock, AR
96.4
Manhattan, KS
96.3
Lawrence, KS
93.8
Des Moines, IA
92.1
Oklahoma City, OK
91.9
Topeka, KS
89.1
Springfield, MO
88.7
Tulsa, OK
88.3
Omaha, NE
87.9
Topeka participates in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index
study which measures differences between areas in the
cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes
and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and
managerial households in the top income quintile. For
the third quarter 2009, 315 urban areas participated
with the average being a ranking of 100.
Utility Hook-ups City of Topeka
April
2009
20
3
$3,198,000
28
$8,323,120
95
$4,468,690
First Quarter
2010
Apr-10
Westar Energy*
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Total
May
2010 May
2009
69,305
8,276***
137***
77,718
69,245
8,361
51
77,657
* Includes those within the Topeka city limits.
**Includes those in the county who use Topeka water.
***Decrease in Commercial meters and increase in Industrial
meters billed in April, 2010 attributable to reclassifications.
Topeka Water**
Residential
Commercial
Total
May
2010 May
2009
49,603
4,132
53,735
49,586
4,163
53,749
** Includes those within the county who use Topeka water.
Note: Some water hook-ups serve multiple users.
The Washburn University School of Business Leading
Index decreased 0.7% in April to a preliminary estimate
of 95.4 from 96.1 in March (2005 = 100). The index is a
composite of national, state and county indicators whose
movements often precede changes in economic growth.
The leading index is up 0.2% over the last three months
and up 0.5% over the last 6 months.
The Washburn University School of Business
Coincidence Index, which measures current economic
conditions in Shawnee County decreased 0.2% in April to
a preliminary estimate of 97.7 from 97.9 in March (2005 =
100). The index is a composite index of county non-farm
employment and taxable sales. The coincidence index is
down 0.7% over the last six months and down 1.4% from
April 2009.
7
Community
news
DERS
CHAMBER
REMIN
Community Calendar
Be sure to add your organization’s
events to the Chamber’s
Community Calendar. The
Chamber’s calendar is the
MOST COMPLETE calendar
in the community! Check
out arts, sports, business,
entertainment and family events.
Go to www.TopekaChamber.org,
click on the link (top right
corner) and submit your event.
You can also email all details to
[email protected].
Questions? Call 785.234.2644.
Small Business Resource
Directory Available
The Chamber, in cooperation
with the Washburn Small Business
Development Center, offers a
Small Business Resource Directory
that is available free of charge to
individuals interested in starting
a new business in our community.
If you or someone you know
is considering starting a small
business, stop by the Chamber
office and pick up a directory.
Candidate School Planned
for August
Citizens exploring the possibility of running for city council or local school boards next spring are
invited to attend a Candidate School at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Saturday,
August 28, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. There’s no cost to attend; and reservations are not necessary.
The Chamber, along with the Community Resources Council, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
and the League of Women Voters will present the Candidate School with the intent of educating local
citizens about the campaign process and reporting requirements.
Thanks to Bartlett & West for sponsoring the Candidate School.
Capital Cold Cases Premier
Showing Planned
A new made-for-TV program “Capital Cold Cases” investigates some of Topeka and Shawnee County’s
own unsolved homicides will premiere at the Crime Stoppers annual banquet, Wednesday, July 28,
at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, 420 SE Sixth Avenue. The film, produced by
KTWU in cooperation with Crimestoppers, focuses on the 1981 “missing without a trace” case of
Jackie Hay and the 1976 murder of Tirell Ocobock.
Crimestoppers has been working with law enforcement in the Topeka and Shawnee County
community since 1981 and is generating renewed enthusiasm and support across the community as
crime reduction efforts grow.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to attend the annual banquet, lending support and
sponsorships. Tickets are $65 ($35 may be tax deductible) or $450 for a gold corporate table of eight
or $250 for a silver corporate table of four. For more information or to order tickets contact Detective
Douglas Searcy at 786.368.9028 or [email protected].
Traffic Safety Can Impact
Your Business
Chamber members are invited to attend a forum hosted by the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office
to learn about traffic safety and how it can affect not only a company’s bottom line, but perhaps most
importantly, the safety of your employees and their families. The forum will be Thursday, July 29 from
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in the Anton Room (202) at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Pete
Bodyk, chief of the bureau of traffic safety for the Kansas Department of Transportation, Jim Hanni,
executive vice president for AAA Kansas, and Todd Maddox, traffic safety specialist for the Kansas
Traffic Safety Resource Office, will be the speakers. Please RSVP by July 21 to [email protected]
CITY OF
CHARACTER
8
MEEKNESS: yielding my personal rights and
expectations with a desire to serve.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
membership
news
New Members
Please join the Chamber staff in welcoming these firms and organizations to Chamber membership and support them by buying from your Chamber
colleagues! The following members joined in April 2010 and were approved for membership at the May 2010 Board of Directors meeting.
Association Services Corporation
Non profit management & consulting
Ashley Charest, Account Executive
2945 SW Wanamaker Drive, Ste A
Topeka, KS 66614
785.271.0208
Fax: 785.271.0166
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
The Celtic Fox
Restaurants
Mike Fox, Owner
118 SW Eigth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
785.234.2138
Sold by: Kristin Scott & Doug Kinsinger,
Chamber staff
edrake Photography
Photographers
EJ Drake, Owner
3738 SW Plaza Drive, #102
Topeka, KS 66609
785.817.6133
Sold by: Entrepreneurial & Minority
Business Development
Athletic & Rehabilitation Center
Physical therapy
Mark Kohls, Director
4015 SW Gage Center Drive
Topeka, KS 66604
785.273.1379
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Cielto Lindo’s Mexican Restauant
Restaurants
Luis Miguel Perez, Owner
2222 SW Washburn Avenue
Topeka, KS 66611
785.357.8859
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
PaintAmerica Association
Non Profit
Rod Seel, Executive Director
PO Box 4031
Topeka, KS 66604
816.806.3340
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Bette Felker
Individual member
Bette Felker
3630 SW Willow Brook Court
Topeka, KS 66614
785.271.2001
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Clean-Rite Janitorial Supply Inc.
Janitorial Supply
Jolene Lipprand, Manager
2632 SE Ohio
Topeka, KS 66605
785.235.1300
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Bradbury Branding & Design
Design marketing
Carol Bradbury
10641 NW Fourth Street
Topeka, KS 66615
785.478.3999
Sold by: Kristin Scott, Chamber staff
Don Brent Photography &
Imaging
Photography
Don Brent, President
301 SW Gage, Ste 141
Topeka, KS 66606
785.273.7399
Sold by: Bill Griffin, Chamber staff
Paperclip, LLC
Virtual office assistance
Nancy Ochoa, Owner
PO Box 513
Topeka, KS 66601
785.783.3032
Sold by: Entrepreneurial & Minority
Business Development, Cyndi
Hermocillo-Legg
Cielito Lindo’s Mexican Restaurant, 2222 SW
Washburn Ave, celebrated their opening
with a ribbon cutting June 8. Ramon Ayala
(left center), manager, and Luis Miguel Perez
(right center), owner, held their first dollar of
clear profit.
July 2010
The Roostertail
Banquet hall
Nick Guerrero, Owner
830 N Kansas Avenue
PO Box 8222
Topeka, KS 66608
785.233.2727
Sold by: Kristin Scott, Chamber staff &
Amber Gentry, Networks Plus
Tevis Architectural Group
Architects
Robert Fincham, Vice President
1250 SW Oakley Avenue, Ste 200
Topeka, KS 66604-1675
785.234.6664
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Union Pacific Railroad
Railroads
Ben Jones, Director of Public Affairs
6455 E Commerce Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64120
816.399.1625
Sold by: Doug Kinsinger, Adrianne
Evans, Chamber staff
Prairie Glass Art
Art glass
Kymm Hughes, Owner
5914 SW 34 Street
Topeka, KS 66614
785.271.8006
Sold by: Entrepreneurial & Minority
Business Development, Cindy
Hermocillo-Legg
Phil Tysinger, Dynamic Computer Solutions of
Topeka, was honored as First Quarter Diplomat
at the Chamber Power Breakfast June 9 at
Topeka Civic Theatre. The Diplomats earn
points for accomplishing membership retention
tasks. At right is Randy Goldsmith, Chamber
vice chairman membership and CB Richard Ellis.
“Lantern Light,” a sculpture by Chinese Master
Artist Ye Yushan was dedicated June 15 on the
Washburn University campus at the northwest corner
of Henderson Learning Resources Center. The
sculpture is a gift to the city of Topeka as part of the
30th anniversary of peace and friendship between
China and the United States. “Lantern Light” will
stay at Washburn for two years while a permanent
location downtown is determined. It stands
approximately 16’ high and is 9’ wide.
9
business
notations
What qualifies for Business Notations? Tell your Chamber colleagues about your expansions, new locations, awards and
honors, or new products and services. Sorry, personnel changes or announcements are not included. Notation information
should be e-mailed to Marsha Sheahan at [email protected].
The home office of Athletic & Rehabilitation Center (ARC) was named Kansas City’s 2010 small Business of the
Year and received the Mr. K Award from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of commerce. ARC’s Topeka facility
with five employees is located in Gage Center at 4015 SW Gage Center Drive. Mark Kohls is the Topeka
director. ARC was selected for the Kansas City award in part because of its growth, including increasing from 40
to 60 employees this year and opening two clinics in 2009 and one in early 2010. Other factors were ARC’s focus
on high quality outcomes for patients and innovation in developing programs for employers that help them hire
the best employees, rehabilitate their employees when injured and provide proactive sports performance and wellness programs.
Topeka businesses and GO Topeka were featured in an article in the July 2010 issue of Site Selection. The article, “Healthy Choices,”
describes why companies in the human and animal life-sciences fields have selected Topeka for expansion projects. The article by Ron Starner
discusses growth specifically by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Stormont Vail HealthCare.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has announced two Topeka hospitals have earned designations as part of the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association’s expansion of its blue distinction program according to Andrew C. Corbin, BCBSKS president/CEO. St. Francis Health
Center has been designed as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement and a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery.
Stormont Vail HealthCare has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery and a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip
Replacement. “Earning the Blue Distinction designation takes a tremendous commitment to evidence-based health and medical information,
and superior patient outcomes,” Corbin said. The program is part of BCBS’s efforts to collaborate with physicians and medical facilities to
improve the overall quality and safety of specialty care.
Atria Hearthstone is venturing into the catering business as a complement to their regular meal service for
their residents. The Taste of Atria will offer such items as homemade three-cheese Manicotti to cheesecake
tarts topped with brandy-soaked flaming berries … they will “electrify your taste buds.” Atria will adapt their
menu to meet the needs, budget and size of your event. For more information call the Catering Coordinator
at Atria, 785.234.6225.
Jeff Moe (center), Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America, was
one of the community leaders that visited over lunch with young
professionals attending the June Fast Forward Lunch with Leaders at
Washburn Institute of Technology. The luncheon is designed to give
young professionals opportunity to get to know executive leaders from
the business and non-profit community.
10
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit owners Dave and Eric Wenrich participated in
ribbon cutting ceremonies May 26 for their new restaurant at 609 NW
Highway 24. Their slogan is “slow cooked and served fast since 1941.”
There are presently over 110 locations in 21 states. They provide catering
services in addition to great in-house meals and free ice cream.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
membership
news
Reinvestments
Thanks to those Chamber member firms and organizations that have renewed their commitment to the growth and development of
the Greater Topeka community through Chamber membership.
Ace Computers
Advantage Print Source
American Pre-Sort, Inc.
American Red Cross Kansas Capital
Area Chapter
AmeriPride Services
Anthony Jaramillo
Aramark
Awesome Adventures, LLC
Baker University
Bank of America
Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc.
Big O Tires- Tryon Automotive, Inc.
Bill Kobach Buick-GMC Inc.
Black Gold, Inc.
Brickyard Barn Catering &
Event Planning
Cambridge Technology Enterprises
Capital Label, LLC
Capitol City Office Products
Caregivers Home Health
CBIZ Accounting, Tax &
Advisory Services
Century 21 Miller & Midyett
Century United Companies, Inc.
Chez Yasu
Collective Brands
College Body Shop
College Hill Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
Concrete Supply Inc.
Cook, Flatt, and Strobel Engineers P.A.
Coyote Canyon
Cruise Holidays
Curt A. Sittenauer, CPA, PA
D.F. Osborne Construction, Inc.
D.L. Smith Electrical Construction, Inc.
Deb McFarland-Coldwell Banker
Griffith & Blair Real Estate
Denison State Bank Topeka Branch
Ditch & Associates Inc.
Ed Swift
Einstein’s Stores, Inc.
Equity Ventures, Inc.
ExperTees, LLC
Express Employment Professionals
Frye’s Auto Repair, LLC
Glass Expressions
H & R Block
Hall Commercial Printing
Hanover Pancake House
Heartland Tower, Inc.
Heartland Visioning
HME, Inc.
Homestead of Auburn Assisted Living
Jason’s Deli
Jeanette Johnson-Prudential First,
REALTORS Real Estate
Jefferson County Economic
Development Commission
John Hoffer Chrysler Jeep, Inc.
Kansas Audio Video
Key Staffing
Land Air Express Inc/ Emporia Freight
& Delivery
Larry Haas Agency, Inc- American
Family Insurance
Larry Hesse Financial Services
Larry Lutz-Prudential First, REALTORS
Real Estate
Lebeda Mattress Factory
Lights by H & H
Lineage
Lower Heating & Air Conditioning
Lyndon State Bank
Mary F. Orr - Realtor, Coldwell Banker
Griffith Blair
MathQuest Learning Center
McCrite Retirement Community
McElroy’s, Inc.
Mickey’s Promotions
Million Air - Topeka
Murphy Tractor & Equipment Inc.
Murray & Sons Construction Co.
Niche Marketing LLC
P1 Group, Inc.
Paisano’s Ristorante
Pat the Plumber
Patton & Patton Law Firm
Paul Davis Restoration
PDQ Construction, Inc.
Priority Twenty-One Inc.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Say Cheez Photo Booth
Schmidt Builders Supply, Inc.
Schmidtlein Excavating, Inc.
Scotch Fabric Care Services
Security Benefit
Spanish Solutions International
Stephen Smith Images
Steve Johnson-Prudential First,
REALTORS Real Estate
The Eldridge
The Fish Agency
Topeka & Shawnee County
Public Library
Topeka Landscape, Inc.
Topeka Truck Repair
University Flowers
W.O. Comstock & Associates, LLC
Walmart Supercenter
Warehouse 414/Grandmontagne
Designs
Westside Stamp and Awards, Inc.
WIBW AM/FM
WIBW-TV
YWCA
Nathan Hunt
Great Life Golf & Fitness at Berkshire/
Thin & Healthy Total Solutions
Michael Laird
BRB Contractors, Inc.
Roger Maack
Iron Workers Local Union No. 10
Jenn Miller
Westridge Mall
Dan Schultz
Premier Employment Solutions
Alex Siegle
Midwest Single Source
Clark Trammell
Heritage Bank
Brendan Wiley
Topeka Zoological Park
New Assignees
Robert Anderson
Document Products, Inc.
Chris Cruz
Smith Audio Visual
Evan Gidamer
Kansas City Wizards
July 2010
11
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Business
Topeka Business (USPS 576520)
is published monthly for
$10.00 per year for members
of the Greater Topeka Chamber
of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Avenue,
Suite 110, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515,
785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid
at Topeka, Kansas.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
Topeka Business,
120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110,
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515.
Editor: Marsha Sheahan
Calendar
of events
CBR: Chamber Board Room, 2nd floor
July
1 Fast Forward Steering Committee, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
5 Chamber offices closed for Independence Day Holiday
6Small Business Orientation Session, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
7Fast Forward Educational Luncheon, 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.,
Washburn University, Bradbury Thompson Center
8 Fast Forward insiders series, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., NOTO Arts District
9 Ambassadors, noon, CBR
12 Diplomats, noon, CBR
13Small Business HR Webinar Express Series: Customer Service- Tips
and Techniques for Developing your Employees’ Customer Service
Skills, 10:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m., CBR
14 DBE Advisory Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CBR
15Membership Campaign, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and
1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., CBR
16 Membership Campaign, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., CBR
19 Redevelopment Webinar, 12:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m., CBR
20Business After Hours, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
Ramada Hotel & Convention Center, Downtown Topeka
21 GO Topeka Executive Committee, 7:30 a.m., CBR
22Fast Forward Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
Visit Topeka, 1275 S Topeka Boulevard
26 Diplomats, noon, CBR
27New Markets Tax Credits from “A” to QALICB Webinar,
12:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m., CBR
ECR: Executive Conference Room, 1st floor
August
3Small Business Orientation Session, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
5 Fast Forward Steering Committee, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
6 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., CBR
6 Ambassadors, noon, CBR
9 Diplomats, noon, CBR
11 DBE Advisory Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CBR
11 Power Breakfast Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.m., ECR
17Business After Hours, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue
18 GO Topeka Executive Committee, 7:30 a.m., CBR
19Small Business HR Webinar Express Series: Creating a Leadership
Program: Preparing Employees for Future leadership Positions and
Creating A Succession Plan, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
20 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
26Fast Forward Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
WIBW Channels, 631 SW Commerce Place
23 Diplomats, noon, CBR
25Small Business Breakfast Buzz: REV UP Your Customer Relationships,
Referrals & Revenues with Email Marketing, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.,
Ramada Convention Center, Downtown Topeka
28Candidate School, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Topeka & Shawnee County
Public Library
Be sure to add your organization’s events to the Chamber’s Community Calendar. The Chamber’s calendar
is the MOST COMPLETE calendar in the community! Check out arts, sports, business and entertainment
and family events. Go to www.TopekaChamber.org, click on the link (top right corner) and submit your
event. You can also email all details to [email protected]. Questions? Call 785.234.2644.