Technology Tactics - Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Technology Tactics - Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
www.greatbend.org A Monthly Publication of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development July 2010 • Volume 89, No. 6 Technology Tactics Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau Uses GPS Technology to Educate Visitors About National Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway A s I mounted the GPS ranger on the inside of my front windshield, it occurred to me that I could be getting ready to waste the next few hours of my day taking a gps-guided tour through an area that I know like the back of my hand. I was born here. I grew up here. My job revolves around knowing every little detail about the community and all that it has to offer. Little did I know that I was about to learn more about the area's historical and cultural reputation in three hours than I had learned in an entire lifetime as a resident. In late June, I had the opportunity to take advantage of a new program being offered by the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. The program allows residents and visitors alike to check out a GPS ranger from the Visitors Bureau office and take a self-guided tour through the National Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway. The byway, which was designated as such only recently, is a scenic tourist route that encompasses many of the communities surrounding Great Bend. In the following paragraphs, I will give you a glimpse into some of the many wonders I discovered with the help of my technological tour guide. Nature Conservancy The first leg of the tour took me north from Great Bend through Hoisington to the Nature Conservancy. Here, the GPS tour guide told stories of Native American influence in the plains region, and used colorful Indian stories to segway from one piece of information to the next. Facts about the types and number of bird species that visit the conservancy are illustrated with pictures and video clips displayed on the screen. Kansas Wetlands Education Center From the Nature Conservancy, the GPS tour guide provided step-by-step instructions for how to follow the scenic byway, which then takes you past the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. While en route, the GPS provided theories about prehistoric wildlife that may have he region was underwater during the prehistoric era. "The GPS tour is a great way to recruit potential visitors to the center," says KWEC Educator Curtis Wolf. "The Center is a great supplement to the tour, as our staff can provide visitors with an even deeper look into the way the area has evolved." Continued on Page 2 July 2010 • p2 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 Gene Dikeman, Farmers Bank & Trust NA Vice Chairman Ron Straub, Straub International 2nd Vice Chairman Chad Somers, Benefit Management Inc. Immediate Past Chairman Dan Brungardt, USD 428 Treasurer Jason Mayers, Adams Brown Beran & Ball Chtd. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Erika Brining CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Mary Foley JC Penney Jeff Fry Southard Corporation Mike Gordy Doonan Specialized Trailer Tammy Hammond Rosewood Services Matt Hoisington C&V Home Improvement John Jackson Agricultural Management Group Jeff Keller Keller Real Estate & Insurance Agency Julie Kramp Barton Community College Curt Mauler L&M Contractors Dr. Russ McCaulley 10th Street Eyecare Center Steve Pringle Central Power Systems Kyle Roberts Schendel Pest Control Chris Shepard Watkins Calcara Chtd. Kim Vink Coldwell Banker Sell Real Estate Lance Walters McDonald Tank EX-OFFICIO Lynda Jamison, Ambassadors Chairman Cris Collier, Great Bend CVB Dr. Carl Heilman, Barton Community College Ken Roberts, City of Great Bend Dr. Tom Vernon, USD #428 Jennifer Schartz, Barton County Commission Sen. Ruth Teichman 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] The “Outlook Business Journal” is printed by the Great Bend Tribune, Great Bend, KS Technology Tactics (cont.) Mount Pleasant Church In one of the most remote areas of the tour, nestled one mile off the byway is Mount Pleasant Church, a quaint historic chapel built over 100 years ago. Just one of the many detours from the byway, this leg of the journey provided information about plants used for medicinal purposes by Indian tribes who lived in the area. As I reached the church itself, the tour guide also touched on the area's architecture and where its influences originated. Quivira Wildlife Refuge This leg of the journey was probably one of the most educational for yours truly. Despite having grown up somewhat engrossed in the natural habitat of this area, the GPS tour guide creatively told about local plants and wildlife from a Native American perspective through colorful stories and illustrations. Detours to Hudson Flour Mill/ Historic Stafford Buildings Before the tour concluded, the GPS provided me the opportunity to take a small detour from its guided route to visit the Hudson flour mill and the historic buildings in Stafford. This detour only added about 30 minutes to the total length of the tour, and was well worth the added time. Great Bend Beautiful Byway - "This is just one of the many beautiful photos I snapped while on the GPS-guided tour of the National Wetlands & Wildlife Scenic Byway," says Chamber Marketing Coordinator Rachel Mawhirter. "I probably took a lot longer on the tour than necessary, because I had kept stopping to photograph the natural beauty all around me." One of the most obviously advantageous parts of the guided tour became apparent when I was on the drive back to Great Bend from Stafford County. During this leg of the trip, the GPS provided all sorts of information about Great Bend's businesses, its attractions, and its culture. Video clips from events in Jack Kilby Square portray the community as lively and energetic, and descriptions of the area's architecture peaked my curiosity. As I finally pulled back into town, I started to pay attention to many of the wonderful things the tour had mentioned: the quilt walk in Jack Kilby Square, the murals on the sides of downtown buildings, and the brickwork on the buildings. All of these have been here since long before I came into this world, but most had gone unnoticed. I would encourage everyone, residents and visitors alike, to take advantage of this unique GPS tour guide system. Our community is the only one in the nation with a sophisticated byway tourguide system of this caliber, which wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Cris Collier and the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. Having personally visited and enjoyed each of the stops on the tour, I am confident in saying that this technology has changed the way I perceive this community that I love so dearly. Let it change yours too... By: Rachel Mawhirter, Marketing Coordinator for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Summer Fun! Outlook Business Journal Check Out These Other Resources for Things to Do in the Area: Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.visitgreatbend.com Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, www.greatbend.org Barton County Historical Society, www.bartoncountymuseum.org Golden Belt Community Concert Association, www.goldenbeltcca.org Barton Community College, www.bartonccc.edu City of Great Bend Web Site, www.greatbendks.net Wetlands at Great Bend, www.wetlandsatgb.com Barton County Arts Council, www.bartonarts.org Great Bend Community Theatre, www.gbct.net July 2010 • p3 Indoor Clean Air Act How This Will Affect Your Business Just as Americans celebrate our Independence Day every July 4th, public health advocates are commemorating the new Kansas smoke-free law, effective July 1, 2010, giving everyone in Kansas clean indoor air at public places including worksites, restaurants, and bars. To help businesses and worksites comply with the law, free no-smoking signs, brochures about the law, and table tents will be distributed by the Barton County Health Department. Interested persons are encouraged to contact Janel Rose at 620-793-1902 or [email protected] to request materials needed. For more information about the law see the website at www.kssmokefree.org . To encourage county residents to patronize local businesses on July 1 - July 5, Barton County Health Department Chronic Disease Risk Reduction program plans to hold a drawing on July 1 for $10 gift certificates good at any Great Bend Chamber of Commerce participating business for community members who register at the health department from June 23—30. The CDRR program also plans to promote businesses who are smoke-free with a radio campaign that will run just prior to and during that time period and will encourage the public to visit their favorite locations and try some new spots too. The health department is also encouraging businesses to offer “Fresh Air Specials” on July 1 or from July 1-5 to encourage patrons to come to the business during the opening days of a new era in Kansas. The specials could be anything owners or operators want and could be posted or advertised however they like. Everything from ½ price appetizer with dinner purchase to a free beverage with meal purchase, to a new dish or concoction to especially mark the occasion would work for a “Fresh Air Special”. Janel Rose, Barton County Public Health Educator, said “Kansas has made a giant leap in ensuring the health of this generation and generations to come by protecting its residents from the damaging effects of secondhand smoke. Most people don’t realize that nearly 400 non-smoking adult Kansans die from secondhand smoke exposure every year.” The Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act directs that worksites, bars, and restaurants shall be smoke-free, that no-smoking signs be posted, and outlines fines for business owner/operators and smokers in violation of the law. Employees with respiratory illnesses will no longer place themselves in harm’s way by going to work. Parents of children, who have respiratory illnesses like asthma, will no longer need to pick and choose safe locations for family dining. They will have the freedom to select any restaurant knowing that they are protecting their children’s health. Statistics from other cities and states predict that there will be fewer heart attacks in our state as a result of our smoke free law, there will be less employee absenteeism and greater overall productivity. All of these benefits affect everyone. Join in celebrating Smoke-Free Kansas from July 1-July 5. For more information, visit www.kssmokefree.org or contact the Barton County Health Department. WELCOME to these NEW Chamber Members Keller Real Estate - Ratbun, Jr. Sue's BBQ Wayne Ratbun, Jr. P.O. Box 945 Great Bend, KS 67530 (620) 282-8918 Category: Real Estate TJ & Sue Roberts 205 W. 10th Street Ellinwood, KS 67530 (620) 564-3354 Category: Catering/Restaurant Big Brothers Big Sisters Introduces New Executive Director, Stephanie Joiner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barton & Pawnee Counties, (BBBS), is pleased to announce the hire of a new Executive Director, Stephanie Joiner. Joiner began her position with BBBS in mid-June. Joiner comes to BBBS from Pittsburg, KS where she has been the Program Director for the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for the last three years. Originally, from Edmond, OK, Joiner received her Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, and completed her Master’s Degree from Pittsburg State University. She has had over 12 years of experience working with youth through various education and youth programs. “I am excited to become a part of the Barton and Pawnee County communities. This is our home now, and as such I want to contribute as much as I can to it,” Joiner states. David Sherman, West Regional Director for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters states: “Stephanie will do great things for the communities of Barton and Pawnee County. She brings the right combination of passion, leadership skills and experience to continue to grow the program and take it to the next level. The need is great and these are challenging times for any nonprofit agency but Stephanie sees opportunity where others may see obstacles. More children need our services then ever and Stephanie is bound and determined to see that their needs are met.” Previous Executive Director Dana Murphey served BBBS for the last four years, and resigned her position to spend more time with her family. “Filling Dana’s shoes will be a tall order, I hope that I can bring the same amount of heart to this position as she has,” states Joiner. Sherman agrees: “Dana has been and will continue to be a tremendous advocate for the children of Barton and Pawnee Counties. She brought stability and visibility to the agency during her four years of service as the director of BBBS of Barton and Pawnee Counties. Under her leadership, the number of children served by the agency has doubled. I appreciate all that Dana has done for us and am happy to see her afforded the opportunity to spend more time at home.” Joiner encourages anyone who would like more information about becoming a Big or Little to contact the office at 1-888-KS4BIGS, (620)793-5887, or [email protected]. For more information about the impact mentoring is having in the state of Kansas and in your area, visit www.kansasbigs.org Heartland Center for Spirituality Offers Two Summer Programs A Sacred Cup of Blessing July 10, 2010 - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost $25 (Lunch Included) Anyone thirsting for a more intimate life of prayer will find a rich well-spring in this retreat based on Joyce Rupp's book, "The Cup of Our Life a Guide for Spiritual Growth". Discover how ordinary cups that we use each day can become symbols that connect us to life and draw us closer to God. There will be time for sharing, reflection, meditation, and journaling. Bring your favorite cup to use in this retreat and share with the rest of the group. Directed Retreat Sunday, July 25 - Saturday, July 31 Cost $450 (Includes Lodging, Meals, & Cost of Spiritual Guidance) Come and be drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ through this silent, directed retreat. Retreatants will be invited to pray with scripture based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Each day you will meet with a spiritual director to reflect on your times of prayer. There will also be a time for worship/prayer each day with the others on retreat. Accommodations are at Heartland Center for Spirituality, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Great Bend. Heartland Center provides a quiet, peaceful atmosphere and pleasant grounds/garden area. Retreatants will have private rooms and use a shared bathroom. For more information or registration please visit our website, www.heartlandspirituality.org or contact Brenda Black at 620-792-1232. July 2010 • p4 Community Theatre Hires New Director The Great Bend Community Theatre has been undergoing a transition over the past year that will continue over the next. Long-time Artistic Director and Theatre Manager Warren Deckert is relocating to the Kansas City area and Sally O’Connor has been hired in that position. O’Connor retired in 2009 after teaching for 30 years in the USD 428 school system. She comes with considerable experience in theatre. For approximately half of her teaching career she was the director of the GBHS Theatre Department. Her undergraduate as well as graduate work was in the fields of speech, theatre, oral interpretation, and English. She holds BSE and MA degrees. O’Connor is excited about the position and is pleased that the GBCT Board of Directors has placed their confidence in her. She said she “owes a debt of gratitude to Warren Deckert for all of his training and advice over the past months - he is a major reason for the ongoing success of the local theatre.” O’Connor’s focus will be to maintain the quality of work that the community has come to expect of the local theatre. Her philosophy is that as a community theatre, productions that occur at the Crest are ensemble productions. In other words, she said, “Community Theatre is presented for the enjoyment of the community by members of the community. We hope to continue using our base of volunteers and expand in the future. In Community Theatre everyone is important, directors, actors, stage crew, ushers... everyone comes together to provide a quality theatre experience. It should be enjoyable for every person involved as well as the audience.” "This Week in Kansas" Debuts on KAKE Starting in early June, KAKE-TV launched a new public affairs program called “This Week in Kansas”. Hosted by wellknown local journalist Tim Brown, this half-hour program will review the major political events and issues in our state every week. Frequent guests throughout the year will include newsmakers, legislators, politicians and journalists. “This Week in Kansas” builds upon the foundation KAKE started back in 1954”, said KAKE VP/General Manager Dan Wall. “It’s further evidence of our dedication to imaginative local programming, distinguished news coverage and leadership in community service.” “In addition, we couldn’t be happier to secure Tim Brown as host of “This Week in Kansas”. His track record of providing thoughtful, comprehensive discussion of the issues facing Kansans is well-known from his days on KPTS.” “This Week in Kansas” will air on the KAKEland Television stations in Kansas – KAKE-10 Wichita; KUPK-13 Garden City; KLBY-4 Colby; K51GC-51 Salina; K30GD30 Great Bend; K25CV-25 Hays and K38GH-38 Russell. About Tim Brown Tim Brown has worked in television for the past 21 years. During that time, Tim has won numerous awards for journalistic excellence. Tim started as an intern at Oklahoma City television station KOCO where he helped break a story that received national attention and recognition from Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon. The story uncovered ties between the Church of Scientology and Narcanon, a drug treatment center opened on Indian land in Oklahoma. State officials didn’t know of the link before granting permission for the treatment facility to open. From KOCO, Tim traveled to Lawton, Oklahoma to work as a reporter/anchor at KSWO. After a brief stint at KSWO, Tim was hired at KWWL in Waterloo, Iowa to be the bureau chief for KWWL in the largest city in the market in Cedar Rapids. Tim was then hired in Wichita, first at KSN, and then KWCH where he was nominated for multiple Emmy awards and received several awards for news coverage. Tim left the commercial television business in 2000 to work in the non-profit world. In 2004, Tim helped produce, shoot, edit and co-host “Minding Your Own Business; the Kansas Entrepreneur.” Since 2006, Tim has produced and hosted "Kansas Week" at KPTS. Great Lakes Airlines Hosts Second Annual Food Drive During July Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: GLUX.OB – news) is helping in the battle to fight hunger with their 2nd Annual “Flying 4 Food” campaign to benefit the Community Food Bank of Barton County in Great Bend. Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans are at risk for hunger? From children and seniors to the working poor, millions of Americans are either hungry or nearing hunger. Today many public food-assistance programs and private organizations strive to meet the nutritional needs of these vulnerable Americans. Great Lakes Airlines and the Community Food Bank of Barton County are asking for your help. Throughout the month of July, bring a non-perishable food item to the Great Lakes counter and you will be eligible to win one of 4 round trip tickets between Great Bend and Denver. Donate as much as you like, however only one entry per person / per week is permitted. Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Great Bend Municipal Airport, 9047 6th Street. Weekend hours are limited. Please contact Great Lakes’ Regional Sales Manager, Kassi Mohlenkamp at 307432-7018 with any questions. Great Lakes is providing scheduled passenger service at 59 airports in fifteen states with a fleet of Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias and Raytheon/Beech 1900D regional airliners. A current route map may be viewed at http://www.flygreatlakes.com/route_map/ route_map.htm. For additional information about Great Lakes Airlines, visit www.flygreatlakes.com. Mark Your Calendars! Membership Drive Scheduled August 6, 2010 Mark your calendars! On August 6, 2010, Chamber Board members and Ambassadors will be gathering for a Chamber membership drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Club at StoneRidge. Five teams of Chamber representatives will be visiting area businesses and organizations in an attempt to attract and retain new Chamber members. "Our last membership drive was over five years ago, and Great Bend has experienced a lot of growth since that time," says Chamber Membership Services Director Lori Waters. "Our goal is to bring back members who have dropped in the past and to recruit new member businesses with the help of our board members and ambassadors." Since the last membership drive, the Chamber board of directors and staff have greatly expanded the list of free services available to Chamber members. Today more than ever, businesses can appreciate the value of a Chamber membership. "Our member services help businesses save money in the long run," Waters says. "Using our marketing services and networking opportunities are much more cost effective than trying to reach the same audience elsewhere." Another huge benefit of Chamber membership isn't always measurable right off the bat. According to a 2007 survey conducted by an Atlanta, GA-based research company suggests that consumers prefer to shop with Chamber-affiliated businesses. After polling 2,000 randomly selected consumers, the study found that consumers who knew the business was a Chamber member were 63% more likely to return to do more business. For more information or to provide contact info for a potential new member, contact Waters, 620-7922401 or [email protected]. July 2010 • p5 Healtheir Communities Coalition Seeks Small Business Administration Funding Responses in Community Survey Available to Support Job Creation A 2006 Great Bend High School graduate has returned home with the expertise to help Central Kansas Medical Center with one of its current projects. Megan Hammeke is the intern helping with the Healthy Communities Coalition (HCC) survey. The hospital is a member of the HCC and taking a lead role in coordinating the survey that seeks to identify physical-activity and nutrition needs in Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties. “Our goal is to get the survey into as many hands as possible,” Hammeke said. “We want to get out into the community and make it easy for people to respond to the questions.” Hammeke and Julie Shields, CKMC manager of volunteers, will visit senior centers, making presentations about the survey and distributing brochures. “We will have hard copies of the surveys at the senior centers,” Hammeke said. “They will be able to fill them out right on the spot.” The survey also will soon be available at ckmc.org and on the Golden Belt Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Barton County Health Department websites. Hard copies will be on hand at county health departments and at the Barton County Fair. “We just want this to be as convenient as possible for everyone,” Hammeke said. “It will not take too much time to complete.” Wichita State University is putting the finishing touches on the questions and ensuring they are translated correctly into Spanish, Hammeke noted. Mary Klinge, CKMC’s executive director of mission integration and compliance, said the HCC wants to understand the health needs in the area. “We would like to know more about people’s perceptions of how healthy their communities are now and learn how they can be healthier in the future,” Klinge said. “Our survey findings will help us direct education and resources to where they are most needed.” For example, the coalition wants to know about access to fruits and vegetables, and venues for walking and other exercise. “Megan will help us meet these goals,” Klinge said. “She has been here a short time but has already been a great help. Megan has been calling utility companies, asking them to enclose a flyer in their next billings to encourage people to go online and complete the survey. “Megan is young and enthusiastic, and eager to get to work distributing surveys and inputting data when they are returned to us,” Klinge added. “She and Julie Shields will be great representatives. We hope their enthusiasm is contagious.” Hammeke recently earned a degree in health and human performance, with an emphasis in health promotion and wellness from Fort Hays State University. The Golden Belt Community Foundation applied for and received the $17, 560 Kansas Health Foundation grant that is financing the survey on behalf of the HCC. The HCC includes health departments, schools, hospitals, scouting organizations, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the United Way. The grant will finance expenses including printing, data entry and travel within the four counties. The HCC has contracted with the WSU Center for Economic Development and Business Research for help with formulating some questions, analyzing the data and providing a written synopsis when the project is complete. For more information or to do your part by completing the community survey, visit www.ckmc.org and click on the "Healther Communities Survey" link at the top right. Satellite Pros Recognized as One of Top 500 Dish Network Dealers Nationwide Satellite Pros, located at 1520 Main Street in downtown Great Bend, has been recognized as one of Dish Network's top-selling dealers. With over 10,000 dealers nationwide, this prestigious honor places Satellite Pros in the top 5% of its competitors. "I am very proud of all that Shaun has accomplished over the last few years," says Satellite Pros co-owner Jaime Hutchinson. "He has worked very hard to get the business established in the community, and definitely deserves the recognition he's receiving from Dish Network." Satellite Pros is an authorized dealer for Dish Network and DirecTV satellite companies, as well as the largest retailer of Mitsubishi, Atachi, Samsung, and Sony televisions in the area. For more information, stop in to see Shawn or Trent and all three of the Satellite Pros showrooms at 16th & Main in downtown Great Bend. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced in mid-June the availability of funding to support economic development and job creation through existing regional clusters. As part of its Regional Cluster Initiative, SBA will accept proposals from local and regional cluster initiatives beginning July 7 for funding of up to $600,000 per cluster to support up to 15 projects across the country. Proposals should be submitted by the cluster's coordinating entity. SBA's Regional Cluster Initiative focuses on accelerating small business growth and job creation through clusters that leverage and align a region's economic, business, and workforce assets. Regional clusters are networks of organizations and businesses in a geographic area that grow through increased collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. "Clusters bring together many businesses and organizations in a region to maximize the economic strengths of that region, enhancing its ability to compete on a national and global scale," SBA Administrator Karen Mills says. "SBA is committed to providing both financial and technical assistance resources that can be a catalyst for accelerating a regional cluster's viability and lead to sustainable economic growth and job creation." SBA is launching two programs within its REgional Cluster Initiative: Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs) and Advanced Defense Technologies (ADTs). Prospective offerors for both solicitations may find additional information through the Federal Business Opportunities web site, www.fedbizopps.gov. More information about RICs and ADTs may also be found by visiting the SBA web site, www.sba.gov. Rosewood Services Reflects on First Annual Benefit Trail Ride Trail riders are a hardy bunch, and this unflappable quality was shown in fine form at the recent Rosewood Trail Ride at the Rosewood Horse Ranch. Despite rugged conditions that would make most folks hang up their chaps, spurs and hats, the Rosewood Riders rode it out! Kansas weather is unpredictable, and so it was, again, the day of the ride. Beautiful weather had been ordered by the chief Trail Boss Eric Hammond (Manager of the Ranch and Certified Instructor from North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, NARHA). And it WAS a beautiful day, until the wind started. In spite of heat, high humidity and, of course, wind that would blow most folks right off their horses, the Rosewood Riders stayed on their trusty steeds and fun was had by all! The 30 participants moseyed along country roads with beautiful scenery for their eight-mile ride. The group’s destination was a beautiful pond in a lush, secluded pasture surrounded by trees. The group had down-time for some well-deserved R&R at the pond before meanderin’ back to the Ranch for homemade campfire chili and cornbread with all the fixin’s. Terry Fellers entertained the folks with some great guitar music. There were a few casualties, however: people, horses, dogs, cowboy hats, ball caps, saddles, hair, manes and tails received a tremendous sand-blasting during the event! Like bikers say, “you know it’s been a GREAT day when you have sand in your teeth!" The Trail Ride was held to benefit Rosewood’s award-winning Therapeutic Riding Program. Because State funding cuts have impacted the riding program, Rosewood’s Roots & Wings Foundation wanted to help continue the current level of equestrian activities for all riders in the program. Deb Smith from Macksville brought in the most sponsor dollars. Smith is a Case Manager for Rosewood and also served as the “Chief Chef for the Campfire Chili” (which was a huge hit with the road-weary travelers). Rosewood’s Therapeutic Riding program was developed by the Hammonds as a way to encourage persons with disabilities to remain active, enjoy American Quarter Horses and increase their physical and social abilities. July 2010 • p6 Kansas Wetlands Education Center Offers Free Kids Programs Looking for something for the kids to do during the dog days of summer? Sign them up for the Kansas Wetlands Education Center summer programs that begin July 1 and run through July 29. Developed for children ages four through sixth grade, one-hour programs will be offered at no charge, with age breakdowns of four to seven meeting from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and eight to 12 meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. Children age seven and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Programs include lots of hands-on learning, with trips outside if at all possible. Please dress children in old clothes and shoes and bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water. Each program will include activities, games and/or a craft and sometimes a story. Programs are presented at no charge, but donations for supplies are appreciated. There is no minimum number for programs but the maximum capacity is 20 per class. Pre-registration is required by calling the Center at 620-786-7456 or toll free, 877-2439268. Registration deadlines are one week before the class. Programs, dates and registration deadlines are listed below: “Insect Expedition” – July 8, with registration due July 2. Creepy, crawly insects are everywhere. We’ll search for insects in the air, water and ground and find the amazing diversity among these small but mighty creatures. Kids will make a cage for an insect specimen. “Extraordinary Eggs” – July 15, with registration due July 9. Discover the variety and wonder of eggs. From butterfly to ostrich eggs, all serve the same purpose – to protect the developing organism. Participants will decorate an egg. “Animal Mimics” – July 22, with registration due July 16. Deception is the tactic many animals use to avoid danger. Discover how animals and plants confuse their enemies, from look alikes to camouflage. “Go Fishing” – July 29, with registration due July 23. “One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish” begins the familiar Dr. Suess book that speaks to the immense variety of fish. The most numerous of vertebrates, kids will investigate the different fish found in Cheyenne Bottoms and design a fish of their own. Kansas Visitors Guide Now Selling Listings for Upcoming Publication Listings are now available in the 2011-2012 edition of the Kansas Visitors Guide. Businesses who would like to receive a listing in this state-wide tourism magazine need to travelks.com and order today. These brief listings include a detailed description of your business and the products/services you provide. Listings are just $120 and help ensure that your business is placed in front of thousands of Kansas visitors in 2011 and 2012. Listings can be purchased by credit card or invoice. For more information or to purchase a listing, visit www.travelks.com. It's All in the Game! Barton County Fair July 7-11 Making plans for the summer? Don't forget to put Barton County Fair on your schedule. Wednesday July 7 thru Sunday July 11, there promises to be something to entertain all ages. Start your day with a trip through each of the Expo buildings and see the different exhibits. Expo I features commercial exhibits as well as "The Block Stackers". The Block Stackers are a local group that will be building a scaled replica of famous buildings using over 10,000 wooden blocks. Continue on to Expo II where local 4-H and open class exhibitors will be displaying their many projects. Expo III will be an active zone with all the livestock pens filled to capacity with pigs, goats, rabbits, sheep, ducks, geese and cows. Take the opportunity to get up close and personal with these barnyard natives. The fair is pleased to feature entertainment each evening that caters to many different tastes. The carnival will light up the nights as the concerts fill the air with music. Thursday starts with Tribute Night. "7 Bridges Road" will be performing Eagles hits for the rock and roll enthusiasts. Friday brings top country star Easton Corbin to the stage with special guest Logan Mize. Saturday rounds out the fun with Christian artist Mark Schultz. Tickets are on sale now at www.bartoncountyfair.com. Sunday concludes the festivities with the 53rd annual 4-H Beef Barbeque. Contact you favorite 4-Her or the Barton County Extension Office for your tickets now. Make sure to visit www.bartoncountyfair.com for all the details. CKMC Wins Transplant Network Award While 35 percent is deemed a success, Central Kansas Medical Center has achieved a 50-percent rating with the Midwest Transplant Network. The percentage reflects the number of eligible tissue donors who actually become donors, explained the MTN’s Belinda Werth, R.N. The hospital was recently rewarded for its efforts. “We wanted to recognize CKMC’s achievement with this award,” Werth commented. “All cardiac deaths must be reported to us but CKMC excels at spending time to help us screen patients. “They are compassionate and professional as they try to find the appropriate time for our experts to speak with families,” Werth added. “We rely on CKMC’s staff because of their intuition and expertise in caring for families.” Currently, there are more than 105,000 people in the United States on the waiting list for an organ. The list is growing quickly, but the number of available organs isn’t growing as fast, Werth said. “It is so important to make your wishes known to your loved ones and to have a document that explains those wishes,” Werth said. “We often hear that a family won’t consent to organ or tissue donation because they never discussed it with their loved ones. And, therefore, they don’t know what they would have wanted.” There are several ways to become a donor. These include signing your driver’s license; mentioning your intent in a living will and/or durable power of attorney for healthcare; and visiting the donor registry at the MTN website for more information. Chamber 2015 16th P.O. Box 1090 Great Bend 620-792-1779 4107 - 10th Street 792-3591 1811 Main Street 793-7887 Great Bend, Kansas EVERY 1st THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT 11:35 A.M. ON KVGB 1590 Chlumsky Liquormart 2204 Kansas Great Bend 620-792-1929 Barton Workforce Highlights - High School Students Gain an Advantage Are students gaining an advantage or getting ahead in high school nowadays? They are if they are involved in either of Barton Community College’s programs, designed to offer college credits to area high school students. The College Advantage Program is a jump start to a college education for high school juniors and seniors. Students in a gifted program with an individualized education plan are also eligible to participate in College Advantage. High School students have the opportunity to take college courses during their regular school day. Courses offered vary at the high schools that Barton services. Barton partners with 17 area school districts to offer College Advantage courses. Barton’s Get Ahead Program (GAP) is an added opportunity for high school students. These classes are offered on Barton campus where high school students participate alongside other Barton students. Courses have enrollment limits, so it’s suggested that high school students enroll and finalize as soon as possible. In order to do so, high school students need to get their principal’s approval to enroll in college classes away from their high school. If your high school student isn’t involved, but may be illegible for Get Ahead Program and/or College Advantage, contact either Janet Kirmer at 620-792-9294 or your local high school counselor for more information regarding these Barton programs. Program Support – “I feel it gives them a definite advantage when they do start attending college - whether it is at BCC or some other college or university. This is just a win-win situation for students, parents and BCC.” Kay Burns, Guidance Office, Secretary/Registrar - Great Bend High School "Allowing students to acquire college credit while also fulfilling high school requirements creates an excitement for advanced and enriched learning. Being able to take these classes from established faculty also allows students to maximize success in their academic pursuits." Ben Jacobs – Former Hoisington High School Principal/ Current Superintendent of USD 355 – Ellinwood Calling All Artists! Promotion Gives Opportunity to Display Your Work The Upstage Gallery in Topeka, KS is seeking 2-dimensional artists for upcoming exhibits in 2010 and 2011. This opportunity is open to all 2-D media including watercolors, oils, acrylics, drawing, digital work, printmaking, and pastels. Exhibit opportunities will include 1-2 month shows including "First Friday Art Walk" receptions. Submissions will be accepted through email or CD only, with examples of 5-10 works for review suggested. Images must be submitted in high quality .jpg format of at least 4-6 inches in size. There are no fees to enter. For more information, contact the Barton County Arts Center at [email protected] or email the Upstage Gallery's Pam Renovato at [email protected]. July 2010 • p7 Sunflower Diversified Services and First Step Recycling Introduce New Service A baler at the First Step Recycling plant was getting bound up and a repair technician was called. It didn’t take long to discover the problem. New methods of shredding paper had begun cutting what was once a consistent 7-inch-or-longer strip into confetti-sized pieces, commonly called crosscut shred. Baling equipment isn’t designed to process such small pieces. “We were surprised,” said Sarah Krom, community supports coordinator at Sunflower Diversified Services, which owns and operates First Step. “We were faced with telling a few customers that we can no longer accept the tiny, cross-cut shredded paper because it does not compact into the bale.” It falls out onto the baler’s tracks and then turns into a gum-like substance when combined with grease and other moisture, Krom explained. At times, it can be almost solid enough that it has Mobile Shredding - Dennis Rouser to be chipped out of the tracks. of Great Bend shreds paper for First “We tried to notify everyone promptly so that Step Recycling. Rouser will begin those who were contemplating shredder purchasworking for the new mobile shredes could determine if they wanted to continue to ding service at Sunflower Diversified let us pick up and bale their shredding,” Krom Services, which owns and operates said. “It has been a very popular free service First Step. offered by the recycling community crew.” First Step still accepts shredded paper that is consistently more than two inches long from our drop-off customers as well. In an effort to make the recycling of shredded paper more convenient, First Step has started a new mobile service for residences and businesses. The kick-off date is July 1. “Smaller volumes of personal shredding can be done on-site at your home or business,” Krom said. “Not only is this convenient for recyclers, it provides more employment opportunities for the people served by Sunflower. We will start our fourth community crew dedicated to recycling.” Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves people with developmental disabilities in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. “First Step crews are available to bring portable shredders into your location, or they will shred material in a Sunflower vehicle outside your location,” Krom said. “We will then take the recyclable shredding to our plant for baling.” The cost is 40 cents per pound, with volume discounts. The processing plant is located at Sunflower’s main location, 8823 4th, near the Great Bend Airport. The First Step drop-off site for the public is at 10th and Hubbard. “We hope the community takes advantage of this new mobile service,” Krom said. “Our goals are to make recycling as easy as possible and provide a much-needed community service, while meeting our mission of providing jobs to Sunflower clients. “The people we serve count on us to give them as many opportunities as possible,” she added. “Earning a paycheck, while contributing as any other working adult, is just one way our clients are productive members of society.” * Local Telephone Long Distance High-Speed Internet Technology Solutions Wireless/Cellular 792-3908 www.nex-tech.com 3705 10th St ., Great Bend H. MIKE BOYS, LUTCF H.M. BOYS AGENCY, INC. 1800 Kansas Great Bend, Kansas 1-800-794-4780 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) The Club at StoneRidge Celebrates Drastic Improvements Since New Ownership in 2009 A fter talking with Dru Lammle, it would be easy to visualize him checking things off his to-do list. New restaurant. Check. Bar and grill. Check Ladies locker room. Check. Office. Check. Pool. Check. As co-owner of Stone Ridge Golf Course, Lammle has been on a whirlwind of renovation. And even though his to-dos will never be complete, he noted that members like what they see. Lammle has been concentrating on the clubhouse and pool, while his brother, Dave Lammle, is focused on the 18-hole golf course. “When we bought the club 15 months ago,” Dru said, “the greens were half dead. Dave has turned them around. We immediately gave them nutrients and water to get them growing again. I have heard long-time members say the greens have never look so good. Golfers always notice the greens first. Do they putt nice? Do they hold? Are there bare spots? You won’t find those problems with Dave. “I often hear people say ‘how does that guy work so many hours?’ It is just his nature. Dave has done this all his life,” Dru added. “And he has a green thumb; he must get that from our grandma who was a wonderful gardener.” The course has been fertilized and weed killer has been applied. It has a full-time staff of eight people who work seven days a week during the season. Great Bend native Steve Gotsche is the golf pro. As a whole, the club employs 28 people during the golf season and 18 at other times. While the golfers have expressed their appreciation for the revived, wellmanicured golf course, Dru said he is hearing from virtually all members that the club is once again an inviting place to spend time. “We just started in the clubhouse and went room to room,” Dru recalled. “First, we took the original lounge, renovated it and opened a new restaurant called Francesca’s, which is an Italian steakhouse. “The members have really appreciated this improvement,” Dru continued. “They like to bring their clients and families here. It is a nice, quiet place to dine in a relaxing atmosphere. It is an intimate setting.” The JayCats Bar & Grill also has been renovated for those times when quiet and relaxing are not on the agenda. JayCats has been upgraded with new wallpaper, big flat-screen televisions, new carpet and a dance floor. The area behind the bar has also been remodeled. “We just wanted to get it up-to-date and be more attractive,” Dru said. Next came the ladies locker room, with new carpet, wallpaper and some fixtures. Then the office received a fresh coat of paint. The pool has also been renovated, and is now open for families and guests. “The pool is just beautiful now,” Dru said. “We have a great staff of lifeguards who are CPR trained and certified.” In addition, the on-site fitness center is now part of the membership package; there is no longer an extra fee for the facility that opens at 5 a.m. The banquet facility continues to be available for private parties and the popular Sunday brunch. “The feedback from members has been fabulous,” Dru said. “Members are so appreciative of the improvements. I have heard people say ‘this is the first time in years that the air conditioning has worked.’ I have heard some terrible stories.” In between remodeling projects, Dru also gave a boost to the golf and social committees. The result has been a resurgance in clubsponsored activities. For example, the Men’s Golf League has gone from an average Tuesday night crowd of 30 to more than 50; the Ladies Golf Association has increased its membership; and the Ladies Bridge Group is meeting regularly. Behind the Scenes - Club owner Dru Lammle works with Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Tomlin to review employee time cards during payroll processing. “There is a lot that goes into running a country club,” says Lammle. “It was imperative that I bring someone in to help me on the administrative side when I’m not around, and Elizabeth is doing just that.” Not pictured is General Manager Mark Hernandez. Special events have included a member-guest golf tournament, Casino Night, Comedian Night, the New Year’s Eve Party, Super Bowl Party, Chili Cook-off and Tax Relief Day with a deejay, “which really packed ‘em in.” The Friday Summer Rib Fest will begin again soon. JayCats - Club members enjoy a friendly game of poker while watching the U.S. Open on one of the four flag screen tvs in JayCats Bar & Grill. “The bar is a popular place for club members to hang out after a day of golfing,” says bartender Omar Acosta. “It’s a very laid back atmosphere.” “These kinds of things are important,” Dru commented. “Our members are quality people and we want to provide them with services. That is what they pay for.” Exercise Environment - A StoneRidge patron utilizes one of the many pieces of equipment available to club members free of charge. This facility opens at 5 a.m. daily. Currently, Dave is starting to update the golf course water system to digital, instead of manual; and the next goal is updating the complete irrigation system. “We are dealing with a 40- to 50-year-old irrigation system. It is a tedious job, replacing all the sprinkler heads,” Dru said. “But we have been fortunate. We have had some wonderful rains and didn’t come close to using our water allocation.” If it sounds like Dru and Dave know what they are doing, it is because they have many years of experience. They grew up in Peru, Neb., which helps them understand smaller communities. Both went to college in Peru, and then it was off to Omaha and then Lincoln, where they started in the golf business. “Dave and I have built two golf courses from scratch,” Dru said. “One was a 27-hole public course, the other an 18-hole private. We owned and managed them both in Lincoln. I am still involved in one of them.” The Lammles bought the club on May 1, 2009, when it had 165 members. As a result of the ongoing membership drive, that number is up to 275. July 2010 • p8 Clubhouse - Pictured is the outside of the clubhouse at the Club at StoneRidge. Inside these facilities are a pro shop, banquet facilities, meeting rooms, a bar and grill, a work-out facility and locker rooms, and a restaurant. “Ideally, a private club with an 18-hole golf course would have 325 to 350 members,” Dru said. “That is a goal. Because of attrition, it is always a balancing act.” Continued on Page 10 July 2010 • p9 July 2010 • p10 The Club at StoneRidge Continued from Page 9 Special membership prices are still in effect, and the Lammles are eager to talk with anyone interested in joining. “We start by finding out what their needs are – whether they play golf or not,” Dru said. “They are welcome to come in and talk about the variety of membership packages. This gives us a chance to show them the facilities, and they can meet us and realize we are professionals in this business.” The owners also are aware that their facility can be an economic-development asset to the entire community. “This community has a need for a private club,” Dru commented. “When new businesses consider Great Bend, we are often competing with larger cities. So this is a plus, with golf, swimming, fitness, dining and social functions. “We also are giving back to the community by donating to local charitable events,” he added, noting Stone Ridge wants to be a good corporate citizen. “When we are able to make money, we are re-investing in the facility and in the community.” Dru’s ongoing goal is to not only know members’ names but to be able to put those names with faces. “I want to get to know them and listen to what they want,” Dru said. “I want to learn about the things they used to enjoy about the club. We are simply rebuilding what they were so happy with years ago. We listen. This is not a dictatorship.” Brief history of StoneRidge Summer Fun - Kids splash in the StoneRidge swimming pool, located immediately behind the clubhouse. "The pool is probably one of the areas where the changes we've made are immediately evident," says Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Tomlin. "We've really cleaned up the whole pool area, and are hoping to have the concession stand back open before the end of the summer." Brunch Time - StoneRidge patrons enjoy a buffet brunch in the banquet room inside the clubhouse. Pro Shop - Steve Gotsche assists a customer in the pro shop, located inside the club house at StoneRidge. The Great Bend Petroluem Club was incorporated in March 1951. The clubhouse used to be located at 1318 Kansas. The current facility was constructed in 1979, which was the same year it became an 18-hole course, instead of only nine. Dru and Dave Lammle bought the club in May 2009; its name is now Stone Ridge Golf Course. On the Green - Two couples take part in the StoneRidge Couples Golf Tournament that took place in late June. "Obviously one of the most popular of our member services is our golf," says owner Dru Lammle. "Green fees add up pretty quick for people who golf regularly, so a membership is always recommended." Department of Revenue Announces New Filing Requirements for State Taxes In accordance with Senate Bill 430 passed by the 2010 Kansas Legislature and subsequently signed into law by the Governor, businesses will be required to submit Retailers’ Sales, Compensating Use, and Withholding Tax returns electronically. This new law takes effect July 1, 2010. To ensure a smooth transition for Kansas businesses the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) will continue to provide paper forms as needed through September 30, 2010. PLEASE NOTE: After September 30, 2010, KDOR will no longer have printed paper forms available for distribution. If you have questions about this new law, please contact our office at the address or phone number shown above. Kansas offers several electronic filing solutions. You can use WebTax for online filing and payment for most business tax accounts. First, create a user login ID and select a password then attach your business tax accounts. Each tax account has a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) that only needs to be entered once. This PIN binds your account to your login ID. For future filings, you simply log into your account using your self-selected user login and password. A history of all returns filed or payments made is retained in WebTax. You can also use the telephone to file returns and make payments for several tax accounts. Like WebTax, you will need a PIN to access the correct tax account. The telephone option requires that you use this PIN each time you file or make payment. For your PIN assignment, call our Electronic Services staff at 1-800-525-3901. If you prefer you may e-mail Electronic Services at [email protected]. Payments are made through EFT transfer (ACH Debit or ACH Credit) on or before the due date. Credit card payments are also accepted through third-party vendors. Visit our web site at webtax. org for a current list of vendors and their services. The online WebTax application and the telephone filing options are simple, safe, and FREE and conveniently available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You also receive immediate confirmation that your return is filed. Mayor Signs ADA Anniversary Proclamation On Friday, June 4, 2010, City of Great Bend Mayor, Mike Allison, signed the proclamation to recommit Great Bend to its principles of equality and inclusion and to reaffirm its determination to attain a community that affords independence, justice, and dignity for all. The proclamation is in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) 20th year anniversary, and was awarded to Brian Atwell, Executive Director of Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (LINK) located in Hays, Kansas. “I’m proud that Great Bend is an area supporter of ADA. It shows that Great Bend is progressive community,” said Atwell. Atwell, accompanied by Denise Henkle, Transitional Living Specialist, is striving to increase awareness of LINK and the need for handicap accessible facilities. He is meeting with various communities and encouraging them to join forces and recommit toward the goal of access for all. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by George H. Bush. During the signing ceremony, Bush stated that the law was, “the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.” This law represents a significant moment in the history of civil rights. July 2010 • p11 RTFC Funds Nex-Tech Wireless Market Expansion Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) and Nex-Tech Wireless recently signed a loan agreement for approximately $17 million dollars in funding to be provided by RTFC for future expansion by Nex-Tech Wireless. RTFC is a member-owned, not-for-profit lending cooperative created in 1987 to serve the financial needs of the rural telecommunications industry. Nex-Tech Wireless will utilize the funding to expand their current coverage area east into the counties of Jewell, Republic, Cloud, Mitchell, Ottawa and parts of Saline and McPherson. In addition, Nex-Tech Wireless will extend the southern end of their current footprint into parts of Pratt and Reno counties. “Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative was a natural fit to enable Nex-Tech Wireless to extend our service to wireless users in Kansas. We are excited about the opportunity to bring an advanced 3G network, local customer service, and a variety of wireless solutions to consumers in these counties,” stated Johnie Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Nex-Tech Wireless For more information on Nex-Tech Wireless, visit www.nex-techwireless.com or contact them at 877-6212600. About Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative RTFC is a member-owned, not-for-profit lending cooperative created in 1987 to serve the financial needs of the rural telecommunications industry. Today, RTFC has a membership of more than 500 rural cooperatives and companies across the United States and more than $2 billion in loans outstanding to rural telecommunications companies. About Nex-Tech Wireless Nex-Tech Wireless, a subsidiary of Rural Telephone, Golden Belt Telephone and Mutual Telephone, is a premiere wireless provider offering high-tech wireless solutions to residents in 33 counties of central and western Kansas. Nex-Tech Wireless focuses on providing its customers cutting edge technology including data and mobile services, the latest wireless equipment and competitive wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. For more information, visit www.nex-techwireless.com. Nex-Tech Wireless Donates to Local Schools Nex-Tech Wireless is excited to announce a donation of $22,990.21 to local schools in the first quarter of 2010 from the School Rebate Program. The School Rebate Program, offered exclusively by Nex-Tech Wireless, was created to assist local schools in raising additional funds to be used as determined by the participating school. The program, which was launched in the fall of 2006, has donated over $80,000 to local schools throughout the NexTech Wireless service area. Nex-Tech Wireless encourages all of their customers to select a school of their choice to receive a 3% donation from their phone bill every month at no cost to them or the schools participating. “Nex-Tech Wireless enjoys donating money to local schools. It gives us an opportunity to give something back to our communities we live and play in. We appreciate the participation in the program and hope to see the donation amounts increase over the years to come. To find out more about the School Rebate Program customers can go into their local Nex-Tech Wireless location or visit our website at www.nex-techwireless.com,” stated Karly Rogers, Director of Sales, Marketing & Customer Service for Nex-Tech Wireless. “HEALTH CHAT” Where Service Makes the Difference & INSURANCE AGENCY INC. “Serving Great Bend Since 1968” www.kelleragency.com 620-792-2128 1-800-281-2128 1101 Williams, P.O. Box 945 Great Bend, Kansas Dale E. Pruter 10th & Morton Street Phone 620-792-3999 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. M-F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. Find Out What’s New At CKMC 8:35 AM Every Tuesday Only On KVGB AM 1590 St. Rose Campus, 3515 Broadway, Great Bend, KS 67530 - (620) 792-2511 St. Joseph Campus, 923 Carroll, Larned, KS 67550 - (620) 285-3161 July 2010 • p12 CKMC Hires Bruce Weddell as New CFO Knudson Named Monthly Outstanding Bruce Weddell, a self-described “community-hospital guy,” is the new chief Salesperson for American Family Insurance financial officer at Central Kansas Medical Center. He brings 25 years of experiAgent Rhonda Knudson of Great Bend has been named Monthly Outstanding Salesperson by American Family Insurance. She received the honor for outstanding sales of American Family insurance products during the month of May. Knudson’s office is located at 2201 16th St., #A, Great Bend, KS. Her office is staffed by Jay Knudson, Kristi Oetken, and Lori Shomber. “This is a very prestigious honor when you consider this district covers all of south west Kansas, says Ken Willard, district sales manager for the company. “This is a fitting tribute to Rhonda’s determination and expertise in the insurance industry which has earned her the trust and respect of her customers.” Rosewood Services Receives Quilt Gift The old Carole King song, "Tapestry," might have been written about Beth Schneweis and her love of quilting and love and challenges of her family. The beginning words of the song describe her well: "My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the ever-changing view..." As a quilter, Schneweis expresses herself and her life in her work. Her latest creation is centered around various awareness ribbons. “I never knew that working with disabilities is so colorful,” Schneweis said when describing the numerous colored ribbons that are associated with various disabilities. Schneweis continued, “Perhaps the most recognized awareness is the pink one for breast cancer - and there are so many more. For example, a yellow awareness ribbon is for those with hydrocephalus and spinal bifida. Lavender is the color for epilepsy and a black and white pin-stripe ribbon recognizes ALS." Schneweis stated, “There are rainbows of colors to support those with disabilities and their families. I did research to learn about the various awareness ribbons and decided that since Rosewood works with people with a wide variety of disabilities, a quilt created with this information would hopefully be a powerful message of support for the agency.” Schneweis and her husband, Mike, are the parents of a four-year old son with a developmental disability. Christopher receives services from Rosewood Services and the Rosewood Horse Ranch Therapeutic Riding Program and the family knows firsthand the challenges created by recent funding cuts from the State. “With Christopher’s disabilities, our family knows the deep effect these cuts have had on our direct funding from the state. I knew I wanted to do something to help Rosewood because they, too, have received a funding cut of 10% from their budget. I wanted to do something to help Rosewood and decided on making a quilt that could be auctioned off to raise funds for the Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. Christopher receives amazing care from Rosewood and has progressed so much further than any of us thought, including his doctors and other medical providers.” Schneweis began work on her special quilt about six months ago, stitching in her spare time. “Quilting is a great stress reliever. I learned to sew from my mother beginning at the age of four. She’d put me on a stack of magazines to use the machine. I’ve never lost my love of this creative art form.” Schneweis and her husband are the parents of four children, Christopher, Curtis (11), Cierra (10) and Faithe’ (3). This busy mother also works at Rosewood in the Residential Department, providing direct care during the night shift. “I enjoy my work very much. I miss my folks when I leave in the morning because it is so gratifying to give care to those who appreciate it so much.” ence in the financial aspects of healthcare to his new position. Weddell is responsible for a wide variety of duties, including accounting, patient billing, purchasing, budgeting and admitting. “Even though I don’t have direct contact with patients as often as I would like, they are always in the front of my mind,” Weddell said. “For example, when we give close scrutiny to the hospital’s finances, patient billing will be more accurate. “And when the financial side of the hospital is running smoothly, we are able to do more in terms of employees, equipment, training and ultimately patient care,” he added. “All of this is important to patients and their families.” Weddell, who is a certified public accountant, said he was attracted to CKMC because of the welcome reception he received during his application process. “The people here – the leadership team - attracted me right away,” Weddell said. “There is a genuine spirit of teamwork. The fringe benefit is CKMC is a faith-based, community hospital that serves everyone regardless of ability to pay. “I have worked at for-profit and physician-owned healthcare entities,” he continued. “They are simply not the same; they don’t have the same mission as that of CKMC. Their focus is on the bottom line. These are the reasons I call myself a community-hospital guy.” Originally from Aspinwall, Pa., Weddell is in the process of moving to Great Bend from Olathe. He is a 1979 graduate of Duquesne University, a Catholic institution in Pittsburgh, Pa. His undergraduate degree is in business administration, with a concentration in accounting. Weddell earned his master’s degree in business in 1991 at Robert Morris College in Moon Township, Pa. He became a CPA in 1989. His professional background includes positions as controller at Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, Pa.; CFO at Orthopedic Hospital of Oklahoma in Tulsa; CFO of Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Mo.; and CFO at the Headache and Pain Center, and Doctors’ Hospital, both in Leawood, Ks. “I am glad to once again be in a smaller-town, community hospital,” Weddell said. “This is a great environment and I am eager to get to know Central Kansans.” Sharon Lind, CKMC president and chief executive officer, said she couldn’t be more pleased knowing that Weddell is now an administrative partner. “Bruce has such extensive experience in healthcare financial management,” Lind said. “His perspective will add significant value to CKMC’s abilities to prosper in the future. Bruce is quickly becoming a valued asset as we advance our notfor-profit healthcare ministry to the Bruce Weddell, Central Kansas Medical Center’s new chief financial ofCentral Kansas ficer, reviews information with Sharon Lind, the hospital’s president and community.” chief executive officer. July 2010 • p13 Chamber Networking The Key to Building Valuable Customer Relationships During the month of July, there are several opportunities for you and your business to take advantage of Chamber networking. Chamber After Hours Events and programs are a great platform for you to meet other working professionals in the area, many of whom are potential customers. Check out these Chamber networking events scheduled in coming weeks: Marmie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Hosts Chamber Business After Hours Event July 23rd In celebration of their 50th year in the car business, Marmie Chrysler Dodge Jeep is hosting the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event on Friday, July 23rd from 5-7 p.m. The event will be held under the Tent at 10th and Baker. Desa Marmie Behr will be hosting the event for Marmies. Don't miss the Dodge Ram Show Interactive Trailer and the Nascar Racing Simulator which will be on display during this event. Four FREE Marmie service coupons will be given away as door prizes. Marmie's are celebrating their 50th year in the car business with three generations of family involvement. M.E. Marmie founded the dealership in 1960, joined by David Marmie in 1966, Jerry Marmie in 1971 and Desa Marmie Behr in 1995. Marmies want to thank their loyal customers for 50 years of support and look forwrad to many more years of servicing their customers in the future. For more information about the dealership, visit their web site at www.marmies.net. Barton Community College & Highland Hotel Partner to Host After Hours July 30th The Barton Community College Foundation and the Highland Hotel & Convention Center would like to invite you to attend their joint Business After Hours Event on Friday, July 30th from 5-7 p.m. in Chaser's Lounge, inside the hotel. "Every year, the college foundation holds its Big Benefit Auction in August, and the after hours is a great way for us to get the public excited about the event ahead of time," says Barton Foundation Executive Director Darnell Holopirek. "The purpose of the event is to promote the foundation's fundraising efforts to the business community." For the third year, the Barton Foundation is partnering with the Higland Hotel & Convention Center to host their after hours event. "This will be the third year we have partnered with the college foundation to host an after hours," says Highland Hotel Director of Sales Sandy Hiss. "We have always had a strong working relationship, and this way we can pool our resources to have one great event." During the event, there will be free Hors D'oeuvres and beer, along with door prizes and a live d.j. for entertainment. There will also be a cash bar available. Tim Miller’s Barton County Young Professionals After Hours Event Scheduled July 16th The Barton County Young Professionals group will be meeting at Charlie's Place for an after hours social at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 16th. This event is free to attend, but each person is responsible for their own drinks. RSVP's are not required. Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming YP Events: • Friday, July 16th - 5:30 p.m. After Hours @ Charlie's • Monday, August 9th - 12 p.m. Brown Bag Luncheon @ Chamber Office About Barton County Young Professionals: The Barton County Young Professionals group is targeted for people who live and/or work in the Barton County area between the ages of 21 and 40. If you know of anyone who falls in this category who would be interested in receiving invitations to the laid back networking events that are being scheduled, feel free to reply with their contact information so they can be added to the distribution list. For more information or to get involved in this exciting networking program, contact Great Bend Chamber Marketing Coordinator Rachel Mawhirter, 620-792-2401 or [email protected]. New to the Great Bend Area? Get Involved! Family Fun Night Scheduled July 15th The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Devleopment organizes social networking events for individuals and families who have moved to the Great Bend area within the last two years. The next New 2 Great Bend event will be an Family Fun Night at Brit Spaugh Park and the Wetlands Aquatic Center on Thursday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. No RSVP's necessary, just meet under the picnic shelter at the northeast corner of the park next to the playground equipment. Ice cream sandwiches and beverages will be provided. To receive invitations to all New 2 Great Bend events, contact Chamber Office/Business Manager Lacey Oetken, [email protected]. Great Bend Charlies P la C e Your After Hours – Hangout – – NO MEMBERSHIP – 1109 Main Street (620) 793-8668 620-792-7017 3820 Broadway Serving Individuals, Family and Business Concerns 1911 Lakin (620) 792-4515 Great Bend Great Bend 2300 Broadway Great Bend 793-4223 • 800-762-0436 July 2010 • p14 Barton Signs 2+2 Agreement with FHSU Beautification Committee Recognizes Harper for Early Childhood Education Program Camperland for Landscaping Improvements Elementary and early childhood education students at Barton Community College will be able to transfer to Fort Hays State University to complete their education after representatives from the two schools signed what is known as a 2+2 agreement June 7 on Barton’s campus. The 2+2 memorandum of understanding puts in place a partnership that enables degreeseeking students in the areas of elementary and early childhood education to transfer from Barton to the university in a seamless manner, said Dr. Germaine Taggart, chair of the Department of Teacher Education at FHSU. This 2+2 agreement lays out what courses the student will need at Barton and at FHSU to complete a bachelor's degree in elementary or early childhood education. The agreement also lays out points of contact between students and faculty advisors at Barton and FHSU. “This agreement is a big benefit to our students,” said Elaine Simmons, Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education. “For the students to have a map laid out before them is the most important component of the 2+2 plan.” This agreement with FHSU will help students achieve elementary education and early childhood unified teaching degrees. These degrees are offered online, face-to-face or in combination at both Barton and FHSU, enabling prospective teachers to take coursework in a manner that suits their busy lives, and in a cost-effective way. For more information about Barton’s Early Childhood Education Program and the college’s 2+2 agreement with FHSU, contact Cheryl Couch, Barton’s Early Childhood Education Instructor/ Coordinator, 620786-1130. The Beautification Committee, under the auspices of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, is pleased to announce that Harper Camperland has been given the Beautification Award for the month of July in recognition of their new landscaping and fencing in front of their location on East 10th Street in Great Bend. Camper Curb Appeal - Pictured from left to right are Salesman Bob Rein, General Manager Dan Lear, Beautification Committee member Judy "It had been over Reed, Salesman Kevin Doll, and Finance/Insurance Manager Mat Breit. ten years since we'd made any improvements to the curb appeal of our location," says Harper's Finance/Insurance Manager Mat Breit. "We recently finished adding new fencing, grass, and landscaping. We wanted to soften the storefront and make our location more appealing for potential customers." Harper Camperland has been in business in Great Bend for 27 years, carrying Jayco and Newmar brand campers and RV's. "At any one time, we have 40 to 60 new units, plus a varying number of used models and trade-ins on our lot," Breit says. "We sell everything from the small travel trailer to the high end fifth wheels." The world of recreational campers and motor homes has changed quite drastically over the last few decades, Breit says. "High end motor homes come with Amish-made cabinetry, chorion countertops, a self-leveling suspension system, large high definition televisions, electric awnings, and furnishings to accomodate anywhere from two to eight or more people." BCC President Dr. Carl Heilman, right, and FHSU’s Interim Dean of Education Dr. Robert Scott sign a 2+2 agreement creating a partnership between Barton and FHSU that enables degree seeking students in elementary and early childhood education to transfer from Barton to FHSU in a seamless manner. Also pictured at the signing of the agreement are, standing left to right, FHSU Chair of Teacher Education Dr. Germaine Taggart; Barton’s Early Childhood Education Instructor/Coordinator Cheryl Couch; Barton’s Dean of Academics Dr. Rick Abel; Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Elaine Simmons; and Barton’s Dean of Instruction and Student Services Dr. Penny Quinn. Another important aspect of the Harper Camperland reputation is their dedication to service after the sale. "We have one of the largest parts stores in the state and an award-winning service department," Breit says. "We recently received Newmar's Mahlon Miller Award in recognition of our quality service." Breit continues, "We have been a part of this community for a long time, and it's great to know that the improvements we have made to our facility have been noticed by the Chamber's Beautification Committee. We are very grateful for this award." For more information about Harper Camperland, visit their web site at www.harpercamperland.com. Positions to Fill? Looking for a qualified full time or part time employee? Let Great Bend Area Community Employee Recruiter Renee Richmeier help you find the right individual. With hundreds of resumes covering a wide variety of industries, Richmeier can help you find the employee you're looking for. Generate a larger pool of applicants by placing a FREE listing on the area's leading jobs web site, www.centralkansasjobs.com. For more information or to place a job listing, contact Richmeier, [email protected], today! www.centralkansasjobs.com 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 Ellinwood Heritage Center Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice 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 620-7922403 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. June 2010 • p15 I would like to thank the United Way Executive Board for giving me the opportunity to fill the position at United Way Executive Director and thank the Barton County community for being such an amazing community. Living and working in Great Bend and Barton County has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for me. When I accepted the Executive Director position in 2009 I had not foreseen my life to take the many turns it has taken in the past twelve months. I was recently accepted into a Nursing program in Woodward Oklahoma and therefore I have resigned my position as the Executive Director of United Way to pursue my dream of earning a second degree. It is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Great Bend and my position at United Way. The Barton County community is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people, I will dearly miss my home here. I look forward to my many visits back to Great Bend and Barton County in the future. Thank you all for all of the help, support and kindness you have given during my time in Great Bend and with United Way. May God bless you all. Sincerely, Heather M. Lockhart United Way Agency Profile The 19 United Way agencies serve a wide range of individuals, all of which are living right here in the Barton County community. To really get to know your community you must know your community on all leve ls. In 2010 United Way of Barton County will profile each one of the 19 partnering agencies over the course of 2010 in the Chamber Outlook Newsletter. Please remember, the statistics about the agencies are number from right here in the Barton County community. In sharing these stories and statistics, United Way hopes to bring awareness and provide knowledge to the community about the individuals and the need in the Barton County Community. Great Bend Childrens Learning Center Susan Detter, Executive Director (620) 792-2421 1802 22nd St. Great Bend The Great Bend Childrens Learning Center’s (GBCLC) mission is to provide a safe, high quality, learning environment for children of families needing this service in order to work or pursue educational goals. GBCLC provides quality care at reasonable cost and inspire caring capable children as future community members, and allow children to grow and develop to the best of their ability. GBCLC has programs for all day daycare, infant care, pre-school classes, before and after school care, summer school age camp, drop-in care and transportation for children. Children ages 2 weeks to 12 years are provided with top quality care. Enrollment does not have restrictions on race, religion or sex. In the near future the GBCLC plans to update their facility by adding new teacher resources and working on the playground. 2009 Statistics 138 children served from Barton, Stafford and Pawnee counties. 67 children from Great Bend 6 children from Ellinwood 5 children from Hoisington 1 child from St. John July 2010 • p16 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development July Calendar of Events 1… Chamber Coffee: Beautiful Beginnings Boutique, 1523 Main, 9:30 a.m. 1… Ribbon Cutting: Beautiful Beginnings Boutique, 1523 Main, 10 a.m. 1… Ambassador Lunch, Chamber Conference Room, 12 p.m. 1... KWEC Free Kids Program "Scaly Squirmy Snakes", KWEC, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 1... BCC Mini Class: Internet/Email, KansasWorks Office, 1025 Main, 5:45 p.m. 1… Back Room Concert, “Three Penny Acre”, Barton Arts Center, 2006 Forest, 7:30 p.m. 1… Summer Great Bend City Band Concert, Crest Theatre, 1905 Lakin, 8:15 p.m. 2... Economic Development Press Conference, Chamber Office, 9:30 a.m. 5… Chamber Office Closed 5… Barton County Commission Meeting, Court House, Room 106, 9 a.m. 6… Great Bend City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers, 7:30 p.m. 7-11... Barton County Fair, Great Bend Expo Complex 8… Chamber Coffee: Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, 906 McKinley, 9:30 a.m. 8… Summer Great Bend City Band Concert, Crest Theatre, 1905 Lakin, 8:15 p.m. 12... New 2 Great Bend Coffee, Perk’s Coffee Shoppe, 1216 Main, 10:02 a.m. 12... Barton County Commission Meeting, Court House, Room 106, 9 a.m. 13... Summer Great Bend City Band Concert, Crest Theatre, 1905 Lakin, 8:15 p.m. 15... Chamber Coffee: Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams, 9:30 a.m. 15... KWEC Free Kids Program "Extraordinary Eggs", KWEC, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 15... New 2 Great Bend Water Park Family Night, 2303 Main, 6 p.m. 16... Young Professionals After Hours, Charlie’s Place, 1109 Main, 5:30 p.m. 16-17... SRCA Drag Races, Great Bend Expo Complex 19... Barton County Commission Meeting, Court House, Room 106, 9 a.m. 19... Great Bend City Council Meeting, City Council Chambers, 7:30 p.m. 20... BCC Customer Service Lunch Series, Front Door Facility, 12 p.m. 20... Summer Great Bend City Band Concert, Crest Theatre, 1905 Lakin, 8:15 p.m. 21... Executive Board Meeting, Chamber Conference Room, 12 p.m. 21... Beautification Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room, 3:30 p.m. 22... Chamber Coffee: KSN-TV3, 482 N. Hwy 281, 9:30 a.m. 23... Business After Hours: Marmie Motors, 1724 10th Street, 5-7 p.m. 26... Barton County Commission Meeting, Court House, Room 106, 9 a.m. 27... HR Roundtable, Classic Inn Restaurant, 30 S. Patton Road, 11:30 a.m. 29... Chamber Coffee: Bell Memorials, 3324 10th Street, 9:30 a.m. 29... KWEC Free Kids Program "Go Fishing", KWEC, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. 30... Business After Hours: Barton Community College Foundation/Highland Hotel and Convention Center, Chasers Lounge, 3017 W. 10th Street, 5-7 p.m. 30... Stuff and Mail August Newsletter 30-31... SRCA Drag Races, Great Bend Expo Complex Economic Development Announcement to be Made During Public Press Conference July 2nd Coffee Schedule Economic Outlook Labor Force Employment Unemployment Unemployment Rate KS Unemployment Rate Permits Commercial – GB Residential - GB Cars - County Trucks - County March 09 15,828 15,004 824 5.2% 6.3% March 10 15,817 14,983 834 5.3% 6.3% March 09 4 45 12 8 March 10 6 15 44 27 Thursdays at 9:30 July 1, 2010 Beautiful Beginnings • 1523 Main Street Beautiful Beginnings is a retail business for wedding dresses and accessories, and formal wear for kids and adults. We also offer tuxedo rentals. July 8, 2010 Montana Mike's Steakhouse • 906 McKinley Montana Mike's Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Sunday, offering a wide variety of lunch and dinner entrees. Famous for their big portions of home-style steaks and hamburgers, Montana Mike's is a great place to enjoy a lunch meeting, a night on the town, or a private gathering. Meeting spaces are available. July 15, 2010 Great Bend Public Library • 1409 Williams The Great Bend Public Library is a dynamic and active place offering services to very young children, senior adults and everyone in-between. The library offers free use of computers and the Internet that could be used to lookfor a job, email grandma, or search for a good read. July 22, 2010 KSNC • 482 N. Hwy 281 Locally established in 1954, KSNC is a long time NBC affiliate that provides local and state wide news, weather and sports. A local sales and production staff can get your businesses message into over 55-thousand homes with the most influential media form in the market. July 29, 2010 Bell Memorial • 3324 10th Street Bell Memorial offers a wide variety of engraved stone artwork, created specifically to order for each customer. A wide array of stone styles and colors ensures that you and your loved ones can create the memorial you are looking for. August 5, 2010 Sterling House • 1206 Patton Road Sterling House of Great Bend located in Great Bend, Kansas provides care and Personalized Assisted Living options for seniors. Our emphasis is on providing a wonderful assisted living lifestyle, allowing you to do what you can and helping you remain as independent as possible. You are invited to attend a press conference on Friday, July 2nd at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, starting at 9:30 a.m. This press conference is being held to publicly announce the next big Economic Development project to take place in Great Bend. This is the third press conference scheduled thus far during the 2010 calendar year. Employment – Barton County • 3307 10th Street • Great Bend, KS 67530 McDonald’s is providing coffee for Chamber of Commerce coffees. City/County Local Sales Tax Distributions Report Sales Tax for Barton County at 1.00% Sales Tax for Great Bend at .75% Great Lakes Airlines Flights - March 2010 Flights from Kansas City Flights to Kansas City Flights from Denver Flights to Denver 28 27 20 19 March 09 $337,037 $187,087 March 10 $287,857 $148,364