The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 2, Issue 3
May / June 2013
A Message from the CEO
A Good Year in the Books; Chamber Continues Forward By Greg Williams, CEcD Lawrence Chamber President & CEO A little more than one year ago, I was offered the opportunity to lead the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce as its new President & CEO. There is considerable temptation to look back at what we have done in the past year and congratulate ourselves on a job well done. We have done much, and we have done well but my purpose here is to look forward, not back. First, though, I must thank the Search Committee and in particular its chairwoman Cindy Yulich for selecting me from a competitive field of candidates. The support of the entire volunteer leadership team – the 2012 and 2013 Board of Directors – has been instrumental in creating the conditions for our successes over the past year. I thank each of you. I am fortunate also to work with a talented and dedicated staff. To a person, this staff is passionate about this community, this Chamber and its members. I truly appreciate the support and
investment of every single Chamber member. Every business, large or small, and every individual member brings strength and credibility to our efforts on behalf of the Lawrence and Douglas County business community. The Chamber of Commerce is forwardfocused. What does that mean? It means that we are working diligently to implement our strategic priorities of member engagement, advocacy and economic prosperity to create opportunities for you, our members. In July, we will issue our mid-year progress report measuring our progress against the goals we set for ourselves for 2013. This fall we will begin the strategic planning process that will guide our focus for 2014. I am unapologetically optimistic about our future. We have a strong team in place. Our voice in this community is being heard. We are building strong partnerships throughout our region. I can’t think of a better way to begin my second year as President & CEO of the Chamber.
Look for the Chamber’s mid-year report, publishing this July. Page 1
Chamber events open to ALL Chamber member business employees The Chamber has been working hard this year to provide a wide range of events and programs to help you and your business make better decisions and understand the ins and outs of our community, from Coffee & Conversation to Business After Hours to our Signature Events. We also recognize how hard it can be sometimes to get away from your desk to attend these events. That’s why we want to remind you that all Chamber events are open to ANY employee of a Chamber member business -- not just those registered as Chamber Representatives. These networking and education opportunities are a chance for any member of your business to become more engaged in the Chamber. Your business will be seen as an engaged part of the business community, and it’s an easy way to offer your staff the opportunity for professional development and networking opporutunities. Some of our biggest events of the year are coming up this month: the Summer Soiree summer mixer on Thursday, June 20, the Sand Trap Classic golf tournament on Friday, June 28. Don’t miss out! Make sure you or a member of your team is engaging and participating at the Chamber. Call us at 785.865.4411 to register.
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In addition to learning the ins and
outs of our community, Leadership Lawrence helped me envision Lawrence as a place I want to call home for
the rest of my life.
”
LL
Jay Wachs Class of 2013, The BriarCliff Group
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Leadership Lawrence has influenced me to be a stronger leader who is thoughtful, listens more attentively and is more proactive in solving problems in my business.
”
Amanda Storm Class of 2013 , Trinity In-Home Health Care
Apply today at www.LeadershipLawrence.org/Applications Gavin Smith Scholarship Application: due 5 p.m. July 16 (for small business owners only) General Applications due 5 p.m. Aug. 9
2014 Class Schedule Class Reception Opening Retreat Opening Retreat Regular session 1 Regular session 2 Regular session 3 Regular session 4 Regular session 5 Regular session 6 Regular session 7 Final Retreat Graduation
5:30-7 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1-5 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 Sept. 27 Sept. 28 Oct. 18 Nov. 15 Dec. 13 Jan. 17 Feb. 21 March 28 April 18 April 25 April 26
Participants spend nine sessions learning about various aspects of Lawrence life, about the four competencies for civic leadership outlined by the Kansas Leadership Center, and where you can do the most good in Lawrence and Douglas County!
LL
EADERSHIP AWRENCE
A PROGRAM OF THE LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Thank you to th 2013-14 Recruitment Sponsor
For more on Leadership Lawrence, visit www.LeadershipLawrence.org Page 2
Reducing vulnerability through planning By Eileen Hawley Vice President of Operations The tornado that hit Moore, Okla., reminds us that we are vulnerable to the same sort of severe weather its residents experienced on May 20. Severe weather can occur almost any time of year, with the peak season for tornadoes running from April through June. Severe weather season provides an opportunity for us to consider our preparedness for dealing, not just with the effects of tornadoes, floods or wind, but for crisis in general. Leaders and managers are never more strongly tested than in a time of crisis. The actions you take and the decisions you make will affect your business, your employees and at some level, your community. Preparation begins by identifying vulnerabilities. Make a list of the types of events that could affect your business including your geographic location, employee behavior, natural disasters, cybercrime or workplace violence, and then rank them from 1 to 5 with 5 having the highest potential for occurrence and greatest effect on your business or community.
Preparedness Matters: This graphic shows the track of the May 22, 2011, Joplin, Mo. tornado superimposed over Lawrence, with downtown Lawrence at its center. The damage to Lawrence would encompass much of its City and County Offices and a large portion of the business community, as well as highly populated areas of our city.
Understanding the likelihood of an event occurring and its potential impact on your employees, family, environment, facilities and business helps you determine the level of time and resource you may want to invest in preparing for any specific event. Your vulnerabilities will fall into one of four
High Likelihood
“The Red Zone”
Low Likelihood
High Damage Potential
“The Gray Zone”
categories: high probability of occurrence and high damage potential; high probability of occurrence with minimal damage; low probability of occurrence with high damage potential; and low frequency of occurrence and low probability of damage.
Low Damage Potential “The Amber Zone”
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Red zone vulnerabilities place an organization in the greatest danger and require immediate attention.
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Avoid or mitigate potential risks in this category.
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Control potential damage through advance planning.
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Gray Zone risks, like Amber Zone, require attention and planning, but the danger is not immediate.
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Events not likely to happen, but which will bring increased visibility, government regulation or reputation damage if they do.
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Amber Zone risks require attention and advance planning but the danger is not immediate.
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These risks have a high likelihood of occurrence, but do not pose a high financial or damage risk.
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Risks can be managed through policies, plans and practices.
“The Green Zone” •
These risks are reasonably controlled.
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These should be addressed once the Red, Amber and Gray Zone risks are addressed.
Leadership Lawrence Offers Gavin Smith Scholarship for Small Business Owners
GOLF WITH US FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 ALVAMAR COUNTRY CLUB
www.LAWRENCECHAMBER.com / 785-865-4411 $375 / FOURSOME OR $100 /INDIVIDUAL
Small business owners in Douglas County are invited to apply for Leadership Lawrence’s Gavin Smith Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship that makes it possible for small business owners and entrepreneurs to become part of the Leadership Lawrence experience. So far, two business owners have benefitted from the Gavin Smith Scholarship: Crystal McWhirt, owner of photography studio The Crystal Image; and Scott Risley, owner of Risley Chiropractic. “I was honored enough to be close friends with Gavin, so receiving this scholarship was very close to my heart,” Risley said. “He was so very passionate about the program and was eager to get others involved. I now understand why Gavin was such a supporter. The program helped me gain such a vast amount of knowledge about our community and a better understanding of the complexity involved in the issues we face in Lawrence.” Gavin Smith (Leadership Lawrence Class of 2009) was an active member of the Lawrence community and owner of a small business, Fatso’s Public House and Stage. Following his death on Sept. 24, 2010, his family created the scholarship, which is funded by the Gavin Smith Memorial Golf Invitational, held each fall. Apply at www.LeadershipLawrence.org/pg/Application. It is due to the Chamber offices at 5 p.m. July 16.
plus low rates
Mortgage Officer Geoff Strole Get the free mobile app at
http:/ / gettag.mobi
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Thursday, June 20 The Chamber’s Summer Soiree provides an unparalleled view of the business community, from atop the ninth-floor terrace of The Oread Hotel. Held in June, this informal networking opportunity truly demonstrates the “fun of business.�
Thanks to our first Presenting Sponsor:
With an average June high of 85 degrees, cool breeze and scenic views from the rooftop, this is an event certain to attract a large number of Chamber members.
Presenting Sponsors - $2,500 (limit 2) Presenting Sponsors enjoy co-branding of their business with the event, receiving primary placement of their business name and/or logo throughout all print and electronic media, marketing materials and event signage. Presenting sponsors receive the exclusive opportunity to provide a take home gift for all guests, 10 tickets to the event and the option to address the audience as desired.
Gold Sponsor - $1,500 (limit 4) Gold Sponsors enjoy their business name and/or logo featured throughout all print and electronic media, marketing materials and event signage. Gold Sponsors receive six tickets to the event.
Silver Sponsors - $750 (limit 8) Silver Sponsors enjoy their business name featured throughout all print and electronic media, marketing materials and event signage. Silver Sponsors receive two tickets to the event.
To discuss Summer Soiree Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Adam Handshy, Director of Events, at 785.865.4427 or ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com.
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Ribbon Cuttings Ribbon Cuttings April 2, 2013
The Pita Pit 1011 Massachusetts St.
April 11, 2013
April 16, 2013
2001 Haskell Avenue
1701 Research Park Drive
April 25, 2013
April 26, 2013
730 New Hampshire St., Suite 212
4004 Sephora Drive
April 30, 2013
May 2, 2013
1809 Crossgate Drive
3310 Iowa St. Suite A
Independence Inc.
Allie’s Village Memory Care
LHBA Spring Parade of Homes
Edward Jones: Jeff Peterson
Alvamar Country Club
Chutney’s Indian Diner & Bar Page 6
Ribbon Cuttings Ribbon Cuttings May 7, 2013
ARCPoint Labs 600 Lawrence Avenue, Suite E1
May 9, 2013
May 10, 2013
1401 Diagonal Road
North Powerhouse off Elm Street
May 16, 2013
May 23, 2013
1116 W. 23rd St.
1801 Massachusetts St.
May 30, 2013
May 31, 2013
2449 Iowa St. Suites K & L
741 Massachuetts St.
Midland Farm Store
Bowersock Mills & Power Co.
VFW - Alford-Clarke Post No. 852
Jock’s Nitch Sporting Goods
J.Lynn L.L.C.
Treanor Architects Page 7
Calendar of Events
June 25: Ribbon Cutting: Wireless Zone, 4:30 p.m., 650 B Congressional Drive. June 27: Ribbon Cutting: LegalShield , 4:30 p.m., held at the Lawrence Chamber Offices, 646 Vermont St., Suite. 200.
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register for an individual event, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785-865-4411. June 13: Ribbon Cutting: Massage Specific, 4:30 p.m., 4105 W. Sixth St., Suite A8. June 18: Ribbon Cutting: Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4:30 p.m., 2518 Ridge Court (United Way Building). June 20: Summer Soirèe 5-8 p.m., Oread Hotel, Nest on Ninth (Ninth Floor Terrace). Chamber member exclusive. $25 in advance. $35 at the door. Dinner, beer and wine included.
June 28: Sand Trap Classic Golf Tournament, Alvamar Public Golf Course, 1809 Crossgate Drive. $375 for a foursome, $100 for an individual. Registration deadline is June 21. July 4: Chamber Offices closed in observance of Independence Day. July 9: Ribbon Cutting: Philsquare & Design Brilliance Creative Marketing. 4:30 p.m. Cider Arts Gallery. 810 Pennsylvania St. Suite 227 (upstairs). July 11: Groundbreaking: Neuvant House, New Addition. 4:30 p.m. 1216 Biltmore Drive. For more events, visit www.lawrencechamber.com.
Thank you! These businesses, organizations and individuals renewed their committment to the Lawrence business community through their Chamber membershipin April and May: 23rd Street Brewery Allstate Insurance Company American Family Insurance – Ron King Agency American Red Cross Ameriprise Financial Services – Dan Cary ARCpoint Labs Lawrence Balloonarts Bambino’s Barber Emerson, L.C. Baymont Inns & Suites Benefit Brokers Berry Plastics Best Buy Best Western Lawrence Big O Tires Bigg’s Bar & Grill Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas BPI Building Services Bradley Animal Hospital, P.A. Brandon Woods at Alvamar The Bristol Groupe Bum Steer Catering Callahan Creek, Inc. Capital Concrete Products
Carladyne Knox Conyers Celebration Party Rentals Community Blood Center Corpus Christi Catholic School Creative Advertising, Inc. Cromwell Environmental Crown Distributors, L.L.C. Custom Tree Care, Inc. Diamond Everley Roofing Douglas County Farm Bureau Association Eccentricity Too The Edmonds Duncan Group E-State Management, LLC Famous Dave’s Farm Bureau Financial Services First American Title First State Bank & Trust of Lawrence Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers Gay, Riordan, Fincher, Munson & Sinclair Hampton Inn Hair Experts Salon & Spa
Harris Auto Repair, Inc. Haskell Indian Nations University Highland Construction, Inc. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Home Depot Howard Johnson Jane Bateman, The Interiors Store Jayhawk Bowling Supply The Kansas City Start Kansas Department for Children and Families Kennedy Glass, Inc. Kinedyne Corporation Kizer Cummings Jewelers KU Small Business Development Center Lathrop & Gage, LLP Lawrence Dental Solutions Lawrence Education Association Lawrence Fraternal Order of Police Lawrence Medical Plaza Lawrence Optometric Center
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Lawrence Police Officer’s Association Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority LWK Associates, L.L.C. M&M Office & School Supply Maceli’s Marinello’s Schools of Beauty Mariscos Restaurant Minuteman Press Niehoff/Dunco Heating & Cooling Oliver Electric Construction, Inc. The Olivia Collection Papa Murphy’s Pearson Collision Repair, Inc. Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.A. Penny’s Concrete, Inc. Perkins Family Restaurant & Bakery Plastikon Healthcare R.D. Johnson Excavating Radcliffe, C.P.A., Dean Reeves, D.P.M., P.A., James E. The Reuter Organ Company
Risley Chiropractic Ritzman’s Lawn Care, Inc. Scotch Fabric Care Services Senecal, Evelyn The Sherwin Williams Co. Sloan Law Firm Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. Stephens Real Estate Success By 6 Coalition of Douglas County Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop Sunflower Paving, Inc. Teller’s Tenants to Homeowners Trevino & Rockwell, L.L.C. University National Bank of Lawrence Van Go, Inc. Waverly Partners, L.L.C. Westlake Hardware Wright, Judy L. Z’s Divine Espresso & Coffee Roaster