Volume 31
August 2018
Issue 8
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the surrounding area for our members.
ORGANIZATION CORE VALUES IS THE LEADING BUSINESS ADVOCATE a united voice for business DEMONSTRATES INTEGRITY through words and actions FOCUSES ON VALUE member resources demonstrate a return on investment EDUCATES how business is good for community IS CUSTOMER FOCUSED we are here to serve our members ENCOURAGES CITIZEN ADVOCACY citizen participation to build a better Dodge City FACILITATES LEADERSHIP training ground for future leaders IS TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED increase value to all members
On behalf of the Dodge City Days Committee and the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank all of our sponsors, partners, and community members who made this Dodge City Days a great success. Each year thecommittee strives to make the festival bigger and better by revamping old events and rolling out new events. This year’s festival featured community favorites like the barbeque competition, parade, wacky trike races, longhorn cattle drive, PRCA rodeo, and Kidsfest, as well as newer events and attractions like the Bud Light Tailgaate Experience, Great American Cookout and the Dodge City Days Gauntlet Challenge. We already have big ideas for the 2019 festival, so get excited now! As the second largest festival in Kansas, Dodge City Days has approximately 100,000 people attend at least one Dodge City Days event. The celebration generates apporximately three million dollars, which has an economic impact of around nine million dollars on Dodge City. As a Chamber member, we hope you see the positive impact the festival has not only on your business, but on the Dodge City business community as a whole. The economic impact along with the community comradery the festival brings to Dodge City is why the Chamber and the committee work year-round to make this festival happen. Again, thank you to all of our sponsors, partners and anyone who attended a 2018 Dodge City Days event. We look forward to seeing you next year! Sincerely,
Tara Burkhart THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR JULY NEW MEMBER:
Tres Animales Promotions
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board Landmark National Bank Shane Laws, Chairman-Elect Victory Electric Jeff Renner, Immediate Past Chair United Wireless Communications
DIRECTORS
Michael Burns, Landmark National Bank Kerry Tirman, Western Plains Medical Complex Alicia Edwards, DC Women’s Chamber Shane Laws, Victory Electric Lauren Morse, Fischer Chiropractic David Rebein, Rebein Brothers Law Jeff Renner, United Wireless Communications Simeon Russell, Cargill Greg Ruehle, Servi-Tech Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena Raul De La Torre, ServiceMaster Rapid Response Randy Riekenberg, United Wireless Communications Gerald Miller, Black Hills Energy Jamie Kuehl, McDonald’s Restaurants Sergio Garcia, National Beef
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
John Bogner, Western Beverage Fred Dierksen, Superintendent USD 443 J.D. Gilbert, Ford County Joann Knight, DC/FC Dev Corp Director Jeff Hiers, DC/FC Dev Corp Chairman Jan Stevens, Executive Director Dodge City CVB Cherise Tieben, City of Dodge City Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College
CHAMBER STAFF
Tara Burkhart, President tburkhart@dodgechamber.com Marisa Vargas, Membership Director mvargas@dodgechamber.com Joni Wittman, Events Director jwittman@dodgechamber.com Michelle Salinas, Office Manager msalinas@dodgechamber.com
OFFICE INFORMATION
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Office (620) 227-3119 | (620) 227-2957 Fax 101 E. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 939 Dodge City, KS 67801 www.dodgechamber.com www.facebook.com/dcacc E-mail: info@dodgechamber.com
The Business Advantage
August 2018
3i SHOW WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER Western Kansas Manufactuers Association welcomed Social Media Representative, Aaron Crotinger last December. His arrival was just in time to get his feet wet with the new March 2018 3i SHOW dates, experiencing all that is involved in preparing for the 3i SHOW. Crotinger is responsible for all aspects of social media and internet marketing campaigns as well as assisting with website maintenance, graphic advertising and news releases, developing relevant content to reach 3i SHOW exhibitors and attendees alike. Aaron is a graduate of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, with a Public Relations Degree. In addition to his time at K-State, Crotinger also spent time at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, where he was the Managing Editor of the Butler Lantern. The Butler Lantern is the largest circulating community college newspaper in Kansas with a readership of around 3,000. Please join us in giving Aaron a warm welcome!
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
Sunflower Bank 2408 N. 1st Avenue
Tuesday, August 28th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
August 2018
The Business Advantage
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YMCA RECEIVES GRANTS, LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMS Successful collaboration with the community and USD 443 recently paid off for the Dodge City Family YMCA’s Child Care Program when it was awarded a total of $150,000 in grants from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The 21st Century grants support the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. The YMCA will use the grants to help improve its existing After School Program with tutoring, homework help, and enrichment at each elementary school and the YMCA program site. In addition to the program improvements, the grant will help fund two new initiatives: Before School Programs at Sunnyside Elementary and the YMCA, and a two-week-long Jump Start Academy for summer school students at Ross, Northwest, Linn and Soule. “I feel that our programs can really help children in our community,” YMCA Family Director Cassie Roths said. “We believe it will help them reach their grade level expectations.” Jump Start Academy will take place from July 30 through Aug. 10 and will focus on academic activities to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. The grant will help fund supplies, tutoring, and mandatory staff trainings. It will also allow the YMCA to decrease the weekly cost of the After School Program, allowing more families to participate. “We are thankful to have such a great relationship with the school district,” Roths said. “We feel it was instrumental in our receiving this grant, and we are excited for the opportunity to better serve the children in our community.” For more information about the YMCA’s Child Care Program, visit ymcaswkansas.org, or contact Cassie Roths at (620) 225-8157 or croths@ymcaswkansas.org.
Company: ServiceMaster Rapid Response Job Title: Sales and Marketing Representative Application Deadline: August 30, 2018 How to Apply: Email a resume to info@svmrapidresponse. com Company: United Tel-Com/United Wireless Job Title: Technical Support Specialist How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit an application, cover letter, and a resume to: United Telephone Association, Inc. Elizabeth Neuschafer 1107 McArtor Rd. PO Box 117 Dodge City, KS 67801 Company: Luminous Neon, Inc. Job Title: Sign Service/Installation Technician How to Apply: Fill out an application at 2300 E. Wyatt Earp, email a resume to sirvin@luminousneon.com or visit their Job Ad on Indeed Company: Best Western North Edge Inn Job Title: Front Desk Agent - Full Time How to Apply: Apply in person by filling out an application at 407 E. Bend Street
Does your business have job openings you would like to feature in the next Business Advantage? Email the Company Name, Job Title, How to Apply and any other relative information to info@dodgechamber.com
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The Business Advantage
August 2018
SUNPORCH OF DODGE CITY ELDERS PRIME FOR SENIOR OLYMPICS Some of the elders at SunPorch of Dodge City are getting pumped up to be in shape for the upcoming Senior Olympics. The annual event is set for Friday, Sept. 21. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the games will begin at 1 p.m. at the 4-H Building in Cimarron. “SunPorch will compete with other long-term-care residents,” said Gina Salmans,” activities director. “The Olympic Committee is honored to have Sen. John Doll as emcee for the event. Sen. Doll is filling the shoes of Sen. Garrot Love who had been emcee in all the previous years.” Salmans is joining her SunPorch colleagues in building the excitement by encouraging elders, who are able to participate, to attend the weekly training sessions. “We started training a few weeks ago for this great event,” Salmans said. “The Senior Olympics began in 2004 and I have been involved since 2009. “We encourage our elders to participate and/or be spectators,” she added. “This fun gathering gives us the opportunity to make new friends, try new things and catch up with other members of our District.” SunPorch is a member of District 6 of the AD/SSD family. The acronyms stand for activities directors and social services designees. People with these titles keep elders engaged in many activities including music, arts and crafts, Bingo, puzzles, games and community outings. Any resident who resides in one of the communities in District 6 is eligible to participate.
Loreen Pruett demonstrates a nice touch with a basketball in preparation for the Senior Olympics. Pruett is an elder at SunPorch of Dodge City.
Senior Olympics games include a basketball toss, during which a participant is allowed three shots from a distance of three feet. Other events include Hula Hoop football toss; bowling; soccer kick; tennis target; corn-hole toss; a pie-building contest; Rockette kick; and spelling bee. There are two levels of participation to allow anyone the opportunity to play.
“The Senior Olympics is a labor of love for our staff and volunteers who help us orchestrate this annual event,” Salmans commented. “Our committee members recruit volunteers, order medals, compile the agenda, donate snacks and take care of the paperwork.” These are some of the reasons SunPorch and other long-term-care residences must raise money to support the event. Examples of costs include the medals and lunch for the volunteers. Last year, almost 100 people donated their time and talent to the Senior Olympics. “SunPorch generously donated $500 and we hope other individuals and businesses will contribute,” Salmans said. “Donors can be assured their contributions will help our elders smile, laugh, make new friends and maybe win a medal. When elders are engaged in activities they are happier and healthier. “So far, about $1,700 has been raised through generous donations. The goal is to raise enough funds to carry this event through the next three years.” Donations may be sent to: Amy Berry, District 6 AD/SSD, The Shepherd’s Center, 101 Cedar Ridge Drive, Cimarron, Ks. 67835. For more information, contact Salmans by calling 620-227-7512.
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
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August 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 5
CARNEGIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS TO HOST VINTAGE MASQUERADE
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The Business Advantage
August 2018
DC3 AND GUYMON PETRO PARTNERSHIP BRINGS A WEEKLY COACHES SHOW TO DODGE CITY By: Scott Edger, Dodge City Community College The Dodge City Community College Athletic Department is proud to announce a new partnership with Guymon Petro Bar & Grill to bring the new DC3 Coaches Show to the community. Beginning August 20, Conquistador sports fans are invited to gather at Guymon Petro every Monday evening at 6:30 to be part of the live taping for the show. The DC3 Coaches Show will feature Conquistador coaches and student athletes speaking directly to the community about their programs, discussing upcoming games, recruiting, and special events. Greater awareness and building relationships within the community are key factors that inspired the creation of the weekly show, according to DC3 athletic director Jacob Ripple. “We want people in the community to come to the show and get to know our coaches and athletes personally,” Ripple said. DC3 head football coach Gary Thomas will be on every week throughout the fall, and coaches from other DC3 programs will rotate in during their respective seasons. In addition to Conq athletics, DC3 academic departments will be featured monthly so the community can get a fuller glimpse of campus activity. “There are a lot of good things going on at the college and we want to promote all of them,” Ripple said. “This is a chance to get to know the faces and build real relationships for all of our programs.” Guymon Petro is graciously providing two $40 gift certificates each week, which will be given away to lucky fans who attend the taping. Happy hour and other generous dinner specials will also be offered during the show. “Being able to partner with Dodge City Community College is a great opportunity to further engage with our community,” said Beth Wilson, regional field support for Leisure Hotels and Resorts, which owns and operates Guymon Petro. “It’s going to be a great thing for the community. We have the perfect venue for the show and it’s going to be wonderful. All of the staff is really excited for it.” “We are very thankful to Guymon Petro for their support in this partnership,” Ripple said. “They’ve given us a great platform to work from.” Ryan Ausmus, a former standout Conquistador athlete and current dean of Workforce Development at DC3, will host the new show. Ausmus is eager to get started and thinks the show is a tremendous chance to build some personal engagement between DC3 athletes and community members. “My first passion was always sports and athletics, so this is an exciting avenue for our community to become more familiar with everything that’s happening within the athletic department at DC3,” Ausmus said. “We have many wonderful student athletes and coaches, and the show will be able to showcase the positive impact they have on our college and community. “As someone who truly loves Conq athletics and grew up in the community, I’m excited for the opportunity to personally engage and interact with our coaches and student athletes.” Each show will be aired on Cox Channel 8 as well as YouTube. KDCC AM 1550 will rebroadcast the DC3 Coaches Show every Thursday.
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Customer Service 1-888-890-5554
www.blackhillsenergy.com
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
We have a duly appointed Notary Public on staff. Stop by the Chamber Office at 101 E. Wyatt Earp to get your document notorized. This service is free to Chamber members.
August 2018
The Business Advantage
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WE HAD FUN CELEBRATING THE WILD SIDE OF THE STATE!
Your business can advertise here!
Your business can advertise here!
620-225-2888 www.parkerhaskins.com Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Central & Comanche Dodge City, Kansas
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The Business Advantage
August 2018
Look What The Ambassadors Have Been Up To! Interested in getting involved with the Ambassadors? Contact Marisa Vargas at 620-227-3119 or by email at mvargas@dodgechamber.com
On Saturday, July 14th the Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the ribbon cutting of Paisley and Pearls Western Chic Boutique.
PO Box 37 • 100 McArtor Rd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-2622 www.diamond-roofing.com
On Saturday, July 14th Tres Animales Promotions celebrated joining the Chamber and the opening of their rodeo and concert at Dodge City Round Up Arena.
Your business can advertise here!
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Page 9
The Business Advantage
High Quality Mobile Service was welcomed to the Dodge City Chamber business community on Tuesday, July 17th. They are located at 10850 US-50 in Dodge City.
August 2018
Dodge City RoundUp Rodeo hosted the July Chamber Coffee. RoundUp President, Dr. R.C. Trotter, welcomed all who were in attendance and gave attendees a behind the scenes look at the rodeo grounds before Dodge City Days.
Ford County celebrated the opening of the new landfill building with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 8th. The former landfill building was destroyed by the May 2016 tornado that impacted Dodge City and Ford County.
2018 Ambassadors
Jason Hennigh - Landmark National Bank Kennedy St. George - Victory Electric Karla Springer - Dodge City YMCA Cassie Roths - Dodge City YMCA Laura Tawater - Boot Hill Museum Erica Walsh - Hampton Inn & Suites Joe Nuci - Real Estate Professionals
Todd Schriner - United Wireless Jerri Imgarten - Victory Electric Maria Ferreiro - Sunflower Bank Jennifer Herrera - KWCH Aaron Kite - Rebein Brothers Aaron Atzbach - Western State Bank