Volume 32 MISSION STATEMENT
May 2019
Issue 5
CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
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
The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed dodgechamber.com website. “We began working on the updates and design concepts six months ago, with the ultimate goal being to create a clean, professional, and easy to navigate website,” said Tara Burkhart, President/CEO of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce. “The site has a more streamlined look and provides a more inviting online experience for potential new members and current members. Potential new members can easily find the Chamber’s mission, benefits of membership, and how to join the Chamber; while current members can seamlessly navigate and login to their membership account and access the Chamber’s event calendar.” The new design is also mobile responsive which allows users to access the site from a phone or tablet and have an improved user experience.
THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR APRIL NEW MEMBERS: Robert J. Dole Veterans Affairs Medical Center The Kansas Hemporium Santa Fe Townhomes
“We know that most people are constantly on the go and accessing websites from their phones,” Burkhart said. “It was impartive that the Chamber’s website was mobile friendly.” The Chamber invites you to visit dodgechamber.com and contact Tara Burkhart at 620-227-3119 for more information about the site and its capabilities.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board Landmark National Bank Raul De La Toree, Vice-Chairman ServiceMaster Rapid Response
DIRECTORS
Michael Burns, Landmark National Bank Dr. R.C. Trotter Family Practice Associates of Western KS Alicia Edwards, DC Women’s Chamber Shane Laws, Victory Electric Lauren Morse, Fischer Chiropractic David Rebein, Rebein Brothers Law 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
The Business Advantage
May 2019
BROCE MANUFACTURING PROMOTES KEVIN RITCHHART Kevin Ritchhart has been promoted to Vice President of Operations for Broce Manufacturing. For nearly 30 years he served as our Purchasing Manager. Congratulations Kevin! Kevin was born and raised in Southwest Kansas until high school, where he went to Andrews High School in Andrews, Texas. He attended college at Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas. Kevin began working at Broce Manufacturing in February 1990 in the decal department, moving from decal department to welding and then hydraulics. In 1998, Kevin became the Purchasing Manager and held this position until March 2019 when he was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Broce Manufacturing. Kevin moved to Dodge City in 1985. He has been married to Tandy (Drach) Ritchhart for the last 32 years and they have 1 daughter, Krista who will be a Senior at Dodge City High School.
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
John Bogner, Western Beverage Fred Dierksen, Superintendent USD 443 J.D. Gilbert, Ford County Joann Knight, DC/FC Dev Corp Director 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
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
SunPorch of Dodge City 501 W. Beeson Road
Tuesday, May 28th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
May 2019
The Business Advantage
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ROCKING M MEDIA WELCOMES NEW VOICES TO THE AIRWAVES! Two new voices have arrived on the airwaves in South West Kansas. Big Hank and Louie the Wizard have joined the on air staff at Rocking M Media in Dodge City/ Garden City. Both come with a wealth of radio and broadcasting experience and Rocking M is excited to have them as part of our team. Josh Roesener, station Manager for Rocking M in Dodge City said, "Hank and Louie are exciting additions to our team in SWKS. Our growing team will allow us to further help entertain listeners, AND help local business grow through more marketing opportunities on our 4 stations here in Dodge City and Garden City." Big Hank can be heard weekly on the popular Retro Country Show Wednesdays from 11-1 and Sunday's from 4-6 on 96.3 the Marshal. Louie takes care of the commercial production for the business that run on the stations, but is also heard dropping in on the live shows during the week. Rocking M has 7 signals in SWKS. Buzz 93.9, Superhits 95.5 fm and 1470 am, 96.3 The Marshal, La Mexicana 101.5 and 92.9. Rocking M Media is a family owned Kansas company that owns/operates a network of 24 radio stations in Western and Central Kansas.
Company: First Dental Job Title: Experienced Dental Assistant How to Apply: Send your resume to FirstDentalResume@gmail.com Company: Arrowhead West, Inc Job Title: Dodge City - Bilingual Early Childhood Paraprofessional How to Apply: In person, 1100 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. Dodge City, KS Company: Central Station Bar & Grill Job Title: Hostess/Shift Leader How to Apply: Please pick up an application during regualr business hours at 207 East Wyatt Earp Blvd. No phone calls please. Company: Best Western North Edge Inn Job Title: Front Desk Agent Job Summary: Represents the hotel to the guest throughout all stages of the guest’s stay by working with all hotel personnel to ensure every guest experiences superior customer care. How to Apply: Apply in person at 404 W. Frontview St., Dodge City, KS.
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
May 2019
FORD COUNTY RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM HOLDS VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT The Ford County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program held its Volunteer Appreciation Event April 2, with more than 100 volunteers and workers attending the luncheon in the Student Union Ballroom at Dodge City Community College. The program’s goal is to help link adults aged 55 and older who wish to give their time and service to organizations and institutions that depend on civic engagement to meet the needs of our community,” said interim director Lise O’Neal. “There are a lot of agencies that could not do what they do in the community without these volunteers,” O’Neal said. These volunteers can serve in schools, hospitals, police stations, Meals on Wheels, nutrition sites, environmental and public safety programs, install smoke alarms, help with at-risk children and frail adults, museums, crisis centers and food banks, to name only a few. Funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and hosted by Dodge City Community College, RSVP supports people and organizations by using volunteer service as a strategy to not only meet critical community needs, but also to strengthen the ties that bind us together. “For many people, volunteering helps maintain a sense of purpose,” O’Neal said. “It’s wonderful to stay involved and contribute to others in a meaningful way.” Floris Jean Hampton is a DC3 trustee and serves on the RSVP Advisory Board. She’s also a nonagenarian who’s more active than people half her age. She agrees that staying active is essential to a vibrant, rewarding life. “RSVP is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the community,” she said. “We are fortunate that the college is host to this great organization. It does so much for the Dodge City and keeps people productive and engaged.” For more information on volunteering contact O’Neal at 620-227-7077 or fordcountyrsvp@dc3.edu.
SHELTER AND MARICHE ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT The Shelter Insurance® Foundation awarded a $2000 scholarship to Avery Christine Donaldson, a graduate of Dodge City High School. Shelter Agent Micheal Mariche sponsors and partially funds this scholarship. Beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation Avery can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipient. The committee considered each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character, and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants. The scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Avery received a certificate from Micheal on behalf of the Shelter Insurance® Foundation. The Shelter Insurance® Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies – offering auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services to customers in 20 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.
May 2019
The Business Advantage
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VOTING POLL WORKERS INFORMATIONAL SESSION The Ford County Election Office and the Dodge City Public Library are hosting a come and go informational session on Friday, May 24th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dodge City Public Library. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get information and ask questions about how to become a poll worker. Bi-lingual poll workers are in high demand so you would be providing a great service for our community. For more information please contact Lisa Rueb, Deputy Election Officer at (620) 227-4551 or Vicky Ortiz, Bilingual Services Specialist at (620) 225-0248 Ext. #222. Voting is the most fundamental right there is in democracy. You can be a part of that happening.
Dodge City Public Library 1001 N. 2nd Ave. Dodge City, KS (620) 225-0248 www.dcpl.info
WOMEN’S CHAMBER CELEBRATES MAY DAY Dodge City Area Women's Chamber held it's 1st May Day Benefit Breakfast at Casey's Cowtown on Wednesday, May 1st, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There were May Day baskets on the tables, a May Day Pole, raffle items and door prizes. The first 48 women received a carnation courtesy of Humble Flowers and the men received a wooden token from Wendy's good for a small frosty. The Dodge City Area Women’s Chamber would like to thank all of the sponsors and businesses who helped make this a tremendous success. The money raised will be used for scholarships and equipment up-grades. The May Day baskets and the May Day Pole were given to area elder care facilities to brighten their dining areas. If you didn't attend you missed a great breakfast and fellowship with friends.
Left Photo: May Day Benefit Breakfast attendees enjoy a wonderful meal a Casey’s Cowtown. Right Photo: A beautiful May Day Pole, May Day baskets, and door prizes were on display at the May Day Benefit Breakfast on Wednesday, May 1st.
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The Business Advantage
May 2019
DODGE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND CHAD HOST OPEN HOUSE The open house held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in east Dodge marked the third year that the Community Housing Association of Dodge City and Dodge City Community College have partnered to build a new, moderately priced home. CHAD was actually able to build two units this year, thanks to a resourceful design from Dana Williamson of McMillan Architects in Dodge City. Williamson designed a three-bed, two-bath duplex with attached garage at 510 E. Brier makes the most of the property – a narrow corner lot that fronts a large drainage canal. So what was a virtually un-improvable site now hosts units for two hard-working, moderate-income families. The CHAD program creates desperately needed affordable housing in Dodge City, and the program’s dollars go further by partnering with the DC3 Building Construction Technology program. Funds for the project come in part from a Moderate Income Housing grant from the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation. The KHRC has also agreed to fund at least two rehab projects on Avenue A and Avenue E. The property at 806 Westlawn has been purchased for next year’s new construction. CHAD provides the materials and the DC3 Building Construction students provide the labor. DC3 students get the opportunity to build a house from start to finish – learning their trade on a real home that a real family will buy and raise kids in. Local contractors are always a big help as well, contributing instruction and dispensing their years of experience. Many of the DC3 students are already employed part-time with local contractors Constructing a house from the ground up with a group of enthusiastic students over the course of two semesters can be a bit like herding cats, but Pat Shiew, DC3 professor of Construction Technology said. “This was a great group of students,” Shiew said. “It’s quite a challenge to complete a build like this on time, but I was proud of their teamwork and persistence throughout paid off.” The program allows CHAD to help build a workforce while building the community. With a huge contractor shortage in the area, Shiew sees many benefits to the partnership. “It’s really a privilege for Dodge City Community College to partner with CHAD on such an admirable project. The CHAD program is great for the city and great for the college. It’s a real win-win for the community.” CHAD Housing Coordinator Mollea Wainscott said that the buyers of the program’s first house may be in the market for a larger home and are definitely interested in this year’s CHAD house. Wainscott said the owners reported that they haven’t had to spend any money on their house for repairs or anything “other than what they wanted to spend it on, like landscaping and aesthetic improvements. “That’s a testament to the quality work and materials that went into building their house,” Wainscott said. The DC3 students are still finishing up a few details, but the homes will be on the market soon – expected to be listed at $100k each for the 1,280-square-foot homes.
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.
May 2019
The Business Advantage
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UPDATES FROM THE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU National Tourism Week/National Train Day The National Travel & Tourism Week celebration was May 5 - 11. Proclamation presentations were made at the County and City Commission meetings on Monday, May 6th with the help of Andrew Roesener, the new Boot Hill Museum ambassador, and other tourism coalition supporters. The CVB hosted a Chamber Coffee on May 7th at the Visitor Information Center, with four complimentary trolley tours. Arrowhead West clients received three special tours in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week. National Train Day was celebrated on May 11th at the Santa Fe Depot Complex with tours of the building provided by the Depot Theater Guild. Complimentary Historic Trolley Tours were also given that day from the Visitor Information Center. The Dodge City Trivia Contest ended on Saturday at the National Train Day celebration, and the winner of the trivia contest was announced at 2:30 p.m. Elaine Gall, from the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, was a great help with the trivia contest along with our sponsors, Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, Boot Hill Museum, Boot Hill Casino and Resort, Cummings Carousel, Central Station Bar and Grill, and Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce. NAIA Dodge City hosted the 7th Annual NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Rounds at Legends Park from May 13-15. Kansas Shrine Bowl Dodge City is set to host the 2019 Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Football Game on June 8, 2019. The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year by the Kansas Shrine Bowl Committee. The Kansas Shrine Bowl also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp as well as the Kansas Shrine Bowl Cheer Camp. Activities begin Friday, June 7; the Kansas Shrine Bowl Golf Tournament (Mariah Hills Golf Course) and the 2019 Player Appreciation Banquet (United Wireless Arena). Saturday, June 8th; the Strong Legs Run 5K / Walk For Love (Dodge City High School), the Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade (2nd Ave from Memorial Stadium to downtown Dodge City), High School Football Combine (Dodge City High School), Jr. All-Star Challenge (ages 5-14, Dodge City High School), and finally the 46th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played at Memorial Stadium (gates open at 5:00 PM, pre-game at 6:00 PM, and kick-off at 7:00 PM). For more information, to tickets, or to register for any of the above events, please visit http://visitdodgecity.org/455/Kansas-Shrine-Bowl-June.
SUNFLOWER BANK DONATES TO LOCAL STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS This year Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 are giving $83,046 in donations from the ABC Program to support education in their local communities, which includes $8,949 to schools and students in Dodge City. In recognition of the tremendous participation in Dodge City, Dodge City Public Schools won the ABC Program Team Spirit competition earning an additional $500 to be used toward a celebration for raising the most money in the state of Kansas. Since its start in 2001, the ABC Program has given away $1,321,000 in support of education in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. “We’d like to thank Sunflower Bank and First National 1870’s customers and communities for helping make this year’s ABC Program a success,” said Mollie Carter, Chairman of Sunflower Bank. “The ABC Program is an important way that we partner with local educational and financial literacy initiatives everywhere we serve. Providing much needed support to local schools and encouraging academic achievement in our youth is how we help make possibilities a reality for our communities.” From January 1 through March 31, 2019, the bank made a donation to schools based on every Spend & Sign & Save checking and savings account package opened and registered to a participating school, and through “Cash for Swipes” when school-registered debit cards were used for signature transactions. In addition, Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 branches invited all students to bring their report cards to their local branch for a chance to earn up to $100 for their “A”s. Five “Pay for ‘A’s” report card winners were chosen per branch, and registered schools received a matching donation if one of their student’s report cards were chosen. Plans are underway to bring the ABC Program back to Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 for a 19th year. Visit a local branch, SunflowerBank.com or FirstNational1870.com to learn more about the bank’s support for its communities.
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
May 2019
LOOK WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO Coffees, Ribbon Cuttings, Legislative Events and Networking
On Wednesday, April 17, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Security 1st Title Agency with a ribbon cutting. Security 1st Title Agency specializes in title insurance, closings, 1031 Exchanges, and Contract Servicing. Be sure to stop by and see them at 2011 N. Central Street in Dodge City.
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
May 2019
The Business Advantage
Page 9
City Commissioner, Jan Scoggins, greets Senator Pat Roberts at the senator’s legislative update in Dodge City on Friday, April 26th. Senator Roberts presented an update from Washington and answered constituents questions. After the legislative update, Senator Roberts attended a tree planting ceremony in honor of the late Ken Strobel.
Ford County Communications celebrated the opening of their new communications center with a ribbon cutting and open house on Friday, May 3rd. Communications Director, Elliot Linke, cut the ceremonial ribbon with members of the communication staff.