Volume 31 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
November 2018
Issue 11
AMAZING DANUBE RIVER CRUISE For the past four years the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted an annual international trip as a way for community members to network with one another and check off locations on their bucket lists at the same time. This year, thirty four travelers embarked on the trip of a lifetime on a river cruise down the Danube River. Our travelers boarded the 5-star Amadeus Brilliant for a 7 night cruise visiting 4 European countries along the Danube. With ports of call including Passau, Germany; Melk, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Linz, Austria, our travelers had an international experience like none other! At the conclusion of the cruise many travelers opted to extend their trip and visit the capitol of the Czech Republic - Prague. As we look back on the 2018 chamber trip, memories of enjoying beers at Hofbrauhaus in Munich, dancing with Hungarian folklore dancers and crusing the infamous Blue Danube excite us about the 2019 Chamber trip. If you are interested in receiving more information about the 2019 trip, please contact Tara Burkhart at (620)227-3119.
THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR OCTOBER NEW MEMBER:
SWEET MEXICO Located in the basement of the Village Square Mall Travelers enjoyed views of the Parliament building in Budapest, Hungary during a night cruise down the Danube.
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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 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 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
November 2018
NEW YMCA FAMILY DIRECTOR The YMCA of Southwest Kansas recently named Kaely Fischer Family Director for the Dodge City branch. Fischer comes to the YMCA from the Salvation Army where she served as Capital Campaign Manager. She also interned with the Dodge City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and prior to that, spent five years working as a preschool teacher at a day care in Texas. According to Branch Executive Director Jackie Regan, Fischer’s background working in non-profit organizations and experience working with children were the key factors in the hiring decision. “I believe the Family and Child Care programs are two of the most important programs we offer.” Regan said. “We were extremely pleased with the quality of job candidates who applied for the position, but Kaely’s experience caused her to stand out amongst the others. We are confident she’ll do an excellent job leading these programs.” Fischer recently took over the duties of former Family Director Cassie Roths, as Roths left to take a family support position with St. Francis Community Services. Fischer was born in Dodge City and grew up in Bedford, Texas. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Development, and currently lives in Dodge City with her two dogs, a border collie/lab mix named Chevy, and a corgi mix named Thackery. “I love being a part of the YMCA,” Fischer said. “I enjoy interacting with all of the children in our programs, both on-site and at our school sites. I also love seeing how the Y brings people together; I see so many familiar faces from the community walk through our doors every day.” To contact Kaely Fischer, call (620) 225-8157 or email her at kfischer@ymcaswkansas.org.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
Boot Hill Casino, Hampton Inn, and United Wireless Arena Boot Hill Casino in the Longhorn Room 4000 West Comanche Avenue
Tuesday, Nov. 27th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
November 2018
The Business Advantage
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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS The Christian Book House at 702 N. Second Ave. has completed 60 years in business in Dodge City. They make inspirational books and gifts, Bibles, music and videos readily available. The staff is willing to find and order specific items for their customers. You are welcomed to come look for gift items for special occasions such as: Christmas, Baptism, Weddings, Anniversaries and Birthdays. We are pleased to be in business for so many years.
Christian Book House 702 North Second Ave Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 227-2772
VOGEL VOLUNTEERS AT CASA Melaney Vogel is a Physical Therapist who is recently completed pre-service training to become a CASA volunteer. She is also on the Board of Directors for Hospice of the Prairie. Most people don’t know that she participated in softball and basketball at the University of Kansas. Melaney is married to Jon and they have one son, Matthew. She hopes to make a difference in the life of a child as a CASA volunteer.
If you are interested in more information about CASA - Children Worth Saving, Inc or how to become a volunteer, contact Crissa Salmans at (620) 225-1278.
Company: CASA Children Worth Saving Inc. Job Title: Executive Director More Info: Visit www.dodgecityhasjobs.com How to Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to casadodge@sbcglobal.net Company: Dodge City Smiles Job Title: Dental Assistant How to Apply: Submit a resume in person at 2520 N. 14th Ave. Dodge City, KS 67801 Company: Western State Bank Job Title: Loan Assistant How to Apply: Please send a resume to P.O. Box 1317, Dodge City, KS 67801 or stop by at 2121 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, KS. Attn: Todd English; email tenglish@wsbks.com or contact Todd directly at 620-227-9824 Company: Kitchens Inc. Job Title: Shop Logistics Manager Duties: Responsible for coordinating the movement of goods in the company, making sure that the right number of goods ordered is moved to the right locations and to the right person at the scheduled time. How to Apply: Apply in person at Kitchens Inc, 2301 Frontview or send your resume to sbogner@kitchensincdc. com
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
November 2018
SMITH NAMED CEO OF WESTERN PLAINS MEDICAL COMPLEX Western Plains Medical Complex (WPMC) today announced that Scott Smith has been named as permanent chief executive officer (CEO). He has served as the hospital’s interim CEO since August 2018. “Scott is known for his passionate commitment to quality and safety and an extraordinary ability to cultivate productive and meaningful relationships with physicians and employees,” said Brad Owens, chief operations officer for LifePoint Health’s Western Group, of which WPMC is a part. “We are thrilled that he has accepted the position of permanent CEO and are confident that he will continue to successfully lead WPMC as the hospital advances its mission of Making Communities Healthier.” Smith is a veteran leader who has been part of the LifePoint Health family since 2006. He came to WPMC from Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platte, Louisiana and its Acadian Medical Center campus in Eunice, Louisiana, where he served as CEO and Louisiana market president for LifePoint. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Mississippi and Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City, Louisiana. Before joining LifePoint, he served as CEO of Central Mississippi Medical Center and River West Medical Center in Louisiana. “Scott’s strong leadership and valuable experience working in communities like Dodge City ushered in a smooth transition period for WPMC, and he has already made a significant and positive impact on the culture and care here,” said Rick Sowers, chairman of WPMC’s board of directors. “We’re delighted he has decided to call our community home, and we are thrilled to see what the future holds for WPMC under his guidance.” Smith holds a master’s degree in business administration and management from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. “I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the people of Dodge City and the WPMC family these past few months,” said Smith. “WPMC is a wonderful facility and a valuable asset to the health and well-being of southwest Kansas, and I look forward to what lies ahead as we continue creating a place where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians want to practice and employees want to work.”
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Find the Chamber on Facebook and Twitter.
November 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 5
UPDATES FROM THE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Pheasant Hunting Contest: Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau is kicked off the annual pheasant hunting contest November 10. 150 banded pheasants were released in Ford County near Dodge City. If you are lucky enough to bag one of the banded birds you have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes from the community sponsors. For more information contact the Dodge City Visitors Center 620-225-8186 or go to http://www.visitdodgecity.org/459/Pheasant-Hunting-Contest. For information about Dodge City and to find out events that are happening in the community Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to remind you to check out their website visitdodgecity.org.
Trotter Receives Kansas Finest Award By: The Dodge City Daily Globe
The Dodge City Roundup Rodeo continues to rack up awards. This time, during the Kansas Tourism Conference in October at Junction City, Wildlife Parks and Tourism named Dr. R.C. Trotter as this year’s recipient of the Kansas Finest Award for his dedication and passion for rodeos in Kansas. The award comes after the Roundup Rodeo was named the No. 1 rodeo in North America by USA Today. Upon hearing of receiving the award, Trotter said, “The first thing I thought of was my dad who taught me to be involved in the community.” “It honors my wife and family for all the time and effort we have put into the rodeo.” Despite Trotter receiving the award, he says the award is due to the community. “It is a great honor for Dodge City to be recognized for its contributions to tourism in Kansas and that Roundup Rodeo is a part of the greater tourism picture of Kansas,” Trotter said. “I am very proud to live in Dodge City and to be a Kansan. Kansas is a unique state and has great people.” According to Convention and Visitors Bureau director Jan Stevens, there are only four awards given each year, each for something special the award winners do for tourism and for giving back to their communities. “Wildlife Parks and Tourism has a nomination and selection process, and we were delighted to hear that he had been selected,” Stevens said.
Right Photo: Dr. R.C. Trotter is awarded the Kansas Finest Award by Wild Life Parks and Tourism for his dedication and passion for rodeos in Kansas.
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The Business Advantage
November 2018
BENISH WINS 2018 LIVING NOW BOOK AWARD We live in a hectic world that seems to get more complicated every day. If living well truly is the "best revenge," then the wisdom and advice contained in this year's Living Now Award-winning books can help us achieve "a life well-lived." Jenkins Group is proud to announce the winners of the 2018 Living Now Book Awards, designed to recognize the year’s best world-changing books. For the tenth year, “Books for Better Living” were chosen for their ability to enrich readers’ lives, provide spiritual inspiration, and promote global sustainability. “This year’s medalists cover a full spectrum of topics and styles,” says Awards Director Jim Barnes. “Books truly can change lives, and I believe there is a life-changing book here for everyone.” 109 gold, silver, and bronze medals have been awarded to books in 34 categories, ranging from cooking and coloring books to metaphysics and meditation. To see the full list of Living Now medalists, visit the results pages at www.livingnowawards.com. In the gold medal-winning book, How To Help Someone With Cancer, author Shannon Benish offers 70 tips to help cancer patients and their families through cancer treatment. A book like this is the first of it's kind: it is written from the perspective of a mother who has experienced pediatric cancer firsthand and what can be done to help the family as they progress through treatment. Benish comments "Small gestures can have an enormous impact, and I'm going to show you how...You can make what they are fighting just a little bit smaller. You are going to make a positive impact on someone's life."
About the Author:
Shannon Benish is a financial advisor, author and mother of a brave pediatric cancer survivor. She lives in Dodge City, Kansas with her husband John, children Erin & Evan and step-daughter Sydney. She enjoys attending her children's activities, doing home repair, reading, writing, movies, travel, and watching football. She has authored the books "How To Help Someone With Cancer" and "It's My Bedtime... But I'm Thirsty!" To learn more about any of the winning books and their authors, contact awards director Jim Barnes by email at jimb@bookpublishing. com.
About the Awards:
The Living Now Awards are presented by Jenkins Group of Traverse City, Michigan, a book packaging and marketing firm dedicated to promoting books, publishers, and authors. The awards were created to celebrate the innovation and creativity of newly published books that enhance the quality of our lives, from cooking and fitness to relationships and mature living. The awards are open to all books written in English and intended for the North American market.
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.
November 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 7
WPMC RECEIVES AN ‘A’ FOR PATIENT SAFETY Western Plains Medical Complex was awarded an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grade. The designation recognizes Western Plain’s efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States. The Leapfrog Group is a national organization committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms among patients in their care. “With your help, we have implemented these leading practices and made them our norm, which has significantly enhanced our ability to deliver quality care and ensure the safety of all who enter our facility,” said Scott Smith, CEO of Western Plains. “Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades recognize hospitals like Western Plains Medical Complex that focus on advancing patient safety. This ranking provides an important resource for patients, and a benchmark for hospitals, to determine how care at one hospital compares to others in a region,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Hospitals that earn an A Hospital Safety Grade deserve to be recognized for their efforts in preventing medical harm and errors.” Developed under the guidance of a National Expert Panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. Western Plains Medical Complex was one of 855 across the United States awarded an A in the Fall 2018 update of grades. To see Western Plains’s full grade details, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.
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
November 2018
On Wednesday, October 24, the Chamber Ambassadors welcomed Sweet Mexico to the Dodge City business community. Sweet Mexico is located in the basement of Village Square Mall.
On Thursday, October 25, the Soutwest Kansas Chambers (Dodge City, Garden City, Hugoton, Liberal, Scott City and Ulysess) hosted a gubernatorial debate in Garden City.
Boot Hill Resource Center celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday, October 26. Boot Hill Resource Center is located at 311 W. Spruce in downtown Dodge City.
On October 30, Many community members attended the October Chamber Coffee at Boot Hill Museum where Executive Director, Lara Brehm, informed attendees about the upcoming museum expansion.
PO Box 37 • 100 McArtor Rd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-2622 www.diamond-roofing.com
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
November 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 9
Dr. Harold Nolte along with many other members of the Dodge City Community College staff and faculty updated community members at the State of the College Address on Wednesday, October 31.
On Thursday, November 1, Community members celebrated the ground breaking ceremony for the Boot Hill Museum expansion project.
Angelica Villanuera, owner of RE/MAX Villa, celebrated the opening of her business on Monday, October 1. RE/MAX Villa is located at 707 3rd Ave. Suite C.
On Friday, October 5, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Great Clips. Great Clips is located at 1903 N. 14th Ave. #100.
Hertitage Financial Solutions, LLC. celebrated the opening of their new location on Thursday, November 15. Heritage Financial Solutions is located at 707 3rd. Avenue Suite B. Amber Wallis, Carolyn Banning and Kent Smoll are the partners/financial advisors at Heritage Financial Solutions.