Little Apple Business Review - April 2018

BUSINESS REVIEW LITTLE APPLE

April 2018, Volume 14, Issue 4, www.manhattan.org

SMALL

BUSINESS CONFERENCE

April 12, 2018 • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sponsored by:

Member: $55 Non-Member: $65 Register at events.manhattan.org

Small Business Conference speakers: Dr. Nels Lindberg, Laurie Pieper, Ph.D., Shanna Legleiter, Andrew Ellis and Seth Gordon 11:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

REGISTRATION OPENS KEYNOTE/GENERAL SESSION • Your Business Core Values; Do you have them?

Do you live them?, Dr. Nels Lindberg, DVM 1:00 p.m.

BREAK 1:15 p.m.

BREAKOUT 1 • Track 1: Workplace Bullying, Dr. Laurie Pieper • Track 2: Advocacy, how does the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce advocate for you 2:15 p.m.

BREAK 2:30 p.m.

BREAKOUT 2 • Track 1: Conflict Resolution, Shanna Legleiter • Track 2: Succession Planning, Andrew Ellis, Seth Gordon 3:30 p.m.

BREAK 3:40 p.m.

CONFERENCE WRAP-UP • Leading from the Trenches, Dr. Nels Lindberg, DVM 4:30 p.m.

ATTENDEE RECEPTION 5:00 p.m.

EVENT CONCLUDES Registration ends April 4 - space is limited.

Manhattan hosts KS YP Summit The annual Kansas YP Summit is a day-long, state-wide event designed for young professionals (YPs) who are interested in professional and community development. The Wamego, Junction City and Manhattan Young Professional organizations are co-hosting the 2018 & 2019 Summits with the 2018 being held at the Manhattan Conference Center.

Friday, May 4 • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The registration fee is $60 ($75 starting April 28) and includes breakfast, lunch, light snacks, and all summit sessions). A reduced ticket price of $35 is available for individuals who can only attend the keynote speaker lunch.

Visit ypkansas.com for more information about the Summit and to make your reservation.

Our sponsors include companies and organizations with an interest in retaining YPs in Kansas so our state can remain competitive in the global economy.

Thank you sponsors!

Sir Speedy Westar Energy kstate CREDIT UNION Dale Carnegie - KS Heartland INTRUST Bank McCownGordon Construction Bruce McMillan Architects WTC, Inc. Midwest Concrete Materials, Inc. Central National Bank KS Wheat Commission K-State Global Campus Strecker Nelson West Gallery Kaw Valley Engineering SMH Consultants The Trust Company Greater Manhattan Community Foundation ECI Systems Sink, Gordon & Associates LLP Meadowlark KSU Foundation BHS Construction

Page 2

thank you

for reinvesting

41 to 50 Years Richard B. Hayter McCall Pattern Co. 31 to 40 Years Flint Hills Area Builders Association Manhattan Medical Center Midwest Concrete Materials, Inc. 21 to 30 Years Bluestem Financial Management Central Mechanical Construction Co., Inc. Eye Care Associates of Manhattan, P.A. Feldkamp’s Furniture Mart Friends of Sunset Zoo Heartland Works/Manhattan Workforce Center Insights Eyecare, P.A. KSNT, KTMJ, KTKA, NE Kansas CW Lee Construction Co. Manhattan Area Technical College N Zone Sportswear Strecker Nelson West Gallery Wildcat Creek Fun & Fitness 15 to 20 Years Carpet Plus Gideon Excavating Inc. Greater Manhattan Community Foundation State Farm Insurance – Josh Salmans KBS Constructors, Inc. Maximum Performance Physical Therapy & Fitness 10 to 14 Years Alex’s Affordable Eyewear Assurance Partners The Carter Group Central National Bank Diamond Roofing Executive Residences, Inc. Manhattan Area Habitat for Humanity North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Seth Child Commons 5 to 9 Years Comfort Suites Genstler Eye Center Growing Concerns (Landscape Management) The IDEA Center Kelley Construction Co., Inc. LDB Landscape Architecture & Engineering, LLP Legacy Solutions Insurance The Robinson Firm LLC Weddle & Sons, Inc.

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

1 to 4 Years Alison Slifer Residential Design & Drafting Appletech Design & Construction, Inc. Arthritis Foundation Bluemont Hotel Dale Carnegie – Kansas Heartland Region Duell Construction Express Office Solutions Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills Iron Clad Coworking MHK Katie’s Way McElroy’s Inc. Rainbow Intl. of E. Central KS Brad Roberts Widgets Family Fun

WELCOME

new members

Dave Guelker 314-614-0080

Framework LLC Craig Lauppe, President 240 Levee Dr. Ste. 2 785-776-4984 Frameworkcompany.com Company offers residential construction, remodeling, painting and maintenance services to Greater Manhattan residents.

USI Insurance Services, LLC Lance Spence, President 245 N. Waco, Ste. 412 316-263-3211 Usi.com Insurance broker specializes in property, casualty, employee benefits, personal risk and 401K services. USI is the fifth largest insurance broker in the U.S., with roots in Kansas dating to 1902. Specialization in industrial, construction, real estate, agriculture, education, financial, energy, healthcare, social service, municipal, transportation and professional industries.

April 2018

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 3

Young Professionals Group Lunch noon

April 3

Ribbon Cutting at Body First, LLC 1:30 p.m.

3615 Claflin Road

April 4

Member Orientation 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

April 4

Military Relations Committee Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Hilton Garden Inn

April 5

Ribbon Cutting at Hayden & Kohlmeier Orthodontics 2:30 p.m.

518 Humboldt

April 11

Business After Hours 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Howie’s Activity Center at Manhattan Christian College

April 6

1st Friday New Member Spotlight 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

April 12

April 11

Members Only Legislative Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

Four Points by Sheratob

Small Business Conference 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Four Points by Sheraton

April 23

Young Professionals Manhattan Meat Market Event

Registration events.manhattan.org

Members Only Legislative Breakfast Wednesday, April 11 7:30 a.m.

Four Points by Sheraton $15 includes breakfast

In attendance will be Rep. Sydney Carlin, Rep. Tom Phillips, Rep. Susie Swanson, Rep. Ron Highland and Senator Tom Hawk.

Sponsored by:

April 26

Young Professionals Hooray Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Be part of

the community.

Be part of the Chamber.

Contact us:

501 Poyntz Avenue • Manhattan, KS 66502 785-776-8829 • chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777

Connect with us:

The mission of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is to foster a changing environment for business success that enhances the quality of life in our region. We market the region, advocate for business, and provide services to our members and customers.

Are you interested in being a member of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce? Give Sharla a call at 776-8829 for more information.

Manhaan PUBLISHED BY THE MANHATTAN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

April 2018

Mark your calendars for Wine in the Wild

While 60 days remain until the long-adored Wine in the Wild event June 2 at Sunset Zoo, ticket sales begin in just four weeks (April 30). General admission to the event begins at 7 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. start for the VIP reception with premium wines and gourmet food selections.

Both entry levels accommodate musical entertainment with ample wine and food stations.

Wine in the Wild is an anticipated event each spring, and a Friends of the Sunset Zoo fundraiser. Get information on ticket purchases and more at Sunsetzoo.com/Wine.

TOURISM TOPICS

CELEBRATE JOHNNY AS HE TURNS 52!

Come out to City Park and join in the May 10 birthday celebration for Johnny Kaw

Our Kansas-born-and-bred hero led quite the cavalier existence long before he was immortalized on the southeast corner of City Park. We really only got around to counting the blonde-haired giant’s birthdays once our towering 25-foot statue was constructed. For a long time though, this Kawesome fella bullied tornadoes and got the better of that oafish Minnesotan by the name of Paul Bunyan, ya know, back in the early days.

Anyway, Johnny’s “official” 52nd birthday party, the one that commemorates his mighty appearance on the corner of Poyntz and 11th Street, is fast approaching. We’ll mark the occasion with a May 10 city-wide party, along with a special observance to mark National Tourism Week.

Johnny’s a big deal in these parts, and for good reason. Johnny’s legendary. Johnny’s the man! The “Friends of Johnny Kaw” are eager to accept many more members for Johnny’s very own, exclusive fan club. Proceeds from the $5 club

membership go to improve the grounds around the statue and give soon-to-be 52-year-old Johnny a needed, midlife facelift. For $15, you’re a club member and receive your very own Johnny Kaw Bobblehead. Now there’s a tall tale worth bragging about! We’ll even have a fun run around City Park as part of the May 10 celebration!

Follow our Visit Manhattan KS social media pages and find more info at VisitManhattanKS.org. Johnny Kaw is a legend worth celebrating, and we’ll cut loose during May 10 events in City Park.

• We encourage guests to Visit Manhattan as well as explore nearby cities like Wamego, Council Grove and Junction City. When you take a walk down the Yellow Brick Road to the Oz Museum, keep an eye out for Totos Around Town, great fun with art projects in Wamego. Did you know 40,000 guests visit the Oz Museum annually? Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, but you’ve got to be Oz-struck by those figures!

• Near Junction City, Acorns Resort plays host April 27-28 to the Kansas Birding Festival during prime season for migrating birds. Later in the summer, Milford Lake hosts the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic tournament, Aug. 14-16.

• Seth Fest, April 20-21 at Council Grove, celebrates Seth Hays with music festival/art show. Also, 50th National Trails System anniversary features President Truman’s visit to Madonna of the Trail and Flint Hills Geocachers as high lights of this two-day celebration.

K-State campus celebration: Open House, April 7

A return from spring break creates quite the late-semester stir on the Kansas State University campus. The always popular K-State Open House rouses to action students, faculty, alumni and future K-Staters for April 7 activities at each of KSU’s eight colleges on the Manhattan campus.

Beach Museum’s exhibits display the “You Gotta Have Art” spirit of 20 years on campus, with special events to accompany an exhibit titled Water Stories by Lynn Benson, and Here and Now art faculty exhibition. Adventure Starts Here is the theme for 50th alluniversity open house.

• For Sophomores Only precedes Open House events by one day and gives high schoolers a chance to learn about college life.

The program is hosted by the K-State Alumni Association, with April 7 Virtual College to simulate a college student’s year in school.

• College of Apparel, Textile and Design hosts its annual Showcase of Excellence Runway Show on April 12 at McCain Auditorium. Find details on the event at he.k-state.edu/atid/events/symposium/showcase.html

LARP-ing ’til your heart’s content at Renaissance Festival in City Park

Feast like a king while you attend Little Apple Renaissance Festival, April 14-15 at City Park. Think that’s cool, here’s the really cool part: LARP ’til you can LARP no more. Break out your favorite video game character portrayal from the medieval period, and the kingdom is yours!

For the uninitiated, LARP is Live Action Role Playing, and you’ll want to come prepared for your chance to LARP at LARF. K-State On The Spot Improv Group stages performances along with MHS Thespian Troupe, because what’s a renaissance fair without theater-esque acting? Bow Blast archery-dodgeball fusion game makes jousting seem like child’s play ($5) among many activities. Join the festival fun in City Park.

Butterfly Release Party celebrates Rainforest Adventure’s at Flint Hills Discovery Center

Rainforest Adventure exhibit at Flint Hills Discovery Center celebrates its final day later this month with Butterfly Release Party on April 29. Insect activities proceed from noon to 5 p.m., with 2 p.m. release of butterflies into the wild. The release party is sure to be fun for all ages.

Photo credit: Flint Hills Discovery Center

Hold on though, have you taken your own Rainforest Adventure? You’ve still got four weeks to witness your kids’ great intellectual and physical stimulation from the interactive maze challenge.

Rainforest Adventure is another great educational setting for children to learn about the Earth’s environment and specifically the rainforest ecosystem. The exhibit continues until April 29.

In May, head to Manhattan for the sixth annual Flint Hills Festival, hosted by Flint Hills Discovery Center. Live music and activities fill Blue Earth Plaza beginning at 10 a.m. May 19, with food trucks assembled around the park and playful interests for the kids.

Regular admission rates apply for all events.

Angie Babbit from Monarch Watch program highlights the next Behind the Exhibit lecture program, 6:30 p.m. April 19. Take flight with Babbit, who presents migration tips and visitors learn about monarch habitats. The first 30 guests receive a free milkweed plant to take home.

This program is free and no registration is required.

Sedaris sardonic wit, Kenny G breezy tunes and Cinderella slippers highlight McCain in April

McCain Performance Series season has reached the home stretch with upcoming shows that feature satire and contemporary jazz during one late-month, four-day period. Humorist David Sedaris is poised for an April 26 appearance, coupled with Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G on April 29. Prepare to be wowed by the April 9 percussion display of TAO: Drum Heart, an internationally acclaimed group the Chicago Tribune touts as “extraordinarily talented percussion artists.”

On April 20, re-engage with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and beloved songs from this Tony-winning Broadway musical. May 9, the melodic country meanderings of Home Free serves up a Music City morsel to Manhattan. Just six McCain Performance Series shows remain before Dixie’s Tupperware Party with May 13 matinee and evening shows to conclude the 2017-18 entertainment season.

Grab tickets while you can for comedy, music and performance excellence at McCain Auditorium. Manhattan enjoys a nine-month entertainment supply thanks to the annual McCain Performance Series.

Break out the grills for April 21 spring game

There’s nothing like a quarterback battle to stew the interests of college football fans, and that’s precisely what the Kansas State Wildcats and Coach Bill Snyder have on their hands as spring practices culminate on April 21. When the spring game ends, fans will go 18 Saturdays between kickoffs to reach the Sept. 1 seasonopener against the South Dakota Coyotes.

All the more reason to break out your grilling equipment and make a dry run for the September schedule and four opening-month home games to include the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns. The Wildcats come off an 8-5 season with the talented QB duo of Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson each directing the offenses for a highly-anticipated spring game.

Plus, K-State football in April provides just another excuse to grab unbelievable cuisine offered with Manhattan dining. Book your hotel stay for April 20, and get a head start on the 2018 football season. Manhappiness is always in season!

• K-State baseball has reached a key juncture as the BatCats play host to two Big 12 series with Oklahoma State (April 6-8) and Baylor (April 27-29). Mid-week opponent Nebraska (April 10) always stirs passions among Wildcat faithful from the old Big Eight and Big 12 encounters. Just one home conference series (KU) remains once May rolls around, plus the Wichita State Shockers (May 2). Head out to Tointon to catch some rays along with some great college baseball action.

Tiptoe through the tulips in Wamego

Witness color that pops to its boldest vitality when Wamego celebrates Tulip Festival with the annual arts and craft fair in the city’s park area during April 21-22. The work of skilled Kansas artisans is out for viewing with 150 vendors in the park to show off dazzling art displays. Tulips are in fine spring bloom for the first full month of spring when you visit northeast Kansas and enjoy the dizzying array of spring environs around the Flint Hills. visitwamego.com

Cultural events

Flint Hills Discovery Center • Rainforest Adventure through April 29; explore of one Earth’s most mysterious habitats.

• Behind the Exhibit Lecture: The Monarch Watch Program, learn monarch migration and habitat, 6:30 p.m. April 19.

• Note: Greater Prairie Chicken booming tours (April 7 & April 14) have sold out. Check back early next year for March/April 2019 booming tours.

FlintHillsDiscovery.org Art Galleries • Taking Flight exhibit celebrates wetlands, waterways and their inhabitants through April 21, Strecker Nelson West Gallery. snwgallery.com.

• Water Stories by Lynn Benson through May 26; Here and Now KSU Art Faculty Exhibit through May 12. Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. Beach.K-State.edu.

McCain Performance Series • Tao Drum Heart, April 9; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, April 20; An Evening with David Sedaris, April 26; Kenny G, April 29; Home Free, May 8. All shows 7:30 p.m. on K-State campus. k-state.edu/mccain.

Museum Exhibits • Chisholm Trail 150th: The Cowtown that Raised a President, through May; rare artifacts and historic photographs of life along Chisholm Trail.

Eisenhower.archives.com Music • Nick Jonas concert, 8 p.m. April 12, Bramlage Coliseum. Grammynominated recording artist. Purchase Kenny G - April 29 tickets at Bramlage Coliseum box office (800-221-2287). kstateupc.com • Gurf Morlix with Til Willis, 9 p.m. April 3; Alex Wakim Jazz Trio, 7 p.m.

April 6; The Guilty Birds, 9 p.m. April 12; Auntie Mae’s Parlor.

Auntiemaes.com • Casey Donahew Band, 8:30 p.m. April 26-27, The ManHATtan. thehatksu.com Theater • Spring Dance ’18, 7:30 p.m. April 6-7, McCain Auditorium.

K-state.edu/theatre/events

Photo credit: Wamego CVB

Special Events • Kansas State University Open House, 9 a.m. April 7, K-State campus.

K-State.edu/openhouse • Party for the Planet Earth Day observances, noon April 21, Sunset Zoo. Sunsetzoo.com • Week of the Young Child Open House, 1:30 p.m. April 21, Beach Museum of Art. Beach.k-state.edu.

4-6 International Code Council Spring Meeting Manhattan Conference Center

5

5

Artist Talk by Gasali Adeyemo Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art 10AM 785-532-7718

Artist Talk by Lynn Benson Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art 5:30PM 785-532-7718

5-7 Society of Composers Region VI Conference Holiday Inn at the Campus

6-7 Spring Dance '18 McCain Auditorium 7:30PM 785-532-6428

6-8 Manhattan Invitational Soccer Tournament Frank Anneburg Park 5PM

6-8 K-State Baseball: Oklahoma State Tointon Family Stadium 6:30PM 800-221-2287

7

K-State Open House Kansas State University 9AM-3PM 785-532-6011

8-13 Schools of Banking Fundamentals

9

McCain Performance Series: Tao Drum Heart McCain Auditorium 7:30PM 785-532-6428

10 K-State Baseball: Nebraska Tointon Family Stadium 6:30PM 800-221-2287

April 2018

10 Tuba/Euphonium Ensembele All Faiths Chapel 7:30PM 785-532-6428 11 ARTSmart Programs: Collage Mix Up Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art 10:30AM 785-532-7718 11 Percussion Ensemble Performance All Faiths Chapel 7:30PM 785-532-6428 12-13 Kansas Respiratory Care Society State Education Meeting Manhattan Conference Center 12-15 Inn-Dependent Book, Music, and Lyrics by Blake Cordell Purple Masque Theatre 7:30PM 785-236-8638 14-18 Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Four Points by Sheraton

16-18 National Association of Attorneys General Manhattan Conference Center

17 Bandits & Headlight Rivals Auntie Maes 9PM 785-539-8508

19 She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen Nichols Hall 7:30PM 785-236-8638

19 Wines of South Africa Harry's Restaurant 7PM

Upcoming Conferences, Sports and Special Events in The Little Apple ÂŽ

19 2nd Annual Bill Snyder Family Golf Classic Colbert Hills 9:30AM

19 Week of the Young Child Celebration Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art 10AM 785-532-7718

20 McCain Performance Series: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella McCain Auditorium 7:30PM 785-532-6428

20-22 Kansas Alliance of Weavers and Spinners Four Points by Sheraton

26 McCain Performance Series: An Evening with David Sedaris McCain Auditorium 7:30PM 785-532-6428 27 Zoofari Tails Storytime Manhattan Public Library 10AM 785-776-4741 27-29 K-State Baseball: Baylor Tointon Family Stadium 6:30PM 800-221-2287 28 Walk to Cure Arthritis Sunset Zoo 9AM 29 McCain Performance Series: Kenny G McCain Auditorium 7:30PM 785-532-6428

April Anticipated Attendance Numbers Conferences/Meetings/Reunions 04-06 International Code Council, Heart of America Chapter 2018 Spring Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 05-07 Society of Composers 2018 SCI Region VI Conference .50 06-07 Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists 2018 Annual Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 06-08 Kansas Meat Processors Association Annual Convention10 08-13 School of Banking Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 12-13 Kansas Respiratory Care Society State Education Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 13-14 Flint Hills Regional Council Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 14-18 Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150 16-18 National Association of Attorneys General Presidential Initiative Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 20-22 Kansas Alliance of Weavers and Spinners Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 24 Network Kansas 2018 Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Sporting Events 06-08 CATTS Gymnastics & Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 06-08 Manhattan Invitational Soccer Tournament . . . . . . . . . .200 13-15 Ed Chartrand Memorial Tournament Soccer Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 21-22 Flint Hills 50 and Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 30-05/01 Kansas Golf Association Mid-Amateur Team & Senior Team Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Manhattan CVB Steering Committee

Neal Farmer, Co-Chair Ben Sigle, Co-Chair Matt Crocker, Business Brad Everett, Hotel Scott Garrett, Sports Bernie Haney, Attraction Dennis Hulsing, Hotel Todd Holmberg, Entertainment Colin Noble, Hotel Kevin Pierce, Retail Kevin Roberts, KSU

Ex-Officio Members: Lyle Butler, Chamber President Eddie Eastes, City of Manhattan Karen Hibbard, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Mike Dodson, Mayor Pro Tem

Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff Karen Hibbard, Director karen@manhattan.org

Visit Manhattan 501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 776-8829

Wayne Rouse, Entertainment Danielle Tegtmeier, Attraction

Marcia Rozell, Sports/Leisure Sales Manager marcia@manhattan.org

Tony Ballard, Convention Sales Manager tony@manhattan.org

Sydni Baker,Administrative Assistant/Service Coordinator sydni@manhattan.org

Page 7

Heroes MAKE America aims to avert manufacturing crisis

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

Bluemont Hotel and UFM hosted March Business After Hours and welcomed nearly 200 members. Attendees enjoyed socializing and were treated to a delicious variety of food and beverage while learning about the offerings of both the Bluemont Hotel and UFM.

Thank you to the following Chamber Champions members who

volunteered to help with registration: Trish Beggs and Melissa Brinkman, Rockhill Real Estate Group, and Malissa Bourbina, Manhattan Area Technical College.

April 2018

The U.S. Army Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program at Fort Riley will promote the Heroes MAKE America manufacturing development course for transitioning service members. This accelerated 10-week career skills course specifically targets transitioning service members, The USO Pathfinder Program, another Transition Assistance Program at Fort Riley, is also an advocate of the program.

Heroes MAKE America was created by the Manufacturing Institute to build a pipeline from military to manufacturing careers for transitioning service members, “The course is easily integrated into the transition timeline,” said Amy Thomas, senior director, programs and development for Heroes MAKE America. “This almost guarantees a job when they exit the military.”

Local business proponents include Florence Corp., Manko Windows and Parker Hannifin as manufacturing partners in the program. Thomas states more partners are added regularly as manufacturers – as many as 80 percent – report difficulty filling skilled production jobs.

This shortfall as thousands of capable service men and women leave military positions possessing demanding technical training and knowledge in automation and logistics. Research shows 2 million open manufacturing positions in the next decade, as Heroes MAKE America attempts to alleviate that potential workforce crisis. The program goal aspires to reach 80 percent placement.

“We’re off to a great start,” Thomas said. “We hope this will make soldiers a double and triple threat.”

Additional program partners include Kansas State University, Kansas Works, Washburn Institute of Technology and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. A toolkit and more resources on the program are found at themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Outgoing Division CSM Curt Cornelison, MG Joseph Martin, 1ID Commanding General, and incoming Division CSM Craig Bishop at the March 21 Change of Responsibility Ceremony. Photo courtesy of Fort Riley Public Affairs Office.

The inaugural class and instructors of the Defense Communities Leadership Academy put on by the Association of Defense Communities and Blue Star Families; sponsored by USAA, DCUC, & Booz Allen Hamilton.

What an honor and privilege for our Military Community Liaison, Janet Nichols, to be a part of this inaugural class. The program is designed to develop leaders and build capacity at the local level to support service members and their families.

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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review

ground breaking

1 Million Cups growing MHK presence for business startups

Six months into 1 Million Cups Manhattan, and the morning gathering of business persons is percolating like a hot-poured cup ’o Joe. The sixth meeting of entrepreneur-driven Manhattan-ites gathers at 8 a.m. April 4 at Wareham Opera House on Poyntz Avenue. Manhattan was among the first 120 communities that have driven 1 Million Cups into 40 states and six time zones. The initiative is styled to assist startups and their primaries with multiple layers of business support. Presenters deliver a six-minute introduction to their operations, followed by encouragement and a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Last month, attendance at the Wareham reached nearly 100. The community group meets on the first Wednesday of each month (upcoming: April 4, May 6, June 6), as two early-stage startups address the audience of peers. This month, Blue Vista events venue/lodging at Tuttle Creek Lake is one of the presenters. The other, Little Apple Doulas, which provides compassionate support for expectant and new mothers and families.

This statement, from the group’s @IMCMHK Facebook group: “The culture surrounding 1 Million Cups is that of a supportive, inclusive, neutral space welcoming entrepreneurs to be open and honest about their businesses and the challenges they face.”

Each meeting begins and ends with networking, and adjourns by 9 a.m. for attendees to continue their work day. Find more information on the organization’s website at 1millioncups.com/manhattan.

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce extends our heartfelt thanks to volunteers who contributed their time and talent to our organization.

National Volunteer Week April 8-14, 2018

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage their communities. It’s about demonstrating to our community that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

April 2018

Wainwright Eye Care Dr. Kyle Wainwright, Owner 2012 Vanesta Place (785) 539-8019 wainwrighteyecare.com

Youth Challenge builds entrepreneurial spirit among students

The Riley County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge crowned a repeat champion on March 13, with Bridget Stanton’s Bridge Digital Marketing social media and graphic design concept rising to the top in the eyes of judges. Stanton is a homeschooled student who has advanced Winner Bridget Stanton her business and maintains live clients to “bridge the gap to customers” with her marketing efforts.

Stanton, and 30 more county winners plus 15 wildcard summaries/presentations are eligible for the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 24. The YEC series provides Kansas students hands-on experience to develop concepts on an entrepreneurial level.

Students present an executive summary and 4-minute demo in front of a panel of judges. Derek Richards with Alliance Realty and Jeff Koenig of Open For Business consulting acted as advisers to the group, and answered questions following the March 13 competition at Pottorf Hall.