September 2012, Volume 8, Issue 9, www.manhattan.org
A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Things you may not know about the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce From our interactions with businesses throughout the region, we’ve found there are still some questions and misperceptions about the Chamber’s offerings. Here’s a list of little known Chamber Facts. • The Manhattan Area Chamber is small-business focused – 70 percent of our members have 10 employees or less. • The Manhattan Area Chamber thinks big. We are linked to the community’s largest employers, with 90% of the 48 largest employers within our membership.
• The Manhattan Area Chamber has a long-term investment in our members’ success.The average length of membership is fourteen years – and growing. • The Manhattan Area Chamber extends its services and resources to businesses beyond downtown Manhattan. Chamber members are based throughout Riley County and beyond. In fact, anyone doing business in the Manhattan region can be served by the Manhattan Area Chamber. • The Manhattan Area Chamber facilitates oneon-one connections.
Need to reach a new customer, vendor or partner, or find information to help your business grow? Just call us. We still host some of the area’s biggest and best networking events, but you don’t’ have to attend events to take advantage of our business network. • The Manhattan Area Chamber is the region’s largest business organization. With 793 member businesses, we represent 16,782 employees. • The Manhattan Area Chamber is the voice of business in the Manhattan region. Our public affairs
team works with city, county, state and federal policymakers on behalf of business and helps businesses navigate governmental issues.
Contact us: 501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS,66502-6005 785-776-8829 phone
• The Manhattan Area Chamber is firmly rooted in Manhattan history. We are proud to have been a guiding force within this community for 87 years.
785-776-0679 fax chamber@manhattan.org www.manhattan.org TDD Kansas Relay Center: 800-766-3777
• The Manhattan Area Chamber team serves as an extension of your workforce. Our 15+ staff members work to help your business succeed.
Scan this QR code to download the Chamber’s mobile app!
How can we serve you? Contact us at 776-8829 or chamber@manhattan.org.
Candidate Forum Hosted by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
Monday, October 8 5:15 - 8:45pm Manhattan Arts Center Free to attend • Open to the public Come & go event
People interested in attending may stay for the entire event, or chose to come only for the race(s) they are interested in learning more about. Forum Schedule: (times subject to change) 5:00
Meet & Greet opportunity with all candidates
6:00
County Commission Candidates (Districts 2 & 3)
7:00
Kansas House Candidates (Districts 51, 66 & 67)
8:15
Senate Candidates (District 22)
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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review
September 2012
55 businesses highlighted their goods and services to over 350 attendees at the 2012 Business Showcase. Congratulations to Blueville Nursery who won the first ever Creativity Award for the most creative exhibit. Thank you to Manhattan Regional Airport for sponsoring the event, American Airlines/ American Eagle for supplying 2 round-trip tickets, and Flint Hills Beverage and Pepsi Cola of Manhattan for providing drinks. Eve Parks with Frontier Farm Credit won the airline tickets, Andy Brockman with Waddell & Reed was the recipient of a Kindle Fire and Brad McCune with Kansas State Bank received $300.
Airline ticket winner Eve Parks.
Other door prize winners included Jim Brace with Restore of the Heartland ($50 in Little Apple Dollars) and Jemie Wataha with the Manhattan Mercury (year pass to Business After Hours). Thank you to the following exhibitors for making the Business Showcase an outstanding success: • Advanced Property Management • American Airlines/American Eagle • American Red Cross • BA designs,LLC • Bellus Academy • BHS Construction • Blueville Nursery • BuildCraft, Inc. • Curtin Property Company • Express Employment Professionals • Flint Hills Christian School • Flint Hills Job Corps • Genstler Eye Center • GTM Sportswear • HealthSource of Manhattan • Humana • Hy-Vee • Keating & Associates
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
K-Scrubs K-State Athletics K-State Challenge Course K-State Credit Union K-State Division of Continuing Education Leisure Time A/V Design Leonardville State Bank Manhattan Christian College Manhattan Regional Airport Mercy Regional Health Center Merle Norman Midland Exteriors Nex-Tech,Inc. Nichols Chiropractic Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Pawnee Mental Health Services The Phone Connection Voice Networks
• Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve • RadioShack Manhattan • Ray's Apple Market • Realty Executives Weis Realty • Restore of the Heartland • Riddle's Jewelry • RSVP of the Flint Hills • Scenic Valley Inn and the Wooden Nickel Event Center • Secured Payroll Partners • ServiceMaster Cleaning Services by AAA • Stasyx Computer Solutions • Tindal Orthotic & Prosthetic Associates • UMB Bank • US Cellular • Vega Acosta Law Firm • Via Christi Village
Most creative table winner, Blueville Nursery.
ServiceMaster Cleaning Services by AAA, an exhibitor at the Showcase.
Curtin Property Company, an exhibitor at the Showcase and Willie the Wildcat.
September 2012
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review 1.A world-class student-athlete experience. 2.Value to the university, community and state. 3. Integrity and transparency in matters of ethics,finance and NCAA compliance.
Please join us for Business After Hours in September
Wednesday, September 12 5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted by:
K-State Athletic’s vision of a model intercollegiate athletics program consists of five core goals:
4. Championship-level athletic performances. 5.The best fan experience in the Big 12. The Wildcats had an excellent 2011-2012 athletics year, being one of only four schools in the nation to go to a bowl game and win games in the NCAA Men's Basketball,Women's Basketball and Volleyball tournaments.This included a 10-win season and No. 8 final ranking in football
and a Sweet 16 appearance in volleyball.These accomplishments were highlighted by 14 AllAmericans and 24 All-Big 12 selections.Erik Kynard: Olympic Silver Medalist and NCAA Outdoor High Jump Champion for the second-straight year. Victor Ojeleye:Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Award winner. Tysyn Hartman:National Scholar Athlete and Campbell Trophy finalist. Ryann Krais:Elite 89 Award Winner for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.K-State has had the No. 1 all-sports graduation rate in the Big 12 four of the last five years.Additionally, K-State had 8 Academic All-Americans and 92 Academic All-Big 12 selections in 2012.
Tuesday, September 25th 7:45 – 9:00am Chamber Boardroom
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Upcoming Chamber Events To make a reservation for an upcoming event, please call the Chamber at 776-8829. Please join us as your time allows. Sept 12
Business After Hours 5:30 – 7:00 pm Host: K-State Athletics
Sept 18
Manhattan Young Professionals 5:30 - 7:30 pm Flint Hills Discovery Center
Sept 19
Ribbon Cutting – Linde Beauty Supply 10:30 am 116 S 4th Street
Sept 25
Morning Mingle 7:45 – 9:00 am Chamber Boardroom
Oct 8
Candidate Forum 5:00 pm Manhattan Arts Center
Oct 10
Business After Hours 5:30 – 7:00 pm Host: Manhattan Broadcasting
Oct 18
Good Morning Manhattan 7:15 – 8:30 am Manhattan Country Club
Oct 18
Ribbon Cutting – Leonardville State Bank 4:00 pm 2401 N Seth Child Road
Oct 23
New Member Orientation: You Belong! What’s Next? 7:45 – 9:00 am Chamber Boardroom Reservations requested
501 Poyntz Ave
Come Mingle with us! The Morning Mingle is a fun and informal networking group open to all members of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, make new contacts, exchange business cards and create business partnerships. This unique networking opportunity shines the spotlight on each attendee individually, allowing them to introduce themselves and give a short “commercial” for their business. Don’t forget to bring business cards! You can place a stack on the business card buffet to share with other attendees. Registration and networking starts at 7:45am with introductions beginning promptly at 8:00. Attendees will each have 30 seconds to address the group. Admission is a buck and a business card (payable at the door). Reservations are required as seating is limited. You may register online at www.manhattanchamber.org, by emailing chamber@manhattan.org or call the Chamber office at 785-776-8829. Contact Kristin with questions and for sponsorship opportunities, 785.776.8829 or kristin@manhattan.org.
*All dates and times are subject to change.
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Since our August newsletter, these businesses have reinvested their investments in the Chamber. The Board of Directors and staff thank these businesses for their continuing support of the Chamber. Over 15 Years Boy & Girls Club of Manhattan Dara’s Fast Lane Inc. Furniture Warehouse Holmes Cleaning Services Inc. Little Apple Toyota Honda Optical Perspectives/Vision Source PBC, Inc. Pottawatomie County Econ. Dev’t Corp 10 to 14 Years Little Apple Veterinary Hospital Manhattan Housing Authority RadioShack Manhattan Rod Franz Tuttle Creek State Park 5 to 9 Years Adult Learning Center, USD 383 Copies-4-Less, Inc. Farm Bureau Financial Services Jean Bigbee Hill K-State Theatre and Dance LTC (Ret.) Art DeGroat Medical Search Associates School of Leadership Studies Stasyx Computer Solutions Tarkio CD Disposal, LLC The Growth Coach United Rentals,Inc. 1 to 4 Years Bluestem Property Management Cat Cans Portable Services of Manhattan, LLC Chamber2Go by MetroMedia Publishers
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review
Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers, P.A. Equitable Life and Casualty Garden Grove Apartments Hy-Vee Jackie L. Hartman Max Fitness Motel 6 Nex-Tech, Inc. Sarah Blair, REALTOR®,ABR, GRI The Wareham Opera House Wintrust Mortgage
Creche Jennifer Olsen, Owner 2024 Vanesta Place Ph (785) 539-7000 Crèche provides high quality child care and preschool, for children ages six weeks to Kindergarten.With a focus on educational experiences, teachers promote each child's social/emotional, physical and cognitive development on an individualized level. In a home-like environment, children learn from loving teachers, using topnotch curriculum, with monthly non-denominational Christian lesson supplements.Weekly curriculum includes scheduled lesson plans, art projects, reading, playtime, hands-on learning, motor skill strengthening, early preschool skills promotion, music time, kindergarten readiness, and more. Jitterbug Grooming Ellen Meyer, NCMG, Owner/Operator Ph (785) 477-6259 Award Winning Pet Styling by National Certified Master Groomer Ellen Meyer comes to your doorstep in a state of the art mobile pet salon. As a well-known paragon in the grooming industry, Ellen is thrilled to introduce her
hometown of Manhattan to a new standard of service and quality. Expect no less than excellence from this impressive professional and her high tech grooming studio on wheels! Lazy T Ranch Chris Wilson, Owner 2103 Zeandale Road Ph (785) 537-9727 Fx (785) 371-4966 The Lazy T Ranch provides scenic FlintHills locations near Manhattan for any event and offers working ranch activities and also lodging, meals, and event facilities.The Lazy T Fall Festival includes a pumpkin patch plus many activities. Hayrack rides provide scenic outlook views over Manhattan and the Kansas River Valley.The Lazy T has facilities for any event corporate retreats, family reunions, weddings, school tours. K-State Super Store Jamie Culver, Marketing Coordinator 520 McCall Road Ph (877) 537-1327 The K-State Super Store, located at 520 McCall Road, is a locally-owned retailer offering exclusive licensed K-State collegiate apparel and novelty items.As the original retail affiliate of GTM Sportswear®, K-State Super Store offers several exclusive lines of GTM apparel including the Wabash Collection, specialty-priced tees, and KState game day gear and tailgating accessories.The store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
September 2012
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 Kim a call at 776-8829 for more information. This is a publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce – all advertising is the responsibility of The Manhattan Mercury. To place an ad or for more information, call Tracey Ward at 776-2200, or classdisplay@themercury.com.
Music page 2
Upcoming Events page 3
Updates page 3
September 2012 Volume 12, Issue 9 A publication of the Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Behind the Scenes With Konza Prairie! It’s Visitors Day at Konza Prairie- a chance that only comes every other year. On September 29, visitors from far and wide have the opportunity to see the Konza Prairie Biological Station from the inside out. Known worldwide as the preeminent center for grassland research, Konza Prairie will be open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Docents, researchers and the Friends of Konza Prairie will be on site to give guided tours, explain studies, and offer merchandise. While most of the Konza is closed to visitors the rest of the year, a six-mile series of nature trail loops is open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. For more information, contact Konza’s Environmental Educator, Jill Haukos, at (785) 587-0381, or send an email to konzaed@ksu.edu.
Fall Apple Days! Fort Riley’s largest single day event will help celebrate the beginning of fall! Apple Days will run September 22 from 9:00 am- 3:00 pm on the Artillery Parade Field. Fall Apple Days celebrates Fort Riley’s past and present complete with apple pies, Calvary tactics demonstrations, military equipment displays and more! Estimated attendance for the event is up to 10,000 people. The Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau will have a table showcasing Manhattan. Make sure to swing by, say hello, and enter to win a prize!
Music Manhattan Music Coalition Hard at Work The 7th annual Aggiefest will overtake Aggieville September 28-30 with live music and a visual arts festival. Events run from 6:00 pm to 1:30 am on Friday, and 4:00 pm to 1:30 am Saturday. Aggiefest features bands and artists with everything from acoustic to hobo to metal. The goal is to feature local and area artists for the Manhattan community to become familiar with. Make plans to enjoy this great festival.
We Are Still In Kansas! The Columbian Theater in Wamego presents The Wizard of Oz! It’s the Kansas classic and runs September 28-30, October 5-7 and October 12-14.
K-S-U Wildcats!
Friday & Saturday Performance – 7:30PM Sunday Performance – 2:00PM
September 8 vs. Miami 11:00am
The annual Wizard of Oz show is scheduled to coincide with OZtoberfest on September 29. The show will be directed by T-Shane Roberts. Contact the box office for tickets, BoxOffice@ColumbianTheatre.com, or call 800.899.1893
September 15 vs. North Texas 6:00 pm
To the Theater The McCain Performance Series will present two shows in September; Andy McKee and The Intergalactic Nemesis. The Intergalactic Nemesis is a mash-up of radio drama, and comic book adventure; what’s not to love about that? Three actors will voice dozens of characters for this 1933 comedy. They’ve been featured on Conan O’Brien and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” This would be a fantastic show for the family, and will happen at 7:30 pm on Friday, September 21. McKee is one of the world’s top acoustic guitarists, as well as a YouTube sensation. His show starts at 7:30 pm on Thursday, September 6. He will play in Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union. His percussive style of guitarplaying will sound beautiful to the ears, but also keep your eyes riveted, wondering how it is he does such things with a guitar. Contact mccain@k-state.edu, or call 785-532-6428 for ticket information!
September 22 at Oklahoma TBA
The first day of fall is September 22! Kansas Housing Conference The Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes the Kansas Housing Conference to Manhattan – September 12th-14th at the Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Conference Center. This 3 day event will be jammed packed full of education, trainings and tours bringing in nearly 500 professionals from around the state, learning about what Manhattan has to offer in the housing market. Education about being green, homelessness, smart growth, sustainable communities, senior housing, veterans and military housing as well as low income housing will be covered at this conference. This is the first time the Kansas Housing Conference has met in Manhattan, and we are pleased to welcome them to the community. John Pagen, Director of Economic Development will be helping facilitate the Manhattan tour along with other city staff members. The Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau has helped in the planning process over the past year--and will also be providing Manhattan materials for the out-of-town attendees. Welcome Kansas Housing Conference!
Upcoming Events Feast of the Fields, Barn Edition It’s the fall edition of Feast of the Fields with River Creek Farms! On September 29, a limited number of guests will have a very unique experience. Bob and Mary Mertz organize the event, which will take place in a historic barn, with dinner prepared by Chef Noah Reagan of della Voce. “FEAST OF THE FIELDS promises great food, fantastic camaraderie, wonderful wine, and nature at its ripest. It is our goal to provide participants with an authentic culinary adventure that leaves them feeling positive about Kansas farms and foods.” Visit the website for photos from past events, reviews, and to get on the waiting list for your chance to see what it’s all about! Feastofthefields.yolasite.com. Tickets are $100 per person, and there are two editions of this event each year. 785-456-9201.
Tour De Ted™ With 13 courses, 14 days of cycling, and hundreds of miles, the Tour De Ted™ is a massive undertaking to raise funds for cancer research. This bike tour covers multiple states, and traces the path of a telegraph wire that used to run from Colorado to St. Louis. The 2012 event- Tour De Ted™ -- Ride the Wire begins September 23 in Colorado Springs and makes stops in 13 communities, including Manhattan. The tour ends in St. Louis on October 6. Manhattan is scheduled to be stage 5 of the trip, taking place on September 28. All rides will begin and end at City Park, and everyone is invited to ride 10, 23 or 37 miles with the group. Stay up to date on tour details and register for the event with their web site, tourdeted.com.
Apple to Capital Relay Get excited for this inaugural event! The Apple to Capital Relay will take off on September 23, beginning at the Manhattan Running Company. Teams can have 6-10 people, and registration can be done through their website, enter2run.com. Registration is $50 per person. The event ends at 8th and Jackson in Topeka with hoopla in the street. Email Sophia.wharton@mizunousa.com, or call 816-808-7758.
Updates Fan Club We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all our Facebook fans who have helped us reach the 2,000 mark! We post tons of photos, updates on Manhattan activities, events, festivals, arts, construction and more. Are you a fan, yet? Facebook.com/visitmanhattankansas. You can also find us on twitter, @meetnmanhattan!
Flint Hills Discovery Center Updates! Labor Day will bring about new hours for the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Their new schedule as of September 3rd is as follows: Labor Day-Memorial Day: Monday-Wednesday 10:00 am- 5:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am-8:00 pm Friday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday noon- 5:00 pm The Flint Hills Discovery Center is changing their temporary exhibit. Doors open for the new show on September 7. “Forces” will run through January 14, 2013, and will expose audiences to some overarching ideas of what influenced our community. Collectively founded about 150 years ago, a military post, a town, and a college each have a unique history while growing in tandem through the years. Check out Forces during the Discovery Center’s new hours!
Manhattan CVB Steering Committee Chuck Scott, Chairman Brad Everett, Hotel Jennifer Fritchen, Hotel Gregg Joyal, Hotel Dave Lewis, Ex-Officio Kelly Loub, Restaurant Curt Loupe, Ex-Officio Meridith McKee, Hotel
Teresa Morris, Hotel Wayne Rouse, Entertainment Evan Tuttle, Attraction John Pence, K-State Bernie Haney, Ex-Officio Lynda Spire, Ex-Officio Bob Workman, Ex-Officio
September 2012 Through Sept 22 Oh, Really?, 10am-6pm, Mon-Sat, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, 785-537-2099 Through Jan 1013 Temporary Exhibit: FORCES: the Shaping of Manhattan, Fort Riley and K-State, Flint Hills Discovery Center, 785-587-2726 5 K-State Volleyball vs. Missouri State, Ahearn Field House, K-State, 6pm 6 K-State Volleyball vs. Saint Mary's, Ahearn Field House, K-State, 7pm 6 McCain Performance Series: Andy McKee, McCain Auditorium, K-State, 7:30pm, 785-532-6428 8 Run To Live On , Anneberg Park, 7am, 785-844-0280 8 FHDS Annual Daylily Plant Sale, Courthouse Plaza, 8Noon, 785-776-2480 8 8th Annual Alpaca Market, CiCo Park, 9am-4pm, 785-361-4853 8 K-State Football vs Miami, Bill Snyder Family Stadium, 11am, 785-532-7606 8 Flinthills Fibers Class Beginning Basket Weaving, (785) 485-2628 8 K-State Volleyball vs. Utah State, Ahearn Field House, K-State, TBA 8-9 Tuttle Creek Lake Assisted Deer Hunt, Tuttle Creek State Park, 785-539-8511 9 Movies on the Grass - South of the Border, Showtime starts at dusk 10 Fall CASA Training, 6pm, First Lutheran Church, 785-537-6367 11 Around the World in 20 Bottles, della Voce, 6-8pm, 785-532-9000
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K-State Orchestra concert, McCain Auditorium, K-State, 7:30pm, 785-532-3804 13 Walking Tours- Downtown Manhattan, 785-587-3736 14 Flinthills Fibers Class Beginning Basket Weaving, 9am-3pm, 785-485-2628 15 Family Day, K-State Campus 15 Family Day Open House @ the Beach, Beach Museum of Art, K-State, 10am- 5pm, 785-532-7718 15 True Blue Savvy Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride and Fall Festival, Living Water Ranch, 11am-4pm, 785-320-6139 15 K-State Band Day Parade, Downtown Manhattan, 1pm, 785-532-3816 15 K-State Football vs North Texas, Bill Snyder Family Stadium, 6pm, 785-532-7606 15-16 Yard Art Classic Car Show , Manhattan Town Center, 10am-6pm, 785-539-3500 16 Movies on the Grass - Bidder 70, K-State Campus, Showtime starts at dusk 20 Artist Talk @ the Beach , Beach Museum of Art, K-State, 4:30pm, 785-532-7718 20 Go See It! Lecture seriesHistoric Sites, Flint Hills Discovery Center, 7pm, 785-587-2726 21 CASA Comedy Club, The Wareham, 5:30pm & 10pm, 785-537-6367 21 McCain Performance Series: The Intergalactic Nemesis, McCain Auditorium, K-State, 7:30pm, 785-532-6428 21 Beppe Gambetta, Manhattan Arts Center, 7:30pm, 785-537-4420 22 Family Day, Flint Hills Discovery Center, 10am-5pm, 785-587-2726
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K-State Volleyball vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Ahearn Field House, K-State, 6pm 23 Hurrah, Frei Kansas!, Manhattan Public Library, 2pm, 785-485-2158 23 Movies on the Grass - The Truth About Tigers, K-State Campus, Showtime starts at dusk 23-24 Wedding Planning Certification Course, Manhattan Conference Center, 9am- 6pm, 800-630-7440 27 K-State Volleyball vs. West Virginia, Ahearn Field House, K-State, 7pm 28 Tour De Ted - Ride The Wire Manhattan 28 Flinthills Fibers Class - Market Basket Class, 9am-4pm, 785-770-7205 28-29 39th Annual Pumpkin Patch, Pottorf Hall, CiCo Park, 10am-8pm/10am-4pm, 785-556-3078 28-29 Aggiefest 2012, Aggieville, Fri 6pm-Close; Sat 4pm-Close, 785-477-0673 28-10/14 The Wizard of Oz, Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center, Wamego, 7:30pm, Sun 2pm 29 Yellow Brick Road Ride, Wamego High School, 6:30am, 785-456-3566 29 Konza Prairie Visitor's Day, Konza Prairie, 8am-4pm, 785-587-0381 29 Oztoberfest, Downtown Wamego, 785-458-8686 29 Lutherpalooza, City Park, 12-8pm, 785-401-2832 30 Walking Tours, Kansas State University, 785-587-2726
Vision Statement:
Mission Statement:
Destination Manhattan!
To expand the local area economy by attracting visitors.
Upcoming Conferences, Sports and Special Events in The Little Apple ®
September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anticipated Attendance Numbers Conferences 5 National Federation of State High Schools Section V Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 12-14 Kansas Housing Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400 19-22 University Foundation Financial Officers Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 23 Kansas Alliance for the Arts in Education (KSAAE) Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 26-27 Kansas Department of Commerce Annual Kansas Energy Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .700 27-29 LeadingAge Fall Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 27-30 Public Accountants Association of Kansas Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 29-30 National Association of County Collectors, Treasurer's and Finance Officers Board Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports 15 Kansas Livestock Association Fall Seminar/ Annual Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 23 Big Poppi Bicycle Company River Trails Shootout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 25-27 Kansas Golf Association Kansas Senior Amateur Championship . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 28 Tour de Ted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Special Events 3 Konza Reptile Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 13 Bank of Lee's Summitt Group Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 28 Hard Hat Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 29 Feast of the Fields at River Creek Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 29 Konza Prairie Visitors Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,500
The “I Love Manhattan Sprint Triathlon” had more than 120 participants in its inaugural year. This photo courtesy of OZ Endurance. Make sure to sign up next year for this great event!
Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff Karen Hibbard
Autumn Shoemaker
Director karen@manhattan.org
Marketing Coordinator autumn@manhattan.org
Christy Chase
Kendra Dekat
Convention Sales Manager christy@manhattan.org
Administrative Assistant/ Service Coordinator kendra@manhattan.org
Marcia Rozell Tourism Sales Manager marcia@manhattan.org
501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 776-8829 (785) 776-0679 fax
September 2012
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review
Chamber of Commerce Website – It’s For You! Whether you’re a member, community business or resident – connect through the Chamber. Residents, businesses and organizations keep their finger on the pulse of Manhattan by making this Chamber of Commerce website their gateway to the Manhattan area community. If you have a business or community organization, people want to know about it! Use this site and your chamber membership to promote and grow locally - where interest is strongest. If you are a resident, help your community by shopping locally, and get to know what's right at your doorstep. By frequently visiting this website you will be the first to know about original and interesting events planned around Manhattan. Join our Facebook community too - it provides a rich environment for contacts - even amongst individuals. For a business, organization, product or service – check the Chamber’s website first. www.manhattanchamber.org Manhattan is the place to be –together we can make it irresistible!
There is Strength in Numbers… A recent study showed that consumers are 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from a small business that is a Chamber member. For as little as 78 cents a day your membership will yield a return in: • Business assistance • Professional development seminars and counseling • Networking opportunities • Advocacy aimed at protecting your business interests; and much more. For more information about becoming a member, contact Kim Dahlsten at (785) 776-8829 or visit www.manhattanchamber.org.
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Could You Be Missing Out? The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is made up of professional people like you, working together to maintain a positive business climate and provide a better quality of life in the Manhattan area. The Chamber unites businesses, professional firms, organizations and individuals as a central point for community betterment – virtually every aspect of the Manhattan business community is represented within the Chamber. As a result, the Chamber is a strong and effective voice for the business community. Your Chamber has a great deal to offer you, your business and the Manhattan business community. Are you fully aware of the services/ programs that the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce provides on a weekly, monthly or annual basis? If you answered no, you may just be missing out
on a great resource. Programs, events and educational opportunities are offered to meet various business needs: Update employee skills at an educational workshop; expand business contacts at a networking event or simply stay informed on business topics through the Chamber’s communication pieces. The following are Chamber programs, events and educational opportunities we provide on your behalf. • Annual Meeting • Business After Hours • Business Showcase • Calendar of Events • Chamber 101 • Chamber Mobile App • Chamber Mailing Lists • Committee Involvement • Good Morning Manhattan! • Leaders’ Retreat • Leadership Manhattan • Legislative Forums • Little Apple® Business Review • Little Apple® Dollars Buy Local Program
• Manhattan Young Professionals • Members in the News online section • Members Only Section • Membership Directory • Military Relations • Morning Mingle • New Member Orientation • Online Business Directory • Phone & Web Referrals • Relocation Packet Program • Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies • Seminars & Workshops • Small Business Development Center • Tourism Topics • Weekly Update • Workforce Development • www.manhattanchamber.org
We’re here to help. Being a Chamber member offers you access to our professional staff. Use our staff as an extension of your business to help solve your business problems and address your business needs. Call us at 785-776-8829.
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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review
Business Barometer July 2011
July 2012
BUILDING PERMITS - source: City of Manhattan Total Issued
48
47
Residential
$14,783,628
$6,504,493
Non-Residential
$9,741,849
Permit Fees Paid
$90,040
$3,606,650 $45,658
RETAIL SALES (Manhattan) - source: City of Manhattan Retail Sales Sales Tax Collections
$80,036,200 $800,362
$83,437,200 $834,372
MANHATTAN AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC - MHK airport Enplanement
4,542
5,332
Deplanement
4,636
5,349
Do Your Customers Know You? When your customers know more about your business, it becomes easier to upsell and they are more likely to refer you to other people in their network. Make an immediate impact by incorporating customer education into your mar-
keting and communication efforts. Educate your customers on specific products or services – items you want them to buy more of or capabilities you specialize in. Share these as part of a customer appreciation special or a “What’s New” promotion. Once you’ve targeted specific products or services, show relationships between them and demonstrate added value. Some simple examples include, “these colorful ties are very stylish when paired with that new dress shirt,” or “combined with our weekly professional mowing service, this fertilizer application will make your yard the best in the neighborhood.” Education of current customers also goes a long way toward getting them to refer your business to others.Remember that it’s your job to put the idea in
September 2012
their head. Plant the seed for referrals by communicating to customers your business’s overall inspiration or sense of purpose. Create top-of-mind awareness by sharing this everywhere, from email signatures to marketing pieces and newsletters.Also, follow-up on successful sales or customer compliments by asking if they know others who need your product or service. Even if they don’t, let them know the type of customer you’re looking for and encourage them to share their experience. Daryn Soldan 501 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, KS 66502 785-587-9917 daryn@washburnsbdc.org www.washburn.edu/sbdc
Hiring Success Story Myranda met Allie at a Military Relations Committee luncheon,Allie was a military spouse and new to the area.Allie shares,“Initially, I sent my resume to Myranda to get her opinion. Myranda was very helpful; she sent links to a variety of different jobs over the course of about 4 months. Fortunately, her persistence paid off and I obtained a position at GTM Sportswear, which I am very excited about.” Congratulations on the job, Allie!
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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple ® Business Review
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Military August was a busy month full of great events and ways to support our military service members both locally and regionally.These opportunities are crucial to showing support and reaching out to our military communities; letting them know we are here, we care and we want to be a part of their lives, as we wish them to be a part of ours. On August 10-11, in Olathe Kansas, the Manhattan Chamber Military Relations Committee volunteered with AUSA (the Association of the United States Army) at the Great Midwest Balloon Fest.With over fifty balloons, a concert by Country music sensation, Clay Walker and the USO (United Service Organization) being a charity of choice, fun and fundraising were a success! This was the third year of the event and we look forward to many more! On August 14, our MRC sponsored another amazing USO event- the No Dough Dinner! Held twice monthly on Fort Riley- these dinners offer free meals to over 200 people and are a great community building effort.Tom Fryer,Terry DeWeese and Howlette Kleiner served tacos to 242 people! The MRC sponsors these twice yearly- if you or your business has interest in sponsoring a No Dough Dinner, contact April Blackmon, Director, at ablackmon@uso.org.
Noteworthy News V Wealth Management adds office in Manhattan V Wealth Management LLC, a registered investment advisor, has opened an office in Manhattan, Kansas to provide financial and retirement planning services to individuals and businesses. Preston Klick brings 33 years of financial and investment experience. He was formerly a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Manhattan. He also served as a chief credit officer with Farm Credit. Klick earned his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University and currently resides in Manhattan. Chris Klilck also joined the V Wealth Office. He brings six years of financial advisor y experience. Klick was former-
ly with Edward Jones in Junction City. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Pittsburg State University. Klick also resides in Manhattan. Both Preston and Chris Klick are experienced in retirement investment planning,estate planning and business retirement plans. The office is located at 2401 N Seth Child Rd.,Suite 120. The phone number is 785-320-5421. V Wealth specializes in comprehensive financial and investment management for individuals, families, executives and entrepreneurs. Boys and Girls Club names new executive director The Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan would like to
announce a new executive director, Junnae Campbell.
GTM Sportswear names chief information officer
Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementar y Education from Kansas State University and was licensed to teach grades K-9. She began her career as the After-School Program Director at Ogden Elementary School in 2003. In March 2006, Campbell became the Technology Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan and was promoted to Program Development Director a year later. Her most recent role held at the Club was Director of Operations. During her six years at the Club she has demonstrated her strong passion for youth and creating a safe learning environment where kids can begin their great future.
GTM Sportswear, a national provider of customerembellished uniforms, warmups and practice apparel announces the recent appointment of Jack Rahner to the position of chief information officer. Rahner will oversee all aspects of information technology at GTM, including strategic planning and execution of vision, goals,initiatives and operations to drive ITsupported business innovation. Rahner earned a B.A.of Information Systems from the University of South CarolinaAiken. He brings with him more than 16+ years of IT experience, including leader-
ship expertise in large scale development, support projects across the globe and experience several verticals such as insurance, healthcare, ecommerce retail (Home Shopping Network “HSN.com”) and payroll.
Connect with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce through Social Media.
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Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple 速 Business Review
September 2012
Ribbon Cuttings
Best Buy Mobile Manhattan Town Center www.bestbuy.com (785) 537-0256
Creche 2024 Vanesta Place www.crechemanhattan.com (785) 539-7000
Blue Sage Barn at Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve 1484 Wildcat Creek Road www.prairiewood.com (785) 537-9999
At Home Assisted Care 2401 N. Seth Child Road, Suite 140 www.AtHomeAssisted.com (785) 473-7007