Salina Chamber Newsletter November 2015

At a glance...

Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony . . . . November 5 Salina Country Club, Noon-1:30pm Board of Directors Ballots Due . . . . . . . . . . . November 9 5pm, Chamber of Commerce Office Economic Outlook Conference . . . . . . . . . . November 12 Salina Country Club, 11:30am-2pm Aaron Davis “Champion� Seminar . . . November 12 Salina Bicentennial Center, 4-5pm Business After Hours . . . November 19 EyeCare Associates 900 Westchester, 5-7pm Business After Hours . . . . December 3 Marshall Motor Company, Inc. 3500 S. Ninth, 5-7pm Details inside!

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John Stossel, Journalist, Host and Commentator to Speak at Chamber Annual Banquet See page 4 A Monthly Publication of the

Pass it on! n n n n

Human Resources Communications Sales Staff Break Area

NOVEMBER 2015 Volume 55, Number 11

SDI

Downtown News

By Penny Bettles, Salina Downtown, Inc. pbettles@salinadowntown.com • 825-0535

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce salinakansas.org (USPS 478-100) is published monthly by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 W. Ash, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Periodical Postage paid at Salina, Kansas. Subscription rate to members is $1.25 per year. Sylvia A. Rice, Editor.

Consolidated Printing, layout and design. Postmaster: Send address changes to: salinakansas.org, PO Box 586, Salina, KS 67402-0586.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Frank Hampton Hampton Financial, LLC VICE CHAIRMAN Brian Richardson Occupational Performance Corporation CHAIRMAN-ELECT John Gunn

TREASURER Trey Mowery Central National Bank PAST CHAIRMAN Dale Heuszel KCoe Isom, LLP PRESIDENT/CEO Don L. Weiser Salina Area Chamber of Commerce E. Andrew England St. John’s Military School Dr. Verna Fitzsimmons Kansas State University Salina M. Olaf Frandsen Salina Journal Julie Goetz Salina Regional Health Center Greg Goode Salina Area Technical College Stuart Hieger Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Mike Junk Crestwood, Inc. Donnie Marrs DMA Architects, PA Ashley McArthur Long McArthur Ford Michael Spicer Salina Community Theatre, Inc. Ron Stratman Accurate Electric, Inc. Matt Thompson Kansas Wesleyan University Guy Walker Blue Beacon International Betsy Wearing

Frieda Mai Weis PKM Steel Service Mark Zimmerman Salina Supply Company

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Christmas Festival and Parade of Lights

Saturday, November 21 – Event Schedule Frosty 5K and Fun Runs Big Brothers Big Sisters

Christmas Festival

-throughout the dayVisits from Santa & Mrs. Claus Horse-drawn Carriage Rides Live Nativity Model Trains Antique Fire Truck Rides Cookie Decorating Children’s Activities at the Salina Art Center

Parade of Lights

Pre-parade performances at 5:30pm Parade 6pm

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Salina!

We have lots of holiday goodness waiting for you!

Join us for our Holiday Open Houses!

Sunday, November 1 Saturday, November 28 (Shop Small Saturday) Saturday, December 5

Meet the

Staff!

CHAMBER NEWS

Follow the Salina Chamber and Visit Salina on Facebook.

Andi Pahl is the Administrative Assistant for Visit Salina. Andi’s primary responsibility is Andi Pahl, the distribution of visitor information including Visit Salina Administrative Assistant the Visit Salina Guide and other brochures, requested visitor information packets, and responses to ad generated inquires, just to name a few. A significant amount of her time is spent administering the Chamber Community Calendar of Events, and Salina’s presence on various tourism calendars across the state. She supports the Visit Salina staff in coordinating volunteer schedules, and helping to arrange customized services for conventions and events. Andi is a proud Salina native, and is our ‘unofficial historian’ on staff. If it’s a question about Salina, she either knows the answer or knows the person who does! She sometimes represents Visit Salina at consumer travel shows such as the Kansas State Fair.

Andi graduated from Salina High School and Brown Mackie College. She returned to Salina in 1998 after 20 years in New Jersey, where she was an editorial assistant and executive assistant. In her leisure time, Andi explores for antiques and art, is a great cook and likes to travel. She also enjoys Chamber events and First Thursdays downtown. Thanks for all you do Andi!

Membership to Elect Four New Directors

The Chamber Board of Directors has approved a slate of eight candidates for election to the Board of Directors for 2016. All Chamber members have been sent a ballot and asked to vote for up to four candidates. The four receiving the most votes will be elected to a four-year term beginning January 1, 2016. The deadline to return the ballot is 5pm, Monday, November 9.

The nominees are:

• • • • • • • •

Brandon Ebert, Waddell & Reed, Ebert Stein Group M. Olaf Frandsen, Salina Journal Steve Johnson, Sunflower Bank Peter S. Johnston, Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd.

Tina Lewis, Salina Housing Authority Mark Ritter, Crown Distributors, LLC Marc Sheforgen, Blue Heaven Studios Joyce Volk, Joyce Volk Insurance Agency, Inc.

Ballot Deadline 5pm Monday, November 9!

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CHAMBER NEWS

John Stossel to Speak at Chamber Annual Meeting/Banquet Risk and Regulation to be speaker’s topic John Stossel, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist; Host and Commentator, Fox Business Network; former ABC News Correspondent and Co-Anchor of 20/20; and New York Times bestselling author, will be the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Membership Meeting Thursday, February 4, 2016.

The banquet will be held in the Arena of the Salina Bicentennial Center beginning at 6:30pm. A membership networking reception will be held from 5-6pm in Heritage Hall of the Bicentennial Center.

“We are very excited to have secured John Stossel as the featured speaker for our Annual Banquet,” stated Frank Hampton, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber. “He has a great message regarding the pitfalls of overregulation, and how more freedom can spur innovation - and raise the bar for safety. We are looking forward to an enlightening and entertaining evening.”

Professional Development with Aaron Davis

The banquet will be held on the floor of the Arena (tables of eight, which includes dinner). Tickets for Chamber members are $50 per person for the banquet. Tickets for non-members are $75 per person for the banquet. Reservations can be made

by Chamber members only now through November 30 by calling the Chamber office ticket hotline at 785-827-9310, ext. 123, stopping by the Chamber office, 120 W. Ash, or emailing Sandy Cole at scole@salinakansas.org. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning December 1. Tickets will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A limited number of sponsorships are available. For details regarding the cost and amenities of the sponsorships, persons can contact the Chamber office.

The evening will consist of remarks by outgoing Chairman Frank Hampton and incoming Chairman John Gunn, a review of the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2015, and the address by John Stossel.

For more information on the banquet and John Stossel, go to the Chamber’s website at www.salinakansas.org.

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce presents Aaron Davis, Speaker, Author and Attitude Coach. His session will be held at the Salina Bicentennial Center Thursday, November 12 at 4pm. The one-hour session is appropriate for anyone seeking results through developing a winning attitude. Whether you are in sales, customer service, management or just beginning your career, Aaron has insight for YOU! Davis says, “I don’t believe in just making my audiences feel better; rather I seek to encourage and help them DO better both professionally and personally by stressing the importance of a Champion Attitude!”

The event is open to the public, with $10 tickets available at the Bicentennial Center Box Office, and at www.BicentennialCenter.com.

Limited scholarships are available for front-line Salina tourism industry employees from hotels, restaurants, attractions, etc. Contact the Visit Salina office at 785-827-9301, ext. 138, or at srice@salinakansas.org for more information. Hope to see you at the Bicentennial Center November 12!

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The Salina and Manhattan Chambers have announced an international trip in May 2016 to the Alpine Countries. Salina will host a second informational meeting at the Visit Salina Annex, 120 W. Ash on Wednesday, November 11 at 6pm.

See enclosed flyer for trip details!

CONVENTIONal Growth!

Hilton Garden Inn Convention Center breaks ground Salina has a new ‘meet & sleep’ facility in its future with the recent ground breaking for the Hilton Garden Inn & Convention Center near S. Ninth Street and Todd Circle.

S&B Motels of Wichita is developing the property which will feature 99 rooms and approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

At the October 9 ground breaking, S&B Motels owner Stanley Weilert said the project has been eight years in the making, and thanked the City of Salina and the Chamber for their support.

The project is being financed partially via the designation of a Community Improvement District (CID) approved by the Salina City Commission. The CID will encompass the new hotel facility, plus the Hampton Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, both also owned by S&B Motels.

Seeing this type of facility develop in Salina has been a goal of the Chamber and the City for several years. “We are very excited about the Hilton Garden Inn project,” stated Sylvia Rice, Visit Salina Director. “Salina will again be in a position to bid on conventions that we have not been in consideration for in years. This is good news for the business community overall, as those conventions will attract attendees who will overflow to other hotels, eat in restaurants, shop retail stores, and enjoy all Salina has to offer, far beyond the walls of their convention space.”

Opening of the hotel is tentatively slated for early 2017. For more information about the facility, contact Dana Bronson, S&B Motels (Courtyard by Marriott) at 785-309-1300; or Jo Ann McClure, Visit Salina Convention Manager at 785-827-9301, ext. 126.

Good Sports!

Visit Salina is pleased to host the 2015 KSHSAA 4A Division II State Football Championship. The event will be played the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day, November 28 at Salina Stadium with a 1pm Kick-off.

“This is a great event for Salina to host!” expressed Tiffany Benien, Visit Salina Sports & Events. “Bringing fans from out of town for an afternoon football game on the biggest shopping weekend of the year creates a great influx into the economy.

Hosting the 4A class schools is particularly exciting, as the teams from these communities tend to have a great following.”

Estimated direct visitor spending for the event is $196,000. The event is not possible without scores of community volunteers. Hosts for teams and officials, pass gate workers, ticket sellers, ticket takers, plus program and t-shirt sellers are needed.

If you would like to help, please contact Tiffany at the Chamber by email at tbenien@salinakansas.org or by phone at 785-827-9310 ext. 130.

Thanks Partner!

Sylvia Rice presents Janie Verhoeff, Candlewood Suites Director of Sales $100 in Smoky Hill Silver. Candlewood Suites was drawn as the prize winner from among hotels who submitted event room estimation reports for September. These reports assist Visit Salina staff in tracking our visitor market.

Thanks to Candlewood Suites for being a great partner!

VISIT SALINA

MarqueeWelcomes

Pheasant Hunters!

November 6-8

War of the Wheels Roller Derby Teams

November 19-20 Leadership Kansas November 21

Heart Land Toy Show

See N Sell Crafters

November 28

KSHSAA 4A Div II State Football

Recent groups Visit Salina worked with and the estimated visitors’ spending they created in the community:

Kansas Legal Professionals $9,695 Colorado Columbines RV Club $11,100 Salina Charity Horse Show $13,985 IOOF $39,125 Episcopal Diocese of Western KS $46,275 Saline CO Bridge Club Tournament $25,450 MK Cup Soccer Challenger $178,000 KS Assn of Student Financial Aid

$25,885

KSHSAA 4A Div I & II Volleyball $218,180 5

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

In The News

ROLLING HILLS ZOO, 625 N. Hedville Rd., announces Linda Henderson has joined the staff as Director of Development and Marketing. Linda comes to the zoo from Larned, KS with a wealth of experience in both development and marketing as Foundation Director and Marketing Director of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. Jerry Baxa is the zoo’s new Volunteer Coordinator.

Jerry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in School Administration from Fort Hays State University. After a 39-year career in education, he joined AmeriCorps and worked at Kanopolis State Park. Jerry’s strong background in education and leadership, and his passion for the environment make him a great fit for the role of Volunteer Coordinator.

You can reach both at the zoo, 785-827-9488.

GOT NEWS? Do you have news to share about your business or organization? Email srice@salinakansas.org and we’ll publish it in an upcoming issue of salinakansas.org.

KANSAS FINANCIAL SERVICES, 1612 E. Iron Ave., is pleased to announce that Chris Huggans, a financial professional with 10 years of experience, has been added to the firm. Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management from Friends University, lives in Salina with his wife Shawna, a nurse practitioner at Salina Surgical Arts Center, and daughters Camryn, Kelsey, Kinley and Kyndal. Chris can be reached at the office at 785-827-9607 or on his cell phone at 785-829-7639.

KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY will host a Feed My Starving Children MobilePack on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 18, 2016.

The goal is to pack 100,000 meals costing 22 cents a meal with 500 volunteers. Donations are welcome at: http://fmsc.org/mobilepack (scroll down to Kansas, Salina, #1601-234EA Get Involved.) For more information, contact Linda Ourada at ljourada@cox.net.

WALMART, 2900 S. Ninth, has recently undergone some cosmetic improvements and renovations. These updates bring modern amenities and better convenience to customers

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in Salina. Some of the improvements include an enhanced produce section with Kansassourced fruits and vegetables, additional signage inside the store to make things easier to find, new paint and tile, updates to many parts of the store including electronics, new lighting and parking lot resurfacing.

The United Methodist Women of FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 122 N. Eighth, will have a Cookie Walk and Soup Supper on December 4 from 4-7pm. Cookies are $6 per pound. Edible specialty Christmas items also for sale. Soup Supper tickets are $6 at the door, $5 in advance; Children ages 5-10 are $4 at the door, $3 in advance; Children under 4 are free. Chili and Chicken Noodle Soup will be served. At the Kid’s Cookie Corner, children may decorate their own cookies for a donation. Santa will arrive at 6pm to read a story and pass out treats.

Proceeds support missions.

Liberty Hotel Group announces that Debbie Isaacson has been named General Manager for the HOLIDAY INN SALINA, 3145 S. Ninth.

Debbie was most recently the GM at Liberty’s HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES, 755 W. Diamond Dr. The new General Manager at that property is Jessica Robison. Both have a strong history with Salina’s hospitality industry. Contact Debbie at the Holiday Inn, 785-404-6767; and Jessica at Holiday Inn Express, 785-404-3300.

BROOKDALE HOME HEALTH CARE, a certified Medicare home health agency, recently welcomed Linnea King as the new Home Health Coordinator for Salina. Linnea will represent Brookdale throughout Salina, McPherson and Lindsborg. Together, Linnea and Brookdale Home Health Care will achieve a high quality continuum of care for their home health patients.

NEX-TECH WIRELESS is celebrating their 10th anniversary. Beginning in 2005 with 35 employees, Nex-Tech Wireless now employs more than 120 employees across Kansas, serving 60,000 customers with 300+ towers. In the past year, the company has expanded services, and continues to support communities philanthropically. For more information, go to www.nex-techwireless. com or visit the Salina retail locations at 2525 Market Place, Suite B or the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth.

SWEET ON YOU, 157 N. 7th Street, will celebrate their one-year anniversary with sweet events November 5-7! They will host a First Thursday Artist Reception from 5-7pm, with pencil drawings by Pamela Harris. On Friday, enjoy Chocolate Happy Hour 3:305:30pm with free hot chocolate! Enter to win a 3-pound chocolate turkey centerpiece, florals from Flower Nook or box of truffles. Saturday 10am-5:30pm there will be special sale prices, prizes, entertainment and a complimentary truffle with every purchase. Come down for a sweet time!

New Members BC’S SALINA CLUB LIQUOR 2919 Market Place, Suite B Bret Hartman, Cody Smith (785) 827-6762 salinaclubliquor@scl.kscoxmail.com HATARI FIREARMS, LLC 1018 W. Elm • Skyler Braden (785) 827-4700 hatarifirearms@gmail.com DO OR DYE SALON 120 E. Iron • Ronee Krier (785) 829-1999 roneeharlin@hotmail.com SALINA LIBERTY 800 The Midway • Ashley McArthur generalmanager@salinaliberty.com

Ambassador of the Month

Linnea King, Home Health Coordinator with Brookdale Senior Living, has been named “Ambassador of Linnea King the Month” for October. She received the honor by securing three new members during the month. She has a total of 27 for the year and is leading all Ambassadors.

For her efforts, Linnea will receive a $25 Smoky Hill Silver Gift Certificate.

Congratulations Linnea!

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Ribbon Cutting

Meet Chamber Member Dustin Birdsong, Owner of B Strong Running Company as you read excerpts from our 5-minute/5-question interview.

What is it about your business that is unique or special?

We are very customer orientated. We listen to our customers and evaluate each person uniquely to get them the optimal shoe. We utilize video gait analysis to choose the correct shoes.

See the entire interview, and others, posted at www.salinakansas.org/chamber/take_5.aspx Want to be interviewed about your business?

Contact info@salinakansas.org!

“The Board and Staff congratulate Don Weiser on his 40th anniversary with the Chamber!”

On October 21 K-State Polytechnic cut the purple ribbon on the newest addition to campus, an enclosed flight facility for the unmanned aviation systems program. The UAS Pavilion is one of the largest enclosed unmanned flight facilities in the nation. More information about the UAS Pavilion can be found at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/oct15/pavilion101415.html.

Salina Regional Health Center Announces Expansions

Two significant expansion projects were announced recently by Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC). SRHC has purchased the building at 2090 S. Ohio (formerly Sunflower Bank corporate offices) to become the new location of the COMCARE practice, currently at 617 E. Elm. Following renovations and construction of a substantial addition, the facility will feature 39,000 sq. ft., in comparison to 10,000 sq. ft. at the present location. The larger space will enable the addition of primary care physicians, the need for which was indicated in a 2014 study commissioned by SRHC. COMCARE will also expand services in their imaging center including ultra-sound, X-ray computed tomography, and nuclear medicine, among others. Dr. Gary Williams, MD, has been with COMCARE more than 17 years. “I’m excited about the opportunity this new facility presents. The additional space will greatly enhance our ability to provide increased services for primary care in Salina,” said Williams, co-chair of Physician Network Operating Council at SRHC. The second exciting project is the new Salina Regional Urgent Care Clinic, to open at 2265 S. Ninth Street in early 2016. Renovations are underway at the 8,000 sq. ft. facility (formerly David’s Bridal) near Central Mall. Salina Regional Urgent Care Clinic will be open daily and include onsite lab and x-ray services. StatCare, the hospital’s other urgent care clinic, will continue its services and hours of operation at 1001 S. Ohio.

“Improving access to quality health care is part of our mission as a community hospital,” said Micheal Terry, president and chief executive officer at Salina Regional Health Center. “This new clinic will provide care in a convenient location, and if necessary, give patients a link to our physician specialists.”

Consumer demand for immediate access to medical care has grown. In addition to treating minor illnesses and injuries, busy families often access these clinics as an affordable, walk-in, option for sports physicals and routine vaccinations with no appointment needed. Salina Regional Urgent Care Clinic also will be electronically integrated with the hospital’s family practice medical providers, so doctors at COMCARE will have easy access to records from visits at the urgent care clinic. The facility should help to alleviate unnecessary visits to SRHC’s emergency department.

For more information, contact Salina Regional Health Center at 785-452-7000.

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PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID SALINA, KS 67401

REFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES

EyeCare Associates of Salina

120 W. Ash, P.O. Box 586 • Salina, KS 67402-0586 785-827-9301 • fx 785-827-9758 • www.salinakansas.org HELP US KEEP YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT If address is wrong in any respect, please correct directly on the label and return to Chamber of Commerce. Thank You!

900 Westchester Thursday, November 19 5-7pm • $5 per person

EyeCare Associates of Salina proudly serves the Salina area with a tradition of quality service, products and a friendly staff. We take great pride in offering every patient the best in vision care – fitting them with glasses or contacts, diagnosing cataracts, glaucoma or other eye diseases, or recommending LASIK and other procedures. Our dispensary has a huge selection of frames. For more details, visit www.eyecaresalina.com.

Marshall Motor Company, Inc. 3500 S. Ninth Thursday, December 3 5-7pm • $5 per person

They have lots to celebrate at Marshall Motor Company. Help them bring in the holiday season and celebrate 10 years in their current location. Join them to help support the Marines Toy Box by bringing a new toy and they will pay your entry fee.

Come out & network at EyeCare Associates of Salina and Marshall Motor Company and check out all they have to offer!

For reservations call 827-9301 or email dsmith@salinakansas.org DOOR PRIZES (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) $100 CASH ATTENDANCE DRAWING $500, $500, $1,000 MEMBERSHIP DRAWING

Business After Hours dates filling fast

Are you interested in hosting a Chamber “Business After Hours” event in 2016? Dates are being booked now! Only a few open dates remain. It’s a great way to promote your business or organization.

Contact Don Weiser at the Chamber, 785-827-9301 or dweiser@salinakansas.org for more information and available dates.

December 1 is the next mailing of CHAMBER-NET, the Chamber’s inexpensive direct-mail marketing tool for Chamber members.

To participate, deliver to the Chamber office, 1,500 pre-printed 8½” x 11” flyers (not folded) advertising your product or service. The Chamber will then mail the flyers to the entire membership. Don’t miss this opportunity to market your product or service to Chamber members and reach a powerful business group with this low cost direct mail program.

Cost is $95. New members get their first mailing free. The deadline to have your flyers to the Chamber office is 5pm, Friday, November 20.

Questions? Contact the Chamber office at 785-827-9301, or email dweiser@salinakansas.org.