A Monthly Publication of the NOVEMBER 2019 Volume 59, Number 12
AT A GLANCE... Business After Hours . . . . . December 19 Showcase Jewelers 2328 Planet Avenue • 5-7pm Details inside!
PASS IT ON!
IMAGINE SALINA... BECOMING REALITY! See Page 4
n n n n
Human Resources Communications Sales Staff Break Area
CHAMBER NEWS
From the CEO Imagine Salina and Placemaking
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connection (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: Chamber Connection, PO Box 586, Salina, KS 67402-0586.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Joyce Volk Joyce Volk Insurance Agency VICE CHAIRMAN Peter Johnston Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd. CHAIR-ELECT James Lambert Kansas Gas Service TREASURER Dahx Marrs Marymount Properties, Techniqol Consulting, Kansas Bankers Technologies PAST CHAIRMAN Mark Ritter Crown Distributing, LLC PRESIDENT/CEO Eric L. Brown Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Kristy Balthazor Assurance Partners, LLC Jennifer Brantley Schwan’s Global Supply Brandon Ebert BE Wealth - Waddell & Reed Jane Gates Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts James Lambert Kansas Gas Service Jeff Maes ComPro Realty Dr. Scott Owings, MD KU School of Medicine Bob Protzman Rocking M Media LuAnn Puvogel Salina Surgical Hospital Maria Rapp, DC Chiropractic Wellness Center Amber Renfro Coldwell Banker Antrim-Piper, Wenger Realtors Bonnie Sanderson Woods & Durham, Chtd. Father Bobby Smith Saint Francis Ministries Gary Stansberry Salina Blue Susan Trafton Tony’s Pizza Events Center Barb Young Triad Manufacturing
2
The most widely understood definition of placemaking is the practice of creating or enhancing a community’s assets to improve its overall attractiveness and livability. This includes large-scale projects such as the redevelopment of a district or downtown, and creative uses of public spaces that create an inviting atmosphere, Eric L. Brown but it also small-scale efforts such as pop-up events, entertainment, and art in unusual and unexpected public places. The rules of placemaking haven’t changed or been altered over time, what attracts people to the main boulevards and cores of cities are entertainment, comfort, variety, walkability, food, beverage, peoplewatching, safety, commons areas, and natural elements, such as trees, gardens, and water features. The addition of wayfinding signage, memorable architecture, and beautiful landscapes help give a community or district its own heartbeat and vibe. Salina’s ability to retain the next generation of our workforce, invite former graduates back, and recruit individuals and families to Salina to fill in-demand career opportunities will be key in keeping both our business community and local economy strong. There is tremendous momentum in Salina with many generational projects completed or in the works, involving significant capital investment across the community and has given us the ability to showcase assets in Salina that haven’t existed previously. Imagine Salina’s tagline is “Turning What If into What Is”, and it signifies the roll up your sleeves and make something happen attitude that exists in Salina and the generosity of our business community. During 2019, we have begun the implementation phase of Imagine Salina and we are thrilled to announce that the marketing and recruitment website has been finalized and launched! This tool represents the main digital vehicle that will be utilized to showcase Salina and its opportunities to potential new residents, while at the same time providing valuable data as we continue to grow and tweak our outreach efforts. While the digital side of the Imagine Salina project is going to ramp up in 2020, the traditional workforce development and business expansion and retention program of work continues to hum along and produce positive results on issues affecting our business community including housing, early childhood education, small business training, innovation, public policy and legislation, and executing talent pipelines to quality and in-demand local careers. Imagine Salina just isn’t the Chamber’s initiative, it is the business community’s initiative, it is the education community’s initiative, the non-profit, the public, the private, and many other groups in between because the success of our community rests on the individuals that choose to call Salina home. With everyone pulling in the same direction, we can put Salina on the map as one of the top destinations in the Midwest to call home through the Imagine Salina initiative! Best, President/CEO Salina Area Chamber of Commerce HERE’S HOW TO CONTACT OUR CHAMBER STAFF Eric L. Brown, President/CEO ebrown@salinakansas.org Sandy Cole, Accountant scole@salinakansas.org Sylvia Rice, Visit Salina Director srice@salinakansas.org Tiffany Benien, Sports & Events Manager tbenien@salinakansas.org
JoAnn McClure, Convention & Military Manager jmcclure@salinakansas.org LaCrista Brightbill, Membership and Community Relations Director lbrightbill@salinakansas.org
Delta Bryant, Office Manager dbryant@salinakansas.org Donna Smith, Office Assistant dsmith@salinakansas.org Latron North, Talent Initiatives Specialist lnorth@salinakansas.org
Clare Stramel, Tourism Information Manager Ashley Finan, Membership Recruitment cstramel@salinakansas.org and Retention Director Kyle Weiser, Sports & Events Associate afinan@salinakansas.org kylew@salinakansas.org
CHAMBER NEWS
Leadership Salina 2019 Graduates!
The Leadership Salina Class of 2019 graduated on November 21st. As a part of the event, class members shared projects they are working on or have completed as a part of the curriculum.
Projects include: River Education Project - Provided educational material to the Friends of the River Foundation, including two pop-up banners and an impactful “trashy” art project created with trash from the river. The group felt this would create more opportunities to learn and educate our community. Friend to Friend - Partners volunteers with a senior citizen in our community from September-December to offer friendship during what can sometimes be a lonely season. Food Education Videos - Produced educational videos for the WIC Program that will help teach how to properly pick, prepare, and package fresh fruits and vegetables. Be Strong - Assisted in the implementation of Be Strong Global at the middle school and high school level. Be Strong is a student-led program that focuses on anti-bullying, inclusion, and assists its participants with managing social and emotional situations. Recycle Downtown - Through a collaboration with community partners, the group is designing, manufacturing, installing and maintain 5 trash and recycling receptacles in all of the downtown Salina public plaza spaces. Bright Ideas Salina - Installing colorful LED lights in the tunnel on Santa Fe that connects Santa Fe to the 7th Street parking lot. This tunnel is directly adjacent to Blushe Boutique. The lights in the tunnel will not only enhance the appearance of the space but will also increase safety and help mitigate vagrancy. The Leadership Class would like to thank those community leaders who took time out of their days to speak on a panel during the Leadership Salina sessions.
Leadership Salina 2019 Panelists and Speakers Sarah Maas Eric L. Brown Leadell Ediger Dr. Matt Brungardt Maggie Gillam Barb Young
Jessica Martin Brad Anderson Kelly Mobray Rev. Dr. Charlie Smith Daren Neuschafer
Mike Schrage Brandee Mayginnes Claire Mullen Thane Chastain Susy Reitz
Amanda Michaelis Terry Hauschel Greg Nichols Bob Jenkins Guy Walker
Jason Tiller Lori Blake Jennifer Kaufman Marjie Anderson Monte Shadwick
Salina Flying High with BIG News on Air Service! Beginning March 5, 2020, Salina will see some great enhancements to our air service and schedule. At that time, Fly Salina users will have direct, nonstop air service to Denver (DEN), something many Denver passengers have been hoping for. This change means those flights will no longer have a Hays stop and seat sharing. This gains us better connect times at both DEN and Chicago O’Hare (ORD). SLN to DEN nonstop flights can be booked now at United.com
3
CHAMBER NEWS
Imagine Salina…becoming Reality! higher education, and hear from community leaders about why The “Imagine Salina” startup has been very successful! Latron North, Talent Initiatives Specialist, has been hard at it, Salina is a great option for their next stage in life. getting the program off to a great start from the ground up. Recently, a former service member was hired at a local manufacturer and has since relocated with his family to Salina. To date, more than 250 packets have been disbursed at six That is a win for the entire community! “Imagine Salina” has career and job fair events that Latron has represented Salina conducted one-on-one tours as well for select individuals from at. Within this job fair event category are the Ft. Riley Army Installation and Fort Leavenworth Army Installation. out-of-state who were chosen by chamber members to come to These packets feature information regarding Salina and interview with the company. Within a few months 11 tours have been Salina job opportunities, events and 250 Salina profile packets disbursed done and it has been reported that four outattractions, and provide an overview of the of-state individuals have been hired. community as a whole. Two Army installation events In addition, “Imagine Salina” played a Great investment of time has been 1 Vision Exceeds Start-Up goal spent the past months leading to “Imagine vital role in orchestrating and organizing Salina” website – www.imaginesalina. a job fair for the recently arrived 1 Vision 70 New Hires in Place com going LIVE. Aviation MRO. 1 Vision now has 65+ After great anticipation, the website employees, including many that have Military KEEP tours with 17 soldiers functions as a funnel and pipeline between moved into the community from outside 11 individual community tours the community and potential residents. of the community. This process is all a part of the goal to The “Imagine Salina” initiative hosted Imaginesalina.com Goes LIVE! increase the population of Salina with Military Keep - Kansas Employment skilled workers into the community, Exploration Program. This was a Salina thereby creating a great influx of talent, and positive impact on Industry and City Tour for service members exiting from the the City and County economies. military. This tour brought 17 transitioning service members For more information about “Imagine Salina” contact Latron to Salina. These service members were able to experience the North at lnorth@salinakansas.org or by calling (785) 827-9301. community, tour four local industries, explore two campuses of
2020 Members Elected and Appointed to Chamber Board Last month, Chamber members elected four new members to the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These four elected members will serve 4-year terms: Andrew Manley, CFO - First Bank Kansas Dr. Alysia Starkey, CEO/Dean Kansas State University Polytechnic Loren Young, Partner – KCOE ISOM, LLP Travis Young, CEO - Salina Vortex
Andrew Manley
Dr. Alysia Starkey
Loren Young
Travis Young
David Disberger
Larry Michel
Chair-Elect James Lambert has also appointed two new board members to serve 2-year terms: David Disberger, President - Great Plains Manufacturing Larry Michel, Shareholder Attorney - Kennedy Berkley Yarnevich & Williamson All six new board members officially began their terms in January 2020. Congratulations to these new members of our Chamber leadership! 4
VISIT SALINA
Good Sports Hey Salina! Let’s all welcome the athletes, coaches and families that will BRING IT TO THE HOUSE during the USBA Winter Nationals at Salina Fieldhouse! Hap Dumont 9U State Baseball Returns to Salina Visit Salina is pleased to announce that the Hap Dumont NBC 9U State Championship Baseball Tournament will return to Salina for its 2nd consecutive year. Eric Blasdel, Board President for Hap Dumont Baseball, cited the following reasons as to why Hap Dumont made the decision to return. “The decision was easy, Salina has the professional expertise, facilities, lodging and amenities to host this State Championship. We tested the event in 2019 and believe Salina was an excellent host. We think it will be even better in 2020. Salina has the perfect location for our young teams to meet centrally at the intersection of I-70 and I-135, right in the middle of Kansas. This paired with the willingness for Visit Salina to serve as host of the tournament and coordinate with the Salina Parks and Recreation Department as well as local baseball staff and volunteers makes Salina an ideal choice for the Hap Dumont NBC 9U State Championship Baseball Tournament.” The tournament is expected to welcome approximately 20 to 25 teams. Many parents and fans will attend and be exposed to Salina’s restaurants, hotels, shopping and other attractions. Estimated Economic Impact to Salina for the event is $155,000. The Hap Dumont NBC 9U State Championship Baseball will be held at East Crawford Recreation Area July 10-12, 2020.
New Billboard Look
MarqueeWelcomes December 4 & 5 KS Grain & Feed Agri Business December 7-8 Prairie Long Rifles Inc. 27th Living History Fair December 14 Sacred Heart Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament December 27-29 USBA Winter National Championship Basketball
Dollars Sense Recent groups Visit Salina worked with and the estimated visitors’ spending they created in the community:
KSHSAA 5A/6A State Volleyball
November 1-2 • $587,168
Bill Grevas & Cindy Curran 5k/1mile
November 9 • $26,200
Frosty 5k Fun Run
November 23 • $68,720
KSHSAA 2A State Football Championship
November 30 • $262,680
5
CHAMBER NEWS MEMBER NEWS
The Kansas Official Travel Guide 2020 is here! This publication is the most comprehensive look at travel in the state of Kansas. More than 400,000 copies are distributed annually by mail, at trade shows, in visitor centers and by DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) like Visit Salina. Travel businesses who have listings on TravelKS.com (free) may purchase printed listings in the guide as well. There are also opportunities to purchase print ad space, which you see below in the 1.5 pg spread that Visit Salina and our partners purchased. In 2020, Salina received great coverage due to the excitement surrounding the
downtown streetscape and development, and our strong arts vibe. Copies of the publication are available at the Visit Salina office. For more info about participating in future guides, contact Sylvia Rice at Visit Salina – srice@ salinakansas.org .
Delta Bryant to retire from Chamber staff With 2020 just around the corner, everyone anticipates the coming change and what the new year will bring. One such change will certainly impact the Chamber organization, membership and staff. Delta Bryant, longtime Chamber staffer will retire at the end of 2019. Delta has worn several hats at the Chamber. She has been the face that greets visitors at the office, and the voice that most often helps caller with the drastically diverse questions on the phone. She has served as part of the Administration and Operations work of the Chamber, which generally means she “knows stuff”, or where to get those answers. Specifically, Delta has served as the liaison for the Chamber Board of Directors via communications about board meetings and other important updates. Specific programs that she leads include the School to Career Program which places USD 305 student in workplace experiences like internships and job shadowing. She is the primary contact for the Mid America Farm Expo, responsible for marketing the event, registering booth sponsors and collecting those payments, and working with the Ag Division in preparing for and hosting the spring event each March. The summer Junior Dairy Show is another operation with Delta’s heavy involvement. In addition to those very specific programs, Delta also supports the Chamber staff in numerous ways, from helping with CEO Brown’s schedule to sending out requested information, to developing and updating documents relevant to Junior Leadership, the Chamber Annual Meeting and programs across the board. Delta will certainly be missed, but we all wish her well in her retirement where we hope she will spend more time with her family and friends, devote time to her mad skills with the sewing machine, cross-stitch and other beautiful work. Thank you Delta for 19+ years of support, dedication, wisdom and common sense. We miss you already! 6
New Members ARTISTIC PERMANENT MAKEUP 500 E. Iron (785) 787-2270 FORSTTER, INC. 227 N. Santa Fe, Ste. 303 (785) 833-2473 LIFESAVE TRANSPORT 2013 Kneubuhl Ct, Hangar 504 (316) 932-1440 GRAPH INK. 1610 W. 1st St Abilene, KS (785) 280-0489 MY LAWN! TURF & TREE 2022 Kansas Great Bend, KS (620) 282-2076
In The News
SALINA PRESBYTERIAN MANOR, 2601 E. Crawford St., welcomed Melissa McCoy to the staff this summer as director of marketing and sales. Prior to joining SPM, Melissa was director of marketing and international admissions for St. John’s Military Academy, and previously worked for Salina Airport Authority. McCoy served as a combat correspondent for the United States Marine Corps for four years and holds a BA in public relations from Kansas Wesleyan University. Lacey Buhrle is celebrating her first anniversary with Salina Presbyterian Manor, and has been promoted from activity assistant in memory care to life enrichment director. Her role includes events and outings, and residents are what her position is all about. Congratulations! MOWERY CLINIC, 737 E. Crawford St., recently expanded its services to include a Walk-in Clinic, open to individuals experiencing a minor emergency, illness or injury. These services are open to individuals ranging in age from newborn to geriatrics, whether they have previously been a patient at Mowery Clinic or not. The Walk-In Clinic is open Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, and Fri 8am-Noon. No appointment is necessary. Extended hours will be announced later. For more information, visit moweryclinic.com or call (785) 825-7261. Two students from KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY POLYTECHNIC received awards at the Aero Skills Tournament in Wichita at Exploration Place. The one-day regional competition for aircraft technicians is sponsored by Aviation NETWorX. Competition required assembling and disassembling a sheet metal project. The
MEMBERSHIP NEWS team of Rafael Ayala and Brett Steverson earned 3rd place and a $700 award. Steverson also competed individually and won the sheet metal fabrication competition, earning $1,000 and the right to compete at nationals in Las Vegas.
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 Chamber Connection. The FLOWER NOOK, 208 E. Iron, has added a new Corporate Page to their website, flowernooksalina.com/corporate, offering ways to enhance your business environment. They believe flowers are living art and take great care in delivering beautiful installations. The possibilities are limitless as they work with you to customize gifts and services that include: Trendy Floral Designs, Employee Appreciation Suggestions such as Hands on Floral Design classes, Gift Certificates, Company Discounts, Referral Rewards Program, Events Big and Small, and Monthly Blog for Floral Tips and Facts. Also, come in and introduce yourself, fill out a company profile sheet and let us give you the VIP tour and we will “gift” you a floral bouquet as our ‘Thank You’.
to meet Sharp Performance
as Founder and Director Jake Sharp answers five questions about himself and the organization: Can you please give us a summary of your personal background? Salina native graduate of Salina Central high school and the University of Kansas. Avid outdoorsman and celebrator of the active lifestyle. What is it about your business that is unique or special? What separates you from your competitors. The genuine care we have for our customers health and fitness; all of our clients we consider friends and family. Truly caring about our client’s individual needs and a relentless approach to deliver above their expectations has been and always will be our promise. See the entire interview, and others, posted at: www.salinakansas.org/chamber/take_5.aspx
Ambassador of the Month The November Ambassador of the month is Cindy Short, Mortgage Loan Officer with Exchange Bank. Cindy has been an Ambassador for a Cindy Short year. “Cindy is a great volunteer and we are very lucky to have her on our team,” said LaCrista Brightbill, Membership and Community Relations Director. Cindy will receive a $25 Smoky Hill Silver gift certificate for her work! Congratulations Cindy!
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings
1 Vision Aviation, located at 2044 Scanlan Ave, celebrates opening in Salina with a ribbon cutting.
Lifesafe Transport, 2013 Kneubuhl Ct, Hangar 504, celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting. 7
BUSINESS HOURS REFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES
Showcase Diamond Jewelers
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID SALINA, KS 67401 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!
2328 Planet Ave. Thursday, December 19 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass Showcase Diamond Jewelers is celebrating 25 FABULOUS years! Come check out their exciting new designs along with their AMAZING 25th birthday specials, just in time for Christmas! Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Come on out, network with fellow Chamber members and discover all that Showcase Diamond Jewelers has to offer.
$ It Pays to Attend $ For reservations call (785) 827-9301 or email dsmith@salinakansas.org DOOR PRIZES (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) $100 CASH ATTENDANCE DRAWING $500, $500, $1,000 MEMBERSHIP DRAWINGS
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! 2020 is almost here and SculptureTour Salina wants your vote for your favorite sculpture! You can cast your vote ONLINE and WIN a $100 Gift Certificate to Martinelli’s and 4 tickets to Rockin’ the Fe at the Stiefel Theatre! ▼ Here’s How To Enter (MUST DO ALL 3!!) ▼ ✔ Like the ORIGINAL post on the SculptureTour Salina page. ✔ Share the ORIGINAL post to your page. ✔ Take SELFIE with your favorite sculpture and share it with the hashtag #STSMYVOTE THAT’S IT! You can enter from December 12 to December 31st. We will draw for the winner on Friday, January 3rd!
HAPPY PLAYING and GOOD LUCK! (One vote per person!)
www.salinakansasyp.com Last month the YPs hosted the 4th annual Murder Mystery Dinner Party, “Murder Among the Mateys” on November 8th at the Salina Country Club. This year, 49 people attended for the night of mystery as they worked to discover who was responsible for the murder. YPs gathered on November 14th at AJ’s for a Thirsty Thursday social event. YPs also met for lunch on November 21st at Hickory Hut. This month they will be meeting Tucson’s Steakhouse Saloon & Grill Friday, December 20th from 12-1pm. On December 4th the YPs will wrap up the year with a Sin-Sational Christmas Party at Great Life Golf & Fitness. ‘Tis the season to give back to the community by doing donation-based admission. This year they are collecting donations and supplies for the Friends of Salina Animal Shelter.
…and from your staff at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce/Visit Salina office! ERIC • SANDY • LACRISTA • LATRON • ASHLEY • DELTA • JEN • DONNA ALLISON • SYLVIA • TIFFANY • JO ANN • CLARE • KYLE
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!