A Monthly Publication of the FEBRUARY 2017 Volume 57, Number 2
AT A GLANCE... Chamber Annual Meeting . . February 8 Salina Bicentennial Center 800 The Midway Membership Reception 5:00pm Dinner Served 6:30pm Business After Hours . . . . . . February 9 Kansas Wesleyan University/Sodexo Student Activity Center 100 E. Claflin, 5-7 pm Legislative Issues Meeting February 18 Chamber Visit Salina Annex 120 W. Ash, 8:30-10am Business After Hours . . . . . February 23 Salina Airport Authority/ Great Lakes Airlines M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal 3237 Arnold Avenue, 5-7pm Details inside!
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AAKER SEMINAR TO TEACH “TURNING SERVICE INTO SALES”
PASS IT ON! See page 4
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Human Resources Communications Sales Staff Break Area
SDI AND CHAMBER
Downtown News By Penny Bettles, Salina Downtown, Inc. pbettles@salinadowntown.com • 825-0535
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 Guy Walker Blue Beacon International VICE CHAIRMAN Dr. Matt Thompson Kansas Wesleyan University CHAIR-ELECT Mark Ritter Crown Distributors, LLC TREASURER Joyce Volk Joyce Volk Insurance Agency, Inc. PAST CHAIRMAN Brian Richardson Occupational Performance Corporation PRESIDENT/CEO Don L. Weiser Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Debra Blomquist Accessible Home Care, LLC Brandon Ebert Waddell & Reed, Ebert-Stein Group Scott Eck Philips Lighting Dr. Verna Fitzsimmons Kansas State University Polytechnic M. Olaf Frandsen Salina Journal Julie Goetz Salina Regional Health Center Dave Hiechel Eagle Technologies Brandon Hughes Harbin Construction Peter Johnston Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd. Tina Lewis Salina Housing Authority Dahx Marrs Marymount Properties, Techniqol Consulting, Kansas Bankers Technologies LuAnn Puvogel Salina Surgical Hospital Michael Spicer Salina Community Theatre Ron Stratman Accurate Electric, Inc. Barb Young Triad Manufacturing Mark Zimmerman Salina Supply Company
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And the SculptureTour Salina People’s Choice Award winner is...
SLIM!
Slim is a 400 lb. life-size metal elephant sculpture. He is created out of salvaged metal equipment door panels, Direct TV satellite dishes for ears and Harley Davidson mufflers for tusks. He is a bit of a “Junkaphant”! Artist, Dale Lewis, from Hastings, NE started making welded metal sculptures eight years ago. “My hobby has become a full time obsession for me. I try to make each piece entertaining. There’s no turning back now, this is what I want to do when I grow up!” Every year the City of Salina graciously purchases the People’s Choice Award sculpture up to $15,000. “The People’s Choice Award is a really exciting feature of SculptureTour Salina. Each year, the winning sculpture is purchased by the City of Salina to become part of their public art collection,” stated Mike Hoppock, SculptureTour Chair. “This is a great way for everyone to be involved in the project, and every vote counts.” Slim is the 5th People’s Choice Award sculpture to find his permanent home in Salina. Slim will be permanently placed in a planter on the south side of the Bicentennial Center.
BIG things are happening downtown! On Tuesday, January 17th the City Commission unanimously gave preliminary approval for the use of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (STAR Bonds), a Community Improvement District and Tax Increment Financing to help fund approximately $154 million in business and tourism projects in downtown Salina. Some potential projects include: • A Homewood Suites by Hilton five-story hotel on Mulberry • An “America’s Crossroads Car Collection” museum • “The Alley”, a bowling alley and indoor fun center • Streetscape • A “restaurant incubator” business • Old Chicago Restaurant • Medical Student Housing (Apartments) • Lee Buildings - Housing
CHAMBER NEWS
First Legislative Issues Meeting This Month In an effort to keep area citizens informed on state legislative activity during the 2017 state legislative session, the Chamber will host a series of Legislative Issues Meetings with our local Saline County Legislative Delegation. The first Legislative Issues Meeting of the 2017 Session will be on Saturday February 18, 8:30-10:00am in the Visit Salina Annex, 120 W. Ash. These meetings are sponsored by AT&T, and are free and open to the public. The format of the meetings will consist of opening remarks from the legislators, written questions from the audience, and closing remarks from the legislators. All Saline County State Legislators have been invited to attend.
Follow the Salina Chamber and Visit Salina on Facebook.
Their contact information in Topeka this session is: Diana Dierks, Representative (R) 71st District 300 SW 10th Avenue, Room 519-N Topeka, KS 66612 • 785-296-7642 Diana.dierks@house.ks.gov J.R. Claeys, Representative (R) 69th District 300 SW 10th Avenue, Room 274-W Topeka, KS 66612 • 785-296-7670 jrclaeys@house.ks.gov Steven C. Johnson, Representative (R) 108th District 300 SW 10th Avenue, Room 185-N Topeka, KS 66612 • 785-296-7696 Steven.johnson@house.ks.gov Randall Hardy, Senator (R) 24th District 300 SW 10th Avenue, Room 223-E Topeka, KS 66612 • 785-296-7369 randall.hardy@senate.ks.gov Legislative Hotline 1-800-432-3924
www.kslegislature.org
Ribbon Cutting
Salina Nutrition, 2075 S. Ohio, celebrated the Grand Opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting!
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CHAMBER NEWS
Aaker Seminar to teach “Turning Service Into Sales” International speaker, trainer, and information, including communication tools, internal & author, David K. Aaker, IOM, will be in external customers, and building lifelong customers! Salina on March 14th to assist our local You may register for either the morning session (9-11am) businesses to improve or afternoon session (2-4pm). Both their customer sessions will be held in the Chamber’s service skills with his Visit Salina Annex at 120 W. Ash, north “David Aaker is by far the most popular presentation, of the Chamber office. Tickets are $75 for engaging and enthusiastic “Turning Service Into customer service speaker and the seminar or $95 for the seminar plus a David K. Aaker, IOM Sales”. This lively book. After each session, David will hold trainer we have ever featured…” book signings. Register online at and interactive twohour presentation is designed to motivate Lisa Langer, Executive Director, http://web.salinakansas.org/events/ Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce employees with tested methods to improve Customer-Service-Workshop-Turningcustomer service and help your employees Service-Into-Sales-9475/details. make positive changes that will stimulate Chamber members, watch your email company growth. for a $20 off discount code to use in your registration! The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce encourages Sponsorships are still available by contacting Hayley businesses of all industries to consider sending all employees Morrical at the Chamber, hmorrical@salinakansas.org or to either session, to learn from David’s tested customer service 827-9301.
Interested in meeting with Chamber board members and staff to chat about your business?
Email hmorrical@salinakansas.org or call Hayley at 785-827-9301 to attend the next Twelve at 12 session. At each monthly event, 12 Chamber member business representatives have lunch, on us, with Chamber board and staff members to talk about the good, bad, and upcoming in their business and Salina. It is a great opportunity to tell the Chamber how we can better serve your business, as well as a chance to learn more about Chamber programs!
Carly Fiorina
See you on February 8th at the Chamber Annual Meeting, featuring Carly Fiorina!
• Bicentennial Center • Membership Reception 5:00pm • Dinner 6:30pm • Program 7:00pm 4
The Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center project at 3320 S. Ninth Street is showing great progress. The facility will open in late summer of 2017, and staff is already booking space! By email, contact Dana at dana.bronson2@hilton.com or Gala at galabloyd@hilton.com for more information about booking an event, or call them at their temporary office at the Courtyard by Marriott, 785-309-1300.
VISIT SALINA
Good Sports
KSHSAA 4A Wrestlers Compete for State Titles
Salina is proud to host the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Class 4A State Wrestling Championships, February 24 & 25 at the Salina Bicentennial Center. Salina will celebrate its 11th anniversary as host to the 4A State Championships. More than 224 wrestlers from 54 schools, PLUS coaches, media, officials, staff, volunteers and some very enthusiastic wrestling fans attend. The event creates a conservatively estimated $425,000 annually in direct visitor spending to the Salina community. Mark Lentz, KSHSAA Asst. Executive Director stated, “The people of Salina and the city continue to welcome the KSHSAA MEMBER SCHOOLS, athletes and fans each and every year. We look forward to great hospitality from a welcoming community.” Tickets for 4A State Wrestling will be available at the Bicentennial Center Box Office throughout the event. Friday all day admission - $9.00 for students and $11.00 for adults Saturday all day admission - $9.00 for students and $11.00 for adults In each of the 14 weight classes, the top 16 wrestlers will be bracketed. Updates will be posted on-line. For more information about KSHSAA State wrestling, including volunteer opportunities, contact Tiffany at Visit Salina, 827-9310 x130, or tbenien@salinakansas.org
USA KS Kids Wrestling 6U Tournament & Elementary Qualifier Visit Salina is delighted to welcome back the USA KS Kids Wrestling 6U & Under Tournament and Elementary Qualifier event to the Bicentennial Center, Sunday, February 26. This event is expected to bring approximately 700 youth wrestlers, many of which will check-in at the Bicentennial Center on Saturday night. According to James Cook, Event Founder and Organizer, “Salina provides us a great central location and the Bicentennial Staff do a great job to accommodate us and make this event happen. We expect approximately 2500+ spectators through the door for the event.” The event began as a 6 & under event only, with about 300 wrestlers in the 20132014 season. Recently the event added an elementary qualifier tournament where the top wrestlers will be able to participate in a larger event this April in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This change has increased the number of wrestlers to about 700 competitors. Weigh-ins will begin Saturday evening during the KSHSAA State Championship, both at the Bicentennial Center. Wrestling will begin early Saturday morning and end by approximately 4pm Saturday afternoon. Admission is $5.00 per person.
MarqueeWelcomes February 4
KCAC Wrestling Championship
February 6-10
KS Register of Deeds
February 10
KCAC Cheer & Dance Championships
February 24-25 KSHSAA 4A State Wrestling February 26
USA Kansas Kids 6U
Dollars Sense Recent groups Visit Salina worked with and the estimated visitors’ spending they created in the community:
Kansas Land Surveyors $58,300 UMC Youth OneEvent $81,088 UMC Orders and Fellowship $180,300 Kansas State Firefighters Relief $8,803 X-Treme Gymnastics $69,500 No till on the Plains $180,150 KS Assoc of Ag Educators $46,995 KS Kids Wrestling TOC $291,357
Visit Salina welcomes The Kansas Register of Deeds. They will hold their winter conference at the Holiday Inn this month. The event is expected to bring over 75 convention delegates to Salina and visitor spending in excess of $70,000.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
In The News The Market @ SLN is now open at the M. J. Kennedy Air Terminal at SALINA AIRPORT AUTHORITY to serve airline passengers, terminal building and industrial center employees a variety of fresh foods and beverages. The micro-market was installed by Premier Food Service of Wichita, KS and offers the convenience of self-check-out with a The Market @ SLN market card, credit card or debit card. The Market @ SLN will feature Tassimo brewed coffee and teas, fresh fruit, deli fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads and a variety of snacks. Also available is an assortment of soft drinks, bottled water, juices and energy drinks. Early arriving DEN GREAT LAKES AIRLINES passengers will be able to relax and shop The Market @ SLN. 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. BANK OF TESCOTT, 600 S. Santa Fe, has announced the hiring of Brandon Baugh to the bank’s agriculture lending team. He is a graduate of Ft. Hays State University, with degrees in general agriculture and agribusiness. He has served previously as a loan officer and also as a soil conservationist. Baugh will be based at the bank’s Tescott branch. STRAUB INTERNATIONAL, 3637 S. Ninth, has announced two promotions. Randy Veatch is the senior vice president and COO. Dan Boswell has been named regional service manager for Straub’s five locations across Kansas. Straub is a locally owned agricultural equipment dealership. Jenni Jones began working at SALINA PRESBYTERIAN MANOR in December 2016 as Director of Sales and Marketing. Before joining Presbyterian Manor she worked for Brookdale Senior Living. Salina Presbyterian Manor is the only nonprofit, senior living community offering a complete range of levels of care in Saline County, Salina Presbyterian Manor’s 44-acre campus offers variety, choices and the freedom to live the way you want to live and also gives residents peace of mind through priority
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access to a full continuum of assisted living, long-term care/skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health care and memory care on-site, if ever needed. Please contact Jenni Jones for more information or to schedule a tour (785) 825-1366 Ext 1112 or email at jjones@pmma.org FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 122 N. 8th, will hold their UM Men & Women Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 4th, from 4:30-7:00pm. Adults are $6 in advance ($7 at the door), children 3-10 years are $3 in advance ($4 at the door), and children 2 and younger are free. For local delivery ($7 per ticket), call (785) 825-0228 before noon on Friday, March 3. Carry out is also available. The SALINA CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED will host their annual Banquet and Auction on Saturday, March 4 at the Bicentennial Center. The event begins at 5:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance at $40 single and $60 per couple and $15 for ages 17 and younger. Early bird ticket packages are available until February 22. For more information, go the Salina Ducks Unlimited Chapter Facebook page, or call Rich Rice at (785) 826-8950. ANGEL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, 1600 Rush, will host their annual Chicken and Noodle Dinner on Saturday, February 18. Serving begins at 5:30pm. The meal includes Chicken and Noodles, Whipped Potatoes, Corn, Rolls and Dessert. Suggested donation of $8 for adults and $4 for kids. The Preschool will also host their Open House and Early Enrollment for the 2017/2018 school year on Tuesday, February 21, 5:30-7:00pm. For more information, contact Preschool Director Layla Peppers at (785) 825-5170.
New Members BOULDER POLISHING 1300 W. Elm Troy Vancil (785) 342-6380 troy@boulderpolishing.com ELMORE COUNSELING 631 E. Crawford, 209-F Sherry Descoteaux (785) 402-5283 sherrydescoteaux@yahoo.com
Meet Chamber Member Tammy Jarvis, Owner of Ad Astra Books & Coffee as you read excerpts from our 5-minute/5-question interview. Can you please give us a three sentence summary of your personal background? I was born and raised in Salina. When I moved back 15 years ago, I started looking for ways to get involved in the community, not only to further my own interests, but to help raise Salina up as well. What is it about your business that is unique or special? What separates you from your competitors? Ad Astra has always been about community and supporting “local.” From serving locally roasted Blacksmith Coffee, food locally made, to selling books by local authors, providing a stage for local poets and musicians, Ad Astra strives to showcase what Salina, and what Kansas, have to offer. In general, how is demand for your product or service? After five years in Downtown Salina, our comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, as well our quality local products, and weekly live event schedule, are bringing more and more people through our doors! 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!
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2017 Junior Leadership Sessions Begin Twenty-four talented young Saline County students have been selected to be a part of 2017’s Junior Leadership Salina class! During the six-part program, spanning February to early April, students will have the opportunity to visit places they may have not been, while learning more about the Chamber of Commerce, Local Government, Salina’s Education offerings, Business and Industry, Volunteerism, and Leadership skills. Congratulations to: Karley Benson, Layne Blomquist, Carter Brull, Emily Byrd, Mary Campbell, Claire Cook, Payden Cox, Evan Elam, Hannah Feldman, Jennifer Guardado, Chloe Guillot, Water Fan, Tyler Kirkhart, Shaylin Ptacek, Paige Musselwhite, Kennedi Ratcliff, Josh Rubino, Jordan Steele, Lyndsi Weems, Jordan Werner, Colton White, Blase Whitting, Haylie Rodriguez, and Jordan Gilliland. Special thanks to these sponsors who generously support the Junior Leadership program: (list as of press time) Kansas Wesleyan University (1) Accessible Home Care, LLC (1) Mowery Clinic (1) Ad Astra Books and Coffee House (1) Occupational Performance Corp. (1) American Family Insurance Laurie Debold Agency (1) Pancho’s (1) Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc. (2) Philips Lighting Company (4) Bank VI (1) REPCO (1) Bennington State Bank/Salina (1) Salina Optimist Club (1) Barton Bycroft, DMD (2) Salina Surgical Hospital (5) Clark, Mize & Linville Chtd. (2) Salina Tree, Inc. (1) Crossroads Collision, Inc. (1) Salina Vortex Corporation (1) Crown Distributors (1) Sam’s Club (2) Farmers Insurance Group Smoky Hill, L.L.C. (1) Jodi Pappada (1) Smoky Hill Education Frisbie Construction (4) Service Center (1) Helen L. Graves (2) State Farm - Robert Pruett Agency (1) Heartland Dermatology Center, PA (1) Wal-Mart (1) KCoe Isom, LLP (1) Woods & Durham, Chtd. (1)
Ambassadors preparing for 2017 Membership Campaign Coming off a very successful membership campaign in 2016, the Ambassadors are preparing to begin their 2017 membership campaign this month. Approximately 12-14 individuals will volunteer their time over the next 10 months, contacting prospective Chamber members, explaining the role of the chamber, how the organization impacts their business, and the many membership services they can receive. Being an Ambassador is a great way to make new business contacts. An orientation for all Ambassadors will be held prior to the start of their campaign. Anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador can contact Don Weiser at the Chamber, 827-9301 or email dweiser@salinakansas.org.
Changes in Announced Due to increasing expenses, the fee to participate in the ChamberNet direct mail campaign will now be $125. Participants also need to provide 1,350 flyers by the 15th of the month prior to distribution. See enclosed flyer for details.
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Salina Chamber and
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BUSINESS HOURS REFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES
Kansas Wesleyan University Student Activity Center
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!
100 E. Claflin
Thursday, February 9 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass Kansas Wesleyan invites you to learn more about their premier athletic venue. A delicious appetizer buffet will be provided by on-site caterer Sodexo in the Student Activity Center, a venue available for your next luncheon or corporate event. After the Chamber reception, you are invited to stay for the basketball games at no additional charge. If you would like your family to join you for the game, you may pick up additional complimentary tickets at the After Hours event. Go Yotes!
Great Lakes Airlines/ Salina Airport Authority M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal 3237 Arnold Ave
Thursday, February 23 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass Salina Airport Authority and Great Lakes Airlines celebrate over 6 months of air service from Salina to Denver International Airport. Come out and meet Great Lakes Airlines staff, tour the remodeled terminal and experience The Market @ SLN. Guests will be eligible to win Great Lakes tickets and The Market @ SLN market cards. Come out, network with fellow Chamber members & check out what Kansas Wesleyan University and the Salina Airport Authority 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 DRAWINGS
2017 “Business After Hours” Fast Pass is on sale now! For $30, the pass will gain you admittance to all Chamber After Hour events throughout the year. To order your 2017 Fast Pass, contact Delta at the Chamber office, 827-9301 or email dbryant@salinakansas.org
Check it out at http://www.salinakansasyp.com
SAYP Launches into 2017
Over 100 of Salina’s talented young workforce gathered in the Stiefel Theatre’s Watson Gallery last month to celebrate the official launch of the Salina Area Young Professionals’ (SAYP) 2017 Launch. The evening was spent celebrating the group’s 2016 successes and 2017 plans over Martinelli’s appetizers, drinks, live music via local band A.M., tours of the historic theatre, giveaways via Great Lakes Aviation, Dreadlock Escape Room, and Rockin’ the Fe, and, most importantly, good company. The leadership team took to the mic to introduce themselves along with the programming they hope to be involved in planning for the upcoming year. The night was hosted by emcee and 2017 SAYP President, Austin Hoppock. While SAYP kicked off 2017 with a bang at this event, the group’s leadership plans on continuing the momentum to new programs and continuing to build on 2016’s most popular events, such as Street Eats and Beats, the community’s first ever food truck festival. Salina can plan on seeing many more Civic, Education, and Networking opportunities from the team leading SAYP. With questions or more information on how to join the group, contact Hayley at yp@salinakansas.org or 785-827-9301.