Salina Chamber Newsletter April 2016

A Monthly Publication of the APRIL 2016 Volume 56, Number 4

AT A GLANCE...

Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . April 7 Ashby House, 5-7pm Sales Tax Issue Member Forums . April 19 Visit Salina Annex, 7-8am or 4-5pm Sales Tax Mail-In Ballots . . . . . . April 20 Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . April 21 Salina Tech, 5-7pm Leadercast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 6 Salina Community Theatre, 8am-3:30pm SculptureTour UNwrap Party . . . . May 7 Downtown Campbell Plaza, 11am-1pm

Friday, May 6

Details inside!

Salina Community Theatre 8am-3:30pm

CHAMBER BOARD SAYS YES TO SPECIAL SALES TAX ISSUE!

ON OUR WEBSITE...

When you see this icon, it indicates that more information can be found on our website. Watch for it in all our publications!

PASS IT ON! See page 4 and Insert

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Human Resources Communications Sales Staff Break Area

SDI

Downtown News

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

Meet the newest member of our team!

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 Brian Richardson Occupational Performance Corporation VICE CHAIRMAN Mark Ritter Crown Distributors, LLC

CHAIR-ELECT Guy Walker Blue Beacon International

TREASURER Trey Mowery Central National Bank PAST CHAIRMAN Frank Hampton Hampton Financial, LLC PRESIDENT/CEO Don L. Weiser Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Debra Blomquist Accessible Home Care, LLC Brandon Ebert Waddell & Reed, Ebert-Stein Group 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 Peter Johnston Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd.

Tina Lewis Salina Housing Authority Ashley McArthur Long McArthur Ford Michael Spicer Salina Community Theatre, Inc. Ron Stratman Accurate Electric, Inc. Matt Thompson Kansas Wesleyan University Joyce Volk Joyce Volk Insurance Agency, Inc. Frieda Mai Weis PKM Steel Service Mark Zimmerman Salina Supply Company

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We are excited to announce that Melanie Sanders has joined Salina Downtown, Inc. as Administrative Assistant! Please stop by the office and welcome her.

“I am a long time citizen of Salina. I graduated from Salina Central and moved away for a period of time, but came back to Salina to get married and start a family. I live very close to the downtown district and enjoy the benefits of being involved in the close knit community. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and hanging out with my family and friends. I am excited to be a part of Salina Downtown, Inc!” ~Melanie Sanders

Melanie Sanders

Interview 200 of your customers this year…

Consultants Kizer & Bender reminded us during Salina Downtown’s Annual Meeting on March 15th that it is important to look at your business through your customer’s eyes. It takes the consumer ten seconds – yes, 10 seconds! - from walking in your door to decide whether or not they like the place. One or two bad experiences and you’ve lost them as a customer forever! This rings true no matter if you’re in retail, restaurant, or the service industry. So, challenge yourself, ask 200 of your customers (really…it’s less than one a day!) this one question…

“What is the one thing that we can do to make your experience better?”

The 2015 Downtown Partner of the Year Award goes to…

Every year Salina Downtown, Inc. recognizes partnerships that have greatly impacted our community, especially downtown. This year’s Partner of the Year is no exception. They share their time and talents without any compensation, and never ask for anything in return. With their passion and willingness to jump in and help wherever needed, we proudly dedicate the 2015 Downtown Partner of the Year Award to the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

Save the Dates!

Dan Martin, President, Salina Downtown, Inc. Sylvia Rice, Visit Salina Director, Salina Chamber

April 16th – Spring Spruce Up – 8:30am – Campbell Plaza April 21st – SDI/BID Monthly Board Meeting – 7:30am – Hall of Fame May 7th – SculptureTour Salina UNwrap Party – 11:00am-1pm – Campbell Plaza

CHAMBER NEWS

Meet our

Volunteer

Follow the Salina Chamber and Visit Salina on Facebook.

CJ Maltbie began her involvement in the Chamber through Salina Area Young CJ Maltbie Professionals (SAYP) and soon became a familiar face at Chamber functions. This year, CJ stepped in to lead the charge on a new SAYP committee, Salina Scenes. In her first four months as committee chair, CJ has secured multiple sponsors, co-hosted poetry readings, planned an SAYP concert, and hosted a March Madness party with her employer, Nex-Tech Wireless, amongst many other contributions. This marked her first year as a Chamber Ambassador and Leadercast planning committee member. In addition, CJ is a lifetime Salina resident, supporter of Salina Arts and Humanities, Relay for Life Co-Captain, and Bowl for Kids’ Sake participant.

“My goal is to bring new ideas for culture, arts, and entertainment to fruition by supporting those who create and inspire,” said CJ. “My favorite thing about Salina and SAYP is being a part of something bigger than myself. There are thousands of young people in our town that feel that Salina isn’t in the position to feed their creative minds. If I can be a voice for our artists, poets, musicians – to show that there are so many of us with the same common goal – maybe we can grow in population, give people a reason to stay in Salina,” she continued.

The SAYP is grateful to have CJ’s enthusiasm, passion, and get-it-done attitude to help lead the group. Thanks CJ!

Ribbon Cutting

Owners of the Salina Liberty Indoor Football Team kicked-off their season with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours event in their home arena at the Salina Bicentennial Center. Go Liberty!

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CHAMBER NEWS

Leadercast “Architects of Tomorrow” theme says it all globally broadcasted leadership speakers. This group has been On May 6, visionary leaders will descend on the Salina working for 2 years to redevelop Downtown Salina. They have Community Theatre from 8am - 3:30pm for the world’s built their ideas around the Downtown largest one-day leadership event, Leadercast, broadcast live from Atlanta $11,000,000 Field House project. to thousands of viewers at hundreds Their vision is to elevate Salina to a level of competitiveness that attracts of locations across the globe, people, businesses, and events to our including Salina. community for decades into the future.

Leadercast will explore what it means to be a visionary and an “Architect of Leadercast Salina is thrilled to welcome Tomorrow.” Visionary leaders must Larry Britegam, Guy Walker, and Don Boos of the group known as Salina have the ability to see a preferred 2020 Inc. These three leaders will future, operate in the present, and utilize speak to how and why a group takes the resources around them to architect on a $140 million project and enrolls a a clear path to a new destination. With speakers such as Steve Wozniak, Nick community in the process to reach the point they are at today.

Saban, Kat Cole, and more, Leadercast Salina Community Theatre To purchase your ticket call the Salina will equip attendees with insights 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and tools that will enhance capabilities at 785-827-9301 or email Hayley at as a visionary leader.

In addition, Salina will host a group hmorrical@salinakansas.org. A limited number of tickets are available. of local visionaries, alongside the 303 E. Iron Ave., Salina, KS

To purchase a ticket please visit:

http://event.leadercast.com/location/salina

For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities please contact Hayley at hmorrical@salinakansas.org

Salina Chamber Board says YES The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently took action to support the special sales tax issue being presented by the City of Salina. The proposal is to increase the current special sales tax which has funded Kenwood Cove and other City initiatives from .4% to .75%. In a media release about the decision, SACC Board President Brian Richardson said, “Sales tax is an attractive funding mechanism for Salina. An estimated 30% of our sales tax revenue is generated by non-residents… also users of our facilities, infrastructure and amenities.” Richardson continued, “If we want to remain being a desired community to live, work, and visit, we need to take progressive steps for that to happen.”

The Chamber will present two forums for members to learn more about the sales tax issue, where the proposed dollars would be used, and how the community will be affected. Plan to attend on Tuesday, April 19 at either 7-8am, or 4-5pm, in the Visit Salina Annex, 120 W. Ash. See the enclosed flyer for more details.

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VISIT SALINA

Good Sports!

Visit Salina welcomes the return of The ROCK!

The Central Kansas Disc Golf Club (CKDGC) is pleased to host The Rock disc golf tournament, April 23-24, 2016. This Kansas Disc Golf Association (KDGA) sanctioned event brings approximately 100 golfers to Salina on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the KDGA will sanction a couple’s tournament Friday, April 22nd with open registration until 6pm that evening.

For more information, or to register for the event contact Sara Kmetz by phone or text: (785)577-4377 or go online to www.kansasdiscgolf.com Spectators are encouraged and admission is free.

Baseball expands in Salina!

A warm Visit Salina welcome goes out to Salina Stockade, pro baseball team of the Pecos League. The Stockade will play several dates this summer at Dean Evans Stadium. Their first game is May 21, and we hope everyone will come out to enjoy quality time with family, or to share a cold one with friends and overall, enjoy some baseball! Host families are needed for players, and we encourage you to consider that. Check out salinastockade.com to learn more!

Quality Inn and Suites will welcome the Kansas State Square Dance Association board on April 2, with 30 members expected to attend.

An anticipated 150 American Red Cross volunteers from across Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa will be in Salina April 5-9 for Institute. The training will be held at the Kansas National Guard facilities in Salina.

On the Pot, 111 N. Santa Fe, will host 60 paint your own pottery studio owners from across the country April 23-25 for their “Kansas Mini” convention. These small business owners will take part in business and technique classes, in addition to great networking and some free time to enjoy downtown Salina.

There are 60 attendees expected to participate in The Kansas Libertarian Convention that will be held at the Kansas Wesleyan University campus, April 28 & 29. Approximately 150 people are expected.

MarqueeWelcomes April 1-2

Salina Coin & Stamp Show

April 3

KS Square Dance Board

April 5-9

Red Cross Regional Institute

April 9

LULAC State Conference

April 23-24

The Rock Disc Golf

April 23-25

Kansas Mini ConventionPottery Studios

April 28-29

Kansas Libertarians

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

KEC & Auxiliary

$17,992 KSHSAA 4A Div I State Basketball $478,845

State Farm Training $3,148 NCK County Clerks $2,475 Mid America Farm Expo $105,500 (exhibitors)

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MEMBERSHIP NEWS

In The News

HAYS ACADEMY OF HAIR DESIGN, 115 S. Fifth, is proud to announce that student Megan Hertel, Salina, KS, placed 1st from 200 entries in the student category of the Wella TrendVision Regional Finals Competition on March 13th in Chicago, IL. By placing first in this incredibly challenging competition, she has qualified to move on to the Wella TrendVision Finals Competition in Las Vegas, NV. Danielle Markley, Co-Owner of Hays Academy of Hair Design was awarded Regional Educator of the Year at the TrendVision Regional Show. Congratulations!

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.

Casey Burket is the new owner of WORLD WIDE WINDOWS, 736 N. Ninth. The company serves the central Kansas region, providing windows in standard and custom sizes for replacement, remodeling and new construction in business and residential buildings. Casey can be reached at (785) 826-1701.

SALINA REGIONAL HEALTH FOUNDATION has been recognized by the Kansas Partnership for Early Success for their efforts in a $6 million capital campaign to build, furnish and equip the Donna L. Vanier Children’s Center, 155 N. Oakdale. The Center opened in 2012 as the home of Child Advocacy and Parenting Services, Salina Child Care Association and Salina Regional Health Center’s Infant-Child Development Program.

The Salina based MIRACLE EAR franchise, 328 N. Ohio, has the honor of receiving the Platinum Club Award. Owned and operated by Mark Kind, this franchise covers the majority of Central and Northern Kansas. John Lang and Gwen Begnoche, consultants in Hays, McPherson, and the surrounding areas, have been a major part in meeting the criteria for this award. The primary requirements are based on patients’ overall satisfaction with service and products. From the time a person initially walks into any of the locations, until they have been properly fit and cared for long term, they take pride in providing quality care. Mr. Kind said, “It is an honor to receive this award. We

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think of our patients as our extended families.

I am very fortunate to have an excellent staff that always puts the customer first.”

Melanie Overton, Ed.D., is now Vice President of Advancement for KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. She comes from serving as assistant general secretary for schools, colleges, and universities in the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Division of Higher Education of The United Methodist Church (GBHEM). Dr. Overton’s experience and education in assessment, strategic planning, finance and marketing will be of great benefit to KWU. Dr. Overton began her post at KWU on March 1.

KC&G BUSINESS APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC., 200 S. Santa Fe, Ste 1A, celebrated its ten-year anniversary on April 1st. During this time, Stephanie Klingzell Carlin, ASA, CExP™ and Melissa Goetz, CPA/ ABV, ASA have helped hundreds of business owners throughout the country understand the value of their business for gift and estate tax matters, when buying or selling a business, for employee stock ownership plans, charitable contributions and securing bank loans. In addition, the firm assists business owners through the exit planning process whether that involves selling to the next generation or a key employee, or sale to a third party. Visit www.kcgvalue.com for more information.

New Members JIM FLETCHER & ASSOCIATES, AFLAC DISTRICT OFFICE 131 N. Santa Fe, Suite 140 • Jim Fletcher (785) 376-0315 • j2_fletcher@us.aflac.com STAR LUMBER 305 N. Santa Fe • Mike L’Ecuyer, Spike Dose (785) 404-1610 • mlecuyer@starlumber.com WORLD WIDE WINDOWS, LLC 736 North Ninth • Casey Burket (785) 826-1701 • skinnyquinny@aol.com K-SCRUBS 1945 A S. Ohio • Kathryn Mead (785) 404-2792 • info@kscrubs.com KANOPOLIS DRIVE-IN THEATRE 804 N. Kansas Ave. • Kanopolis, KS 67454 Josh Webb • (785) 472-4786 kanopolisdrivein@yahoo.com

KIDDS TOWING 662 S. Broadway Mike Kidd • (785) 404-6888 kiddstowing@aol.com FIERCE ATHLETICS AND TRAINING, LLC 225A Gold Road Travis Godfrey, Lorenzo Araujo (785) 307-2278 fierceathletics15@gmail.com CORKIE’S DINER, LLC 145 S. Santa Fe Bruce Koster (785) 819-0750 • bkoster2@aol.com FREELANCE LANDSCAPING 1507 Haven Ave. Christopher and Brin Snyder (785) 577-8100 freelancelandscape@gmail.com SALINA STOCKADE-PECOS LEAGUE Houston,TX.77277 • Andrew Dunn (575) 680-2212 andrew.dunn@pecosleague.com

Ambassador of the Month

Tracee Powell, Program Coordinator & Health Navigator with Cerner Corporation, has been named Tracy Powell “Ambassador of the Month” for March. She received the honor by securing 7 new members during the month, and has a total of 9 for the year. The Ambassador’s total new members to date is 22.

“Tracee is one of our most energetic Ambassadors, and is off to a great start again this year,” stated Pat Foster, Ambassador Chairman. “She does a great job representing the Chamber, and certainly deserves this recognition.”

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

Congratulations Tracee!

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Great Offers & Opportunities!

Reminder – there are special offers available on salinakansas.org that may be attractive to you as a consumer, or as a marketing tool for your own business.

Go to salinakansas.org, click on “Members”, then on “Coupons and Contests”.

We’ve just added great offers from two of our newest members, the Salina Liberty and Fierce Athletics and Training, so check those out! If you would like to create your own coupon/offer, let us know. This marketing opportunity is free for Chamber members, and can be done quickly. To learn more, contact Allison at awebb@salinakansas.org and she’ll be happy to help!

Meet Chamber Member Francis Flax, General Manager of the Salina Liberty as you read excerpts from our 5-minute/5-question interview.

Can you please give us a short summary of your personal background?

I served for 25 years at Brown Mackie College as Athletic Director/ Head Basketball Coach. Recently I was hired as General Manager of the Salina Liberty, of the Champions Indoor Football League.

What is it about your business that is unique or special? What seperates you from your competitors?

This business deals with bringing professional football players to Salina.

We are family oriented entertainment, and involve the entire community.

In general, how is demand for your product or services?

We have a great following of sponsors, both individual and small business as well as a large fan base.

How long has your firm been in business and why are you operating in the Salina region?

This ownership group has been in business since June, but a professional franchise had been in Salina the previous three years.

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!

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BUSINESS HOURS REFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES

Ashby House

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!

142 S. Seventh St Thursday, April 7 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass Ashby House invites you to check them out at their recently renovated location at 142 S. Seventh where they continue their mission to empower homeless families and individuals, to improve self-sufficiency, self-advocacy, and holistic recovery. So come on out and learn more about the exciting things that are happening at Ashby House as they continue to build a caring community, one family at a time.

Salina Tech

2562 Centennial Rd Thursday, April 21 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass Come find out why Salina Area Technical College is ranked in the top 10% in the nation and has the top student success rate of two-year colleges in Kansas.

With 90% job placement rate and 94% employee satisfaction, it has risen to be the premier two-year college in Kansas.

Come out, network with fellow Chamber members & check out what Ashby House & Salina Tech 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

Membership Winners!

IT PAYS TO ATTEND!!

2016 “Business After Hours” Fast Pass

It’s not too late to order your 2016 “Business After Hours” Fast Pass.

For $30, the pass will gain you admittance to all Chamber After Hour events throughout the year. There are several BAH events scheduled for 2016, so that averages less than $2.00 per event, a GREAT savings!

To order your Fast Pass, email Delta at dbryant@salinakansas.org or call her at the Chamber office, (785) 827-9301.

Josh Farrell, Midwest Regional Agency, won $500 at the Salina Liberty Business After Hours, March 3! Hank Boyer, Chamber Hospitality Committee presents Josh with his winnings.

Carla Lamb of Complete Floor Covering won $1,000 at the Sunflower Carpet Business After Hours on March 24. Here, Hank Boyer presents the “ceremonial” check to Carla.

$ It Pays to Attend $