A Monthly Publication of the MAY 2018 Volume 58, Number 5
AT A GLANCE... Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . May 3 Bloomers Landscape & Nursery 4876 E Country Club Rd • 5 to 7 pm Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . May 17 Smoky Hill Health & Rehabilitation 1007 Johnstown • 5 to 7 pm Details inside!
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EIGHTH SCULPTURETOUR SALINA See Page 4 EXHIBIT UNWRAPPED!
PASS IT ON! n n n n
Human Resources Communications Sales Staff Break Area
SDI AND CHAMBER
Downtown News By Penny Bettles, Salina Downtown, Inc. pbettles@salinadowntown.com • 825-0535
Meet Jessica!! 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 Mark Ritter Crown Distributing, LLC VICE CHAIRMAN Dr. Matt Thompson Kansas Wesleyan University CHAIR-ELECT Joyce Volk Joyce Volk Insurance Agency TREASURER Dahx Marrs Marymount Properties, Techniqol Consulting, Kansas Bankers Technologies PAST CHAIRMAN Guy Walker Blue Beacon International PRESIDENT/CEO Don L. Weiser Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Kristy Balthazor Assurance Partners, LLC Jennifer Brantley Schwan’s Global Supply Brandon Ebert Waddell & Reed, Ebert-Stein Group Julie Goetz Salina Regional Health Center Dave Hiechel Eagle Technologies Brandon Hughes Harbin Construction Peter Johnston Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd. James Lambert Kansas Gas Service Dr. Scott Owings, MD KU School of Medicine Bob Protzman Rocking M Media LuAnn Puvogel Salina Surgical Hospital Amber Renfro Coldwell Banker Antrim-Piper Wenger Realtors Father Bobby Smith Saint Francis Community Services Barb Young Triad Manufacturing Mark Zimmerman Salina Supply Company
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Jessica Haywood is Salina Downtown, Inc.’s newest Downtown Aesthetic Specialist. Jessica is a free-spirited individual who enjoys spending time in nature with her dogs, cocreating delicious plant-based meals with her partner Andy and practicing yoga with her tribe at A Work In Progress Yoga Studio. Jessica Haywood Although she was born and raised in Salina, she appreciates the freedom of travel, and for 3 years found herself in Hawaii on the island of Kauai working on a goat farm and going to school for massage therapy, among other things. After all her adventures, she chose to go back home to Salina to be near family and in the community that she has learned to love. She is excited to be the new Aesthetics’ Specialist for Salina Downtown, Inc. and is happy that she can play a role in the development of our community. If you see her downtown, feel free to say hello!
Salina Downtown is under construction, but don’t let that get in your way! We are still OPEN FOR BUSINESS!! Don’t let a little construction get in the way! Shop and play in downtown today!
Salina Downtown is undergoing a major streetscape redevelopment that includes replacement of the water main down Santa Fe Avenue. We are also enhancing and expanding the sidewalks, curbs, planters and plazas. Please follow Salina Downtown’s Facebook page as well as website to stay up to date on construction happenings!
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Dowtown Streetscape Project!
Beginning on April 30th we will begin removing the pavement on Santa Fe beginning at Mulberry heading north. We will be closing the center lane southbound as well. We will also be closing the center lane of the 100 block of S. Santa Fe from Walnut north for about 1/3 of the block. Salina Downtown has several back-parking lots to utilize on 5th and 7th streets with almost all businesses having rear access to their businesses.
CHAMBER NEWS
Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings
Follow the Salina Chamber and Visit Salina on Facebook.
Chamber groundbreaking ceremony for Exchange Bank new location at 1015 E. Cloud St!
Smart Insurance, 1945 S. Ohio, Suite B1, celebrated their opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting!
Chamber ribbon cutting for the new Aldi’s at 2403 S. 9th Street.
The new Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 3050 Riffel Drive, celebrates their opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting!
The inaugural flight by United Express – SkyWest from Chicago O’Hare to Salina, continuing to Denver is celebrated with a Chamber ribbon cutting on the tarmac of Salina Regional Airport!
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CHAMBER NEWS
Eighth SculptureTour Salina Exhibit UNwrapped! For many, spring means new life, and that is certainly true when you look at the landscape of downtown Salina in the month of May. This year, we celebrate the eighth year of the SculptureTour Salina (STS) project. Late in the year, artists from across the U.S., and beyond, submit work to STS for consideration to be part of the exhibit. A jury considers that work, and selects around 20 pieces to arrive in Salina on loan from the artists for 11 months. The 2018 SculptureTour exhibit will features 19 works on exhibit along Santa Fe from Ash Street to Iron, east and west on Iron, plus in front of Rose Hill Bank. Saturday, May 5 marks the “UNwrap Party”. At precisely 11am, teams made up of volunteers, STS sponsors and supporters are signaled by the Salina Fire Department to unveil the sculptures simultaneously. Several of the artists will be on hand as well to help unveil their work and meet the public. The festivities continue 11am-1pm, with a roving saxophonist along Santa Fe, a pianist in Philips Plaza, Face Painting at Santa Fe & Iron, and free popcorn. At 1pm, the Sunflower Bank parking lot is the place to hear the announcement of artist awards in five categories: 1st and 2nd Place Bronze, 1st and 2nd Place Other Media, and Best of Show. This year’s awards juror is Lori Norwood of Lawrence, KS. Awards are announced by Mike Hoppock, SculptureTour Chair. “SculptureTour Salina is a great experience for everyone throughout the 11-month exhibit each year,” stated Mike
Good Sports!
Visit Salina is pleased to host the KSHSAA 4A Division II State Baseball and Softball Tournaments, May 24-25. A total of 16 teams will arrive in Salina for the events will the bracket in play Thursday and Friday. Baseball will be played at Dean Evans Stadium, while softball will be played at Bill Burke Park. Eight teams will compete at each tournament with the following schedules. Baseball • Thursday - 11am, 1:15, 3:30 and 5:45pm • Friday - Semi-finals 11am and 1:15pm, 3:30pm Consolation, 5:45pm Championship Softball Softball • Thursday – Two games at 5pm; two games at 7pm. • Friday - Two semi-final games at 11am; 1pm Consolation; 2pm Championship 4
Hoppock, Chair of the SculptureTour committee. “Particularly during this time of downtown revitalization, this exhibit is a wonderful reason for families with kids of all ages, classes, Scout groups, reunions, and all generations to come downtown, pick up a ballot, enjoy the exhibit, and vote for their favorite sculpture.” Ballots are collected until December 31, when a People’s Choice sculpture is determined and purchased by the City of Salina to remain in our community. All ballots cast through December 31 are eligible for year-end prizes! If you haven’t already, consider becoming a Friend of SculptureTour Salina. Every donation is a help, and very much appreciated. These dollars help us administratively with the Artists Awards, shipping pieces here and marketing. Further, the Friends dollars make it possible purchase art as well. There are several levels of support: Primary - $25-$99; Friend - $100-$199; Classic - $200-$499; and Patron - $500+. To become a Friend, go to www.sculpturetoursalina.net where you’ll find even more information about SculptureTour Salina. If you are interested in volunteering for the project in some way, work goes on throughout the year. Contact Sylvia Rice at Visit Salina at srice@salinakansas.org or (785) 827-9301 to find out more!
“Hosting KSHSAA State Tournaments is great for Salina”, stated Tiffany Benien, Visit Salina Sports & Events Manager. “Salina continues to host many KSHSAA State Championship events including football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, and golf. We’re excited about Salina’s future with KSHSAA events. All of these events bring great athletes, coaches, and fans that stay, shop, dine and experience Salina.” Visit Salina estimates that direct visitor spending for the tournaments will be $523,000. While hosting the State Baseball and Softball tournaments is a primary goal for Visit Salina, achieving the goal would not be possible without scores of volunteers. Volunteers will be needed to help sell tickets, t-shirts and programs, announce, and keep score. If you would like to volunteer please contact Visit Salina by phone (785) 827-9310, ext . 136, or e-mail Tiffany tbenien@salinakansas.org or Kyle kylew@salinakansas.org As teams qualify, go to www.kshsaa.org for bracket updates.
VISIT SALINA
MarqueeWelcomes May 5
SAYSI Youth Baseball Teams
May
SculptureTour Salina Artists
May 7-9
KS County Highway Assoc.
May 9
Kansas State of Wellness Symposium
May 10-11
The Kansas Bankers Association
May 12
NBC Wake & Rake Wood Bat Classic Teams
May 19-20
Rinehart R100 3D Archery Shoot
May
USSSA Rawlings Gold Glove Classic Baseball Teams
Visit Salina Celebrates
May 19
MAYB Youth Basketball
May 24-25
KSHSAA 4A Div. II Baseball/ Softball Teams
Established by a congressional resolution in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week serves to champion the power of the travel and tourism industry. Visit Salina joins other travel and tourism professionals from across the nation to work throughout the week to promote the impactful contributions travel markets and organizations make to the U.S. and local economies.
Dollars Sense
Kansas State of Wellness Symposium will hold their annual meeting at Tony’s Pizza Events Center on May 9. The Kansas Alliance for Wellness (KAW) is a statewide network committed to improving the health of Kansans by creating healthy food and beverage environments. Their keynote speaker is globally revered strategic futurist Nancy Giordano. The group will also enjoy an evening downtown for SculptureTour Salina. Registration is $25 and you can register at https:// kansasallianceforwellness.com/ Road maintenance and safety are key issues for the Kansas County Highway Association. They will hold their Spring Training Conference May 7, 8, and 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn. County Highway Employees from all over Kansas will participate, including many local and regional vendors. Kansas Bankers Association will host the Young Bankers Annual Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn. A special day of golf at the Salina Country Club and evening activities at BEl Tree Farm, LLC are planned for the 100+ attendees.
2018 National Travel and Tourism Week, May 6-12
This year’s theme gives a nod to the past and present with “Travel Then, and Travel Now”. Watch Visit Salina social media posts, and local media to catch a glimpse at changes in travel for Salina. Did you know…According to the 2015 Tourism Satellite Account data from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, key indicators in Saline County support the importance and growth of tourism: • Visitors spending grew 6.7% in 2015, compared to the prior year. • Visitor spending in Saline County ranks 6th among all counties in the state. • Tourism spending directly supports 1,971 jobs, with overall visitor-supported economic activity supporting nearly 2,600 jobs – one out of every 11.6 jobs in the county. • Tourism in Saline County generated $28.5 million in tax revenues in 2015, with $17.1 million accruing to state and local governments. From U.S. Travel, another national initiative - Project: Time Off - has uncovered an alarming trend over the last 40 years: Americans are taking fewer and fewer vacation days. The belief that working long hours will help you get ahead, coupled with a culture of silence around vacation usage, has created a nation of ‘work martyrs’ to the detriment of individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. We want Americans to understand the value and necessity of taking vacation. This year, the week will also mark the official introduction of Destination Salina – an interactive, online program for frontline hospitality workers – hotel clerks, waiters, housekeepers, tour guides, retail staff and others – to learn more about Salina and what we have to offer our visitors. “This is a great way to kick-off summer travel season,” said Sylvia Rice, Director of Visit Salina. “Our goal is for the community to see just how integral tourism is to our economy, to our people, and to celebrate and support the professionals that make it all happen for Salina”.
Recent groups Visit Salina worked with and the estimated visitors’ spending they created in the community:
American Postal Workers Union/KS
$24,000
Nat’l Assn. Housing Rehabilitation Officials/KS
$109,440
KS Independent College Assn. Rural Rental Housing Assn. United Post Masters Assn.
$21,400 $45,392 $30,784
KS Health Information Mgrs. Assn.
$49,600
Rural Rental Housing Assn.
$45,392
United Post Masters Assn.
$30,784 5
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
In The News
Ford Motor Company presented LONG MCARTHUR FORD with the President’s Award for 2017. Not only did Long McArthur receive the award for 2017, they were also winners in 2015 and 2016, a unique accomplishment. Very few dealerships earn the President’s Award. Out of over 250 dealerships in the Kansas City region only 10, including Long McArthur, earned the award. Long McArthur also earned the Lincoln President’s Award for the first time since the dealerships opened 67 years ago. The President’s Awards are awarded to the highest achieving dealerships in the country for Sales and Service satisfaction. The award is the highest recognition a Ford dealership can achieve. 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 Art & Science of Arachnids, featuring 100 live arachnids - the largest such display in the U.S., is ROLLING HILLS ZOO’S newest exhibit. Explore human-arachnid cultural connections through the arts, science and culture, plus hands-on interactives and an 8’ orb spider model with which to build your web. This exhibit will be on display thru September 3, 2018. SALINA ARTS & HUMANITIES is integrating a new online volunteer-management tool into planning processes for the River Festival and other major projects and events. The innovation should save time and energy for busy staff and volunteers. The SignUp. com link is found on the home page of riverfestival. com and provides access to the Festival’s committees that use supervisory and/or shift volunteers. Efficacy of the tool will be assessed during Festival evaluation meetings in June and July. https://signup.com/ group/275414358093?utm_source=group-badgesignups-orange SMOKY HILL MUSEUM staff is busy with research and design for a new exhibit entitled “Notorious,” slated to open in late August, featuring famous and infamous Kansans including John Brown, Carrie Nation, Doc Brinkley, John Steuart Curry and others. Spring and summer-break students and business travelers are invited to stop in to enjoy the WW I exhibit ‘In The Trenches With Company M,” The Curiosity Shop and more. Smokyhillmusem.org Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., a leading corporate advisory and investment banking firm, welcomes
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the personnel of KC&G BUSINESS APPRAISAL ASSOCIATES, INC., a firm exclusively devoted to the valuation of privately-held businesses and business ownership interests for companies of all sizes. KC&G Business Appraisal Associates bring over 25 years of business valuation experience. The senior professionals that are joining Prairie are Stephanie Klingzell Carlin and Melissa Goetz. They started KC&G Business Appraisal Associates, Inc. in 2006 and developed clients throughout KS, CO, OK, TX, MO, NE and IA. The Heart of America offices of Prairie will have two locations: Kansas City and Salina, KS. The SALINA SYMPHONY will close the season with Timeless Opera featuring opera singers with roots in North Central Kansas. Rebecca Copley and David Corman will join the Symphony and Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale in presenting operatic favorites from Bernstein, Strauss, Verdi, Wagner and more Sun., May 6, at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre. KANSAS STATE POLYTECHNIC is now a partner in Piedmont Airlines’ cadet program, which offers tuition reimbursement and employment opportunities to select students who have earned their certified flight instructor rating. Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc., also provides through its cadet program a guaranteed job path to American Airlines once student pilots are ready to transition in their career. To learn more about the professional pilot bachelor’s degree option at Kansas State Polytechnic, contact admissions at 785-826-2640 or polytechnic@k-state.edu. SALINA COMMUNITY THEATRE is a national awardwinning regional theatre creating more than 14 original productions each season. It is also one of the region’s major providers of educational and performance opportunities for young artists and audiences. More than 24,000 patrons attend its productions, and more than 45,000 share in shows and education every year. The theatre is also the recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award and the Twink Lynch Award from AACT for innovative programming. In addition, Executive Director Michael Spicer will this summer receive the David C. Bryant Award for “significant, valuable, and lasting service to community theatre”.
New Members PANERA BREAD 2375 S. 9th Street Morgan Earle morgan.earle@panerabread.com
Meet Chamber Members Mike & Dianne Neustrom, Owners of Prairie Lavender Farm as you read excerpts from our 5-minute/5-question interview. Can you please give us a three sentence summary of your personal background? After retiring twice we started the farm to keep busy. After 17 years we are busier than ever providing natural products to our customers.
What is it about your business that is unique or special? What separates you from your competitors? We are the oldest lavender farm in Kansas, but no longer unique. There are now nine farms in our state and we all work together to provide good, local products and agri-tourism services. 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!
Ambassador of the Month Kristin Van Wie has been named April Ambassador of the Month. Kristin is a new Ambassador this year, and has secured two new members so far. She is a Sales Kristin Van Wie Associate for Mike Losik Farm Bureau Financial Services. “We are very proud of Kristin in her first year,” stated LaChrista Brightbill of the Chamber. “She’s doing great, and is a terrific addition to the team.” For her efforts, Kristin will receive $25 in Smoky Hill Silver. Congratulations Kristin!
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2018 Wage and Benefit Survey Update Underway The process is underway to update your Chamber’s Wage and Benefit Survey. The initial mailing requesting information from local businesses and industries has been sent out by mail or email. The information is confidential and no company will be identified. The survey includes information on low, average and high wages by job title, summaries of employee benefits, and occupational definitions. The strength and validity of this survey directly correlates with the participation rate. Hundreds of area organizations have participated in the past, and we are counting on your participation to ensure that this survey continues to provide area employers with competitive local wage and benefits information. If you would like to participate and have not received the survey please contact Delta at: dbryant@salinakansas.org or 827-9301. The survey is expected to be complete by August 1.
Governor Signs HB 2701 in Salina Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer made a stop in Salina on Tuesday, April 24 to sign House Bill 2701 creating the Broadband Expansion Planning Task Force. Don Weiser, Chamber President/CEO introduced the governor and acknowledged the importance of broadband access for both business and individuals in the economic development efforts of Salina and the area. According to Gov. Colyer, “…the issue of broadband accessibility has been discussed for many years and now it’s time to take action”. The purpose of the Statewide Broadband Task Force is to gather input including the creation of a map to address gaps in broadband, identify needs and partners, and develop the criteria and ways of prioritizing the plan across the state of Kansas. The task force will be made up of 17 individuals from the legislature, public, and private sectors.
The CityGo bus stop at Santa Fe & Mulberry (256 S. Santa Fe) serving the Blue, Red, Yellow and Green Routes, is closed temporarily. The City of Salina is starting work on the upgrades to Santa Fe. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Customers are encouraged to use alternate stops in that area, including the transfer station located at 7th and Walnut, or the stops at Salina Regional Health Center. The stop will be closed until further notice. For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit www.salinacitygo.com. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at (785) 826-1583.
Familiar Face Back at Chamber The chamber is pleased to announce that Eric L. Brown has rejoined the staff and accepted the position of Vice President Eric L. Brown of Economic Development effective April 16, 2018. The core of what Eric is responsible for are economic development projects and programs related to entrepreneurship, workforce development, and business expansion and retention efforts. Eric has an undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. Eric was previously on the chamber staff for six and half years and worked for the Bennington State Bank Trust and Wealth Management department for seven months before coming back to the chamber. He brings experience and a proven track record of success in the chamber industry, which will be invaluable in meeting the goals and objectives of the organization. Please join us in welcoming him back! 7
BUSINESS HOURS REFRESHMENTS • TOURS • DOOR PRIZES
Bloomers Landscape & Nursery
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!
4876 E Country Club Rd Thursday, May 3 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass ($40 in 2018)
Bloomers Landscape & Nursery has been expanding at their current location since March 2014. They are a full service nursery and landscape business growing Kansas friendly perennials, shrubs & trees. Come tour their greenhouse bursting with a variety of hardy Kansas plants and discover various hardscaping and mulch options, outdoor décor and much more.
Smoky Hill Health & Rehabilitation 1007 Johnstown
Thursday, May 17 5-7pm • $5 per person or Fast Pass ($40 in 2018) At Smoky Hill Health & Rehabilitation, whether you are recovering from surgery, regaining your speech and mobility following an illness, or coping with a chronic condition, their 24-hour nursing staff delivers the specialized care needed. They are licensed by Medicare & Medicaid and equipped to provide both short and long term care. Their ultimate goal is successful rehabilitation or self-management of your condition.
Last year we gave away $4,600! It pays to attend!!
$ It Pays to Attend $ Come on out, network with fellow Chamber members and discover all that Bloomers Lanscape & Nursery and Smoky Hill Health & Rehabilitation 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
Check it out at https://www.salinakansasyp.com SAYP to present Street Eats and Beats
Join us for stellar food, rockin’ bands, and great community at the 3rd Annual Street Eats & Beats festival, May 26 4pm-10pm at the Salina Innovation Foundation 336 S. Santa Fe Avenue. This year’s delicious eats come from: Chapmans Take Away Food Truck, There’s No Taste Like Home Food Truck, Hot-2-Trot Gourmet Hotdogs, Fun Foods, Umami Bowl, Relish, Taqueria Banda, Saddle Jack’s BBQ and The Kamayan Truck.
The lineup of artists for your listening pleasure includes Aaron Lee Martin, The Ziggowatts, The Mad Kings and Faintheart. Bounce-A-Roos and Bouncer Express will be there with awesome bounce houses for the kiddos! Food trucks are ready for you at 4pm, and the tunes will follow at 6pm. A $5 suggested donation per person is greatly appreciated, and will help ensure that the Street Eats & Beats project continues into the future. Share your excitement and pictures with us using #seb3! Visit Salina staff take a breath at the Visit Salina 5 Business After Hours held April 5. From left: Sylvia Rice, Director; Tiffany Benien, Manager/ Sports & Events Markets; Jo Ann McClure, Manager/ Conventions & Military Markets; Kyle Weiser, Associate/Sports & Events.