GE Magazine 2023

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2023 FromBust toBoom community during Meet the Gieringer’s Explorethefamily-run orchard&berryfarm APlace toBelong BlazingaPathfor BusinessEducation GEHS marketing students

on the cover

welcome

Welcome to the sixth annual edition of GE Magazine.

In collaboration with the Gardner Chamber of Commerce, we have spent the last year preparing for the 2023 issue. The goal of this publication is to highlight the businesses, people and organizations within the community that make Gardner a great place to live.

In this issue, former mayor Carol Lehman reflects on her years of work and dedication to the community, while Gardner volunteers work to establish a sense of Pride and acceptance in the community with the annual Gardner KS Pride Parade.

We also chat with author Amy Heaven to learn the history of Gardner Lake and the mammoth project it became as a result of the Great Depression.

And for our features, meet the owners of Gieringer’s Family Orchard and Berry Farm, and discover the Gardner Edgerton High School marketing students taking the extra steps to learn about the importance of business education.

A special thanks to Gardner Chamber president and CEO Jason Leib, Amy Heaven, Gardner Edgerton High School staff and our wonderful contributors, who made this issue possible.

All the best, Kalli, editor

AdventHealth South Overland Park is a full-service hospital in southern Johnson County. We provide expert, convenient health care to the community so you can stay whole for your whole life.

history FROM BUST TO BOOM

community A PLACE TO BELONG

Gardner volunteers reflect on Pride parade, take first steps in establishing organization

Carol Lehman

Former mayor reflects on years of service and leadership in Gardner

Story by Lucas Shivers Photography by Reeves Photo Co.

Carol Lehman, former Gardner mayor and recently retired Johnson County Community College business liaison, reflects on her journey of service to the city in a time of growth and development.

“It was an absolute honor to represent the citizens of Gardner,” Lehman says. “The growth and development that came our way was exciting and challenging. I learned that a visionary, creative city council with open minds is essential.”

By building trust and transparency, Lehman’s time teaching elementary education (seven years), as well as alternative education (three years), being in the business world, enjoying her family, serving as mayor, working at a local community college and now relishing retirement reflects milestones and key lessons of building a commonminded team and playing to strengths.

Todd Winters, current mayor of Gardner, speaks to her strengths.

“Her calm yet influential leadership style carried Gardner for many years,” Winters says. “Our city would not be where we are today without her tireless commitment and dedication to our community.”

COMING TO KANSAS

Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Lehman attended William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

“Upon graduation, I taught school for 10 years. I still think teaching is a noble profession,” she reflects. “It’s the chance to touch a life in a positive way that cannot be matched.”

After teaching, she worked for a company called Financial Systems and Equipment where she sold bank equipment and software for 27 years.

“It was a wonderful experience and made me realize that I loved sales,” Lehman says. “I had a boss who nurtured my strengths and gave me room to grow.”

In this role, she once came to Gardner to call on the town bank; that visit changed the trajectory of her life.

“I ended up marrying the banker, Don Lehman, who was a widower with five children: Becky, Gene, Jay, Jim and Janie,” she says. “What a joy and a blessing this family has been to me. Six grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren later, I am so thankful for each of them.”

STEPPING UP

After living in Gardner for five years, Lehman wanted to do something to give back to the community. Former mayor Phyllis Thomen suggested she run for city council in 1987.

“I won that first election, and the rest is history,” she says. “When Mayor Thomen did not run for a third term, I ran for mayor. I held that position for 20 years.”

At the time, young families were moving to Gardner, and they brought new ideas and high expectations with them.

Key leaders, such as Jeff Stewart, who is now the executive director of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department, helped accomplish pivotal goals for the community.

“Jeff suggested to the governing body that to keep these wonderful new young families, we needed to offer more leisure-time activities,” she explains. “The Gardner Aquatics Center, Celebration Park, the Greenway Trail and more neighborhood parks dotted the landscape of Gardner and added to our quality of life.”

As mayor, Lehman met with many of the leaders of Johnson County and learned from each of them.

”I realized that serving at the local level gives a person so many chances to make a difference in the community. I loved my time as mayor, and I treasure the experience,” she says. “I still watch with interest the changes going on in our community. I am proud of the exciting developments popping up. I urge more citizens to take part in the evolution of Gardner.”

LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK

For Lehman, listening and finding compromise were key lessons she learned early on in her career.

“I learned early on that a city is only as good as the staff of professionals behind the scenes,” she reflects. “We had the best. Former mayor Dave Drovetta was council president for 12 years, and we made a great team. I also believe there is no room for a public servant with a personal agenda.”

She also found that the loudest voice may not always speak for the majority.

“I learned that whether a citizen is happy with the decisions being made or unhappy with those decisions, there is something that an elected official can learn from each constituent,” Lehman says.

Jason Leib, president and CEO of Gardner Chamber of Commerce, says Lehman’s advocacy for Gardner is an inspiration to him.

“One of the things that brought me to the Gardner Chamber is her promotion of the city. Since I’ve been here, she has continued to connect with people to make Gardner the best it can be,” he says. “She has truly been a blessing to this community.”

A NEW CHAPTER

In light of her business background and experience with the City of Gardner, Lehman took on a role with Johnson County Community College (JCCC) as a business liaison for continuing education.

“I felt like a fish out of water when I accepted a position at JCCC,” Lehman says. “But once again, I was lucky to have a boss who encouraged me to rely on my strengths.”

She focused on the community and kept close contact with the area chambers of commerce and the economic development corporations.

“JCCC trains the local workforce and helps businesses through challenging times,” Lehman says. “Successful, thriving businesses mean a healthy Johnson County for all of us.”

JCCC has the expertise, top-notch instructors and desire to train a workforce of the future, she says.

“My job was to connect key business leaders with the right professionals at JCCC who could help the businesses realize their goals,” Lehman says. “I worked for JCCC for 12 years, and it was a privilege to be out in the community representing one of the premier community colleges in the nation. The citizens of Johnson County have a gem in JCCC.”

NEXT STEPS

Retirement has opened additional service learning and civic engagement opportunities for Lehman.

“I am enjoying retirement, which is a real surprise to me,” Lehman says. “Water aerobics most mornings is my favorite exercise. I walk my dog on the Gardner Greenway, and let’s not forget lunch with friends. I am thankful for time to read and time to relax.”

She travels with her cousins a few times a year.

“I love to get together with my family,” Lehman says. “I am so fortunate that all of our family lives close by.”

Serving on the Johnson County Airport Commission and Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Council Board keeps her interests in the community. She is also a member of Gardner Rotary, Gardner Beta Sigma Phi, County Economic Research Institute, Gardner Chamber and the Olathe Health Community Advisory Council.

“My advice to others is to find something that brings joy to your life and hang on to it,” Lehman says. “I believe everyone needs a passion to feed their soul.”

The growth and development that came our way was exciting and challenging. I learned that a visionary, creative city council with open minds is essential.

–Carol Lehman

From Bust to Boom

How Gardner Lake saved the community during the Great Depression

Story by Amber Fraley Photos courtesy Amy Heaven, Gardner Lake Association, Olathe Public Library, and Bader family archives

Just north of Gardner sits scenic Gardner Lake, a more than 100-acre area where residents have swum, fished, hunted, boated, and lived for more than 80 years. But Gardner Lake’s creation didn’t happen easily, and the project was completed only because of the tenacity of a few dedicated men.

Amy Heaven is the author of the newly released book Looking Back at Gardner Lake Kansas: The History of the First Thirty Years. She is also on the board of the Gardner Historical Museum and helped create the current exhibit known as Looking Back at Gardner Lake featuring the lake’s history in photos, which will be on display through the end of 2022.

The book has been a seven-year project for Heaven, who did extensive research at the Gardner Historical Museum, the National Archives, the Kansas State Archives in Topeka, the Johnson County Museum, and the Spencer Research Library in Lawrence.

“But the bulk of it I found at the Gardner Historical Museum,” she notes.

Heaven learned one man orchestrated the building of Gardner Lake as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project: Johnson County politician Emory Fulton Alexander (also known as E.F. Alexander). The WPA was an executive order put into effect by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to create jobs by funding public infrastructures such as dams, lakes, and roads during the Great Depression.

During the Depression, times were dire for Gardner, which at the time was home to around 400 people. Alexander, who operated a local drug store, wanted to take advantage of the federal New Deal dollars and breathe new life into the struggling town.

“Commerce had ground down to virtually nothing,” Heaven says. “The newspapers were full of auctions instead of ads for grocery stores and general stores and

such. Currency was scarce, and people were bartering for goods with chickens and hams.”

In August 1933, Alexander brought together a board of influential locals to create the Gardner Lake Corp. This group consisted of four businessmen: Robert J. Stockmeyer, F.B. Lyon, E.E. Armstrong, and Howard C. Bigelow. These individuals went to the Kansas Forestry, Fish, and Game Commission for funding to get the project going so that WPA funds could eventually be accessed. The commission agreed to loan money for the project if the community provided the land.

“Their idea was that they’d borrow the money from the state, then they could sell the lots to pay the state back,” Heaven says.

This began the mammoth task of selling 100 housing lots for $100 each around a lake that didn’t yet exist, during a time when most people were struggling to afford to put food on the table. Desperate to make the project work, the Olathe and Kansas City Kansas Chambers of Commerce each committed to selling 25 lots. When the state indicated it wouldn’t be providing any funds for supplies, an additional 50 lots had to be sold to cover those costs. Lots could be purchased with $10 down and a contract to pay the rest.

“At the very end they still came up short, and a couple of board members pledged their personal property to get the project done,” Heaven says.

Then the Kansas Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for the state to lend money to the project, which was eventually funded through the Kansas Emergency Relief Committee.

Still, the project pushed forward, and it changed Gardner almost overnight.

“The project, particularly when they were building the camp, which was in 1934, turned Gardner into a boom town. It was like the gold rush had hit Gardner,”

on page 14)

the Author: AMY HEAVEN

Gardner Lake resident Amy Heaven considers herself a hobbyist historian and an experienced technical writer in her field as an aircraft broker and aviator. She’s president of the Gardner Lake Association and on the board of directors of the Gardner Historical Museum.

“I’ve always been into history and historic preservation,” Heaven says. “When I moved out to the lake, I was really fascinated by the remaining stone buildings built by stone masons who were staying at the camp.”

Wanting to know more about the buildings, Heaven began researching and, at first, couldn’t find much. But as she dove deeper into the saga of the creation of Gardner Lake, she was hooked by the stories.

“The research started unfolding, and it was just so fascinating I couldn’t stop. I decided there needs to be a book about this.”

One of those stories was about the acquisition of land to build Gardner Lake. While most landowners sold their property for the future lake in 1934, there was one lone holdout, Mike Cristler, who battled with the project until 1936.

Then there was the day Heaven’s research turned up the story of the raid in the early 1950s on the Gardner Lake Resort Country Club, which had become

a favorite watering hole for sailors and officers from the nearby Olathe Naval Air Station. At night, the club turned a blind eye to gambling and liquor consumption, at a time when Kansas was essentially dry and only 3.2% beer was allowed. When the Kansas attorney general ordered the local sheriff to raid the establishment, the sheriff was slow to do so.

Later that night, Heaven bumped into a friend at the VFW and began chatting with him about the raid. “I just can’t figure out why the sheriff was so slow to raid the place,” Heaven commented. Then she mused that the reason must have been because the sheriff was a patriotic man who didn’t want to arrest veterans and wanted them to have their fun.

“Oh, I can tell you why he was slow to raid the place,” her friend replied. “The sheriff’s son was working the door.”

“How do you know that?” Heaven asked.

Her friend chuckled and replied, “I was there.”

Looking Back at Gardner Lake: The First Thirty Years can be purchased at the Gardner Historical Museum, from the website gardnerlakehistory. com or amazon.com. Contact amy@ gardnerlakehistory.com for more information.

Meet

The Bader family, who also owned a cottage on Lake Road 10, enjoys an outing at Gardner Lake.

Compassion to give back to the communities we serve ows through the heart and soul of Atmos Energy’s employees. We are proud to play a vital role in the communities we serve with our time, talent, and resources.

Historical Exhibits in Gardner

The Gardner Historical Museum is located at 204 W. Main St. The Looking Back at Gardner Lake exhibit will be open through the end of December 2022.

The historic Bray House at 207 W. Shawnee St. is currently featuring the Olathe Naval Air Station … 80 Years! exhibit, also through the end of December.

Both are open Saturdays and Sundays 1–4 p.m. and Friday evenings 4–7 p.m. Go to gardnermuseum. org or phone 913-8564447 for more information.

Heaven says. “All of a sudden, contracts were getting written, the Gardner Lumber company was selling supplies, the grocery stores were selling groceries, and it was tremendous for the town.”

That camp, known as Transient Camp #9, looked much like an Army camp with barracks and a mess hall and housed 300 men from around Kansas, all desperate for food, money, and work.

“The transient camps were designed to employ homeless, unattached men,” Heaven says. “They were basically homeless and starving.”

As the men worked to build the lake, it was in late 1935 to early ’36 when the Kansas Emergency Relief Committee ran out of money, and the WPA funds hadn’t yet kicked in.

“The work stopped, and it became difficult to even feed the men in the camp, who did maintenance projects around the camp for whatever meals the community could provide,” Heaven says.

Any of the men in the camp who had family nearby left to live with relatives, but other WPA camps around Kansas began sending their men to the Gardner camp when they also ran out of funds. “You can imagine this town, with a little over 400 [people], with this camp of destitute men on the northern border of the town,” Heaven says. “If they ran out of food, these guys were just going to walk out of the camp.”

Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

“The WPA money came through, the men got raises, they brought in heavy equipment, and they got the job got done,” Heaven says.

Determining ownership of the lake was almost as difficult as getting it built.

“The pedigree on the ownership is real convoluted,” Heaven laughs. When the lake was completed and the project was over, the Gardner Lake Corp. planned to deed the lake to the State of Kansas, but the state refused to accept it. So, the lake was deeded to the City of Gardner, which to this day leases the lake back to the state. However, 10 feet of shoreline is still owned by the city, even though most of the lake isn’t located in the Gardner city limits.

The construction of Gardner Lake was the largest WPA project in Kansas, and Heaven doubts such a mammoth project with such precarious funding could be completed today.

Transient workers line up for a hot meal at the big camp mess hall. The cost of feeding, housing and clothing each man was 18 cents a day, according to Heaven’s book, Looking Back at Gardner Lake Kansas, The History of the First Thirty Years.

A Place to Belong

Story by Kari Williams Photography by Jason Dailey

Gardner volunteers reflect on Pride parade, take first steps in establishing organization

n just two years, the Gardner KS Pride celebration has evolved from a park potluck to a full-scale event with vendors, entertainment and food trucks that draws upwards of 300 attendees. The event, which took place on June 18, 2022, has become a place for the LGBTQIA+ community to embrace their authenticity.

Cammie McIver, Gardner KS Pride executive board president, says she saw a Facebook post a couple years ago about a Pride potluck and, having been involved in other “small community Prides” in the past, she volunteered in Gardner.

“I grew up in a small town a little smaller than Gardner … I think a Pride [event] is very important to these small communities because not everybody can get to KC Pride,” says McIver, who has lived in town since 2016, but began working at the Amazon site in Gardner a year prior.

The organization committee started with 10 to 12 people and continued as a core group of volunteers who secured entertainment, community donations and the like.

Maggie Steele, vice president of the Gardner KS Pride executive board, was among those volunteers. Watching the event come to life was “very gratifying,” says Steele, who has lived in Gardner since 2002.

“For me, personally, the most gratifying part is hearing and seeing the response from the teenagers that were there … [and] even other people that came,” she says. “We have people of all ages. There are people [who are] probably well into their 60s and 70s that show up and just their happiness or their enjoyment is probably the most gratifying part in any event that we do. That they feel like they have a place, that they belong.”

Tony Medina, an Overland Park resident, attended the 2022 event because of his involvement on the KC Pride board of directors and also to support Gardner.

“What stood out about that event was that it was family focused,” Medina says. “From the moment we walked up, there were small children, teenagers and adults, of course. But there were families coming in and enjoying the event. And that means a lot to those children that their parents are supportive and would allow them to attend that and be their authentic selves.”

The biggest challenge, according to McIver, was making sure they could put on the event they envisioned with the “limited body of resources” they had, while ensuring it was free to the public.

“We want our event to be free for the community, and we want it to remain that way,” McIver says.

Fortunately, an organization within Amazon stepped up and provided monetary assistance, according to McIver.

Above: Tony Medina (left) and Mark Boules walk together at the second annual Pride parade in Gardner.

“We’ve had restaurants and food trucks and vendors and so on that have happily reached out or accepted our invitation,” she says. “Just different organizations, not just in Gardner but in Olathe and the surrounding area, wanted to be a part of it.”

Sponsors for the 2022 celebration included Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City, Daylight Coffee & Donuts, Wilson Chiropractic, and Warren Place Venue, among many others.

McIver says she enjoyed seeing the community come together, not just for the Pride event but for Coming Out Day in October.

“That is a great way for me to give back to the community … and provide those safe spaces,” she notes.

Pride events, according to Medina, are important because they provide visibility and let youth in the community know that there are people who support them.

“Gardner Pride is special, and I love that for the organizers—it’s their own personal effort. A grassroots effort,” he says.

In order to allow Pride events to continue and to expand its reach in 2023, Gardner KS Pride established an executive board this past fall, according to McIver.

“I think we’re very clear that our vision is to become more involved in the community, not just with Pride and Coming Out Day, but we would like to see more events,” she says.

Ultimately, McIver says, they want the community to see the organization and know that if there’s a need in the Gardner community, Gardner KS Pride can help.

For more information on donations, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, visit www.gardnerkspride.com.

LISTEN

Scan the QR code to listen to the Gardner KS Pride playlist curated for the 2022 Pride Celebration.

Gardner KS Pride Mission Statement

We seek to symbolize, promote and provide an inclusive community for Gardner’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender & Queer citizens and their allies. Our mission is to support & encourage these members of our community to fellowship together, so we may feel loved, accepted and respected as we embrace our most authentic selves.

For further resources and assistance, visit cdc.gov/lgbthealth/ youth-resources.htm

Alexandria Barry (left) proudly shows off her butterfly wings at the annual Gardner KS Pride celebration.

Story by Debbie Leckron Miller Photography by Reeves Photo Co.

When Frank and Melanie Gieringer planted their first trees 21 years ago, a career in fruit farming wasn’t exactly the apple of their eye.

“I didn’t have an end purpose in mind,” Frank says. “I simply had some unused space on my farm and planted some peach trees on a whim.”

Today, that whim has blossomed to include 85,000 strawberry plants, 8,000 apple trees, 40 different varieties of pumpkins, and a full May–October season of other berries, vegetables, fruits, and flowers at Gieringer’s Famiy Orchard & Berry Farm.

Frank’s hobby quickly became more than he’d planned.

“We started getting so many peaches that I didn’t have enough friends and neighbors to give them to,” he says, remembering the humble beginnings of the now-thriving you-pick business northwest of Edgerton.

A first-generation farmer, Frank grew up in Gardner, Kansas, but worked throughout high school for a farmer who helped him get started in agriculture.

“I began with hogs, then bought the farm where we live now and raised hogs, cattle, and row crops,” Frank says. When adjoining land came up for sale in 2014, the Gieringers bought it to expand their small fruit tree business into the agritourism success it is today.

“We’re very rural, very much in the country,” Frank explains about the operation’s ideal location. “But just a few minutes away is Olathe and the Kansas City metro area. When we started realizing that we have 600,000 people in our backyard, things started to click.”

The Gieringers’ son, Brice, and his family, returned home to work as partners in the orchard business and help farm the family’s land. The Gieringers also have two married daughters, both with families, who live nearby and pitch in when needed.

The busy six-month growing season kicks off in early May with strawberry picking.

“We’re best known for our you-pick strawberries. That brings in the most people,” Frank says.

No surprise, considering there are six acres of mouth-watering strawberries grown on raised beds. When strawberries end their run, the other crops follow: blueberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet corn, and sunflowers, ending with apples and pumpkins in September and October.

The Gieringers can’t wait for homemade strawberry pie to start off their spring.

“The first strawberry pie of the season, that’s a big hit for us,” Melanie says about the pies she bakes for her family. “I’m a big pie person.” In fall, she bakes fresh pumpkin pie, “which is a lot of work, but worth it.”

Customers can pick their own fruit or buy pre-picked produce at the on-site market. Tractors give wagon rides to the ripened fields. Afterwards, guests can sit in the shade of the 1800s homestead’s grove of trees and enjoy fresh-baked strawberry and pumpkin donuts, peach and pumpkin ice cream, strawberry-lemonade fruit slushies, frozen apple cider, and other homegrown treats. The market also sells jams, jellies, and other locally made products.

Frank and Melanie Gieringer (from right) started their family-run orchard in spring 2001. Their son, Brice (left), returned to the farm in 2012 to assist with the farm’s expansion.

Before You Visit

Melanie Gieringer’s top tip: “Check Facebook or call us before you visit to find out days and times the farm will be open for you-pick, and for crop and farm conditions (especially if it rains).”

Remember, this is a working farm; please follow these recommendations:

• You’ll walk on uneven ground, so wear tennis or other sturdy shoes (no flip flops).

• Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for hot summer days, and jackets for cooler fall weather.

• Due to food safety, no pets allowed.

• A container for picking will be provided.

• Bring an iced cooler for your purchases, but leave your cooler in your vehicle.

• For weekly updates about what’s happening on the farm throughout the season, watch for “Farmer Frank” videos every Friday on Facebook.

“We like to make it an event,” Frank says. “We want people to not only take home excellent produce, but have a good time while they’re here. We’re not just a place where they can buy a box of strawberries.”

A full farmyard of family activities sees to that. Guests can romp at the hay-bale mountain, tackle the climbing wall, venture into a corn maze, play on the giant bouncy pumpkin pad, or take a stroll in the sunflowers.

“I love seeing the younger kids coming to the farm and learning where their food is coming from,” Melanie says. “A lot of kids say they won’t eat strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes, but once they pick and taste them, they’re so different straight off the vine. The kids are like, ‘oh my gosh, I’ll eat those now!’ My own grandchildren won’t eat strawberries from the store—only ours.” Apples, the Gieringers’ newest crop planted in 2018, cover seven acres. But picking apples off the 8,000 trees is made easier thanks to the farm’s trellised system. The dwarfish trees are planted two feet apart and separated by 9-foot-tall trellises. “We pick the top three feet ourselves, leaving apples seven feet high and lower within easy reach for customers to pick. Apples even grow as low as knee high for kids to reach,” Frank explains.

Apple season starts in late August with Gala and Honey Crisp varieties and ends around Halloween with Ever Crisp—one of several uncommon varieties grown here.

“About two-thirds of our crop are newer niche apples—ones you won’t find at the grocery store,” Frank says. Ever Crisp, for instance, is a cross between Honey Crisp and Fuji. “It’s a large size and has a crisp, explosive crunch when you bite into it and a sweet flavor, probably one of the best apples I’ve tasted.” And, living up to its name, Ever Crisp keeps well. “You can put it in your refrigerator crisper and eat it months later and it will be just as crisp and crunchy as the day you picked it,” Frank adds.

The family employs seasonal help and spends hundreds of hours on maintaining the grounds. “We really focus on having an attractive farm and keeping the quality of our berries high. But this isn’t for the faint of heart,” Frank adds about the risk factors of their business. “Like any type of farming, we’re very much at risk from the weather. We also spend a lot of time fending off wildlife.” An 8-foot-tall deer fence protects the apples and strawberries. “Deer not only eat apples, but also leaves off the trees.”

The Gieringers admit it’s been a long, slow process, from planting their first peach trees 20 years ago to becoming one of the state’s largest full-season, you-pick farms.

“But I like the challenge,” Frank says, “and I enjoy the people. Ours is an activity parents can do with their kids in a friendly, safe environment, which is hard to do anymore. We love it when grandparents come to show kids that peaches don’t come in a can, they grow on a tree!”

Experience the on-site market, which sells jams, jellies, and other locally made products, and enjoy in-season produce and fall activities.

blazing a path for business education

marketing

Story by Debbie Leckron Miller Photography by Nick Krug

For Gardner Edgerton High School students, an earlymorning visit to the Blazer Stop perks up their day. They order iced vanilla coffee, caramel frappes or hot chocolates before the first bell rings—all thanks to early-rising marketing classmates who run the school’s entrepreneurial coffee and smoothie shop.

“The Blazer Stop is right beside the gym entrance and looks like a concession stand. There’s nothing magical about it,” laughs high school business teacher Shawna Cole. But what the nine students in her marketing applications class accomplish to run the morning shop and a lunchtime smoothie stand is indeed special.

Juniors and seniors in Cole’s marketing applications class are required to take her principles of marketing class as a prerequisite.

“That’s the class I recruit from. I explain the expectations for this work-based experience—that it’s not a normal class and I won’t be standing up there and lecturing,” Cole explains. “Also, I make sure they understand they do things outside of class, like sell coffee two mornings a week.”

She purposely limits the size of the class to keep everyone busy.

“With only nine students, there’s always something to do. They’re very driven and creative and have to want to be in here,” she says.

But before students can begin selling their coffee and smoothie drinks, the students spend the first two months of the school year pairing up to research and come up with ideas for the year’s

GEHS

students learn value of entrepreneurship, money management and customer service

project. Then, they pitch their ideas to the class, where each proposal is reviewed to determine which venture to back.

“Then, they all worked together to develop a larger business plan and presented their proposal to the principal, administration and nutrition director for approval,” Cole explains.

Once the coffee shop and smoothie stand are approved, work can begin on the store’s opening.

“This involves finding and ordering supplies, setting up the school store, promoting and communicating it with the student body, making menus, setting prices and buying any equipment we need,” Cole says. “Students even develop recipes and then train each other on how to create them.”

They determine what jobs are needed, write job descriptions and then apply for them. Positions range from head of communications and digital media manager to food and beverage management and advertising. Supervising it all is director of operations, senior Piper Warren. “I generally oversee and make sure everyone else is doing their jobs, and I pick up where classmates need help,” Warren explains.

The coffee and smoothie stands were up and running in October. Open two mornings a week from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m., the coffee shop sells caramel, vanilla and seasonal iced coffees, such as pumpkin spice, and caramel frappes and hot chocolate, all priced from $2 to $3.50. The smoothie stand in the cafeteria opens for two hours at lunchtime, one day a week, and serves strawberry-banana, lemonade and other rotating flavors.

“Everyone works at the stores,” Cole says. “They all make smoothies and they all work the coffee shifts.”

The lunchtime smoothie workload is usually easy to handle, Warren says, “but the morning shift is an entirely different story!” Students generally don’t arrive at school early, so the coffee business is slow at 7:30 a.m., but a long line can form right before the bell rings. Warren recalls

Top: Pictured clockwise from left are Von Finkenbinder, senior, Zema Samuel, senior, Shawna Cole, business teacher and DECA advisor, Piper Warren, senior, Masan Coach, senior, Ashton Gomez, senior and Owen Wilczek, junior.

Above: Senior Zema Samuel mixes up a fruit smoothie for a customer.

the Blazer Shop’s grand opening that hinted at what was ahead.

“We had expected the opening to be slow, but we were so busy we had to turn away around 30 kids because there were not enough workers and the bell was about to ring.”

“Business has slowed down a bit, but now we require four workers at all times,” she adds.

The marketing applications class was started in the 2017–2018 school year by business instructor Jaylene Freeman. Her first class sold T-shirts and other spirit wear and also ran a coffee shop. The coffee stand continued the second year, along with a “huge apparel order for Sunflower League Champs gear,” Freeman says. “The class’s third year was a highlight for me. We partnered with our wrestling team and helped raise money for a teacher who had cancer. The students sold coffee and T-shirts, collected raffle donations in the community, put together baskets from staff and school organizations, held a chili feed and helped with a wrestling tournament.”

Melissa McIntire, USD 231 director of student support services, assisted with the class’s start-up in 2017.

“Part of our career and technical education goal is work-based learning,” McIntire explains. “For marketing students, that means learning the business components through the store.”

“It’s not what they get in a traditional classroom. This gives students ownership,” Freeman adds.

The pandemic and remote learning put a temporary halt to the work-based program. Cole replaced Freeman as instructor in the 2020–2021 school year and got the project rolling again last school year when in-person classes resumed. Students sold smoothies and did special promotions throughout the year, including making and selling 400 Halloween cookies and also cookie and flower bundles for Valentine’s Day.

This year, Cole has her marketing applications pupils two or three times a week, depending on block scheduling. They use the time to take inventory, order supplies, do accounting and promotion, and review their general operations. Any extra time is spent on the school’s chapter of DECA, a national competitive business club. Students prepare full business plans and compete at area and statewide DECA events. In fact, all profits from the coffee and smoothie shops fund the members’ DECA-related expenses.

Many in the class pursue marketing, accounting and business studies and startups after high school. For instance, a girl who helped with the Halloween cookie project went on to pastry school. Two University

of Kansas classmates started a business repurposing and reselling KU apparel, and another is running his own painting and drywall business.

“Kids are applying what they learned here directly to a business,” Freeman says.

She also points out how close-knit the young entrepreneurs become: “They’re not always friends when they come into the class, but are close friends when they leave, almost like family.”

McIntire praises Freeman and Cole for the students’ success.

“Teaching the class requires a lot of work, and they have to be creative and trusting and very dedicated. Letting kids take the lead like this is a very different approach to education,” she says.

Warren echoes a similar sentiment.

“We’re lucky to have such a good program that students can run virtually on their own. We appreciate Mrs. Cole, as many decisions can be difficult for high school [students], with no prior business training, to make.”

As for Cole, she takes it all in stride.

“Sometimes it involves making some mistakes, but that’s how they learn,” she says. And a lunchtime stop at the smoothie stand perks her up, too. “Their lemonade smoothies are my favorite. They’re popular for a reason!”

Senior Zema Samuel, center, chats with Ashton Gomez as they fill an order for a customer during the lunch hour.

Welcome to the sixth annual edition of GE Magazine.

As Gardner continues to grow, amenities for new and current residents are increasing. Over the next several years, our housing base is expected to increase by 5,000 single- and multi-family homes. To prepare for this expansion, popular dining establishments such as Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Panda Express, and a second QuikTrip location are already opening up, and additional retail and hotels are expected to open or break ground in the next year.

All these new amenities show growth and provide more opportunities to shop local and enjoy Gardner as a desirable place to live and do business. Supporting our established businesses and organizations is critical to maintaining our thriving and vibrant community, and we look to the future by continuing to implement plans such as the Gardner Destination Downtown Plan, as well as other long-term, farsighted infrastructure improvements.

With the continued support of our members who benefit from the services we provide and see the value that our Chamber of Commerce can provide to the entire community, we look forward to another terrific year helping to make Gardner the place where people want to be.

PS—This welcome to GE Magazine is also a welcome to our new president and CEO, Jason Leib, who joined us midway through 2022. We also want to take this opportunity to thank our former executive, Jason Camis, whose successful tenure helped realize many developments and projects, including the launch of this magazine more than five years ago.

welcome letter

Jason Leib, President/CEO

Gardner Chamber of Commerce

Adam Mauck, Chairman

Gardner Chamber of Commerce

chamber listings community snapshots member spotlight by the numbers

Trails

spotlight

Trails West Ace Hardware

Trails West will soon become a part of the West Lake Ace Hardware organization, and features household tools, garden supplies, home decor, feed and more. For store hours, updates and more, visit acehardware.com/store-details/15319 or find Trails West Ace Hardware on Facebook.

membership listings www.gardnerchamber.com

Listings highlighted in blue are GE Magazine advertisers.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Troutt Beeman & Co., P.C. www.tbco.net (913) 764-1922

Agritourism

Gieringer’s Family Orchard & Berry Farm www.goberryfarm.com (913) 893-9626

Aircraft Sales

Heaven Aviation Consulting www.meadaircraftsales.com (816) 616-6940

Airport

Johnson County Airport Commission www.jocogov.org/dept/airportcommission/home (913) 715-6000

Animal Shelter

Prairie Paws Animal Shelter www.prairiepaws.org (785) 242-2967

Apartments

Horizon Trails Apartments www.horizontrails.com (913) 605-1060

Lincoln Townhomes www.lincolnth.com (913) 856-6980

Nottingham Village Apartments www.wilhoitliving.com/property/ nottingham-village (913) 938-5155

The Reserve at Moonlight www.thereserveatmoonlight.com (913) 884-3986

Willow Chase - Twin Homes www.willowchasetwinhomes.com (913) 938-5532

Attorney

The Law Offices of Stockton, Kandt & Associates www.stocktonlaw.com (913) 856-2828

Auto Repair

Bret’s Autoworks www.bretsautoworks.com (913) 856-5169

Winters Automotive & Transmission www.wintersauto.com (913) 856-4646

Bakery/Coffee Shops

Groundhouse Coffee www.groundhousecoffee.com (913) 856-5711

Bank

ARVEST Bank www.arvest.com (913) 953-4100

Capitol Federal www.capfed.com (913) 652-2431

Central Bank of the Midwest www.centralbank.net (913) 856-1078

Central National Bank - Walmart www.centralnational.com (913) 856-2136

Central National Bank Mortgage & Commercial Lending www.centralnational.com (913) 856-3218

Mid America Bank www.mid-americabank.com (913) 884-2155

Patriots Bank www.patriotsbank.com (913) 856-8809

Billboards

Wingert Billboards (913) 318-9484

Brewery

Transport Brewery www.transportbrewery.com (913) 766-6673

Building Materials

Deck & Rail Supply LLC www.deckandrailsupply.com (913) 884-3335

Bus Service

First Student www.firststudentinc.com (913) 856-5650

Business Resources

Spectrum Business (913) 329-4039

Cabling / Fiber Optics

WANRack www.wanrack.com (855) 482-7225

Car Wash

GO Car Wash www.gocarwash.com (913) 938-5013

Catering

ACA Catering www.acaofficecatering.com (913) 882-6142

Betty’s Pies & Cobblers www.bettyspiesandcobblers.com (913) 221-4592

Chris Cakes, Inc www.ChrisCakes.com (913) 893-6455

Cosentino’s Catering www.cosentinoscatering.com (816) 744-2146

Panera Bread www.panerabread.com (913) 397-8383

Child Care

Little Building Blocks www.littlebuildingblocks.com (913) 856-5633

Chiropractor

Beck Chiropractic & Acupuncture www.beck-chiro.com (913) 605-1223

Jeurink Family Chiropractic and Wellness www.drtobi.com (913) 856-4595

Winters Chiropractic Center www.doctodd.com (913) 856-8135

Church

Divine Mercy Parish www.divinemercyks.org (913) 856-7781

First Baptist Church www.gardnerfirstbaptist.com (913) 884-7228

Gardner Faith Chapel www.gardnerfc.church (620) 282-1315

Grace Baptist Church www.gracebaptistgardner.com (913) 856-2880

King of Kings Lutheran Church www.kingofkingsks.org (913) 856-2500

New Life Community Church www.newlifegardner.com (913) 856-5683

Restoration Church www.restorationgardner.org (913) 717-5556

Cigar Lounge

Ash and Anvil Cigar Lounge www.ashandanvilcigars.com (913) 558-8074

City Office

City of Gardner www.gardnerkansas.gov (913) 856-7535

membership listings

Civic Organizations

Gardner Grange www.grange.org/gardnerks68 (913) 558-5261

Gardner Lions Club www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ gardnerks (913) 449-5522

Gardner Rotary Club www.gardnerrotary.org (913) 244-4647

GFWC Athena Club (913) 980-4104

Johnson County Fair Association www.jocokansasfair.com (913) 856-8860

Kiwanis Club of Gardner (913) 963-3126

Commercial Real Estate

Big Water LLC (913) 406-4688

Jacobs Properties (816) 523-6696

The Bristol Groupe www.bristolgroupe.com (785) 838-4888

Commercial/Residential Developer

Grata Development www.grata.land (913) 732-4778

Community College

Johnson County Community College www.jccc.edu (913) 469-8500

Concrete Products & Services

Anthem Concrete Coatings www.anthemconcretecoatings.com (913) 944-0853

Shaw Stone and Tile (913) 602-4489

Concrete Supplier

Penny’s Concrete, Inc. www.pennysconcrete.com (913) 441-8781

Construction Contractor

Construction Management Services Inc www.cmsincusa.com (913) 712-8440

Keystone Dirtworks www.keystonedirtworks.com (913) 608-6393

Koch Construction and Remodeling www.kochconstructionkc.com (913) 815-3969

Moonlight Construction Inc. www.moonlightconstruction.net (913) 712-8440

Consulting

Skye Solutions LLC www.skyesolutions.net (816) 516-0790

Synergize Consulting LLC www.synergizeconsulting.solutions (708) 972-2846

County Office

Johnson County Election Office www.jocoelection.org (913) 715-6800

Johnson County Government www.jocogov.org/dept/boardcounty-commissioners/home (913) 715-0430

Johnson County Park and Recreation District www.jcprd.com (913) 438-7275

Dentist

Baxter Orthodontics www.baxterorthodontics.com (913) 856-4465

Gardner Dentists, LLC www.gardnerdentists.com (913) 856-7123

Imagine Dental www.mygardnerdentist.com (913) 856-6171

Distribution & Fulfillment Centers

Amazon Fulfillment www.amazon.com

Excelligence Learning Corporation www.excelligence.com (913) 303-8400

FedEx Ground www.groundwarehousejobs.fedex. com/groundwarehousejobs (913) 856-1880

Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation www.hopkinsmfg.com (913) 603-6228

UPS www.upsjobs.com (913) 541-3740

Wal-mart eCommerce storejobs.wal-mart.com/ HiringCenter (913) 603-6068

Doctor Office

CenterWell Senior Primary Care www.centerwellprimarycare.com (913) 547-1710

Olathe Health Family Medicine - Gardner www.olathehealth.org/gardner (913) 856-5577

Donuts

Daylight Donuts www.daylightdonutskc.com (913) 884-8400

Electrical Contractor

Chapman Electric LLC www.chapmanelectrickc.com (913) 575-1612

Employment/Staffing Services

ProLogistix www.apply.prologistix.com (816) 730-8278

Engineering

GBA www.gbateam.com (913) 492-0400

www.gardnerchamber.com

Entertainment & Attractions

KC Pumpkin Patch, LLC www.kcpumpkinpatch.com (913) 484-6251

Event Venue

The Turner Barn www.theturnerbarn.com (913) 558-6495

Warren Place Venue www.warrenplaceevents.com (913) 972-2169

Farmers Market

Gardner Farmers Market www.gardner-farmers-market. business.site (913) 717-6485

Financial Services

Edward Jones - Aaron Wyant www.edwardjones.com (913) 856-6233

Edward Jones - Christy Smith www.edwardjones.com (913) 782-3343

Edward Jones - Pete Carr www.edwardjones.com (913) 856-8846

Fireworks Retailer

Pyro Papas Fireworks www.pyropapas.com (913) 787-2219

Fitness Center

Olathe Family YMCA www.kansascityymca.org/locations/ olathe (913) 393-9622

Florist

In Full Bloom Too www.infullbloom-gardner.com (913) 800-1850

Food Trucks

Smoke n Seoul www.smokenseoul.com (646) 515-2519

membership listings

Funeral Home

Bruce Funeral Home, Inc. www.brucefuneralhome.com (913) 856-7111

Garage Door

ProLift Garage Doors of Johnson County www.proliftdoors.com (913) 354-7392

Golf Course

Great Life Golf Gardner www.gardnergolf.com (913) 856-8858

Graphic Design

Adobe Express www.adobe.com/express/create (415) 683-1021

Grocery Store

Cosentino’s Price Chopper #117 www.mypricechopper.com (913) 856-8380

Hy-Vee, Inc. www.hy-vee.com (913) 685-3500

Gun Sales and Services

HSP Guns www.hspguns.com (913) 783-4867

Hair Care/Salon

Design Co. Salon www.facebook.com/designco. gardnerks (913) 856-5464

Handyman Services

A to Z Handyman Service www.atozhandymanservicekc.com (913) 575-1170

Hardware Store

Trails West Ace Hardware www.acehardware.com/storedetails/15319 (913) 856-4536

www.gardnerchamber.com

Health Insurance

Truly Affordable Health Insurance www.TrulyAHI.com (785) 214-4089

Heating and Cooling

Hickman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (913) 856-7730

Jack Harrison Heating & Air Conditioning www.jackharrisonair.com (913) 308-3131

Santa Fe Air Conditioning www.santafeair.com (913) 856-5801

Shore Mechanical (913) 909-6694

Home Builders

Craig Brett Homes, LLC www.craigbretthomes.com (913) 226-6693

Hospital

American Family InsuranceTim Miller www.timmilleragency.com (913) 856-6177

Farm Bureau Financial Services www.fbfs.com (913) 856-2197

Farmers Insurance - Robert K Kelly Insurance agents.farmers.com/ks/gardner/ robert-kelly (913) 856-3816

Joe Oldham’s State Farm Agency www.joeoldhamagency.com (913) 856-6124

MJH Insurance & Financial Services www.mjhins.com (913) 856-0002

Interior Design

Spaces, Inc. www.spacesinc.com (913) 894-8900

DIRECTORY/LISTINGS

Internet Service Provider

AdventHealth South Overland Park www.AdventHealthKC.com/SouthOP (913) 373-1100

Olathe Health www.olathehealth.org (913) 791-4200

Hotel

Candlewood Suites Hotel www.candlewoodsuites.com (913) 768-8888

Gardner Super 8 www.super8.com (913) 856-8887

Hampton Inn and Conference Center www.gardnerconference.com (913) 856-2100

Insurance Agency

Allstate agents.allstate.com/matt-staleygardner-ks.html (913) 856-9969

Clearwave Fiber www.rgfiber.com (785) 594-5414

Landscaping

Curby’s Lawn and Garden www.curbyslawn.com (913) 764-6159

Lawn Care

A Plus Lawn Care www.facebook.com/ APlusLawnCareKC (913) 735-3511

Travis Hutton Lawn and Landscape, Inc. www.facebook.com/TravisHuttonLawn (913) 710-5771

Legal Services

LegalShield www.mmcruse.wearelegalshield.com (913) 788-0589

Logistics & Distribution Centers

ColdPoint Logistics Warehouse, LLC www.coldpointlogistics.com (913) 229-3800

Manufacturer

Dot’s Pretzels www.dotspretzels.com (701) 566-8520

Kerry Ingredients www.kerry.com (785) 727-7400

TradeNet Publishing, Inc. www.tradenetonline.com (800) 884-7301

Marketing

Strategy Marketing Agency www.strategynewmedia.com (913) 440-0672

Mechanical Contractor

BCI Mechanical, Inc. www.bcimechanicalinc.com (913) 856-6747

Med Spa

Rejuvenate Medspa www.rejuvenatemdspa.com (913) 645-5815

Mobile Home Community

Conestoga www.conestogakansas.com (913) 755-9464

Mortgage Lending

Bell Bank Mortgage www.bellbankmortgage.com (314) 528-7858

Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company lo.sierrapacificmortgage.com/ lauren-sutton (913) 375-0116

Museum

Commemorative Air Force www.kcghostsquadron.org (913) 907-7902

membership listings

Gardner Historical Museum, Inc. www.gardnerhistoricalmuseum.com (913) 856-4447

Lanesfield Historic Site www.jcprd.com/435/LanesfieldHistoric-Site (913) 715-2575

Newspaper

The Gardner News www.gardnernews.com (913) 856-7615

Non-Profit Organizations

Community Blood Center www.savealifenow.org (816) 213-2728

Living Life Ranch www.livingliferanch.org (913) 731-5579

Safehome www.safehome-ks.org (913) 432-9300

Sleep In Heavenly Peace www.shpbeds.org (913) 269-8950

The Hope Market www.thehopemarket.org (801) 358-0656

Notary and Loan Signing

Campbell Signings LLC www.campbellsigningsllc.com (850) 461-4022

Optometrist

Drs. Hawks, Besler, Rogers & Stoppel, O.D www.hbreyecare.com (913) 856-6360

Paint Retailer

Sherwin Williams www.sherwin-williams.com (913) 856-7888

Pet Supplies

Gardner Pet Supply & Grooming www.gardnerpetsupply.com (913) 938-4285

Pharmacy

Walgreens www.walgreens.com (913) 884-7912

Photographer

Adams Pro Photo www.adamsprophoto.com (913) 515-4390

Physical Therapy

Olathe Health Rehabilitation Services - Gardner www.olathehealth.org/ rehabgardner (913) 324-8680

SERC Physical Therapy www.serctherapy.com (913) 856-7927

Plumbers/Plumbing

Heartland Plumbing Inc. www.heartlandplumbing.com (913) 856-5846

Pre-School

Open Arms Child Development Center www.kingofkingsks.org/OpenArms.html (913) 856-4250

Printing

Shawnee Copy Center www.sccink.com (913) 268-4343

Toshiba Business Solutions, Inc www.business.toshiba.com/usa/ index.html (913) 210-9553

Promotional Items

Russell-Hampton Company www.russellhampton.com (913) 254-0500

Southwind Advertising www.southwindonline.com (913) 515-4390

Property Management

Moonlight Holdings, LLC (913) 712-8440

Public Safety

Fire District #1, Johnson County, Kansas www.jocofd1.org (913) 424-3868

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office www.jocosheriff.org (913) 715-5800

Real Estate

Crown Realty www.crownrealty.com (913) 215-9004

Keller Williams Diamond Partners Inc. www.olathe.yourkwoffice.com (913) 605-1022

Keller Williams Realty Partners / John Tramble Jr. www.john-tramblejr.kw.com (913) 653-8640

Kirk Home & Land - Compass Realty Group www.compass.com/agents/nancykirk-matthew (913) 244-5480

Layton Real Estate www.laytonre.com (785) 883-2379

Sue Bates - Platinum Realty www.movewithplatinum.com/ suebates (913) 706-7284

Susan J. Lowe, Keller Williams www.slowe.kwrealty.com (913) 927-3416

Rehabilitation Hospital

Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital www.meadowbrookrh.com (913) 856-8747

Rental Property

Master Management (913) 856-3888

W.D. Gay Rentals www.ForRent.WDGay.com (913) 856-6487

Restaurant

Blazers Restaurant www.blazers-restaurant.com (913) 856-6565

Fronteras Mexican Restaurant www.fronteraskc.com (913) 884-2303

Goodcents www.goodcentssubs.com (913) 856-4611

Goodcents (Edgerton) www.goodcentssubs.com (816) 797-8756

Perkins Restaurant www.perkinsrestaurants.com (913) 884-4700

Pizza Hut of Gardner, KS www.pizzahut.com (913) 884-6116

Planet Sub www.planetsub.com (913) 605-1068

Sonic Drive-In of Gardner, KS www.sonicdrivein.com (913) 856-5111

Retail

Orscheln Farm & Home www.orschelnfarmhome.com (913) 884-6767

Wal-Mart Supercenter of Gardner www.walmart.com (913) 884-8004

Roofing & Construction

Cordray Roofing www.kcroofing.com (913) 856-7663

H&H Roofing and Restoration LLC www.hhroofing.com (913) 940-3373

Platinum Roofing, LLC www.platinumroofllc.com (816) 565-1202

RV Sales

Olathe Ford RV Center www.olathefordrv.com (913) 856-8145

membership listings

Schools

Gardner Edgerton Schools Foundation www.usd231.com/o/foundation (913) 856-2031

USD #231 www.usd231.com (913) 856-2000

Security Systems & Training

SafeDefend, LLC. www.safedefend.com (913) 856-2800

Senior Living

Anthology of Olathe www.anthologyseniorliving.com (913) 791-0020

Bethel Estates of Gardner www.wheatlandinvestmentsgroup. com (913) 856-4107

Vintage Park at Gardner www.vintageparkassistedliving.com (913) 856-7643

Sign Shop and Design

Sign Here, Inc. www.signhereinc.com (913) 856-0148

Skilled Nursing Care

Meadowbrook Rehabilitation South www.medicalodges.com (913) 856-6520

Skin Care and Cosmetics

Relax Skin Studio www.relaxskinstudio.com (785) 317-7209

Social Services

Johnson County Developmental Supports www.jocogov.org/dept/ developmental-supports/home (913) 826-2626

Southwest Multi Service Center www.jocogov.org/facility/southwestmulti-service-center (913) 715-6653

Solar Energy

NextEra Energy www.nee.com (561) 694-6221

Specialty Retailer

Corinne’s Creations www.facebook.com/ CorinnesCreations12 (913) 221-4592

Prairie Center Meats www.prairiecentermeats.com (913) 238-9597

Storage

Attic Storage Gardner www.attic-storage.com (913) 856-5757

Tanning Salon

Electric Sun Tanning & Boutique www.electricsuntanning.net (913) 856-8268

Tax Preparation & Bookkeeping

H&R Block www.hrblock.com (913) 884-4495

Technology Consulting

DistributorCentral www.distributorcentral.com (888) 516-7401

Strategy Tech Agency www.strategytechservices.com (913) 440-0672

Telecomm. System Consulting

KsFiberNet www.ksfiber.net (316) 712-6030

Thrift Store

Joy Closet www.facebook.com/ JOYClosetGardner (913) 856-8868

Title Company

Security 1st Title www.security1stks.com (913) 938-5340

Trash Removal Service

Gardner Disposal Service www.gardnerdisposalservice.com (913) 856-3851

Travel Agency

Dream Makers Vacations LLC www.dreammakersvacations.com (913) 927-0078

Trucking

Five Star Trucking, LLC www.fivestartrucking.com (913) 390-8384

TransAm Trucking, Inc. www.transamtruck.com (913) 538-4172

TSL Companies www.4tsl.com (402) 895-6692

T-Shirt Design and Printers

Design 4 Sports www.design4printing.com (913) 938-5393

Utility

Atmos Energy www.atmosenergy.com (913) 254-6344

Evergy www.evergy.com (816) 556-2200

Kansas Gas Service www.kansasgasservice.com (913) 565-9886

Water District #7, Johnson County www.water7.com (913) 856-7375

Veterinarian

Gardner Animal Hospital www.gardnerah.com (913) 856-6255

Oakbrook Animal Hospital www.oakbrookanimalhospital.com (913) 884-8778

Stepping Stone Animal Hospital www.steppingstoneah.com (913) 938-6977

Website Design

Buzzfish Media www.buzzfishmedia.com (913) 208-0349

GraphixTech www.thegraphixtech.com (913) 449-7935

Winery

KC Wine Co. www.kcwineco.com (913) 484-6251

White Tail Run Winery, LLC www.whitetailrunwinery.com (913) 893-400

What’s important to you is important to us. So no matter what your healthcare needs, we’re here for you with expert primary care that works for your busy life.

• Early morning, evening and weekend hours

• Telehealth appointments

#GEMag

Here’s a peek at a few community events celebrating heritage and happenings around Gardner, Edgerton and New Century. We’d love to see how you celebrate your community! Send your photos to info@gardnerchamber.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue.

Photos courtesy Gardner Chamber of Commerce, City of Gardner and Todd Riggins at Frozen in Time Photography

Tradition Starts Together.

PROUD COMMUNITY BANKING PARTNER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

JAYHAWK CHECKING COMING SOON