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TELEMEDICINE: THE NEW NORMAL? JULY/AUGUST 2020
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CONTENTS TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2020
52 WINE CHEESE MEAT OLIVES
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
These finer things in life are available from locally owned shops, each with a reputation for quality and a commitment to community.
54 58 62 66
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PRAIRIE FIRE WINERY AND CANDLES STUMPY’S SMOKED CHEESE LEONARD MEAT & PRODUCE THE TASTEFUL OLIVE
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atstopeka.com
■ Independent
Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Home Plus ■ Skilled Nursing ■ Memory Care ■ Short-Term Care ■ Rehabilitation
aldersgatevillage.org 7220 SW Asbury Drive | Topeka, KS 66614 | (785) 478-9440 JULY/AUGUST 2020
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CONTENTS TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2020
ON THE COVER PAGE 14
SHOULD I STAY OR GO
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WINE, CHEESE, MEAT, OLIVES
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TELEMEDICINE: THE NEW NORMAL?
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PG.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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MILK & HONEY COFFEE CO.
A new local coffee shop relies on faith to stay open during the pandemic, bringing the community more than coffee.
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Whether you choose to vacation or staycation, local businesses offer options for seizing the summer.
Washburn University School of Business professors discuss the three pillars of sustainability.
SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU GO
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See how PPP is working in Topeka.
The COVID pandemic may have altered the way medical providers provide patient care.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
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SUSTAINABILITY
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TELEMEDICINE: THE NEW NORMAL?
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milk & honey
coffee co.
DARLENE MORGAN CHRIS HARTMAN Owners Milk & Honey Coffee Co.
TK BUSINESS EXPERTS PG.32 DIGITAL ACTIONS IN A POST COVID WORLD Al Bonner WIBW
@tk_business_
PG.50 5 WAYS TO MODERNIZE WORKPLACES & PRACTICES Olga Detrixhe Nex-Tech
@TK Business
PG.70 2020: AN ABSOLUTE
BLAST, RIGHT? Phelica Glass, LSCSW
@TKBusinessMag
PG.82 INVESTING WHEN THE
MARKETS ARE DOWN Barbara Duncan, CFP® Clayton Wealth Partners
@TK...Topeka's Business Magazine
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
JULY/AUGUST 2020
Quality of life, designed.
Rita Blitt Art Gallery at Washburn University
ARCHITECTURE Gallery design highlights the donated lifework of renown Kansas artist Rita Blitt
sdgarch.com
INTERIORS Simple and elegant interior provides sleek backdrop to Blitt’s art while offering display flexibility
PLANNING Addition of gallery to existing White Concert Hall draws connection of Blitt’s work to music and live performance
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
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We are living in a world of important challenges that need people with more than technical fixes. We need to move from having all the answers, Tara Dimick to listening Tara@TKMagazine.com to others, accepting the unknown and working together. We need to be innovative as well as compassionate to find new ways of doing business and building our community. Because these challenges lie within the hearts of the people we are working with as well as our own, we must pause, to listen and understand as best possible, so that we can provide support, confidence and solutions that move us forward together. We must know ourselves, be vulnerable and understand our own triggers. Triggers cause us to be jaded in how we perceive a situation or cause us to be angered or emotional. Triggers also cause us to be a part of the problem as we become unable to move into a working space that can help make change and progress. The beauty of each day is that we get to make choices that impact and shape the people and the world around us. Here are a few simple choices: BE THE LIGHT. We have the choice between love and hate—choose love. Be a light. Make someone smile. And be committed to serving as a positive impact in the world and the people around you every day. Have
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hope that today is the best day ever and then make it as good as it can be with your attitude, your behaviors and your words. LISTEN. Two of the most powerful experiences is to be heard and to learn from another. When you hear yourself talking or thinking about the next thing you want to say, stop and just listen. Then ask questions and invest in the relationship. EXPAND YOUR BANDWIDTH. Whether you think of it as getting outside of your box or stretching yourself like a rubber band, you can only grow from learning. One of the easiest ways to learn is to engage with people outside your circle of friends, to hear their story and see through their eyes. With all the world at our fingertips, pick a podcast or read an article that has a different viewpoint. You don’t have to agree, but you can’t allow yourself to stay stagnant by surrounding yourself with likeness. Grow wider, grow deeper and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. LET IT END SO YOU CAN BEGIN AGAIN. This is a more recent concept for me and one that a colleague gifted me with. Each day we give it our all—some days go better than others—and when it is all over, we must walk away, trust that we have grown and give it a new fresh effort tomorrow. There will be times you knock it out of the park with your navigation of a difficult situation and then literally the next day you will fall flat. But there are two things for certain that will happen—the day will begin, and the day will end—give it all you have between those two points.
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PUBLISHER Tara Dimick EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Loewen CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Janet Faust MANAGING PARTNER & SALES DIRECTOR Braden Dimick braden@tkmagazine.com 785.438.7773 MARKETING ASSISTANT Hope Dimick LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Emma Highfill COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Emma Highfill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Egan Miranda Ericsson Kim Gronniger Adam Vlach Kathy Webber CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS Albert Bonner Olga Detrixhe Barbara Duncan, CFP® Phelica Glass, LSCSW Norma Juma, Ph.D. Sunita Rao, Ph.D.
PUBLISHING COMPANY E2 Communications 7512 SW Falcon St. Topeka, KS 66610 785.438.7773
FOUNDER ǀ Kevin Doel
tkmagazine.com 2020 TK Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject company. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party's right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.
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Contributors INSIGHTS FROM
Read what writers have to say about their stories then turn the pages to read the full article.
KATHY WEBBER Milk & Honey Coffee Co. turn to page 26 One thing I really enjoyed about writing the article about Milk & Honey Coffee Co. was seeing the joy that the owners have in serving the Topeka community. It was an inspiration to hear how God has been with them the whole time, helping things fall into place so they could open the coffee shop and do what they want to do, which is to give back to the Topeka community. I also loved hearing how supportive Topeka has been of Milk & Honey even during a pandemic. It was a great example where small business owners and the community both win!
KIM GRONNIGER Paycheck Protection Program turn to page 34 Most COVID-19 coverage has centered on the pandemic’s physical toll, but the virus has also placed small businesses and sole proprietors who rely on face-to-face contact in precarious positions. It was interesting to learn about the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program and the extensive efforts of community bankers and a professional services firm to support entrepreneurs through the process so they could sustain their operations and retain staff until restrictions lifted. It’s gratifying that local leaders rose to the occasion in the midst of rapidly changing guidelines to help loan recipients persevere through an unprecedented season of uncertainty.
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Wine, Cheese, Meat, Olives turn to page 52 Before writing this article, I had no idea that grapes are native to Kansas, or that there is a history of French fur traders making wine here waaaay back when we were a French territory. I loved hearing that Bob DesRuisseaux of Prairie Fire Winery had a chance to visit France and stand where his ancestors had stood. I was impressed to learn that all of the best burgers that I’ve eaten from local restaurants in Topeka were made with meat from Leonard. The Cook’s story about building Stumpy’s Smoke Cheese while giving back to the community at the same time hit me right in the heart. And finally, I was fascinated to learn just how good olive oil is for you. Jeanne Mackay, like many of us, has lost a loved one to cancer. Her dedication to helping people discover the joy and benefits of olive oil is personal.
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MIRANDA ERICSSON
ADAM VLACH Telemedicine: The New Normal? turn to page 72
Over the past few months, I’ve read more about COVID-19 and our healthcare system than I ever imagined I would read about any one topic. Almost all of my reading has been of second- or third-hand sources. Having a chance to speak directly with medical professionals and getting their take on the current situation, and what they think it means for the future, was eye-opening. One of the most interesting themes I picked up on was how this crisis is part of a bigger, ongoing story. While the pandemic is certainly a crisis in its own right, from the ‘30,000-foot view,’ it can also be seen as an inflection moment in history—the impetus for change.
We Know Business We help businesses navigate the legal world with confidence, working with you to prevent legal problems and overcome challenges as they arise. Business has changed in the 139 years since our firm was founded, but not our client commitment. From acquisitions to employment law to commercial litigation, we provide the experienced service our firm has offered for more than a century. N. Larry Bork Miranda K. Carmona Timothy A. Shultz Cynthia J. Sheppeard David P. O’Neal Susan L. Mauch
Tracy A. Cole Whitney L. Casement Samuel R. Feather Wesley A. Weathers Arthur E. Palmer Patrick M. Salsbury
Experience matters. Trusted since 1881. 515 S KANSAS AVE | TOPEKA, KS 66603 785.233.0593 | WWW.GSEPLAW.COM
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TKmagazine.com CHECK OUT
Get expert business advice and up-to-date information on business in Topeka at TKmagazine.com. Send your news releases to news@tkmagazine.com.
ONLINE ONLY PROFILE OF A BUSINESS OWNER SERIES Special TK Business online-only series that includes Q&A with local business owners.
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Bri Pusch-Zuniga, BriJoRae' Productions
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Kristin Scott, Scott HR
VISIT TOPEKA NAMES NEW PRESIDENT Sean Dixon of Springfield, Missouri has been hired to fill the top spot at Visit Topeka.
PAUL BISCHMANN NAMED VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT VISIONBANK Bischmann brings 15 years of banking leadership to VisionBank.
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TASKFORCE GOES LIVE WITH COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY DASHBOARD The Economic Recovery Taskforce, a subgroup of the Topeka/Shawnee County Community Recovery Taskforce, and the Greater Topeka Partnership have released an COVID-19 economic recovery dashboard to convey the economic response in Kansas following the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent recovery response.
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MEET THE TK TEAM Learn more about our team. This month we are featuring Lisa Loewen, Janet Faust and Braden Dimick at tkmagazine.com
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STANGE LAW FIRM, PC ADDS ATTORNEY ASHLEY FRANDEN As a Junior Associate Attorney, Franden can assist clients facing challenging family law matters.
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SHOULD YOU
SHOULD or YOU
Whether you vacation or staycation, local businesses offer options for seizing the summer. By SAMANTHA EGAN Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
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FTER MONTHS OF memorizing every crease in your sofa, you may be dying to get out of the house. Or afraid to leave it. Or, perhaps, a mix of both. If you’re seeking a reprieve from Zoom calls, these Topeka businesses offer great options for both venturing out and staying put.
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4 TOPEKA California
Wanamaker
2524 SE California Ave 6017 SW 30th Ter Topeka, KS 66614 Topeka, KS 66605
Topeka Blvd
1834 SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, KS 66612
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Dillon’s Plaza 831 NW 25th St Topeka, KS 66618
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ITCHING TO TRAVEL? BE FLEXIBLE.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Richard Knoll, president of Cruise Holidays of Topeka, says domestic travel is very doable for clients who are comfortable taking the risk and managing the new protocols.
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Travel agents like Richard Knoll, president of Cruise Holidays of Topeka, and Kimbra Henry, manager for the Kansas branch of Travel Leaders NY, are busier than ever. Except instead of booking vacations, they’re refunding or postponing them. Dedicated to their customers, they’ve been working hard to make sure their travelers’ investments are protected, either through refunds or future travel credits. Yet, despite the mass cancellations, Henry does have
clients planning to travel this summer. “Some people are comfortable taking the risk and managing the new protocols (preregistering, using wipes, wearing masks), so they go ahead and go,” Henry said. So, should you? Both Henry and Knoll agree: It’s hard to say. “I don’t want to discourage folks who have an interest in travel. But if I’m asked if it’s safe, it’s not an easy answer,” Henry said.
“It depends where you want to go,” Knoll said. “We can get specific if we talk about a particular destination, cruise line or resort. But it’s all going to depend on what happens.” While Europe is a no-go, traveling within the country could be doable. But don’t count on the traditional complimentary breakfast buffet or even the hotel swimming pool. “Even if flights begin operating, certain amenities or resorts may not be available,” Henry said.
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where to? think differently.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Kimbra Henry, manager for the Kansas branch of Travel Leaders NY, recommends rental homes as a viable option for families wanting to get away in a lower-risk environment before school starts.
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“People may not want to go to a place if the beach is closed.” Summer cruising is probably also off the table. “There are cruises available for booking, but I question whether they actually will cruise,” Knoll said. “I’d say it’s less than likely.” For families wanting to get away in a lower-risk environment before school starts, all hope is not lost. Rental homes are a viable option, and if you can drive, all the better. In fact, that’s what Henry’s family plans to do this summer. “We can sterilize the home, wipe things down and limit exposure to others,” Henry said. “We just want to be together, but stay careful.” If you’re craving a more exotic vacation, fall may be more promising. Knoll predicted Caribbean cruises will open up first. “There are a lot of unknowns, but that doesn’t mean plans can’t be made and commitments can’t be forwarded,” said Knoll.
Knoll said vendors that cancel trips are being quite accommodating to travelers, offering cash refunds or travel vouchers that are, in some cases, more than what the customer paid. Of course, vendors aren’t as generous if it’s the traveler doing the canceling. While 2020 travel is uncertain, both Henry and Knoll are sure the industry will return in full force. “I’ve seen the industry evolve from pre-Internet to Internet to wars to 9/11,” Henry said. “Once the door is opened, there’s a flood of people who want to travel.” “Come first of the year, we will be very active,” said Knoll, who booked himself on a Panama Canal cruise the first week in January. And he’s not alone. Knoll said 2021 European river cruises and cruises to Alaska are already booking up. Despite the recent bad press around cruise lines, Knoll believes they will bounce back, but with a few adjustments.
“The free-for-all buffets on the lido deck are probably a thing of the past, at least for the near future,” Knoll said. “But the industry is going to recover. It’s just a matter of when.” When travel does open up, Knoll said he hopes travel agencies will reclaim some of the business lost to online booking sites. “You’re getting personal attention if you book locally,” Knoll said. “Chances are, if you work with a travel agent, you’re going to be exploring more options.” Added travel compilations since the pandemic could help the cause. “We stay on top of things for people and sort through the information. I can’t imagine navigating it on my own as a consumer,” Henry said. Regardless of where and when you pack your bags, planning a vacation may help brighten your outlook. “We’re navigating so many things in our world right now,” Henry said. “People feel a need to be together and lighten up a little bit.”
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Brothers Troy and Travis Maurath, are owners of Ultimate Bounce where residential customers can choose just the right inflatable to rev up the fun factor for kids and neighbors.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
STAYING IN? PUMP IT UP.
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If it’s kids you’re looking to entertain, just browsing Ultimate Bounce’s website photos is enough to rev up the fun factor. From jousting arenas to shark-shaped slip and slides, their selection goes well beyond bounce castles. (Though there are plenty of those, too.) Troy Maurath, co-owner and operator of Ultimate Bounce, and his brother and co-owner, Travis, saw a dip in business when 2020 school and community events were canceled. But once the stay-at-home order lifted, they saw a bump in residential rentals. “There’s been a lot of neighborhoods doing something to get the kids out of the house,” Troy said. Troy helps each customer choose which of their 49 inflatables would
Picture your kids walking right onto the coolest new attraction and going as many times as they want. Needing an energy boost, they head to the front of the snow cone line, where they get all the sugary ice they can slurp. Now imagine watching it all from a cushioned chair, shaded by an expansive umbrella. This isn’t a too-good-to-be-true day at a theme park. It’s what could happen if you turned your backyard into the hottest staycation destination on the block. Ultimate Bounce, a local business that rents inflatables and concessions, and Patio, Pool & Fireside are rushing to keep up with demand from customers making the very best out of staying at home.
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work best. The “adrenaline rush,” a 1,200-square foot obstacle course that includes rock climbs, slides and tunnels, is a hot commodity with teens. Toddlers favor the “bounce fusion.” Adults love it for its single entrance and exit. Wee ones enjoy the slides, popups and tunnels. “It’s something you don’t do every day,” said Troy. “Something out of the ordinary.” While the inflatables are big, the customer’s effort is minimal. Troy and Travis make it easy by delivering the inflatables (which are cleaned and sprayed with anti-bacterial spray after each rental), setting them up, then picking them up when the fun is done. All that’s left for parents to do is kick back and watch the fun.
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STAYING home? make an oasis.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Jeff Armstrong, owner of Patio, Pool & Fireside, says they have seen unprecedented sales this year for pools, spas, grills and outdoor furniture.
Patio, Pool & Fireside offers everything their business name suggests, plus upscale outdoor furniture, grills and outdoor accessories. There’s just one catch: Due to unprecedented demand, you may have to wait a bit longer for your dream oasis. According to store manager Cathi Sue Buckley, the store is down to the “bare-bones” of furniture in their showroom, sold out of hot tubs and selling firepits like wildfire. As for
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f
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Works of heart fundraiser
Place your bids. Help thousands of kids. Family Service & Guidance Center’s 14th annual Works of Heart Fundraiser Friday, August 14 - Free virtual event Register now at bidpal.net/FSGCart Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m. Program and auction 7 p.m.- 8ish
Proceeds will provide care to thousands of northeast Kansas children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and other common mental health issues. Bid on amazing auction items, including remarkable artwork created by FSGC client kids, beautiful home dĂŠcor, handcrafted jewelry, professional paintings and photography, handthrown pottery, fun experiences and much more!
Join us. Get your friends together for a Works of Heart Watch Party, enjoy the social hour and place your bids!
Register by 5 p.m. Thursday, August 13, and be entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa gift card! JULY/AUGUST 2020
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
High quality patio furniture that can also function as a work space is popular with workfrom-home employees.
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pools? Don’t count on getting one this season. “It’s like toilet paper,” Buckley said. “You can’t get an above-ground pool locally or nationally. People are selling them from their backyards.” While Buckley said warmer weather usually drives the demand, she’s never seen the pool business this backed up. Even chemicals are on backorder. “After four weeks into staying home with their children doing schoolwork, people wanted to open their pools,” Buckley said. Patio, Pool & Fireside has been able to serve their customers in other ways. Work-from-home employees, for example, have been prominent shoppers.
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“We’ve had several people buy chairs so they can sit on the porch and work on their laptops,” she said. “Why be stuck inside when you can work outdoors?” While their price points are higher than big-box stores, Buckley said their customers are willing to pay extra for higher quality. “People want to invest in things that are going to last a good long, time,” Buckley said. “Our furniture is going to last generations.” As people discover a new appreciation for their homes, making such investments may become a lasting trend. “We’re a traveling society, but we have to entertain ourselves,” said Buckley. “People are learning staying home isn’t so bad after all.” TK
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“There is no better place than a community coffee shop.” —Chris Hartman Co-owner | Milk & Honey Coffee Co.
MILK & HONEY Darlene Morgan and Chris Hartman had a dream to serve the Topeka community by providing a safe place for people to gather, socialize and encourage each other. What better environment than a cozy coffee shop?
COFFEE CO.
Morgan is a graduate of Highland Park High School and has three daughters in the Shawnee Heights school district, so she wanted the coffee shop to be near those two communities. “We wanted to bring the Highland Park community and the Shawnee Heights community together. Being on the East side allows us to be closer to both, and we felt like this area is under served,” Morgan said. After a meeting with Kevin Conard, owner of Blue Jazz Coffee Roasters, Morgan and Hartman decided to open Milk & Honey Coffee Co. in an old bank building located at 2200 SE 29th Street.
By KATHY WEBBER HIGHFILL
Photos by EMMA
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
} Darlene Morgan and Chris Hartman | Owners | Milk & Honey Coffee Co.
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Milk & Honey Coffee Co. serves delicious coffee drinks and provides a setting that lets customers feel at home.
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BLESSINGS FROM DELAYS Originally, Milk & Honey Coffee Co. planned to open in October 2019, but a zoning issue pushed the opening date to March. After a five-month delay, they finally were able to open their doors to the community. They were open for all of three days before the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to close their indoor dining area, leaving the drive-thru as the only means for service. Rather than throw in the towel, Morgan says they had to have faith that everything would be ok. “I was devastated. I was sick.” Morgan said. “But it was all of God’s plan. While at first we panicked, we realized after a couple of weeks that this situation has given us some good practice by only having the drive-thru. Being forced to take it slow has given us the opportunity to work
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out all of the bumps and figure out how to do things better.” Although Milk & Honey’s service was reduced to drive-thru only, Morgan says the first few weeks of opening were amazingly productive. “Honestly, since we were new, we didn’t know why we were getting a steady stream of business. We didn’t know if Topeka is just so wonderful about supporting local businesses or if it was because people waited years to have a coffee shop over here. It probably was a little bit of both,” Morgan said. PERFECT LOCATION Hartman and Morgan had looked for a long time to find the perfect location for their coffee shop. Hartman says when it came to the final choice, God knew exactly where they needed to be.
Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
“We looked at Croco Road briefly, but there wasn’t any easy way to have a drive-thru. The drivethru was a big deal to us all along and clearly the drive-thru was a God thing. He knew we were going to need this drive-thru and so He made sure we had one,” Hartman said. Hartman and Morgan had been praying for years for a way for them to give back to the Topeka community. They both have worked in human-service related areas and understood the importance of a strong supportive community. “To me, it is all about community,” Hartman said. “There is no better place than a community coffee shop. It is the one place you can go and stay all day, and nobody minds because a coffee shop encourages you to relax and hang out.”
FEELS LIKE HOME Both Hartman and Morgan wanted Milk & Honey Coffee Co. to feel like home to their customers, as if they were sitting in their living room drinking coffee. “If I’m not busy making a sandwich, I will cut up some of the buttered ends we serve and pass them out as if I am in my own living room,” Morgan said, “One of our bakers brought in a homemade banana cream pie that their grandmother made and we offered it to our customers because, if you were in my home, I would offer you a piece. It’s just that kind of atmosphere here. It’s reaching people through coffee.” Morgan claims that her love of people comes from her faith, and the coffee shop is an answered prayer. “I prayed for years upon years that God would use me. I prayed
for some way to help others and get away from who I am and just be out there for someone else and make a difference in the community,” Morgan said. “I did not know it was going to be through coffee that God would answer my prayer. I want people to know Christ and how He has worked in my life, through my actions, in serving others.” The name Milk & Honey Coffee Co. comes from a Bible verse, “He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26:9 NIV) “We feel we are bringing the land of the milk and honey to East Topeka,” Morgan said. “Yes, there have been other coffee shops, but we wanted to do it a little differently. We want to serve more than just coffee. We want to bring people hope and give the community somewhere they can call home.”
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Milk & Honey Coffee Co. employees, left to right: BACK—Sarah Kuck, Claire Kibbe, Derek Gauntt, Chris Hartman, Claire Olson, Paige Derena and Faith Smith. FRONT—Gracie Mae Flores, Macy Mondragon, Olivia Morgan, Darlene Morgan, Jessica Frahm and Gabe Fluke.
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GIVING BY SERVING Milk & Honey Coffee Co. has hired a diverse group of people to work at their coffee shop. Morgan wants to give employees a chance to be a part of something bigger than serving coffee. “I want those who work here to experience the giving side of this, the serving others more than coffee,” Morgan said. “Some employees may not get many hours, but it’s a chance for them to embark on a new local business that is trying to change the way coffee is served in Topeka.” One of the ways the employees give to others is through the coffee sleeves on each cup. When you order a hot coffee at Milk & Honey Coffee Co., you will get an inspiring message as well. Morgan says the Milk & Honey team, along with her daughters, started hand decorating coffee sleeves with inspiring messages, quotes or Bible verses to inspire people.
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“We are trying to develop a #milkandhoneysleeve movement because we found that it was a great way to give someone a lift. Just a little positive note to make someone’s day,” Morgan said. COMMUNITY INSPIRED Milk & Honey Coffee Co. has not only been inspiring to its community, but the Topeka community has inspired them as well. “We can’t say enough about how supportive the community has been to us. It means so much to us how the community has embraced us,” Morgan said. “We have definitely seen Topeka Strong.” In addition to serving Blue Jazz Coffee Roasters coffee, Milk & Honey Coffee Co. serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a variety of homemade sandwiches, salads, baked goods, oatmeal and pasta salad. TK
Architecture. Planning. Interiors.
Happy Basset Barrel House | Topeka, KS
A TOAST TO EXPANSION
The local Topeka community now has a beautiful place to enjoy delicious handcrafted beers, live bands, food trucks, activities...and plenty of space for man’s best friend! This former industrial warehouse, located just off South Topeka Boulevard, is now home to Happy Basset Brewery’s second location. The building sits on 11 acres of land and features an open concept, a 60 foot bar top with ornate details, 12 TVs and a 75 foot outdoor deck and patio space. The addition of a bark park is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Our team at Architect One was proud to be a part of this exciting project, helping grow the communities in which we live, work and play.
LISTEN. DESIGN. INSPIRE. JULY/AUGUST 2020
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DIGITAL MARKETING
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Top 3 Digital Actions
IN A POST COVID-19 WORLD
Al Bonner Digital Account Executive WIBW Television
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EPENDING ON THE category of your business, you have either been somewhat impacted or severely impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns. You’ve likely frozen or readjusted your marketing budgets. No matter where the health of your business stands, now is a good time to take a serious look at what you can do differently with your digital marketing moving forward. Analyzing marketing performance, results and return on investment are essential. There are three areas you should rethink. All three can help you reactivate and grow revenues if you invest the time, in some cases, spend some money, and ask for help.
Al Bonner has 20-plus years of digital marketing experience. He is Google Certified in Google Ads, Google Analytics and Google My Business.
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Make your website a priority.
In the past three years, I have analyzed hundreds of local websites. There are five common issues I find in 75% of my reviews. 1. The website has not changed in years. No new content and incorrect information. 2. The website has not been set up for search based on Google’s top ranking priorities. 3. There are no analytics set up to measure website traffic and performance. 4. The website doesn’t include videos. 5. Home page message does not speak to the needs of potential customers visiting site. Does your website have any of these issues? If so, it probably doesn’t rank well on a Google search. Google looks at hundreds of indicators when ranking your website. Fresh content, relevant content, useful content, well written title, description tags (meta tags), an easy to navigate website and serving the needs of the user are some of the critical areas you should be focusing on. If you don’t have these basics covered, you won’t stand a chance. Not sure what all of this means? Ask for professional help. Have a thorough analysis of your website done so you know where to focus.
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Analyze all areas of your marketing— traditional and digital. Tracking and measuring results has never been easier. Website analytics can help you understand how many new customers are coming to your website, what pages they’re looking at, how long they are staying and where they came from (your online ads, social media posts and ads, TV campaigns, etc.). Social media marketing can be a good investment or a waste of time and money. If you are not looking at the data available for ad campaigns, you are missing key performance information that helps you determine what’s working and what’s not. You can certainly look at ad views, clicks, impressions, click through rate, likes, shares and comments, but if your ads are not generating leads that turn into sales, you may be wasting marketing dollars. Develop a plan to better understand your analytics and start measuring what counts.
Maximize your “Google My Business” page. It’s FREE! Your Google My Business page (GMB Page) is one of the best marketing opportunities you are probably not taking advantage of right now. If you make it a priority, you will reap the benefits of your efforts right away. I mentioned Google ranking factors earlier. GMB is one of the most important tools you can use to rank well. Out of all the things Google looks at, GMB is the top indicator. Hopefully you have already claimed your Google My Business page. If not, you should do it as soon as possible. If you have claimed your page, locate the email address and password associated with your page. Google continues to add more FREE features that you should add to your page. Here are some of the recent additions that will help your page become more valuable to Google users and to your search ranking. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Create a full business description with keywords. List a full range of products and services with photos. Add video and more photos. Add secondary categories that help you better describe your business to Google. 5. Download the Google My Business app so you can add photos, videos and information from your phone. 6. Take advantage of free packages to encourage reviews.
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You don’t have to invest a lot of money to improve your digital presence. You just need to invest a little time and energy to ensure your digital marketing is working for you. TK
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PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
PPP PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM In early March 2020, many people perceived COVID-19 as a vague threat while they considered their top picks for the NCAA tournament and anticipated spring break trips to MLB training camps, Disney World and ski resorts. But by mid-March, mindsets changed dramatically as local companies implemented work-from-home policies and schools and non-essential businesses closed. For businesses that rely on faceto-face contact, from diners and dental practices to dance studios and dĂŠcor stores, the pandemic not only disrupted routines but also jeopardized income.
By KIM GRONNIGER Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
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Fortunately, the Small Business Administration introduced its Paycheck Protection Program in late March to help small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed persons weather the uncertainty. Loans could be used for 60 percent of payroll and for mortgage interest, rent and utility payments. Through conversations with an accountant, a banker, a dental practice administrative assistant and a sole proprietor, find out how the SBA program and community collaboration helped sustain local businesses during the coronavirus crisis.
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PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
AN ACCOUNTANT’S PERSPECTIVE Brian Lang, chief executive officer of SS&C Solutions Inc., oversees a firm that provides businesses with payroll, tax planning and preparation, auditing, wealth management and other services in Topeka, Lawrence, Shawnee, Salina and Meriden. When the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program became available in With the tax season March, Lang extended to July 15, and his team immersed SS&C accountants who themselves in the typically spend March new regulations and April preparing to ensure and filing tax returns, their clients instead worked with throughout Kansas could local banks to submit benefit. PPP applications in the “The best midst of ever-evolving thing an advisor regulations. can do for you is gather information and help you make decisions specific to your business, including discussing ‘what if ’ scenarios and creating contingency plans,” Lang said. While few, if any companies, previously considered a pandemic in their continuity plans, Lang said hospitality clients, dental practices
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and other businesses that had to immediately lay off employees to comply with enforcement orders were eager to pursue PPP loans, especially in the absence of a timeline for when they would be allowed to reopen. “The program helped our clients retain employees and hit the pause button so they didn’t have to make a reactive, potentially long-lasting decision that would negatively impact their business and employees,” he said. “The economic effects of the pandemic were swift, and the loans gave business owners a shot in the arm to buy some time.” PRESERVING PRODUCTIVITY SS&C clients include construction contractors, nonprofits, manufacturing companies, health care organizations and restaurants. Given that many small companies foster a family feel, Lang said owners not only want to preserve their employee relationships but also want to protect productivity and profitability by retaining experienced workers. Many also want to safeguard their investment so they can pass along the business to someone else someday. “Small businesses often don’t have plug-and-play positions or the ability to cross train,” he said. “If you
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We know it’s important to our clients that we monitor for innovations and always work to improve the clarity in their financials to help them gain the critical insights that keep their businesses moving forward on a clear path.
SS&C brings clarity and a unique perspective to your business.
We look beyond the numbers to provide real time information as well as assurance. Brian Lang, CPA, CVA, CEPA Chief Executive Officer Summers, Spencer & Company, P.A.
A UNIQUE APPROACH. NO TWO BUSINESSES ARE THE SAME. We are passionate about contributing to the success of our clients. We strive to free you up to focus on building your business. You benefit from the fact that we are small enough to offer highly personalized service, yet large enough to offer unmatched versatility and technical proficiency. WWW.SSCCPAS.COM | 785-272-4484
Open to serve safely Keeping our customers and employees safe is a core value at McElroy’s.
We are always committed to doing what’s necessary to protect everyone’s health – wherever we go, whatever we do. Thank you for trusting McElroy’s.
We’re ready to serve your hvac and plumbing needs 785-266-4870
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mcelroys.com
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PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
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had to replace 20 percent or more of your workforce because of COVID-19, your productivity level now would be much less than it would have been pre-pandemic. PPP loans help prevent or at least forestall that fallout.” With the tax season extended to July 15, SS&C accountants who typically spend March and April preparing and filing tax returns, instead worked with local banks to submit PPP applications in the midst of ever-evolving regulations. “There were worries that the program would run out of money, so the “The program helped whole process our clients retain was all hurry, employees and hit the hurry, hurry,” pause button so they Lang said. didn’t have to make “We knew we a reactive, potentially just had to get long-lasting decision it done fast. that would negatively Local bankers impact their business were working and employees.” around the —Brian Lang clock to help Chief Executive Officer people. When SS&C Solutions Inc. clients started getting their loans funded, there was a collective sigh of relief from everyone involved.” The first loans were approved April 3, followed by a second wave of application submissions April 27. “Never in my career have I gone a week without opening income tax software
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in April until this year,” said Lang, who has been with the company since 1998. “We shifted priorities. Our clients certainly had other things to worry about this spring besides pulling documents for our accountants. They were dealing with kids out of school and navigating working from home.” PPP EXTENSION The PPP has been extended from eight weeks to 24 weeks, further relieving pressure on businesses as uncertainty about the pandemic continues. Lang said in the coming months his firm will be embarking on “a massive undertaking” to make sure documentation is in order and all government agency rules and requirements have been followed to facilitate loan forgiveness. The SBA will forgive loans if certain criteria are met and the funds are used for qualified expenses. “A lot of businesses will benefit from the extension to use funds for qualified purposes because some places, such as restaurants, still haven’t been able to open at full capacity,” he said. Although the pandemic has prompted several small businesses—and even major retailers too—to close, other entrepreneurs will step in, said Lang. “Small business owners are risk takers,” he said. “Entrepreneurs make things happen and allow our community to attract new talent and fresh ideas and retain our workforce.” Lang said it’s gratifying for the SS&C team to assist small business clients not only through the pandemic but through all the years prior and yet ahead too. “We enjoy helping them and their families and their businesses thrive for generations to come, and if it means we need to learn about the Paycheck Protection Program overnight, then we do.”
A COMMUNITY BANKER’S ASSESSMENT As COVID-19’s advancement threatened to wreak havoc with their livelihoods, sole proprietors, entrepreneurs and small businesses sought assistance from the CoreFirst Bank & Trust team to complete applications for PPP loans.
CoreFirst has helped 605 small businesses obtain almost $69 million in loans with an average size of $114,000. CoreFirst has helped 605 small businesses obtain almost $69 million in loans with an average size of $114,000, according to Kurt Kuta, president and chief executive officer. “We saw the full spectrum of businesses, everything from hair
stylists, web developers, bakers, and restaurants to contractors, retailers, manufacturing firms and professional services companies,” he said. “We learned a lot about what these businesses do and got to help some very thankful people.” Facing mandated closures in the midst of both a pandemic and a volatile stock market, Kuta said, “Many small business owners were scared and wondering how they’d survive or manage through all the uncertainty. We knew we had to help.” Initially, CoreFirst worked with its existing customers to secure PPP loan approval. However, before the first round of PPP loan funding ended, applications from new customers were taken and approvals secured.
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“We had more than half of our associates involved in this process, working at their kitchen tables unable to collaborate in person with clients or teammates, on top of dealing with rapidly changing rules and SBA computer glitches. But they all put in extra effort, nights or weekends, whatever was needed to help our customers obtain the PPP loan funds.” —Kurt Kuta President and Chief Executive Officer CoreFirst Bank & Trust
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COMPLICATED LOGISTICS With bank lobbies closed and many CoreFirst associates working from home, obtaining loans for so many people presented additional and unprecedented challenges. The logistics were further complicated by ever-changing Small Business Administration guidelines and a short, urgent timeframe for accessing PPP approval during the first round. “I give my team a great deal of credit because we had to adjust on the fly and keep things moving to get these loans approved before money ran out and then get the funds to the businesses in need,” he said. “We had more than half of our associates involved in this process, working at their kitchen tables unable to collaborate in person with clients or teammates, on top of dealing with rapidly changing rules and SBA computer glitches. But they all put in extra effort, nights or weekends, whatever was needed to help our customers obtain the PPP loan funds.” As an example, Kuta said the SBA altered its guidelines the night before the program went live. Thanks to some teammates who decided to check the U.S. Treasury website around 1 a.m., Kuta said the bank was able to adapt quickly to the change when the system went live the next morning. ADAPTING PROCESSES By the time the team had completed the first several dozen loans and gauged the high number of applications that were continuing to
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come in, an assembly line approach was developed to improve efficiency and better ensure that businesses would get their applications approved and receive their funds in a timely manner. Kuta said some associates accustomed to overseeing every aspect of a client’s relationship with the bank were initially uncomfortable with the change, but ultimately it made more sense to have team leaders responsible for various aspects of the process given the high volume and myriad of details. “We all had to let some things go and pass off the baton when our portion of the race was done to someone else so they could finish the race for our customers.,” he said. “Ultimately, the single purpose and sense of urgency with this whole PPP experience led to a higher level of trust and camaraderie amongst the CoreFirst team.” Kuta added that the experience “also reinforced that you don’t always need to have all the information and detailed processes to get things done. We adopted Coach John Wooden’s philosophy to ‘be quick, but don’t hurry.’ We didn’t have perfect rules and information, but we used what we did have the best we could and pushed ahead.” Although PPP processing comprised much of the bank’s business this spring, employees still kept pace with traditional offerings for small business clients too, including online and digital banking solutions for cash management as
well as cyber security and fraud protection tools, especially critical during the pandemic. Once the Shawnee County stay-at-home order was lifted, one of Kuta’s first stops was to his hair stylist, having learned during COVID-19 “that a lot of people really shouldn’t use clippers at home.” During his appointment, he said, “There was exhaustion but also optimism in her demeanor. I could feel the smile behind the face mask. I think a lot of small business owners, like her, are routinely busting it 10 or 12 hours a day and displaying a lot of grit and determination.” MIDWEST RESPONSE Kuta is proud not only of the role CoreFirst employees played in securing PPP loans for customers but also the responsiveness and resourcefulness of his community bank colleagues too. “Midwest small businesses received a higher percentage of funding overall, largely due to the community banks in these states,” he said. “I am proud to be associated with these Midwest community banks and all of our local community banks for their great efforts with the PPP program. This mirrors the commitment we all have here locally and in the Kansas City region to help small businesses survive and thrive and promote our economic vitality and quality of life.” COMPUTER SUPERHERO Kuta said a CoreFirst commercial team member shared
during the first few days of the PPP initiative a conversation he’d had with his two young sons after they’d asked why he was working so late every night. “He responded, mostly tongue in cheek, that not all superheroes wear capes. Some sit behind a desk with a computer and an idea. His wife apparently ribbed him that Initially, CoreFirst he was no Thor, worked with its existing but still the story customers to secure resonated with folks who had PPP loan approval. been working However, before the tremendously first round of PPP long hours to loan funding ended, push things applications from new through and make these loans customers were taken happen for our and approvals secured. customers who were experiencing every emotion on the spectrum. It helped reinforce why we choose to be community bankers.” COMMUNITY COMMITMENT But Kuta is quick to point out that the company’s community commitment existed long before COVID-19. “Our mission to nurture small businesses began with the beliefs of our founder, Emery Fager, and it’s embedded in everything we do,” he said. “Emery’s vision was carried forward by Duane Fager and his family too. That commitment is reflected in our values and our people and the way we do what we do every day—yesterday, today, tomorrow.”
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PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Gage Dental acted fast to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program in order to cover payroll for its staff of 47. All employees are back to work and applying COVID-19 precautions for patients and staff.
A DENTAL CLINIC’S RESPONSE When the American Dental Association and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment strongly recommended clinic closures in March, Gage Dental leadership acted fast to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program to cover payroll for its employees during the interim. Gage Dental has five dentists and 42 employees, many of whom have been with the practice for years, including a few who have stayed more than 40. Ami Price, administrative assistant, has 22 years of service. “We’re a close-knit unit, and it was important to the doctors to take care of us,” she said. Working with its local bank, Gage Dental submitted its application for a payroll loan only to have to resubmit it again the next
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morning following changes made to the program overnight. Despite the rapid changes taking place to tweak the unprecedented program, Price said working with their bank was “a very easy process and they called to let us know we’d been approved quickly.” Price said the clinic applied for the PPP loan April 2, received approval April 10 and obtained funding April 20. “It was so gratifying to get employees off of unemployment after only four weeks and back to their regular salaries, especially since we didn’t know how long we’d be closed,” she said. From March 19 until May 4 when the practice reopened, only Price and another employee routinely worked at the clinic, primarily handling business needs
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and canceling appointments. Aside from toothaches and other emergent conditions, dentists weren’t treating patients. When the clinic’s co-workers returned to work, Price said the reunion was raucous and joyful as they caught up with one another. Although the employees are all back and the daily schedule is once again full, COVID-19 precautions continue to protect the safety of patients and staff. Such measures include taking temperatures, asking a list of questions about symptoms and recent travel, having patients maintain social distancing, and providing hand sanitizer for use before patients are escorted to the treatment room. “We’re accommodating our patients while still limiting who is in the building,” Price said. “At first, some patients were a little hesitant to return but most are glad to come in and get work done and see their hygienists and dentists.”
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NETWORKS. PLUS PEOPLE. PLUS SERVICE. Expert IT security & service for business
networksplus.com • 800.299.1704 Serving all of Northeast Kansas
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WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST
1415 SW Topeka Blvd • (785) 271-8097 www.peoplesinsure.com JULY/AUGUST 2020
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PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
When David Vincent’s freelance filmmaking/ photography and Circle Coffee Co. businesses came to a screeching halt in the pandemic, he, along with his wife, Jackie, discovered the importance of a local bank relationship in securing PPP funds quickly and efficiently.
A SOLE PROPRIETOR’S PIVOT During a typical pre-COVID-19 workweek, David Vincent, a freelance filmmaker and photographer, would complete creative communications projects for area nonprofits, religious organizations and small businesses. On weekends, he and his wife, Jackie, owners of With You Beloved, would capture special moments for couples exchanging marriage vows and/or dispense espressos, lattes and macchiatos at wedding receptions, proms and corporate events through their mobile Circle Coffee Co. cart. In addition to covering events in Kansas, the adventurous couple might also be scheduled to fly across the country or abroad for destination weddings. But the pandemic’s arrival in March created a cascading number of cancellations for the couple’s
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entrepreneurial ventures, all of which relied on proximity, face-to-face encounters, and in some instances, air travel. “Our business ground to a halt,” Vincent said. As couples postponed nuptials and companies conserved resources, Vincent’s work projects dwindled with the exception of a few clients that still needed assistance in communicating with customers. For example, he helped Doxazo, a local ministry, create messaging about the organization’s transition from a traditional summer camp format to a pre-recorded “camp in a box” concept, filming skits and singalongs and letting potential participants know about the opportunity. Aware of the impact extended social distancing efforts would have on his income, Vincent first applied for Paycheck Protection Program support online with a major funding vendor that never contacted him back. Motivated by the short timeframe in which to apply and receive funding, Vincent reached out to Scott Hughes, vice president and loan officer at Silver Lake Bank, who assisted him throughout the process.
Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
GRANTS STILL AVAILABLEfor SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
“Everything went quickly after that,” he said. “I got my application in around the time that the second wave of funding became available and within a few days I had a check to pick up. The whole experience made me really appreciate the importance of local banks and the ability to talk to someone who can answer your questions and give you both time and perspective to help you out.” Once social distancing restrictions began to lessen in May, Vincent said work began picking up. He had some freelance opportunities and worked a couple of small weddings, “one with just four people in a backyard.” The Vincents also in May served coffee at an Overland Park hospital event honoring nurses. “People are starting to figure out their upcoming marketing needs and my workload now is probably at 65 percent of what it was,” he said. Despite the economic upheaval COVID-19 wrought, Vincent said the enforced business break also brought silver linings for the couple, including more time to finish home improvement projects, perfect a cold brew recipe and ponder ways to promote their businesses. “When you’re self-employed and work at home, you feel like you’re always working,” he said. “The pandemic gave my wife and me more time to spend together and prioritize what we will focus on going forward, including rest and activities unrelated to our work.” TK
Apply and learn more at
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SUSTAINABILITY THREE FUNDAMENTAL PILLARS: PEOPLE
SOCIAL IMPACT
PLANET
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
PROFITS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
By NORMA JUMA & SUNITA RAO
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The United Nations defines sustainable development as “… development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” UN further asserts that for sustainable development to be achieved, it is imperative to synchronize three fundamental pillars: economic growth (Profits), social inclusion (People) and environmental protection (Planet). Scholars, institutions and practitioners alike have embraced these three pillars in their endeavor to deliver on their sustainability efforts. Different entities have adopted different approaches to sustainability. For instance, Washburn University considers all 3Ps before implementing a proposed sustainability project. A project may seem good for the environment, e.g. installing solar panels on campus, however such a plan would be assessed against its economic and social impact since it involves university funding and deploying personnel to work on roofs. Businesses must identify strategic relevance of sustainability initiatives. Great examples abound among small, medium and large size businesses in our community.
SOCIAL IMPACT | PEOPLE Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Topeka in collaboration with The Topeka (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated awards $15,000 in scholarships annually to minority students majoring in the field of business and information technology. FHLBank identified a gap in the talent pool and decided to do something about it. FHLBank’s intention is to increase graduate rate at college level among minority students in the field of business and information technology. FHLBank is not alone in this space. On June 2, 2020, Advisors Excel announced the creation of three $5,000 scholarships intended for minorities and women to pursue a degree in Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning (PFP) program. Advisors Excel Co-Founder, Cody Foster decried the paucity of women and minorities in the financial services industry. He also cited the current countrywide demand for social justice and inclusion, “In light of everything we’ve witnessed over the past few weeks, investing in solutions has to start taking place.” Both organizations are very intentional on how they identified the areas of social inclusion.
The initiatives are integrated in their core business model. Target Foundation and Target Inc. is yet another business that has addressed social and environmental challenges over the years. More recently, it devoted its attention toward promoting social inclusion in MinneapolisSt. Paul region and reiterated its stand against racism. In response to COVID-19, Target gave a $2-per-hour wage increase through at least May 2. They granted vulnerable employees paid leave for up to 30 days if the employees preferred not to work. Additionally, Target gave funds to the team leads, local communities, national organizations and global organizations to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19. Investors and host communities are likely to view these sustainability initiatives favorably because they demonstrate operational and strategic relevance. Haphazard investment in sustainability initiatives or
“greenwashing” is prone to decline financial performance and any gains achieved are likely to be temporary. Prudent corporations use foundations to advance philanthropical initiatives and invest only in strategy relevant sustainability initiatives, also often referred to as materiality. A material issue is anything that influences the decisions, actions and performance of your business and its stakeholders. An issue is considered immaterial if it does not impact your stakeholders or your core business.
environmental conservation | Planet Walmart in collaboration with Unarco, produce and recycle carts in Wagoner, Oklahoma. According to Unarco, they have processed 3.4 million carts for Walmart, contributing immensely to Walmart’s goal to reduce its carbon footprints. The environmental savings amount to 485.3 million pounds of carbon emissions, 3.6 billion gallons of water and 407 million kilowatts of electricity. The social impact is equally evident employment opportunities for American workers. The economic impact is derived from the recycled steel. Recycling extends the life of the steel so that it can stay in use and out of the landfill. All salvageable parts of the cart, such as wheels and plastic handlings, get recycled to save money and reduce waste. These savings impact the business bottom-line and is transfer to consumers in the form of lower prices. JULY/AUGUST 2020
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NORMA JUMA, Ph.D. is a Professor of Management Business at Washburn University School of Business.
UN espouses business models/ development models that are sustainable, inclusive and equitable. As discussed in the examples above, sustainability is not devoid of sound business principles, competitive strategies and operational efficiencies. Conversely, we opine that those are the very pillars that make sustainability work in business. We further opine that businesses should embrace the symbiotic stakeholders’ approach—acknowledging that stakeholders are interdependent and interwoven for their mutual success and wellbeing. Some oppose the idea of symbiotic stakeholders and advocate for two tier stakeholders view. Ultimately, businesses should always examine the materiality of each proposed sustainability initiative. Materiality or the strategic relevance calls for identifying and prioritizing the issues that matter most to their business model and stakeholders. Anything short of that tend to be unsustainable at best or simply greenwashing.
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economic IMPACT | profits
SUNITA RAO, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at Washburn University School of Business.
It is indeed imperative to synchronize the three pillars of sustainability. Social inclusion creates access to wider talent pool and broadens market scope for businesses, environmental protection leads to a sustainable source of natural resources and economic impact avails livelihoods. TK
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VIRTUAL WORK WORLD
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WORKPLACES & PRACTICES
Olga Detrixhe Sales Supervisor Nex-Tech
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HILE THE WORLD IS starting to open back up, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on business, the economy and how we interact with others remains to be seen. One thing we do know is that how we communicate and how we use technology is forever changed. Between March 30 and April 24, 2020, Global Workplace Analytics conducted one of the largest global work from home surveys and found that employees and managers alike are satisfied with performance while working from home, and upwards of 77% would like to continue doing so. We know that pre-COVID-19 workspaces and predominant close-contact interactions will not work in the future. We have to combine past and current work styles and places and understand how to protect our employees, technologies and customers.
Adjust to different work styles, namely virtual.
Olga Detrixhe, sales supervisor for Nex-Tech, has been leading a team of sales professionals in technology and communication since 2016.
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Mandated closures are lifting, so you will just call everyone back, right? Not so fast. Your staff may question why they must commute when working from home produced the same result. Or, while you might be OK with closer contact, they are not. Or, they found a better worklife balance working from home and don’t want to upset that. Whatever the case, a shift in mindset and a gradual approach to workplace re-entry is in line. The fix? Find balance. Fewer people require less space. This could be a cost savings or a better way to use the space you have. Create energy via virtual platforms and make group interactions planned, safe, and packed with purpose. Acknowledge that group environments will be different and take change in stride.
Be intentional when defining workplace culture.
The aforementioned survey also learned that while most respondents enjoyed working from home, that same majority was also more satisfied collaborating in person, and missing their coworkers was cited most as the reason people wanted to return to the office. So how do leaders of this new, less personal workforce incorporate in-person energy and cohesiveness into virtual teamwork? Steve Riat, sales director for Nex-Tech, says it is about scheduling time to connect and not always making it about work. Managers and co-workers alike need to check in with each other, and if a faceto-face is not possible, virtual lunches or coffee breaks can become the norm.
Stay cyber safe. Your staff is the single most important thing in preventing attacks.
Remote work using cloud applications is convenient. It also removes controls and protections put in place by IT, so now is the perfect time to get best practices and safeguards in place for the long-term. One of the most important considerations in preventing cyber-attacks is end-user training. Make sure your staff is trained in recognizing phishing and social engineering attacks and uses multi-factor authentication. Be clear about end-user policies.
Make use of technology a priority.
One of the most positive consequences of the last several months is seeing how people’s attitude toward technology shifted. Prior to the pandemic, we knew it was essential in our daily lives, but nothing drove that point home more than making it the ONLY way to continue your daily life. Now, we have one of the highest adoption rates of new tools ever and an incredible opportunity to put the use of technology at the forefront of innovation. Going forward, continue that momentum in all conversations, plans, trainings, budgets and communications. TK
WE ARE PROUD TO BUILD THE ROADS AND STRUCTURES THAT SUPPORT THE COMMUNITIES WE LIVE IN.
BETTIS ASPHALT & CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Strategize IT Change is imminent and IT management is no to ease the exception. Going from an transition. occasional virtual workplace to making it the norm can be overwhelming, so have a conversation with an IT service provider. It is a good first step and they can structure the conversation to define and recommend a path that makes sense for you.
FROM THE GROUND UP • • • •
Asphalt production & paving Hot-in-place recycling Site development & earthwork Concrete construction & bridge repair
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Here are some questions to consider: • Who handles day-to-day support and does that change in a virtual environment? • Do you have remote work policies in place? • What happens when an employee connects to your network on a personal laptop with outdated antivirus? • Who bears the risk, liability and impact to your business and clients if a cyber-attack compromises data? • How do you ensure confidentiality on video calls from locations like a coffee shop?
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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wine cheese meat olives Wine, cheese, meat and olives can really make a celebration special, or serve as the perfect way to treat ourselves after a long day or week. Fortunately for Topeka residents, many of the best things in life are available from locally owned shops, each with a reputation for quality and a commitment to community. We can spoil ourselves and feel good about shopping local at the same time.
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By MIRANDA ERICSSON Photos by EMMA HIGHFILL
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Prairie Fire Winery and Candles
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Bob and Julie DesRuisseaux, owners of Prairie Fire Winery, describe their vineyard as hyperlocal—100% locally, Kansas grown.
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Owner Bob DesRuisseaux likes to say that Prairie Fire Winery is only 18 minutes away from 6th and Wanamaker but is really a world away. A visit to Prairie Fire means live music, local meats, hand poured candles and about 30 varieties of wine. And because of its proximity to I-70, Prairie Fire is sending the flavor of Kansas all over America and around the globe. “The only continent our wine hasn’t made it to is Antarctica,” DesRuisseaux said, “and we’re working on that one! We get photos from all over—Australia, Japan, even the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. You never know where a buyer at the winery might be from.”
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Wine is great business for DesRuisseaux, but it is also a tradition. “My family has been in farming for centuries,” DesRuisseaux said, “and wine has always been a part of it. Growing up in my family, there was usually wine on the table with dinner. For us, wine goes with food. It’s a part of the meal.” Wine drinkers might not immediately think of Kansas as a source for their preferred beverage, but DesRuisseaux points out that grapevines are native to Kansas and actually grow wild here. The Flint Hills is the perfect place for growing grapes and other perennial crops because of
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Along with their signature wine, Prairie Fire Winery sells their own summer sausage, made with Kansas beef, and wine brats made with Kansas pork. They have also partnered with Alma Creamery to make a wineinfused cheese.
the heavy rain that falls during early season. French fur traders even made wine here in the 1700s. “This is a great area for a vineyard,” DesRuisseaux said, “with lots of sunshine to ripen grapes to nice maturity.” SUSTAINABILITY DesRuisseaux respects the land, and sustainability is one of the core principles that drives his business practices. He says that the ideal conditions in Kansas make it much easier to practice environmentally sustainable farming here than in other parts of the country.
“We do not have to irrigate at all unless there is exceptional drought,” DesRuisseaux said. “We farm on some of the most organically rich soil in the world, recharged over the winter with moisture.” DesRuisseaux’s goal of reducing the farm’s carbon footprint inspired his creativity with upcycling wine bottles into new, useful products. A major focus of Prairie Fire’s mission is to keep glass out of the landfill. “Prairie Fire is possibly the only winery in the world that has never sent a bottle from the tasting room to the landfill,” DesRuisseaux said. “We’ve always found other uses.”
At Prairie Fire you can buy spoon rests, cracker bowls, cutting boards, planters, vases, and more, all made from upcycled bottles. You’ll also find hand poured candles made with 100% American soy wax. DesRuisseaux spent two years sourcing the exact ingredients to make a candle with no zinc, no lead, no dyes and no phthalates. He blends the scents himself and just introduced 10 new blends in February. “If you burn clean, you breathe clean,” DesRuisseaux said, “so our candles return to the tradition of burning vegetable oil, rather than petroleum.” Prairie Fire just started selling the candles in the fall of 2019, and they’ve already been a hit, available at the winery and online, as well as in local retailers such as Moburts and the Kansas Historical Society. Prairie Fire has even created two fundraiser candles with custom labels, available to order through their website or to purchase in the store. With each candle purchase, $4 is donated to either Operation Fetch or to Kansas Specialty Dog Service, located in Washington, Kansas. “It’s a win-win,” DesRuisseaux said. “Nonprofits can sell a product that people really want and will use, while supporting a local business and supporting Kansas farmers. We can create custom labels so that groups and organizations can sell something really special.”
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LOCAL FOCUS DesRuisseaux describes Prairie Fire as hyperlocal—100% locally, Kansas grown. “I want to produce a regional product grown here,” DesRuisseaux said, “something special, unique to our area.” The local focus goes far beyond the wine. Prairie Fire sells their own summer sausage, made with Kansas beef, and wine brats made with Kansas pork. They have also partnered with Alma Creamery to make a wine-infused cheese. Their walls are decorated with art created by Kansas artists that is available for sale, giving local artists an opportunity to be introduced to buyers from around the world, and they host local musicians for live music performances. “We love live music,” DesRuisseaux said. “We never have a huge band, it’s always a relaxing vibe, usually acoustic, with one or two musicians. We host a diverse rotation of local performers with different styles and voices, and all of them are incredibly talented.” FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE DesRuisseaux says that the most important thing he has learned over
his years in business is how to embrace change. Flexibility and creativity certainly came in handy during the recent COVID crisis. “Literally every week we were thinking about what needed to change for that week of business,” DesRuisseaux said. “We kept thinking through what we could do, how we could operate while keeping people safe.” DesRuisseaux saw an opportunity to help people during the crisis by providing access to effective, affordable hand sanitizer, which was in very low supply. “We know how to handle and bottle alcohol,” DesRuisseaux said, “and we could see that people needed this product. The response was tremendous, and the first customer through the door was just about in tears. What we were able to sell her for $15, she had paid $80 for the week before.” Prairie Fire sold hand sanitizer to nurses, emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, fire departments, bridge inspectors, schools producing meals, corrections officers, and more. Buyers came from Hays and Kansas City, and all were thankful and grateful. DesRuisseaux donated some to
nonprofits and community service organizations, as well. “It felt really good to be able to do something to help,” DesRuisseaux said, “to give back to our community in a time of need.” As DesRuisseaux looks to the future, he plans to establish more partnerships with retailers, and make more of the winery’s upcycled bottle goods available to order on his website. Above all, Prairie Fire aims to maintain a beautiful escape for guests who visit from around the world. “People visit us for many different reasons,” DesRuisseaux said. “Some want to enjoy the quiet of the prairie, others want to tour the vineyard and learn about winemaking or relax and listen to some music. A lot of people tell us that this is their respite.” DesRuisseaux and his wife live on the farm grounds, so they are surrounded by the beauty of the Flint Hills. He notes that when visitors gush about the scenery, he is able to see it fresh, through their eyes. “We forget how fortunate we are to have this natural beauty around us, and we’re so lucky that we have an opportunity to share that beauty with others,” DesRuisseaux said.
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
The Flint Hills natural beauty envelopes Prairie Fire Winery, just an 18 minute jaunt from 6th and Wanamaker.
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Stumpy’'s Smoked Cheese
Quint and Stacy Cook, owners of Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese, turned a hobby into a full time family business where even their four sons love to help too.
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Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese started out as a hobby for Quint Cook. After tasting smoked cheeses shared at work by a colleague, he began to try the process on his own, learning through trial and error how to achieve the best flavors. “I melted a lot of cheese along the way,” Quint said. He got the hang of it, though, and soon he was creating such delicious cheeses that family and friends began asking if they could place orders. In the fall of 2017, Quint Cook’s employer let him know that there would not be a bonus that year. The family had four boys, including a new baby, and parents Stacy and Quint
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were counting on the bonus to pay for Christmas for the family, as it had in years past. “We had a few months before Christmas,” Stacy said, “so we had to get creative. I suggested that we get a booth at the Apple Festival in Ward Meade Park to sell cheese, and to be honest, Quint just laughed at first. He didn’t really believe that there would be enough interest to make much money from selling cheese, but he agreed to try it.” The couple asked a friend to help with a banner and borrowed a canopy tent. When they filled out the vendor application for the festival, the name Stumpy’s fell into place.
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Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ
The process of divorcing is often complex and difficult. There are a few things that make this even more challenging. Having numerous assets or having an ex who is not willing to work to come to mutually agreeable terms are two of these. Individuals might not want to think about having to battle things out in court, but it may be necessary if the settlement negotiations are not successful. Negotiating the terms of the divorce requires that both parties in the matter be willing to compromise. In most cases, neither party is going to get everything they want. Being able to think clearly about how various arrangements impact them may help as they evaluate the potential op-
tions. It is usually best to think about what aspects of the end of the marriage they want to focus. For example, they might not care about what happens to the marital home, but they may want to keep their special art collection. In these cases, a strategy can be worked out that increases the chance of that happening. Determining what is truly important to them can also help them to save their energy for those matters. Parties should think about the long-term implications of the settlement. This includes taking a look at how the arrangements will affect their finances in the future. Assets that are costly to keep up might not be ideal when they are trying to survive solely on their own income. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the possible settlement options to ensure they make informed decisions. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other
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WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Kirk Stange is responsible for the content. Principle place of business 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Illinois/Kansas nor The Missouri/Illinois/Kansas Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.
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“Quint has a side business grinding tree stumps,” Stacy said, “and he jokingly suggested his nickname, Stumpy, for the name of the business on the application. We both laughed, but we wrote it down, and it stuck.” On the first day of the Apple Festival, the Cooks sold out of cheese before the day was up. They went home and smoked up another huge round of cheese, staying up all night to package it, and then sold out again the next day. “I remember the drive home that day. Quint and I were in total shock at the amount of cheese we had just sold and at the reaction of the people tasting it,” Stacy said. “We knew we had something. After that we called the state, installed a commercial kitchen in our basement and started booking shows like crazy.” The couple finds their favorite flavors of cheese, sourced from Alma Creamery, Osceola, and as far away as Wisconsin, then adds the smoky flavor. Based on feedback from customers, they’ve tweaked flavors along the way, continuing to build up a bigger following by attending events and establishing partnerships with area retailers. In August of 2019, Quint was able to quit his job to commit to Stumpy’s full time, Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese is now available from more than 20 retail locations in Topeka, Manhattan, Leavenworth, Lawrence and even Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have also expanded their product line to offer baskets, prepackaged platters, dips and other unique foods.
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Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese source much of their favorite flavors of cheese locally then add their perfected smoky flavors.
FAMILY BUSINESS The Cooks love running a family business. Quint is happy to have a more flexible schedule, to be able to be more present as a dad and help out at the boys’ school. The boys are able to help out, too, with tasks such as putting stickers on products or building boards and platters. “We pay them by the hour,” Stacy said. “They all think it’s pretty cool that we smoke cheese for other people to eat, and they love to help. One of my favorite parts of running this business is showing my boys that hard work and determination does pay off. Our
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boys will always know that anything is possible if you work hard enough for it.” GIVING BACK The Cooks also feel blessed to have the means and resources to help others in need. They have given families who need to make some extra money the opportunity to work shows and keep the money, and they have had countless fundraisers for adoptions, missions, sports teams and more. “Before we had our own business, we didn’t have the extra money to do that,” Stacy said. “It feels really good to be able to help others.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
The youngest Cook child uses his toddler charm to attract customers for Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese.
One of the couple’s favorite moments so far was helping other businesses during the COVID crisis. Stumpy’s Smoked Cheese put together Mother’s Day baskets with products from local businesses. They took preorders for the baskets, then brought checks to the participating businesses. Cousins and family helped deliver the baskets. Stumpy’s also stepped up to help the Topeka Zoo when the COVID crisis meant canceling Roar and Pour, one of the zoo’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Stumpy’s encouraged ticket holders to donate the cost of their ticket
back to the zoo and gave those who did so a cheese platter as a thank you. “It felt amazing to be able to do something to help,” Stacy said. EXPANDING THEIR REACH Another thing that the Cooks love about their business is getting to interact with customers at events and festivals and introducing them to a new product that they have never tried before. “We love that our customers recognize us and our business and come to our booth to say hi and stock up on their favorite flavors,” Stacy said.
Of course, there have been challenges, as with any small business. Stacy notes that because Stumpy’s does not have its own brick and mortar location, it can be challenging to get the company’s name out and build a following. Stacy has tackled social media marketing and continues to learn more about how to reach people as the business grows. The couple has plans to continue expanding their reach into more counties around Kansas, which might mean finding a more cost-effective method of delivery. “We are learning every day,” Stacy said, “and we’re enjoying the journey.”
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Leonard Meat & Produce It took three years for Chuck Clifton, owner of Leonard Meat and Produce, to buy-in to his manager’s suggestion to expand into retail sales.
If you’ve eaten at the most popular local burger places in Topeka, you’ve probably eaten beef from Leonard Meat and Produce. “I tell people you’ve most likely had our product and not even known it,” said owner Chuck Clifton. “We sell hamburger and hamburger patties to over 20 Topeka restaurants.” Leonard Meat was founded in 1951. Troy Mentzer, the current owner of The Pad Restaurant, suggested that Clifton buy the wholesale meat company in 2002. Clifton had worked at The Pad and served as manager, from 1988-1992, so the two knew that they would work well together. “Troy asked me how much I knew about meat, and I responded that I like to eat it,” Clifton said, laughing. “That’s how we started talking about working together to buy Leonard Meat.”
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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EXPANDING INTO RETAIL Just this year, Leonard Meat and Produce expanded into a retail operation, with a storefront available for walk-in purchases. Customers can shop brats, chicken, pork and beef
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Rave reviews about its products on social media have driven booming retail sales for Leonard Meat and Produce.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
products at fantastic prices. Leonard’s also offers a wide selection of cheeses, including local cheese from Stumpy’s and Alma Creamery. They carry many varieties of spicy cheese that buyers might not easily find elsewhere in town. The store has quickly become a popular destination for individuals and families, with satisfied customers often raving about Leonard’s on Topeka’s social media pages. Though the move has been a big success, Clifton admits that he was reluctant to step into the retail realm at first. “About three years ago, my manager, Steve, said we should start selling retail, but I wasn’t sold on the idea at first,” Clifton said. “We were working in a warehouse space and we didn’t have experience serving
customers in a retail setting. I wasn’t sure that our location would bring buyers, either, because we’re not on Wanamaker, or a prime location for shoppers, and I wasn’t sure people would come to us.” Clifton agreed to give it a try, starting with just a single two door freezer in their existing warehouse setting. Supply began selling out almost immediately, so he added another freezer. Still, demand continued to rise steadily, so Clifton made the plunge and remodeled, creating a 1000 square foot retail space, inspired by Osceola Cheese and other retailers, that creates an experience as well as offering a great product at a fair price. “Our goal is to make your visit
fun,” Clifton said. “We have a climatecontrolled space for shopping, and I love to put out lots of samples. I like to say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and a sample is worth a thousand pictures.” SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY Clifton credits store manager Steve Lisky with the social media savvy that has put Leonard Meat on the map for many buyers in Topeka. Word of mouth and Facebook is the only way that the business has advertised the retail side, so without investing a fortune, they have managed to connect with buyers. “We respond to needs and comments from social media as much as possible,” Clifton said. “We
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want to hear what people think about our products and what they’d like us to bring to the store next.”
Utilizing existing warehouse space, Leonard Meat and Produce now has a 1000 square foot retail area with multiple coolers full of meat and locally sourced cheeses.
MEETING NEEDS Like many businesses, the recent COVID crisis threw some curves at Leonard Meat, but the company came through with flying colors. They worked to supply hand sanitizer and toilet paper through their wholesale connections when supplies were low. “We wanted to help people get what they needed,” Clifton said, “and we heard from a lot of buyers how much they appreciated being able to access those supplies.” Fortunately, because Leonard Meats does not sell to many chains, they did not lose a lot of sales on their wholesale side during the crisis. The retail side continued to thrive as well because the business had been
building up supply for the retail opening for weeks prior to the shutdown. In fact, business has been so busy that Leonard’s has just barely been able to keep up with demand. However, they did not run out of hamburger while many retailers were rationing and running out of product. “If the shutdown was the first big test for our retail business, we passed it,” Clifton said. As the owner of a small business, Clifton wears just about all of the operational hats and he’s learned a lot about doing business along the way. His advice: be flexible, be ready for anything and be prepared to work hard. “You get out what you put in,” Clifton said. “When you own a business, you can work as much or as little as you want. I do create more work for myself because I have a lot of ideas and I’m always trying to do things even better.”
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DON’T MISS OUT Grab the friends and family for a weekend in #TopCity!
Movie on the Plaza July 17 & Aug. 14
Music & Food Trucks July 25, Aug. 22, & Sept.19
Cruising the Capitol Car Show August 8
VisitTopeka.com JULY/AUGUST 2020
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The Tasteful Olive
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
Sara Westman, manager and Jeanne Mackay, owner of The Tasteful Olive, promote the taste difference and health benefits of good quality olive oil.
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When Jeanne Mackay and her husband, Jay, first tasted fresh olive oil, they were truly amazed by the flavor. From that first, stunning sample, the couple went on to develop a real appreciation for olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They visited several olive oil stores in the Midwest and set out to learn about the intensities, uses, and health benefits of fresh oils. By 2009, they had decided that owning an oil store in Kansas would be worth the effort because people would be interested in the product if they could just taste the difference and learn how good it was for their health. The couple opened The Tasteful Olive in
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Overland Park in March of 2010, and it was the first olive oil store in the Kansas City metro area. “We chose ‘for the love of good health’ as our tagline,” Jeanne said, “because the health benefits of olive oil are a big part of our passion for the product. We wanted everyone to know that our products are not only delicious, they can improve your health, as well.” After building up a following in Kansas City, Jeanne and Jay expanded into the Topeka area, with Jay’s brother David selling products at the Topeka Farmers Market. In November of 2014, the Topeka store opened.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
The Tasteful Olive carries over 75 olive oils and aged, naturally flavored balsamic vinegars.
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
COMMITTED TO QUALITY The Tasteful Olive carries over 75 olive oils and aged, naturally flavored balsamic vinegars. The store also carries gourmet wine vinegars and specialty oils, ANH coconut oil, pastas, olives, sea salts, spice blends, loose leaf teas and olive oil hair and skin products. Quality is of the utmost importance to Jeanne and Jay when they choose what will occupy the shelves of their stores. Because the climate in Kansas is not suitable for growing olives, the Mackay’s had to conduct a lot of research to source the best quality oils for Kansas residents.
“Olives grow in many countries and there are well over 700 varieties of olives,” Jeanne Mackay said. “In Europe, our olive oils come from olive trees grown in countries in the northern hemisphere like Spain, Italy, Turkey and those in the southern hemisphere like Chile. All are tested for the high quality of 6-10 different standards and are premium extra virgin olive oils.” The Tasteful Olive usually carries six extra virgin, unflavored, oils, fresh from the current hemisphere’s harvest, as well as 18 infused (flavored) olive oils, and five fused (argrumato) olive oils at any
one time. A “flavored” oil has an extra virgin olive oil base and then real fruit, herb or spice has been added in a liquid form. “The balsamic vinegars are just as precious,” Jeanne said. “The white and dark balsamics are produced in Modena, Italy. When they arrive at our supplier, there are special formulas to infuse them with real fruit, herb or spice.” The three balsamic vinegars that are not flavored are the Traditional Dark, a reduced down traditional, and the Standard White. All of these vinegars have been aged at least 12 years.”
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TEACHING OTHERS Aside from flavorful, quality products, The Tasteful Olive also provides classes, so that customers can learn new recipes and techniques for making the most of their oils and vinegars. Topics include salad dressings, marinades and sauces, roasted vegetable techniques, appetizers and a basic 101 class about olive oil and balsamics. All classes include a tasting of the final outcome made with Tasteful Olive products.
The Tasteful Olive encourages customers to try pre-poured samples to truly understand what they’re offering.
BUILDING LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS Jeanne is proud to share the health benefits of oils and vinegars, while building long-term relationships with our customers. “We offer a product that people appreciate,” Jeanne said. “Once people taste the oil, they understand what is so special about it.”
The Tasteful Olive, like most small businesses, has faced challenges along the way, including finding ways to reach new customers and staying strong through slower retail seasons. But they’ve built up a strong fan base of loyal customers, which helps them weather the tighter times. Jeanne and Jay continue to learn more about the olive oil industry and how to source the best products at the best price. They travel to attend seminars and workshops and continue to conduct research, which means tasting fantastic products. Jeanne encourages anyone who is curious about oils and vinegars to visit The Tasteful Olive for samples and information. “We offer pre-poured samples so that people can try before they buy, and we are glad to share what we’ve learned, too,” Jeanne said. “People need to be able to taste the difference, to understand what we are truly offering. Once they do, they’ll definitely want to come back.” TK
Photo by EMMA HIGHFILL
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WE HAVE THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. The physical location of your store or office is critically important. Let us help you choose the right place to aid in your business’ success and growth.
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Driving community and industry forward, together.
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GRIEF COUNSELING
2020: PHOTO SUBMITTED
AN ABSOLUTE BLAST, RIGHT?
Phelica A. Glass, LSCSW, GCCA-C, FAAGC, CSOTP
Phelica A. Glass meets the needs of individuals and families coping with behavioral and emotional issues by walking with them through their personal journeys.
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O
N MARCH 13, 2020, almost in one solitary moment, our (yes, the collective, meaning every single person) life as we knew it came to a screeching halt when WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. We ALL experienced similar losses as schools were closed, stay-at-home orders were issued, and corporations began a rapid shift to virtual offices. With COVID-19 came losses we could not imagine: our daily routine of work and school, freedom to move about as we choose, access to toilet paper, access to the gym, access to medical providers and time away from our family. With all of that came the overall loss of how we did things. With the loss of our regular routine came feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, fear, and for many of us, lack of motivation and interest in things. This is grief at its finest. Grief is all of the emotions and physiological symptoms experienced following significant change or loss. As employers, I am sure you are asking, “Phelica, how do we help?� Well, I am glad you asked. Although grief is not a diagnosable mental illness, the
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NOT!
symptoms are. As management, you are charged with making your work environment socialemotionally safe for all employees. Start by being honest and talking openly about how you, personally, have been emotionally and mentally impacted by COVID-19. Research shows that employees are more likely to utilize Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and other supports offered by employers when they feel it is safe and socially acceptable to do so. Companies may also consider expanding the EAP programs and benefits offered. Expansion may include financial wellness education and programs, contracting with massage therapists to provide physical relief or contracting with mental health providers to offer group or individual telehealth consultations to support employees. As an employee who may be struggling to regain a sense of normalcy because physiological symptoms are spinning, consider the following tips.
SELF-HELP TIPS TO REGAIN A SENSE OF NORMALCY CREATE A SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT.
JOURNAL.
Routine allows you to move throughout your day with some assurance of what you will be doing, which will allow your brain to stop searching to fill in the blanks.
Verbal or written release of words can free your brain of worry and repetitive thoughts. Just let them out.
TALK TO A FRIEND ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE.
SEEK OUT A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.
You are not alone. You will likely find that the person you confide in has been having similar thoughts and feelings.
Life has taken everyone for a roller coaster ride the last 80+ days. That is a long time to be in chaos. If you continue to find it difficult to gain control over daily tasks, or you need a space to process the fears and the questions, quality mental health providers are available. Please contact your company’s human resources department for EAP providers or your insurance carrier for a list of in network providers who are trained to help. TK
EXERCISE. When we exercise, we breath deep from our diaphragm, which encourages full oxygen exchange. This type of breathing slows your heartbeat and can lower blood pressure.
Protect your family and pets from chiggers, fleas, and ticks.
Enjoy the time spent in your yard without worrying about annoying chigger bites or the diseases spread from fleas and ticks. Schendel’s Chigger, Flea, and Tick Program can help protect those you love.
785.286.0015 mycreativelawn.com JULY/AUGUST 2020
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TELEMEDICINE: THE NEW NORMAL? By ADAM VLACH
Sometimes recurring events can be to the detriment of the human race. Nothing serves as a better reminder of this than the current global health crisis. While virtually no one alive today has experienced anything like the COVID-19 pandemic, this virulent outbreak is not the first to sweep across the planet. But not all repetition of history is bad. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed another historically recurring event: the rise of humankind to meet an incredible challenge.
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“We saw 10 years of change in one week.”
—Dr. Shekhar Challa Co-founder Kansas Medical Clinic
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From schools to restaurants to factories, citizens and businesses across the globe came together to do their part— and make sacrifices—in a heroic, truly unprecedented effort to protect each other and, in particular, those most vulnerable to the novel disease. And while history surely will not forget efforts made across the board, by all groups, it would be hard to argue against the observation that the most herculean efforts have come from the vanguard during this battle: those in healthcare and medicine. INSTANT TRANSFORMATION “We saw 10 years of change in one week,” said Dr. Shekhar Challa, as he succinctly characterized what the medical field as a whole experienced this past March. As co-founder and principal investigator of Kansas Medical Clinic, Dr. Challa had a front-row seat to the transformative change COVID-19 forced upon the medical community. “Within two weeks of COVID starting [mid-March in the United States], around 27 percent of our KMC patients were being contacted via telehealth. It’s a testament to how adaptable we were,” Challa said. “If you woke me up in my sleep and asked me if I had even dreamed of this, I would have said ‘no way—there’s no way we can go from 0 to 27 percent in two weeks.’” An expert in gastrointestinal medicine and liver disease, Challa is both a care provider and a researcher in the field. One major element of his work is providing clinical trials to patients who have, or suspect they have, some degree of fatty liver disease. In many cases, he, his partner Dr. Datti and their team provide treatment to patients who otherwise would have no recourse, whether it be
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“When you start closing your services, you still need to be able to take care of your patients.”
—Tracy O’Rourke Chief Administrative Officer Stormont Vail Health
due to the severity or lack of approved treatment for their disease. Needless to say, despite the wrench COVID-19 threw into the medical system, it was imperative that Challa and the KMC research team continue their work—including clinical trials for pharma titans such as Allergan, Gilead and Pfizer. “We believe in providing patients with hope,” explained Susie Roeder, lead study coordinator for KMC research. Because the work done by Challa, Roeder and their team often involve those with no other viable options, who may even be in the end stages of a disease, the swift move to televisits, a secure way for patients to connect to their doctor remotely, via video and an audio connection either with a smartphone or a computer, made a life-and-death difference for some. As time goes on, the team is hoping for an increased utilization of televisits, in order to provide access and early detection to those who are most at risk. Many of those patients who may not have made a long-distance trip to see a KMC provider in the past, may perhaps be more inclined to pay them a “televisit,” now that the method has been proven as viable. TRANSITIONING MORE SERVICES Not far from Dr. Challa’s office stands an institution that has been on the front line of the pandemic from day one: Stormont Vail Health. Two of the institution’s leaders, Tracy O’Rourke, chief administrative officer and Dr. Kevin Dishman, chief medical officer, have a unique vantage point from which to witness the change brought about by the pandemic. While the hospital had already been using telemedicine in a variety of ways, when COVID-19 started to enter into the community, Stormont Vail started to transition more services, close down elective procedures, and make efforts to protect patients and staff.
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“For the first time, we have physicians and providers who are comfortable with the modality of telemedicine and we are seeing consumers who are choosing this.”
—Dr. Kevin Dishman Chief Medical Officer Stormont Vail Health
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“When you start closing your services, you still need to be able to take care of your patients,” O’Rourke said. “While telemedicine had been on our radar for outreach services to rural communities and on-demand e-visits, when COVID came in, it gave us an opportunity to accelerate our adoption of telemedicine throughout or clinic practice.” The hospital went from conducting a handful of e-visits before COVID-19, to conducting more than 33,000 televisits since March 18. THE NEW NORMAL? The providers and patients of Stormont Vail were quick to adopt telemedicine practices as a response to the outbreak. From O’Rourke’s point of view, however, the use of telemedicine very likely could be part of the ‘new normal’ so often mentioned in the media. “Telemedicine is an important healthcare delivery component of the future,” she said. “The use of telemedicine visits allows us to meet patients where they are.” Dishman highlighted the convenience factor of telemedicine as a major selling point from the patient’s standpoint. “The radical success of the personal cellphone tells us that people want that connectivity,” Dishman said. “They want that instantaneous ability to reach out and obtain the information that they need. All we really needed was an impetus for that to happen in the medical community, and COVID-19 led us to that.” And while patients can benefit from this shift to remote healthcare, this sudden change provided some benefits to the healthcare providers as well. “Some of the feedback we get from our patients is that being able to see a physician or care provider in their home reduces the stress and anxiety of coming into a clinic or office,” O’Rourke added. “From a physician’s perspective, being able to speak to and evaluate a patient in their home actually gives the provider greater insight into the challenges that are going on in that person’s environment.”
As for the future of medicine, Dishman sees 2020 as a pivotal moment in the field’s long and winding history. “For the first time, we have physicians and providers who are comfortable with the modality of telemedicine and we are seeing consumers who are choosing this,” he said. “As we focus on choice, patient experience and provider experience, I think telemedicine is going to be one of the aspects we look back on and see as a huge turning point in what consumers and providers expect in terms of delivery of care.” TELEMEDICINE INVESTMENT Looking forward, O’Rourke says telemedicine will likely continue to grow, and with that growth comes necessary investment. As healthcare providers increase their investment in this emerging delivery system, she hopes that the industry’s partners and insurance providers will invest as well. According to Dr. John Fong, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, that partnership and future investment is likely inevitable. “What we as a healthcare plan provider have done is focus on maintaining accessibility and availability to our policyholders, in terms of necessary care,” Fong said. “As far as how medicine will be practiced in the future, there will be many changes and lessons learned that drive those changes as we move forward.” While the future may seem more unclear now than ever before, at least in recent history, Fong says he believes the frequency of telemedicine use will be greater moving forward. “We see from both our policyholders and many of our employer sponsors that they are committed to access and convenience, and telemedicine does offer that, especially during this pandemic. It creates a safer environment for both patient and provider,” Fong said. While most people agree that convenience is important, it certainly isn’t everything. “We must also be mindful of the outcomes of the healthcare delivery,” Fong continued. “Not all services can be delivered
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PEPPER DAVID, CPA, CCIFP (785) 234-3427 www.btandcocpa.com
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“I think practitioners are being very thoughtful around what can be done and what is acceptable in telemedicine.”
—Dr. John Fong Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
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in a televisit format. We want to make sure the quality of care received by an individual or policyholder using telemedicine is satisfactory, appropriate and meets their expectations.” In 2019, the State of Kansas passed legislation laying out a framework to establish a standard of care that telemedicine must meet to be considered acceptable. Fong points out that BCBS and many of its healthcare provider partners have gone far above and beyond the minimum standards laid out by that legislation. “I think practitioners are being very thoughtful around what can be done and what is acceptable in telemedicine,” Fong said. COVID-19 is still a concern and the final outcome is still an unknown. That said, the agility and adoption of new technology and procedures by the medical community— patients, providers and policy creators alike— bodes well. With a proof-of-concept for widespread telemedicine now in place, some political and social barriers have been lifted, clearing the way for advancements in the future of medicine. TELEMEDICINE ACCELERATION “I think what we’re likely to see is an acceleration of the incorporation of telemedicine into the delivery model by providers. Even today, there’s already a lot of technology that exists for telemedicine,” Fong said. “Advanced telemedicine platforms have the abilities such that biometric measurements, like blood pressure, can be incorporated into a telemedicine visit. I think we’ll see an acceleration of those techniques being used in telemedicine, as well as innovation from the standpoint of the oral and mental healthcare industries.” If the speed with which the medical community was able to adapt to necessary changes in a matter of weeks is any indication, then the advances in medicine we may see over a period of actual years will truly be something spectacular. The COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered as a global tragedy, but if it is indeed the impetus to jumpstart innovations in healthcare and medicine, then it very well may also be remembered as one of the most defining moments in human history. TK
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Investing Excess Cash when the Markets are Down Is this an appropriate strategy for me?
As with any investing strategy, it may or may not be right for an individual investor. What is your overall risk tolerance? There are many It is important to remember that stocks are volatile. If you considerations: generally are a conservative investor, consider how you have felt during the current volatility with your entire portfolio. Did you feel anxious given the moves in the market? Were you tempted to sell some of your other holdings? Just because it may be a good buying opportunity, does not mean it is the right opportunity for everyone. You need to make sure that your investment goals and risk tolerance align with trades you place.
Barbara Duncan, CFP® Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor Clayton Wealth Partners
A
FEW MONTHS AGO, the stock market experienced a swift, steep and volatile decline. During this turmoil, investors may have felt the need to ‘do something’ to keep a sense of control. Ideally, investors remembered their long-term goals and investment strategy and avoided panicselling. Even more, the selloff presented a buying opportunity for those investors that had extra cash on hand. Buying the shares of a good investment at a significantly lower price can be an important piece of a longterm investing strategy. Talk with your financial advisor about your long-term goals and risk tolerance to ensure current actions align with your overall financial picture. If you do not currently have a financial advisor that is a full-time fiduciary, consider speaking with one to outline your goals and long-term objectives so you have a plan in place as opportunities arise.
What is your time horizon for needing these funds? Any time you are investing funds in the stock market, you should do so with the understanding that you should have a time horizon of at least a few years because you will need to be able to wait through volatility.
Where do I invest the cash?
Barbara Duncan’s career at Clayton Wealth Partners began 15 years ago. Her role and responsibilities have steadily expanded and now serves as a Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor.
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Do you have an appropriate emergency fund? Do you have enough cash reserves to cover a period of expenses if you were to lose your job or other sources of income? Are you self-employed with an income stream that may be affected? It may be tempting to use cash on hand to invest if you think you can make a profit, but investing should be viewed as a long-term commitment, and funds that may be needed in the short-term should remain liquid and secure.
TK Business Magazine
As fiduciary investment advisors, we believe in the principle of diversification and long-term investing. When you diversify your investments by spreading them over a wide range of assets and asset classes, you can reduce the overall volatility of your portfolio. For our clients, we use no-load, low-cost mutual funds and exchange-traded funds to maintain diversification while still providing exposure to the area of the market we wish to target. It can be tempting to focus on individual stocks that have had good performance or are in an area of the market that you believe will perform well going forward. However, an individual stock will be more volatile in the short-term than a diversified fund. You also are exposed to the risk of any one company having outsized negative performance, corporate governance issues, and other factors that can affect stock price. Using a diversified fund that is focused on the area you intend to invest spreads those risks over many similar companies. TK
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