Chamber update #650
Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce
@Nick’s Notes - March 23, 2006 Update #650
To: Chamber Member
CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS
At their regular March monthly meeting the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber Board of Directors took the following actions:
a Received a report from Dennis Katzenmeier, Ranch Rodeo Chairman, on the committee’s proposed print ad expense budget.
a Approved the distribution of the 2006 Bed Tax for tourism projects. The City’s 2006 distribution is $2,700. $1,000 will go to the RR to support their print ad budget.
a Reviewed the director’s revision plans for the Historic Ellsworth Guide to Merchants & Events. Numerous changes in this tourism brochure are being implemented.
a Acknowledged new chamber members; Aflac and Associate 2nd business, M & M Insurance Associates; C & R Old West Trading Post; and 2nd Friend member Lakewood Lodge.
a Authorized the director to utilize a facsimile signature for the operating account as necessary.
a Received a report from the director on non-renewals; Fairway Park; M & J Furniture & Appliances; and Panzer Distributing LLC. Associates not renewing; Shawn McGowan, Gina McGowan and Tom Sauers.
a Received a report from the director regarding his findings that the Chamber’s 501 (c) (6) status does not exempt it from the payment of sales tax from the sale of goods, which includes tickets for events, and for out-of-state non taxed purchases. The director indicated he would file a voluntary disclosure with the Kansas Department of Revenue for the period of 2003-4-5. A revenue spokesperson indicated that she would request leniency on the assessment of interest and penalty based on the chamber’s voluntary disclosure. The chamber will owe an estimated $550 in sales tax and $75 for out-of-state purchases plus the penalties and interest to be determined by the KDR.
“It’s not what happens to us that matters, but how we meet it.”
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
True to his word in my February update introduction of his businesses, Michael Plett, 1616 Ave. H, has enrolled his businesses Aflac and M&M Insurance Associates of Wichita. The popular Aflac duck represents the supplementary health insurance field that pays cash benefits directly to the insured, unless assigned, regardless of any other existing coverage. The M&M Insurance Associates is an independent agency offering commercial insurance (General Liability, Property, Professional Liability, Bonds, Business Auto, Workers Compensation, Group Health, Life, etc,): personal insurance (Home, Auto, Life & Health). The website for Aflac is aflac.com and for M & M, www/m-minsurance.com. The telephone number is 472-4980 and e-mail: Michael_plett@us.aflac.com.
We are also pleased to have Connie Schmitt’s Lakeview Lodge as a Friend business member. If you haven’t traveled out to the south edge of Kanopolis Lake and seen this beautiful structure, you have missed something. Check out her webpage, www.lvlodge.com. I was privileged to visit the lodge at an open house and can testify to its class A accommodations. It is suited for lodging, outdoor sports and family recreation, retreats and more. The location is Highway 4 or 140 to 141 (Dam Road), south of the Kanopolis Dam to Avenue T, West on Ave. T approximately 2.5 miles on north side. It is obvious why it is named Lakeview. The telephone numbers are 472-3116 and 620-727-6332. We wish Connie and Michael much success in their endeavors.
Owners Christina Goding and Rebel Kline, C & R Old West Trading Post, are the most recent members of the chamber. They are operating one of our most diversified businesses at their 123 N. Douglas location. Their offerings include: antiques, western wear, interior décor, gifts and boot/shoe/saddle repair services. Their business certainly enhances our tourism attraction efforts. The telephone number is 472-3919; e-mail, RK5107@yahoo.com/ and a website currently under construction; croldwesttradingpost.com.
We welcome these new chamber members and invite everyone to take time to let them know we appreciate their support. It will take only a minute to call, e-mail or drop by (where possible) and wish them well.
“Modesty: Mind over flatter.”
2006 RENEWALS
Thanks to the following chamber members who have made their 2006 annual renewal investments:
Full Members: Best Western Motel; Boots Plant & Flower Center; Drover’s Mercantile; Emanon and Oxhide Jewelry and Arrangements.
Friend: Wenz Interiors, Holyrood;
Associates: Janet Carswell.
GIFT CHECKS
In February there were two deposits totaling $220. The bank processed 74 withdrawals for $1,125.
We encourage participating businesses to include a reminder with your advertisements in the Ellsworth County Independent Reporter. It will inform residents of the Gift Check program and pay dividends for your business. Just ask David Raines to include a one-liner “Chamber Gift Checks Accepted Here” at the bottom of the ad. You will be glad you did and I will be pleased as well.
“Television will never replace the newspaper. You can’t swat a fly with a rolled-up TV.”
KUDOS
Our thanks to the Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. for hosting a delightful Chamber Gatherin’ on the 16th.
Attendees were, obviously, pleased with the many homemade treats provided by staff members of the bank as well as a fruit salad and a variety of drinks. The update on personnel changes by President Dave Brownback and timely tips on avoiding account frauds and scamming by Nancy Lamia were well received. It was a pleasant beginning for our Thursday work day. We appreciate the nice turn-out. Chamber member Wanda Morford, Morford Greenhouse, extended an invitation to members, staff and public to an “after hours” Gatherin on Thursday, April 20th, 5:30-6:30pm, 1376 18 Rd, Kanopolis.
“It’s true that money talks, but nowadays you can’t hold on to it long enough to start a conversation.”
CHAMBER WEBPAGE ellsworthkschamber.net
- Start your day with today’s weather and future forecast on the chamber’s website.
- Check out the Events Schedule and click on Ranch Rodeo. Dennis Katzenmeier, Ranch Rodeo Chairman, has provided a very colorful and attractive page for our many site visitors. The “Flash” provides interesting rodeo action scenes.
AMBASSADORS SEEKING A FEW GOOD MEN….AND WOMEN
Ambassador Club President Georgina Bates reports that five resignations this year has created a need for a recruiting effort to bring the club up to its operating strength. The club meets the last Friday of every month, 7:00 am at K.C.’s, to review upcoming activities and other club responsibilities. She encourages anyone interested to contact her or a present member (listed in our website) for more information. You are also welcome to attend the meeting on Friday 31st to find out more.
“Good losers are also good actors.”
RANCH RODEO
Our Ranch Rodeo requires numerous volunteer gate keepers. We have been fortunate in the past to have many of you step up to the plate. We, again, encourage business and organization members to consider signing up. Volunteers work in 2-person teams so it’s a great time to partner-up with a colleague or friend and enjoy your time at the rodeo related events. We have a sign-up sheet at the office or you may contact Kim Torkelson, 226 N. Douglas, 472-3450.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 27 – Ellsworth County First Quarter Open Forum, noon, Ellsworth Golf Course Meeting Room. Government and civic leaders from communities within the county are invited to attend and share information concerning their activities. Reservations are required by Friday, March 24th for the $5 noon lunch and a place on the agenda. The public is welcome to attend.
April 1 – 2:00 pm, Dalton’s Walk. For more information visit the website at www.daltonsheartwalk.org.
April 17 – 7 pm, Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s Meeting
April 20 – Monthly Chamber Gatherin’, Morford Greenhouse, after hours, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Come and take the time to smell the roses. 
April 21-22 8th Annual End of the Trail Ranch Rodeo and Cowboy Gatherin. For complete information go to www.ellsworthkschamber.net – Events.
May 22 – St. Francis Academy’s Tournament of Hope, Salina Country Club featuring pro Kirk Tripplet. For information contact, Aimee Copp, 785-825-5915-ext. 13.
“Talent is what you are blessed with. Skill is how you take care of it.”
OFFICE TIDBITS
a Update on “Ride for World Health,” The Recreation Center has been reserved for the 25 bikers making an overnight stop on April, 29th. We are seeking an organization(s) willing to provide an evening lunch and morning breakfast for the group. It will help them stretch their out-of- pocket expenses. If an organization you belong to would like to sponsor or share in that welcoming event, give me a call.
a The chamber has been selected as one of the Kansas Department Division of Tourism’s DMO’s (Destination Marketing Organization). In a recent teleconference call from the Department we were walked through the database of businesses, events and attractions that were or are still active in our area. My job now is to update the information and add any business or event that is a potential tourist attraction. Most of the accounts on the present database will require minimal updating while others need to be researched further. Unfortunately, they want the initial review completed in the next few days. They don’t realize how small my staff is!! At any rate, it is a state tourism website available for the world to visit. It is free but will require constant monitoring for accuracy and updating as we deem fit. I will keep you informed as to the web address so you can see what a bonus this is for marketing our area’s history as it pertains to sites, attractions, businesses, accommodations, etc.
ANNUAL MEETING CORRECTION
In my February update thanking our sponsors I listed Wilson Telephone Co. & WTCI Wireless. It should have read: “Wilson Telephone Co. & WTCi Long Distance. Thanks to Jim Patnode for bringing this to my attention.
Have a safe and joyous Easter
PASS IT ON! Please pass this update on to employees and friends!
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