Chamber update #658
Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce ecofc@eaglecom.net
@Nick’s Notes – November 2006 Update #658 www.ellsworthkschamber.net
Office Hours 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 472-4071
To: Chamber Member – Keeping you informed
CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS
At their regular November meeting the board of directors conducted the following business:
a Approved President Denning’s appointments to the slate of officers nominating committee: Wanda Morford, Caleb Schultz and Bill Finke.
a Approved the financial report which reflected a slight increase in Balance Sheet Assets in comparison with the same period in 2005.
a Approved the nominating committees’ board of director 2006 nominees: Amy Eck, Jon Halbgewachs, Cee Heller, John Kasper, Joe Maze and Megan Muchow. (see CANDIDATES below)
a Reviewed the directional signage information as provided by the director. Requested that the Director seek additional quotes on a new signage concept. (see DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE below)
a Established the new welcome banners as a 2007 board goal. Reviewed banner quotes as provided by the director. Requested that the director procure additional information and request material samples with quotes. (see BANNERS below)
a Cancelled the 4th Quarter County-Wide Open Forum which conflicted with the holidays.
a Requested that the director prepare a policy draft for the use of the Chamber’s sound system.
a Approved a provisional holiday on November 25th for use at the discretion of the director.
a Recognized a reinstatement membership for M & J Furniture and Appliance, 304 N. Douglas.
a Board member Glenn Shoemaker informed the board that he had just received notice that he was being transferred to the ALCO store in Lyons and would submit his resignation post haste.
“The best place for a dieter to place the bathroom scale is in front of the refrigerator.”
CANDIDATES:
The following candidates and their business association have agreed to fulfill the responsibilities of board members if elected: Amy Eck, Ellsworth County Independent Reporter; Jon Halbgewachs, Kirkham Michael & Associates; Cee Heller, Edward Jones; John Kasper, Peterson & Kasper Attorneys, Joe Maze, Casey’s General Store and Megan Muchow, Citizens State Bank &Trust Co. Election ballots will be mailed out December 1st. If you are eligible and do not receive a ballot by the 4th, please contact the office.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE
After reviewing signage for specific events the board decided to provide signs with just the word EVENT on one side only and the appropriate arrow of direction. A make-shift plastic sleeve would be manually attached with the event name inserted. I will obtain cost information based on this new specification. The per sign cost should be much less so that many more signs may be purchased for use throughout the year. There will much more flexibility in placement of signs wherever the venue location is.
“Speaking of ailments…don’t.”
BANNERS
The initial cost projection for banners provided by the director varied from a low of $81.75 each to a high of $121.43. Types of materials and lettering were considered. The board wishes to pursue additional vendors and request material samples so an accurate assessment of quality and cost can be considered. The board hopes to have a cost estimate by the December meeting so an accurate budget can be determined. A fund drive will be energized as soon as possible after the amount needed is identified. The Ellsworth City Beautification Committee has offered $800 from their fund to assist with the cost. Plans call for a committee consisting of beautification members and the Chamber to select the banner and banner design.
“Preparation and enthusiasm oil the gears that help us conquer unhealthy fears.”
BUSINESS “BUZZ”
We welcome Mike and Jody Schultz, owners of M & J Furniture & Appliance who reinstated their
2006-7 Chamber membership. We first introduced Mike and Jody in our November 18, 2004 update. With their new location the Schultz’s have a more stable condition of operation. They now have more on the floor than before. Store Manager Orvetta Handlin reports that, after a slow start, business sales are on a very good track leading into the holidays. We thank Mike and Judy for their investment in our communities and wish them continued success. We encourage you to stop in, welcome them aboard and see their expanded furniture and appliance offerings.
“Remember, there’s a big difference in concentrating on winning and thinking in terms of not losing.”
We also welcome, as of today (22nd), Jack and Anita Driscoll, owners of Post Rock Abstract & Title, Inc., 104 E. 1st Street. In the October update we announced the open house for the business on the 26th. Those of us who attended were impressed with the outstanding renovation that had occurred over the past many months. Jack and his crew spent countless hours on the project and office manager Teresa Shaffer also worked diligently with final preparations for their opening. Having an abstract agency operating from the original location is very unusual and Ellsworth is fortunate to see tradition continued. The business specializes in abstracting, title insurance and closings. We are pleased that Anita and Jack recognize the value of the Chamber with their 2006-7 investment. We wish them much success.
2006-7 Renewals: Globalink, Inc. In-Kind. We appreciate this investment renewal.
2006 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION
Our sincere thanks for those who have and are assisting, financially as well as volunteers, with our annual holiday season opening on Tuesday, November 28th. Our event planning committee is; Linda Denning, Chairman and Georgina Bates, Ken & Alice Robson, David Raines, Shelby Soukup, Edie Pennington, Tammy McGreevy, Tammy Kruse and Christine Goding.
a Santa’s gift sacks are courtesy of ALCO Discount Store, Gene’s Heartland Foods, Dollar General, Millwood Realty and Torkelson’s Chiropractic. Edie Pennington and Senior Center volunteers are handling all of the preparation arrangements for Santa’s sacks. The Independent Reporter is providing the photos and the Ellsworth Antique Mall, Santa’s headquarters.
a We also wish to recognize our Festival of Lights Parade sponsors; Acme Brick, American Family Insurance, Brooke Insurance, Ellsworth Co-op, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Sherman, Hoffman & Hipp, Ideal Realty and Slechta Enterprises. Parade organization and judging, Ellsworth County employees.
a Caroling is under the direction of Tammy McGreevy
a Kiddy Train rides are courtesy of: Loren Dees, Choitz Bros. Equipment Co. and E.H.S. FFA.
a Food Booths: Aquilla, electrical power.
a Prize Drawing: First Bank Kansas.
NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT
The 2006 membership drive kicked off on Monday, November 6th. Committee members serving on the campaign committee are: Caleb Schultz, Chairman; Heather Barta, Citizen’s State Bank & Trust; Cynthia-Flax Bender, Clubine & Rettele, Chtd; Margaret Bourne, Boots Plants & Flowers; Joe Maze, Casey’s General Store; Stacie Schmidt, Ambassador; and Doug Stefek, Ellsworth County Medical Center. Letters and benefit information have been mailed to all known area non-members. Telephone and personal contacts are being scheduled by the director and committee members. The totals to date are one re-instatement, one new member and one invoice in process. The campaign will continue until contacts are completed. We appreciate the enthusiasm and support these volunteers are demonstrating on our behalf.
CHAMBER GATHERIN’ KUDOS
Our thanks to Executive Director Lu Hickey and The Pines Apartments Board of Directors for a delightful Chamber Gatherin’ on the 19th. The gathering space was appropriately decorated with cowtown memorabilia. The morning refreshments were enjoyed by the attendees. Ms. Hickey demonstrated her passion for early history with stories of early day Ellsworth pioneers. She also announced that she would be leaving The Pines at the end of the month to live near her daughter in south Texas. Four lucky ticket holders won very nice fruit tray prizes. We wish Ms. Hickey a safe journey to her new home.
“People blame fate for other accidents, but feel personally responsible when they make a hole-in-one.”
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Citizen of the Year nominations are due in the office by Monday, December 4th. Be sure to mark the lower left corner of the envelope with Citizen of the Year. You may obtain copies of previous winners by calling the office. The last 10 winners were: Mark Parsons, Don & Pat Bender, Scott Moore & Linda Kohls, Ken & Alice Robson, Thomas Zouzas, Karl Gaston, Anne Grothusen, Karma Aylward and Roger Thompson.
GIFT CHECKS UPDATE
a In October104 checks were processed with a value of $1,231. There were 3 deposits totaling $720. The ending balance representing uncashed checks is $3863 as of October 31. Our thanks to Acme Brick Co. for recognizing their employees with Gift Checks.
“Procrastinating is the fault most people put off correcting.”
Georgia’s Caboose Countdown: Goal: $14,000 Current: $5,362 Increase since last month $200.
WELCOME HOME GETS CALIFORNIA BOOST
A few weeks ago Anita Hoffhines hosted a television crew from Sacramento California. They wanted to do a feature on our Free Land opportunities. They had a pre-ad on their station announcing the upcoming story. They notified Anita of the air dates. Their information is accessible below if you care to see and listen. It did the trick as the phones began ringing immediately. I responded to one call and sent a package of information to a man interested in relocating to Ellsworth. Anita has responded to 15 other inquiries as well.
Here's the story:
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=14022@kovr.dayport.com
Here's the advertisement that played earlier in the day to entice people to watch the story:
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=14001@kovr.dayport.com
MOVING ON
ALCO store manager Glenn Shoemaker’s unexpected announcement of being relocated to Lyons was a real downer for yours truly. This past year Glenn has served on our board of directors and became more than just another businessman but a good friend as well. The opportunities for closer association with individuals are always a plus for a Chamber director, especially, when they are new to the community. Glenn expressed regret at leaving Ellsworth because, “everyone here is so friendly.” I am sure I express the feelings of our board and, perhaps, others, who know him, in wishing Glenn the best. We thank him for his commitment to our communities in his service on our board.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 24-25 - Robson’s Card & Gift Shop Open House regular hours.
November 26 – KSU Catbackers Holiday Home Tour, 2:00 – 8:00pm. Includes Soup & Homemade Pie
supper, 4:00 – 7:30 pm; and silent auction at the VFW. For information call 472-5673 or 472-5005.
December 2-3 Ellsworth County Historical Society Christmas Open House, 472-5733
December 18 - Clubine & Rettele, Chtd., Ellsworth Holiday Open House from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
December 18 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, 7:00 pm.
December 21 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Gatherin’ Open House,
8:00 – 10:00 am. Apple Cider, Coffee and Cookies. Drawings.
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!
PASS IT ON! Please pass this update on to employees and friends! 
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