---

 

Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce

 @Nick’s Notes – April 2006  Update #651

To:  Chamber Member  Keeping You Informed

CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS

At their regular April monthly meeting the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber Board of Directors took the following actions:

a     Approved administrative changes to the policy on Records & Reports

a     Approved a Regular $100 membership with Ellsworth County Economic Development, Inc.

a     Approved the annual 2007 budget request for submission to the City of Ellsworth for $5,000.

a     Reviewed plans for the 2^nd Quarter Ellsworth County Open forum scheduled for noon on Monday, June 26^th.

a     Tabled discussions on fund raising planning projects for Cowtown Days and the September 28-30 Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive until board meetings closer to event dates.

a     Reviewed plans for the Ride for World Health cross country bikers to be housed at the Ellsworth Recreation Center on Saturday, April 29^th. 

“Failures are more commonly caused by having made no choice than by wrong decisions.”

NEW CHAMBER MEMBER

            We are pleased to welcome Harold Bender/S.J.H.J Partnership/ dba/ Bender Apartments, 807 Paul Street, to the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce.  Stacie Schmidt is the apartment manager and we thank her for her support with this new membership. The Bender Partnership family recognizes the role that the chamber has had in referrals of tenants in the past years as well as the present. The availability of their apartments is a major asset to our growing population.  The telephone number is 472-4751, or e-mail: Stacie@hoffines.com. We wish Stacie and the Benders continued success.

“The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.”

 

2006 RENEWALS  

Thanks to the following chamber members who have made their 2006 annual renewal investments:

Full Members: ALCO; Crossroads Restaurant & Catering; Ellsworth Service Center; K.C’s Restaurant & Catering; Food Mart and Nece Electric

Friend: Bolte Electric; Cebridge Connections and Kansas Gas Service

Associates: Janet Carswell.

Quarterly membership totals:  Regular members, total 103; Full 85; Friend 18; In-kind 7. Associates, 24     

 

NEW BUSINESS

Darrell Choitz, Choitz Bros.Equipment Co, Inc. announces that they will have a ribbon cutting and open house on April 26^th for their new auto parts store, Federated Auto Parts. The Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club will assist with the ribbon cutting at 10:00 am. Operating hours for the new store will be Mon-Fri 8:00-noon; 1:00 – 5:00pm; Saturday 8:00am – noon. Their telephone number is 472-3876. We wish the Choitz’s much success in their new endeavor. 

“We can’t all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.”

 

GIFT CHECKS

In March there were seven deposits totaling $927. The bank processed 53 withdrawals for $657.

REPEAT: 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.  Many recent I-R ads have had very few businesses including this item.   

Teenager to friend: “Fooling my mom is like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster.”

 

 

RANCH RODEO

This weekend the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce sponsors the 8^th Annual End of the Trail Ranch Rodeo. Two fun filled days of horse clinics, chuckwagon fixins, horse show and cowgirl/cowboy Ranch rodeo.  Saturday, visit the recreation center for the first ever Cowboy Trade show.  The annual spring cow camp will also be active located south of the West Douglas ball parks.

“What’s another name for stable thinking? Horse sense.”

Ride for World of Health 

We have had a minimal response to date for our invitation to support our planned hospitable greeting for the 25 bikers’ overnight stay. We are still in need of $5 donations for our adopt-a-biker project. The ECMDEA Committee and the Chamber are pleased to make the arrangements, prepare the foods and extend a friendly welcome on behalf of our community. Your financial support will certainly be a meaningful testimony to our efforts. You may donate as an individual or a business. Call the chamber office to make your pledge known.  We thank you in advance for your consideration.

 

SAMPLER FESTIVAL

The annual Kansas Sampler Festival will be held in Garden City on May 6-7. Ellsworth County reserves booth space each year to help promote our county’s products. The chamber furnishes the display boards as well as the “Living is Good in Ellsworth County” brochures, our “Historic Guide to Merchants and Events” and other items. The event draws from 5–8,000 visitors. If any local merchant has materials they would like to display or give-aways, contact the chamber and I will see if it can be included. Volunteers that I know to represent us this year are Dennis Katzenmeier, Don and Pat Bender, Don and Garnell Hanson.  Hopefully someone else can commit to one of the two days and provide some relief. If interested, contact me.  472-4071.

 

MONTHLY CHAMBER GATHERIN’

The chamber board of directors thanks Jim and Wanda Morford, Morford’s Greenhouse, for hosting our April after-hours Gatherin’.  Those who attended know what a great event it was and will be tomorrow. The color and arrangements are simply beautiful.  I look forward to the door prizes which, may appropriately, end up in some lucky person’s flower garden. Refreshments will be served and, I predict, a good time will be had by all who venture west and south of Kanopolis.

Note: The chamber is seeking hosts for July and August. Call and make my day!

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS  

April 21-22 8^th Annual End of the Trail Ranch Rodeo and Cowboy Gatherin.  For complete information      go to www.ellsworthkschamber.net – Events.

April 22 – Legislative Coffee, K.C.s Restaurant, 8:30-9:30am sponsored by Ellsworth County Farm           Bureau Association and Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce.  Senator Jay Emler and            Representative Josh Svaty will attend.

May 12 – Preisker Park – 5:30pm, BBQ and additional food booths; 7:30pm, Jimmie Bratcher Christian     Blues Charity Concert for ECF Spiritual Life Center featuring Jimmie Bratcher. (opening with    Grateful Saved from 6-7:30pm.

May 13– 7^th Annual “Run for the Soul” Poker Fund Raiser to benefit the ECF Spiritual Life Center. For    additional information contact Chaplains Harris or Bailey; 472-5501 ext. 297/298.

May 15 – Chamber board of Directors meeting, 7pm, chamber office, 114-1/2 N. Douglas.

May 18 – Chamber Gatherin, Bolte Electric, Holy Apostles Episcopal Parish Hall, 8-9am.

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.

“Almost every political speech has a happy ending—everyone is glad when it is over.”

TOURISM

Next month I will be reporting visitor numbers for the ECHS Museum complex, Ft. Harker and the Ellsworth Area Arts Council.  For those of you who will be doing your own touring of Kansas this year, I have the newest directories on Kansas RV Parks and Campgrounds. It identifies the best of Kansas campgrounds. If interested, drop in and take one. For those with access to e-mail,you may also wish to look at the new Kansas Tourism Web Site which is loaded with Kansas’  most interesting sites, dining, events, places to stay, etc. Go to Travelks.com and you’ll see that Ellsworth-Kanopolis has lots to offer as well.   

 

OFFICE TIDBITS

a   Our new brochure “A Guide to Merchants and Events” are being printed.  We shall get them out to the nearly 30 tourism sites in Kansas as well as appropriate local distribution sites.

 

a   Needless to say, the largest volume of requests this past 4 weeks is Ranch Rodeo related. It should be a dandy. I hope many of you will attend.

 

a   I can almost hear the “whop – whop – whop of helicopters. How about you? What great news from an economic development perspective. Just as important is the prospect of seeing some modest growth with new families and school age children.  They are the real assets as they bring their special talents, family values, contributions to our social and religious structure and new friendships. If everything goes as planned there are exciting times ahead to say the least.

    

 PASS IT ON!  Please pass this update on to employees and friends!    

 

           

Blogg Ride for Health

 

 

RIDE FOR WORLD HEALTH

             The Ellsworth County Medical Center Employee Activity Committee and Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce are partnering to form a hospitality group for 25 bikers crossing the United States with a mission of raising awareness on critical issues of world health.  Arrangements have been made to house the bikers at the Ellsworth Recreation Center on Saturday night, April 29^th. Mary Miller, ECMCEAC representative and Chamber director Nick Slechta are hopeful that the community will put its best foot forward as far as hospitality is concerned.

              The evening meal at 6:00 pm on Saturday will be provided at  the First Presbyterian Church basement kitchen and dining area. World Health spokesperson Libby Loft has recommended a high protein menu. The hosting group plans to serve spaghetti, salad, veggies, bread and sports drinks.  There are a few vegetarians in the group so a meatless tomato sauce will be available. The 6:00am – 7:00 pm breakfast on Sunday will consist of cold cereals, fruit and drinks and will be served at the recreation center.

             Ms. Loft has requested that Ellsworth area residents feel free to come by the evening meal time to get acquainted.  She says that one of the benefits of such a project is to get to know individuals from all walks of life and to share their message and experiences.  The public is also welcome to visit the bikers at the recreation center any time after their late afternoon arrival.

             In order to fund the hospitality project the groups are seeking volunteers to “Adopt a Biker” for $5.00. Mary and Nick are confident that local families, individuals and businesses will respond to such an opportunity.  The donations may be left at the Ellsworth County Medical Center reception window or the chamber office by April 28th.

             For more information on the bikers and their mission, the website is www.rideforworldhealth.org.

 

 

 

Chamber update #650

Keeping you informed

---

 

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 2^nd business, M & M Insurance Associates; C & R Old West Trading Post; and 2^nd 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 16^th.

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 20^th, 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

1. Start your day with today’s weather and future forecast on the chamber’s website.
2. 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 31^st 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 24^th 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 8^th 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, 29^th.  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!