Update 765-June
Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (ellsworthkschamber.net)
@Nick’s Notes: June Update #765
Office hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
To: Chamber Member
CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS
In spite of a meeting with few action items the directors had several discussion items that filled the agenda. The following items were approved;
a A letter to the McPherson County Commissioners encouraging their support for endorsement of the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway that passes through Ellsworth County on Hwy K-141.
a A change to the “Garage Sale” signs available for public use to require a $5 refundable fee in the event of sign damage or destruction.
a Policy 201 – Expenses, Authorization, Reimbursement – change mileage reimbursement to read “at current State of Kansas rate”.
In other business; requested director to provide a change in Policy 202 regarding Accounts Receivable for a 30 day due date to add a “reference to Policy 306, Delinquent Membership”. The revised policy to be submitted for approval at the July board meeting; Reviewed plans for the governor’s visit to include the purchase of the 2007 Pictorial History of Ellsworth for presentation to Governor Sebelius; established basic rules for the Chamber’s “Celebrity Pig Kiss’n” contest to be held in conjunction with the Cowtown Days Festival in September; agreed to have board member Caleb Schultz, if available, attend the KMMA (Kansas Motorcoach Marketing Alliance) meeting in Hutchinson, July 18th. If not, the director will attend; reviewed information from the Flying DX Jr Rodeo association which, annually, conducts a rodeo in the El-Kan Western Riders arena on August 3-4-5th. (See Flying below); acknowledged Fairway (RV) Park as a reinstated Full member. (See New Member below)
“Some people wake up and find themselves famous – others stay up all night and become notorious.”
BUSINESS “BUZZ”
NEW MEMBER
Full Member: We are pleased to congratulate and welcome Harvey Yoakum and the Fairway (RV) Park to a re-instated membership. Sam and Joan Karst manage the park for Mr. Yoakum. The Chamber has long supported this much needed parking facility, especially, in light of the shortage of conventional rental housing. In addition to parking spaces the lot currently has units for rent and/or sale. For park information you may call 531-0155 (Sam) or 531-0554 (Joan). Our thanks to Rob Fillion for the lead on this re-instatement.
2007 RENEWALS
Thanks for the following Chamber member annual renewals:
Full Member: Bender Apartments
Associate: Julia Dufon
NEW MANAGER
Casey’s General Stores has a new manager, Mary Graves. Ms. Graves moved to Ellsworth in December. She formerly managed a convenience store in Salina. Her husband, Lance, is a member of the Army Reserve and employed at St. John’s Military School. Her 6-year old son, Addason, will be a 2nd grader this fall. We welcome the Graves family to Ellsworth.
“One thing you can say for kids: At least they don’t bore you telling the clever things that their parents did.”
STAFFING CHANGE
John Sherman, Sherman, Hoffman and Hipp, announces that Patrick Hoffman has returned to Ellsworth with plans to join the law firm pending completion of bar exams at the end of July.
PRINTER AVAILABLE
Cindy Bender, Clubine and Rettele, has a HP-Laser Jet 5si printer, 10 years old, good working condition, Cartridge included, to give away. The firm has updated with a higher volume unit. 785-472-3915; crcpasew@eaglecom.net
SIGNS
Encore announcement: The Chamber will provide 18” x 24” signs, with an 11’ x 17” sleeve with a pre-printed “GARAGE SALE” insert. The signs are for use by Ellsworth-Kanopolis area residents. Please let your friends and neighbors know of this chamber benefit to our communities.
“The doctor said, “I can’t quite diagnose your problem. I think it must be the drinking.” The patient said, “All right doctor. I’ll come back when you’re sober.”
SIDEWALK SALE
David Raines, Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter, has received some interest in a sidewalk sale on Friday August 3rd. This was the date that former sidewalk sales were held in conjunction with Cowtown Days which has been moved to September. If enough interest is received from merchants, then church groups and non-profit organizations will be invited and encouraged to set up food booths and/or other fund raising activities. For additional information contact David, 472-5085 or the chamber.
JOB SEEKERS
One of the discouraging aspects of our chamber operation is the lack of information on available jobs within our communities. While housing rentals is the most active inquiry component, job seekers are also high on the list of requests. I receive inquiries from those who would accept almost anything to the professional with skilled backgrounds and college degrees. I am planning to develop a listing much like I have for housing. I will start with the job opportunities in the Ellsworth County Independent Reporter classifieds. I have the basic staffing for ECF on our office bulletin board as well as current position vacancies at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. I would appreciate receiving any position openings your business may have now or anytime in the future. I will provide a form for completion by those who drop in and are willing to provide basic information on skills, etc. The chamber does not intend to screen or judge. I will merely provide the listing and advise the recipient to call beforehand to see if a vacancy does exist. If anyone has other ideas, please let me know. We have many potential new residents walk in the door frustrated at the lack of housing and/or job opportunities. I hope you will help us turn this situation into a positive result for all concerned.
“Character is what we do when we think no one is looking.”
MAICO INDUSTRIES HONORED
Maico Industries was recognized with a Merit Award in the Manufacturing/Distribution Category in the 2007 Kansas Business Appreciation Month competition. The company was nominated by the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony was held at the Cloud County Community College, Concordia on June 7th. Attending the luncheon ceremony were Owner Paul Mai, Salina; Ellsworth Plant Manager, Dave Cox and Megan Muchow, representing the Chamber. The firm provides fabrication of structural steel rigid frames for the building of industry and multi-sided poles used primarily by the Department of Transportation. We extend our congratulations to Maico management and its associates on this achievement.
“Fear: the feeling defeated politicians get after returning home to try and make a living under the laws they helped pass.”
MARKETING TOOL
Chamber member Eagle Communications has an affordable new marketing tool to help reach customers and increase business. The Eagle cable television ad channel in Ellsworth is now accepting 30-35 word messages.
Contact at; 1-877-61-EAGLE.
FLYING
The Flying DX Bar Jr Rodeo will be held at the El-Kan Western Rider’s Arena August 3-4-5. This association has conducting this youth rodeo in Ellsworth for several years. They were participants in the annual Cowtown Days Festival parade. Although they did little in advertising, they have been an excellent tourist attraction bringing many family members and friends to watch their performances. This year they added a Friday evening event, ABRA Open Barrel Racing. Saturday, 11:00 am kicks off their standard rodeo events. Sunday begins at 9:00 with cowboy church services followed by the rodeo at 10:00 am. The El-Kan Western Rider’s provide a concession stand and retain admission fees for the use of the facility by the group. Admission is $2.00. Area youth may enter the competition. For more information: www.flyingdxbar.com or call 316-747-3345. The chamber has some entry information as well. We are attempting to assist the association in spreading the word through postings on our Events website as well on our recently acquired access to WesternEvents.com. We encourage our members to pass this entry information on to our area youth who may be interested in events such as: Bull Riding; Calf Riding, Sheep Riding, Chute Dogging, Dummy Roping, Poles, Barrels, Flags, Goat Tying, Breakaway, Tie-down Calf Roping, Team Roping and Steer Stopping.
OPEN HOUSE
We are pleased to congratulate Seitz Drug Company, Inc. for their recent, very attractive, interior renovation. Terry Kepka and his associates wish to share their “new look” space with an open house on Friday, June 29, 2-5pm. Refreshments will be served.
“The most valuable inheritance you can leave your children is not a lot of money, but rather the example you set in life.”
TOURISM
VISITOR INFORMATION
OUT-OF-STATE IN-STATE LOCAL FOREIGN
Hodgden House 25 26 54 3
Kanopolis 3 31 0 0
Georgia’s Caboose Countdown: Goal: $14,000 ______$10,000_________$5,000 ____$4,894
120 brochure mailings to inquiries provided by True West from co-op advertisements. Shipped 300 Ellsworth Merchants & Events brochures to KS Tourism Center, Goodland. Provided itinerary assistance for a Beloit motorcoach with 45 seniors visiting on July 25th, late afternoon. They plan about two hours of touring.
GIFT CHECKS
In May there were 3 deposits totaling $655. The bank processed 62 checks totaling $473. The amount of checks still outstanding total $4,546.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 23 – Texas Hold ‘Em tourney for Austin Seitz and Ben Kruse, VFW Hall, 7 pm sign-in, 7:30 pm start.
June 29 – Open House, Seitz Drug. 2:00-5:00 pm
June 30 – Annual Fireworks Extravaganza, 5:00 pm start at the Recreation Center; ECMC Health Fair, City Hall, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Auxiliary offering noon sack lunches, $5.
July 9 – Monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting, 6:00 pm. Open to the public
July 13-14 Fort Harker Days – Re-dedication of the Fort Harker Jr. Officer’s Quarters, 2:00 pm., Saturday
2007 “Diamond Jubilee Year”
PASS IT ON! Please pass this update on to employees and friends!
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