---

Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (ellsworthkschamber.net)

 @Nick’s Notes:  First Edition 2008 Update #872

Office hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

To:  Chamber Member  

CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS

At their regular January monthly meeting the board of directors conducted the following business:

Approved: 

a     Affirmation of 2007 goals carryover; Membership improvement; Partner in Downtown/Beautification Project; Conduct Fund Raisers and Scenic Byway project.

a     Date and time of board meetings on last Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.

a     President Eck’s appointment of board members Megan Muchow, Chelle Denton and volunteer Ellsworth County Clerk Ona Crawford to the 2008 Ad Hoc Audit Committee.

a     2008 Bed Tax tourism projects for submission to the Ellsworth Tourism Committee February 1.

a      Adding the Salina Greater Foundation link: smokyhillscf.org, to the chambers web page.

a     Press release in response to Dennis Katzenmeier’s Ranch Rodeo press release with a notification that the chamber would include a one-time $500 media radio grant to the El-Kan Western Riders Association and the release to be sent to the Salina Journal, Hutchinson News and Great Bend Tribune, and chamber members.  

a     Policy 408 – Committee Structure

In other business the board:

1.       Reviewed the director’s preliminary 2008 budget with final review and approval following receipt of any city bed tax funding.

2.        Completed plans for the February annual meeting. (see ANNUAL MEETING page 2)

3.       Recognized new Associate organization member United Methodist Church, Linda Toms, Pastor.

4.       Gave consensus approval to the director’s draft of the page for Ellsworth-Kanopolis in the Amazing 100 Miles brochure being revised. 50,000 of the 32 page brochures will be printed for distribution in the next two years.

5.       Agreed to conduct a board of director’s 2008 goal setting retreat on Monday, January 28^th.

6.        Concurred with the director’s intent to provide a customer parking reminder in his January update. (see DOWNTOWN PARKING page 3)

This month features aging quips

    

WELCOME & CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW 2008 MEMBER:

Associate:  United Methodist Church, Pastor Linda Toms, 322 N. Douglas, 472-3870, umcew@sbcglobal.net. We invite Pastor Toms and her associates to attend and participate in our chamber sponsored events.

 

2007 RENEWALS  

Thanks for the following chamber annual renewal investments:

Full Members: Acme Brick Co.; Backroom Ceramics; Best Western Garden Prairie Inn; Boots Plants & Flower Center; Brook Insurance ; Buchholz, Inc.; C & R Old West Trading Post; Chisholm Trail Apartments; Citizens State Bank & Trust, Inc.; Cliff’s Body Shop, Inc.; Clubine & Rettele, Chtd; Crossroads Restaurant & Catering; Custom Care; Eck Welding & Repair; Ellsworth CO-OP; Ellsworth Service Center; Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter; F & M Drug; Farm Bureau Financial Services; Finke Retail Liquor; First Bank Kansas;  G. Derril Gwinner, DO, LLC; Gene’s Heartland Foods; H & R Block; Home Lumber Co.; Independent Salt Co.; Karst Enterprises; Kirkham Michael & Associates, Inc;  Kevin’s Barber Shop; Kurt Williams, DDS; Lyons Federal Savings; Maico Industries; Martin’s Pro Auto; Mom’s Diner; Mosaic; Morford Green House; National Drovers Hall of Fame; Nece Electric; Parsons Funeral Home; Pizzaco; Post Rock Abstract & Title, Inc.; Radio Shack; Robson’s Card & Gift Shop; Robl Farm Supply, Inc.; Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative; Torkelson Chiropractic, P.A.; True Value Hardware; Seitz Drug Co.; Slechta Enterprises; Star Barks, U.S. D. #327;  and Whitmer Insurance & Financial Planning.

 

Friend:  Conklin Cars Salina; Edward Jones Financial Planning; Long McArthur, Inc; Rancho Milagro; and School House Auto;   

Associates: American Legion Post #174; Bev Connally; Bill Gwinner; Dave Brownback; Don Hanson; Ellsworth Area Arts Council; Ellsworth County Historical Society; Ellsworth Lions Club; George Jones; Heather Barta; JH Robbins Memorial Library; James Morford; Lewis McAtee; Machelle Connally; Nancy Lamia; Nick Slechta; St. Bernard’s Church; and Wendell Truhlar.

Associates 2^nd Business: Ampride, Citizens State Bank Drive-in; First Bank Kansas, Kanopolis; Lobby Shop; and Lorraine Country Store.

In-Kind:  Eagle Radio, Great Bend/Salina; Russell Radio, and Rocking M Radio, and Great Bend/Salina.

 It’s scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker.

BUSINESS LOCATION CHANGE

Kelvi Peschka, owner of Lux Interiors, has announced her new location at 231 N. Douglas. She will continue her tanning service and her balloon menagerie while sharing space with the present occupants, Richelle’s and Darr’s. 472-3651-kelvip@hotmail.com.

 

RENOVATIONS/EXPANSIONS

Current major renovations underway in Ellsworth are:  The Ellsworth County Medical Center, 1604 Aylward which is progressing very well. Offices in the medical center are being transferred to the new Administrative Building (Century Building) and will continue until the project is completed.    

      In downtown:

a     Kurt Williams, DDS, has two properties being restored-renovated on the south 200 block of Douglas.

a     Last month Mosaic finalized the acquisition of the old Gene's IGA building.  Remodeling is planned to begin by the end of January and is predicted to take anywhere from 8 to 10 months.  Fuqua & Doerksen Construction of Inman, Kansas has been chosen as the general contractor.  The intent of the new building for Mosaic is to house all administration offices as well as being utilized by the day site services.  Mosaic will continue to use the existing Lobby Shop at 306 N. Douglas and is looking for ideas to expand current productions.  Thanks to Deena Dusburg for furnishing this report.  

a     This past week some activity was noted across the street at the National Drover’s Hall of Fame building which means serious renovation will begin in the near future.

These major investments in Ellsworth are significant to the local economy now and in the future. Ellsworth is, indeed, fortunate to have individuals and organizations with the foresight and faith in the potential for successful operations in our communities. As a lifelong resident I am pleased that such a major foundation is being laid for future generations. In a previous update I referred to some of our talented young people returning to Ellsworth to establish a business and furthering careers with intentions of remaining.  These significant investments may foster similar feelings among our present young people in considering where their life goals may best be fulfilled after furthering their education.  At most, it is very encouraging.    

My memory’s is not a sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory is not a sharp as it used to be.

 

NEW MANAGER

If you have not met her yet, I encourage you stop by Casey’s General Store and meet their new manager, Krystina Walls. She began her Ellsworth duties the first of the year. Krys and her husband Trent had purchased a home here while living in Hays. She is happy to have found work after moving in November. The family consists of five children, four of whom are attending our schools. They are 2^nd graders, Christian and Jasmine, 4^th grader, Mercedes and 5^th grader Jared. Luke, age 3, is the youngest. Trent is currently a graduate student at Neuman College, Wichita. I asked Krys about their children’s transition to our schools and she indicated that the kids just love it. We welcome Krys, Trent and family to our communities.  

 

ANNUAL MEETING

The board completed their final planning with the selection of this year’s theme, “Working Together to be Great in 2008”; approved Butch’s B-B-Q for the banquet meal; confirmed Susan Janzen Nickerson as the speaker; set prices at $18 for members and $20 for public; agreed not to provide reserved seating except for full table reservations and other specified reserves. Tickets will be available at the chamber office.

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

CONCESSION STAND HOSTS

Board members; Amy and Pete Eck, Megan Muchow and director Slechta as well as Ambassadors; Heather Barta, Janet Carswell, Bev Connally and George Jones supported  the chamber’s services at Tuesday night’s basketball game. With assistance of the regular school workers it was an interesting and fun evening.

 

GIFT CHECKS

In December there were nine deposits totaling $6,815. The bank processed 323 checks for a total of $4,190. The checks still outstanding total $6,414. If history repeats, January will also be a large deposit month. Many businesses did very well this holiday season. I am repeating a plea I made earlier this year to the businesses on the gift check participants handout. That is: to instruct your employees to PLEASE write, stamp or otherwise identify your business on the “pay to the order of” line. I make it a policy to go over every cancelled check to determine if there are any non-participating businesses accepting our checks. I also like to see how many businesses are benefiting from this “shop at home” program. The cancellations on the back are so small and poorly duplicated that I cannot ascertain the depositor. This is not a big deal when there are only 50-75 checks. But 323 was time consuming to say the least. Nearly 25% were left blank. I thank you for this consideration.

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, “For fast relief.”

DOWNTOWN PARKING

Most of us who work downtown do not give much thought to downtown parking as long as we don’t impede the ability of our customers and clients to reach our places of business. It appears that most owners and employees recognize this common courtesy. The street that has potential possible consideration is West and East 1^st Street.  There are nine businesses on these blocks that rely heavily on walk-in traffic. Parallel parking takes more space than on Douglas. This is a reminder for employers to encourage employees to observe the spaces near these storefronts even if it means an extra block of walking. I know the owners will be very appreciative.                       

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?” the reporter asked. She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”

GOOD NEIGHBOR

This week I was experiencing a near melt down of my Quickbooks Accounting System. I could not make an entry before getting the “Fatal Error” message and an immediate shutdown. I had visions of having to type gift and regular checks until I could find the answer. Anita Hoffhines stopped by and I told her of my plight. She took a look at the problem, which was an obvious memory fault. She went back to her office to seek some possible solutions through her Quickbooks system.  She came back with several possibilities and applied the first one. It dumped a huge batch of unnecessary records in storage. Problem corrected. Before, it was taking 3 minutes for Quickbooks to open as well as closing. It is now closer to 5 seconds. What a relief. My sincere thanks for Anita taking the good neighbor philosophy beyond a normal calling. 

THE SENILITY PRAYER: Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

KUDOS

Our thanks to Vi Richards, Richard’s Cleaners, for the annual dry-cleaning of our Santa suit at no cost to the Chamber. This was another very active Christmas season for the suit. I hope some of you will let Vi know we appreciate it.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan 24 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Monthly Gatherin’, Lux Interiors, 8 am, 231 N. Douglas.

Jan 28 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors goals planning retreat, Ellsworth golf course meeting room, 6:00 pm.

Feb 18 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 60^th Annual Meeting, 6 pm, EHS Commons.

Feb 21- Monthly Chamber Gatherin’, ALCO, 8:00 am.

 

 

Don’t forget your valentine on February 14^th with the perfect gift – “Chamber Gift Checks”                                                                                                                                                                                            Pass this update on to employees

Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

114-1/2 N. Douglas

Ellsworth, KS  67439

 

A ranch rodeo is alive and well ... despite claims

            Ranch rodeo competition is still alive, in spite of reports from End of the Trails Ranch Rodeo Committee General Chairman Dennis Katzenmeier. The dates have been set for April 25-26, and the organization committing to the effort is the El-Kan Western Riders Association.

            "While Katzenmeier aired reports that the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce was killing the event by pulling administrative and monetary support, he failed to mention critical historical elements, which lead to the Chamber’s decision to no longer offer administrative support," Chamber President Amy Eck said.

For example, at the June 19, 2006, meeting, Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce Director Nick Slechta was commissioned by the board of directors to write a letter to Katzenmeier expressing concerns about the Ranch Rodeo’s organizational capabilities and the questionable financial benefit for continued operation under the auspices of the Chamber. That letter also requested Katzenmeier to keep in contact with the chamber, especially when the Ranch Rodeo was nearing. However, there was no response and no representative at any meeting for a year, even though Katzenmeier was made aware of Chamber board meetings.

            A letter dated Dec. 6, 2007, to the Ranch Rodeo Committee, included a summary of income and expenses from 1999, when then-Chamber President Katzenmeier proposed the Ranch Rodeo as a fund-raiser, and the event began with the Chamber’s assistance. The records from earlier years were difficult for the Chamber director to discern; however, after reviewing financial statements and meeting minutes, Slechta was able to draft a letter to the committee.

            The letter, in part, stated: "The board of directors in the 1999-2003 time period did not look at the budget adjustments based on the plus and minus years and accepted the losses or gains in the general operating budget. There was nothing in the minutes to suggest any set asides as a result of a positive balance. The 2004 board decided not to follow that philosophy and made the decision to establish a savings account to earmark the $1,280 net gain for possible overruns in the future even though it could have been placed in the general fund as in the past. It was needed in 2006 when the rodeo experienced an $888 loss."

            Eck said, "The Chamber looks for events to sponsor that not only bring people to town but that also are not an economic drain on the Chamber. The Chamber must operate like any other downtown business – looking to cut the things that cost more money than volunteer time can cover and look for more positive venues. The Chamber has an obligation to its membership to make sure we’re using their money, which keeps the Chamber doors open, to the best of our abilities on sound business ventures. If after a period of time an event cannot make enough money for start-up the next year, then we needed to assess that event and see if it is something we are willing to put our time and effort in. We did not leave the Ranch Rodeo to dwindle and die. Our director was in contact with the El-Kan Western Riders in November before the board made its decision to cease as administrative and financial support for the Ranch Rodeo. And Mr. Katzenmeier was made aware of that before he began his reports to the contrary."

Eck also retorted Katzenmeier’s statement in a letter dated Jan. 11, 2008, from Katzenmeier to area supporters, "The Chamber never said, ‘the rodeo weekend had no economic impact on Ellsworth economy or its historic heritage.’ Any time an event brings around 250 to 500 people to town, you know they will either buy a lunch at a local restaurant or fuel when they leave. To say there is no economic impact on Ellsworth would be ridiculous."

            "If Mr. Katzenmeier had placed as much time and energy on finding another sponsor instead of demeaning the local chamber, he might have been surprised at how much support he would have found in the area for his event," Eck said.

At the Dec. 3 meeting, the Chamber board offered Katzenmeier support, while not administrative, of in-kind sponsorship in the amount of $500 if the Ranch Rodeo committee could reorganize. Since that committee has decided to not continue with the End of the Trails Ranch Rodeo, in a show of support for a ranch rodeo as a local event, the chamber board of directors at their monthly meeting Monday night approved a one-time $500 in-kind donation to the El-Kan Western Riders. Of course the Chamber will continue its administrative support – offered to all local events -- through news releases, web postings of the event and signage.

            "We wish the El-Kan Western Riders the best of luck and hope their group is able to mold their ranch rodeo into a profitable event that will continue to breathe life into Ellsworth’s future through its historic past," Eck said. "I just hope that any negative press Mr. Katzenmeier has promoted will not adversely affect the El-Kan Western Riders’ efforts."