August 2019
Volume 32 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the surrounding area for our members.
ORGANIZATION CORE VALUES IS THE LEADING BUSINESS ADVOCATE a united voice for business DEMONSTRATES INTEGRITY through words and actions FOCUSES ON VALUE member resources demonstrate a return on investment EDUCATES how business is good for community IS CUSTOMER FOCUSED we are here to serve our members ENCOURAGES CITIZEN ADVOCACY citizen participation to build a better Dodge City FACILITATES LEADERSHIP training ground for future leaders IS TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED increase value to all members
THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR JULY & AUGUST NEW MEMBERS: Grove Chiropractic and Sports Injury Ramos Tires and Service Jurado Realty Kansas Heritage Center Nor-AM Cold Storage Scooter’s Coffee Sutherlands
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BJERKEN JOINS THE DODGE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce announces the hiring of Anna Bjerken, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past three years, the Chamber Board of Directors and staff have worked hard to create a new identity for our organization,” said Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Finding a driven, community-oriented leader that would continue our momentum was a top priority.” Bjerken was born in Leoti, Kansas and then called Alaska home for many years of her childhood and beginning of her post-collegiate career. In 2016, Bjerken, her husband Corey, and son Lincoln rooted their lives in Dodge City, Kansas surrounded by family and friends. “I am honored to be serving as the President and CEO of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce team,” Bjerken said. “This is a great opportunity to be a business advocate for a community that I love.” Bjerken is a graduate of Dodge City High School and Dodge City Community College. She obtained her Master Degree in Business Administration after completing her Bachelor Degree in Medical Diagnostic Imaging from Fort Hays State University. Following a clinical position at a hospital in Alaska, Bjerken managed the largest privately-owned medical practice group in Wasilla. When her first child was born, the Bjerkens decided to relocate and establish a home in Dodge City. Bjerken has worked in the medical field for both Western Plains Medical Complex and Centura Health prior to joining the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce in July of 2019. “My hope is to continue the successful work of the Chamber and be influential in nurturing a healthy economy in our community,” said Bjerken. When Bjerken and her husband Corey are not at their day jobs, they enjoy spending time on the golf course and with their son Lincoln and daughter Londyn. They also enjoy attending events within USD 443 as Corey serves as an elementary school counselor in the district. Anna is an avid coffee drinker, loves traveling, spending quality family time, and reading. “I am really excited that Anna has accepted this leadership position in our community and confident she will sustain the momentum that has been created in recent years,” Burns said. About the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1917 in Dodge City, Kansas. The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the surrounding areas for our members. For more information, visit the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce at www.dodgechamber.com.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board Landmark National Bank Raul De La Toree, Vice-Chairman ServiceMaster Rapid Response
DIRECTORS
Michael Burns, Landmark National Bank Dr. R.C. Trotter Family Practice Associates of Western KS Alicia Edwards, DC Women’s Chamber Shane Laws, Victory Electric Lauren Morse, Fischer Chiropractic David Rebein, Rebein Brothers Law Simeon Russell, Cargill Greg Ruehle, Servi-Tech Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena Raul De La Torre, ServiceMaster Rapid Response Randy Riekenberg, United Wireless Communications Gerald Miller, Black Hills Energy Jamie Kuehl, McDonald’s Restaurants Sergio Garcia, National Beef
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
John Bogner, Western Beverage Fred Dierksen, Superintendent USD 443 J.D. Gilbert, Ford County Joann Knight, DC/FC Dev Corp Director Jan Stevens, Executive Director Dodge City CVB Cherise Tieben, City of Dodge City Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College
CHAMBER STAFF
Anna Bjerken, President bjerken@dodgechamber.com Marisa Vargas, Membership Director mvargas@dodgechamber.com Joni Wittman, Events Director jwittman@dodgechamber.com Michelle Salinas, Office Manager msalinas@dodgechamber.com
OFFICE INFORMATION
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Office (620) 227-3119 | (620) 227-2957 Fax 101 E. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 939 Dodge City, KS 67801 www.dodgechamber.com www.facebook.com/dcacc E-mail: info@dodgechamber.com
The Business Advantage
August 2019
CASA WELCOMES NEW VOLUNTEERS Jessica Shipps is one of our new volunteers and we are pleased to share her story. “I volunteer for CASA because I want to help children who don’t have a voice, and I want them to be able to feel like they have a say in what happens in their lives,” explained Jessica. She was born and raised in Dodge City and several family members live here. She graduated from Dodge City High School and attended Dodge City Community College on a softball scholarship. After that she attended Mortuary School at Arapaho Community College in Colorado. She worked in Salina after graduating; then she got the opportunity to come back home and serve our community. She is a Funeral Director and Embalmer Apprentice at Ziegler Funeral Chapel and will be fully licensed in September. The words she lives by are from Win Borden: “If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.” We are happy to introduce Michelle Salinas, one of our new CASA volunteers. Michelle has many interests, and one of them is working at the Chamber of Commerce where she is responsible for bookkeeping and helping support daily operations for the Chamber. She is also a real estate agent for Real Estate Professionals in Dodge City where she enjoys working with fun new personalities. She is interested in being a CASA volunteer because she was a foster parent for three years, and would like to continue serving these kiddos who are in an impossible situation, though she is not able to foster any longer. Michelle is an avid reader, loves to drink coffee, and enjoys vacationing and hiking in Colorado. Michelle lives with her husband Ryan with whom she loves to kayak, and she gets a kick out of comedies on Netflix. Michelle is a member of Rotary and says that people describe her as persistent. One of Michelle’s friends said about her, “Michelle believes in great and strives for it.”
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
Dodge City Community College 2501 N. 14th Avenue Tuesday, August 27th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
August 2019
The Business Advantage
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MARSHALL RECEIVES AMERICAN LEGION FOURTH ESTATE PRINTED MEDIA AWARD The Kansas American Legion State Committee has recognized The Dodge City Daily Globe managing editor Vincent Marshall for his coverage of regional events made possible by veterans. Marshall, a Dodge City native chose to set his professional roots in his hometown paper in 2014, is the recipient of the American Legion Fourth Estate Printed Media Award. “I try to do as many stories for veterans and veterans groups as I can,” Marshall said. “That was something my predecessor showed me that I try to continue.” Marshall was nominated as a candidate for the Fourth Estate award because of his coverage of American Legion-sponsored family events, fundraisers and military-themed charity events that benefit Dodge City residents in need, the American Legion said. The award was announced in May. “Vincent and the Globe have made significant contributions to recognizing the many activities of the American Legion,” said Charles Sellens, chairman of the Kansas American Legion Public Relations Committee. Sellens said he appreciated the support of veterans demonstrated by Marshall as both editor and reporter. Marshall, 35, cut his reporting teeth while on staff studying journalism at Dodge City Community College. He and his wife, Shauna, live in Cimarron with their five children.
Company: Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce Job Title: Office Manager How to Apply: Email resumes to abjerken@dodgechamber.com Company: NewChance, Inc. Job Title: PP Residential Tech How to Apply: Apply in person at 2500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801. No phone calls please. Company: City of Dodge City Job Title: City Manager For more information please contact: Ernestor De La Rosa, Assistant City Manager, ernestord@dodgecity.org Tara Schraeder, Human Resources Officer, taras@dodgecity.org Company: SunPorch of Dodge City Job Title: Cook How to Apply: In person at 501 W. Beeson Rd., Dodge City, KS 67801
Does your business have job openings you would like to feature in the next Business Advantage? Email the Company Name, Job Title, How to Apply and any other relative information to info@dodgechamber.com
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The Business Advantage
August 2019
UNITED PLAZA GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCED Dodge City, Kan, 08.15.19 — United Plaza, at 2120 North 14th Avenue in Dodge City, announces its Grand Opening on September 19, 2019. United Plaza serves as the new retail location for United Wireless and Scooter’s Coffee. Grand Opening attendees will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day including a chamber coffee, morning tours, a ribbon cutting, a free lunch, prize drawings, and special offers from both Scooter’s Coffee and United Wireless. “We are really excited to officially open the beautiful new United Plaza development. The United Board of Trustees, myself and employees are happy to be able to share this special occasion with our member-owners, neighbors, associates, friends and customers. United has been doing business in Dodge City and the surrounding region since the 1950’s and we have always worked hard to support the communities we work in, live in, and serve. It is with great pride that we are able to continue to contribute to the growth and success of Dodge City by building the United Plaza. This not only allows us to offer United Wireless customers a premiere retail location, but to also invest in new business opportunities within our community” said United’s General Manager and CEO, Todd Houseman. Local contractor M.R. Builder began construction in February 2019 and the project was completed on schedule in July. “We at M.R. Builder have been anxious to tell everyone about our experience building the United Plaza. It was of the utmost performance put forth by all trades involved, including the owners. We were challenged by all the spring rains but overcame our obstacles and are very proud of the outcome. We would like to send a big shout out and thank you to all that were involved!” said Ric Marboeuf of M.R. Builder. Established in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee locations can now be found in more than 100 locations throughout the United States. Scooter’s Coffee serves a variety of hot and cold drinks as well as pastries and other food options. “We are delighted to serve Dodge City with our new Scooter’s Coffee franchise located at the United Plaza at 2120 N. 14th Avenue. We provide In-house services, Drive-thru as well as a community room for small meetings, hobby clubs and events. In the few weeks we have been opened, we have been blessed with support and look forward to continued growth of our staff to better serve our community. Corporate continually brings additional seasonal drinks we look forward to serving and growing with our community!” Those wishing to utilize the community room may contact Scooter’s Coffee at 620-471-2030. Debra May, United Wireless Retail Sales Manager, said “Our customers will benefit from the convenient location of our new store. It will be staffed with local, knowledgeable wireless experts that enjoy providing personalized support. Customers can browse a wide selection of cellular accessories and shop all the latest phones and plans. We look forward to showing everyone our beautiful new space at the Grand Opening!” In addition to United Wireless and Scooter’s Coffee, there are additional spaces of 1,250 or 2,000 square feet available. There is also potential for a second phase of the project which would provide an additional 4,000 square feet of office and retail space. They are unfinished and can be built to the needs of the business that uses them. All tenants of United Plaza will be connected to United’s ultra fast fiber optic internet service that is also available in many areas of Dodge City as well as other key locations throughout Southwest Kansas. Businesses interested in inquiring about available space may contact Mike Salmans at 620-227-8127 for information about options for lease.
Headquartered in Dodge City, the United Family of Companies bring state-of-the-art technology to thousands of customers through Internet, television and both wireless and landline phone service. United has been operating in Southwest Kansas for over 60 years with a strong commitment to the service of customers and the support of the community.
August 2019
The Business Advantage
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SEA LION SPLASH COMING TO WESTERN STATE BANK EXPO CENTER
The Western State Bank Expo Center is bringing a UNIQUE, ENGAGING, AND EDUCATIONAL show with a “SPLASH” to Ford County, Kansas. The Sea Lion Splash is an amazing traveling exhibit featuring both California and South American sea lions. This show is an enormous draw for all ages and a true crowd pleaser. Join us for all the EXCITEMENT taking place November 12th – November 21st at the Western State Bank Expo Center!!
PITCHFORD NAMED PRINCIPAL OF COMANCHE MIDDLE SCHOOL Dodge City – Unified School District 443 is proud to announce Rachael Pitchford as Principal of Comanche Middle School. Pitchford joined USD 443 in 2011 as a Special Education teacher before advancing to Instructional Coach and most recently Assistant Principal at Comanche Middle School. According to Dr. Dierksen, Superintendent of Schools, “Pitchford was a natural choice for Comanche. Her leadership experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to our students are essential factors in student achievement.” Pitchford will work closely with Matt Turner, Assistant Superintendent, to provide instructional leadership for the staff and seven hundred and forty students. Rachel has three wonderful daughters who attend Dodge City High School. In addition to her family life, Rachael is a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. She enjoys bodybuilding and figure competitions and recently won three gold medals at the Wichita competition. Rachael uses this success to encourage her students to stay healthy and away from drugs and alcohol.
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The Business Advantage
August 2019
UPDATES FROM THE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Coordinator Robin Bailey participated in the Tour Kansas Showcase in Tulsa Oklahoma on August 8th. The show case was targeted to promote Kansas to tour operators, travel writers, and the general public. Dodge City participated along with the State of Kansas and 23 other Kansas communities.
The KSN Summer Road Trip made Dodge City a stop along their trip on Thursday, July 25th, at the Long Branch Lagoon Water Park. The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau staff was on hand to speak with visitors along with Miss Kitty from Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City Days Chairman John Bogner, and Mayor Delzeit. Chairman John Bogner and Mayor Delzeit also had the opportunity for an interview with Stephanie Bergmann about the upcoming Dodge City Days activities. Dodge City Hosts National Day of the Cowboy Dignitaries during Dodge City Days Festivities National Day of the Cowboy Executive Director Bethany Braley, along with National Spokespersons, Brent and Janet Slutsky was in Dodge City this past month touring the community during Dodge City Days. The trio took part in the parade, riding on the Drover wagon, and gave interviews locally, educating folks about the National celebrations that takes place across the nation every July 27th. This day is set aside by the US Senate to pay homage to our Cowboy and Western Heritage, fortunately, Dodge City Days coincides with this special day, and our community marks each year with special flags posted around Dodge City as part of the celebrations. “I always love to brag that Dodge City, Kansas, has more National Day of the Cowboy flags than anyone in the country. Everyone we came in contact with on the trolley ride, in the stores, at the CVB, and in the restaurants, hotels, and museums treated us with such courtesy and graciousness we all agreed we felt truly lucky to be in Dodge City celebrating cowboys,� Stated Braley.
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Customer Service 1-888-890-5554
www.blackhillsenergy.com
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
We have a duly appointed Notary Public on staff. Stop by the Chamber Office at 101 E. Wyatt Earp to get your document notorized. This service is free to Chamber members.
August 2019
The Business Advantage
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WOMEN’S CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE Dodge City Area Women’s Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the publication of our new website, dcwomenschamber.com. We encourage you to fill out a membership form or renewal online and see what this amazing organization is all about! Everyone is welcome – we do have male members- and we would love to have you! The new site gives you the ability to meet our officers and committee chairs, along with seeing what our committees and the entire non-profit organization does in our wonderful community, you will be able to access and download all of our forms. Do you have someone heading to college? Download our Scholarship Application. Know or work with a non-profit needing some extra funding? Download our Community Service Funds guidelines for directions on applying for aid. Want to join a dynamic group of women who are passionate about giving back to our beautiful Dodge City? Download our membership form. Know an amazing woman who has tirelessly contributed to our community? Download our Woman of the Year application. The site will allow new members to join, or existing members to renew, and the ability to purchase a Memorial Rose to be cared for in our Memorial Rose Garden on 14th avenue. These forms with Community Scholarship, Scholarship, and Woman of the Year are available for download. A calendar is available on the home page with meeting and important dates marked. View the new website at www.dcwomenschamber.com. While you’re at it LIKE us on Facebook @dodgecitywomenschamber.
DODGE CITY WOMEN’S CHAMBER TAKES FIRST IN DODGE CITY DAYS PARADE The Dodge City Women’s Chamber is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and their theme was “60 YEARS & STILL ROCKING IT!”. They had music from the 50’s to present day. Float riders & walkers dressed as their favorite rock star from a 50’s sock hop girl complete with poodle skirt & bomber jacket, to Dolly Pardon, Lorretta Lyn, Johnny Cash, Bret Michaels & Josh Turner to name a few. “We wish to thank our Tourism Co-Chair Jennifer McCabe for coming up with the theme, Steve Rankin from DC High School for the awesome jukebox, Nature’s Corner & our Beautification Committee for the roses, flowers and greenery and a special thanks to everyone that helped getting the float ready, Andy Falcon for the use of his truck and the music & Andy & Raylene Hessman for the trailer. We couldn’t have accomplished this without this great group.”
Your business can advertise here!
Your business can advertise here!
620-225-2888 www.parkerhaskins.com Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Central & Comanche Dodge City, Kansas
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The Business Advantage
August 2019
BHC RHODES ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP IN DODGE CITY BHC RHODES is excited to announce new leadership for our Dodge City office. Wil Anderson, Vice President and Survey Segment Leader, has taken over operations in Dodge City. Mr. Anderson is committed to our ongoing customers and projects in the Dodge City and western Kansas area and will be spending more time in the area to better serve our customers. In other news, the Central Avenue Project is well underway. At the end of August, Randy Gorton, Vice President and Public Works Segment Leader, and David Nolte, Project Manager, will be in Dodge City to visit the Central Avenue project and monitor progress.
MUETING ELECTED NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE NSAC Nick Mueting with Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris, Chartered (LVPF) was recently elected as the national president of the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC). NSAC is an industry organization of financial professionals that provide services to cooperatives with over 1,500 members nationwide. Nick is the shareholder in charge of the LVPF Dodge City office and provides attest and consulting services for cooperatives and grain companies in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Your business can advertise here!
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
August 2019
The Business Advantage
TAYLOR PARKER NAMED DODGE CITY FAMILY YMCA SPORTS DIRECTOR AND OTHER CHANGES AT THE Y. Dodge City, Kan. – The YMCA of Southwest Kansas recently named Taylor Parker Sports Director for the Dodge City branch. Parker comes to the YMCA from Iowa, where he was an assistant track and field coach for Southwestern Community College. According to Branch Executive Director Jackie Regan, Parker’s background working in sports as well as his passion for them were the key factors in the hiring decision. “I believe the Sports programs is one of the most important programs we offer, as one of our former board members put it, it’s the front porch of our Y.” Regan said. “Our hiring committee was extremely pleased with the quality of job candidates who applied for the position, but Parker’s attitude, personality and ties to western Kansas made him stand out amongst the others. We are confident he’ll do an excellent job leading these programs.” Parker recently took over the duties of former Sports Director Danny Finder, as Finder left to take teaching position with USD 443. Parker was born in Hays and grew up in Dighton, KS. He has a Bachelor’s degree of Science and Physical Performance, and recently moved to Cimarron, KS. “Parker says, “I am excited to step into the community of Dodge City and accept the role of Sports Director and join the YMCA family. I plan to use a lot of my previous experiences in coaching to benefit the sports programs and continue to build upon Danny’s successes.” Another change to the YMCA team, is the promotion of Stacie Droste to Director of Programs. Droste was formerly the Aquatics and Healthy Living Director. “With the departure of both our Sports Director and Family Director, we felt now was the time to make some big changes to our team. This was a prime opportunity to let Stacie take on more responsibility and restructure to meet the current needs of our programs,” Regan stated, “Her attitude and knowledge of all departments made the decision easy and I know she is up to the challenge.” Droste has hired Anajahel and Faviola Meza to serve as Healthy Living Coordinator and Family Coordinator respectively. Susan Konrade will serve as the 21st Century Grant Coordinator. To contact Taylor Parker, call (620) 225-8157 or email him at tparker@ymcaswkansas.org. To contact Stacie Droste, call (620) 225-8157 or email at sdroste@ymcaswkansas.org.
SunPorch of Dodge City elders enjoy the recent Dodge City Days Rodeo. From left to right in the cowboy-themed hats are Danny McDowell, John Yochum and Glenn Selby. Standing behind them is Jaymi Davenport, SunPorch physical therapy assistant. Gina Salmans, activities director, not pictured, helped arrange the outing.
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