Business Advantage Newsletter - November 2024

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THE BUSINESS ADVANTAGE LETTER

Purchasingfromlocalbusinessesismorethanjustatransaction;itisan investmentinthegrowthandsuccessofourcommunity.Smallbusiness owners,restaurants,andartisansaretheheartbeatofourcommunity,and supportingthemcontributestoimprovedinfrastructure,morejob opportunities,andamorevibrantcommunityforalltoenjoy.

WHO WE ARE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman-Matt Morrison, Oread Rx

Past Chairman – Alicia Edwards, Arrowhead West

Secretary –John Bogner, Dodge City Days Chairman

Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena managed by Venue Works

Josh Guthrie, Guthrie Floorcovering

Sarah Gunkel, Davis & McCann, P A

Brad Herter, Western State Bank

Michelle Salinas, RE/MAX Villa

Clinton Conant, Red Beard Coffee

Chris Robinson, Mariah Hills Golf Course

Silver Ruiz, Truck Center Companies

Mary Trent, Fee Insurance Group

Mario Rayo, Landmark National Bank

Brianna Wissman, Diamond Roofing

Dr Tanya Williams, InnovateMed

Josh Yarnall, Quickdraw Oil Change

John Bogner, Dodge City Days Chairman

Dr. Fred Dierksen, Unified School District #443

J D Gilbert, Ford County

Joann Knight, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

Dr Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College

Megan Welsh, Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau

Nick Hernandez, City of Dodge City

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS CHAMBER STAFF

Karla Lees, President/CEO

klees@dodgechamber com

Joni Wittman, Events Director

jwittman@dodgechamber com

Shawn Smith, Business & Media Director

ssmith@dodgechamber com

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

“Our Members are OUR Business!”

OUR VISION

Building a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership, enrichment programs, and membership services

OPERATIONAL VALUES

Educate – Business owners and managers to operate successful businesses that reinvest in our community.

Facilitate – The leadership development for future leaders of our community. Advocate – For initiatives and issues that will improve our community.

Celebrate – Our successes and heritage that promote a quality of life in our community

OUR GOALS

Membership Services – Educate Chamber members and Dodge City community members about the Chamber’s mission, vision, values and purpose

Multicultural Business Engagement – Increase multicultural business owner and leader engagement in Chamber programs, events, volunteer opportunities and in civic roles throughout the community

Dodge City Days – Define opportunities, revenue enhancements, and long-term priorities in support of the Dodge City Days Festival.

Legislative Committee – Identify business leaders that will drive positive dialogue on legislative issues impacting Dodge City with local, state, and federal officials.

Operational Priorities – Collaborate with Dodge City/Ford County Economic Development Corporation in conducting community town halls to refresh the Dodge City/Ford County strategic plan

Workforce Development – Identify the workforce skills and needs desired by Dodge City businesses

OFFICE INFORMATION

Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM 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@dogechamber.com

Upcoming Events

HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

2100 1ST AVENUE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST/SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND/SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

3:00PM - 7:00PM/10AM - 6:00PM/12PM - 4PM

CHAMBER COFFEE - HELEN’S GIFTS, OUTDOORS, & PAWN

706 3RD AVENUE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

9:00AM -10:00AM

RIBBON CUTTING - YMCA/ EGYM

DODGE CITY FAMILY YMCA - 240 SAN JOSE DRIVE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

5:00PM - 5:30PM

Welcome New Members

WIT ATHLETICS

(620) 371-6532

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF DODGE CITY

2300 N 14TH AVENUE, STE 100A

(620) 225-7829

JIMMY JOHN’S

1601 WEST WYATT EARP BLVD

(620) 371-6803

october Events

Ribbon cutting - Blackjacks liquor: October 1st

Chamber Coffee - Williamson Architecture: october 8th

october Events

chamber anniversaries

Aflac, Morgan Konrade (12 years)

Arrowhead Family Chiropractic LLC (4 years)

Ashley Furniture Homestore (21 years)

DC Spin Flicks 360 Photo Booth LLC (1 years)

Depot Theater, Inc. (30 years)

Dodge City AMBUCS (26 years)

Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation (30 years)

Edward Jones- Lloyd Davis (23 years)

Julie Berries (1 years)

K&S Transport LLC (1 years)

Karen Ackerman, DPM (26 years)

L.R. Lee Contracting (19 years)

Lineage Logistics,LLC (18 years)

New Creation Gift Boutique' (5 years)

Northend Disposal Service, Inc (31 years)

Perfect Fit Foundation of SWK (4 years)

Quick Draw Oil Change (5 years)

Schneweis Business Services Inc (4 years)

SKILL LLC (1 years)

The Print Source (1 years)

United Wireless Communications, Inc. (19 years)

Western Hills Apartments (22 years)

YMCA,Dodge City Family YMCA (11 years)

JOIN US!

HolidayARTS & CRAFT SHOW

DODGE

LEADERSHIP

DODGE

DodgeCity Area Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Dodge, a Com rea Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with renowned leadership expert Dr Karen Ackerman, is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders This Leadership program is designed to foster, renew, and sustain a strong, diverse network of leadership within the Dodge City and Ford County regions. Participants are immersed in dynamic sessions that not only confront critical community challenges but also sharpen the leadership skills necessary to inspire change and drive impactful solutions.

Leadership Dodge unites accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a unique platform to collaborate on strategies that will shape the future of our community Participants emerge with invaluable skills that can be immediately applied to their professional endeavors, personal growth, and community contributions creating leaders who leave a lasting legacy

Leadership Dodge is Designed to:

Identify and Empower Tomorrow's Leaders: We selectively invite driven, high-potential leaders both emerging and established to engage in a transformative leadership experience

Educate and Inspire: Participants gain deep insights into the pressing needs and opportunities in Dodge City and Ford County, positioning them to become champions of progress

Cultivate Lasting Networks: Leadership Dodge fosters deep interpersonal connections, forging a robust network of peers, mentors, and community leaders who collaborate long after the program ends.

Facilitate Meaningful Dialogue: The program promotes vibrant discussions between facilitators, participants, business leaders, and key decision-makers, sparking innovative ideas and actionable solutions for the betterment of the entire region.

To Participate:

Individuals who have a genuine interest in developing personal and community leadership skills should complete the following form to apply for the 2025 Leadership Dodge program. A maximum of 15 individuals, representing a broad spectrum of businesses and organizations will be provided the opportunity to participate. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and notified upon acceptance

Contact us for an Application:

620-371-3878

klees@dodgechamber.com

101 E Wyatt Earp Blvd

THE POWER OF YOUR VOTE

WHY VOTING IN EVERY ELECTION MATTERS

Why Local Elections Are Important

Impact on Daily Life: Local elections directly affect services like schools, roads, healthcare, and safety. Your Voice in Your Community: City council members, school boards, and county officials are elected to represent your concerns and interests. Every Vote Counts: With lower voter turnout in local elections, your vote has more influence on outcomes that shape your community.

Why State & National Elections Matter

State Leaders: Elect governors, state legislators, and other officials who create policies affecting your state’s economy, education, healthcare, and environment. Federal Representation: Your vote helps choose representatives and senators who shape national laws on important issues like taxes, healthcare, and social programs. Broader Impact: National elections influence the direction of the country as a whole. Voting ensures your voice is part of the bigger picture

Voting is Your Right and Responsibility

Voting ensures that your values and concerns are represented. Be informed, stay engaged, and make sure your voice is heard. Get Ready to Vote!

Check your registration: Make sure you’re registered to vote. Learn about the candidates and issues: Be informed about what’s at stake. Mark your calendar: Don’t miss the upcoming election.

DRIVING GROWTH, ENSURING RESPONSIBILITY, LEADING WITH INTEGRITY.

GARY THOMAS

FORCOUNTYCOMMISSIONER

As your County Commissioner, I will lean on my experience, professionalism, honesty, and compassion to make decisions that generate the most responsible outcome for the constituents affected by my decision. I look forward to working with our current and newly elected commissioners, as well as the representatives of our cities, college, school districts, surrounding areas, and businesses to push the boundaries of economic growth to allow our geographic area to thrive while keeping fiscal responsibility at the forefront of every decision and endeavor.

ACCOUNTABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP FOR ALL

JAN SCOGGINS FORCOUNTYCOMMISSIONER

I am applying for the position as a Ford County Commissioner to help oversee what is best for our community, including quality of life and responsible actions/oversight of our revenue and public services My leadership as a commissioner will provide an experienced and knowledgeable voice for all in Ford County. My concern includes an improved access for citizens to go to offices in the County Government Building. The elevator closest to the entrance has not worked since, I believe, last January. This lack of access not only inhibits those with walking impairments trying to wind their way to the back elevator, but is certainly unacceptable for all employees to have only one working elevator located at the far west end of the building as an egress in the event of a building evacuation No only that but anyone needing to access the offices on the second floor must be accompanied in order to go through the County Attorney’s office This is totally unacceptable! I have concerns over the environmental impact of our water and land use. As a commissioner I will research every aspect for responsible stewardship. I know full well that alternative energy sources are essential for our future, and land use permits must be considered with knowledge and accurate information while respecting property rights. I believe public information should be distributed in a clear format and readily accessible to our citizens. As an example, the Ford County Resolution 2024-33, section 6, is perplexing as it appears one development group is exempt from compliance with the resolution’s moratorium but all other applying for a land use permit is required adhere to the restrictions listed therein Something this perplexing should be clarified. As a commissioner and public servant I will listen to all voices and consider each concern, responding with accurate and easy to understand information. It will be an honor to serve as a Ford County Commissioner.

Disclaimer:

CHRIS BOYS

FORCOUNTYCOMMISSIONER

COMMITTED LEADERSHIP, LASTING PROGRESS FOR FORD COUNTY

Christopher Boys serves as the 2nd District Commissioner for Ford County, Kansas. He is actively involved in county governance, participating in regular commission meetings and work sessions. For instance, he chaired a work session on July 1, 2024, alongside County Administrator J.D. Gilbert and Commissioner Shawn Tasset. Ford County Additionally, he was present at a work session on November 21, 2022, with County Administrator J.D. Gilbert and Commissioner Ken W. Snook. Ford County These sessions are part of the county's efforts to build on its heritage.

InauguralMiniChristmasTreeAuction

TINY TREES BIG IMPACT

Businesses and individuals are invited to decorate mini Christmas trees and drop them o at the Dodge City Family YMCA. These festive trees will be displayed in our lobby for a silent auction December 1-20, with all proceeds from the auction benefiting our Keeping Our Promise Scholarship Program.

The Keeping Our Promise program partners with USD 443 to award deserving youth free one-year YMCA memberships. These scholarships, given during the Christmas season, honor students who embody our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Over 100 students are nominated by USD 443 teachers and administration each year!

Entry is free! Register at dcksymca.org/minitree

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