February 2018 Newsletter by Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce

February 2018

Volume 31 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

Issue 2

CROP QUEST CEO TO RETIRE AFTER 26 YEARS Not many people can say they’ve loved going to work for nearly four decades. But if you ask Crop Quest’s CEO, Ron O’Hanlon, he will tell you that he’s loved every minute of it. “Sure, there have been days that were challenging, but the good always outweigh those difficult days. It’s being able to visit with farmers every day – you get to work with some of the best people on earth – that makes this job so enjoyable. I can’t speak highly enough about the people that work at Crop Quest, they are more than co-workers, they are my family and friends.” Come this March, Ron O’Hanlon will be retiring after 26 years at Crop Quest, Inc, an employee-owned crop consulting company based out of Dodge City, Kansas. Ron grew up on a farm that grew a few crops, but mainly raised livestock. While Ron attended Oklahoma State University, he studied animal science and then went on to work at the USDA/ OSU Fort Reno Experiment Station, and later at the Extension Service. Ron recalls, “I took a leave of absence with the Extension Service while I attended Oklahoma State University, to further develop my agronomy background and complete their master’s program”. After completion of his master’s degree, O’Hanlon’s original plans were to become an Area Agronomist with Extension, but after finding no openings, O’Hanlon landed a position with a crop consulting company in 1979, where he worked until 1992. In 1992, O’Hanlon was the first employee on record at Crop Quest, Inc. For 26 years, O’Hanlon helped guide Crop Quest through the channels as president and CEO. While fulfilling the role as president, he worked alongside former CEO Rollie Stukenholtz. “Rollie was one of the most influential individuals in my career at Crop Quest. I also watched other successful people and observed what made them so successful. Over the years of being around Rollie, I observed his way of working with people and dealing with issues.” Another major influencer for Ron, is his wife Mary. “Sometimes the spouse gets the brunt end of things, but Mary has always been there to listen, giving a boost when I’ve needed it the most.” Mary recalls what it was like raising a young family, while her husband was involved in starting Crop Quest in what seemed like overnight. “Crop Quest has been good for our family in that it helped our children grow to be the leaders and givers that they are today,” Mary explained. “They were able to grow right along with Crop Quest in its early years.” Mary went on to share how their children “witnessed Dad’s challenges to get a new business off the ground. They learned that “boss” doesn’t mean slave driver, but that it means a person who is willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to get the job done.” Together the O’Hanlon’s have six children with an additional three in heaven, and 11 grandchildren.

THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR JANUARY NEW MEMBERS:

BOUTIQUE AIR and FORD CO. HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Mary concluded, “Today, in the professions that our kids hold, they share the compassion and care for their employees/fellow workers that they learned from their dad. Understanding that it’s important to know and care about all the members of their work family and communities is valuable to them and their families.” O’Hanlon recalls seeing many changes during his career in the ag industry, but specifically notes the swift changes of technology. “Technology has rapidly changed the way today’s agriculture looks. In the research field, GMO’s [genetically modified organisms] have changed the way farmers grow crops. Out in the field, with precision agriculture we can be more precise than ever in making our recommendations.” Under his guidance and steward, Crop Quest transformed the way they did business as well. O’Hanlon recalls their move to computerized field reports and data collection. “This was a big shift for our company, where all 80+ agronomist had a laptop in their trucks.” One thing that hasn’t changed is O’Hanlon’s commitment to his work and community. He has been extremely devoted to many organizations including, Knights of Columbus, DCCC Agricultural Committee and National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultant (NAICC). In 2004, O’Hanlon received a very impressive award of “Consultant of the Year” presented by NAICC. While most of his career was spent as president, in 2013 he passed the baton over to Dwight Koops to step in as president. As part of their succession planning, O’Hanlon took on the role of CEO for the remainder of his career where he has guided and supported the company along the way. From the beginning, O’Hanlon, along with other key players, worked to set up Crop Quest as an employee-owned company. Any employee-owner of Crop Quest you ask today would tell you that O’Hanlon loves and cares for Crop Quest and his fellow employee-owners, as much as anyone on staff. Some of O’Hanlon’s final advice to those coming in new to the company has been, to develop a passion and love for your career. As so many have observed, O’Hanlon has been an implausible case in point on how to not work a day during your career, when one operates off their passion just as he has done for the last thirty-nine years. A note from the Crop Quest Staff: While you will be missed by all of us at Crop Quest, you certainly deserve your retirement. Your hard work and diligence have greatly benefited our company, and we hope we can all strive to follow your stellar example.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Business Advantage

February 2018

OFFICERS

Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board Landmark National Bank Shane Laws, Chairman-Elect Victory Electric Jeff Renner, Immediate Past Chair United Wireless Communications

DIRECTORS

Michael Burns, Landmark National Bank Kerry Tirman, Western Plains Medical Complex Alicia Edwards, DC Women’s Chamber Shane Laws, Victory Electric Lauren Morse, Fischer Chiropractic David Rebein, RBR Law Firm Jeff Renner, United Wireless Communications Simeon Russell, Cargill Greg Ruehle, Servi-Tech Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena Raul De La Torre, ServiceMaster Rapid Response Randy Riekenburg, 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 Jeff Hiers, DC/FC Dev Corp Chairman Jan Stevens, Executive Director Dodge City CVB Cherise Tieben, City of Dodge City Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College Gary Johnson, Plaza Car Wash

CHAMBER STAFF

Tara Burkhart, President tburkhart@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

UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by KFSA

2011 Central Avenue

February 27 - 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

February 2018

The Business Advantage

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SUNFLOWER BANK MARKET PRESIDENT TO CREATE POSSIBILITIES IN 2018 Sunflower Bank announces that Lanny Drummond is now Market President based in Dodge City. In this role, Drummond is responsible for community outreach and the management and growth of Sunflower Bank in Dodge City and Liberal, Kansas. “Lanny joined Sunflower Bank in late 2017, and we are thrilled with the contributions he has already made to enhance the commercial services available to our customers and the community,” said Mike Briney, Regional President. “His knowledge and expertise make him well-suited to understanding the needs of businesses in his market, and providing the support they need to be successful.” With a 30 year banking career dedicated to commercial relationship management, Drummond has held many roles related to credit structuring and loan portfolio management, including Chief Credit Officer. He is a graduate of the National Commercial Lending School of the American Bankers Association and holds an MBA from the University of Missouri. Before relocating to Dodge City, Drummond has served clients in both Kansas and Missouri. He is always an active member of his community, and has been a board member of numerous organizations in his previous locations including the Kiwanis International (Blue Valley Chapter) and the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “It’s wonderful to begin 2018 with Sunflower Bank,” said Drummond. “I care deeply about providing economic opportunities for businesses large and small, and I look forward to using our financial solutions to create possibility in our communities.” About Us Sunflower Bank, First National 1870, and Guardian Mortgage have come together to elevate the community banking experience by providing relationship focused financial solutions to meet personal, business and wealth management objectives. With 60 banking locations, approximately $4 billion in assets, and headquarters in Denver, CO, we operate as Sunflower Bank in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri and First National 1870 in New Mexico and Texas. Guardian Mortgage is our dedicated home mortgage provider serving our entire banking footprint and additional geographies. First National 1870 and Guardian Mortgage are divisions of Sunflower Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. To learn more visit SunflowerBank.com, FirstNational1870.com, or GuardianMortgageOnline.com.

Company: Sunporch of Dodge City Job Title: Marketing & Community Liaison How to Apply: Contat Mark Mingenback, Vice President mark@sunporch.org or 620-791-8858 Company: Cargill of Dodge City, KS Job Title: Hourly Fabrication Production Starting Pay: $15.35/hour For More Information: Contact the Cargill Hiring Center in basement of Village Square Mall or by calling 620-227-5007 How to Apply: www.cargill.com/dodge-city-beef Company: Diamond Roofing Job Title: Residential Roofing Project Manager How to Apply: If interested, please submit a copy of your resume to dave@diamond-roofing.com Company: Western Plains Medical Complex Job Title: Med/Surg/Peds RN - Nights How to Apply: www.lifepointhealth.jobs.net Company: Western Plains Medical Complex Job Title: Med/Surg/Peds RN - Days How to Apply: www.lifepointhealth.jobs.net Company: Boot Hill Casino and Resort Job Title: Human Resources Specialist How to Apply: Print out an application online at www.boothillcasino.com and email the application and resume to beyondthebest@boothillcasino.com

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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400 W. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 1474 Dodge City, KS 67801

The Business Advantage

1-800-OLD-WEST | 620-225-8186 fax: 620-225-8268 | TDD 620-225-8115

CVB Tradeshows

The CVB kicked off this year’s trade show season with the American Bus Association (ABA) conference in Charlotte, North Carolina from January 26 - 30. Assistant CVB Director, Colleen Hastings, attended the conference. During this conference Colleen held nearly 20 appointments with group tour operators (potential bus leads) from all over the nation. Hastings will be attending at Women’s Living Expo in Tulsa, OK from February 9 - 12 with Try Southwest Kansas (a collaborative marketing effort between Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal).

Destination State House

The CVB will also be attending Destination Statehouse in Topeka, KS from February 6 - 8. They will have the opportunity to speak to several legislative representatives about issues related to tourism as well as host a tradeshow-like event with other CVB’s around the state for the legislators. This trade show will not only highlight the communities present, but each community will be showcasing their local mascots. Dodge City Marshall, Brent Harris, will be attending as the Dodge City “mascot” in tourism.

Dodge City Night

Following Destination State House is Dodge City Night on March 5 in Topeka. Jan Stevens and Colleen Hastings from the CVB, along with other city and community members, will be attending this event to promote Dodge City to the legislators. Dodge City will host an evening of entertainment where legislators will be shown Dodge City hospitality. The day will be filled with face-to-face opportunities for those present to meet with legislators about current community topics.

Hunting Contest Results

The CVB ran two hunting contests this pheasant season, Rooster Roundup and Bounty Bird. The Rooster Roundup took place in six Southwest Kansas counties where hunters were given a chance at 50 banded birds in each county associated with a prize of chamber bucks and a hunting hat in addition to being put in a drawling for $500 chamber bucks. The winner the drawling was announced on February 1, on TV 23 with Chris Jewell. The Ford County winner was Matt Turley from Baxter Springs, KS. We had 14 bands turned in from this competition. The Bounty Bird contest took place in Ford County only in addition to Rooster Roundup. One hundred banded birds were released for this contest. Hunters who turned Bounty Bird bands will be receiving community prizes such as Long Branch Lagoon Water Park passes, Boot Hill Distillery gift cards, a night stay at a local hotel, and more. We had 24 of the Bounty Bird bands turned in this year. Hunters from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas turned in bands from these contests. We are proud to be a popular place for hunting not only in Kansas, but in the nation as well.

Your business can advertise here!

Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119

101 E. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 818 Dodge City, KS 67801

February 2018

1-800-381-3690 | (620) 227-9501 fax: (620) 338-8734

Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2018 Downtown Revitalization Improvement Program Main Street Dodge City is accepting applications for 2018 for the Downtown Revitalization Improvement Program. Available to any downtown business or property owner who is a member of the Main Street organization, this program offers up to a $5,000 50/50 grant or zero percent interest loan to help make exterior and interior improvements to downtown properties. To date this program has awarded a total of 32 grants and five loans and has helped leverage over $500,000 of improvements in the downtown district. From its inception, this program has been a catalyst in helping preserve and revitalize several historic properties throughout the downtown district. Applications for this program are currently being accepted and are available at the Main Street Dodge City office. For additional information please contact the Main Street office at (620) 227-9501.

Eisenhower Park Project Over the last four years, Main Street Dodge City, in conjunction with the City of Dodge City, has been working diligently to raise funds to enhance Eisenhower Park, located at 1st & Gunsmoke in downtown. The planned enhancements include new benches, shade sails and landscaping improvements. With the funds nearly raised, the City of Dodge City Parks & Facilities department will start demolition work beginning February 7th. The demolition process should take a maximum of 30 days. We anticipate completing the entire project by June of this year. Check back here for updates on the progress! If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact the Main Street Office at (620) 227-9501.

FindtheChamber onFacebook andTwitter.

The Business Advantage

February 2018

Page 5 Staff

Joann Knight, Executive Director jknight@dodgedev.org Debbie Harris, Special Projects Asst./Workforce dharris@dodgedev.org Krissy Lampe, Main Street Coordinator krissy@dodgedev.org

101 E. Wyatt Earp Dodge City, KS (620) 227-9501

www.dodgedev.org www.dodgecityhasjobs.com www.dodgecityhousing.com

Mollea Wainscott, Special Projects Coordinator housing@dodgedev.org Tara Schraeder, Business Development Coordinator taras@dodgedev.org

FACEBOOK MARKETING TRAINING HUGE SUCCESS On Tuesday, January 23rd, The Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation hosted a Facebook Marketing Training at Victory Electric. The training was facilitated by Dr. Mary Martin, Marketing Professor at Fort Hays State University. Due to the high demand for this course, we are looking into hosting an additional training. We are also looking into the Intermediate-level training. The Management Development Center at FHSU offers a wide variety of trainings that are customizable for any entity, such as Marketing, Hospitality, and other programs like Microsoft Excel and Adobe Illustrator & InDesign. If there is a specific training that you would like to see come to Ford County, please contact Tara Schraeder with the Development Corporation at 620-227-9501 or at taras@dodgedev.org Special thanks to Victory Electric for allowing us to utilize their training room, and to NetWork Kansas for partnering with the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation to bring this event to town.

Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation

UPCOMING FEB./MARCH EVENTS

February 20 Job Fair - Wichita 10:00 AM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call 3:00 PM | Tourism Coalition Meeting February 21 8:00 AM | Youth Entrepreneurship Kansas 2:00 PM | Communications Board February 22 9:00 AM | Youth Entrepreneurship Competition 3:00 PM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call February 23 Final Friday

For more information or to register for any of these upcoming events, please call our office at (620) 227-9501

February 24 10:00 AM | Home Buyers Education Class 6:00 PM | Chamber Banquet

March 6 10:00 AM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call March 7 11:30 AM | Wichita State Feasibility Study Presentation 12:00 PM | Design Committee March 8 Kansas Statewide Job Fair - Garden City 2:00 PM | Bio Gas Plant Ribbon Cutting 3:00 PM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call March 9-10 Eisenhower Leadership Series

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The Business Advantage

CRAFTSMAN COVE OFFERS 6 AND 12 MONTH LEASES Are you looking for a place to live and don’t know where to begin? Look no further! Craftsman Cove has 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans available to rent and all units are equipped with range, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, spacious closets and washer & dryer hookups. For more information contact John at (620) 682-0696. Applications can be picked up at 11170 Kliesen St. Dodge City, KS.

February 2018

BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE Bowl for Kid’s Sake is the primary fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. All of the funds raised within Ford County goes towards making and maintaining new matches within Ford County. Bowl For Kids Sake is our signature event and the bowling event itself is the way we say “thank you” to those who have raised funds for our program. For those that do not wish to bowl, we ask them to get creative and participate in another way to raise funds. Fundraising is done using a “team approach” with the goal of each individual raising $160 and a team of 6 raising $960, to support one match for a year. The estimated amount to make a new match and provide the match support for the year is $960. New mentors are also recruited throughout the campaign. KS Division 1 Basketball Coaches, Gregg Marshall (WSU), Bill Self (KU), and Bruce Weber (K-State) have been Campaign Co-Chairs since 2014. The coaches compete in a friendly competition to see who has the most money and the most new volunteers recruited. The winner gets a traveling trophy and bragging rights for a year. Participants are required to select a coach online or on their pledge sheet. New volunteers will also select a coach at the time of their match being made. Please contact 620.225.0432 or bwood@kansasbigs.org if you’re interested in participating in BFKS or if you would like more information about becoming a Big.

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.

February 2018

The Business Advantage

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3i SHOW FEATURES NEW DATES BEGINNING IN 2018 Western Kansas Manufacturers Association (WKMA) has announced a 3i SHOW date change beginning 2018! Surveys from farmers, producers, and others who attend the annual show indicate the best time for them to attend would be during the winter months. In response to the survey results, the 3i SHOW will immediately kick off new March dates beginning March 22-24, 2018. Eddie Estes, WKMA President, stated “Doing the right thing for the exhibitors and their customers continues to be our focus, especially during these turbulent times in the Ag industry. Our goal with the new March dates is to provide a more convenient time for farmers and producers to be able to step away from their daily duties and connect with exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services that can assist them.” The 3i SHOW will continue being held at the Western State Bank Expo Center in Dodge City. Show hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Dates for the next five years will be: March 22-24, 2018 March 21-23, 2019 March 19-21, 2020 March 18-20, 2021 March 17-19, 2022 For additional information, visit www.3ishow.com, or contact the WKMA office directly toll-free at 877-405-2883 or locally at 620-227-8082. WKMA’s office is located at 1700 E. Wyatt Earp in Dodge City, Kansas.

CUMMINGS CAROUSEL - “ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY” When you’ve been a locally-owned, family-operated business in Dodge City for 31 years you have seen a lot of changes. Cummings Carousel has grown and changed many times over the course of their 31 years in business, but they are very excited about the future of their business as they blend their brick and mortar store with the online community. “We have had the good fortune to make many friends from across the U.S. over our years and we are so happy to be able to connect with them now through social media and our Web site,” says Shari Thomas, co-owner of Cummings Carousel. Thomas owns the store with her sister, Garolyn Cummings-Loschke, and they have enjoyed having their mother, Kay Cummings, in the store with them nearly every day for these 31 years. They extend the term family past just the three of them, as they feel the staff members that have helped build their business over three decades are also a part of their family. “Facebook, Instagram and our Web site (www.cummingscarousel.com) allow us to continue to cultivate a relationship with our horse and cattle show customers, Dodge City-area friends that have moved away, and busy people that love our products, but prefer the convenience of online shopping. We are working every day to make shopping easier and more fun for both our in-store and online customers,” continued Thomas. Another benefit to utilizing the Internet is the ability to showcase many different products. While Cummings Carousel has always been known for their ladies’ apparel, shoes and accessories, they also have a diverse offering of home décor, seasonal décor, gourmet foods, kitchen gadgets, tableware, baby gifts, men’s apparel, furniture and jewelry. They also carry well-known brands like Double D Ranch, Vera Bradley, Kendra Scott, Brighton, Wilton Armetale, Good Grips, LeCreuset and UGG. “If you haven’t stopped by to see us recently, you really should come see all we have to offer. Actually, if you haven’t been by this week then you should come in, have a cup of coffee and just browse. We receive new products nearly every day and we truly try to carry something for everyone,” said Thomas. Gifts have always been one of Cummings Carousel’s specialties. From special occasions and holidays, to small tokens of appreciation, the team at Cummings Carousel has carefully selected products to meet the varied wishes of their clientele and their budgets. Gift wrap is complimentary on new purchases. Cummings Carousel is located in the Gibson Mall at 2600 Central Avenue. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can find them on the Web at www.cummingscarousel. com, or “like” Cummings Carousel on Facebook.

Your business can advertise here!

620.225.4151

705 Second Ave • Dodge City, KS 67801

www.dodgeglobe.com

620-225-2888 www.parkerhaskins.com 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

February 2018

DODGE CITY WELCOMES BOUTIQUE AIR TO SOUTHWEST KANSAS On Monday, January 29, 2018 the business community welcomed Boutique Air to Dodge City with a ribbon cutting. The ribbon cutting was attended by many Chamber ambassadors, local City and County officials including Mayor Kent Smoll, Vice Mayor Jan Scoggins, Ford County Commissioner Chris Boys and Boutique Air’s COO Brian Murphy. Boutique Air began service between Dodge City Regional Airport and Denver International Airport at the beginning of 2018. Fares have started at an introductory rate of $59 from Dodge City, KS to Denver, CO. The schedule features multiple daily round trips and can be found online at www.boutiqueair.com.

Your business can advertise here!

PO Box 37 • 100 McArtor Rd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-2622 www.diamond-roofing.com

Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119