February 2019
Volume 32 MISSION STATEMENT
Issue 2
COMEDY NIGHT IN DODGE CITY!
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 JANUARY NEW MEMBERS: Demi Brows & Beauty Gordmans Interstate Batteries of West Kansas Wonderful Hair LLC
The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invites you to the 2019 Annual Meeting and Banquet. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 6:00pm. Join us for a fun night of food, drinks, networking and COMEDY! There is still time to reserve your seat at the banquet or to become a sponsor! Contact the Chamber at 620-227-3119 or email Joni Wittman at jwittman@dodgechamber.com to reserve your spot today.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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 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 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 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 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
CHAMBER STAFF
Tara Burkhart, President tburkhart@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
February 2019
NEX-TECH EARNS GOOGLE PARTNER STATUS Nex-Tech is pleased to announce that the Advertising Solutions division has achieved Google Partner status and is listed on the Google Ads partner page. The Google Partner badge is for businesses that demonstrate Google Ads skills and expertise. This requires the business have at least two employees certified in Google Ads products that maintain the latest product knowledge, and meet monthly criteria for the successful use of advertising options with Google. Digital Marketing Specialists Aubree Broyles of Hays and Daniel Schwindt of McPherson are the Nex-Tech employees that maintain certification in Google Ads. They, along with a talented team of marketing specialists, web designers, audio and video production specialists and graphic designers, provide expert Google Ads services and wide variety of digital, design, web, social media and consulting services to nearly 100 businesses throughout the United States. “This recognition from Google proves that even though we live in a rural area, we’re keeping pace with technology experts around the world and bringing powerful advertising tools to our local businesses,” said Broyles. Schwindt added, “It’s really an honor to be trusted by so many clients to manage these complex campaigns and influence the digital presence of their businesses.”
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
Dodge City YMCA 240 San Jose St.
Tuesday, Feb. 26th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
February 2019
The Business Advantage
Page 3
DIERKSEN APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON EDUCATION Governor Kelly has appointed Dr. Fred Dierksen to the Governor’s Council on Education. He will be serving as Co-Chair along with Dr. Cynthia Lane, Retired, KCK Public Schools Kansas City. In response to the appointment, Dr. Dierksen said, "I welcome the opportunity to serve on the Council. It is an honor to work with fellow Kansans that are equally passionate about education. My experience of thirty-seven years ranges from the classroom to large and diversified school districts. I have a particular interest in Southwest Kansas and the unique demands of workforce development." According to Lisa Killion, Board President, “Dr. Dierksen is a great leader of our district, and he will be an excellent representative for The Council on Education and Dodge City Public Schools as he serves in this capacity. We are thrilled that he is our Superintendent.” The first meeting will be Wednesday, January 30, in Topeka, Kansas. For more information, contact Kerri Baker @ 620-371-1023
Company: Kelly Henrichs, DDS Job Title: Dental Hygiene Assistant How to Apply: Mail a resume to Assistant, 100 Ross Blvd. #2C, Dodge City, KS 67801 Company: Hospice of the Prairie and Prairie Home Health Job Title: RN Home Health Case Manager How to Apply: Submit a resume to info@hospiceoftheprairie.com Company: National Beef Job Title: Harvest B-Shift Clerk Duties: Daily harvest production data entry, assists management team, assists and interacts with hourly and management employees, commuicates with both internal and external departments, general receptionist duties, Kronos preparation, and various other duties as required. How to Apply: Contact the National Beef employment office to apply for this position. Company: Trinity Manor Job Title: Full-Time Cook Duties: Prepares and serves meals, responds to immediate residence needs, attends and participates in continuing education to keep current on changes in profession as well as maintain certification. How to Apply: Contact Trinity Manor at 620-227-8551 for more information about this position and how to apply. Does your business have job openings you would like to feature in the next Business Advantage?
Dr. Fred Dierksen, Superintendent of Schools, pictured here with Governor, Laura Kelly, will serve as the Co-Chair of the Governor’s Council of Education.
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
February 2019
SUNPORCH OFFERS MENTOR PROGRAM TO EMPLOYEES Even though it is the employees that take the classes, it is the elders at SunPorch of Dodge City that ultimately reap the benefits. SunPorch recently started a Mentoring Program designed to enhance services provided by certified nurse’s aides (CNAs) and certified medication aides (CMAs), as well as those who work in the dietary, housekeeping and laundry departments. “The mentoring classes help us focus on being respectful of everyone – colleagues, visitors and especially our elders,” said Jennifer Kephart, CMA, who participated in the program. “We want to listen to and learn from each elder so we can satisfy individual needs. “The classes help us broaden our view of any situation and see it from another person’s point of view,” Kephart continued. “As a CMA, I want to learn about each individual I care for so we can form a good relationship of trust and caring. As a mentor, I want to help newcomers do the same.” Kephart also noted that because of the mentor classes, she better understands that “everyone learns differently and this will help when I interact with and mentor others.” Ryan Salinas, SunPorch administrator, is leading the classes. He had observed a mentoring class at a previous job and knew it would be a good fit for SunPorch elders and employees. “Studies have shown that in-house mentors accomplish several things,” Salinas commented. “The first is better employee retention, which is extremely important in the long-term-care setting. Team members tend to stay on the job longer if they have a mentor; it is important to have someone to rely on during those early days.
Raymond Kostick, a SunPorch of Dodge City elder, enjoys a good rapport with Jennifer Kephart, CMA. Kephart participated in the SunPorch Mentoring Program where employees focus on putting elders first.
“Our elders get to know their aides and we want to do all we can to retain our good employees,” he added. Hand-picked mentors are chosen for several reasons, including their expertise in a certain area, and how they interact with elders and colleagues. “Mentors have direct input into training methods and this helps create a buy-in from new employees,” Salinas said. “And finally, the Mentoring Program is an opportunity to reward team members who show great drive and perseverance.” Michala Abney, SunPorch licensed practical nurse and human resources manager, noted that mentoring not only enhances training, it also “ensures that new employees have an experienced and trusted advisor. Department directors hand-pick participants based on their leadership qualities such as compassion, competency, dependability and positive work history.”
February 2019
The Business Advantage
Page 5
LOCAL FIRM NAMED TO ‘2019 BEST LAW FIRMS’ LIST
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The Business Advantage
February 2019
GRANT ALLOWS MUCH NEEDED SCIENCE UPGRADES By Scott Edger
Mary Scott will be using a recently awarded $10,000 grant from the Procter & Gamble Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to purchase new microscopes for the Dodge City Community College science department. Scott, a biology professor at DC3, is especially appreciative of the Foundation’s grant process. She says community colleges often fall into a gap when it comes to science grants. “Many grants are aimed at K-12 schools,” she said. “A lot of grants go to large universities that are more research oriented. So at the community college level we can often get left out, but our students deserve good equipment to get them to the next step.” The school will be purchasing four oil immersion microscopes which allow 1000x levels of magnification – enabling cellular and microbiology students to positively identify bacteria and other microorganisms. As part of the package, DC3 will also get an adapter head that will display the scope’s image through a television screen – giving students an even larger look at specimens without having to stand in line to view a slide one at a time. “That’s so helpful because now as a teacher I know that the students are seeing what they need to be seeing,” Scott said. “I can literally point out details on a screen versus wondering if they’re seeing the same thing I’m seeing.” The adapter head also takes digital pictures for reports or PowerPoint presentations. Scott is grateful for the direct funds. She says many larger corporate grants benefit community colleges more indirectly, often as ancillary beneficiaries of programs run through larger schools. “Our supplier really worked with us to get what we needed within the grant budget,” Scott said. “The money goes right into what it was intended for.” The timing is good. The department’s current microscopes are all at least a decade old. In addition, DC3 has seen a surge in microbiology enrollments, highlighting the need for updated equipment to keep up with growing demand for science and medical courses, as well as trying to keep pace with what may be offered at other institutions. The successful grant application was very much a team effort. Scott applied for the grant through the DC3 Foundation’s status as a 501c3 organization, and Foundation director Christina Haselhorst provided valuable guidance regarding the overall grant process. Scott also received advice from Kathryn O’Neil, assistant professor of English at DC3. “I cannot overemphasize the value of these four new microscopes to our school,” she said. “It may not seem like much, but little by little we can improve learning quality and availability.”
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.
February 2019
The Business Advantage
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GWALTNEY NAMED PRESIDENT OF ROOFING ASSOC. In October, Kevin Gwaltney of Diamond Roofing was named President of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA). The annual convection was held in Omaha and Gwaltney was passed the gavel from former president Greg Sprague of Sprague Roofing of Lincoln, NE. The convention had one of the best attendances with over 1,200 attendees gathering at the event. As the owner of Diamond Roofing, with locations in Dodge City and Manhattan, KS. Gwaltney is a veteran of over 20 appearances at the convention and is starting his 13th year on the MRCA Board of Directors. The MRCA has long been regarded as the contractors advocate and Gwaltney plans to continue this tradition. The association and its convention are great resources for members of the roofing industry. Industry professionals can attend continuing education classes as well as hands on demonstrations of new materials, applications and tools on the trade show floor. “We are an association of contractors and associates who are willing to support, educate, and mentor roofing professionals. These relationships provide a return on investment of membership dues and I encourage all MRCA contractors and associates to take full advantage of the benefits of memberships.” Gwaltney said after his election. Gwaltney added that “he would like to be considered a resource when members run across industry challenge and that he, along with the MRCA Directors and staff, feels privileged to help solve problems and create opportunities for members.” During his presidency of the association, Gwaltney hopes to share the organizations sense of pride in its members’ work, he believes this has been passed from one generation to the next and a feeling that keeps MRCA united. Celebrating this pride and recognizing companies for their accomplishments, all while helping them to reach their next goal or over their next hurdle is the whole purpose of membership, according to Gwaltney. Gwaltney, whose term will end at the November 20-22, 2019 convention in Overland Park, KS said, “I am honored and humbled to serve this organization as President. I thank the past leaders of this organization for the firm foundation I find myself on. I pledge to the membership to lead based on the core values of MRCA. We will remain the contractors advocate and provide exceptional benefits that are relevant to developing successful roofing companies, while remaining a fiscally responsible organization.”
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
February 2019
MEET OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS! Mario Rayo Multicultural Committee Co-Chair Mario Rayo is a Risk Advisor at Fee Insurance Group in Dodge City. Rayo began his career with Fee in 2016 and has been getting more involved with the community ever since. Rayo is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Multicultural Committee. Qualifications CAWC Designation, Property and Casualty License, Life and health License, Completed first year of the Pacesetter program, Currently in the Alumni Program, graduate of Leadership Dodge, Vice President of the Multicultural Committee How do you help people understand the impact of their risk? I make sure to understand our clients business and also establish a relationship, so we can understand the importance of their business. We are always transparent and if any problems arise we are there right next to them making sure they are taken care of. How do you spend your time when you’re not at work? Family is very important to me so when I am away from work I love doing outdoor activities with my wife and two daughters. What is your work-related philosophy? Adding value and uniqueness to the job, being a partner and not just being a commodity.
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
February 2019
The Business Advantage
Page 9
On Friday, February 1st, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Demi Brows & Beauty. Demi Brows & Beauty is located at 509 N. Second Ave. in downtown Dodge City.
Western Plains Medical Complex celebrated the opening of their C-Section Suite on Friday, February 1st. The addition of the new, state-of-the-art C-Section Suite in the Family Birth Center will keep families together and allow recovery time for mom and baby.
On Monday, February 11th, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Wonderful Hair Salon. Wonderful Hair Salon is located in the Village Square Mall at 2601 Central Ave.