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
Refer a new Chamber Member in 2018 and earn Chamber Bucks when they join!
January 2018
Issue 1
A LETTER FROM 2018 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD:
MICHAEL BURNS
DEFINING OUR PRIORITIES As we reflect on 2017, many successes and milestone achievements were realized by the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce. On February 24th, we are excited to share and celebrate those successes at our Annual Banquet. However, reflecting on 2017 leaves us with a desire to achieve more. Our progress in 2017 has positioned us to define priorities for our organization in 2018 and beyond. Defined priorities will be established and shared with our members. Defined priorities that will focus the day-to-day efforts of Chamber staff. Defined priorities that will provide our members additional opportunities to engage in work that will make Dodge City a progressive community. Defined priorities that will allow us to showcase the value and benefit of your membership in the organization. Dodge City needs an engaged and focused Chamber of Commerce. During the Annual Banquet, I look forward to sharing our initial thoughts on 2018 priorities that will define the future or our organization.
Michael Burns
Landmark National Bank We will see you at the 2018 Annual Banquet! Reserve your seat today by calling 620-227-3119 or emailing info@dodgechamber.com.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Business Advantage
January 2018
THANK YOU FIDELITY STATE BANK
OFFICERS
Michael Burns, Chairman of the Board Landmark National Bank 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
On Thursday, December 21st, members of the Chamber staff and the Dodge City Days committee celebrated Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. for their involvement in the Dodge City Days Festival. Not only does Fidelity host an amazing Chuckwagon Breakfast event during the festival each year (Wednesday, August 1, 2018) but they also were the consignment location that sold the most lapel pins in 2017! When you stop by the bank, look for the plaque that names them this year’s lapel pin sales contest winners. Thank you to everyone at Fidelity for all you do for Dodge City Days!
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 Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters
2601 Central Ave. - Village Square Mall Basement
January 30 - 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
January 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 3
BOOT HILL MUSEUM AWARDED CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GRANTS On November 9th, Boot Hill Museum was awarded two grants from the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas for their capital campaign. Boot Hill Museum received $25,000 from the Beal Fund of CFSWK and $5,000 from a general fund of CFSWK. Boot Hill Museum will be using this grant money to fund their expansion project they will be breaking ground on in the fall of this year. The new building will feature 8 new exhibits, a temporary exhibit gallery, lobby, and gift shop. This project is made possible through STAR Bonds and will be able to fund 78% of the entire expansion through STAR Bond money, leaving the museum to raise a little over $1 million. “The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas kicked off our capital campaign with this generous grant money and we are excited to begin the fundraising effort for the museum expansion.” Said Laura Tawater, Donor Relations and Marketing Manager at Boot Hill Museum.
BOOT HILL THANKS FIDELITY STATE BANK
Become a part of the Chamber team today! The Chamber is looking to fill the Marketing/Membership Director position. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please submit a resume and cover letter to info@dodgechamber.com. Other Businesses Hiring Company: Bank of the West Job Title: Branch Manager Location: Dodge City Branch How to Apply: https://botw.taleo.net/careersection/external/ jobdetail.ftl?job=033482 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
Thank you to Fidelity State Bank for giving Boot Hill Museum a $2,000 check from the proceeds of their 2017 Dodge City Days Chuckwagon Breakfast. Boot Hill Museum is very grateful for their generosity!
The Chamber staff and current Board of Directors would like to thank the following retiring Board members for their years of service! MICHAEL BRAKEY BRAD LEWIS SUSAN OTTERSTEIN Correction: The December 2017 issue of the Business Advantage featured an article titled “Rib Crib is Coming to Dodge City” and proper credit was not given at the time of publication. The article was written by Vincent Marshall, Interim Managing Editor, Dodge City Daily Globe.
GAVIN UNRUH
The Business Advantage
Page 4
400 W. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 1474 Dodge City, KS 67801
1-800-OLD-WEST | 620-225-8186 fax: 620-225-8268 | TDD 620-225-8115
Dodge City Ranked Fourth in True West Magazine’s “Top 10 True Western Towns” Dodge City was again listed in the Top 10 True Western Towns of 2018 by True West Magazine. This year, Dodge City is ranked fourth, just behind Abilene, Kan., Buffalo, Wyo., and Trinidad, Colo. The criteria for this award is based on preservation and promotion of our western heritage. Also, True West Magazine recognized Dodge City in their ‘Best of the West’ issue where Dodge was named Best Old West Gunfighter Town, Best Historic Town Tour, Best Promotion of a Historic Place, and Best Historic Cemetery of the West.
Holiday Lights Contest The First Annual Holiday Lights Contest was put on by the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Dodge City Daily Globe. The contest had an impressive 39 entries making the judges’ jobs difficult. Winners were announced the week before Christmas. First place was Ava Arntt on Longbranch Road. Second place was Niles and Sue Wiseman on Ragan Road. There was also an honorable mention, Andrea and Armando Estrella on Barham Boulevard. Every winner was given a yard sign to boast their victories, and first and second place winners received cash prizes. The CVB, Chamber, and Globe are thankful for the participation in this year’s contest and look forward to seeing this contest a success for years to come.
CVB Tradeshows The CVB will kick off this year’s trade shows with the American Bus Association (ABA) conference in Charlotte, North Carolina from January 26 - 30. Assistant CVB Director, Colleen Hastings, will be attending the conference. Megan Welsh, Tourism Coordinator, recently attended the Kansas Society of Association Executives (KSAE) conference and trade show in Topeka. During this conference, Megan saw 30 attendees (representing more than 20 associations) at the Dodge City booth and was given the opportunity to promote Dodge City to 7 specific associations during the appointmentbased event called the “Exchange Event.” These trade shows and the multiple trade shows the CVB will attend in the months to come will attract many from all over the nation to “Get the heck INTO Dodge!”
New Year’s Resolution Are you still trying to decide on a New Year’s Resolution? The CVB has an idea for you! Commit to submitting your community events to our online calendar at visitdodgecity.org to help us help you promote your future events. The CVB works tirelessly to keep not only visitors but local hotels, restaurants, and attractions aware of what is taking place in our community. Receive some free advertising by submitting your event by going to our calendar section of our website.
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
January 2018
1-800-381-3690 | (620) 227-9501 fax: (620) 338-8734
Downtown Economic Impact Since July 2010, when Dodge City became a Main Street community, we have been keeping track of the flow of businesses, job creation, dollars being invested and volunteer hours that all contribute to the revitalization of our downtown area. Below is the current and up-to-date statistics of what has been accomplished in the downtown over this time frame. Total Public/Private Reinvestment: $8.7 million Volunteer Hours: Over 5,000
Downtown Improvement Program Launched in 2011 with funding from the Why Not Dodge Sales Tax fund, the Downtown Revitalization Improvement Program offers a 50/50 exterior grant up to $5,000 or a 50/50 zero-percent interest loan up to $5,000 to any downtown property owner who is a member of Main Street to help make repairs and improvements to the downtown buildings. Total Number of Exterior Grants Awarded: 30 Total Amount Awarded: $129,624. 75 Total Number of Interior Loans Awarded: 5 Amount Awarded: $37,067 Total Amount Leveraged from Private Businesses (Estimated) : $502,929.09
Downtown Special Event Grant
Aimed at bringing new events to the historic downtown district, the Downtown Special Event Grant is geared towards attracting events that will energize downtown merchants, provide cultural enhancement of the downtown, and brand downtown Dodge City as a place of inclusion, vitality, community, culture, and entertainment. The program will provide grants up to $500 per request to help bring new and emerging events and activities to the downtown area. Events sponsored through the Downtown Special Event Grant are intended to offer a variety of diverse, high quality events that provide compelling reasons to visit downtown Dodge City. Applications for the grant can be accessed by visiting MainStreetDodgeCity.org or contacting the Main Street Dodge City office at 620-227-9501 or krissy@dodgedev.org. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The special event for which funds are sought must take place within the same calendar year that the application is submitted. For questions or additional information, please contact Krissy Lampe at 620-227-9501.
FindtheChamber onFacebook andTwitter.
January 2018
The Business Advantage
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
THE POWER DISTRICT LOTS ARE SPOKEN FOR By The Dodge City Daily Globe
At the City of Dodge City commission meeting on Monday, December 18th, two bids were put in for the three lots on 14th Avenue in the Power District, one from Casey’s General Store for one lot on the corner of 14th and Soule Street, and one from Dodge Partners LLC for the other two lots just to the North. Dodge Partners LLC is the same group that put purchased the previous A&W location on 14th Avenue. This site is now being built to house AT&T, Great Clips and Nail Addiction. For lot one, the city approved entering into a letter of intent with Casey’s while authorizing staff to begin negotiations with Dodge Partners for the other two. “The property can’t be developed until the (First Assembly of God) church is done,” Joann Knight with Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation said. The church had sold their land to the city, and will be relocating their church to the corner of Iron Road and 14th Avenue. The Sutherland’s development will begin construction while the new church is being built. Once the church is built, the demolition of the previous church will take place. Demolition on the current parsonage took place during the last week of December. Once all three Power District lots are sold, the proceeds from each sale will go to Dodge City Community College, as part of an agreement with the college to sell 3.1 acres of property for retail development near 14th Avenue and Soule Street.
Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation
UPCOMING JANUARY EVENTS For more information or to register for any of these upcoming events, please call our office at (620) 227-9501
January 8 8:30 AM | Dev. Corp Staff Meeting 10:00 AM | Main Street Board Meeting 1:00 PM | City Department Head Meeting January 9 10:00 AM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call 12:00 PM | CHAT Tour 1:30 PM | Public Sector Focus Group 3:00 PM | Community Organization Focus Group 4:30 PM | Realtors Focus Group January 10 7:30 AM | Builders/Developers Focus Group 8:00 AM | DCHS Job Fair 9:30 AM | Major Employers Focus Group 11:00 AM | Financial Orgs. Focus Group 12:00 PM | Design Committee Meeting January 11 10:00 AM | Promotion Committee Mtg.
3:00 PM | Night to Shine Committee Mtg. 3:00 PM | Leadership Dodge Facilitation 3:00 PM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call January 12 10:00 AM | SWKS ED Directors Meeting January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Offices Closed January 16 10:00 AM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call 2:30 PM | BRES Survey - Roto Mix 3:00 PM | Tourism Coalition Meeting January 17-18 KS Workforce Summit - Topeka January 17 2:00 PM | Communications Board January 18 3:00 PM | Night to Shine Meeting
3:00 PM | Mid Level Medical College Conf. Call January 19-20 Winter Expo January 19 9:00 AM | Dodge City Night Committee Mtg. January 22 6:00 PM | Night to Shine Volunteer Training January 23 9:00 AM | FHSU Facebook Marketing Training January 25-27 Eisenhower Leadership Meeting January 27 10:00 AM | Night to Shine Volunteer Training January 31 5:00 PM | wKREDA Legislative Meeting
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The Business Advantage
WILDTREE COMMUNITY PARTY
TIAK APPOINTS NEW BOARD
Wildtree believes that food should be safe, natural and easy to prepare - all at the same time and now’s your chance to try out that philosophy.
Topeka, Kan. - The Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) announces the appointment of new officers to its Board of Directors, as well as the full slate of board members for 2018.
Come and stock your freezer with meals or simply join the party to learn about cooking the Wildtree way. There will be food and wine samples so come hungry! Community Workshop Dodge City Public Library February 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. RSVP to 620-385-0800 by January 28th
January 2018
The new Executive Committee appointments are President Jan Stevens, Dodge City Convention & Visitors Bureau; President-Elect Stacy Barnes, City of Greensburg; Vice President Kelly Peetoom, Olathe Convention & Visitors Bureau; Secretary Susan Rathke, Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Treasurer Jim Zaleski, Labette County Convention & Visitors Bureau. TIAK would like to thank Past President Bridgette Job, Kansas City, Kan. Convention & Visitors Bureau, for her leadership and continued support of Kansas travel and tourism. “We are pleased to welcome the 2018 slate of board members and officers to TIAK, and appreciate the efforts of the tourism professionals that have contributed so much to our industry in years’ past,” stated TIAK’s Executive Director, Marlee Carpenter. “We look forward to working with a diverse Board to advance the power of travel in Kansas.”
COUNTRY CLUB FEATURES WINTER HOURS Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A bartender will be on staff until close but the kitchen will close at 2:00 p.m. Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. New hours for the lunch crowd! Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Hours will be extended when the weather warms up or ladies golf league begins. Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - close Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - close Friday: 11:00 a.m. - close Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - close Not a member of the Country Club and want to be? Contact Renee Ricke, General Manager, at 620-225-5231.
The slate of board members for 2018 is as follows: Brett Oetting, Visit Topeka, Inc. LeAnn Cox, Hutchinson Convention & Visitors Bureau Kevin Fern, Visit Shawnee Scott Allen, Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy, Inc. Susie Santo, Visit Wichita Holly Lofton, Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau Lea Ann Seiler, Hodgeman County Economic Development Diane Wolfe, Council Grove Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Roxanne Morgan, Finney County Convention & Visitors Bureau Tiffany Benien, Visit Salina Michele Stimatze, Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau Julie Saddler, Colby Convention & Visitors Bureau Julie Roller, Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Additional board members include Roger Hrabe, Rooks County Economic Development; and Stacy Davis, Sumner County Economic Development; as Presidential Appointments; as well as Karen Hibbard, Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau, representing the Kansas State Fair Board; and Suzan Barnes, Grand Central Hotel, representing the Governor’s Council on Tourism. Ex-Officio members include Linda Craghead, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism; Mary Arlington, Kansas Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds; Bobbie Athon, Kansas State Historical Society; Alexis Woodall, Kansas Museums Association; Tammy Ensey, Kansas Bed & Breakfast Association; WenDee LaPlant, Kansas Sampler Foundation; and Adam Mills, Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association. ### The Travel Industry Association of Kansas is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of travel and tourism in Kansas. For more information, visit www.tiak.org.
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.
January 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 7
KITCHENS, INC. WELCOMES TWO NEW EMPLOYEES Kitchens Inc. would like to announce the recent hiring of a new Commercial Estimator and Project Manager to their team. Leslie Lomas, of Dodge City, and Chris Wilson, of Cimarron, joined Kitchens Inc in August of 2017.
Leslie Lomas, Commercial Estimator
Chris Wilson, Project Manager
JAN SCOGGINS NAMED 2017 WOMAN OF THE YEAR The Dodge City Area Women’s Chamber honored Jan Scoggins with the 2017 Woman of the Year Award at their December meeting. Jan is a very deserving recipient of this award. She has spent most of her life promoting the rights of women. She is a past director of the Crisis Center. Jan is currently the Southwest Kansas Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman serving residents in 59 adults care homes. She has served as a state representative for the 119th District and is currently serving as a City Commissioner. Jan will be honored for her service to women, the elderly, Dodge City and the State of Kansas at the annual Dodge City Chamber of Commerce banquet on February 24th.
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
The Business Advantage
Page 8
January 2018
A letter from the Ambassadors The 2018 Ambassadors are looking forward to another great year of networking in the Dodge City business community. I hope many you of you get a chance to come out and join us for chamber coffees, ribbon cuttings and networking at night events. It is my pleasure to introduce a great group of people that will represent the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce. The 2018 ambassador committee are as followed:
• Aaron Atzbach - Western State Bank • Erica Walsh - Hampton Inn & Suites • Jerri Imgarten - Victory Electric • Joe Nuci - Real Estate Professionals • Kelley Linn - Keller Leopold • Kennedy St. George - Victory Electric • Larry Gabel - Brookdale • Laura Tawater - Boothill Museum • Maria Ferreiro - Sunflower Bank
Please save the date for the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. This year the tournament will be April 27 at Mariah Hills Golf Course. We look forward to see you there as well as the other events during the year.
Jason Hennigh
Landmark National Bank
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