May 2018
Volume 31 MISSION STATEMENT
Issue 5
CHAMBER CHECKS PROGRAM PROMOTES SHOPPING LOCAL
The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and Each year over $20,000 flows through Dodge City merchants in the form of Chamber Checks and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the keeps spending local. Chamber Checks help connect commerce and support Dodge City and the surrounding area for our members. surrounding area’s Chamber businesses. This program keeps dollars circulating within our community, keeping our economy strong.
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
ENCOURAGES CITIZEN ADVOCACY citizen participation to build a better Dodge City
IS TECHNOLOGY FOCUSED increase value to all members
Available in $25.00 denominations. Chamber Checks can be purchased by Chamber members as well as any individual and business throughout the community. Chamber Checks can be purchased with cash or check at the Chamber office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For quick pick-up, purchasers may also call the Chamber office at 620-227-3119 to order in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS CUSTOMER FOCUSED we are here to serve our members
FACILITATES LEADERSHIP training ground for future leaders
Supportive of over 400 local businesses. Chamber Checks are the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether given as a reward for that special coach or teacher, as an employee incentive, prize drawing/contests, or as a special gift for friends or family members. Chamber Checks allow recipients to shop at a wide variety of retail or service-oriented businesses, or for use at local accomodations and restaurants. Chamber Checks keep your dollars local!
Do Chamber Checks expire? Yes. Chamber Checks expire within one year of purchase. Can I exchange Chamber Checks for cash? No. Chamber Checks may be used at any Chamber member business, but they cannot be exchanged for cash at these businesses or at the bank. They must be used to purchase goods or services. I am a Chamber member business. What do I do when I receive Chamber Checks? If you are a member who receives a Chamber Check all you need to do to redeem it is treat it like any other personal check.
THE CHAMBER IS VERY EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR APRIL NEW MEMBERS:
Red Beard Coffee Los Sombreros Mexican Food Edward Jones - Gentry Schneweis Paisley & Pearls Dodge City Appliance G & C Insurance & Income Tax Services
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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 Kerry Tirman, Western Plains Medical Complex 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
May 2018
YMCA OF SWKS HIRES MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR The YMCA of Southwest Kansas recently named Karla Springer Membership Director of the Dodge City branch. Springer had previously held the role of Business Coordinator. According to Branch Executive Director Jackie Regan, Springer’s work ethic, positive attitude, and bilingual abilities were the key factors in the hiring decision. “Karla has very positive energy,” Regan said. “She is a genuinely warm person who makes relationships her priority. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge, either. The staff loves her, and she fits in well with our team. We know she will immediately make an impact with our members as well.” Springer is a native of San Dimas, Calif., where she was a gymnast and an all-star cheerleader. After high school she joined the U.S. Navy, and later attended Brandman University where she obtained her a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. In 2016 Springer relocated to Dodge City with her husband, Kendal, and seven-year-old daughter Olivia. “I fell in love with the culture of Dodge City in 2009 while visiting my husband’s family,” Springer said. “There’s so much history, and more importantly Christian and family values that I wish I’d had in my hometown. I love Dodge City and everything it stands for, and I’m honored to take this position with the YMCA.” To contact Karla Springer, call (620) 225-8157 or email her at kspringer@ymcaswkansas.org.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by Boot Hill Distillery
501 W. Spruce St. Dodge City, KS
May 29th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
May 2018
The Business Advantage
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YOUTH AND HERITAGE EXPANSION PROJECT AT DCPL In the Fall of 2018, Dodge City Public Library will begin a renovation project of the library lower level. The remodeled space will be the new home of the Children’s Department and the Kansas Heritage Center when it moves to the library in 2019. To make the space engaging, valuable, and inspiring , the Dodge City Public Library Board of Trustees requests your support. Money raised through the fundraising campaign will enhance collections and spaces and increase the value and usage of the great resources and services to be offered in the future. Our goal is to secure 36 $1000 donations and 111 $100 donations (36 years in current library building and 111 years in service as an organized library).
Company: Central Station Bar & Grill Job Title: Servers, Bartenders and Expo. How to Apply: Pick up an application during regular business hours at 207 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd. Dodge City, KS 67801
DCCC HONORS ALUMNUS Every year Dodge City Community College honors a distinguished alumnus at a luncheon as part of commencement. This year we honor Bennie Wiley-Betha for Achievement in Education.
Company: Ghumm’s Auto Center - Dodge City Job Title: Salesman Requirements: Daily tasks include but are not limited to greeting customers and assisting in sales, answering phone calls and emails, and working directly with lending institutions and customer financing. How to Apply: Stop by to apply or send your resume to admin@ghummsautocenter.com Company: Great Plains Vision Job Title: Office Coordinator/Accountant How to Apply: Pick up an application at Great Plains Vision, and send in a resume (if applicable) to orderinggpv@gmail.com Company: Boot Hill Distillery Job Title: Part-Time Bartender and Tour Guide How to Apply: Send resume and cover letter to jobs@boothilldistillery.com Company: Dodge City Community College Job Title: Communications Assistant How to Apply: Contact Human Resources at hr@dc3.edu or call 620-227-9201
Does your business have job openings you would like to feature in the next Business Advantage? Pictured above is Dodge City Community College President, Dr. Harrold Nolte, and award recepient, Bennie Wiley-Betha
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
May 2018
DODGE CITY CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK AND NATIONAL TRAIN DAY Dodge City observed National Travel and Tourism Week from May 6th to May 12th and National Train Day on May 12th. The annual National Travel and Tourism Week was designed to draw attention to, enhance perceptions of, and recognize the economic, social, and cultural impacts of tourism. This annual tradition brought industry professionals together to highlight the value of travel and consider the broad impact it holds for our community. Last year alone, visitors spent $134 million in Ford County ranking us 8th in visitor spending among all 105 counties in the state. The theme this year was “Travel -Then and Now”. To celebrate, the Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted an Open House and Chamber Coffee on Tuesday, May 8th, at the Visitors Center to kick off the week, and offered a complementary Historic Trolley Tour at that time. Complementary Historic Trolley Tours also took place on Saturday, May 12th at the Visitor Center. To find out more about the impact tourism brings to Dodge City, visit the CVB’s web page at http://www.visitdodgecity.org/Index.aspx?NID=381 National Train Day is a holiday started by Amtrak in 2008 as a method to spread information to the general public about the advantages of railway travel and the history of trains in the United States. It is held each year on the Saturday closest to May 10, the anniversary of the pounding of the Golden spike in Promontory, Utah which marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. To celebrate National Train Day, an Open House and tours of the Historic Depot took place on May 12th. To find out more about the impact tourism brings to Dodge City, visit the CVB’s web page at http://www.visitdodgecity.org/Index.aspx?NID=417 To find out more about both National Travel and Tourism Week, and National Train Day, and stay in the know about all activities in Dodge City, visit our website www.visitdodgecity.org and the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page.
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS The Convention and Visitors Bureau has welcomed two new Tourism Coordinator team members in the recent weeks, Robin Bailey and Coral Leal. Robin Bailey comes to us from Signature Signs where she operated the business for the past eight years. She will continue to put her graphic design skills to great use with her focus on marketing for us. Some of Robin’s hobbies and interests include horses and outdoor activities. Robin is an animal mom to 2 dogs, 2 horses, and a cat. Coral Leal’s main focus will be the Hospitality Program (a partnership with Dodge City / Ford County Economic Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce). Coral has been married for 14 years to her high school sweet heart, Erasmo Lopez, and they have 3 children ages 13, 5, and 2.
Find the Chamber Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
May 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 5
FORD COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AWARDED DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Elliot Linke, Ford County Communications Director, was awarded the title “Director of the Year” at the 2018 spring Kansas Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO) Conference in April. The nomination, written by a current Ford County Communications Employee, included the following; “Elliot has been the Director of Ford County Emergency Communications for two years. Elliot goes above and beyond for the staff and community. He has an amazing open door policy, which gives the staff confidence to engage in conversations about the department. He takes into consideration his staffs concerns, and a personal interest in each person working underneath him. Elliot came into an extremely broken department. At that time, the department only had six full time dispatchers who worked constant 18 hour shifts. There was no implementation of policies, procedures, or protocols. The department had no emergency preparedness plans, and a radio system that was extremely faulty. The Communications center is located in the basement of an old building that is not entirely stable or properly equipped to meet the dispatcher’s needs.” “Elliot came in with a five year plan to fix the centers staffing, install a new radio system, a new phone system, a new emergency notification system, and a new CAD system. In the short time he has been here, he has already accomplished all of these tasks and is currently in the process of moving to a new facility, which will meet the needs of the department. He has provided the center with a real policy manual, as well as protocols and procedures. He sent every staff member through Emergency Medical Dispatch training and is working on getting the staff through Emergency Fire and Police Dispatch training. He continues to ensure the department has a well-established training program. Elliot has provided the staff with all the necessary tools to succeed at this job.” Congratulations to Elliot! Ford County is lucky to have you!
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The Business Advantage
May 2018
ALLEN REACHES OUT TO COMMUNITY AS NEW SUNPORCH LIAISON Debbie Allen may not be new to caring for elders but she is new to SunPorch of Dodge City. Allen, who has always lived within a 50-mile radius of Dodge City, recently joined the long-term-care residence as the new marketing and community liaison. “I am establishing relationships throughout the community to share SunPorch’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our elders,” Allen said. “I also am talking with local healthcare providers about what we can offer their patients and families. “In addition,” Allen noted, “I am readily available to discuss the needs of elders who live with us now, as well as the needs of those who may join us in the future. We provide family support through the admissions process and beyond.” Allen’s employment background includes serving as information specialist at the SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. While in that position, she became familiar with the Ford County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and became its director in 2003; she left there in March. “Maybe it was my strong connection to my grandparents but I really like working with and for elders,” Allen commented. “I have lived in the Dodge City area for many years and am honored to be in a position to help elders in our community.” She is especially pleased with the new position because she believes in the SunPorch mission. “The folks at SunPorch offer the best care and services,” Allen said. “They have created a living environment that is resident-centered and have exciting plans for the future.” Those plans include the construction of a Green House Project. This will entail a complex of smaller structures, each of which will be home to about 10 people. “We offer great one-on-one care now but the Green Houses will allow even more,” Allen said. “The SunPorch philosophy is living a simple, beautiful life. Elders find that kind of life here as they receive care and support from the most highly trained, compassionate staff in southwest Kansas. “Our staff cares for elders’ physical, medical and emotional needs,” she continued. “And since SunPorch also is committed to its employees, the elders will benefit from a staff that soon becomes like family.” Allen graduated from Jetmore High School and attended Dodge City Community College. She has three sons: Travis lives in Dodge City; Jason and his family in Phoenix; and Jayme and his family near Eugene, Ore. Most of Allen’s siblings and mother live in the Jetmore area. Ryan Salinas, SunPorch of Dodge City administrator, said Allen is the perfect fit for this liaison position. “I am very pleased to have Debbie on board,” Salinas said. “She is the final piece to our administrative team. Besides having a heart for the elderly, Debbie also brings a wealth of knowledge in emergency planning. Her upbeat personality fits perfectly with our team.” SunPorch of Dodge City is located at 501 W. Beeson Rd. Debbie Allen spends time with Rick Torson, an elder at SunPorch of Dodge City. Allen is the new marketing and community liaison at the long-term-care residence.
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.
May 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 7
SHELTER INSURANCE FOUNDATION AND LOCAL AGENTS AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS The Shelter Insurance Foundation along with Jason Putnam Insurance Agency, LLC and Shelter Insurance Agent Michael Mariche awarded scholarships to two local high school students. The Shelter Insurance Foundation awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Leah Stein, a graduate of Dodge City High School. Shelter Agent Jason Putnam sponsors and partially funds this scholarship. The Foundation also awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Erica Treto, a graduate of Dodge City High School. Shelter Agent Michael Mariche sponsors and partially funds this scholarship. Beginning in the fall after the reciepients’ high school graduation Leah and Erica can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study and leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university. A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipients. The committee considered each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character, and participation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national orgin or gender of applicants. The scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Leah received a certificate from Jason and Erica received a certificate from Michael on behalf of the Shelter Foundation. The Shelter Insurance Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies - offering auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services to customers in 14 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ATTENDS AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018 SHOW On May 1-3, Joann Knight, Executive Director for the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation, attended the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018 show. AUVSI XPONENTIAL is the largest, most comprehensive trade show for unmanned systems and robotics. It's the spot to find visionary insight, make new connections and uncover next-generation ingenuity. • 725+ manufacturers in more than 370,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space were in attendance. Attendees saw all of the latest emerging technology, the chance to connect directly with suppliers and establish critical partnerships to advance your organization. • 200+ world-class sessions in four unique tracks (Policy, Technology, Business Solutions and Trending Topics)- Attendees learned about the latest innovations, policies and use cases to capitalize on new opportunities. • 8,500+ industry pros- Attendees could connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, discuss common challenges and solutions and expand your professional circle. • 20+ industries represented- Attendees got a chance to understand the entire picture and hear directly from customers, enterprise users and technology leaders discussing the integration of unmanned systems across a variety of industries and applications.
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
May 2018
Look What The Ambassadors Have Been Up To! Interested in getting involved with the Ambassadors? Contact Marisa Vargas at 620-227-3119 or by email at mvargas@dodgechamber.com
On Thursday, April 13th the Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Hugo Garcia Farmer’s Insurance Agency.
PO Box 37 • 100 McArtor Rd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-2622 www.diamond-roofing.com
On Saturday, April 14th the City of Dodge City hosted a ribbon cutting for the Warrior Project - Bio Gas Facility. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran was present for the event.
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
Page 9
The Business Advantage
Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant was welcomed to the Dodge City Chamber business community on Wednesday, April 18th.
Representatives Boyd Orr and Brad Ralph along with Senators John Doll and Bud Estes were present at the Memorial Highway Dedicate for Sgt. Greg Steimel and PFC Richard Conrardy on Saturday, April 21st.
On Friday, April 27th the Chamber Ambassadors hosted the Annual Golf Classic at Mariah Hills Golf Course. Beautiful weather and over 20 teams made for a perfect day of golf! Thank you to all of our sponsors and all of the golfers who participated.
May 2018
The Chamber Ambassadors welcomed Glik’s Clothing store to Dodge City on Thursday, April 19th. Glik’s is located in Village Square Mall.
New member, Red Beard Coffee, hosted the April Chamber Coffee. Owner Clinton Conant welcomed all who were in attendance and communicated his vision for the business.