October 2018
Volume 31 MISSION STATEMENT
Issue 10
GET REGISTERED. BE INFORMED. GO VOTE.
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.
The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce believes it is important for all Chamber members and community members to be informed on all candidates filing for elected office and understand the issues at hand. Most importantly, we hope you will register to vote, encourage your employees to register to vote, find your polling location, and cast your ballot!
ORGANIZATION CORE VALUES
Here are a few important dates and FYIs regarding the 2018 Election.
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 September NEW MEMBERS: Southwest KS Library System RE/MAX Villa Chu My’s Kitchen La Espiga Dorada Tortilleria 8 Seconds Bar and Grill
★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
October 16th - Last day to register to vote October 17th - Advance ballots are mailed October 18th - In office voting will begin (100 Gunsmoke, 4th Floor, Hours 9:00am - 4:30pm) October 30th - Deadline for advance ballots mailed November 5th - In office voting ends at noon November 6th - Election Day! Polls are open from 7:00am - 7:00pm If you have voted at the Civic Center in past elections, your polling location this year will be Western State Bank Expo Center (11333 US-283 Dodge City, KS) Passengers exercising their right to vote will ride free of charge on Dodge City’s Public Transportation. To schedule a ride, please call 620-371-3879.
Contact the Ford County Election Office at 620-227-4551 for questions regarding voter registration, polling locations and more.
HEAR FROM YOUR GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES
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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
October 2018
COOK JOINS THE PRAIRIE HOME HEALTH TEAM Prairie Home Health recently hired Beth Cook, RN as a Prairie Home Health Case Manager! Beth joins an extraordinary group of Prairie Home Health Case Managers including Maria Hernandez RN, Liliana Rodriguez RN and Casey Yancey RN. The Home Health Case Managers at Prairie Home Health are led by Home Health Coordinator Cody Shelor RN and Executive Director Julie Pinkerton RN. Prairie Home Health staff live and work in our service area and are committed to providing the most comprehensive home care to the community including bilingual RN staff. Prairie Home Health is the only community based, not for profit Medicare certified Home Health Program in Dodge City and the surrounding areas. When your loved one needs home health, be sure to support local business and ask for Prairie Home Health! Hospice of the Prairie & Prairie Home Health is a not for profit organization serving the community for over 35 years. Give us a call at 620-227-7209 or email at info@hospiceoftheprairie.com to learn more about our organization!
LANDMARK IS HIRING At Landmark National Bank, we are beginning a search to add a new Commercial Banking Assistant to our team in Dodge City. The opportunity would fit well for anyone looking to begin a career in banking or looking for a flexible work schedule. Feel free to share with any friends or acquaintances that might be interested in the learning about the role. Anyone interested in the position should apply online at https://www.banklandmark.com/careers/. A full job description can be found on page 22 of this newsletter.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE hosted by
Boot Hill Museum
Long Branch Saloon - 500 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd.
Tuesday, Oct. 30th - 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
October 2018
The Business Advantage
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WE’VE MOVED! Heritage Financial Solutions, LLC has moved to a new location. See our new contact information below. 707 3rd Avenue, Suite B Dodge City, KS 67801 Phone: 620-471-2020 Fax: 620-471-2017 www.heritagefs.net Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Diversified Portfolio Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Diversified Portfolio Management, LLC and Heritage Financial Solutions, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.
NEW MANAGER - SHOE SENSATION
Company: Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School Job Title: Paraprofessional How to Apply: Please call Patty Wolnik at the school at 620-227-6532 ext. 1002/1007 or email her at patricia.wolnik@dcshcs.com Company: Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School Job Title: Part Time Custodian How to Apply: Please contact Lynne Habiger for details at 620-227-6532.
There is exciting news to share about your local Shoe Sensation! Heather Taylor has relocated from Kansas City, MO (Pleasant Hill, MO) to be exact, to be the new Store Manager at Shoe Sensation. Heather is excited to be here in Dodge City and working with this great team. She can’t wait to get involved in community activities and partnerships and get to meet and know everyone. Her puppy, Jax, loves meeting new people as well. Stop by the store anytime and say hi to Heather. She would love to meet you, and so would her team if you haven’t met them yet.
Shoe Sensation Village Square Mall 2601 Central Ave., Dodge City, KS 67801 620-227-5353
Company: National Beef Job Title: Maintenance Technician Duties: Preventative maintenance; rebuilding, repairing, and/or replacing equipment/machinery/parts; installation of equipment, and troubleshooting. How to Apply: Apply online at www.nationalbeef.com/careers Company: National Beef Job Title: Loss Prevention Officer Duties: Secure premises by patrolling property, monitoring CCTV eqipment, inspect vehicles/carry bags, and monitor controlled access points. How to Apply: Apply online at www.nationalbeef.com/careers
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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The Business Advantage
October 2018
NEW PROVIDER AT SOUTH CENTRAL KS BONE & JOINT South Central Kansas Bone and Joint Center is proud to introduce a new provider to our Dodge City clinic, Ritchey Simon, graduated with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Wichita State in December 2017 and has been working with our Podiatrist, Dr. Scott Gordon ever since. Ritchey was born and raised in Kansas City and has lived in Pratt for a little over 2 years. She is married and has the cutest 4 month old baby boy. Ritchey is an avid Royals and Chiefs fan and really enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, attending concerts and Broadway musicals, and traveling! She is looking forward to getting to know our patients out in Dodge City! You can call (620) 225-7744 to make an appointment with Ritchey Simon, DNP, for any foot and ankle concerns at our new clinic 1206 W. Frontview St, Suite 203 Dodge City, KS.
The South Central Kansas Bone and Joint Center specializes in the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of orthopaedic and podiatric disorders. Care for arthritis-related diseases is delivered by physicians and staff who treat patients with the highest quality, professional care. In addition to their Pratt and Dodge City locations, clinics are available in Elkhart, Kinsley, Medicine Lodge, Ulysses, and Meade.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, SAVE! Sunflower Bank is pleased to announce that they are accepting submissions for the Lights, Camera, Save! teen video contest. The winner of the national competition is eligible for a prize up to $5,000. Hosting this competition is one way Sunflower Bank creates possibilities for the communities they serve and supports financial literacy for our youth. The contest is open through December 3. All contest information is available on our website: https://www.sunflowerbank.com/lights-camera-save/
Your business can advertise here!
Contact the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce for more details! (620) 227-3119
Find the Chamber on Facebook and Twitter.
October 2018
The Business Advantage
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BOOT HILL MUSEUM GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY The Dodge City Boot Hill Museum will host a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a new exhibits building on Thursday, November 1st, at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend. Through the Dodge City STAR Bonds, Boot Hill Museum can construct a 12,000-square-foot building that will house 9 new exhibits, lobby, gift shop, covered back patio, and a 3,000-square-foot temporary exhibit hall. The Front Street Buildings will remain as they are and the new building will add to the experience of walking down the boardwalk, looking at treasures from the past, and reading about the old Dodge City stories. Daily gunfights, shows, and dinners will continue as they have for over 60 years, during the summer season. The new exhibits building will sit just beside the current entrance of the Great Western Hotel building, and will run east to approximately where the museum service gate is now. Dodge City and the Boot Hill Museum are nationally and internationally recognized as an authentic and historic Western town and museum. The redevelopment of the museum will honor that authenticity of Dodge City’s unique identity. Boot Hill Museum will become national caliber with its expansion by investing in historic interpretation to develop significant themes, carefully edit collections, and organize displays to successfully tell and support a compelling story, adding insight and relevance. The original Boot Hill Cemetery was the first known Boot Hill in the west and the precedence of the Dodge City Boot Hill was a site that would be expanded upon and continue to grow to this very day. Many local businesses have seen the value and significance in the name “Boot Hill” and have branded their own business with that famous name in support of the museum, of our Dodge City history, and also for their own business success. The pauper's cemetery in Dodge City was used from 1872 to 1878, and the deceased were all destitute with no friends or family to help pay for a proper burial. More importantly, most died suddenly or "with their boots on." In the 1870's people called the cemetery "Boot Hill" for that reason. Starting in the 1880's into the 1920's, people wanted to forget about Dodge City's Wild West history but they didn't forget the name Boot Hill and in the 1920's, people began capitalizing on the property by putting up fake markers and selling souvenirs at the site. In 1947, the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) built the Museum on the sacred grounds and called it Boot Hill Museum. Since 1947, the museum has been through dozens of changes. It began as a small tourist stop staffed by volunteers, and for the next 70 years, buildings were added, improvements were made, collections were acquired, professional staff was hired, and the entire direction of the organization changed. All these changes are why Boot Hill Museum is still in existence today and why it is a beloved Kansas attraction. Boot Hill Museum, much like the fledgling settlement of Dodge City, has re-invented itself time and time again and has remained relevant. It is time once again, to make significant improvements and changes to Boot Hill Museum. Well-thought-out museum exhibits and interactive experiences, including cultural diversity, will grow audiences in the long term to meet or exceed the expectations of tourist travelers, area students, and residents. The new building will provide space for more content and create relevance by upgrading the delivery of Dodge City stories to schools and homeschooled children. Student and school tours will be improved by having new and fresh exhibits that will include character education programs and a venue for temporary displays from traveling museums, demonstrations, and a maker space to work in. Ford County residents will continue to receive free admission into the redeveloped museum, and out-of-area schools are able to enjoy free tours during the month of January for Kansas Day celebrations. The public will have an opportunity to learn more about this project and view the new exhibit sketches, descriptions, themes, and stories that will be featured in the new exhibits building at the upcoming Dodge City Chamber Coffee & Breakfast event in the Long Branch Saloon on October 30th from 9-10:30am. The museum expansion project totals around $5.5 million; the Dodge City STAR bond money will cover about 78% of the new building, leaving the museum to fund the rest. The museum has raised $1 million dollars so far to cover most of the interior costs of the new building. The museum was able to achieve this through exhibit naming rights, grants, events, and other giving opportunities. “We have almost reached our fundraising goal for this project because of so many generous people who are passionate about seeing the Boot Hill Museum grow” said Laura Tawater, Donor Relations Manager. The Boot Hill Museum staff and Board of Directors would like to invite the public to this ground-breaking ceremony and to be a part of the largest expansion in the museum’s history. The free event will feature a special appearance by Miss Kitty and the Gunfighters, important announcements, and refreshments. To learn about the Boot Hill Museum expansion project, upcoming events, and ways to help, go to SaveOurStories.org, BootHill.org, or call 620-227-8188.
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The Business Advantage
October 2018
COLLEGE BOOSTS PUBLIC RADIO
KONQ 91.9 begins carrying High Plains and National Public Radio By: Scott Edger Listeners have been able to pick up High Plains Public Radio signals in Dodge City for several years, but the reception was spotty and weak at best. Some listeners resorted to sitting in their automobiles to hear their favorite shows because the reception is typically better on car stereos. As of Tuesday listeners can sit anywhere they want because the HPPR signal will be stronger than ever, thanks to Dodge City Community College and HPPR, who, along with the Mariah Fund, have partnered to add the college’s radio station, KONQ 91.9 FM, as a transmitter for HPPR programming. HPPR has added a satellite receiver on the site of KONQ studios at the corner of Ross and North 14th Avenue. That receiver will allow KONQ to broadcast popular NPR shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Western Swing. The expansion coincides well with efforts to reach out and extend its presence of DC3 in more communities. It illustrates commitment to being a catalyst for enhancing our quality of life and expanding the perspectives of the people of Dodge City and Ford County. Dr. Harold Nolte, DC3 president, noted the cooperation and coordination of the three entities to bring the long-awaited project to fruition. “We’re proud to be able help HPPR spread valuable content that connects our institution with respected, intelligent programming,” Nolte said. “We know this can be a real benefit to our college and our community.” Providing relevant news, opinion, and weather updates – along with engaging human interest stories from our own region and around the world – means that people will seek out the college radio station for their information. Bob Davis, HPPR executive director, said the cooperation and leadership between DC3 and HPPR has been pivotal. “This is significant because a partnership is working together to put out this important programming,” Davis said. “These are two valuable institutions in this region, so this is really exciting. I see this as having a lot of potential for both entities. “Dodge City Community College is fortunate to have a forward thinker like Dr. Nolte. This can be a great marketing tool for the college.” In return for partnering with HPPR and hosting the dish location, DC3 will receive underwriting credits. The college will be able to use a certain number of those credits to underwrite shows being broadcast across the HPPR network – increasing the reach of DC3 into the entire HPPR broadcast market. The massive footprint of HPPR covers all of western Kansas, extends south of Amarillo, Texas, as far east as Lamar, Colo., and even into southern Nebraska. The exact amount of underwriting credits has yet to be finalized. “The spots will be in our regular underwriting rotation,” said Kathy Holt, Strategic Projects coordinator for HPPR. “The college also has the opportunity to be selective about what markets it wants to be in.” Holt explained that the college would also have the opportunity to broadcast original content. The college incurs no added expense for carrying HPPR content, and retains full station and broadcast control.
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.
October 2018
The Business Advantage
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Pictured: Kathy Holt, Strategic Projects Coordinator and DC3 President Harold Nolte
DC3 provides the existing KONQ frequency and handles FCC requirements, as well as the site for the satellite receiver. HPPR provides the equipment and majority of the content, and essentially piggy-backs onto the KONQ signal. KONQ will continue to offer Spanish-language programming from 12-4 p.m. weekdays, plus its Sunday morning programming. The rest of the airtime will be filled with NPR and HPPR shows. Major funding for the project is being provided by the Mariah Fund – a private foundation that provides grants to non-profit organizations in Dodge City and other communities in western Kansas. Officials at the Mariah Fund thought the idea was great when it was first proposed in 2014 and decided then to grant funds for the project. Jeff Thorpe, Mariah Fund president and CEO, said the funds have been awaiting culmination of final plans ever since. “Clearly, Mariah Fund is excited to see this long-term project come to be a reality,” Thorpe said. “Our goal of bringing the resources and opportunities of both DCCC and HPPR together is being brought to reality, and it’s a win-win for both entities. Congratulations to all who worked on this project since 2014. Our patience and planning will be richly rewarding to the listening community and both partner entities.” Originally formed to boost tourism, Mariah Fund’s contribution to the project stems from the group’s efforts to preserve the area’s heritage and enhance the quality of life. Thorpe said the project fits nicely within the group’s mission. “Public radio provides a bridging voice and adds value to the community. Programming offered by National Public Radio and HPPR is enriching and relevant to us all,” Thorpe said. This past summer Mariah Fund demonstrated its commitment Dodge City with a $500,000 grant to Boot Hill Museum for construction of a new exhibit center on the museum grounds.
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
The Business Advantage
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October 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 Wednesday, September 19, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated South Central Kansas Bone & Joint Center’s new office location at 1206 Frontview St. Suite 203.
Chu My’s Kitchen, a new restaurant in Dodge City, celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Friday, September 21. Chu My’s is located at 2208 W. Wyatt Earp Blvd.
PO Box 37 • 100 McArtor Rd. Dodge City, KS 67801 620-225-2622 www.diamond-roofing.com
Chamber members, staff and Ambassadors enjoyed the September Chamber coffee, hosted by Boutique Air.
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
October 2018
The Business Advantage
Page 9
Dr. Mark Pick welcomed Dr. Jesse Grove to the Pick and Grove Chiropractic team on Thursday, September 27th. Grove is a Dodge City native and is excited to be back practicing in his hometown.
On Friday, September 28, during Final Fridays, the Chamber Ambassadors welcomed 8 Seconds Bar and Grill to the Dodge City business community. 8 Seconds is located at 706 N. 2nd Ave.
Angelica Villanuera, owner of RE/MAX Villa, celebrated the opening of her business on Monday, October 1. RE/MAX Villa is located at 707 3rd Ave. Suite C.
On Friday, October 5, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Great Clips. Great Clips is located at 1903 N. 14th Ave. #100.
2018 Ambassadors
Jason Hennigh - Landmark National Bank Todd Schriner - United Wireless Kennedy St. George - Victory Electric Jerri Imgarten - Victory Electric Karla Springer - Dodge City YMCA Maria Ferreiro - Sunflower Bank Sam Hertel - DC Appliance Jennifer Herrera - KWCH Laura Tawater - Boot Hill Museum Aaron Kite - Rebein Brothers Erica Walsh - Hampton Inn & Suites BJ Buehler - American Family Insurance Joe Nuci - Real Estate Professionals Cindy Soriano - G&C Insurance and Tax