April
2009
APRIL 7 DO YOU KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES? By Hank Booth Do you know what your candidates’ top priorities will be when elected? What is their stand on job creation? Do they support current Kansas Board of Education science standards? The Chamber presented City Commission and School Board candidates with a series of questions on key issues. These questions were purposely drafted to insure that the candidates would make an indelible mark on exactly where they stand on the issues. The Chamber also limited written answers to fifty words or less. Please take a moment and read the responses made by each candidate and judge for yourself which candidates should receive your critical three votes for the City Commission and the School Board. Simply click on links below to see candidates’ responses: City Commission Candidates School Board Candidates You can also go to our website at www.lawrencechamber.com to view the responses. If you can not make it to your voting place on election day, April 7, please go to the Douglas County Clerk’s office on the first floor or the Old Courthouse at 11th and Massachusetts St. Advance voting is now available during business hours through April 6 until 12 p.m. and on Saturday, April 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The outcome of this election will have a significant impact on the Lawrence & Douglas County community for many years to come. So, please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 7.
T HE
P RES IDEN T ’S
M E SSAGE
Over the last several months, it has been difficult to pick up the newspaper or watch the news on TV and hear anything positive about business in the United States, in Kansas or in Lawrence for that matter. There have been numerous stories about the failure our financial system and the dramatic impacts it is having on all sectors of the economy.
Tom Kern President& CEO
Stories about the potential layoffs at KU, the City, the School District and many other businesses, make this recession feel real in Lawrence. However, not everything is so dark and grey in Lawrence, Kansas. Like every other year, winter will again turn to spring and the flowers start to bloom, the days will get longer, and it will begin to warm up a bit. And so it is with business in Lawrence. In late February, ANOxA, a small veterinary research company announced it was relocating its headquarters and research and development operations to Lawrence from West Seneca, N.Y. ANOxA will bring about six employees to its new North Lawrence location with the potential to grow significantly over the next few years. In early March, we received formal approval from the Kansas Bioscience Authority for a $3.2 million grant that, combined with the $4.0 million-dollar local match, will provide the funds necessary to construct a new bioscience incubator on KU’s west campus. This incubator is one of the first critical steps in Lawrence’s efforts to maximize its relationship with KU’s world-renowned bioscience program. With this incubator in place, companies that spin off of KU’s bioscience program will have the lab space in which to nurture and grow. From this incubator will most likely come a number of suc-
cessful bioscience companies who can then locate in Lawrence. There is a great deal yet to do on this program, but having the funding secured for construction of the incubator is a huge and critical first step. We are also presently working with two companies that want to locate their businesses to the Lawrence Airport. Both companies are aviation related and would make a great fit at the airport. DAR is an aviation design firm that has been located in Lawrence for a number of years and is now in the running for the contract to design China’s first series of general aviation aircraft. Aviation Plus is an aviation company with a number of fixed wing and rotor aircraft that provide aerial inspection services for the utility and energy industry. Potential employment from these firms total over 50 employees. So, as you look over your 401(k) statement and grimace, know that there are some bright spots out on the horizon. We will continue to focus on the positives that are happening in Lawrence and hopefully some good will come from our efforts.
GOLF TOURNAMENT TO TEE OFF MAY 8 Alvamar Golf Course, 11:30 a.m. Join us for the 2009 START HERE Golf Tournament – the Lawrence Chamber’s greatest tradition! We’re excited to offer you, what we hope, your best day of the summer with endless opportunities. This special event is limited to the first 144 members and books fast, so please sign up your team early. Call Cathy Lewis at 785-865-4406. Registration deadline is May 5. Because this event represents a wide variety of local businesses and community leaders, becoming a sponsor is a valuable opportunity and is essential to the success of this event. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact our VP of Membership Cathy Lewis today at 785-865-4406 or email her at clewis@lawrencechamber.com by Wednesday, April 8.
2 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
ECO N O MI C D E V ELO PM EN T April 2009
Economic Development Team Began Its Year with a Bang! Beth Johnson Vice President of Economic Development
companies. Project Hawk is another exciting company interested in the airport…more details to come.
While the current economic downturn is affecting everyone, it does not seem to be stopping Lawrence and Douglas County Economic Development leaders from making progress. 2009 started with a bang! So far, we’ve seen investments being made in our community, infrastructure projects, interest from local companies expanding, and outside companies beginning to search for new locations in our community.
Along with the above developments, your ED Team has been hard at work to meet with small businesses to hear of their successes, struggles, and assist them in any way. As you may remember, last year, the City of Lawrence joined the Chamber in visiting area businesses, and this year we are happy to welcome Douglas County to the mix with the addition of Commissioner Nancy Thellman. The Chamber provides opportunities to network with other businesses at many events and in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center, provides educational forums.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority, Inc., of which the Chamber is a founding member, was able to secure $3.25 million in funding from the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) for construction of a life sciences incubator on West Campus of KU. The KBA funding will be combined with the $4 million raised locally to provide construction and start-up funds for the incubator. Look for information on a ground breaking in the next few months. Another key bioscience announcement is the successful recruitment of ANOxA animal health company from West Seneca, N. Y. to Lawrence. The combination of ANOxA and IdentiGEN, places Lawrence on the map for animal health companies searching for new locations. Interest in the Lawrence Municipal Airport as a location for business development is moving forward as the City of Lawrence has requested qualifications from firms to develop a plan to extend sewer service and increase water service for fire protection. Obtaining these services at the airport will increase its marketability as a site for
Inquiries for 2009 have started strong with 12 prospects, and we’ve already been involved in six site visits through the middle of March. This is good news, although many projects are only “kicking tires” in preparation for the economic recovery. Being ready for the recovery will make all the difference between communities that win projects and those that don’t. We are working to position Lawrence to be in the win column! Finally, network marketing is a key aspect in economic development. Getting our name out to site location consultants is a priority. Your ED Team has already participated in two consultant events this year in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas City Area Development Council. Combining forces with those organizations is critical as we would not be able to participate in these events without the leverage that they provide.
St. Patrick’s Day
Parade The Chamber was proud to take part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade that took place March 17. The Chamber float was promoting the “Start HereGrow Green” program to encourage Lawrence citizens to shop locally.
3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
UPCOM ING E VENTS
Business After Hours: Volunteer Information Fair 5–7 p.m., Wednesday, April 15 at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of volunteerism! The Roger Hill Volunteer Center will host the 5th Annual Volunteer Fair in partnership with Maceli’s and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. This event offers an excellent opportunity for Chamber members to come see what area non-profit organizations have to offer the community. More than 30 organizations will share the different ways to serve our community through a variety of volunteer opportunities. For more information about the event, please contact the Chamber office at 785865-4411 or email Cathy Lewis at clewis@lawrencechamber.com. For a complete list of National Volunteer Week activities in Douglas County, contact the Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030 or email at info@rhvc.org.
Attention! Human Resource Professionals & Business Leaders! The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission Seminar, 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, the Chamber office, 734 Vermont St., FREE of charge. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will host an employer seminar presented by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The seminar will be lead by Mr. Lawrence Warren of the EEOC. Mr. Warren will present an overview of the laws and acts associated with EEOC. Some of the topics covered will be:
It is important to stay on top of the business of our state legislature
NOW MORE THAN EVER! Join us
for the FINAL session of “Eggs & Issues”
register online
GO
SAT., APR. 4
8-9:30 a.m. Eldridge Hotel
• Title XII: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 • The Age Discrimination Act • The Equal Pay Act • The American’s with Disabilities Act There is no charge to attend this seminar. Advance reservations are required as seating is limited. Please call Jessica at 865-4411 to make your reservations later than Monday, April 13.
Save These Dates April 10 CYPN Fundraising for the Visiting Nurses Association at Fatso’s May 8 Start Here Golf Tournament Sept. 9 “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer Oct. 28 Member Buy Member Business Showcase January 29, 2010 2010 Annual Meeting
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The Chamber Board of Directors toured Berry Plastics after the Board meeting last Wednesday, March 25, hosted by Berry Plastics. From left: Roger Henry, Debra Vignatelli Konzem, Steve Schwada, Terry Campbell, David Livingood and Steve Brown.
If you are interested in sponsoring any of the events listed above, please contact our VP of Membership Cathy Lewis at 785-865-4406 or email her at clewis@lawrencechamber.com. Sponsorships are available at all levels.
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
April 2009
PIECE Project Sue Hack Executive Director of Leadership Lawrence
The PIECE Class recently spent a day exploring economic development in Lawrence and Douglas County. Playing roles of small businesses, non-profit organizations and the government sector, students learned how money circulates throughout the community and over time decreases because of inflation, money spent outside of the community and reduction of state funding.
Lauren Fleming (left), Payton Covert and Brock Morrison (back) learn how money circulates through a community during the PIECE Economic Development Day, March 11.
Through role-playing exercises, students learned how large businesses facilitate job growth within the community by providing additional funds to help small businesses, non-profit organizations, and government continue to thrive. In addition, Sauer Danfoss, the host of the day, took the students on a tour of their plant. A taco bar provided by Michelle Fales, Dena Johnston and Debra Thompson capped off the day. The PIECE program is sponsored by Sunflower Bank and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Davis, Facilitator for Low Speed, High Torque Motors (left), Adelle Loney, Reid Hildenbrand and Skyler McCawley take part in a tour of Sauer Danfoss during PIECE Economic Development Day March 11.
Nicole Humphrey (left) and Natalie Wilins look at one of the products produced at Sauer Danfoss during PIECE Economic Development Day, March 11.
5 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations & Welcome
Salon Six ~ 4821 W. 6th St., Ste. I ~ February 24
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Surgery Center ~ 325 Maine St. ~ March 5
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Wood Re New ~ 401 N. 2100 Rd., Lecompton ~ March 12 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
M E MB ERS H I P April 2009
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Papa Johns Pizza Restaurants 918 Mississippi St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-865-5775 Bruce Collinsworth brucec@papajohnslawrence.com
ELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Alfie Packers, Inc. Laboratory Chemicals & Equipment 2720 Lawrence Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-842-1919 Fax: 785-842-2688 www.alfiepackers.com Mike Fuhrman mike@alfiepackers.com
Hi-Tech Interiors, Inc. Contractors - Dry Wall Commercial Construction 616 Arizona St. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-842-7266 www.hitechinteriors.com Karl Earnest karl@hitechinteriors.com
Amyx Barber Shop Barber Shops 842 1/2 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-9425 Mike Amyx mikeamyx515@hotmail.com
JC Penney Styling Salon Beauty Salons & Day Spas 3311 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-331-0330 www.jcpenney.com Lynn Walker lwalke12@jcpenney.com
Domino’s Pizza Pizza 832 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-8002 Fax: 785-841-8893 www.kudominos.com Troy Green Don Gardner Retired 3209 Yellowstone Dr. Lawrence, KS 66047 Doody Dude Flea & Tick Yard Repellent Pet Waste Removal 1215 Ranchero Ct. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-840-9905 Carol Seivley cseivley@sbcglobal.net Great American Insurance Insurance 4910 Corporate Centre Dr., 2nd Floor Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-840-1100 Fax: 513-361-5934 www.greatamericancorp.com Mark Allison mallison@gaic.com
Sport & Spine Chiropractic, LLC Chiropractors 3300 Clinton Parkway Ct. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-856-2273 Fax: 785-856-2287 www.sportandspinecenters.com Dr. Joseph Hugunin, D.C. hugunin@hotmail.com
Metlife Home Loans Mortgage Services - Home Loans 4104B W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-842-2443 Fax: 785-842-2553 Tammy Ford tjford@metlifehomeloans.com Milton’s Coffee, Inc. Coffee Shops 920 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-832-2330 Fax: 785-843-9555 www.miltonscoffee.com David Lewis miltonscoffee@sunflower.com Oread Mortgage Mortgage Services - Home Loans 1501 Kasold Dr. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-830-2200 Fax: 785-843-2466 Danielle Baker-Hugunin dbaker@oreadmortgage.com
The Exchange @ Lawrence Apartments 3100 Ousdale Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-842-3336 Fax: 785-842-3362 www.notthedorm.com Kelli Scheuerman kscheuerman@ffres.com Wal-Mart #5219 Department Stores 550 Congressional Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 www.walmart.com Ryan Edwards Westridge Wash & Lube Automobile Maintenance 3530 W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-842-7406 Fax: 785-856-5342 Don Greenfield carwashdlc@yahoo.com Wolfe’s Camera Shops, Inc. Photo Supplies & Finishing 635 Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66601 Phone: 785-235-1386 Fax: 785-235-2810 www.wolfes.com DeWit Harkness dewitt2@wolfes.com
7 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chair Bonnie Lowe Past-Chair Jim Otten, DDS Incoming Chair Matt Hoy, Stevens & Brand Treasurer Cindy Yulich, Emprise Bank Secretary & President/CEO Tom Kern PERMANENT POSITIONS Robert Hemenway, KU Chancellor Dr. Linda Sue Warner, Haskell Indian Nations University President Randy Weseman, USD 497 Superintendent BOARD MEMBERS Allison Vance Moore, Grubb & Ellis| The Winbury Group, Vice Chair of Chamber Member Services Bill Fuerst, KU School of Business Bobbie Flory, Lawrence Home Builders Association Bradley Burnside, U.S Bank David Johnson, Bert Nash, Co-Vice Chair of Government & Community Affairs David Livingood, Treanor Architects Debra Vignatelli Konzem, AT&T
Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank, Vice Chair of Chamber Operations Gary Bennett, Laird Noller Automotive, Inc. Jane Bateman, Jane Bateman, The Interiors Store, Co-Vice Chair of Government & Community Affairs John Ross, Laser Logic, Inc. Kathy Pryor, KU Theatre & Film, Vice Chair of Leadership Lawrence & Strategic Planning Larissa Long, Black Hills Energy, Co-Vice Chair of Communications Linda Robinson, KU Center for Research on Learning Mike McGrew, McGrew Real Estate, Vice Chair of Economic Development Rodger Henry, Lawrence Medical Plaza Shannon Frost, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Steve Brown, Berry Plastics Steve Schwada, Meadowbrook Apartments, Venture Properties Terry Campbell, Barber Emerson, L.C., Co-Vice Chair of Communications Todd Thompson, Thompson, Ramsdell & Qualseth, P.A. Trudy Rice, Rice Enterprises
Tom Kern, President & CEO tkern@lawrencechamber.com Cathy Lewis, IOM Vice President of Membership clewis@lawrencechamber.com Beth Johnson, Vice President of Economic Development bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com Sue Hack, Executive Director Leadership Lawrence shack@lawrencechamber.com Hank Booth, Government & Community Affairs Director hbooth@lawrencechamber.com Natasha Buller, Marketing & Communications Manager nbuller@lawrencechamber.com Christy Bogner, Accountant/ Office Operations cbogner@lawrencechamber.com Adam Handshy, Project & Program Coordinator ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com Jessica James, Membership Coordinator frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com Phone number: (785) 865-4411
734 Vermont, Suite 101 Lawrence, KS 66044