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This year’s Fall Mixer is scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Apartments field located at the corner of Bob Billings Parkway and Crestline Drive. Parking for the event will be provided at the Lied Center with a shuttle service between the parking areas and the event. This year’s Mixer will include over 25 of Lawrence’s best restaurants and caterers. New for 2010 will be live music by Ménage of Twang courtesy of 92.9 The BULL. Tickets for the event are $25, and can be purchased either online at lawrencechamber.com or by calling the Chamber office at (785) 865-4411.
The President’s Message The Chamber’s Commitment to Education Many people in our community have told me that, Lawrence’s main economic product is education. If you look at the educational sector purely as an employment category, it would be hard to dispute that statement. Our two largest employers are the University of Kansas and USD 497. When you add in Haskell Indian Nations University, Bishop Seabury Academy and the host of other education providers, you have an employment group that represents more than 22% of our community. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has always recognized the importance of the educational sector to our community. In addition to the economic benefits it brings to the community, we also understand that education, and an educated workforce, is a key element in keeping Lawrence a vibrant and economically competitive community. KU, Haskell Indian Nations University and USD 497 have permanent seats on the Chamber Board of Directors, ensuring the voice of education is heard and the issues and challenges facing the educational sector are discussed with leaders in the business community. The Chamber’s commitment to education is far deeper than just providing seats on the Board of Directors. Over the last several, years the Chamber has been directly involved with a number of educational initiatives including: • Being one of the charter members in the formation of the Lawrence Schools Foundation. This group raises funds for educational programs and projects in USD 497. The Chamber has representation on the Schools Foundation Board and is directly involved in a number of the Foundation fund raising activities and programs. • The Chamber, along with the USD 497 School Board, has been the main financial partner of the LEAP (Lawrence Education Achievement Partners) program. This program partners Lawrence businesses with USD 497 schools to place business people in our schools. These volunteers work with education professionals to make our children’s educational experience more meaningful. In 2009, these volunteers donated more than $1.2 million in actual and in-kind products and services to our schools. • A highly successful leadership training program for ninth graders, the PIECE Project, was entirely funded by the Chamber. Similar to the Chamber’s Leadership Lawrence
program, the program introduced young people to a variety of issues within our community and provided them with leadership training opportunities. The program has now been Tom Kern transformed into the President, CEO Compass Program, a joint venture between the Chamber, USD 497 and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. Through this partnership, we will be able to provide expanded career education, job skills and leadership training program for young people. • We presently are working with KU’s School of Engineering and Garmin to provide direct training/ employment opportunities for KU engineering students. This program benefits both the KU student who receives real-world experience and Garmin by providing access to talented KU engineering students for potential long-term employment. • The Chamber has a direct working relationship with KUCR (Kansas University Center for Research), aiding its efforts to further commercialize research that is being done within a number of departments at KU. • The recent construction of the bioscience incubator on KU’s West Campus is yet another example of the Chamber’s commitment to education. This $7.4 million facility was a joint venture between the Chamber, the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, KU, KBA and the Lawrence Douglas County Bioscience Authority. These are just a few of the many collaborative efforts between the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the educational community in Lawrence. There is no question that education is one of our community’s greatest assets and the Chamber has and will continue to support it.
2 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
N E WS & E V E N TS
August 2010
U.S. Banker Magazine rates Landmark National Bank in top 200 community banks in country U.S. Banker’s June 2010 edition included a recent survey conducted by SNL Financial LC showing that Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: LARK), the holding company for Landmark National Bank, with 21 locations in 16 Kansas communities, is ranked in the top 200 publicly traded banks in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. A review of the survey results also showed that Landmark is the only Kansas bank to be named in this study. The research compared publicly traded community banks and thrifts based on three-year average Return on Equity. The results of the study reveal the relative “healthiness” of the banks that were reviewed. As an additional indication of Landmark’s financial strength, a cash dividend has been declared by the Board of Directors for the last 58 quarters. “This study shows that our approach to making careful, thought-out strategic decisions is really paying off,” said Patrick L. Alexander, Landmark National Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We do not take unnecessary risks with our customers’ money. We are in it for the long haul and know that doing business in a fashion that is safe and secure is the way to be successful in the long run. We are proud of our people and the great job they have done in each of the markets we serve, as we continue to look for lending opportunities within our communities to help them grow.”
Unlock the Experience: Twitter Scavenger Hunt — August 21 As thousands of new students enter Lawrence for the first time this August, they are eagerly looking for ways to pick up the local flavor and culture of this community. The shops, restaurants, bars and venues along Mass Street are lauded throughout the state and the region, and this is the perfect area for Lawrence’s newest residents to experience our city. The downtown area is frequently among the top reasons why Lawrence has been named one of the best college towns in America.
Are you following us on Twitter? With the help of our social media intern, Lauren Keith, the Chamber has been tweeting throughout the work day. Twitter is a great resource to help you stay informed on local politics, chamber events and local business. Also, did you know that Twitter is available in app form on almost all smart phones? This makes it incredibly easy to read and post updates when you’re away from the computer. To follow us on Twitter go to:
www.twitter.com/lawrencechamber
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has created a scavenger hunt for new students and the Chamber membership to experience (or revisit) the best of downtown Lawrence. We selected 10 businesses that 100 people will try to find based on clues and constricted by time. Fifty teams of two will be given a single key that unlocks one location, but the teams must find the location based on clues attached to the keys. Ten keys at 10 different downtown businesses are waiting to be unlocked. We’re implementing social media as an important tool to connect Lawrence businesses with students. Clues in the scavenger hunt will be posted on Facebook and Twitter, and we’re encouraging scavenger hunters to tweet with the #UnlockLawrence hashtag so the community can be updated on their progress. Teams are required to take and post photos of their hunt so that we can verify their locations. Prizes totaling more than $1,000 will be awarded. Join the Chamber at “home base,” Intrust Bank (9th & Vermont), where we’ll have booths and tables set up for members to give away and advertise their products and services. Registration for the Scavenger Hunt will be from 11-11:30 a.m. and prizes will be awarded at 1:30p.m. If you would like more information about booth space, goodie bags, and/or participation, please contact Christy at cbogner@ lawrencechamber.com.
3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
NE WS & E V ENTS
Chamber Member-to-Member Welcome Package Interested in supporting local business? Expanding your customer base? Promoting a special product or service? How about simply broadening your social network? The Chamber’s new Member-to-Member Welcome Package is a great way to accomplish all of this at absolutely NO COST to your business! We’re excited to announce the creation of this new service, as it allows established Chamber members the opportunity to offer special promotions on their products and services to incoming Chamber members. Currently, upon joining the Chamber, each new member is hand delivered a membership packet containing information
specific to their membership. In addition to this packet, we’ll now be providing the Welcome Package, consisting of each participating member’s special offer think of this as sort of a coupon book for new members. Again, there is absolutely no cost to participate in the Memberto-Member Welcome Package! It’s meant to provide an additional avenue for our members to market their business as well as showcase the variety of products and services available through Chamber-made connections. For further information on the Welcome Package, please contact Adam at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or call direct at (785) 865-4427.
It’s Directory Time! Changes for the 2011 Directory Due August 31 We are pleased to announce the upcoming publication of the 2011 Chamber Membership Directory featuring the same easy-to-use format as last year. With targeted distribution of 2,500 directories to area businesses, this publication is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make to reach your fellow Chamber members. Currently representing more than 1,350 member business representatives in Douglas County and surrounding areas, this publication is a great resource for business communications. Please make sure that all of your outstanding Membership Dues invoices are paid or that a payment plan is set up by October 15, 2010 to be included in the 2011 Membership Directory. If you are not sure whether you have an outstanding dues invoice, you may check your account at our website. Go to the Members Only section, log in and click Pay Your Bills. With your partnership, we look forward to publishing the highest quality directory for you and all the members of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
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Business After Hours Mixer at Bioscience & Technology Business Center at KU Wednesday, August 18 The Bioscience & Technology Business Center (BTBC) at KU is a new 20,000 square-foot wet-lab and dry-lab research and development facility. It is an “incubator” for faculty research with commercial potential, as well as a place for existing companies to collaborate with faculty on projects. The BTBC also offers programs that promote the success of start-up companies. The BTBC is next door to KU’s newest bioscience research buildings and the School of Pharmacy. It is the new home of the Lawrence Regional Technology Center, which manages the building and its programs. The BTBC is a unique coalition of the LawrenceDouglas County Biosciences Authority, the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, KU, the Kansas Bioscience Authority, KU Endowment and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is “Transforming Ideas Into Commerce” and is ideally suited for projects involving drug development, biofuels, bioengineering and software. The mixer will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 at 2029 Becker Drive. Refreshments will be served. The BTBC is located on KU’s West Campus Research Circle, south and west of the intersection of 19th and Iowa. More information is available at: www.btbcku.com.
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
N E WS & E V E N TS
August 2010
Realizing the Vision: Kansas Leaps Forward with No. 5 National Ranking Kansas has taken a “major leap forward” in the last year, zooming up to No. 5 on Business Facilities’ Top 10 list of states in the nation for biotechnology strength, according to the site selection magazine’s annual rankings report released last week. Business Facilities editor-in-chief Jack Rogers called Kansas’ upward movement “one of the most significant improvements measured” this year. “Biotechnology strength is one of our most important and fiercely competitive rankings categories,” Rogers said. “Kansas clearly has shown that it is a biotech force to be reckoned with, and it has staked a claim to a leadership position for years to come.” Rogers noted the KBA’s role in Kansas’ success as well: “Kansas has an impressive and expanding program, spearheaded by the Kansas Bioscience Authority, that brings together industry, higher education and government in a coordinated, targeted effort.” At a stakeholder meeting in Overland Park on July 26, KBA president Tom Thornton credited the state’s success in becoming a bioscience powerhouse to the visionary foresight of the state
legislature, the KBA’s board of directors and a strong, unified coalition of people across the state. “Credit for our state’s dramatic success goes to all of you,” he said. “It goes to the researchers conducting cutting-edge research, building national and international consortia and engaging with industry to commercialize the products of your research. It goes to entrepreneurs, whose drive and passion turn ideas into new companies, new products and new services, attracting capital and creating new jobs. It goes to our academic institutions who are actively engaged in specific efforts to advance bioscience research and commercialization. And it goes to community leaders who are defining the future of our state and investing in the biosciences. “On behalf of the KBA, let me say you are our state’s true secret sauce. Thank you for your excellence, your vision and partnership. You have made Kansas a bioscience leader and in the process made every Kansan extremely proud.” (Reprinted with permission from the Kansas Bioscience Authority)
Congratulations
for breaking ground on the new Eudora Media Center.
Upcoming Events 08/16 Notification deadline for September Member-to-Member Direct Mail Campaign 08/18 Business After Hours Mixer 5-7 p.m. Bioscience and Technology Business Center at KU, 2029 Becker Dr.
08/31 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence General Surgery, Lawrence Health Plaza 4:30 p.m., 330 Arkansas, Ste. 202 09/07 Ribbon Cutting: Mia’s Italian Restaurant 4:30 p.m., 1540 Wakarusa Dr.
08/20 Ribbon Cutting: AT&T Custom Communications 11:30 a.m. 4821 W. Sixth St.
09/09 Springhill Suites “Ground Rejuvenation” Celebration 5-7 p.m., One Riverpoint Plaza
08/21 Unlock the Experience Twitter Scavenger Hunt 11-2 p.m. Intrust Bank, Ninth & Vermont
09/15 “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer 5:30-7:30 p.m., Meadowbrook Apt. Grounds
08/23 Materials due for Member-to-Member Direct Mail Campaign
11/3
08/26 Ribbon Cutting: Willow Domestic Violence Center 4:30 p.m., 1920 Moodie Rd.
Senior Council Meeting 9-10:30 a.m., Chamber Office
Business/Expo Mixer 5-7:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 200 McDonald Dr.
For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com
5 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
RIBBON CUT TING S
Tractor Supply Company - 2420 Fairfield - July 15th
Midwest Custom Pools - 600 Lincoln St. - July 22nd
Body Boutique - 2330 Yale Road - July 23rd
Lou & Co. Aveda Hair Studio - 2040 W. 31st St. - July 29th
Welcome New Members!
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3 Spoons Yogurt of Lawrence Restaurants 737 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-371-1383 Fax: 206-600-4304 www.3spoonsyogurt.com Andrew Phrelkeld Andrew@spoonsyogurt.com
AT&T Custom Communications Telephone Service – Wireless/ Cellular 4821 W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-371-4990 Fax: 785-312-9061 Robert L. Fleming robert.fleming@customks.com
Auntie Em’s Bakery & Deli Delis-Cafe 2311 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. D Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-832-1333 Fax: 785-832-1333 Crystal Voth cvoth@sfmhome.com
BT Design Group Graphic Design 201 Campbell Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-856-0315 www.btdginc.com Bob Treanor bob@btdginc.com
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
Castle Tea Room Event Planning 1307 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-843-1151 www.castletearoom.com Andre Bollaert castleks@gmail.com City Wine Market Liquor Store 4821 W. 6th St., Ste. N. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-856-2489 Fax: 785-856-2491 www.citywinemarket.com Steve Wilson steve@citywinemarket.com
M E MB ERS H I P
August 2010
Welcome New Members! Data Knoxx, LLC Technology Support PO Box 442377 Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 866-844-5669 785-813-1867 www.dataknoxx.com Adam Kehler adam@dataknoxx.com Edie Insurance Group Insurance 3109 W. 6th St, Ste. B Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-856-3343 Fax: 866-552-8223 www.edieinsurance.com Brian Edie brian@edieinsurance.com Englert Leaf Guard Guttering 11886 W. 91st St. Overland Park, KS 66214 Phone: 913-727-1003 Fax: 913-307-0355 www.leafguard.com Jessica Thimmesch jessica.thimmesch@beldom.com Gaultney Construction Contractors - Construction 4720 Ranch Ct. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-331-8288 www.yourflagship.com Michael Gaultney
OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is the advocate for economic vitality and job growth in Lawrence and Douglas County.
Keeling Law Office Attorneys 4000 W. 6th St., Ste. B #141 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-727-1916 Ross Keeling ross.keeling.law@gmail.com
Social: IRL Social Media Consulting Firm PO Box 1370 Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-423-4538 www.socialirl.com Ben Smith ben@socialirl.com
Larsen & Associates, Inc. Environmental Services & Consulting 1311 E. 25th St., Ste B. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-841-8707 Fax: 785-865-4282 www.larsenenvironmental.com Jessica C. Pryor jessica@larsenenvironmental.com Midwest Custom Pools Swimming Pool Installation 600 Lincoln St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-843-9119 Fax: 785-843-6524 www.midwestcustompools.com Bryan Handy bryan@midestcustompools.com Prairie Hills Art Gallery Art Galleries – Artist & Dealers 2540 Iowa St., Ste. C Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-842-1554 www.prairiehillsartgallery.com Mehrzad Alison prairiehillsart@aol.com Red Ink Racing Automobile Repair & Service 728 N. 2nd St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-7888 Fax: 785-842-7891 www.redinkracingltd.com Craig Walker
Stanley Steamer Carpet, Upholstery, Floor Cleaning 1400 E. 24th St. Ste. A Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-841-8666 Fax: 785-838-3789 www.stanleysteamer.com Pat Budenbender pat.budenbender@steemer.com The Willow Domestic Violence Center Non-Profit PO Box 633 1920 Moodie Road Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-331-2034 www.willowdvcenter.org Sarah Terwelp sterwelp@willowdvcenter.org University of Kansas Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success 1450 Jayhawk Blvd. 133 Strong Hall Lawrence, KS 66045 Phone: 785-864-4068 Fax: 785-864-4050 www.ku.edu Lori Reesor 1reesor@ku.edu
Roy’s Wine & Spirits Liquor Stores 721 Wakarusa, Ste. 107 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-842-3344 Fax: 785-842-9043 Ellie Baer gm.ks082@choicehotels.com
7 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Past Chair Incoming Chair Treasurer
Matt Hoy, Stevens & Brand Bonnie Lowe, United States Attorney’s Office Cindy Yulich, Emprise Bank Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George Paley, Paley Properties/Caspian Group Delbert Philpot, Amarr Garage Door Saralyn Reece Hardy, Spencer Museum of Art Steve Brown, Berry Plastics Trudy Rice, Rice Enterprises Brad Burnside, U.S Bank Linda Robinson, KU Center for Research Co-Vice Chair of Economic Development on Learning Terry Campbell, Barber Emerson John Ross, Laser Logic, Inc. Co-Vice Chair of Communications/ Co-Vice Chair of Communications/ Operations Operations Sheryle D’Amico, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Steve Schwada, Meadowbrook Apt. Dr. Rick Doll, USD 497 Superintendent Todd Thompson, Thompson, Ramsdell, Shannon Frost, Hallmark Cards, Inc. & Qualseth, P.A. Bill Fuerst, KU School of Business Allison Vance Moore, Grubb & Ellis|The Co-Vice Chair of Economic Development Winbury Group George Grieb, Lynn Electric, Inc. & Vice Chair of Membership Services Communications Debra Vignatelli Konzem, AT&T Rodger Henry, Lawrence Medical Plaza Vice Chair of Government and Tim Herndon, Landplan Engineering Community Affairs Frank Male, Lawrence Landscape Dr. Linda Sue Warner, Haskell Indian Mike McGrew, McGrew Real Estate Nations University President Jeffrey Morrison, Prairie Asset Keith Yehle, KU Chancellor’s Office Management Group
THE LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • PH (785) 865-4411 • WWW.LAWRENCECHAMBER.COM
734 Vermont, Suite 101 Lawrence, KS 66044
STAFF
Tom Kern, President & CEO tkern@lawrencechamber.com Beth Johnson, Vice President of Economic Development bjohnson@lawrencechamber.com Cathy Lewis, IOM Vice President of Membership clewis@lawrencechamber.com Sue Hack Executive Director, Leadership Lawrence shack@lawrencechamber.com Christy Bogner Accountant/Director of Operations cbogner@lawrencechamber.com Hank Booth, Government & Community Affairs Director hbooth@lawrencechamber.com Eileen Hawley, Director of Business Retention & Marketing for Economic Development ehawley@lawrencechamber.com Adam Handshy Manager, Special Projects & Programs ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com Sandy Winstead Hadley, Administrative Asst., frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com Meredithe McCormick Member Sales Executive mereditheandgary@sunflower.com