August 2009 NEWSletter

2009 August July 2009

LAWRENCE CHAMBER PRESENTS

NATIONAL

CONGRESSIONAL SERIES • Come bring your issues to the table • Represent your business • Help us build Senator Sam Brownback Mon., Aug. 10, 7:30 a.m.

a better

Congressman Todd Tiahrt Thurs., Aug. 13, 12 p.m.

community

Click here to register!

Congressman Dennis Moore Congressman Jerry Moran Tues., Aug. 25, 12 p.m.

Tues., Sept. 8, 7:30 a.m.

This series is sponsored by Meritrust, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence Home Builders Association, KU Center for Research, Community Living Opportunities, Destination Management, Inc. and Lawrence Journal-World.

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins Mon., Oct. 5, 7:30 a.m.

Each event will take place at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire in Lawrence.

T HE

P RES IDENT ’S

M E SSAGE

Last month, I had the opportunity, along with 15 other Kansas Chamber CEOs, to meet privately with Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, Lt. Governor Troy Findley and six of the state cabinet members in Salina.

Tom Kern President& CEO

The purpose of the meeting was for the Governor and his staff to have a candid conversation with Chamber CEOs from across the state regarding the Kansas economy.

As you might imagine the issues facing various parts of the state differ greatly from 14.5 percent unemployment in Wyandotte County, to the sagging aircraft industry in Wichita, to the lack of qualified workers in Hays.

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The Governor asked each of us to answer three questions for him. First, how were things economically in our respective communities? Second, what should the state be doing to assist communities in Kansas? Last, were there specific projects in our communities that we needed state assistance with?

The Governor and his cabinet were very open and receptive to the group comments and suggestions. I believe, they took away from the meeting some ideas on ways to assist communities across the state.

The responses to those questions varied greatly; however, there were three common themes that seemed to run through every community in Kansas. Those included:

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The inability of businesses to obtain financing.

This issue is dramatically effecting communities all over the state as developers and businesses are unable to obtain financing to expand their business, refinance development projects or obtain lines of credit.

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The continued reduction in state funding to communities in Kansas was having a dramatic impact on schools, cities and on higher education.

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The State needed to continue to provide funding for the state economic development programs that are presently in place.

Upcoming Business After Hours Mixers

The State could assist local communities by providing more information about federal stimulus funding opportunities.

The Governor also spent some time discussing with the group the forecast for the state’s 2010/11 budget process, and it is not looking pretty. All financial projections indicate that the states revenue for the next budget year will continue to decrease. With over 75 percent of the state’s budget allocated for K-12 and higher education, it seems that we will be in for another challenging legislation session in 2010.

Regardless of the budget issue, it was refreshing to sit with the Governor and his cabinet secretaries and have a candid discussion about Kansas, its economy and what we all can do to improve things for all Kansas residents and businesses.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

CONTINENTAL TITLE August 19, 5–7 p.m., 4104 W. 6th St.

JACK ELLENA HONDA Thursday, Aug. 6, 4:30 p.m., 2112 W. 29th Terrace

“TASTE OF LAWRENCE” FALL MIXER September 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Meadowbrook Apartment Grounds, Bob Billings Parkway & Crestline Dr.

ORTHOKANSAS Tuesday, Aug. 11, 4:30 p.m., 1112 W. 6th, Ste. 124

THERAPYWORKS October 7, 5–7 p.m., 1311 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 1000 EMPRISE BANK November 18, 5–7 p.m., 1121 Wakarusa BRANDON WOODS December 16, 5–7 p.m., 1501 Inverness

WILD GREEN INTERIORS Thursday, Aug. 13, 4:30 p.m., 4901 Wakarusa Ct., Ste. B THE GROVE @ LAWRENCE Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m.

4301 W. 24th Place (apartment complex clubhouse) ADVANCED SPECIALTY ANESTHESIA Thursday, Aug. 27, 4:30 p.m., 1201 Wakarusa, Bldg. A, Ste. 3

2 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

N E WS & E V E N TS

August 2009

Discounted Employment Advertising Program Now Available to Members When the economy is tough and your budget is small, it’s hard to maintain the status quo in your business. It is for this reason that your Chamber, in partnership with The World Company, have developed a program of discounted employment advertising in the Lawrence Journal-World.

“We are always exploring ways to offer value-added services to our members,” Vice President of Membership Cathy Lewis said. “We know that it is necessary for our members to find ways to stretch their budgets and feel that our partnership with The World Company in offering these very cost effective options will assist them in that effort.”

This program is offered exclusively to Lawrence Chamber members and features a variety of packages to choose from.

“The World Company is pleased to partner with the Chamber on this special employment advertising program,” General Manager of The World Company Al Bonner said.

“It not only provides Chamber members with an added membership benefit, but allows members to choose from three different multi-media ad packages that meet their budget needs. Each option is a savings of more than 15 percent, plus discounts on other employment advertising options.”

The following packages are now available to Chamber members: PACKAGE ONE • Line ad (approx. 50 words) -One week in the Lawrence Journal-World print edition -One week on ljworld.com and the seven community market websites $100 per week (line ad in print/online)

PACKAGE TWO • One line ad (approx. 100 words) -Four days in the Lawrence Journal-World print edition -One run in the weekly community market newspapers -One week on ljworld.com and the seven community market websites $175 (line ad in print/online) • Add a 2x4 print ad to the above -Four days in the Lawrence Journal-World -One run in the weekly community market newspapers $350 (line ad in print/online and 2x4 print ad) PACKAGE THREE • One line ad (approx. 150 words) or a class display ad (2 columns x 4 inches) -One week in the Lawrence Journal-World print edition -One run in the weekly community market newspapers -One week on ljworld.com and the seven community market websites • One online video ad -One week rotation on ljworld.com and the seven community market websites $300 (line ad in print/online and online video ad) • Add a 2x4 class display ad to the above -Seven days in the Lawrence Journal-World -One run in the weekly community market newspapers -One week on ljworld.com and the seven community market websites $500 (line ad, online ad and 2x4 class display ad) To take advantage of this program, simply contact LJWorld at 785-832-2222 or classifieds@ljworld.com and let them know which package you would like to purchase.

You can also email jtaylor@lawrencechamber.com to request a form or call 785-865-4411. The form will soon be available online in the Members Only section at www.lawrencechamber.com.

Announcing New HR Webinar Series

Business After Hours with Continental Title

MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE Friday, Aug. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Chamber

Continental Title Company and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce invite you to a fun evening of networking with other Chamber members where drinks and pizza will be provided by Wheat State Pizza.

This webinar is a great opportunity for professionals to learn how HR plays a role in the five major change initiatives that companies can face and the nine must-have skills for successfully leading a company through difficult times.

LEADING IN TURBULENT TIMES Friday, Sept. 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Chamber This webinar will include a focus on current legal roles and accountabilities, strategies for gaining market share, leadership concepts, high performing work systems, and how to implement work schedules and compensation plans.

Continental Title Company was established in 2001 and became one of the largest title insurance companies in the States of Missouri and Kansas. The Lawrence office opened March 24, 2008 with a goal to provide the highest quality customer service available. Since opening last year, the Lawrence office has grown from three employees to a current number of eight.

This series is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

Value of Chamber Membership from a Member’s Prospective

Allison Vance Moore is the Vice President at Grubb & Ellis|The Winbury Group and a Chamber member since 1998.

that they have done what is best for that business and for the people of Lawrence.

All too often we judge the success of an establishment based on the “What have you done for me lately?” mentality. We expect to see great returns on our investment and question value by how often the organization touches our lives on a personal level. Although this may seem like a sufficient way to gauge the effectiveness of an organization, it may not give a true reflection of the value of an entity.

The Chamber is your advocate for economic development and job growth in Lawrence and Douglas County.

Your Chamber seeks and assists new and expanding businesses, the very businesses that are adding jobs and new tax dollars to our community and ensuring Lawrence’s vitality as a community. Your Chamber provides many benefits for small and big business alike from fun business networking opportunities and educational seminars to ribbon cuttings and political forums. Where else are you given regular access to your local and state elected officials?

And while your Chamber membership gives you the opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie with fellow business professionals, you’ll also find that Chamber members loyally support their fellow chamber businesses. I have witnessed this loyal support firsthand for many years!

For as little as $.96 per day, less than a plain cup of coffee, you can join the Chamber and enjoy the many benefits it offers.

I have personally found that the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is the perfect example of this. Every day I use the services, shop at stores, eat at restaurants and enjoy the many benefits of the businesses that have chosen to do business in Lawrence because of the groundwork the Lawrence Chamber has done on my behalf. Much of that work goes unnoticed because no one at the Chamber office is asking for credit; they are satisfied knowing

For more information, please contact me at 785-8655100 or Cathy Lewis at 785-865-4441, and we’ll help you join today!

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REACH your est PROSPECTS Take advantage of our Quarterly Member-to-Member Direct Mail Campaign. Your message will be delivered to 1,300 Chamber members and their representatives––all potential customers.

If you would like to participate, please contact Natasha Buller at 785-865-4420 or nbuller@lawrencechamber.com no later than August 14.

Provide us with 1,300 promotional items such as brochures, ads, flyers or coupons by 5 p.m., August 21, and we will take care of everything else. The cost is only $100.

The mailing is scheduled to go out the first week of September to all Chamber Members.

4 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

Exclusive offer for Chamber members only

BU SI N E SS SP OT L I GH T

August 2009

Community Living Approach to Fulfill Lives

by Natasha Buller When a group of parents in Johnson County whose children had severe disabilities decided it was time to create an alternative to state institutions, they formed a nonprofit organization—Community Living Opportunities (CLO), which began its operation in 1977.

With knowledgeable advisors and a great partnership with the KU Applied Behavioral Science Department, the agency became one of the pioneers in providing community-based services to people with developmental disabilities. CLO’s services focus on positive reinforcement and family style interventions provided in the home community, close to family and friends.

A 22,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility at Midnight Farm.

“Our goal is to help adults and children with severe developmental disabilities achieve personally satisfying and fulfilling lifestyles,” Senior Administrator Stephanie Wilson said. “We also help them give back to the community through volunteer services and employment opportunities.”

What differentiates CLO from the other similar organizations is that they implement several unique treatment models developed in partnership with the KU Applied Behavioral Science Department. CLO’s unique approach has been so successful that organizations nationwide have begun to request and emulate them. Some examples include: Family Teaching and Extended Family Teaching, Quality of Life Planning, an Early Childhood Autism Program and a Family Enhancement Program.

“The Extended Family Teaching Model is one of the most successful models we’ve used,” Wilson said. “We noticed that by using this model, the quality of our services is better.”

According to Wilson, with KU models, employees of CLO have to go through extensive certifications and training unlike other similar programs such as Adult Foster Care.

“So, they really become professionals in what they do.”

Today, CLO provides services such as targeted case management, residential services, day services, behavioral consultation, healthcare services and organizational behavior management consulting.

In addition to these services, CLO just completed a recent expansion––a 22,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility––Midnight Farm, located five miles south of Eudora.

The purpose of this facility is to offer opportunities for country living, work, therapeutic play and recreation for adults, children and families with special needs.

“Midnight Farm is something the individuals with significant challenges don’t get to experience in the city,” Director of Employment and Recreation Services Julie Van Foeken said.

The multi-purpose facility will provide space for day service activities, a bunkhouse, meeting rooms and an arena to host horse shows and offer therapeutic riding classes.

Foeken said that they would like to offer their multi-purpose meeting rooms to local clubs and community groups such as Boys and Girls Clubs.

The facility also has a general-purpose working barn for the livestock and a specialty crop/horticultural–growing program as well as paddocks and petting areas for animals. In addition to the barn, the farm offers walking and riding trails, a fishing pond, a place for a campfire, picnic areas and a garden, including two Extended Family Model homes, each located on 10 acres.

The majority of the Midnight Farm was built on money CLO raised. Wilson said that they continue to raise money for further development, including two additional homes and an outdoor amphitheater.

CLO has been a Chamber member since 1997 and serves more than 400 adults and children in Douglas and Johnson counties as well as southeast Kansas and employs about 400 staff members with an annual operating budget of $20 million. For more information about CLO, visit their website at www.clokansas.org.

5 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

RIBBON CUT TING S

Congratulations & Welcome!

Myers Mobile DJ Services ~ June 25

Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine ~ 4824 Quail Crest Place ~ July 2

Papa John’s Pizza ~ 918 Mississippi St. ~ July 7

GTM Sportswear ~ 1008 W. 23rd St. ~ July 21

Bennett’s Sewing Center ~ 711 W. 23rd St., #11 ~ July 28

Re-Cyclery ~ 731 New Hampshire ~ July 30

6 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

M E MB E R S H I P August 2009 The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce advocates for business and community prosperity as it creates diverse jobs; cultivates a successful business environment; develops active community leaders; and promotes the assets of Lawrence and Douglas County.

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ELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Servpro of Lawrence/Ottawa Cleaning and Restoration 114 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 Phone: 785-690-7373 www.servpro-of-lawrence-ottawa.com Bob O’Neill Servpro9271@sunflower.com

Briggs Nissan Subaru Automobile Dealers 2300 N. 29th Terrace Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-8568889 www.briggsauto.com Jason McAfee jmcafee@briggsauto.com

The Griffith Companies– United Card Bank POS systems 2900 Atchison Ave. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785979-4873 Mark Griffith mark@griffithworld.com

The Buckle Clothing –Retail 805 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-7190 www.buckle.com Makayla Zoerb makaylazoerb@bucklestores.com

GTM Sportswear Sporting Goods – Retail 1008 W. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-838-4440 www.gtmsportswear.com Justin Villarreal justin.villarreal@igtm.com

Cindy Foley Individual 8906 W. 93rd St. Overland Park, KS 66212 Phone: 913-341-1893 Cfoley12000@yahoo.com

Knights of Columbus/Columbus Club Banquet Facilities 2206 E. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-842-2699 www.council1372.org John Callewaert jocalle@sbcglobal.net

Edward Jones – Dru Hull Financial Planning Services 1410 Kasold Dr., Ste. A-4 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-841-0342 www.edwardjones.com Dru Hull dru.hull@edwardjones.com El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Restaurants 1520 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. G Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-832-2200 Noel Ortiz

Medical Arts Pharmacy Pharmacies – Drug Stores 346 Maine St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-843-4160 Marvin Bredehoft marvinb@sunflower.com Runza Restaurant Restaurants 2700 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-749-2615 www.runza.com Doug Nations dougnations@sunflower.com

Wells Fargo Advisors Investments 1811 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 103 Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-842-7680 www.wfadvisors.com/dennis.mattern Dennis Mattern Dennis.mattern@wfadvisors.com Wild Green Interiors Flooring Contractor & Retailer 4901 Wakarusa Ct., Ste. B Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-843-8600 Tammy Abram Tammy.wildgreen@gmail.com

DID YOU KNOW? You can receive a $25 Chamber Gift Certificate when you assist in signing a new member to the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce through our “Member Sign a Member Program.” Once the membership is established, you will receive your gift certificate.

Submit your member leads to Cathy Lewis, VP of Membership at 785-865-4406 or clewis@lawrencechamber.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 Bernadette Gray-Little, KU Chancellor Dr. Linda Sue Warner, Haskell Indian Nations University President Rick Doll, Dr., 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, Retired

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 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 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 J. Taylor, Administrative Assistant jtaylor@lawrencechamber.com Phone number: (785) 865-4411

734 Vermont, Suite 101 Lawrence, KS 66044