December 2009
KU Continuing Education–Leading the Community in Lifelong Learning
Firefighters work to contain a simulated propane emergency as part of a mobile training course delivered by KUCE’s Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute.
Kyle Garcia Director of Marketing KU Continuing Education
Nestled off of Bob Billings Parkway in the former Maupintour building is the University of Kansas Continuing Education center (KUCE). Despite its 120-year history, many in the local community do not realize that KUCE touches the lives of tens of thousands of Kansans each year. KUCE reinforces the local and regional economy and supports the outreach initiatives of the University of Kansas in many ways, including training thousands of police officers and firefighters in every county in Kansas, delivering international aerospace training programs, disseminating life-saving medical information and providing lifelong learning opportunities for seniors. “Since the inception of the first School of University Extension in 1891, the University of Kansas has been a leader in lifelong learning,” said Frederick W. Pawlicki, executive director of KUCE. “By responding to the educational
needs of working people across our state or citizens without access to a college, KU Continuing Education has evolved into a national leader in the delivery of high-quality professional education, workforce development and distance learning.” KUCE serves more than 70,000 people of diverse backgrounds and age groups. With more than 1,000 courses, programs and conferences, the unit supports KU’s academic, research and community service initiatives. KUCE’s services extend locally, nationally and across the globe with programs serving all 105 Kansas counties, 50 states and 55 countries. KUCE enlists KU’s world-class faculty to offer courses for post-graduate working professionals, Independent Study for KU credit and a variety of other non-credit courses designed for professional development and personal growth. At the heart of KU’s Independent Study program are more than 150 undergraduate and
Continued on page 4
T HE
PRES IDENT ’S
M E SSAGE
Tom Kern
TIME FOR A LITTLE REFLECTION… I have been here for a little over a year, and I thought it might be worthwhile to share with you some of the things that have occurred during my first year as President/CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
President& CEO
• One of my first objectives was to meet as many members of the Chamber as possible. I have successfully visited one-on-one with about 315 chamber members and found this to be the most empowering part of the job. I learned first hand about a number of very unique businesses and about people’s passion for Lawrence.
County. The Chamber’s Development Committee has been meeting monthly with the City/County planning staff to examine ways to streamline and consolidate the development and code compliance process in our community. These changes, some of which have already been approved by the City, will enhance our ability to both attract new businesses and help our existing businesses grow and prosper.
• I spent a great deal of time this year getting to know the University of Kansas and its people. I soon learned that KU is really a combination of several organizations, including the University, KU Athletics, KU Endowment, KU Alumni and KU Continuing Education to name just a few. I have tried to meet as many people from those different organizations as possible and create a positive working relationship between them and the Chamber. I believe KU is an economic engine of Lawrence and one that we need to continue to grow and nurture.
• We spent a lot of time this year thinking about how we can better communicate with you—our members. We have redesigned our newsletter to be more reader friendly. In addition, our new website design was launched in late October with the objective of being easy to use, clean and effective.
• I knew that keeping a positive and proactive relationship with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County was essential for the Chamber especially as it relates to economic development. I am happy to report that we have a great relationship with both the City and the County and that we work regularly with them on a variety of issues. I have been very impressed with the commitment from both elected and appointed officials to the Chamber’s mission and vision of creating jobs and economic opportunities.
• We saw a reinvigorated government affairs effort this year that included a Congressional Series where members had the opportunity to meet our congressional delegation and talk with them directly about such critical issues as health care, the federal stimulus programs and the economy in general. • I have been very impressed with the level of commitment from the City, Douglas County and KU in regards to the biosciences. The creation of the Lawrence/Douglas County Bioscience Authority, the recent groundbreaking for the new $7.25 million Bioscience & Technology Business Center and the recent purchase of the old Oread Labs building (a graduation facility for bioscience companies) are all examples of this collaborative effort. Over time, great things will happen as a result of this community commitment.
• I was very pleased to see the turnout and level of involvement for our recent Community Forum on Job Growth. We had some 120 engaged citizens involved in a grassroots process that has provided us the base information, which we will use to develop a long–term economic development strategy for our community. • Internally, we have seen some impressive performances by the Chamber staff. In 2009, we added over 170 new members to the Chamber. This represents an increase of over 20 percent from 2008. That is a laudable accomplishment in any year, but to do it in a year of a recession is just outstanding.
As you can see, it has been a busy first year for me. Like anywhere else, we have our challenges, but I am confident that as long as we continue to work together we will make Lawrence a better place for all who call it their home. I wish you and your families the happiest of holiday seasons!
• We have been able to make some measurable progress on the issue of doing business in Lawrence/Douglas
PUZZLED
ABOUT
GIFT
IDEAS?
THE PERFECT GIF T FOR MAKING LAWRENCE THRIVE!
2
~Chamber Gift Certificate
CALL 785-865-4411 OR STOP BY THE CHAMBER, 734 VERMONT ST.
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
December 2009
N E WS & E V E N TS
A View from the Other Bench... From One of the Toughest Hurdles KU Basketball Ever Cleared, the 1988 National Title Foe Director of Athletics at Lamar University and a former men’s basketball coach known for his high scoring offense and full-court press defense, Billy Tubbs will speak at the 2010 Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting to be held on Friday, January 29 at the Lawrence Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center, 200 McDonald Dr. In Lawrence, Tubbs may be familiar to those who remembers the 1988 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament when KU, coached by Larry Brown, won the national title with an 83–79 victory in the final game over Big 8 Conference rival Oklahoma, coached by Tubbs. In 31 years as a head coach, Tubbs posted a career record of 641-340 (.653). His 641 career wins ranks 24th all-time in NCAA Division I history. Tubbs has led his teams to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, six NIT appearances, eight conference championships, three conference tournament championships and 18 20-win seasons. For his efforts, he was named conference coach of the year eight times and was a two-time national coach of the year. Throughout his career as a head coach, Tubbs led universities such as Southwestern University, Lamar University,
the University of Oklahoma and Texas Christian University. The Annual meeting will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, awards and a presentation by Billy Tubbs at 7 p.m. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is inviting all of its members to celebrate and recognize community leaders who have devoted their time and energy to public service and business. The Chamber will honor these individuals with the following awards: • • • • •
Citizen of the Years Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer of the Year Buford M. Watson Public Service Award Athena Award Business of the Year Awards
The Chamber is currently taking reservations, please call 785-865-4411 or email ahandshy@lawrencechamber. com. Tickets are $75 per person. You can also reserve full tables of 10 for $750. For more information about the event, contact Cathy Lewis at 785-865-4406 or clewis@ lawrencechamber.com.
Let’s Get Together for Some Holiday Cheer at Brandon Woods Brandon Woods at Alvamar celebrates a new era in serving senior adults in the Lawrence community and invites you to the Chamber’s last 2009 Business After Hours event to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 1501 Inverness Drive. Come celebrate this Holiday season and spread the word about your products and services in a relaxed, social setting.
U
PCOMING
12/03 Ribbon Cutting: Salon Di Marco 4:30 p.m., 733 Massachusetts 12/03 CYPN Tacky Holiday Party 5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Dr., Brazilian Room A 12/05 The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade 11 a.m., Downtown Lawrence 12/09 Business After Hours Mixer with Brandon Woods 5–7 p.m., 1501 Inverness 12/10 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Public Library— New Business Center 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 707 Vermont St. 12/16 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Hearing Aid Center 11:30 a.m., 4106 W. 6th St., Ste E For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com
Enjoy live music and a festive array of food and drinks catered by Brandon Woods Food Service in the Big 12 Pub and Woodlands Restaurant. A newly renovated model apartment will be open for viewing. Parking is available off both Bob Billings Parkway and Inverness Drive. There is no charge for this mixer, and no reservations are required. We look forward to seeing you there!
E
VENTS
12/16 Chamber Board of Directors Holiday Reception 4:30 p.m., Chamber Office, 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 12/17 Ribbon Cutting: Gina Halsey Acupuncture & Chinese Herbology 4:30 p.m., 1112 W. 6th St., Ste 106 1/07/10 Ribbon Cutting & Open House: First United Title Agency 4:30 p.m., 4105 W. 6th St., Ste. A1 1/07/10 Legislative Priorities Breakfast 7:30 a.m., The Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass. St. 1/13/10 Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours: The Oread, 4:30 p.m., 1200 Oread Ave. 1/29/10 The Chamber Annual Meeting 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Holidome, 200 McDonald Dr.
3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
BUSINE SS SP OTLIG HT
Advanced Homecare is Passionate about Independence for Elders By Natasha Buller
Sandra London-Leib’s journey from lobbyist for retired U.S. Senator Bob Dole to CEO/Owner of a medical equipment provider grew out of her commitment to prevent child and elder abuse. London-Leib is passionate about her endeavor and speaks enthusiastically about her business. “At Advanced Homecare we believe that the longer our patients are able to be mobile, independent and live in their own environment, the longer they will live,” she said. Located at 2851 Iowa Street in a 12,000-square-foot building is Advanced Homecare, the largest medical equipment supplier in the region, serving Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Since London-Leib purchased the company six years ago, it has quadrupled in size. Today, Advanced Homecare has one of the largest retail showrooms in the region with a full line of items for the home, including seat lift chairs, scooters (some scooters go as fast as 10 miles an hour and can travel 37 miles on one charge), power chairs, a full line of orthotics and complete sleep apnea and mastectomy services. They also provide private fitting rooms for mastectomy patients and c-pap and bi-pap patients. While equipment is important for independent living, it is also important to Advanced Homecare that their customers’ houses retain a home-like feel. “We let people know if they have a person with special needs, their house does not have to look like a hospital,” London-Leib said. “Our goal is to make our patients’
Sandra London-Leib, CEO and Owner of Advanced Homecare
homes look inviting.” The company is currently working on a fully accessible handicapped kitchen and bathroom with remote control mirrors as well as a fully wheelchair accessible shower. Advanced Homecare earned the Gold Seal of Approval and received accreditation from the Joint Commission, scoring in the top five percent of medical equipment providers nationwide during the commission’s evaluation process. For more information about Advanced Homecare, go to www.advancedhomecarekansas.com.
Continued from page 1
KU Continuing Education—Leading the Community in Lifelong Learning graduate courses. Several thousand students take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of these distance-learning courses every year. Jim Peters directs KUCE’s academic and professional programs, which provide professional development opportunities that span dozens of professional fields, including engineering, health care, law, education and bioscience. “Providing continuing education programs for working professionals is essential to our mission,” Peters said. “The key for us is to deliver to the businesses and employers of Kansas a workforce that is well-trained and highly productive.” KU Continuing Education’s Aerospace Program is internationally renowned for its award-winning programming, often drawing attendees from across the globe.
4
“In partnership for over 33 years with the University of Kansas Aerospace Engineering Department and the School of Engineering, this program has provided the highest quality instruction, taught by more than 90 industry and academic experts,” Dr. Soma Chakrabarti, director of Aerospace Programs said.
In addition, KUCE’s partnership with the University of Kansas Medical Center offers cutting-edge clinical and administrative programs benefiting physicians, nurses and allied professionals across Kansas, the nation and the world. Public safety is also a significant focus at KUCE. With the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute, KUCE provides training for police, fire and EMS professionals throughout the state. Because KUCE’s philosophy is that learning is a lifelong pursuit, KUCE offers a series of programs fostering learning and leadership among young people in Kansas and around the country. Moreover, the KU Osher Institute is committed to creating accessible and innovative learning environments with a special focus on participants age 50 and over, fulfilling KUCE’s commitment to adult learners. KU is the only university in Kansas to house an Osher institute. A proud Lawrence-based institution, KUCE is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of the community and supporting the outreach initiatives of KU.
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
NE WS & E V E N TS
December 2009
Community Forum on JOB GROWTH Participants listed the following top five community strengths:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
KU–potential to commercialize Quality of life Geographic location Transportation network Education system: K-12 and Higher Ed
Participants also identified the following top five job growth limitations:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Scott McCullough, director of the City’s planning and development services, and Mark Andersen, attorney at Barber Emerson, L.C., participate at a table discussion during the Community Forum.
Long-term community planning and vision Anti-business perception Non-competitive in economic development City Hall climate Development code and process
The Chamber plans to develop a report summarizing the vote tallies for each of the topics in December. The goal is to create a proposed job creation policy to present to the community and elected officials for consideration.
Jobs are not found, they are made! This was the catch phrase to promote the Community Forum on Job Growth, which took place Oct. 29 in the Lawrence High School cafeteria. The event was organized in collaboration with the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, the League of Women Voters, the Lawrence Journal-World and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Roger Zalneraitis Jr., the city’s economic development coordinator, began the forum by presenting several facts about job growth in Douglas County. He said that this county lost more jobs than any other county in the state in 2008. More than 120 area residents joined round table discussions and shared their ideas on how to bring more jobs to Lawrence. “The purpose of this event is to obtain public input on strengths and weaknesses of the community as it relates to economic development and job growth,” Lawrence Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Kern said.
5 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
RIBBON CUT TING S
Imagine Drop-In Childcare ~ 536 Fireside Court ~ October 27
Prairie Pond Studio & Bead Co. ~ 809 Massachusetts ~ November 12
iCafe ~ 520 W. 23rd St., Ste. F ~ November 5
92.9 The Bull ~ 3125 W. 6th St. ~ November 19
6 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
December 2009
M E MB ERS H I P
W
ELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Advantage Heating & A/C, Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating 406 N 7th St., Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-6996 Mr. Randall V. Ortiz advan99@aol.com Body Boutique Fitness Centers – Women 2330 Yale Rd. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-749-2424 www.bodybofitness.com Jalon Grogan bodyboutique@gmail.com Camp Birchwood Education Summer 1035 Vermont St., Ste. B Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: (800) 451-5270 www.campbirchwood.com Dan Bredemus dan@birchwoodforboys.com Centerplate Concessions 1651 Naismith Dr. Lawrence, KS 66045 Phone: 785-864-6154 www.centerplate.com Rick Brown rick.brown@centerplate.com The Eldridge Extended Wedding & Reunion Facility 201 W. 8th St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-749-5011 www.eldridgehotel.com Mary Nichols mary@eldridgehotel.com Gemstone Catering Caterers 2222 W. 6th St. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-766-7421 www.gemstonecatering.com Justin Cudnik justin.cudnik@ghchotels.com Hillcrest Wrecker & Garage, Inc. Towing Services 3700 Franklin Park Cir. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-843-0052 Jerry Taylor hillcrestwrecker@aol.com
Hurst Fine Diamonds Jewelers – Retail 3140 Iowa St., Ste. 109 Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-749-5552 www.hurstdiamonds.com Michael Hurst mhurst5555@sbcglobal.net
Mango Tan Tanning Salons 4000 W. 6th St., Ste. D Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-856-2646 www.mangotan.com Kristi A. Lawrence kristi@mangotan.com
Jeff’s Audio Video, LLC Audio/Video Equipment & Custom Installation 805 Locust, Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-218-0331 www.jeffsaudiovideo.com Jeff Huffman jeff@jeffsaudiovideo.com
Midwest Concrete Materials Manufacturing Concrete Products 3645 E. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-843-1688 www.4mcm.com John Pendry jpendry@4mcm.com
Johnny’s West Restaurant & Bar 721 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 100 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-843-0704 Rick Renfro
Noodles & Company Restaurants 8 W. 8th St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-4300 www.noodles.com Zach Voorhees lawrence@noodles.com
Lawrence Hearing Aid Center Hearing Aid Sales & Service 4106 W 6th St., Ste. E Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-749-1885 Kimberly Henderson seabreezekh@gmail.com
The Oread Hotels 1200 Oread Ave. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-843-1200 www.theoread.com Rachel Herring rachel@theoread.com
Lawrence Printing & Design Printing And Design 2317 Pondarosa Dr. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-843-4600 www.lawrenceprint.com Tony Smith tony@lawrenceprint.com Legends Place Student Housing 4101 W. 24th Pl. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-856-5848 www.legendsplace.com Taffie Pounders tpounders@placeproperties.com Logan Business Machines, Inc. Copiers & Facsimiles 417 B NE 24 Hwy. Topeka, KS 66608 Phone: 785-233-1102 www.loganbusinessmachines.com Steve Logan logans@kc.rr.com
Pachamama’s Restaurant & Star Bar Restaurants 800 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-0990 www.pachamamas.com Sarah Gerner sarah@pachamamas.com Pink Box Bakeshop Bakeries – Retail 727 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-424-3535 www.pinkboxbakeshopkansas.com Michele Kaminski michelekaminski@att.net
785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
7
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
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce: (785) 865-4411
734 Vermont, Suite 101 Lawrence, KS 66044
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 Christy Bogner Accountant/Director of Operations cbogner@lawrencechamber.com Natasha Buller Marketing & Communications Manager nbuller@lawrencechamber.com Adam Handshy Project & Program Coordinator ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com Sandy Winstead Hadley, Administrative Asst., frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com Meredithe McCormick Member Sales Executive mereditheandgary@sunflower.com