July
2010
Federal Healthcare Reform
–Impact on Small Employers Seminar set for July 27
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will present a seminar and panel discussion on Federal Healthcare Reform–Impact on Small Employers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 27 at Maceli’s, located at 1031 New Hampshire Street.
reform has been a moving target. Reform proposals have been extremely fluid and adjusted by closed-door negotiations and compromises. Despite passage, numerous pending legal challenges raise new questions and highlight many unresolved issues.
Panelists will include Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, Lawrence Memorial Hospital CEO Gene Meyer, Senior Associate at Willis Gerry Hollis and others.
There are a number of areas that will need to be addressed this year, 2011 and beyond. Please join us for an informative discussion on how the sweeping health care legislation may affect your benefit program. Both fully and self-insured plans will be addressed, focusing primarily on the most urgent issues for this year and next.
With enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or (PPACA) and its companion reconciliation “fix-it” measure, many employers are understandably anxious to learn how their businesses will be affected by the new law. Specifically, what impact will federal legislation have as to healthcare benefits offered, healthcare costs, and possible availability of other benefits for employees? All consultants, practitioners, and employers are in the same position. Although the industry has prepared for months for final action on healthcare reform, tracking developments has been nearly impossible because healthcare
Make your reservation to attend this event by calling the Chamber office at 865-4411, email frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com or online at www.lawrencechamber.com no later than Friday, July 23. The cost for Chamber members is $10 and $15 for non-members. The Chamber would like to extend a special thanks to Willis and Maceli’s for hosting this event.
T HE
PRES IDENT ’S
M E SSAGE
Community Improvement Districts (CIDs)– a community tool for business investment In the last several months there have been ongoing discussions in Lawrence about community improvement districts (CIDs) and their effectiveness as business development tools for our community.
Tom Kern President& CEO
It’s important to the discussion that we understand what CIDs are and aren’t as well as the intent behind their creation. When the state approved legislation creating CIDs in 2009, it was with the intention they provide an additional tool for communities to assist in economic development. CIDs allow the creation of retail districts where up to an additional two percent sales tax could be charged. The additional revenue is then transferred back into the project to cover public, semi-public and private development costs. Special taxing districts are not a new idea in Kansas. They are being used at the Legends in KCK and Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, in addition to 30 other retail developments throughout the state. Lawrence already has two of these special taxing districts. One is at The Oread hotel and the other is at Bauer Farms. Both districts seem to be working successfully, benefiting the businesses and the community they serve. CIDs are good economic development tools for communities because they encourage business investments in Lawrence. For example, CIDs: • place the financial incentives for business development on business users rather than the general taxpayer.
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• shift financial incentives for development to the users of the businesses through special taxing districts that pay for public, semi-public and private improvements. These districts offer a better financial incentive program for business development, shifting the burden to business users and not spreading the financial incentive costs to all taxpayers. • help ease budgetary concerns by generating new state and local sales taxes and increasing the commercial tax base. These projects likely will include “infill” development that may revitalize aging (if not blighted) areas of the city. CIDs have a place in Lawrence’s economic development policy. We should use them where appropriate to encourage business development and expansion. Ultimately, as we discuss this issue as a community, we must remember that, though we need a framework for the discussion, the outcome should be a policy that encourages people to grow and expand their businesses in Lawrence.
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Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
N E WS & E V E N TS
Mainstreet Credit Union to Host Business After Hours Mixer July 28
July 2010
Formerly known as Free State Branch of Credit Union of Johnson County, Mainstreet Credit Union is celebrating their new name, new look and inviting you to join them while networking with your fellow Chamber members. They’ve been busy growing and making “changes for the better” and would like you to hear all about it! They are proud to be a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than 52,000 members. The mixer will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 28 at 1001 E. 23rd St. Plan to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and happy hour adult beverages. You could also be the lucky winner of a great door prize! Mainstreet Credit Union has been in business since 1953. They expanded their field of membership in 2005 to include anyone who lives in or is paid from the K.C. Metro area, merging with Free State Credit Union in Lawrence in 2008. They are not a “new” credit union – they are a strong, old financial friend you can depend on to be there for your family year after year. For more information about Mainstreet Credit Union, visit www.mainstreetcu.org.
Taste of Lawrence Sponsorship Available Now Whether you are an established company or relatively new, present your message to more than 1,600 Chamber members and educators of Lawrence and Douglas County at the annual Taste of Lawrence Fall Mixer–one of the Chamber’s largest events–on September 15! The Fall Mixer honors local educators and celebrates the beginning of a new school year while offering local culinary delights provided by Chamber member restaurants, caterers and specialty shops.
The Oread Wins Design Awards The Oread, Lawrence’s newest premiere hotel, garnered architecture firm NSPJ Architects three of the 2010 KC Magazine and Commercial Journal’s Design Excellence accolades: the Silver Award for Interior Design | Traditional, the Bronze Award for Architecture | Exterior, and another Silver Award for Architecture | Traditional. There were nearly 150 individual entries, and only 28 companies were honored with 52 Design Excellence Awards. For more information about The Oread, visit www.theoread.com.
Take advantage of this unique marketing opportunity and consider becoming a Taste of Lawrence sponsor! We offer a wide range of sponsorship levels starting at just $250. Each level features corresponding marketing benefits. If you are interested, call Adam Handshy at 785-865-4427 or email ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com.
3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
NE WS & E V ENTS
Introducing New Director of Business Retention and Marketing for Economic Development The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce our new Director of Business Retention and Marketing for Economic Development Eileen Hawley. Ms. Hawley is an experienced communicator with a wide range of experience, including 15 years leading communications efforts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. At NASA she was a key advisor to senior leadership during times of crisis (including the loss of the Shuttle Columbia in 2003) and helped develop communication strategies to respond to those situations. As director of External Relations at JSC, she led an office encompassing communications and pub-
Chamber Accepting Nominations for 2011 Board of Directors
lic affairs, media relations, education outreach, government relations, volunteer activities and community relations. She worked in the famous Mission Control Center in Houston, as the “voice of Mission Control” for more than 40 Space Shuttle and Space Station Missions, including John Glenn’s historic return to space in 1998. She has received numerous honors, including being named an Honorary Kansan in 1999, an Emmy from the Midwestern Regional Emmy Awards, Ohio Chapter, for coverage of the John Glenn Space Shuttle mission, and in 2008 received NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal recognizing her role in enhancing NASA’s communications efforts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in media studies from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Leadership from Seton Hall University.
Food Festival and Fireworks – July 4
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is presently seeking Chamber members to serve on the 2011 Board of Directors and is currently soliciting nominations. The Board of Directors serves as the general governing body of the Chamber and is comprised of area business people of diverse experience, vocation and background. Selected individuals will serve a term of three years as they help guide the Chamber in its efforts to make Lawrence a better place to live and do business. Nominees must be a Chamber member in good standing with the organization. Self-nominations are encouraged. If you are interested or if you know someone who may be, simply remit contact information along with a brief explanation of why the nominee would be a good Board of Director to Christy Bogner at cbogner@lawrencechamber.com, no later than August 2.
Come celebrate Independence Day with local and independently owned businesses! Hosted by Lawrence Originals and the Give Back program, the festival will begin at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 4 at Watson Park, located between 6th and 7th, Kentucky and Tennessee Streets. Get your blankets and lawn chairs out and start practicing watermelon spitting skills. Enjoy live music, lots of great food, beer, children’s activities and Lawrence’s only firework display! Really gets it.
For more information, visit www.lawrencegiveback.com/ fourth.html.
4 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
July 2010
N E WS & E V E N TS
CYPN Putt-Putt Pub Crawl The 6th Annual Chamber Young Professionals Network (CYPN) Putt-Putt Pub Crawl took place on Friday, June 4. Nearly 70 young professionals participated in the event. The participants visited six downtown Lawrence establishments, including Fatso’s, The Sandbar, The Barrel House, The Eldridge, The Granada and Johnny’s Tavern. If you are interested in joining CYPN, email cypn@lawrencechamber.com.
U
PCOMING
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VENTS
07/04 Food Festival & Fireworks 4-10 p.m., Watson Park, 6th St. between Kentucky & Tennessee
07/28 Business After Hours Mixer Hosted by Mainstreet Credit Union 5-7 p.m., 1001 E. 23rd St.
07/15 Ribbon Cutting: Tractor Supply Company 11:30 a.m., 2420 Fairfield St.
08/05 SpringHill Suites Grand “Rejuvenation” Celebration, 5-8 p.m., 1 Riverfront Plaza
07/22 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Landscape/Midwest Custom Pools 4:30 p.m., 5101 Parker Court–Westwood Pool
07/29 Ribbon Cutting: Lou & Co. Aveda Hair Studio 4:30 p.m., 2040 W. 31st St., Ste. C
07/23 Ribbon Cutting: Body Boutique 4:30 p.m., 2330 Yale Rd. 07/23 Federal Healthcare Reform–Impact on Small Employers Seminar 8:30-10:30 a.m., Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St.
08/18 Business After Hours Mixer Hosted by Bioscience and Technology Business Center at KU 5-7 p.m., 2029 Becker Dr. For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com
5 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
RIBBON CUT TING S
Seamless Data Systems ~ 123 W. 8th Street, Ste. 202 ~ May 18
Jewelry By Julie ~ 19 W. 19th Street ~ May 20
Perkins Restaurant ~ 1711 W. 23rd St. ~ May 21
Kamehameha Massage ~ 2311 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. C ~ June 1
Abram Brown Financial Consultants, LLC ~ June 3
Lawrence Real Estate Connections ~ 5040 Bob Billings Pkwy., Ste. A ~ June 15
6 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
July 2010
M E MB ERS H I P
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ELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Biemer’s BBQ Restaurants 2120 W. 9th St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-0800 Fax: 785-830-8215 www.biemers.com Jim Biemer pb66049@aol.com
Kansas Sampler Retail 921 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-1300 Fax: 785-312-9041 www.kansassampler.com Aaron Liebert aliebert@kansassampler.com
Heritage Tractor Farm Machinery Equipment 110 E. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-843-8444 Fax: 785-843-0107 www.heritagetractor.com Tim Deneke tdenke@heritagetractor.com
Lawrence Montessori School Schools – Private 4705 McCormick St. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-865-0678 Fax: 785-865-0678 Purviz Birdie lms10director@gmail.com
JWA Video Business Services 901 Kentucky St. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-856-4546 Fax: 312-829-9074 www.jwavideo.com Jack Wilson jack@jwavideo.com
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is the advocate for economic vitality and job growth in Lawrence and Douglas County.
TIP of the MONTH from our partner KUSBDC
Growing Your Business— A Multi-faceted, Tactical Approach Sometimes marketplaces are hard to predict. There just doesn’t seem to be a linear relationship between the actions you take as a business owner and the returns that the business experiences. It can be overwhelming to try to figure out the best way to spend your limited dollars. More than ever, there are a variety of tactics you can use, all the way from traditional print advertising to radio/television to search engine optimization and social media strategies. How do you know which way to go?
Patti’s Health and Nutrition Nutrition Centers 18943 Green Rd. Tonganoxie, KS 66086 Phone: 913-484-3126 Patti Works doublerestoration@gmail.com Stalwart Lion Property, Inc. Real Estate Developers & Investors 1202 W. 20th St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-727-1311 Brian Powell, Jr. 6powell@stalwartlions.com The Windsor of Lawrence Retirement Communities – Assisted Living – Nursing Care 3220 Peterson Rd. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-832-9900 Fax: 785-832-9167 Lynn Dodge lynn.dodge@windsorsl.com Tractor Supply Company Pet Foods and Supplies 2420 Fairfield St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-331-2395 www.tractorsupply.com Jon Wohler str1411@tractorsupply.com
The answer is that no single approach guarantees results. When possible, it’s best to use a variety of tactics, keep track of your results (by asking your customers), and do more of the things that work….and less of the things that don’t work. Keep an open mind to what the marketplace is telling you. Sometimes it’s easy for business owners to get attached to certain media for emotional or ego-driven reasons. You should listen to the ROI calculations…Return On Investment. If you’re spending money on advertising and marketing, you should be able to justify every dollar by the bottom-line return generated. If you would like some help coming up with specific tactics that your business might use in the marketplace, contact us at KUSBDC. We offer free, confidential generalist consulting. Will Katz Regional Director KU Small Business Development Center 785-843-8844
785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
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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 Phlipot, 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 Christy Bogner Accountant/Director of Operations cbogner@lawrencechamber.com Sue Hack Executive Director, Leadership Lawrence shack@lawrencechamber.com Hank Booth, Government & Community Affairs Director hbooth@lawrencechamber.com Eileen Hawley, Director of Business Retention & Marketing for Economic Development ehawley@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