March NEWSletter 2010

March

2010

make

your voice h e a r d 2010 Eggs & Issues Session II March 6 8-9:30 a.m.

Pachamama’s 800 New Hampshire $20 for members $25 for non members

click here to register

T HE

PRES IDENT ’S

M E SSAGE

Tom Kern

Creating a Regional Economic Development Partnership

President& CEO

In the early 1960s a group of business leaders made a historic decision to create the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Prior to the 1960s North Carolina was known for two things: tobacco and textiles. Both industries were low-wage industries that created no community wealth or long-term prosperity.

If you look at the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina today you will find that it is consistently rated as the #1 region in the country for high-tech businesses and is rated as the best place for business and careers.

It has been named as the #1 region in the country for higher education and #1 as a place to live and work, yet just 45 years ago it was known for tobacco and textiles.

How did the communities in central North Carolina transform themselves into what they are today? What can we learn from their experience that might help us here in Northeastern Kansas?

First, they did an inventory of their community assets.

Central North Carolina was home to three major universities (UNC, Duke and NC-State), it is the state capital, and it sits at the intersection of 3 major interstate systems that allow easy access to the eastern seaboard states as well as access to the south and to Atlanta. They had a great airport, excellent rail service, a state of the art medical/research infrastructure, a progressive local government infrastructure and a cooperative business environment.

What they didn’t have was a regional marketing program that promoted these assets on a national and regional level. Over the years, the Research Triangle Park and then the Research Triangle Regional Partnership developed a regional economic development partnership that transformed this region into what it is today.

There is a great deal of similarity between central North Carolina and Northeastern Kansas. While we are not necessarily known just for two business categories like North Carolina was prior to the research triangle, we have many of the same assets they do in the 85-mile corridor between Manhattan and Lawrence.

In that 85-mile corridor are three major universities (KU, K-State and Washburn), large federal research/military institutions (Ft. Riley, NBAF, KUMC and its NCI application), the state capital, access to an international air-

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port, state of the art surface transportation capabilities (road, rail and water), state of the art medical/research facilities, a cooperative and progressive local and state government infrastructure and a proactive business climate.

So what holds us back from being the research corridor of the Great Plains in the areas of animal health, food safety, drug discovery and cancer research? From my vantage point I would say it is the lack of a regional economic development marketing/promotion program.

Today, the three communities, three chambers and the three universities along the I-70 corridor operate separately. Occasionally, they collaborate on projects, but there is no formal effort to market the assets of the area regionally or nationally. It is my belief that no single organization in the region has enough critical mass or resources to market itself and its assets at those levels.

Therefore, much of what we all know that is great about our region is not known beyond a 200-mile radius.

Hopefully, what began at a luncheon meeting at Washburn University last month will be the beginning of a new regional partnership to market and promote the I-70 corridor between Manhattan and Lawrence as one area. There were representatives from 12 organizations in the room (three universities, three cities, three counties and three chambers). It is my understanding that we all came to the conclusion that additional studies are warranted for developing a regional economic development partnership to market and promote the I-70 corridor.

When you look at the assets that central North Carolina began with some 45 years ago, and where they are today, you can see what a region can do when it focuses its resources and efforts in a specific direction.

Given the resources and capabilities that exist along the I-70 corridor between Manhattan and Lawrence, I don’t see why we can’t do the same thing.

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7 ALVAMAR GOLF COURSE

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

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N E WS & E V E N TS

March 2010

Congratulations Chamber members who have distinguished themselves through public service and business!

Bowersock Mills and Power Company ~ 2009 Small Business of the Year Winner

From left: Michelle Fales of Peoples Bank received the Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award. David Ambler, Retired KU Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, received the Citizen of the Years Award.

Free State Brewing Company ~ 2009 Large Business of the Year Award Winner From left: Chief of Police Ronald W. Olin received Buford M. Watson Jr. Public Service Award. Judy Billings, Director of Convention & Visitors Bureau, received the Athena Award that honors women who strive toward the highest level of professional accomplishment.

3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

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REACH your est PROSPECTS

Minuteman Press Announced as Sustainable Green Printing Printer The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership announced Minuteman Press of Lawrence, Kan. the twelfth printer to become a certified SGP Printer in the country.

Minuteman Press staff has over 150 years of combined graphic arts experience and has been recognized for excellence, quality, ethics, giving and volunteering in their community. Their journey to become a SGP Printer is an example of the dedication the staff has to each other, their customers, their community and their environment.

Take advantage of our Member-to-Member Direct Mail Campaign. Your message will be delivered to 1,350* Chamber member representatives–– all potential customers.

Along with being a certified SGP Printer, the facility is also a small business, certified by the State of Kansas as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). A true business-to-business printer that handles everything from basic stationery, forms and newsletters, to on-demand color printing.

APRIL mailing

Minuteman Press helps companies develop effective marketing programs using variable data printing, list management and standard mail.

RSVP by March 15 Flyers are due March 22, 5 p.m.

The SGP Printer is fully verified as being in conformance with established program criteria. These criteria encompass a holistic approach to sustainability, going beyond consumables and their environmental impact. SGP Printers must meet all applicable environmental, health and safety requirements and commitments, along with specific requirements relating to the establishment of a sustainability team, the implementation of a sustainability management system, the use of SGP program metrics as well as taking specific steps to reduce the facility’s environmental footprint, implementing pollution prevention activities and committing to fundamental social and ethical norms.

Please RSVP to Natasha Buller at 785-865-4420 or nbuller@lawrencechamber.com, and bring your flyers by the Chamber office, located at 734 Vermont St. The cost is only $100. This mailing is scheduled to go out the first week of April.

For more information about Minuteman Press, visit www.minutemanlawrence.com or contact Deanna Bisel at dee@minutemanlawrence.com or (785) 842-2656.

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PCOMING

03/04 CYPN “Wii Bowl for Kids Sake” to Benefit

Big Brothers and Sisters

5:30 p.m., Fatso’s, 1016 Massachusetts St. 03/06 Eggs & Issues Session II

8-9:30 a.m., Pachamama’s, 800 New Hampshire 03/23 Guest Speaker Luncheon–Chancellor Gray-Little

12 p.m., Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St. 03/24 Business After Hours Mixer with Van Go

Mobile Arts, 5-7 p.m., 715 New Jersey 04/01 Ribbon Cutting: Motorsports Unlimited

4:30 p.m., 2300 W. 31st St., Ste. B

Exclusive offer for Chamber members only

*Amount may vary

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VENTS

04/08 Ribbon Cutting: Health Care Access Clinic

4:30 p.m., 330 Maine St. 04/22

Ribbon Cutting: Dr. Kathy Gaumer, Lawrence OBGYN Satellite Office 4:30 p.m., Lawrence Health Plaza, 330 Arkansas St., Ste. 215

05/07 Start Here Golf Tournament

1-6 p.m., Alvamar Public Golf Course,

1809 Crossgate Dr. For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com

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

March 2010

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Van Go to Host Business After Hours

Chancellor Gray-Little to Speak at the Chamber Guest Speaker Luncheon

Join us for an evening of networking and fun on Wednesday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Van Go Mobile Arts building, located at 715 New Jersey St. Van Go Mobile Arts, Inc. is an arts-based social service agency that provides year-round after-school and summer job-training programs to high-needs and under-served youth, ages 14-21.

Using art as the vehicle, Van Go is devoted to delivering constructive activities to children at risk for drug and alcohol use, teen pregnancy, truancy or delinquency.

Founded in 1997 as an innovative way to help fill existing gaps in social services, Van Go has been a lifeline for hundreds of kids and teens in crisis.

At the Mixer, Chamber members will have an opportunity to take a tour of the facility, preview the kids’ new mural, learn about upcoming Van Go events, see the kids in action and shop in the gallery. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Join us for a special luncheon with Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little of the University of Kansas at noon on Tuesday, March 23 at Maceli’s, located at 1031 New Hampshire St. The cost is $15 per Chamber member, seating is limited, and advanced registrations are required. Click here to register online or call 865-4411 by March 19.

The Miss Lawrence Pageant is Back!

The Miss Lawrence Pageant, a local preliminary to Miss Kansas/Miss America programs, will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire Street.

The program is operated exclusively by volunteers. Pageant judges, luncheon sponsors, and interview and preparation team members are being sought.

To become a part of this organization, please contact Don Bushell at 785-331-2618.

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WHEN: Census Day is April 1 WHY: The census will show state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

HOW: Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to households via U.S. Mail in March 2010.

IMPORTANCE: • Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.

• Census data guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, childcare and senior citizen centers, schools and more.

• Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, new housing and other facilities.

785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

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RIBBON CUT TING S

Congratulations & Welcome!

Lawrence Home Show ~ 5200 Clinton Pkwy. (First Serve Tennis Club) ~ January 29

Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community ~ 4851 Harvard Rd. ~ February 4

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Pachamama’s Banquet Hall ~ 800 New Hampshire St. ~ February 18 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

March 2010

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ELCOME NEW MEMBERS

AFLAC Insurance 8625 Dice Lane Lenexa, KS 66215 Phone: 816-225-8965 Fax: 913-322-3698 www.aflac.com Christopher Chingren christopher-chingren@us.aflac.com Bed Mart Beds–Bedding 2329 Iowa St., Ste. H Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-832-0501 Fax: 785-832-0403 www.bedmartinc.com Kathy Lucas klucas7468@aol.com Curves Fitness Centers–Women 601 Kasold, B 102 Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 785-841-1431 Fax: 785-841-1431 www.curves.com Terri Driscoll curves@sunflower.com Dayton, Norman P.O. Box 126 Hoisington, KS 67544 ndayton@cox.net Eccentricity too Clothing - Women 716 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-830-9100 Fax: 785-830-8190 Morgan Mattison eccentricity.lawrence@gmail.com Employee Benefits Professionals Employee Benefits & Health Insurance 11802 W. 132nd Terrace Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-232-9284 Fax: 866-525-9251 www.ebpkc.com Jacque R. Neat jneat@ebpkc.com Family Promise of Lawrence Non-Profit P.O. Box 266 Lawrence, KS 66044

Phone: 785-856-1417 www.lawrencefamilypromise.org Joe Reitz jreit239@gmail.com Glass, Stephen E. 1404 E. 24th St., Ste A P.O. Box 4150 Lawrence, KS 66046-1150 Phone: 785-843-1706 Fax: 785-843-2301 sglass@lrmindust.com Hope for Healing Project, L.L.C Health & Wellness 9039 Hillview Dr. DeSoto, KS 66018 Phone: 913-575-7497 Josh Biles grittiftness@gmail.com KMC Dermatology Physicians–Dermatology 4951 W. 18th St. Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-331-4488 Fax: 913-331-4338 www.kmcpa.com Wendy McClain wmcclain@kmcpa.com

Motorsports Unlimited LineX of Lawrence Automobile Parts and Accessories 2300 W. 31st. St., Ste B Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-842-8000 Fax: 785-749-3815 David Parks motorsportsunlimited2010@yahoo.com The New Life Training Center Life Coach 752 E. 550 Road Lawrence, KS 66047 Phone: 785-331-9886 www.newlifetrainingcenter.net Mike Wales rwalesr@aim.com On The Rocks Discount Liquor Liquor Store 1818 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-2337 Fax: 785-841-3436 www.ontherocksliquor.com Jennie Storm jcstorm@comcast.net Realty Executives–Hedges Real Estate Real Estate–Residential & Commercial 1037 Vermont St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-2400 Fax: 785-843-5487 www.hedgesrealestate.com Bryan C. Hedge bryanhedges7@aol.com

Kansas City Sailing Boat Shop–Retail 725 N. 2nd St Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-841-7245 Fax: 913-831-2699 www.kansascitysailing.com Bruce S. Liese bruce@kansascitysailing.com

Resolution Services, LLC Business Consulting 900 Massachusetts, Ste. 603 Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-843-1638 Fax: 785-843-2689 www.resolutionserv.com Ms. Amy Risley amyrisley@resolutionserv.com

LauraChaney.com Real Estate Sales 1031 Vermont St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-865-5000 Fax: 785-841-2400 www.laurachaney.com Laura Chaney laura@laurachaney.com Lawrence Education Association Teachers’ Association 1901 Louisiana St. Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-330-2383 Valerie Johnson Powell vjohnson@usd497.org

Weseman, Randy Retired 2748 Coneflower Ct. Lawrence, KS 66047

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 Management Group Keith Yehle, KU Chancellor’s Office The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce: (785) 865-4411

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 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