September 2009 NEWSletter

September 2009

THE ROAD TO THE CUSTOMER – New Chamber Marketing Seminars Begin Friday, Sept. 18 YOU ARE HERE

YOUR CUSTOMER HERE

The road between a business and the customer can be a long and winding one, full of roadblocks, speed traps and potholes. It is for that reason the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce presents a brand new series to help its members and other businesses in the community learn effective strategies to obtain more customers.

The following three-part series will be entertaining and packed with ideas that you can take back and implement immediately!

Please join 20-year Marketing and Advertising consultant Ron Covert as he shares his knowledge about how to navigate the journey and put more money to the bottom line.

Covert is currently Chief Operating Officer for Great Plains Media and has taught marketing and advertising to thousands of sales representatives and business owners throughout the United States and Canada.

He is also a former instructor at the prestigious Wizard of Ads Academy in Austin, Tex.

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Session I: Business and Pricing Strategy, Friday, September 18

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Session II: Advertising and In-Store Strategy, Friday, October 16

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Session III: Face-to-Face and After-theSale Strategy, Friday, November 20

All sessions will take place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America auditorium, 1421 Research Park Dr. The cost is $40 per session or $99 for all three sessions. A portion of the proceeds will go to PIECE, the Chamber’s youth leadership program. Click here to register online or call 865-4411.

T H E

P RES IDENT ’S

M E SSAGE

In late July, I had the opportunity to attend the American Chamber of Commerce Executive’s (ACCE) annual conference in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.

Like most professions, Chamber executives have their own professional association, and over the years, I have found ACCE to be one of the best.

Tom Kern President& CEO

Like many annual conferences, there is the opportunity to catch up with others in the profession, attend some useful educational sessions and do a great deal of networking.

This year, I had the opportunity to participate in a program, called “Emerging Cities,” designed for emerging smaller metro market cities to address the issues that are unique to these new markets. As important as the sessions were, the contacts I made with my counterparts in those cities are probably more important. As with any profession, the ability to contact another professional and discuss community issues can save a lot of time and effort.

There were two big take aways from this conference.

The first one addressed the idea of creating a “University Cities” group through ACCE to discuss the economic and community issues unique to communities with a large research university. Cities like Ann Arbor, Chapel Hill, Norman, Bloomington, Columbia, Ames, Iowa City and a number of others, all fall into this category. This initiative will be headed by the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce (UNC) and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce (KU) with hope to get off the ground sometime this fall.

The second initiative deals with regional economic development. At the ACCE conference, the CEOs of the Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan Chambers sat in a presentation that provided a case study of the research triangle in North Carolina. What came from

hearing that presentation was a more formalized plan to have our three chambers in Kansas work cooperatively in marketing the corridor between Manhattan and Lawrence as a single economic region. The first step in that process will occur this fall when we invite the new President of KSU and the new Chancellor of KU to meet with the Governor and business leaders from all three communities. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce the idea to the two respective universities and to see if there is interest in having the three counties (Douglas, Shawnee and Riley), three major cities (Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan) and two major universities (KU and KSU) work collaboratively in marketing this region from an economic development standpoint. There are significant economic development opportunities in each community, but it is our belief that if we market the area as a single region, each community will see a greater benefit than if we try to market each separately.

These two initiatives are both exciting opportunities and, I believe, will have great benefits to the Lawrence business community in the years to come.

The LAWRENCE CHAMBER of COMMERCE PRESENTS

NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL SERIES • Events will take place at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire CLICK HERE to REGISTER or CALL 865-4411

Congressman Jerry Moran Sept. 8, 7:30 a.m.

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

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

N E WS & E V E N TS

September 2009

Nominate your Favorite Business to Receive Business of the Year Award The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its new Business of the Year Award Program! Designed to recognize the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of leaders in the business community, the award will be presented annually and will consist of both a small (1-25 employees) and large (26 or more employees) categories.

To be eligible for the award, nominees must: • Be a for-profit business, located in Douglas County • Be locally owned or locally franchised • Be a Lawrence Chamber of Commerce member for a minimum of three years and currently in good standing • Have not won the award in the last five years (Candidates currently providing a member to the Chamber Board of Directors will not be eligible for consideration.)

Candidate evaluations will be based on the following criteria: • Business growth and performance • Sound business strategies and practices • Customer service strategies and practices • Unique and innovative approaches • Community involvement and contributions • Employee relations • Job creation

Nominations may be submitted by the company, its clients, customers, vendors or the company itself. Nomination forms can be found on the Chamber website at www. lawrencechamber.com. All nominations should be directed to Program & Project Coordinator Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or mailed to his attention, 734 Vermont, Ste. 101. Nominations must be received no later than 4 p.m., Friday, September. 11.

Business of the Year recipients will be honored during an awards luncheon to be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 1 at Springhill Suites, 1 Riverfront Plaza. The event is open to all Chamber members and all local businesses. The cost is $25 to attend.

Leading In Turbulent Times Webinar Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, 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.

The webinar will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at the Chamber office, 734 Vermont, Ste. 101.

This event is free of charge, but requires reservations. Please send an email to kate.turner@expresspros.com by Monday, Aug. 10 and type Webinar in the subject line.

2 0 0 9

enjoy the

c ulinary

delights of more than 25 vendors

TASTE of LAWRENCE FALL MIXER 5:30–7:30 p.m., Wed., Sept. 9 Meadowbrook Apartments (Bob Billings & Crestline Dr.) click here to print click here to register online registration form

Honoring Community Educators

3 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

NE WS & E VENTS

The Chamber Switches to Paperless Invoicing for a Greener Business The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce recently began sending invoices to its members via email. This includes outstanding invoices for membership dues, event reservations, sponsorships, Focus[ED contributions, etc.

Sending invoices in this manner is not only environmentally friendly and economically efficient, it also allows members to conveniently pay their invoices via credit card.

Members who have chosen the Chamber’s convenient Payment Plan Option to pay for membership dues will continue to receive invoices via a monthly email. The monthly email will include the Tiered Dues Structure worksheet that highlights the benefits of each tier as well as a Payment Plan Option worksheet. It will also include a link for members to click on and view, print or pay all of their invoices.

The only members who will receive hard copies of invoices are those who do not have an email address.

For questions regarding outstanding invoices and/or the Chamber’s Payment Plan Options, please contact Christy Bogner at cbogner@lawrencechamber.com or 785-865-4490.

Access Chamber Services with Username and Password As of September 1, Chamber member’s primary representatives should have received a Username and Password for the Member’s Only section of the Chamber website. Effective immediately, all members must login to register for Chamber events.

Within the Member’s Only section, not only can members register for events that offer special pricing for Chamber members, but they can update their membership information anytime. The Chamber encourages all members to login at their convenience, view their information for accuracy and make the necessary updates. The Member’s Only section also allows members to view, print and/or pay any outstanding invoices.

If a member has not received a Username and Password, they may contact Christy Bogner at cbogner@ lawrencechamber.com or J at jtaylor@lawrencechamber. com.

The Chamber will only provide the login information to the primary representative for the membership. The primary representative may then forward the login information to other representatives for their membership.

A hard copy of this NEWSletter is now being distributed at the Lawrence Public Library and at the “Experience Lawrence” room at the I-70 Turnpike McDonald’s restaurant. For advertising opportunities, email Natasha Buller at nbuller@lawrencechamber.com

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Business After Hours Mixers

SUNFLOWER NATURAL PET SUPPLIES Thursday, Sept. 10, 4:30 p.m., 919 Iowa St.

“TASTE OF LAWRENCE” FALL MIXER Wed., Sept. 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Meadowbrook Apartments, Bob Billings Pkwy. & Crestline Dr.

LAWRENCE ART GUILD–1109 GALLERY Friday, Sept. 11, 4:30 p.m., 1109 Massachusetts

THERAPYWORKS Wed., Oct. 7, 5–7 p.m., 1311 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 1000

NEUVANT HOUSE–Groundbreaking Friday, Sept. 18, 4:30 p.m., 1216 Biltmore Dr.

EMPRISE BANK Wed., Nov. 18, 5–7 p.m., 1121 Wakarusa BRANDON WOODS Wed., Dec. 16, 5–7 p.m., 1501 Inverness

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

ECONO MI C D E V ELO PM EN T

September 2009

Economic Impact of Health Care in Lawrence & Douglas County President & CEO of Lawrence Memorial Hospital Calls for Local Businesses to Grow Together

by Gene Meyer, President & CEO, Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Gene Meyer

Health care has been at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds lately. The discussions about health care are passionate ones as they affect us all and there is nothing more important than health. Many of these discussions have been focused on how much health

care costs, and that is a valid and necessary discussion.

However, it is also important to know how much health care affects the economy.

Health care not only improves the lives of individuals, it improves the life of the community itself. As a strong community hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital has enjoyed a wonderful partnership with area residents and businesses. It is because of the support and goodwill of the community that LMH has been able to grow and offer new services such as oncology and cardiology care. As we continue to enhance our capabilities, LMH is pleased to contribute to both the physical and economic health of our community.

As Chamber members you know the importance of economic development to the strength and vitality of the community. The future of Lawrence and Douglas County is dependent on increasing the number of employment opportunities available to new and existing residents.

A major factor in a company’s decision to locate or expand is the strength of a community’s health care services. If the company is looking to locate to Lawrence, they need to be able to offer strong health care services to the employees that will be relocating. Once here, companies need to be productive to succeed, and good health is essential to a productive workforce. LMH is proud to offer comprehensive business health services that assist area companies in maintaining a healthy workforce through wellness, injury prevention and rehabilitation services.

In addition, a relocating or expanding company wants to know they can operate efficiently in Lawrence, and an important part of that is keeping health care costs down.

Douglas County businesses have an advantage in that area because, in addition to the business health services already mentioned, the cost of health care services offered at LMH are generally 20 percent lower than those of other hospitals in the region.

Finally, quality health care services are essential in attractAs an industry, the health care sector has a substantial iming retirees to a community. Along with safety and qualpact on the economy of Lawrence, Douglas County and ity of life, access to state-of-the-art health care services the U.S. as a whole. According to a recent study of the is one of the key attributes a retiree looks for in a comimportance of health care to the economy by the Kansas munity. In addition to providing a noteworthy source of Rural Health Options Project, Department of Agricultural Economics and K-State Research and Extension, health care services’ share of Direct Economic Total the U.S.’s gross domestic prodHealth Sectors uct grew from 12 percent in Employment Multiplier Impact 1990 to 16 percent in 2006. It 366 1.69 617 is expected to increase to 19.6 Health & Personal Care Stores percent by 2016. And the im- Veterinary Services 220 1.66 364 pact locally is substantial.

Home Health Care Services 246 1.61 395 Health care services provide 6 Doctors and Dentists 1,356 1.76 2,386 percent of the total income of Other Ambulatory Health Care 360 2.01 723 Douglas County. More than 4,400 people are directly emHospitals 1,163 1.90 2,208 ployed in the health care secNursing & Residential Care Facilities 725 1.65 1,195 tor. For each one of those jobs, additional jobs are created in Total 4,439 7,888 other businesses and industries, making the total local income to a community, this particular group of employment impact of the health care sector an estimated residents possesses unique perspectives and experiences 7,888 jobs. Correspondingly, the total income impact in that can be an asset to area businesses.

Douglas County of the health care sector is approximateTo ensure that LMH and Douglas County continue to ly, $291,745,000. grow together, it is essential that LMH and area businessThose are the measurable economic impacts of health es work to grow their mutually beneficial relationships. If care. However, just as the true impact of a physician savyou have any questions about how LMH can impact the ing a patient’s life or alleviating pain cannot be measured health and wellbeing of your business, please call me at with a number, the true impact of strong health care ser785.505.6130. vices on the strength of a community are also intangible and invaluable.

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785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

RIBBON CUT TING S

Congratulations & Welcome!

Jack Ellena ~ 2112 W. 29th Terrace ~ August 6

OrthoKansas ~ 1112 W. 6th, Ste. 124 ~ August 11

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Wild Green Interiors ~ 4901 Wakarusa Ct., Ste. B ~ August 13 Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

M E MB E R S H I P

September 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

The Granada Rental/Banquet/Wedding/Reunion Facilities, Concert Halls 1020 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-1390 www.thegranada.com Mike Logan thegranada@gmail.com Lawrence Breakfast Optimists Club Non-Profit P.O. Box 3646 Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-760-3568 Dudley Crow dcrow@sunflower.com Maurice’s Clothing – Women 3226 Iowa Street Lawrence, KS 66046 Phone: 785-841-0334 www.maurices.com Khara Loeppke badnewsbear.@mail.com

Neuvant House Assisted Living Memory Care 1216 Biltmore Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: 308-234-3515 www.neuvanthouse.com Lisa Nielsen rbalisa@frontiernet.net Sarah’s Fabrics Fabric Stores 925 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 785-842-6198 www.sarahsfabrics.com Sarah Fayman sarah@sarahsfabrics.com Jerry Moran Congressman lisa.dethloff@mail.house.gov

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.

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              Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Community Building, 115 W. 11th St.    Admission is FREE!                

Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair Saturday, September 12 10 AM to 4 PM Community Building 115 W. 11th Street 785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

Admission is FREE!

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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