The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 1, Issue 4
July/August 2012
Lawrence economic development hits many highlights this summer By Jean Milstead Interim Vice President, Economic Development, Lawrence Chamber It’s been anything but the lazy days of summer for the Lawrence Chamber’s economic development program. Efforts on several recent projects have been successful – perhaps an indication the economy is improving. We are excited to welcome the following new companies to Lawrence. K & M Tire, Inc. purchased a building in East Hills Business Park for its 13th U.S. tire distribution location. K & M estimates this location will add about 17 new jobs to our community. The Results Company (a 300-employee call center) leased space in the Riverfront Mall, and is expected to begin operations by Sept. 1. Both companies expect to hire employees locally. We continue to help local companies with their expansion needs and will update you on those projects as we are able. The Chamber is also moving forward with a Labor Force Availability Survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. Recent news articles about the importance of an available skilled workforce indicate this issue is shared by a number of communities. This study is key to attracting new business to our area -- labor force availability is the second most important issue identified by companies considering communities in which to locate.
The study will identify the work patterns for individuals commuting into and out of our community. It will also provide area employers information about desired salary and benefits packages, which they can use to attract more skilled workers. Douglas County Development, Inc. is funding the project. Our economic development partners, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, continue to work on the final development plan for the former Farmland location. As businesses locate in the business park, this project will help our local economy grow by providing additional job opportunities to our residents and increasing our tax base. The contractors for the City demolished more than 35 structures and removed over 1,600 tons of scrap metal for recycling from the property. Remediation efforts to pump ground water from the site continue. The City is supplying this water, which has an overabundance of nitrogen, to local farm fields. The City plans to submit proposed zoning codes for the sites in the business park for approval this month. This new business park is an exciting development in Lawrence’s economy. The final property plat has not yet been approved, but companies, both local and non-local, are already considering the space for relocation and expansion.
Leadership Lawrence By Alice C. Hunt Chamber Staff The applications are in and the Leadership Lawrence selection committee has the difficult task of selecting the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013. “We have an outstanding group of applicants this year, which is great,” said Sue Hack, executive director for Leadership Lawrence. “The selection committee members have their work cut out for them.” Leadership Lawrence, a program of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, provides Lawrence and Douglas County residents with the opportunity and the tools to explore their leadership styles and strengths, to gain insight into the workings of the community and to learn how to work together to solve the challenges the community will face in the future. The class selection process takes about three weeks. Class members are notified of their selection the first week of September. The Class Announcement Reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Landmark National Bank, 4621 W. Sixth St. Sponsors for this event are Landmark National Bank, O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, and CEK Insurance. The Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013 is sponsored by Briggs Auto. For details about Leadership Lawrence, call Sue Hack at 785.865.4421 or visit www.LeadershipLawrence.org.
Making the Business Community Heard
By Greg Williams President/CEO, Lawrence Chamber The business community brings many benefits to Lawrence/ Douglas County. A robust business base supports (through the payment of taxes and hiring our citizens) social services, infrastructure and the benefits enjoyed by all who call this area home. Those contributions are often overlooked and in many cases, the community at large is unaware of the benefits associated with economic growth. It has become increasingly important for Lawrence and Douglas County businesses to actively participate in discussions on issues of economic development and growth. If discussion about economic development and job creation is a one-sided one, how will our public officials know the majority of our citizens want a stronger economy, jobs for our residents and a broader tax base to support important services and programs?
The Chamber has formed two new committees to solidify and strengthen the position of the business community in front of our elected officials who create policy and the city and county professionals who implement those policies. The Voice of Business committee brings together Chamber members who will regularly represent the business community at City and County Commission meetings, presenting fact-based, pro-business testimony to support a common sense approach to economic growth in Lawrence and Douglas County. The Voice of Business is an appointment-only committee led by Executive Vice President Hank Booth. Contact Hank for additional information, or to express interest in serving on this important committee or if you have any questions. The Chamber is also forming a Development Issues Input Group (DIIG), to bring together private- and public-sector interests on a regular basis. In this forum, administrative and elected representatives from City and County government will meet
with architects, contractors, subcontractors, surveyors and others who work in privatesector, development-oriented businesses to help identify areas of improvement in our development process. The goal is to generate ideas that will create an environment conducive to the growth of the region’s employment base by improving the development process. If you are interested in joining DIIG, please contact me at the Chamber. The efforts of these committees are enhanced by those of the newly-formed Cadre Lawrence, an independent group that works to increase conversation about issues in our community. Learn more about Cadre Lawrence at www.cadrelawrence.com. The Chamber of Commerce strives to be the leading advocate of the Lawrence/Douglas County business community. These new committees are important steps in positioning our region for success. I encourage you to be an active participant in the discussion on economic growth for Lawrence and Douglas County.
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Ribbon Cuttings
Crown Automotive Volkswagen, June 8, 2012
Bella Sera at the Preserve, June 14, 2012
Crown Automotive owner Miles Schnaer cuts the ribbon on the newly remodeled Volkswagen facility at 3400 Iowa St. Visit www.crownautomotive.com.
Congratulations to the new owners of Bella Sera at the Preserve, 4500 Bob Billings Parkway (15th Street). Visit www.livebellasera.com.
Grills & Grinders, June 21, 2012
Laird Noller Hyundai, June 22, 2012
Michael Fezer opened up this emporium for barbecue enthusiasts at 4931 W. Sixth St., Suite 112. Visit www.grillsandgrinders.com for more.
Laird Noller owner Gary Bennett cuts the ribbon for the updated Hyundai dealership. Go to www. lairdnoller.com for information.
Kansas Insurance, June 28, 2012
Salon Pearl, July 26, 2012
Kansas Insurance opened its new offices at 3801 W. Sixth St. with a ribbon cutting. Learn more about Kansas Insurance’s services at www.kansasins.com.
Salon Pearl reopened its doors after a remodel in the 123 Building, 123 W. Eighth St. Suite B1. For information, visit www.facebook.com/salonpearl.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Poehler Building, July 27, 2012 Developer Tony Krsnich transformed the 1904 Poehler Grovery Warehouse, 619 E. Eighth St., in east Lawrence into an apartment building with 49 units. The project is one of several in the area converting old buildings into usable space for artists to use as workspace, galleries and events venues. The grand opening was held during July’s Final Fridays event. Want to schedule a ribbon cutting? Contact Events Director Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or call him at 785.865.4427.
Wanted: Chamber members with unusual skills and hidden talents By Alice C. Hunt Chamber Staff Do you or a member of your staff who is a banker by day, Iron-Man triathlete by night? Or who raises award-winning horses between baking sessions? If so, the Lawrence Chamber wants to know! Every few months, the Chamber would like to feature a Chamber member with special or unusual talents, an interesting hobby or fascinating past in our Member Spotlight. This feature, which will appear in upcoming issues of The Connection, will highlight the people behind the businesses that make Lawrence tick. It’s a fun way to get to help our members get to know each other, and to help the community get to know our members. Member Spotlight participants can be paying Chamber representatives, or simply work for a business that has a Chamber membership. If you or someone you know is a Member Spotlight candidate, please contact me at ahunt@lawrencechamber.com or 785.865.4420.
Together, let’s thank local first responders By Harry Herington CEO, Ride 4 Cops / NIC Inc. Last year I had the pleasure of working with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce on the inaugural Valor Awards, recognizing 14 first responders who had gone above and beyond in protecting the lives of residents in Douglas County. Last year’s honorees rescued individuals from a river, a dangerous accident scene, and a burning building. I heard one of them say humbly it was ‘just another day on the job,’ but we all know it was much more than that. Their courageous acts not only put their lives in jeopardy to save lives, but also helped continue the quality of life each and every one of us enjoys. Now it’s time to support the second annual Valor Awards to be held Oct. 16. This is a great opportunity for all of us in Lawrence and Douglas County to say, ‘thank you’ to our first responders. When you think about it, when was the last time you thanked a first responder for keeping you and your loved ones safe? Have you ever thanked a first responder? I know there are many businesses and residents who truly appreciate the protection that first responders provide, yet they just don’t know how to show their appreciation. The Valor Awards is your op-
portunity to support our local heroes. Your sponsorship and attendance in October is a great first step in letting our local first responders know we appreciate all they do for us on a daily basis as they put their lives on the line. In addition to thanking the individual law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, the Valor Awards also allows us to thank their families. First responders are supported by family members that sacrifice so that they can do their job. As a former law enforcement officer, I know just how important the support of your family is. And while the first responders themselves risk their lives often without a thank you, a public outpour of appreciation for their families is even rarer. In October we all have an opportunity to change that. I hope you will join with me and my company, NIC Inc., in providing financial support to the Douglas County Valor Awards program. Let’s work together to congratulate the 2012 Valor Award heroes and honor their service.
Join the conversation with Cadre Lawrence By Alice C. Hunt Chamber Staff There’s a new group forming to encourage discussion and participation in the economic growth process in Lawrence. Cadre Lawrence was formed as a result of Leadership Lawrence 2012 Economic Development Day. It was created to support commerce and encourage a business-friendly environment that helps create jobs. Cadre’s purpose is increase conversation on economic development in our community. Cadre Lawrence is an independent advocacy group, and we encourage our members to learn more about the group and participate in their discussions. Their four major areas of focus are: research & education; ex-
pert advocacy; communic ation and social media to move public opinion; and public advocacy. The focus is on promoting involvement in the process, not specific projects. The goal of Cadre Lawrence is to provide an avenue for conversation about how Lawrence can shift the tax burden off of residents, create an atmosphere in the community that will attract and create more jobs and provide feedback to elected officials.
Visit www.CadreLawrence.com or “Like” them on Facebook: facebook.com/CadreLawrence
Help say “Thank you!” to the educators of Douglas County
“Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012 Meadowbrook Apartments Commmons Bob Billings & Crestline $25, Chamber Members $12.50, Douglas County Educators (Pre-K through College) Call 785.865.4411 to order tickets. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:
Calendar of Events Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register, vent, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785.865.4411.
Apartments. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Douglas County Bank and to our hosts, Meadowbrook Apartments. Chamber members and Douglas County educators only.
Aug. 23: Gameday Super Store Ribbon Cutting. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 1008 W. 23rd St.
Sept. 18: Leadership Lawrence Announcement Reception, 5:30-7 p.m. Landmark National Bank. 1621 W. Sixth St.
Sept. 3: will be closed in observance of Labor
Sept. 27: Leadership Lawrence Alumni Luncheon. Noon to 1 p.m. Morning Star Church, 998 N. 1771 Road (Queen’s Road). Leadership Lawrence alumni only.
Tuesday, Sept. 4. Sept. 6: Upcycled. Repurposed. Upstyled. Ribbon Cutting. 4:30-5:30 p.m. 1113 Massachusetts St. Sept. 12: Taste of Lawrence Fall Mixer, 5-8 p.m. Meadowbrook
Oct. 16: Valor Public Safety Awards Luncheon. Keynote Speaker Jim Reilly, former U.S. Astronaut and Honorary U.S. Marshall. Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive.
Oct. 17: OrthoKansas. Chamber Members Only. 5-7 p.m. 1112 W. Sixth St. Suite 124. Oct. 25: An Evening with Becky McCray -- Small Business Survival and the State of Now. Hosted by Social:IRL. 6:308:30 p.m. Lawrence Public Library. 707 Vermont St. Registration is required. Visit beckymccray.eventbrite.com to register. Nov. 6: General Election Day. Exercise your right to vote!