The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 1, Issue 3
May/June 2012
Arts, Theatre support our economy By Alice C. Hunt Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Theatre Lawrence broke ground in May on what will be its new home come summer 2013 – a 35,000 square-foot, energy efficient theater in West Lawrence. “It will be a much more user-friendly building all the way around,” said Mary Doveton, executive director of Theatre Lawrence, “and to be part of a community will be wonderful.” Arts organizations like Theatre Lawrence not only contribute to the quality of life in Lawrence, but to the economy as well. Nonprofit arts organizations in Lawrence spend $16.9 million each year, and leverage $16.5 million in addition spending by arts audiences, according to a study by Americans for the Arts. When completed, the $7.1 million facility, will nearly double seating to 300, expand classroom space, expand parking and handicapped accessibility, and provide much-needed prop storage. The theater’s design and construction is largely being handled by local businesses. “As a nonprofit that’s rooted in the com-
munity, we feel strongly about using community people,” Doveton said. “Not only are we using architects and engineers and construction people here but some of our professional consultants are local people” including the sound engineers designing the acoustics. Theatre Lawrence is also looking forward to being part of the West Lawrence community and contributing to its economic success. According to a study from Americans for the Arts, people who attend nonprofit arts events in Lawrence spend an additional $30.15 over the price of admission when attending an event. “To be able to move into a mixed use area where our patrons will have the ability to easily go out to dinner before a show, or a drink and dessert after a show, and be part of the flow of commerce will be wonderful,” Doveton said. For information on Theatre Lawrence, call 785.843.7469.
Theatre Lawrence Groundbreaking Ceremony, May 10, 2012
Kansas Research Nexus A regional marketing effort, known as the Kansas Research Nexus, will showcase Lawrence-Topeka-Manhattan as the destination of choice for new Kansas businesses. The purpose of the Kansas Research Nexus (KRN) is to increase awareness of the unique research capabilities resident in the nine-county region, anchored by the University of Kansas and Kansas State. Positioned as “the heart of the heartland,” the KRN marketing efforts will complement the work being done by the Kansas City Area Development Council and Animal Health Corridor to attract and retain businesses in our region. The KRN website is now live at www. kansasresearchnexus.com. Learn more about the capabilities resident in our 9-county region and our efforts to showcase the Lawrence-Topeka-Manhattan corridor in a new and exciting way.
Message from President & CEO Greg Williams In my first month as President and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the opportunity to meet key volunteer leaders throughout the region and hear the thoughts, observations and opinions of what our organization is doing well, what we could perhaps do better and what we’re doing that we possibly shouldn’t be. It’s been enjoyable. I’ve appreciated the level of candor. I’ve absorbed a lot.
A new era We’re beginning a new era with a more focused and definitive approach to economic development. Our priority is --- and will always be – a razor sharp commitment to assisting our existing businesses. Our number one priority is ensuring that the needs, issues and challenges of our members are being dealt with and resolved. We intend soon to develop and implement a world-class national business recruitment program in conjunction with our allied partners at the local, regional and state levels. And we’re anxious to do so. But we can’t be successful convincing outside firms to consider Lawrence as a location for their operations if our existing employers aren’t happy with the operating environment here. Some organizations react to change. It’s our objective at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to create change. I can’t think of a more exciting time to be in this business or to be living in this region than right now. Some people think all we do is hand out maps. We do, but we’re doing so much more. Some people think we’re just a social club. We’re not, although we strive to provide an abundance of activi-
ties, events and opportunities for our members to network and do business. Some people think we’re an ad agency. We’re not, although we’re in the image, marketing and selling business. We want our members to “Call the Chamber First” with requests for assistance. I’ll regularly ask my staff team members: “What are you hearing in the community?” You’ll hopefully recognize soon, if you haven’t already, our staff team members spending more time in the community, visiting with members to understand how our organization can provide more relevant and valuable services and business assistance.
My goal is to ensure that we’re not known as your Grandfather’s Chamber of Commerce. We’re in the business of creating opportunities for our members! My mentor in Chamber work is often heard saying, “You don’t have to be sick to get better.” Lawrence isn’t sick. But we have so much potential to get better, stronger and more effective in what we do. In order to succeed, we need you -- our members -business and professional people gathering to solve problems and create opportunities no one can do alone. That’s what chambers of commerce have always been, and it is what your Lawrence Chamber is today and will be as we move into the future.
Celebrate Our First Responders with U.S. Astronaut Jim Reilly
Mark Oct. 16 on your calendar and make plans now to attend the second annual Valor Public Safety Awards recognition luncheon at the Lied Center. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be former NASA Astronaut and honorary U.S. Marshal, Jim Reilly. Selected as an astronaut in 1994, Reilly flew three Space Shuttle missions spending more than 850 hours in space. He conducted five spacewalks spending more than 31 hours working outside the safety of the Space Shuttle as he helped construct the International Space Station. Reilly is an advocate for the important role first responders and law enforcement personnel hold in the community. In 2001,
he became only the seventh person ever to be named an Honorary U.S. Marshal. At the Oct. 16 luncheon, Reilly will pay tribute to the 2012 Valor Public Safety Awards honorees who will be selected in late summer. Last year, 14 men and women were recognized for their service and three Valor scholarships have been presented to help their children with college expenses. The Valor Awards Program is the community’s opportunity to recognize and reward the men and women who routinely put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes and businesses. This community-wide hero recognition program was created by the Chamber in collaboration with Harry Herington, CEO, NIC Inc. Funds raised for the Valor Program support the Valor Public Safety Scholarship Fund that benefits the children of eligible Valor Honorees. All Valor Program donations are managed by the Douglas County Community Foundation and are tax deductible. For information on donating to the Valor Awards program, visit our website at www.lawrencekansasvalorawards. org or contact Eileen Hawley at ehawley@ lawrencechamber.com.
Ribbon Cuttings Child Care Aware of Northeast & North Central Kansas ERC Resource & Referral, April 10, 2012 Child Care Aware offers child care resources and referrals in 28 counties in Kansas. This nonprofit organization helps people find solutions for their childcare needs. The new Lawrence offices opened at 2706 Iowa St. Suite C. This location serves Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Visit www.ercrefer.org or call 785.865.0669 for information.
The Tan Company, April 12, 2012 The latest tanning company to open in Lawrence is The Tan Company, located at 831 Massachusetts St. The facility offers tanning with tanning beds and spray tanning options. The parent company operates in nine states, with Lawrence as one of two locations in Kansas. For information, visit www.thetanco.com or call 785.856.0123.
Just Food, April 17, 2012 Just Food, Douglas County’s main food bank, celebrated the opening of its new warehouse, which increases the food bank’s space from 3,600 to 9,600 square feet, and quadruples its capacity to store frozen and refrigerated food. Just Food serves about 4,500 people a month through three on-site programs. Partner agencies serve more than 4,000 a month. For more information, visit www.justfoodks.org.
Lawrence Sign Up, April 19, 2012 Lawrence Sign Up celebrated its new, larger space in North Lawrence, 725 N. Second St. The company can help your business create banners, interior and exterior signage, yard signs, vehicle decals and more. Contact Lawrence Sign Up at www.lawrencesignup.co or call 785.856.7444.
Want to schedule a ribbon cutting for your business? Contact Events Director Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or call him at 785.865.4427.
Ribbon Cuttings Plastikon, April 24, 2012 Plastikon, a contract manufacturer for the medical and healthcare industry, began business in Lawrence in late 2010. Plastikon made an investment of more than $7 million with the purchase of specialized equipment and this 40,000 square-foot building. Numerous partners worked together to bring Plastikon to Lawrence.
Cottrell & Associates, April 26, 2012 The financial experts at Cottrell & Associates held a ribbon cutting at their new location, 4102 W. Sixth St., Suite A. For details about the firm, which is affiliated with Prudential financial services, visit the website at www.prudential.com/us/ kermit.cottrell or call Kermit Cottrell at 785.727.1221.
LHBA Spring Parade of Homes, April 27, 2012 The Lawrence Home Builders Association kicked off its Spring Parade of Homes with a ribbon cutting at 817 April Rain Road, a private residence. The LHBA is a nonprofit trade organization affiliated with the Kansas Building Industry Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Visit www.lhba.net for details.
Celebration Party Rentals, May 1, 2012 Celebration Party Rentals celebrated its new Lawrence location at 500 Locust St. with a Chamber ribbon cutting. The company provies tables, tents, chairs, glassware, china, linens and more for all your party needs. For details about the company, contact them at www.celebratekc.com.
Thank you to our Board Members, Envoy Members, Elected Officials and other Chamber Members who take the time to welcome Douglas County’s new businesses!
Ribbon Cuttings Crystal Image Photography, May 3, 2012 The Crystal Image, the photography studio owned by Leadership Lawrence Class of 2012 member Crystal McWhirt, held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its new location at 1201 Wakarusa Drive, Suite. W-203. The Crystal Image specializes in high school senior and family portraits, business headshots and pet photography. For information or to schedule a photo sitting with Crystal, visit www.tcistudio.com or call 785.393.1958.
Extra Virgin (Gourmet Olive Oil & Vinegar) May 8, 2012 Owner Debbie Briggs celebrated the opening of her Lawrence location, 937 Massachusetts St. This gourmet olive oil and vinegar shop offers more than 50 types of olive oil and vinegar from around the world. For more information, email deb@extravirginoilsvinegars.com or call 785.856.6457. The website www.extravirginoilsvinegars. com is under construction but should be ready soon.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, May 17, 2012 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage opened its new location at 4106 W. Sixth St. Suite B. To contact one of their nine mortgage consultants, call 785.312.9357. The Lawrence office is part of the Northern Kansas branch of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, which can be reached at www.wfhm. com/loans/northernkansas.index.page.
Jayhawk Pawn & Jewelry, May 22, 2012 Jayhawk Pawn & Jewelry got a red-ribbon welcome to the Chamber! The business, 1804 W. Sixth St., is part of Capitol City Pawn & Jewelry, with seven locations in Kansas and two in Nebraska. For details on this and the other locations, visit www.capitolcitypawn. com.
Ribbon cuttings aren’t just for your opening day! Ribbon cuttings are great for introducing new management or celebrating a new location as well.
Ribbon Cuttings
Comfort Inn & Suites, May 23, 2012
Papa Keno’s, May 24, 2012
Comfort Inn & Suites is Lawrence’s newest place to stay! The 65-room, pet-friendly accommodation is located right off I-70 at 151 McDonald Drive. Visit www. comfortinn.com/hotel-lawrence-kansas-KS178 or call 785.330.7241 for more information.
Papa Keno’s held a ribbon cutting to welcome new owner, Brandon Graham. Papa Keno’s, located at 1035 Massachusetts St., has been serving up New York-style pizza in the Heartland for years. Visit www.papakinos.com for more information about the restaurant.
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Apply for the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013
Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Lawrence, the community’s premier civic leadership program, dedicated to cultivating leadership within the Lawrence-Douglas County community. The program teaches leadership competencies from the Kansas Leadership Center. It includes an opening and closing retreat and seven “themed” days covering subjects including education, economic development, social services and government. “Being a part of Leadership Lawrence’s Class of 2012 proved to be invaluable in not just learning about the issues in Lawrence and Douglas County, but also in meeting the people and building the connections that ultimately have formed a group to try to correct them,” said graduate Zak Bolick, a credit analyst for AVP Loan Services. Independent, small business owners have the option of applying for the Gavin Smith Memorial Scholarship, which covers program tuition. The scholarship was set up by the friends and family of Leadership Lawrence alumnus Gavin Smith, Class of 2009, who died unexpectedly in 2010. Smith owned Fatso’s in Lawrence was an independent businessman dedicated to bettering his community. Nearly 700 community members have graduated from the Leadership Lawrence program since its inaugural class in 1983, and according to a survey of Leadership Lawrence graduates, more than 80 percent have remained civically engaged, either in government service or nonprofit work. Leadership Lawrence is an amazing journey,” said Class of 2012 graduate Amber Lee, operations manager at Great Plains Media Lawrence/Topeka. “This class gives you the tools needed to dig deep within to learn what triggers affect your personal and professional development.” Applications are available at www.leadershiplawrence.org or www.lawrencechamber.com. They are due in August. If you have questions, Leadership Lawrence Class of 2012 please contact Sue Hack at shack@lawrencechamber.com or 785.865.4421.
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Calendar of Events Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register for an individual event, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785.865.4411. June 14: Ribbon Cutting at Bella Sera at the Preserve. 4:30-5:30 p.m., 4500 Bob Billings Parkway, #140. June 19: Leadership Connections Session 3. This session will discuss “intervening skillfully.” 7:15-9 a.m. Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive. $30. Leadership Lawrence alumni only. Call 785.865.4421. June 20: Business After Hours at Bartlett & West. 5-7 p.m. 544 Columbia Circle. Chamber members only. This is the last Business After Hours until the fall.
June 21: Ribbon Cutting at Grills & Grinders. 4:30-5:30 p.m. 4931 W. Sixth St. June 22: Ribbon Cutting at Laird Noller Hyundai. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 2829 Iowa St. June 28: Ribbon Cutting at Kansas Insurance. 4:30-5:30 p.m. 3801 W. Sixth St. July 17: Leadership Connections Session 4. This session will discussion the leadership concept “energizing others.” 7:15-9 a.m. Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive. $30. Leadership Lawrence alumni only. Call 785.865.4421. July 19: Save the Date! Small Business Healthcare Panel. Featuring Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger
and Lawrence Memorial Hospital CEO Gene Meyer. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Details to come. Sept. 12: Save the Date! “Taste of Lawrence” Fall Mixer. Oct. 16: Save the Date! Valor Public Safety Awards Luncheon. Guest speaker is Jim Reilly, American astronaut and honorary U.S. Marshall. Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, West Campus, University of Kansas. Nov. 14: Save the Date! Lawrence Business Expo, The Oread, 1200 Oread Ave.