The Connection A publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Volume 1, Issue 6
November/December 2012
A Message from Membership Services
Revised 2013 Dues Structure Better Serves Chamber Members By Cathy Lewis Vice President, Membership Services The past year has seen the Chamber in the process of change with a renewed focus on serving our members and being strong stewards of your membership investment. That change began with the arrival of Greg Williams as our President and CEO. With his leadership and the guidance of our Board of Directors, your Chamber will become an even stronger advocate on behalf of the value the business community brings to Lawrence and Douglas County. In 2013, the Chamber is transitioning from its previous tiered membership dues structure to one based on business size in which each member business will pay dues based on the number of its full-time equivalent employees. There will continue to be separate pricing for Individuals, Retirees, Nonprofits, Hospitals, Utilities and Banks. This dues structure recognizes and provides equity for the diverse businesses in Lawrence. With this new structure, you have the ability to choose which marketing tactics, sponsorships and events most benefit you and your business, rather than being constrained by the limits of any particular tiered membership. The new dues structure becomes effective on your membership renewal date this January.
Members who make dues payments in January and February will receive letters this week explaining the new dues structure and new investment level. The new dues structure becomes effective on your membership renewal date. Until that time, you will continue with the current tiered dues system. If you are currently operating on an automatic payment plan, your payments will be automatically adjusted to the new dues structure upon your membership renewal date. We understand that change can be difficult but we are excited about the freedom this new plan will give you, our members. The marketing, networking and participation opportunities will be enhanced in 2013, giving you more ways to connect with other Chamber members and stay engaged in our great business community. We at the Chamber are grateful for the support of our members, and want to make this transition successful for all involved Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership dues. I can be reached at 785.865.4406 or at clewis@lawrencechamber.com.
Chamber News Welcome our 2013 Board Officers The Board of Directors unanimously approved the following Officers for the 2013 Chamber Board. We appreciate the service of our volunteer leadership team and the companies that support their efforts. • Chair: Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank • Incoming Chair: Mike McGrew, McGrew Real Estate • Treasurer/Secretary: Ken Hite, Mize, Houser & Company, P.A. • Immediate Past Chair: John Ross, Laser Logic • Chair, Government & Community Affairs: Brad Finkeldei, Stevens & Brand LLC and Kevin O’Malley, O’Malley Beverage of Kansas • Chair, Leadership Lawrence: Ernesto Hodison, Douglas County Bank • Chair, Members: Jason Edmonds, Morgan Stanley and Jean Milstead • Chair, University Relations: Cal Karlin, Barber Emerson L.C. • Chair, Communications: Susan Cantrell, the World Company • Chair, Operations: Brad Burnside, U.S. Bank
What do you get with a membership to
In 2013, ALL Chamber memberships
?
will include these FREE Marketing Opportunities: FREE: Two Category Listings List your business up to two categories in the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce online directory. Multiple listings make it even easier for potential customers to find your business. A tip when choosing categories: Don’t make them so specific that people will miss you! If you do automotive body work, make at least one of your category listings as simple as “Auto Repair” so that you show up in more searches. The listing of available categories is online at LawrenceChamber.com in the Directory section.
FREE: 25-Word Online Description Every Lawrence Chamber of Commerce member business may include a 25-word description of its business or organization services. This is a great way to help make your business stand out from others and elaborate on what you do and how you can help your customer.
FREE: Coupons Do you have an ongoing sales promotion, a discount or a big sale coming up that you would like to offer? Market your business by uploading it to the “Coupons” section of your Chamber member directory listing. This gives people yet one more reason to frequent your business. To list a coupon, log in to the “Members Only” section of LawrenceChamber.com. Click on the “Coupons” button. Fill out the form and hit “Save.” After you save, the coupon icon will show up on your Chamber directory listing, as well as under the “Coupons” listing on the homepage.
FREE: Member News/Members in Action Do you have exciting news you would like to share with your fellow Chamber members? If so, submit it to Member News! Member News appears weekly in the Chamber Matters weekly email. The information is then posted in the “Members in Action” section of the Lawrence Chamber website for at least one month. This section is for business-related news such as: new hires; promotions, business expansion and/or relocation; industry-specific awards; regional and national news mentions; top rankings; certifications from industry-specific organizations. Submit Member News to Alice C. Hunt at ahunt@ lawrencechamber.com
FREE: Member Calendar Listings Have an upcoming community event, open house or sidewalk sale? This is where you can list all of your events for free! The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Member Calendar is a place where you can list any number of events and even sales promotions or fundraising activities. Just log into the “Members Only” section of LawrenceChamber.com and click the “Submit an Event” button. You will receive a notice once your event has been approved. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will not post politically affiliated events (such as political fundraisers or party meetings) or personal events. Events submitted to this calendar must be Member business-sponsored events.
Coffee & Conversation Monthly talks to keep Chamber members informed on the issues of the day
NEXT EVENT! Tuesday, December 18: Regional Economic Development
7:30-9 a.m. FREE Chamber Members & Invited Guests Only No reservations required. Contact Cathy Lewis at 785.865.4406 or clewis@lawrencechamber.com
for details.
Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive Greg Williams, Lawrence Chamber CEO and President; Tim Cowden, Senior Vice President of the Kansas City Area Development Council and Steve Kelly Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce will provide updates on regional economic development initatives.
Tuesday, February 12: USD 497 School Bond U.S.D. 497 Offices, 110 McDonald Drive Rick Doll, superintendent of the Lawrence Public Schools will explain the bond issue slated for vote in April. The goal of the bond is to improve elementary school facilities, districtwide technology and expand high school technical and career programs.
Thursday, March 14: Douglas County Law Enforcement Investigation and Training Center, 4820 Bob Billings Parkway City of Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatib and Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern will explain the challenges and opportunities of law enforcement in our community, and the role it plays in economic development.
Tuesday, April 16: Bioscience and Technology Business Center Bioscience and Technology Center, 2029 Becker Drive LaVerne Epp, president and chair of the Bioscience and Technology Business Center, will discuss the state of biosciences development in Lawrence and Douglas County.
January 25, 2013
Annual Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities The Chamber’s Annual Meeting provides unparalleled visibility for our member businesses through a wide variety of sponsorship levels. As one of the best attended events of the year, and the only event in Douglas County to attract such a large and diverse business audience, sponsors enjoy an unrivaled level of recognition among our community’s most influential leaders. Annual Meeting Sponsorship Levels
Presenting $5000
Platinum $2000
Gold $1500
Silver $1000
Bronze $500
Tickets to Annual Meeting
12
8
6
4
0
4-Top Tables at Recognition Ceremony held at Liberty Hall
3
2
1
0
0
Reserved Seats at Afterglow Reception Held at The Eldridge
8
6
0
0
0
Company Name and/or Logo in all Press Releases and Electronic Communication
yes
no
no
no
no
Prime Logo Recognition on All Event Programs, Banners and Media Screens
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Company Logo Recognition on Annual Meeting Event Website
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Recognition from Stage During Ceremony
yes
yes
yes
no
no
Gift Placement Opportunity for All Attendees (Distributed at the Afterglow Reception)
yes
no
no
no
no
BENEFITS
To discuss Annual Meeting Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Adam Handshy, Director of Events, at (785) 865.4427 or ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com. Sponsorships must be confirmed by January 11, 2013. Benefits as listed above apply to `a la carte sponshorship only.
Ribbon Cuttings
October 30, 2012
November 1, 2012
325 Maine St.
2329 Iowa St. Suite M.
November 8, 2012
November 15, 2012
1540 Wakarusa Drive, Suite D
In-home business; 785.424.7466
November 16, 2012
November 29, 2012
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 2 North
Integrity Midwest Insurance
Cindy Murray Family Birthing Center Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St.
Sears Hometown Store
M&M Consulting
TCBY & Mrs. Field’s of Lawrence 845 Massachusetts St.
Ribbon Cuttings
November 30, 2012
December 4, 2012
935 Iowa St.
2858 Four Wheel Drive
Laird Noller “Quick Lane” Tire & Auto Center
Lawrence Automotive Diagnostics Center
Want to schedule a ribbon cutting? Contact Events Director Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or call him at 785.865.4427.
Calendar of Events
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Friday, January 25, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location:
Dec. 11: Ribbon Cutting: MacXprts. 4:30-5:30 p.m. 2108 W. 27th St. Suite J.
Pinnacle Career Institute, 1601 W. 23rd, Lawrence, Kansas Dec. 13: Ribbon Cutting: Salon Renew. 4:30-5:30 p.m. 1420 Kasold Drive, Suite D.
YES! I want my organization to be a part of the Career Education Expo 2013. We are interested in Dec. 18: Ribbon Cutting: Mass Street Sweet Shoppe. 4:30-5:30 participating by: p.m. 727 Massachusetts St.
Dec. 18: Coffee & Conversation: Economic Development. 7:30-9
734 Massachusetts St.
□ Job Fair Booth □ Community Resource Booth a.m. Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive. Chamber □ Review a Resume □ Career Shift or Training Opportunity Panel members, Leadership Lawrence only. No reservations Career Education Expo will be offering information to job seekers on career and employment required. □ Present on a Workshop Topic □ Donate for Clothing Drive options, educational resources and current technology tools available in northeast Kansas! Join □ Panel Member Dec. 20: Ribbon Cutting: Cosmos Indian Store. 4:30-5:30 p.m. us on Friday, January 25 at Pinnacle Career Institute for our Career Fair, Workshop Series, and
Clothes for Work clothing drive. The Expo will include a career fair, workshop, representatives from community resource Organization Name: organizations and career shift/ training opportunities from educational institutions. Lunch will be provided to exhibitors and sponsors. Main Contact: Exhibitor space is FREE, but limited. If you are interested in having a booth, complete the attached registration form and email to careereducationexpo@gmail.com or fax to 785‐841‐ 4854. Please contact a member of the steering committee if you have a question. Email Address:
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.
Want to participate? Here’s how: Phone Number:
Job Fair Booth Panel Member Address: Review a Resume
Steering Committee Deirdre Humphrey, dhumphrey@ldcha.org Scott Criqui, scott@tihc.org Marc Jasperson, mjasperson@pcitraining.edu Cathy Lewis, clewis@lawrencechamber.com
Dec. 24-26: Chamber Offices closed. Dec. 31-Jan. 1: Chamber Offices closed.
Jan. 25: 2013 Annual Meeting. 5:30 p.m. Liberty Hall. 7:30 p.m. Eldridge Hotel. Call Adam Handshy at 786.865.4425 for sponsorship information.
For more events, visit www.lawrencechamber.com and click on the calendar.