Expanding De Soto | 2020-2021 by Sunflower Publishing

PRESENTED BY THE DE SOTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & DE SOTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Cookin’ ON THE

Kaw

2020–2021 DE SOTO CHAMBER DIRECTORY

plus

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE

ISSUE 2

VOLUME 2

2020–2021

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2020–2021

Expanding De Soto is a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, city offices, and United School District 232.

Editor Haleigh McGavock Jean Teller Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro Advertising Angie Taylor Copy Editor Photographers Writers

Leslie Andres De Soto High School Robotics Team Brian Goodman Nick Krug Molly Kuplen Aaron Leimkeuhler Jackie Hostetler Beth Kornegay Rachel Murphy

desotoks.org Mayor Rick Walker Chairman Andrew Jacober Vice Chair Patty Durkin President Sara Ritter

sunflowerpub.com Publisher: Bill Uhler Director: Bob Cucciniello

my friends, You hold in your hand the second issue of Expanding De Soto, a joint venture between our Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, city offices, and Unified School District 232. We hope this publication will inform and engage local businesses and the surrounding community while attracting potential businesses. In Chamber, you’ll find an overview of why membership in the Chamber is essential for our local businesses; in Developing De Soto, we explore downtown’s exponential retail and service growth; and in the City section, we focus on communication and expanding our social media exposure. In addition to the four regular departments, this annual publication will take a closer look at a person or place, an event, or another topic showcasing De Soto’s opportunities. This issue focuses on a unique downtown nonprofit, Cause Coffee, where coffee brings people together to support missions all around the globe. With all of the changes in the world this year, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses. We invite you to start reading all about De Soto and our role in the Kansas landscape and economy. If you have any suggestions for future articles, please email the Sunflower Publishing editor, Jean Teller, at jteller@sunflowerpub.com.

Here’s to another great year in De Soto. Rick Walker, Mayor

All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2020. For editorial queries: Jean Teller (785)832-7231 jteller@sunflowerpub.com

PRESENTED BY THE DE SOTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & DE SOTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Cookin’ ON THE

Kaw

2020–2021 DE SOTO CHAMBER DIRECTORY

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COFFEE FOR A CAUSE

For advertising queries: Angie Taylor (785)832-7236 ataylor@sunflowerpub.com

2020–2021

ISSUE 2

VOLUME 2

2020–2021

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“Business is about meeting people and making connections.” —Andy Jacober

MEMBERSHIP

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privileges ARTICLE BY JACKIE HOSTETLER PHOTOS BY SARA RITTER AND MOLLLY KUPLEN

One of the chamber’s roles is to support local businesses. Members of the De Soto Chamber and the public welcomed Danceography to the community with a ribbon cutting in January 2020.

icture this: You’re starting a new business in town. You aren’t sure how to advertise your products and services. You don’t know how to create foot traffic in your establishment. You’re unsure of whom to contact about publicizing your special events, and you haven’t even met any other business owners who may be able to help answer these questions. The solution to these problems is simple: Join the De Soto Chamber of Commerce (www.desotoks.org). According to Chamber Board Chair Andy Jacober, there is no better way to become a part of the thriving De Soto business landscape than to become a member. “Our chamber really does a lot to promote local business,” Jacober says. “We are actively involved in promoting (business) development.” Jacober, who runs an Edward Jones Financial Services branch in town, has been a member of the chamber for three years and currently serves as chairman of the board. It is his role to lead chamber board meetings and assist in decisions around events, staffing, and fundraisers. Along with the other board members, it is also his role to help support local businesses. Holding ribbon-cutting ceremonies, organizing networking opportunities, and providing an annual magazine that highlights and advertises local establishments are just a few of the ways the chamber brings exposure to local businesses. Exposure is key as more and more businesses make their way to De Soto. “We are growing,” says Jacober. “The secret to the Gem of Johnson County is out. I see young families moving here because of the fantastic school district as well as empty nesters downsizing

to be closer to grandchildren. Our growth forecast over the next five years and beyond is very high. That is very attractive to companies looking to expand.” “Our downtown area is experiencing a redevelopment boom. More and more businesses are actively seeking out downtown De Soto for a location, and it is encouraging to see our downtown flourish,” Jacober says. “We obviously have some big companies in De Soto, but we have a lot of small businesses, too. We also have home-based businesses.” One of the unique businesses supported by the chamber is Happy Valley Farms, owned by chamber members Patty and Spike Durkin. This farm features crops of pick-your-own blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, cherries, and grapes, as well as online shopping and a brick and mortar store called The Honey Shack (www.happyvalleyfarm-ks.com). “Patty vounteers on the chamber board and helps a great deal with a lot of our events,” Jacober says. On the other end of the spectrum, the chamber also has support from large companies in De Soto including Huhtamaki, Engineered Air, and Rehrig Pacific. The chamber of commerce hosts several fundraising and networking events to help the almost 200 chamber members make the connections so vital to business success. A yearly barbecue competition, an annual dinner, two golf tournaments, and monthly lunches help members to forge relationships—and have a little fun while they’re at it. “Cookin’ on the Kaw is a lot of fun. It’s usually a really big event. It’s Friday through Saturday afternoon. We average six to eight

2020–2021

CHAMBER

of the top 10 competition teams in the nation that come to De Soto to compete in the contest. They come in Friday, they cook, and then the awards are on Saturday afternoon,” Jacober says. “It’s fun to meet people from not only De Soto, but Kansas City and from all across the country as well. I would say that it’s our biggest fundraising event of the year.” The chamber also hosts an annual dinner every January, which is always held at a local venue. The 2020 event took place at Cedar Valley Forest (www.cedarvalleyforest.com). “It’s our most well-attended event by chamber members,” Jacober says. “It’s just a celebration of our accomplishments the previous year, and what we’re going to do in the upcoming year. Everything is chamber-oriented. The catering is done by chamber members, and we have a silent auction featuring goods and services from local businesses.” Among Jacober’s favorites are the golf tournaments. “I actually run the golf tournament. This year we are looking at doing two tournaments. There are two golf courses in De Soto, and both courses are now chamber members.” The events are not only fun, they are also helpful in recruiting new members, and membership is booming. This past February, with help from a national consulting firm and more than 20 chamber member volunteers, the chamber hosted a membership drive, which resulted in adding a significant number of businesses to their roster. “We normally get 10–20 new members every couple of years, and we recently gained 70 new members within a matter of days,” Jacober says. “This shows the potential of De Soto and our organization, and with the revenue income, we’ll be able to create a new position to increase member benefits. We want to make sure that people are getting value from their membership dues. I think adding this third employee at the chamber office will add a lot of value for our members,” Jacober says. With the growth of the organization, the chamber’s goal is to implement even more benefits, including a new after-hours networking event for those members who are unable to slip away during the day to attend the monthly lunches. Having more opportunities to engage with their fellow members means more potential clients or customers for their businesses. “Business is about meeting people and making connections,” Jacober says. “I think the chamber greatly improves these opportunities.”

2020–2021

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DEVELOPING DE SOTO

NEW FACES in downtown ARTICLE BY RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOS BY NICK KRUG

A number of new businesses now call De Soto home.

e Soto has always enjoyed the benefits of its location—just far enough from Kansas City to make it feel like ‘elsewhere,’ and close enough to pop over for the services and shopping sought by local residents. Within the last year, though, the need to go outside De Soto has diminished. Popping up along 83rd Street are new retail stores that are just as at home in downtown De Soto as they might be in Kansas City’s Brookside area, and some necessary services are now much closer to home. Here are a few of the newest businesses giving color and life to De Soto. Milburn Civil Engineering has resided in downtown De Soto since 2016, but, recently, increased demand for Justin Milburn’s services has necessitated a significant addition to the company’s current location. With the expansion project, Milburn will double the footprint of his building while quadrupling the square footage across multiple levels to create more space for his growing staff. Milburn says he anticipates hiring 15–20 more employees within the next few years. After starting his business out of his home, and then moving to the company’s current small office space, this expansion is a big step. Within the last five years, the firm has worked on more than 400 jobs, most of which were via referrals and word of mouth. The company’s growth is largely due to a reputation for quality in engineering the infrastructures of commercial and residential roads and parking lots. Learn more at www.milburnce.com. Mary Lies’ love of the Italian lifestyle and culture led her to create Mercato Antiques in 2003. And while her store may reside in downtown De Soto, it draws connoisseurs of fine Italian antiques from Kansas City, Lawrence, and across the nation. As an Italian American, she grew up with the culture though she didn’t speak the language until she started studying at the University of Kansas. After a semester abroad in Florence, she met her husband, Tim, who also studied architecture in Italy. Sparks flew over their shared love of all things Italia, and a few years after their wedding, Lies took the plunge and started importing antiques. “At the time, no one was doing anything from Italy. English, American, or French, yes, but not Italian,” she says. After years of traveling twice a year to Italy to find her pieces, she has built quite a network of contacts to find hidden treasures. Recently, she was invited to Parma for the Mercanti Ferriere, one of the most extensive and important antique markets in all of Italy. Mercato Antiques is open by appointment only at its storefront so that Lies can show clients each unique piece herself. She says her clients are looking for something different, something with a story. Spotted by Lies’ keen eye and with hundreds of years of history, plenty of treasures can be found there. Lies has recently started listing items online as well at www.mercatoantiques.com.

2020–2021

DEVELOPING DE SOTO

Anabel’s Makers Market is one of the newer additions to the downtown scene, opening in November 2019. Owner Bella Sanchez had dipped her toes in the entrepreneurship pool when she founded Salty Cosmetics with business partner Sarah Piccinini. While they found success with their mineral makeup line, Sanchez felt the pull to do more. When she saw the empty space in downtown De Soto, she knew she had found a home for her dream. Anabel’s Makers Market is dedicated to local artisans and their products. It’s not only her business model—it’s her passion. “I always wanted someone to look at me and tell me that I could do it. And I never got that. But I can do that for other small businesses,” says Sanchez. She started scouting local products, trying them out, and finding quality products she would be proud to sell. Now, her tiny shop is filled with the works of 35 vendors whose products range from bowties to earrings to popcorn. She also looks for makers who give back in some way. In the wake of the pandemic, she has also started selling face masks. Now, she says vendors are approaching her to ask for space in the store. She intends to expand when the time is right; she wants to start offering workshops and classes for children and adults. She’s also working on beefing up her online presence. For more information, visit www.amakersgiftshop.com. Kimberlee Aubrey and Josh Mitchell practiced yoga for years before becoming teachers. Their studio, Brilliant Sun Wellness Yoga and Bodywork, opened in July 2019, as they focused on a mindful yoga practice with attainable goals. The duo specializes in breathwork and restorative yoga, as well as chair yoga for those with limited mobility and power yoga for those looking for a more intense workout.

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2020–2021

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on social media ARTICLE BY BETH KORNEGAY PHOTOS BY BRIAN GOODMAN

New city communications director focuses on getting in touch with residents and businesses.

efore applying for the position of De Soto’s communications director, Whitney Lange had never heard of De Soto. Being from a similar small town, though, she was enchanted by De Soto’s charm once she visited, which made her even more determined to land the newly created position. Before applying for the job, Lange spent time exploring De Soto to see what it had to offer and to figure out if she would be a good fit for the position as well as the city. It didn’t take her long to realize the position and city fit her perfectly. She says the cherry on the top was the local food. City administrator Mike Brungardt says De Soto has long had a need for a dedicated position focused on connecting with the community and using social media for more immediate and interactive ways. “From the perspective of a public entity, engaging on social media can be tricky,” he says. “The main goals are to present timely and accurate information to the public and respond in real time to citizen questions and concerns. It is important to present a professional and measured tone while doing this, but there is value to candor and approachability. Whitney walks this line perfectly.” Lange began her job as the city’s first communications director in September 2019 and brings an impressive resume and a strong vision for the future of De Soto. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and event management along with a masters of business administration from the University of Missouri. After taking Kansas City’s government engagement class, she quickly realized many amenities being offered by cities throughout the metropolitan area had yet to be noticed by citizens. Whether it was information about services, free events, or ways to meet and engage with other community members, often those opportunities weren’t reaching the audience on that demographic’s desired communication platform. She delved into De Soto’s city plans and saw the chance to fill that need and help citizens and businesses

receive beneficial information more quickly and in more ways. “I want to be solely focused on the internal and external communications in De Soto because I could see there was so much potential,” Lange says. “I really get to make this position anything I want it to be and build it from the ground up. The community feeling and pride in a smaller town is much different than a big city, which is a quality of De Soto I want to promote.” Lange sees being a newcomer to De Soto as a benefit because she doesn’t have any preconceived opinions. She also had an outsider’s perspective of what De Soto’s communications and images were and a vision of what they could become. Lange believes all forms of communication, whether digital or print, have the ability to involve people in community activities, raise awareness of what is going on around them, and change their lives for the better. She immediately knew social media was going to become a vital part of her communication strategy. De Soto now uses social media platforms such as Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, and Instagram to quickly disperse information. Social media also allows a two-way conversation to give citizens an easier way of interacting and engaging with city officials. “Social media has shaped and influenced everything I do,” Lange says. “I have joined organizations because I saw their digital media. I’ve attended events I never would’ve heard of because of social media. I even found this position on Twitter! My dream job is getting people excited about their community, and that’s what motivated me for this position specifically.” The communications director’s position fills part of the city’s strategic plan, part of which focuses on enhancing De Soto’s image. The city government realized De Soto’s status and the city’s perception within the metropolitan area and state play important roles in De Soto’s pursuit of economic development and quality of life goals for its residents. The opportunity to advance a positive image for De Soto is important to achieve those objectives.

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Mayor Rick Walker also saw almost immediate benefits after Lange began work, especially with an improved and expanded presence on social media. Additional portions of the city’s strategic plan include developing a brand for De Soto to be used in marketing and communication tools, increasing the city’s presence on social media, and to provide printed or other communications for those segments of the population not inclined to use digital communications or social media. Lange’s influence on De Soto is benefiting not only residents and businesses but also city employees, who are able to have their information disseminated to citizens quickly and efficiently. “Was there a water break on 84th? I can post it directly to that neighborhood on the Nextdoor social media app and contact the fire department and sheriff,” Lange says. “It’s springtime and people want building permit information? The building inspectors can share their best practices. It’s been a great experience opening up the channels between individual departments and the residents they serve.”

“I want to be solely focused on the the internal and external communications in De Soto because I could see there was so much potential.” —Whitney Lange Sometimes communicating with residents is just about sharing the city’s essential functions and updates for city meetings or trash pickups. However, Lange was hired to have a more engaging relationship with residents. Her favorite social media posts are those celebrating city employees, providing behind-the-scenes pictures of daily activities, or even creating nature bingo cards when everyone is stuck inside during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The moments that stand out the most are when employees or residents want to share their job and city with me,” Lange says. “From doing snowplow ride-alongs, changing out street signs, getting park tours, and going to art shows, to residents sitting down and sharing their stories with me, I have appreciated everyone’s kindness and willingness to let me into their tight-knit community.”

2020–2021

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KEEPING UP

with the competition ARTICLE BY JACKIE HOSTETLER PHOTOS COURTESY DHS ROBOTICS TEAM

More than just science: A look at STEM in De Soto.

enture into most public school classrooms in America, and it will likely be only a matter of minutes before the term “STEM” is mentioned. STEM is an acronym representing the collective disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and math—areas that are expected to add more than 3 million jobs to the economy before 2025. De Soto schools are preparing for this growth by providing a number of STEM experiences for students within both the De Soto and Mill Valley high schools. “Essentially, what we are trying to do is just give students the opportunity to explore more, actual, physical applications of STEM ideas,” says Mill Valley High school physics and chemistry teacher and Mill Valley alum Neil McLoud. “We want them to be able to take some of the skills they’ve learned in classes, whether it be the engineering, chemistry, physics, or math classes and give them the opportunity to practice it in a more practical setting.” Some of the STEM programs that the De Soto school district offers students include a female engineering class, a chemistry honor society, a Science Olympiad program, and the FIRST 1810 robotics team. “FIRST” (For Inspiration of Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team, also known as Jaguar Robotics 1810, is composed of students from both area high schools. Team members expand their knowledge of STEM principles by working together to build a robot that performs various tasks. The robot battles against other robots created by teams from other school districts. Robotics team captain and high school senior Jacob Howe explains, “Every year we are provided with a new game design. The game is the competition field and the components on the field. It varies and changes every year; therefore our robot’s design changes every year.” Pam Sheehan, robotics team sponsor, continues, “It might have to pick up balls, it might have to hang. There are certain tasks every year that are just a little bit different. We don’t know that information until the first weekend of January. When they reveal that game, the kids have to create a robot from scratch.” The students work for six to eight weeks outside normal school hours to create what they hope will be the winning robot. For the 2020 season, Jaguar Robotics created “Red Skeleton” to compete under this year’s Star Wars theme. The robot’s functions include picking up medium-sized balls and shooting them seven feet in the air. “We’ve been in one competition with this robot this season, in which we made it into the quarterfinals,” Howe says. “We found out a few challenges that we had there. I feel fairly hopeful for our next competition.

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SCHOOLS

We know what we are doing, and we found out the complications that we are hoping to refine.” De Soto is one of hundreds of teams that compete annually in FIRST Robotics Competitions. Competitions begin regionally and then culminate in a world competition. More than 600 teams from around the globe, including Canada, Israel, and China, meet in Houston each spring to compete for various awards, recognitions, and scholarships.

“The scholarships with FIRST are massive,” Howe says. “They allow a lot of people to go into the STEM field, especially women. They give millions of dollars each year in scholarships.” In the 2019 competition season, Mill Valley senior Brian Parks received a scholarship to Kansas State University, as well as admittance into the engineering program through his involvement with the FIRST Robotics Competitions.

2020–2021

The robotics team offers valuable experience in the area of STEM, connections with industry leaders, and a shot at a scholarship, and there are other benefits associated with the program as well. “The one piece about this that I think people miss sometimes is that the students not only get to The 2018 robot lifts a box; at left, the 2018 team fine tunes their robot; on pg 15, a closeup of the 2019 team working on that year’s Atlas robot. work with robotics (they) also learn to communicate and interact with other students,” Sheehan says. “That is a skill that is very hard to teach. A lot of these students may never go into engineering, but what they learn here about collaboration and problem solving is huge too.” Communication is key for one of the most important duties for the team: fundraising. The entrance fee for each competition is just around $5,000, making outside support a necessity. “We have a doughnut fundraiser. We do a snow cone fundraiser,” says Courtney Mahugu, a junior and copresident of Jaguar Robotics. “We put a presentation together, and we took it to Cargill, a huge company, and we received $5,000..” Just as important as receiving support from the community, is the opportunity for the team to give back. “We are part of a collaborative community with an event called ‘Go Baby Go,’” Sheehan says. “We modify vehicles for children with special needs. Our students take the knowledge of how to modify and rewire and apply it to that cause. Partnering with the community also gives us the opportunity to help get STEM out there.” In terms of other outreach efforts, the robotics team is involved with promoting STEM to younger students through a “Coding Day” and a “STEM Day.” Members of the team visit local elementary and middle schools, often with their robot in tow, to provide early exposure and encouragement around STEM. “I think it’s really important, especially in our district, that we start on the path of going more into STEM,” Sheehan says. “There is so much knowledge out there, and, if we can get it into these kids’ hands, they’re going to go really, really far.”

EDC

the only

CONSTANT IS CHANGE ARTICLE BY SARA RITTER AND JEAN TELLER PHOTOS BY ROB DANIELS

De Soto’s economic growth shows in stats for new housing and new business.

hange is key for De Soto and its economic growth. Described as the fastest-growing city in the Kansas City metro area by the Kansas City Star (and the 12th fastestgrowing community in the state), De Soto experienced a record in 2019 for housing starts—with 61 homes constructed—tripling the number from a decade ago. The De Soto Economic Development Council (EDC) is the entity tasked with stimulating growth by promoting the city to both potential residents and businesses. “We work with our state and regional economic development partners to attract and recruit companies to the area, as well as existing businesses to make sure they remain viable and grow and expand in the De Soto area,” says Sara Ritter, president of the EDC.

REORGANIZING EFFORTS

With increased economic development in the city, the De Soto EDC, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, undertook a strategic planning process in 2019. Former Overland Park Chamber of Commerce president Mary Birch, an area expert in chamber organizational development, was retained to lead the De Soto Chamber and EDC to help with the process. The group identified the need to expand its economic development efforts. The result, in part, was to budget and plan for an organizational restructuring in 2020. In January, Chamber and EDC executive director Sara Ritter became the De Soto Chamber of Commerce president; the majority of her efforts will be focused on ways to draw businesses and residents to De Soto, as well as other development activities, including increasing the chamber’s membership. In addition, as the chief executive officer of the chamber, she continues to implement the board’s objectives and manage the day-to-day chamber operations.

In February, the Texas-based consulting firm, Your Chamber Connection, was hired to help educate volunteers on the importance of a chamber of commerce and to conduct the largest membership drive in the chamber’s history. In a 48-hour period, the chamber gained nearly 70 new members. These membership investments will help with plans to hire a chamber vice president to help the chamber expand services. Since beginning her role with the chamber in 2002, Ritter says she has seen remarkable growth in both the chamber and the overall economic activity of De Soto. With nearly 200 members now on its roster, the chamber is experiencing more energy as an organization, and, as it grows, it will be able to provide more assistance in helping its members build and maintain business relationships.

IT COMES BACK TO HOUSING

In recent years, the EDC commissioned a number of studies to determine the next moves for the community. A Community Housing Assessment Team (CHAT) study, among others, showed housing to be a top priority. The study was initially conducted in 2004 and updated in 2019. Marty Shukert of RDG Planning and Design returned to De Soto to measure updates made after the earlier study. Shukert was recently recognized with an Award of Merit from the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency in Omaha, Nebraska. The latest CHAT study indicated that, with more variety in housing types, De Soto will be able to provide more alternatives, freeing up moderately-priced housing inventory. De Soto’s strategic location along K-10 was found to have even more significance today because dual-career households have direct access to both the rest of Johnson County and the Kansas City growth areas to the east, and Lawrence and the University

2020–2021

EDC

“We work with our state and regional economic development partners to attract and recruit companies to the area, as well as existing businesses to make sure they remain viable and grow and expand in the De Soto area.” —Sara Ritter

of Kansas to the west. This transportation asset, plus the city’s proximity to BNSF’s Edgerton Intermodal Facility, helps make De Soto attractive to industry. Shukert found that De Soto has applied appropriate strategies to encourage housing development. “The Arbor Ridge project, once in bankruptcy, is now an exemplary development with diverse densities and housing types,” Shukert said. “This public/private partnership used such techniques as expedited permitting and infrastructure development to revive the project after the 2008 financial crisis. The community at large has displayed a high level of understanding of the importance of residential development and support for strategies to satisfy this need.” The CHAT update found opportunities for growth with moderate and middle-income households, the demographic projected to grow as millennials mature and establish families. The city trends toward two large residential clusters: apartments and other rental units for young and moderate-income households, and single-family ownership for higher income and more mature households. In addition to newer apartments, this tends to move families to existing houses in more established neighborhoods. As the city’s current inventory is limited, this presents an opportunity for developers. Ritter says maintaining De Soto’s traditional sense of community and civic involvement, as the city strives to meet its growth potential, will require attracting and retaining households with younger children. The study concluded that, ultimately, De Soto needs to place a priority on offering people opportunities to build equity, both in housing and civic commitment, in the community. The city’s goal for housing is to ensure its residents have opportunities for housing during every life stage, making Build Your Life With Us more than just a slogan.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The EDC plans to examine possible areas of development for businesses, with an industrial park as a possibility. Members will also meet with existing businesses to explore potential expansion plans with which the city can help. Much of the EDC’s work is behind the scenes, invisible to most residents, as members seek development opportunities for the city. Whatever the task, members of the EDC will continue to help De Soto grow.

2020–2021

PIZZA PASTA CALZONE SOUP 33031 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 913-586-5141 www.kjspizzeria.com Lunch Pizza Slices M-F til 2PM Dine-in & Carry Out Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday Noon-8pm

HOMEMADE, LOCAL HIGH QUALITY FRESH INGREDIENTS

De Sotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cause Cof fee cre at es

e first drop. h t om r f les p rip l ba o l

Coffee for a

Cause ARTICLE BY Rachel C. Murphy | PHOTOS BY Aaron Leimkeuhler

ith a hiss of steam, pressure builds in the massive espresso maker at Cause Coffee. A fire crackles in the hearth in the front room, and patrons work on laptops or visit with friends in the warm ambiance of the converted 1910 home on West 83rd Street. The scent of roasted coffee from Messenger Coffee combines with the aromas of herbal syrups to fill the air with heady good intentions. As a honey lavender latte slides across the counter, bedecked with swirled latte art, the caffeine-deprived know that relief is on its way. Since 2018, Tara Stuckey and her team have not only elevated coffee to an art form, they’ve benefited the community at the same time. You see, Cause Coffee is more than a small town coffee shop with a loyal following—it’s a nonprofit with an entirely volunteer workforce. No salaries are paid. Every cent, after expenses, goes to one of the many causes that Stuckey supports. So far, proceeds have built a clean water well in Uganda; fought the orphan crisis in Haiti, Nicaragua, Jakarta, Honduras, and Uganda; and helped foster children, the Kansas School for the Blind, several local schools, and the homeless in Kansas City. And she’s just getting started. This unique concept is one that has been percolating (pun intended) in Stuckey’s brain for a long time. While she supports many different organizations, her biggest concern is ending slavery in all forms. “We actually intended to open in 2017, but I decided we needed to only use slave-free products, from the coffee to the sugar to the chocolate in our housemade items. It took months of research and lots of meetings, but I can confidently say that we are a slave-free business,” says Stuckey. Proceeds from the shop have gone to help fight modern-day slavery alongside Exodus City and OUR Rescue. A love of history led her to this mission. After becoming fascinated with the U.S. Civil War, she began to investigate modern slavery, a concept that is difficult for her to comprehend.

2020–2021

“I think that adopting my kids really opened my eyes. I can’t save every orphan, but to the ones that we can help, that means the world to them.” – Tara Stuckey

2020–2021

“I was just incredulous that this was still going on. It seems like something that only happened in the past, but, in fact, it’s at an all-time high right now. Visiting third-world countries and working with orphanages really opened my eyes to how much was going on—sex trafficking, child slavery, forced labor, and underpaid workers. Everything we do every day is to end the slavery crisis and the orphan crisis,” says Stuckey. She speaks from experience. She has a sister adopted from Guatemala. Two of Stuckey’s three children, Carson and Caden, were adopted from India. Both are adults now and work in the shop with their mother, taking her banner and flying it proudly. With 147 million orphans worldwide, Stuckey says the enormity of the task they face hasn’t deterred her at all. “I think that adopting my kids really opened my eyes. I can’t save every orphan, but to the ones that we can help, that means the world to them. And I’ve learned so much from my kids. They’ve taught my husband and me much more than we ever could have imagined,” she says. Philanthropy isn’t new to Stuckey. One way she’s able to keep expenses low is by keeping the coffee shop in the same building as her parents’ organization, De Soto Youth Ministries. Her parents have been active in leading service missions around the world, working in villages, fostering cultural exchange, and bringing back goods that help local artisans earn a fair wage. It’s a mission that Cause Coffee shares. “Our goal is to give a voice to the voiceless. That’s it. It’s what we wake up thinking about and that’s what keeps us going,” says Stuckey. With a mission like that, it’s easy to see how driven Stuckey and her family have become. But they are not the only ones who work for free at Cause Coffee. In fact, with the exception of two paid interns in a program learning about the inner workings of a nonprofit, all the baristas volunteer their services. On a busy Saturday, that can mean 12 people, all working for free. Stuckey says the mission is what brings the workers in as well. “Most of them are baristas at other shops in the area. Many of them think, ‘I could sit at home and watch movies on Netflix, or I could go in and make a difference in someone’s life.’ I try to contact them prior to their shift to make sure they really want to

2020–2021

come in. I give them an out if they need the time to recharge instead. And that’s how I have a full staff of people (who) are present and happy to be here, connecting with customers, and doing something they love,” says Stuckey. In addition to their international focus, Stuckey and her team take care of their neighbors as well. Leftover food, all of which is GMO-free, organic, and locally sourced from companies like Alchemy Coffee and Bakehouse and 1900 Barker, is donated to homeless causes in the greater Kansas City metro area. When someone is struggling locally, Stuckey invites them in for a free meal and coffee, a respite from their daily fight. As the COVID-19 shutdown arrived, Stuckey and her staff were preparing for their twice-annual break; every spring, they close for two weeks to regroup and recharge. This year, that break was a bit longer than expected. They are now reopened and ready to change more lives, one cup of coffee, pastry, or smoothie at a time. Visit Cause Coffee at 33180 West 83rd St. in downtown De Soto, and view their menu online at www.causecoffeekc.com.

2020–2021

Kris Johnson ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO, SRES

Cell: (816) 392-9365 Direct: (913) 825-3116 krisjohnson@kw.com www.krisjohnson.kw.com

LEGACY PARTNERS, INC. 21648 Midland Dr • Shawnee, KS 66218

Offering wholeperson care for every age at every stage

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

WINE LOVER’S SUNDAYS 10% OFF

Walk-in Beer Cooler Coldest beer in town! GREAT SELECTIONS & BRANDS Locally Owned

9160 Lexington Avenue | (913) 583-1711 Open Mon-Thurs 9am-10pm • Fri-Sat 9am-11pm • Sun Noon-8pm

De Soto Veterinary Clinic We strive to provide high quality medicine, compassionate care, and super friendly service for all patients. Wellness Exams | Preventative Medicine Annual Wellness | Dentistry | Microchipping Soft Tissue & Orthopedic Surgery Chiropractic Adjustments | Acupuncture

Located at: 33900 Lexington Avenue Phone: 913-585-1115 Email: desotovetclinic@gmail.com Wedbsite: www.desotovetclinic.com

“We look forward to providing care for you all and meeting your owners as well.” – Dr. Matt Fehr, DVM

AdventHealth Primary Care at De Soto 913-789-3961 Commerce Drive, near Harps Renovated and expanded office Pediatric and adult care available Same-day appointments Se habla español AdventHealth Lenexa 913-676-8500 Near K7 and K10 Full-service, 24/7 ER Primary and specialty care Imaging and physical therapy

AdventHealthKC.com

BECOME A DE SOTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER

Chamber members enjoy a wide array of benefits, business assistance, networking opportunities, and other local competitive advantages. As a business leader and De Soto Chamber of Commerce member, you can create valuable opportunities to expand visibility and awareness for your organization.

Thank you for your support! Big things are happening at your Chamber of Commerce, and we could not do it without your help and investment.

32905 W. 84th Street P.O. Box 70, De Soto, KS 66018 913.583.1585 www.desotoks.org

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OAK MANOR ESTATES

Corliss Rd

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W 83rd St

De Soto, KS 10

W 95th St SCHOOLS

Cr ee mp

Miller Memorial Park / Miller Park Ballfield Kill Creek Streamway Dog Park Lexington Lake Park Oak Country Golf Course De Soto Cemetery W 98th St Gathering Place Memorial Marker Riverfest Park 99th St GreatLife Golf Course at W Burning Tree Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6654 Chamber of Commerce United States Postal Service City Hall & Building Inspector/Code Office Public Library Fire Department De Soto High School Lexington Trails Middle School Starside Elementary USD 232 Admin Office

Waverly Rd

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

COMMUNITY

Kill Creek Rd

PARKS

De Soto

chamber of commerce board members

Chairman

SARA RITTER, IOM

ANDREW JACOBER

Vice Chair

PATTY DURKIN

Treasurer

Secretary

EDC Chair

City Adminstrator

ROB DANIELS

BRUCE PALMER

SHIRLEY BARNDT

Chamber President

DUSTIN BAKER

LYNNE STOLZ

MIKE BRUNGARDT

Past Chairman

DIANE REDFORD

2020â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2021

32020 West 83rd Street, De Soto, KS 66018-0650 hr.desoto@engineeredair.com (phone) 913.583.3181 | (fax) 913.583.1406

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Economic Profile DE SOTO, KS

Age Characteristics

crime

Median Household Income percentages

De Soto continues to have a very low crime rate compared to surrounding cities. Crime Index

of MSA and County

7,133

$74,732 Percent of Kansas City MSA

114%

631.2 11.3

sq. miles

Housing Value

$224,832

median value of owneroccupied housing units

79%

single unit structures

62%

owner occupied

6.5%

Median Household Income

population of De Soto people per sq. mile

De Soto

under 18 years old (28%) 18-64 (60%) 65+ years old (12%)

median age

38.5

2019 Building Stats

total construction

$41,043,488

Kansas

31.4% 34.5% De Soto estimate is provided by JoCo Sheriff, which reports for all areas in county.

Households 2,562

new SFR permits

19.9% U.S. average

Percent of U.S.

119%

Johnson County (all)

number of households

De Soto

12th

fastest growing city in Kansas since 2010.

2.5

people per household

$922

average rent

USD 232/De Soto School District Students

7, 500 30

Schools

Graduation Rate

97.6%

Best School Districts in Kansas by Niche

A+

2020â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2021

Proud supporter of De Soto business makers of

Andy Jacober

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EDS-5422D-A

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Member SIPC

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Member SIPC

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Member SIPC

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membership listing Accounting and Tax Preparation JRC, CPA, LLC Jennifer R. Chick, CPA 9085 Waverly Road De Soto, KS 66018 jennifer@jrctax.com 913-583-3800 Profit Plus Business Solutions, LLC Business Development 8997 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 info@profitplus4u.com 913-583-8441

Advertising Specialists A.R.S. Designs Ange Klein 5250 Apache Court Shawnee, KS 66226 angerk1@aol.com 913-208-2643 Branding Stop Carrie Peterson 8330 Nieman Road Overland Park, KS 66214 carrie@brandingstop.com 913-232-8970

Advertising/Marketing Firms Kern Marketing Group, Inc. Mark Kern 730 New Hampshire, Suite 110 Lawrence, KS 66044 mkern@kerngroupinc.com 785-856-1990 Strategy, LLC Tonya Frank 16500 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 104 Olathe, KS 66062 tonya.frank@strategynewmedia.com 913-440-0672

Aggregate/Rock Quarry/Sand HAMM Companies Mike Curry 609 Perry Place, P.O. Box 17 Perry, KS 66073 mike.curry@nrhamm.com 785-597-5111

Kaw Sand Dave Penny 1887 E. 1450 Road, P.O. Box 9 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-218-8800 Martin Marietta Materials Tony Flohrschutz P.O. Box 715 De Soto, KS 66018 tony.flohrschutz@martinmarietta.com 913-583-3311

Agritourism Barn at Kill Creek Farm, The Darrel Zimmerman 34055 W. 86th Terrace De Soto, KS, 66018 zimmermanskillcreekfarm@yahoo.com 913-301-3004 Bowlin Family Farms Steve Bowlin 31915 W. 115th Olathe, KS 66061 steve@bowlinfarms.net 913-208-1186 Cedar Valley Forest Dustin Keith 29145 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 dustin@cedarvalleyforest.com 913-278-8818 Happy Valley Farm Spike & Patty Durkin 29080 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 happyvalleyfarm.ks@gmail.com 913-706-0370

Architects/Engineers/ Environmental Services

Jackson Main Architecture Darren Orender 3664 N.E. Ralph Powell Road Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, MO 64064 darren.orender@jacksonmain.com 816-895-8810 Milburn Civil Engineering, LLC Justin Milburn 33135 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 justin@milburnce.com 913-530-1397 Tevis Architects Terry Tevis 10820 Shawnee Mission Parkway, #201 Shawnee, KS 66216 ttevis@tevisarchitects.com 913-599-3003

Assisted Living Facilities Hillside Village of De Soto Mike Egan 33600 W. 85th St. De Soto, KS 66018 mikee@hillsidedesoto.com todds@hillsidedesoto.com 913-583-1260 x 116 Homestead of Eudora Zach Eaton 2725 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 zeaton@homesteadofeudora.com 785-363-5150

Associate Member Allenbrand, Shirley 9400 Reeds Road, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66207 shirley@shirleyallenbrand.com 913-579-8206

BHC Rhodes Kevin Honomichl 7101 College Blvd., Suite 400 Overland Park, KS 66210 kevin.honomichl@ibhc.com 913-663-1900

Bowers, Monte P.O. Box W De Soto, KS 66018 913-553-1943

Cook, Flatt & Strobel, Engineers, P.A. Rick Walker 1421 E. 104th St., Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 6413 rwalker@cfse.com (816) 333-4477

Harwood Law & Mediation Jamie Harwood P.O. Box 521 De Soto, KS 66018 harwoodlaw@gmail.com 785-220-8662

Attorney/Legal Services

Law Office of Richard A. Carnahan Rick Carnahan 33041 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 rickcarn.atty@att.net 913-219-4362 Matthew S. Gough, Attorney at Law Matt Gough 1211 Massachusetts Lawrence, KS 66044 mgough@barberemerson.com 785-843-6600 Polsinelli John Peterson 900 W. 48th Place, Suite 900 Kansas City, MO 64112 jpetersen@polsinelli.com 816-753-1000

Auto/Fuel/Automotive Parts Caseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Store Martha Johnson 34425 W. 91st St. De Soto, KS 66018 robert.pizzini@caseys.com 913-585-1117 De Soto Auto Parts John Flegler 33530 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoautoparts@hotmail.com 913-585-3180 De Soto J Mart Andy Patel 33540 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 jmart.andy@gmail.com 913-583-1459

Automobile Dealerships Crown Toyota Volkswagen of Lawrence Connie Oelschlaeger 3430 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66046 connie@crownautomotive.com 785-843-7700 De Soto Auto Sales Chris Watkins 33500 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 sales@desotoautosalesks.com 913-220-4189

Lawrence Kia Chin Rajapaksha 1225 E. 23rd St. Lawrence, KS 66046 chin@lawrencekia.com 785-856-8700

Banking Country Club Bank Tim Rhodes 21911 W. 66th St. Shawnee, KS 66226 trhodes@countryclubbank.com 816-751-4232 Great American Bank Shelby Lathrom 33050 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 429 De Soto, KS 66018 slathrom@greatambank.com 913-585-1131 Great Southern Bank Lauren Vogeler / Jessica Chicoine 34102 W. Commerce Drive, Suite A P.O. Box S De Soto, KS 66018 lvogeler@greatsouthernbank.com 913-583-3004 TriCentury Bank Travis Hicks 33485 Lexington Ave., P.O. Box 329 De Soto, KS 66018 913-583-3222

Buildings Automation Consulting Control Service Company/Guntert, LLC Kurt Guntert 30505 W. 87th St. De Soto, KS 66018 913-800-0920

Car Wash De Soto Car Wash John Flegler 33520 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoautoparts@hotmail.com 913-585-3180

Chiropractor De Soto Chiropractic Don Reith, PA 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite B De Soto, KS 66018 desotokschiro@gmail.com 913-583-3700

Churches Bridge Church KC Seth Budimlija 7301 Mize Road, P.O. Box 860453 Shawnee, KS 66227 seth@bridgechurchkc.com 816-302-5218 De Soto Baptist Church Richard Copeland 8655 Copeland Way, P.O. Box E De Soto, KS 66018 desotobaptistkschurch@gmail.com 913-585-1026 De Soto United Methodist Church Pastor Jeff Prothro 8760 Kill Creek Road, P.O. Box 400 De Soto, KS 66018 umcoffice@desotoumc.org 913-583-1359

Business Consulting Services

De Soto Youth Ministries Bill & Donna Wilting 33180 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 545 De Soto, KS 66018 info@desotoyouthministries.org 913-583-3411

Profit Plus Business Solutions, LLC Business Development 8997 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 info@profitplus4u.com 913-583-8441

Faith Builders International, Inc. Pastors Philip & Michelle Steele 8390 Peoria St., P.O. Box 452 De Soto, KS 66018 main@buildfaith.net 913-583-1670

Strategy, LLC Tonya Frank 16500 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 104 Olathe, KS 66062 tonya.frank@strategynewmedia.com 913-440-0672

Holy Family Catholic Church Fr. Michael Scully, OMF Cap 820 Birch St. Eudora, KS 66205 hfceudora@sunflower.com 785-542-2788 33

membership listing Reach Church Ryan McDaniel 33085 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 682 De Soto, KS 66018 rmcdaniel@reachdesoto.com 913-296-2201

Cigar Lounge Ritter Cigar Company Kevin Ritter 9170 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 rittercigarcompany@yahoo.com 913-208-5352; 913-238-2206

Civic/Nonprofit Organization Barn at Kill Creek Farm, The Darrel Zimmerman 34055 W. 86th Terrace De Soto, KS 66018 zimmermanskillcreekfarm@yahoo.com 913-301-3004 Cause Coffee Tara Stuckey 33180 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 545 De Soto, KS 66018 913-709-8235 De Soto Arts Council Diana Zwahlen, President 32905 W. 84th Street, P.O. Box 501 De Soto, KS 66018 desotoartsks@gmail.com 913-638-8998 De Soto Days Festival, Inc. Loya Beery P.O. Box 188 De Soto, KS 66018 llbeery@hotmail.com 913-585-1378 De Soto Historical Society Kathy Ross P.O. Box 86 De Soto, KS 66018 desotohistoricalsociety@gmail.com 913-515-8532 De Soto Rotary Club Berry Zimmerman P.O. Box 363 De Soto, KS 66018 desotorotaryclub@gmail.com 913-484-8156

Tall Oaks Conference Center Martha Pierce 12778 189th St. Linwood, KS 66052 director@talloaks.org 913-301-3004 VFW Post #6654 - Linden-Tripkos David Cuba 33725 W. 84th De Soto, KS 66018 vfw6654qm@kc.rr.com 913-585-1100

Coffee Shop Cause Coffee Tara Stuckey 33180 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 545 De Soto, KS 66018 913-709-8235

Commercial Park and Playground Equipment AB Creative Karen Herren 33160 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 karen@abcreative.net 913-583-3332

Computer Technicians/Consultants BerganKDV Gene Brixey 3550 NE Ralph Powell Road Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, MO 64064 gene.brixey@bergankdv.com 816-525-9699 Strategy, LLC Tonya Frank 16500 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 104 Olathe, KS 66062 tonya.frank@strategynewmedia.com 913-440-0672 Tech Wyze, Inc. Robert Daniels 22121 W. 83rd St. Shawnee, KS 66227 rob@techwyze.com 913-381-1333

Consulting Services/Membership Your Chamber Connection Jimmy Cusano 8208 Bridge St. North Richland Hills, TX 76180 events@yourchamberconnection.com 800-678-6241

Contractors/Construction/ Site Construction Cottage Creek Homes, Inc. Joe Rawie 32565 Lexington Ave., Suite C De Soto, KS 66018 913-915-7389 Drywall Masters Dewayne Spiess 10300 Waverly Road De Soto, KS 66018 dewayne@spiesscustomhomes.com 913-207-2877 Freedom Concrete, LLC Mark Rawie 32565 Lexington Ave., Suite C, P.O. Box 731 De Soto, KS 66018 mark@freedomconcrete1.com 913-583-1150 Freedom Concrete, LLC Joe Rawie 32565 Lexington Ave., Suite C, P.O. Box 731 De Soto, KS 66018 joe@freedomconcrete1.com 913-583-1150 Harding Homes Nate Harding P.O. Box 565 De Soto, KS 66018 info@hardinghomes.net 913-205-9670 KBS Constructors, Inc. Dave Anderson 14955 W. 117th Olathe, KS 66062 davidanderson@kbsci.com 913-223-9878 Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company, Inc. Lauren Kaaz 5037 S. Fourth St. Leavenworth, KS 66048 lauren@lexeco.com 913-727-1234

Linaweaver Construction, Inc. Marcus Linaweaver 719 E. Gilman Road Lansing, KS 66043 marcus@linaweaver.com 913-351-3474

Spiess Custom Homes, LLC Dewayne Spiess 10300 Waverly Road De Soto, KS 66018 dewayne@spiesscustomhomes.com 913-207-2877

Manning Construction Tom Manning 1708 E. 123rd St. Olathe, KS 66061 tmanning@manningkc.com 913-390-1007

Turner Construction Company Andy Heitmann 1220 Washington St., Suite 100 Kansas City, MO 64105 ajheitmann@tcco.com 8162830555

Martin Underground Jeff Martin 5401 Raytown Road Raytown, MO 64133 jeff@martinunderground.com 816-353-1352 MG Construction, LLC Mark and Natalie Gulley 30495 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 mgulleyhome@yahoo.com 913-449-5424 Montgomery Concrete Rob Montgomery 9969 W. 239th St. Bucyrus, KS 66013 montgomerycc16@gmail.com 913-208-0086 Neighborhoods of Arbor Ridge, The Don Parr P.O. Box 362 De Soto, KS 66018 arborridgeks@gmail.com 913-709-6693 Raintree Builders Dean Piltz P.O. Box 4140 Olathe, KS 66063 raintreedean@aol.com 913-752-5851 RD Johnson Excavating Co. Brad Ikenberry 1705 N. 1399 Road Lawrence, KS 66046 info@rdje.com 785-842-9100

Convenience Store/Gas Station Caseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Store Martha Johnson 34425 W. 91st St. De Soto, KS 66018 robert.pizzini@caseys.com 913-585-1117 De Soto J Mart Andy Patel 33540 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 jmart.andy@gmail.com 913-583-1459 Harps Shane Murray 34040 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 str249@harpsfood.com 913-585-9876

Cosmetics/Beauty Mary Kay Cosmetics Jill Davis 8467 Valley Spring Drive De Soto, KS 66018 jilldavishome@yahoo.com 913-710-4228

Countertop Installation/Contractor Granite Express, LLC Herminio Montoya 224 Santa Fe Road Bonner Springs, KS 66012 hermangranite@hotmail.com 913-744-6088

Credit Card Processing/ Merchant Services MerchantGuy Troy Wilson 7138 Halsey Drive Shawnee, KS 66216 troy@merchantguy.com 913-667-9662

Dentists C.H. Klestinske, DDS Charles Klestinske 32980 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 418 De Soto, KS 66018 chkdds1@gmail.com 913-583-3233

Developer Alcove Development Dustin Baker P.O. Box 3789 Lawrence, KS 66046 dbaker@alcoveproperty.com 913-954-0801 Cottage Creek Homes, Inc. Joe Rawie 32565 Lexington Ave., Suite C De Soto, KS 66018 913-915-7389 Grata Development Travis Schram 6300 W. 143rd St., Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66223 travis@grata.land 913-732-4778 Heartland Development CJ Garrett 34557 W. 84th Terrace De Soto, KS 66018 cj@heartlandkc.com 913-271-9417 HIKE Properties, c/o Lawrence Property Management Travis Hicks 4205 W. Sixth St. Lawrence, KS 66049 lthicks@me.com 785-331-7821

membership listing Spiess Custom Homes, LLC Dewayne Spiess 10300 Waverly Road De Soto, KS 66018 dewayne@spiesscustomhomes.com 913-207-2877

Dog Grooming Barks and Bubbles Margie Petroskey 34193 W. 90th Circle De Soto, KS 66018 bandbgrooming2013@gmail.com 913-586-5138

Education Johnson County Community College Carol Lehman 12345 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210 clehman@jccc.edu 913-469-8500 (main) USD 232 Frank Harwood 35200 W. 91st St. De Soto, KS 66018 fharwood@usd232.org information@usd232.org 913-667-6200

Electrical Installation and Repair Services (Residential and Commercial) Certified Electric Mike Bowden 31205 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 kccertifiedelectric@kc.rr.com 913-207-0038

Embroidery and Screen Printing A.R.S. Designs Ange Klein 5250 Apache Court Shawnee, KS 66226 angerk1@aol.com 913-208-2643 Olathe T-Shirt and Trophy Joan Davis 900 N. Mart-way Drive Olathe, KS 66061 ottasi@aol.com 913-782-5671

Employment Services Employee Benefit Professionals Patrick Wachtel 12900 Metcalf Ave., Suite 120 Overland Park, KS 66213 pwachtel@ebpkc.com 913-890-4710

Energy Management Consulting Control Service Company/Guntert, LLC Kurt Guntert 30505 W. 87th St. De Soto, KS 66018 913-800-0920

Event and Meeting Venues Barn at Kill Creek Farm, The Darrel Zimmerman 34055 W. 86th Terrace De Soto, KS 66018 zimmermanskillcreekfarm@yahoo.com 913-301-3004 Cedar Valley Forest Dustin Keith 29145 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 dustin@cedarvalleyforest.com 913-278-8818 JTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grill & Sports Bar Scott Hill 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite C De Soto, KS 66018 jtsgrillindesoto@gmail.com 913-585-1116 Tall Oaks Conference Center Martha Pierce 12778 189th St. Linwood, KS 66052 director@talloaks.org 913-301-3004 VFW Post #6654 - Linden-Tripkos David Cuba 33725 W. 84th De Soto, KS 66018 vfw6654qm@kc.rr.com 913-585-1100

Financial Planning and Investments Columbia Capital Management, LLC Jeff White 6330 Lamar Ave., Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66202 jwhite@columbiacapital.com 913-248-8500 Country Club Bank Tim Rhodes 21911 W. 66th St. Shawnee, KS 66226 trhodes@countryclubbank.com 816-751-4232 Edward Jones Andrew Jacober 8960 Commerce Drive, Suite 4A De Soto, KS 66018 andy.jacober@edwardjones.com 913-586-5021 Great American Bank Shelby Lathrom 33050 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 429, De Soto, KS 66018 slathrom@greatambank.com 913-585-1131 Great Southern Bank Lauren Vogeler / Jessica Chicoine 34102 W. Commerce Drive, Suite A P.O. Box S De Soto, KS 66018 lvogeler@greatsouthernbank.com 913-583-3004 Kobler Investments Jon Kobler 33051 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 jon.kobler@cfdinvestments.com 913-583-1700 TriCentury Bank Travis Hicks 33485 Lexington Ave., P.O. Box 329 De Soto, KS 66018 913-583-3222

Firearms Dealer Up In Arms Kansas Ryq Farnow 33490 Lexington Ave., Suite F De Soto, KS 66018 ryq@upinarmskansas.com 913-608-3288Fitness

Fitness Great Life Golf & Fitness Cecil Swenson 7909 Wyandotte St. and 32905 W. 84th St. De Soto, KS 66018 desoto@greatlifegolf.com 913-301-3000 Oak Country Golf Course Tom Anderson 8800 Scott Drive De Soto, KS 66018 ocountryclub@kc.rr.com 913-583-3503

Flooring Services Bison Tiling, LLC Kevin Diaz P.O. Box 218 De Soto, KS 66018 kevin@tilebybison.com 855-742-4766 Epoxy Floors by Welch, LLC Brandon Welch 6339 Woodstock Shawnee, KS 66218 epoxyfloorsbywelch@gmail.com 913-207-7196 Gulley’s Carpet Larry Gulley P.O. Box 175 De Soto, KS 66018 gulley02000@yahoo.com 913-583-3748 Pro Concrete Design Jameon Schwarz 2462 N.W. Tullison Road Riverside, MO 64150 jameon@proconcretedesign.com 816-356-6440

Flooring/Countertops Granite Express, LLC Herminio Montoya 224 Santa Fe Road Bonner Springs, KS 66012 hermangranite@hotmail.com 913-744-6088

Funeral Services and Monuments Bruce Funeral Home Shirley Bruce Brown-Van Arsdale P.O. Box 192 Gardner, KS 66030 bfhomeinc1@aol.com 913-585-1346

Garage Condominiums Carriage Houses of Johnson County Joseph Nuti 29230 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 efnuti@aol.com 913-638-3100

Gardening Supplies De Soto Feed and Garden Karen Heinen 8155 Hadley Road De Soto, KS 66018 desotofeedandgarden@hotmail.com 913-583-1112

Golf Courses Great Life Golf & Fitness Cecil Swenson 7909 Wyandotte St. and 32905 W. 84th St. De Soto, KS 66018 desoto@greatlifegolf.com 913-301-3000 Oak Country Golf Course Tom Anderson 8800 Scott Drive De Soto, KS 66018 ocountryclub@kc.rr.com 913-583-3503

Government City of De Soto Mayor Rick Walker 32905 W. 84th St., P. O. Box C De Soto, KS 66018 mbrungardt@desotoks.us 913-583-1182 Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Ed Eilert, Chair 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3300 Olathe, KS 66061 913-715-0430

Johnson County Library-De Soto Branch Rita Glick 33145 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 396 De Soto, KS 66018 glickr@jocolibrary.org 913-826-4600 Johnson County Manager’s Office Aaron Otto 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3300 Olathe, KS 66061 913-715-0725 Johnson County Sheriff ’s Office Capt. Jeremy Campbell 27747 W. 159th St. New Century, KS 66031 jeremy.campbell@jocogov.org 913-715-5400 State of Kansas Representative Willie Dove 14715 Timber Lane Bonner Springs, KS 66012 willie.dove@house.ks.gov 913-909-5866 State of Kansas Senator Julia Lynn 18837 W. 115th Terrace Olathe, KS 66061 julia@senatorjulialynn.com 913-832-5311

Grocery Store Harps Shane Murray 34040 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 str249@harpsfood.com 913-585-9876

Hair Salon Shear Images Hair Studio Kim Frieling 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite F De Soto, KS 66018 kfrieling1@gmail.com 913-302-3210

Health Care and Wellness AdventHealth Mallory Laur 9100 W. 74th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 mallory.laur@adventhealth.com 913-676-2000 37

membership listing AdventHealth Primary Care Lynne Stolz 8960 Commerce Drive, Suite 4E De Soto, KS 66018 lynne.stolz@adventhealth.com 913-789-3961 Brilliant Sun Wellness Kimberlee Aubrey brilliantsunwellness@gmail.com 913-274-9192 C.H. Klestinske, DDS Charles Klestinske 32980 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 418 De Soto, KS 66018 chkdds1@gmail.com 913-583-3233 CBD American Shaman Nicholas Hower 608 Tulip Drive, Suite G Bonner Springs, KS 66012 wellness@bonnerbotanicals.com 913-745-6667 Cedar Creek Pharmacy Lori Murdock 34040 W. Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 lorimurdock@att.net 913-583-1117 De Soto Chiropractic Don Reith, PA 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite B De Soto, KS 66018 desotokschiro@gmail.com 913-583-3700 Marquette Physical Therapy, P.A. Jay Marquette 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite A De Soto, KS 66018 jay@marquettept.com 913-585-9844 Olathe Health Darren Odum 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 darren.odum@olathehealth.org 913-791-4200 Ridgeview Eye Care Trent Henderson, O.D. 33321 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoeyecare@gmail.com 913-583-1991 38

Heating and Air Conditioning Certified Electric Mike Bowden 31205 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 kccertifiedelectric@kc.rr.com 913-207-0038 Harding Heating & Air Conditioning Jess Harding 19831 W. 97th St. Lenexa, KS 66220 hardinghvac@hotmail.com 913-342-6086

Horse Stable/Equine Facility Painted M Ranch Sam McChesney III 12631 S. Homestead Lane Olathe, KS 66061 sam@paintedmranch.com 913-856-5001

Hospitals AdventHealth Mallory Laur 9100 W. 74th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 mallory.laur@adventhealth.com 913-676-2000 Olathe Health Darren Odum 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 darren.odum@olathehealth.org 913-791-4200

Information Technology Menlo, Inc. Brad Sandt 5904 N.W. 63rd Terr. Kansas City, MO 64151 brad.sandt@menloinc.com 816-817-6170 Strategy, LLC Tonya Frank 16500 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 104 Olathe, KS 66062 tonya.frank@strategynewmedia.com 913-440-0672

Synetic Technologies, Inc. Gary Agness 1120 Clay St. North Kansas City, MO 64116 gagness@synetic.com 866-920-555 Tech Wyze, Inc. Robert Daniels 22121 W. 83rd St. Shawnee, KS 66227 rob@techwyze.com 913-381-1333

Insurance Agencies AFLAC Peter Lindstrom 6600 College Blvd., Suite 305 Overland Park, KS 66211 peter_lindstrom@us.aflac.com 913-485-7945 American Family Insurance Julie Coover 32565 Lexington Ave., Suite B De Soto, KS 66018 jcoover@amfam.com 913-583-1219 Integrity Midwest Insurance, LLC Clint Kueffer 2500 W. 31st St., Suite B Lawrence, KS 66047 clint@integritymw.com 785-856-5100 Kansas Preferred Insurance Group Keith Turnbaugh 34102 W. Commerce Drive, Suite B De Soto, KS 66018 keith@kpigroup.net 913-585-1981

Landscape Architect/Land Planner Indigo Design, Inc. Doug Pickert 8593 Timber Trails Drive De Soto, KS 66018 doug@indigoparks.com 913-583-1370

Landscaping/Lawn Care Mowmentum, LLC Corey Davis 8467 Valley Spring Drive De Soto, KS 66018 mowmentumkc@gmail.com 913-710-4234

Pine Landscape Kathy Pine 1783 E. 1500 Road Lawrence, KS 66044 kathyp@pinelandscape.com 785-843-6949 Real Deal Drainage Solutions Neal Parker 8940 Waverly De Soto, KS 66018 nparker@realdealds.com 913-208-9423 Sundance Lawn & Landscape Mark Snider 33165 W. 84th St. De Soto, KS 66018 sundance_lawn@yahoo.com 816-382-9834

Library Johnson County Library-De Soto Branch Rita Glick 33145 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 396 De Soto, KS 66018 glickr@jocolibrary.org 913-826-4600

Liquor Store Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liquor Mike Rogers 9160 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 mrogers5@live.com 913-583-1711

Lumber Company Lumber One Ben Henk 9800 Sunflower Road De Soto, KS 66018 bhenk@yahoo.com 913-583-9889

Manufacturers Custom Foods, Inc. Ethan Hart 9101 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 sales@customfoodsinc.com 913-585-1900

Engineered Air Paul Hansen 32050 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 650 De Soto, KS 66018 admin.desoto@engineeredair.com; hr.desoto@engineeredair.com 913-583-3181 Huhtamaki Americas, Inc. Diane Redford 9201 Packaging Drive De Soto, KS 66018 diane.redford@huhtamaki.com 913-583-8727 Merck Animal Health Shirley Barndt 35500 W. 91st St. De Soto, KS 66018 shirley_barndt@merck.com 913-422-6001 Rehrig Pacific Company Chris Gab 8875 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 asanta@rehrigpacific.com bcavener@rehrigpacific.com 913-585-1175

Meat Market Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meat Market Pam Prudden 32685 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 pamprudden@aol.com 913-583-1390

Motel Super 8 Motel of De Soto Raj Patel 34085 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 super8desoto@hotmail.com 913-583-3880

Nursing/Memory Care Facility Hillside Village of De Soto Mike Egan 33600 W. 85th St. De Soto, KS 66018 mikee@hillsidedesoto.com todds@hillsidedesoto.com 913-583-1260 x 116

Homestead of Eudora Zach Eaton 2725 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 zeaton@homesteadofeudora.com 785-363-5150

Optometrist Ridgeview Eye Care Trent Henderson, O.D. 33321 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoeyecare@gmail.com 913-583-1991

Overhead Doors Sales & Installation (Residential/Commercial) Tracker Door Systems, LLC Cindee Johannsen 35000 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 cindee@trackerdoor.com 913-585-3100

Payroll Services Profit Plus Business Solutions, LLC Business Development 8997 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 info@profitplus4u.com 913-583-8441

Pet Food and Supplies De Soto Feed and Garden Karen Heinen 8155 Hadley Road De Soto, KS 66018 desotofeedandgarden@hotmail.com 913-583-1112 De Soto Veterinary Clinic Matt Fehr 33900 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 mattfehr1@gmail.com 913-585-1115 Eudora Animal Hospital Stacy Lister 1905 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 info@eudoravet.com 785-542-3265

membership listing Pharmacy Cedar Creek Pharmacy Lori Murdock 34040 W Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 lorimurdock@att.net 913-583-1117

Photography RMB Prints and Design Rose Burgweger 9160 Cedar Creek Road De Soto, KS 66018 rmbprints@icloud.com 913-583-1857

Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation Marquette Physical Therapy, P.A. Jay Marquette 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite A De Soto, KS 66018 jay@marquettept.com 913-585-9844

Physicians AdventHealth Primary Care Lynne Stolz 8960 Commerce Drive, Suite 4E De Soto, KS 66018 lynne.stolz@adventhealth.com 913-789-3961

Plumbing Services Plumbing by Fisher Tim Fisher 9180 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 office@plumbingbyfisher.co 913-583-1971

Printing, Copies/Graphic Services Paramount Promotions & Printing John Hohenshell 10981 S. Parish St. Olathe, KS 66061 john@paramountpromokc.com 913-257-9420 RMB Prints and Design Rose Burgweger 9160 Cedar Creek Road De Soto, KS 66018 rmbprints@icloud.com 913-583-1857

Shawnee Copy Center, Inc. Jim Shippee 12211 Shawnee Mission Parkway P.O. Box 860730 Shawnee, KS 66216 jim@sccink.com 913-268-4343

Property Management Lawrence Property Management Roxanne Hicks 4205 W. Sixth St., Suite B Lawrence, KS 66049 info@lawrencepropertymanagement.com 785-832-8728 Valley Springs Senior Apartments Brandie Davis 31765 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 valleyspringscgks@gmail.com 913-585-9998

Publications (Community and Business) RMB Prints and Design Rose Burgweger 9160 Cedar Creek Road De Soto, KS 66018 rmbprints@icloud.com 913-583-1857 Sunflower Publishing Bob Cucciniello 1503 S.W. 42nd St. Topeka, KS 66609 bcucciniello@ogdenpubs.com 785-274-4401

Real Estate Services Generations Real Estate Lenny Mullin 22105 W. 83rd St. Lenexa, KS 66227 lenny@genkc.com 913-915-0468 Keller Williams Legacy Partners, Inc. Kris Johnson 21648 Midland Drive Shawnee, KS 66218 krisjohnson@kw.com 913-825-3116

Keller Williams Partners - Homespun KC Bob McCoy 6850 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66211 bob@bobskchomes.com 913-906-5400 Montoya Homes KC - Keller Williams Legacy Partners Consuelo Montoya 21648 Midland Drive Shawnee, KS 66218 conniemontoya@kw.com 913-601-0114 SD Home Team @ BHG Kansas City Homes Shelly Doris Milburn 33135 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 585 De Soto, KS 66018 sdmilburn17@gmail.com 913-709-4425 SMG - Signature Mortgage Group Scott Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor 5350 College Blvd. Leawood, KS 66211 scott@signaturemortgage.net 913-754-1366

Rental (Residential/Commercial) B&H Properties Loya Beery 30497 W. 88th Terrace De Soto, KS 66018 llbeery@hotmail.com 913-585-1378 Clearview Village, Inc. David Rhodes 36000 W. 103rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 davidr@wheatlandinvestmentsgrp.com 913-583-1451 KTEN Place Sabrina Fleming 9100 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 info@ktenplace.com 913-583-2111 Myrtle E. Coker Trust - James Leon Coker Trust Mary Guntert P.O. Box 427 De Soto, KS 66018 mgguntert@hotmail.com 913-585-1437

Restaurant Franchising Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc. Mike O’Toole 8997 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 guestrelations@goodcents.com 913-583-8400

Restaurants/Catering Beer 30 Charles Crist 9150 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 cdcristinvestments@gmail.com 913-585-1416 Cause Coffee Tara Stuckey 33180 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 545 De Soto, KS 66018 913-709-8235 Frenzel’s BBQ & Catering Bill Frenzel 2730 Montrose Circle Eudora, KS 66025 bbqbill@sbcglobal.net 913-915-5086

Pegah’s Family Restaurant Moe Sharifi 5354 Roberts St. Shawnee, KS 66226 moe@pegahs.com 913-486-8199 Perky’s Cafe Tracy Smith 33080 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 info@perkyscafekc.com 913-745-8409 Schlotzsky’s Mike Egan 12221 S. Strangline Road Olathe, KS 66062 barthastert1@gmail.com; mike.egan12@gmail.com 913-782-2867 Two Guys & A Grill Troy Tedder 109 N. Chester St. Olathe, KS 66061 twoguysandagrill@aol.com 913-393-4745

Retail

JT’s Grill & Sports Bar Scott Hill 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite C De Soto, KS 66018 jtsgrillindesoto@gmail.com 913-585-1116

Anabel’s Makers Market Anabel Sanchez 33021 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 amakersgiftshop@gmail.com 760-777-3270

KJ’s Pizzeria Rod Bowman 33031 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 kjspizzaks@gmail.com 913-586-5141

Beer 30 Charles Crist 9150 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 cdcristinvestments@gmail.com 913-585-1416

Lucky Garden Charles 32663 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 luckygarden0514@gmail.com 913-585-1916

Bowlin Family Farms Steve Bowlin 31915 W. 115th Olathe, KS 66061 steve@bowlinfarms.net 913-208-1186

McDonald’s of De Soto Michael Dobski 34225 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 mtdobski@sunflower.com 913-585-1166

Casey’s General Store Martha Johnson 34425 W. 91st St. De Soto, KS 66018 robert.pizzini@caseys.com 913-585-1117

Cause Coffee Tara Stuckey 33180 W. 83rd St., P.O. Box 545 De Soto, KS 66018 913-709-8235 CBD American Shaman Nicholas Hower 608 Tulip Drive, Suite G Bonner Springs, KS 66012 wellness@bonnerbotanicals.com 913-745-6667 Cedar Creek Pharmacy Lori Murdock 34040 W. Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 lorimurdock@att.net 913-583-1117 De Soto Auto Parts John Flegler 33530 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 913-585-3180 desotoautoparts@hotmail.com De Soto Car Wash John Flegler 33520 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoautoparts@hotmail.com 913-585-3180 De Soto Feed and Garden Karen Heinen 8155 Hadley Road De Soto, KS 66018 desotofeedandgarden@hotmail.com 913-583-1112 De Soto Veterinary Clinic Matt Fehr 33900 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 mattfehr1@gmail.com 913-585-1115 Eudora Animal Hospital Stacy Lister 1905 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 info@eudoravet.com 785-542-3265 Great Life Golf & Fitness Cecil Swenson 7909 Wyandotte St. and 32905 W. 84th St. De Soto, KS 66018 desoto@greatlifegolf.com 913-301-3000 41

membership listing Happy Valley Farm Spike & Patty Durkin 29080 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 happyvalleyfarm.ks@gmail.com 913-706-0370

Olathe T-Shirt and Trophy Joan Davis 900 N. Mart-way Drive Olathe, KS 66061 ottasi@aol.com 913-782-5671

Two Guys & A Grill Troy Tedder 109 N. Chester St. Olathe, KS 66061 twoguysandagrill@aol.com 913-393-4745

Harps Shane Murray 34040 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 str249@harpsfood.com 913-585-9876

Pegah’s Family Restaurant Moe Sharifi 5354 Roberts St. Shawnee, KS 66226 moe@pegahs.com 913-486-8199

Up In Arms Kansas Ryq Farnow 33490 Lexington Ave., Suite F De Soto, KS 66018 ryq@upinarmskansas.com 913-608-3288

Jake’s Fireworks Devon Krusich 1500 E. 27th Terrace Pittsburg, KS 66762 devonkrusich@jakesfireworks.com 620-231-2264

Perky’s Cafe Tracy Smith 33080 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 info@perkyscafekc.com 913-745-8409

KJ’s Pizzeria Rod Bowman 33031 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 kjspizzaks@gmail.com 913-586-5141

Ridgeview Eye Care Trent Henderson, O.D. 33321 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoeyecare@gmail.com 913-583-1991

Lucky Garden Charles 32663 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 luckygarden0514@gmail.com 913-585-1916

Ritter Cigar Company Kevin Ritter 9170 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 rittercigarcompany@yahoo.com 913-208-5352; 913-238-2206

Mary Kay Cosmetics Jill Davis 8467 Valley Spring Drive De Soto, KS 66018 jilldavishome@yahoo.com 913-710-4228

Schlotzsky’s Mike Egan 12221 S. Strangline Road Olathe, KS 66062 barthastert1@gmail.com; mike.egan12@gmail.com 913-782-2867

McDonald’s of De Soto Michael Dobski 34225 Commerce Drive De Soto, KS 66018 mtdobski@sunflower.com 913-585-1166 Mike’s Liquor Mike Rogers 9160 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 mrogers5@live.com 913-583-1711 Oak Country Golf Course Tom Anderson 8800 Scott Drive De Soto, KS 66018 ocountryclub@kc.rr.com 913-583-3503 42

Shear Images Hair Studio Kim Frieling 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite F De Soto, KS 66018 kfrieling1@gmail.com 913-302-3210 Sol De Soto Tanning Solutions, LLC DiAnne Miller 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite G De Soto, KS 66018 sol.desototanning@gmail.com 913-586-5097 Steve’s Meat Market Pam Prudden 32685 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 pamprudden@aol.com 913-583-1390

Rifle Club and Shooting Range Mill Creek Rifle Club Richard Cooper 7215 Gardner Road De Soto, KS 66018 rbcooperjr@gmail.com (913) 568-9088

Security Consultants Kenton Brothers, Inc. David Strickland 3401 E. Truman Road Kansas City, MO 64127 davids@kentonbrothers.com 913-787-2110

Shipping/Packaging Services Rocking K Logistics, LLC Mike Boyer 9005 Kill Creek Road De Soto, KS 66018 mboyer@rockingklogistics.com 913-585-3500

Storage Services De Soto KS Self Storage Vanessa Berry 9520 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 desotoksselfstorage@gmail.com 913-585-9968

Synthetic Turf Provider ForeverLawn Kansas City Tanner McNamara 33160 W. 83rd St. De Soto, KS 66018 karen@abcreative.net 913-583-3332

Tanning Solutions Sol De Soto Tanning Solutions, LLC DiAnne Miller 33255 Lexington Ave., Suite G De Soto, KS 66018 sol.desototanning@gmail.com 913-586-5097

Telecommunications Companies 323.tv, LLC Jared Clarke 32525 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 bclarke@323.tv; jclarke@323.tv 913-422-0910 x114 RG Fiber Mike Bosch 713 High St., P.O. Box 815 Baldwin City, KS 66006 support@rgfiber.com 785-594-5414 Zoom Fiber Kameron Klein 35276 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 kklein@zoomfiber.com 913-583-0050 x 1001

Trophies and Awards Olathe T-Shirt and Trophy Joan Davis 900 N. Mart-way Drive Olathe, KS 66061 ottasi@aol.com 913-782-5671

Utilities ATMOS Energy Corporation Bruce Palmer 25090 W. 110th Terrance Olathe, KS 66061 bruce.palmer@atmosenergy.com 913-254-6347 Evergy Dante McGrew 23505 W. 86th St. Shawnee, KS 66227 dante.mcgrew@evergy.com 913-667-5105

RG Fiber Mike Bosch 713 High St., P.O. Box 815 Baldwin City, KS 66006 support@rgfiber.com 785-594-5414 Rural Water Services, Inc. Russ Pitts 4420 Texas Road Wellsville, KS 66092 ruralwater6@gmail.com 913-238-0876 Water District 7, Johnson County 534 W. Main St., P.O. Box 7 Gardner, KS 66030 913-856-7375 Zoom Fiber Kameron Klein 35276 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 kklein@zoomfiber.com 913-583-0050 x 1001

Veterinarian/Pet Hospital De Soto Veterinary Clinic Matt Fehr 33900 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 mattfehr1@gmail.com 913-585-1115 Eudora Animal Hospital Stacy Lister 1905 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 info@eudoravet.com 785-542-3265

Video Conferencing Equipment 323.tv, LLC Jared Clarke 32525 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 bclarke@323.tv jclarke@323.tv 913-422-0910 x114

Video Surveillance Company

Waste Management Services HAMM Companies Mike Curry 609 Perry Place Perry, KS 66073 mike.curry@nrhamm.com 785-597-5111 Honey Creek Disposal Service, LLC Randy Weldon 26195 Linwood Road Lawrence, KS 66044 randy@honeycreekdisposal.com 913-369-8999

Web Development Strategy, LLC Tonya Frank 16500 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 104 Olathe, KS 66062 tonya.frank@strategynewmedia.com 913-440-0672

Wholesale Distributors Ritter Cigar Company Kevin Ritter 9170 Lexington Ave. De Soto, KS 66018 rittercigarcompany@yahoo.com 913-208-5352; 913-238-2206 RG Fiber Mike Bosch 713 High St., P.O. Box 815 Baldwin City, KS 66006 support@rgfiber.com 785-594-5414 Zoom Fiber Kameron Klein 35276 W. 95th St. De Soto, KS 66018 kklein@zoomfiber.com 913-583-0050 x 1001

Yoga Studio Brilliant Sun Wellness Kimberlee Aubrey brilliantsunwellness@gmail.com 913-274-9192

Axis Communications Steve Volkmer 119 N. Parker, Suite 212 Olathe, KS 66061 steven.volkmer@axis.com 913-705-0370 43

index # 323.tv, LLC

D 43

A A.R.S. Designs 32, 36 AB Creative 34 AdventHealth 37, 38 AdventHealth Primary Care 37, 40 AFLAC – Peter Lindstrom 38 Alcove Development 35 Allenbrand, Shirley 32 American Family Insurance 38 Anabel’s Makers Market 41 ATMOS Energy Corporation 43 Axis Communications 43

B B&H Properties 40 Barks and Bubbles 35 Barn at Killcreek Farm, The 32, 34, 36 Beer 30 41 BerganKDV 34 BHC Rhodes 32 Bison Tiling, LLC 36 Bowers, Monte 32 Bowlin Family Farms 32, 41 Branding Stop 32 Bridge Church KC 33 Brilliant Sun Wellness 37, 43 Bruce Funeral Home 37

C Carriage Houses of Johnson County Casey’s General Store Cause Coffee CBD American Shaman Cedar Creek Pharmacy Cedar Valley Forest Certified Electric City of De Soto Clearview Village, Inc. Columbia Capital Management, LLC Control Service Company/Guntert, LLC Cook, Flatt & Strobel, Engineers, P.A. Cottage Creek Homes, Inc. Country Club Bank Crown Toyota Volkswagen of Lawrence Custom Foods, Inc.

37 33, 35, 41 34, 41 38, 41 38, 39, 41 32, 36 36, 38 37 40 36 33, 36 32 34, 35 33, 36 33 39

De Soto Arts Council De Soto Auto Parts De Soto Auto Sales De Soto Baptist Church De Soto Car Wash De Soto Chiropractic De Soto Days Festival, Inc. De Soto Feed and Garden De Soto Historical Society De Soto J Mart De Soto KS Self Storage De Soto Rotary Club De Soto United Methodist Church De Soto Veterinary Clinic De Soto Youth Ministries Drywall Masters

34 33, 41 33 33 33, 41 33, 38 34 37, 39, 41 34 33, 35 42 34 33 39, 41, 43 33 34

E Edward Jones - Andrew Jacober 36 Employee Benefit Professionals 36 Engineered Air 39 Epoxy Floors by Welch, LLC 37 Eudora Animal Hospital 39, 41, 43 Evergy 43

F Faith Builders International, Inc. ForeverLawn Kansas City Freedom Concrete, LLC Frenzel’s BBQ & Catering

33 42 34 41

G Generations Real Estate Gough, Matthew S., Attorney at Law Granite Express LLC Grata Development Great American Bank Great Life Golf & Fitness Great Southern Bank Gulley’s Carpet

40 33 35, 37 35 33, 36 36, 37, 41 33, 36 37

2020–2021

HAMM Companies 32, 43 Happy Valley Farm 32, 41 Harding Homes 34 Harding Heating & Air Conditioning Jess Harding 35, 37, 42 Harps 35, 37, 41 Harwood Law & Mediation 32 Heartland Development 35 HIKE Properties, c/o Lawrence Property Management 35 Hillside Village of De Soto 32, 39 Holy Family Catholic Church 33 Homestead of Eudora 32, 39 Honey Creek Disposal Service, LLC 43 Huhtamaki Americas, Inc. 39

I Indigo Design, Inc. Integrity Midwest Insurance, LLC

38 38

J Jackson Main Architecture 32 Jake’s Fireworks 42 Johnson County Board of County Commissioners 37 Johnson County Community College 36 Johnson County Library-De Soto Branch 37, 39 Johnson County Manager’s Office 37 Johnson County Sheriff’s Office 37 JT’s Grill & Sports Bar 36, 41 JRC, CPA, LLC – Jennifer Chick 32

K Kansas Preferred Insurance Group 38 Kaw Sand 32 KBS Constructors, Inc. 34 Keller Williams Legacy Partners, Inc. 40 Keller Williams Partners - Homespun KC 40 Kenton Brothers, Inc. 42 Kern Marketing Group, Inc. 32 KJ’s Pizzeria 41, 42 Klestinske, C.H., DDS 35, 37 Kobler Investments 36 KTEN Place 40

2020–2021

Law Office of Richard A. Carnahan 33 Lawrence Kia 33 Lawrence Property Management 40 Leavenworth Excavating & Equipment Company, Inc. 35 Linaweaver Construction, Inc. 35 Lucky Garden 41, 42 Lumber One 39

M Manning Construction 35 Marquette Physical Therapy, P.A. 38, 40 Martin Marietta Materials 32 Martin Underground 35 Mary Kay Cosmetics - Jill Davis 35, 42 McDonald’s of De Soto 41, 42 Menlo, Inc. 38 MerchantGuy 35 Merck Animal Health 39 MG Construction, LLC 35 Mike’s Liquor 39, 42 Milburn Civil Engineering, LLC 32 Mill Creek Rifle Club 42 Montgomery Concrete 35 Montoya Homes KC Keller Williams Legacy Partners 40 Mowmentum, LLC 38 Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc. 40 Myrtle E. Coker Trust James Leon Coker Trust 40

N Neighborhoods of Arbor Ridge, The

O Oak Country Golf Course 36, 37, 42 Olathe Health 38 Olathe T-Shirt and Trophy 36, 42, 43

index P Painted M Ranch 38 Paramount Promotions & Printing 40 Pegah’s Family Restaurant 41, 42 Perky’s Café 41, 42 Pine Landscape 38 Plumbing by Fisher 40 Polsinelli 33 Pro Concrete Design 37 Profit Plus Business Solutions, LLC 32, 33, 39

R Raintree Builders 35 RD Johnson Excavating Co. 35 Reach Church 34 Real Deal Drainage Solutions 38 Rehrig Pacific Company 39 RG Fiber 43 Ridgeview Eye Care 38, 39, 42 Ritter Cigar Company 34, 42, 43 RMB Prints and Design 40 Rocking K Logistics, LLC 42 Rural Water Services, Inc. 43

S Schlotzsky’s 41, 42 SD Home Team @ BHG Kansas City Homes 40 Shawnee Copy Center, Inc. 40 Shear Images Hair Studio 37, 42 SMG - Signature Mortgage Group 40 Sol De Soto Tanning Solutions, LLC 42, 43 Spiess Custom Homes, LLC 35 State of Kansas 37 Steve’s Meat Market 39, 42

Strategy, LLC Sundance Lawn & Landscape Sunflower Publishing Super 8 Motel of De Soto Synetic Technologies, Inc.

32, 33, 34, 38, 39, 43 39 40 39 38

T Tall Oaks Conference Center 34, 36 Tech Wyze, Inc. 34, 38 Tevis Architects 32 Tracker Door Systems, LLC 39 TriCentury Bank 33, 36 Turner Construction Company 35 Two Guys & A Grill 41, 42

U Up In Arms Kansas 36, 42 USD 232 36

V Valley Springs Senior Apartments VFW Post #6654 - Linden-Tripkos

40 34, 36

W Water District 7, Johnson County

Y Your Chamber Connection

Z Zoom Fiber

43 2020–2021

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