FOR WICHITA’S YOUNG, DIVERSE AND TALENTED
URBAN MAGNATE
VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 www.ictup.org
BLOCK TO THE BOARDROOM: EXAMINING THE DUALITY OF BEING YOUNG, DIVERSE AND TALENTED IN CORPORATE AMERICA
WATC.edu
Writer. Designer. Editor. Speaker. Books Brochures Calendars Flyers Event Planning Logos Marketing services News Releases Photography Promotional items Signage Social Media T-Shirts Websites AND MORE!!!
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Christina M. Long, Owner/Principal Consultant
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I
am who I am. I share the same affinity for nice-fitting business suits as I do for retro sneakers. My typical daily work routine consists of equal parts Young Jeezy and the career advice website, The Muse. Each is categorically at the opposite end of the spectrum from one another but they are also equally accurate and authentic representations of who I am. I’m totally fine with that— now. But I haven’t always been. For years I grew up trying to balance who I thought I needed to be in order to be accepted in two vastly different landscapes. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. There are others who, like me, have been questioned by some peers about “sounding white” because of how we use the English language or having our intelligence insulted for preferring the sound of 808s over any one of Beethoven’s symphonies. Too often we search for specific things to define an experience, place or even a person. We insist upon categorizing things in order
to satisfy our need to label or judge. We want things to be one way when, in actuality, they are often more complex. A large portion of this is reflected in how we view the things around us and, especially, in what we deem as valuable. In this issue, we decided to focus on how professionals of color have handled balancing their developing authenticity in the face of cultural assimilation. We also take a closer look at Wichita and why we don’t seem to appreciate it. Why, in a city that is begging for individuals to mold it, too many choose to discard it instead of designing it? We also take a look at how climbing the career ladder can impact the versatility found in personal fashion. And while there are pitfalls to avoid “when keeping it real goes wrong,” I now am comfortable enough in myself to say I am who I am – in the community and in the workplace – because I understand that, to make it today, we can’t be afraid to stand out in a world of people trying to fit in.
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IN THIS ISSUE: ICT UPCOMING EVENT
8 9
Dreamchasers • 7
SPOTLIGHTS Northeast Area Leadership Council • 8 Redbud Bike Path Project • 9
ON THE SCENE Storytime Village and the Boys & Girls
27
Club’s Movie Screening
• 10-11
FEATURE STORY • Love Wichita • 12
7
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
12
Mathematics • 16-17
COVER STORY/ PHOTO ESSAY Block to the Boardroom • 18-25
16
PARTNER FEATURE
10
Kansas Leadership Center • 27
PROFESSIONAL EVENTS LISTINGS • 28
URBAN MAGNATE Wichita Urban Professionals (ICT-UP) exists to develop a network of rising leaders to improve the quality of life in the urban communities of Wichita. Urban Magnate is the premiere publication of Wichita Urban Professionals covering events and issues of interest to the city’s young, diverse and talented. This bi-monthly publication is available in electronic and hardcopy formats. CML Collective, LLC oversees the editing, layout and design of this publication in partnership with ICT-UP. Hardcopy editions are strategically distributed to ICT-UP members and city, civic and business organizations. On the front cover: Cedric Tony. On Location: Downtown Wichita
On the back cover: Jonathan Long
Photo credits: Keshia Ezerendu Photography
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New leadership council looking for collaborators
T
he Wichita Northeast Leadership Council, a new community leadership program, is kicking off its initiative with the Jump Start Your Movement event. The event, which features a mingle, presentations, remarks from city leaders and a question and answer period, is set for Monday, March 2, 2015 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Kansas Leadership Center, 325 E. Douglas Ave. Guest speaker Chris Roseboro,
a police officer, fire fighter, medic and Guinness World Record holder will also inspire the audience to achieve beyond barriers. The event is free and open to the public. “The kick off is to motivate partners, participants and to engage citizens,” said Alana Haynes, Community Liaison for the City of Wichita Districts 1 and 2, which cover neighborhoods in central and central-northeast Wichita. Haynes describes the coming leadership program as an initiative that will encourage a team of eight adults and two high school upperclass studen to work
together to learn skills such as project management, fund-raising, leadership qualities, how city government works and more. The team will then put their learning to use by creating a community service project. The program is expected to launch in the summer, she said. For more information about the leadership council, call Haynes at 316-303-8016. To RSVP for the kick-off event, visit: jumpstartwichita.eventbrite.com.
Candidates must pass background check No felonies/criminal record No bankruptcies within three years Clean driving record
Call, 316-927-2753 Ask for Karina Email resume: nancygutierrez4@farmersagency.com
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art project seeking contributors
H
er mosaic tile work graces the Charles Shoots Fire Station No. 10 near 21st and Hillside, Grove Park and even the Ambassador Hotel’s Water feature and parking garage. Now, artist Tina Murano is among a larger group of artists who will lend their talents to transforming several rest stops into celebration plazas recognizing the people, neighborhoods and stories that surround the Redbud Bike Path. “We will make connections with neighborhood organizations soon,” Murano said, “and community members will have the opportunity to have photos scanned and stories collected to be transferred onto permanent clay tiles for display at the plazas...” The path, which winds itself through parts of Central Northeast Wichita and spans about 2.5
miles. Along the route will be three rest stops— two featuring plazas that Murano will work on at Hillside and Ninth Street and one at Oliver and 17th street. Another pause point along the trail will recognize the Wichita Youth Branch NAACP’s Dockum Drug Store Sit-In, which was conducted in 1958 and is credited as the nation’s first successful youth-led lunch counter sit-in demonstration. Other participating artists include project lead: Phil Meyer at the Baughman Company; Norm Terry, main consultant for the project; Charles Davis, Janice Thacker and Todd Whipple. The group will begin collecting images this month through April so that installation can begin in June 2015. Murano’s work will involve installing more than 9,000 handmade glass-like ceramic tiles with about 2,000 of them featuring photos and stories from those with memories or who lived
in the area. Photos, Murano said, should be from 1979 or earlier of the people, places and events in the neighborhoods near the bike path. Stories of either 175 words typed or 60 words handwritten can be submitted for consideration to be placed on 4x4 inch clay squares that will be installed with the tiles. Students from Adams Elementary and Spaght Science and Communications Magnet will participate by helping to stamp and decorate the tiles. “We want anyone who has any connection to feel like they can contribute and be part of this,” Murano said of the project. Want to contribute a picture or story to be considered for placement in the project?
E-mail high-resolution photos and stories of either 175 typewritten words or 60 handwritten words submitted in a 4x4 inch format to wichitastories@gmail.com through March 2015. Follow the project's progress on Facebook by liking @ WichitaNeighborhoodStories or searching Redbud Bike Path.
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Screening brings legends and literacy together for two youth-service agencies
Storytime Village, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas hold special movie screening to celebrate legends and raise funds for the two organizations. Courtesy Photo
S
torytime Village, Inc., which works to inspire a lifelong love of reading for underserved Kansas children from birth to age 8, held a special screening of the movie, “Selma” in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas. The event, held in mid-January at the 13th Ave. Warren Theatre, featured a mix and mingle, special recognition of honorees, the screening and more. “The audience at the special Selma screening left the film truly believing its theme: ‘one dream can change the world,’” said Prisca Barnes, CEO of Storytime
Village, Inc. “The film, paired with the Legends who were honored, made for a powerful and thoughtprovoking evening. We were also truly grateful to the community for its support of this historical occasion and for choosing to benefit both Storytime Village, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.” Juston R. White, Chief Professional of the Boys & Girls Club, said of the occasion: “it was a privilege to provide the community with such a unique experience honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and local ‘Legends.’What greater way to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King than to spend the evening with
iconic figures who have played an integral role in the advancement of civil rights. It was inspiring to have Wichita leaders of the past and present joined together to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas and Storytime Village, Inc. For that I am very grateful. The movie, ‘Selma’ provided a personal reminder that the perseverance and sacrifices our forefathers endured must not be taken for granted. It’s our responsibility to make the most of the opportunities they provided for us today and carry on the movement ensuring a brighter future for those to come.”
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Courtesy Photo from the Selma Movie Screening; a fund-raising effort for Storytime Village, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas
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hat does Wichita have to become to be appreciated? Current survey and focus group efforts to rebrand Wichita have helped to surface just how hypercritical many Wichitans are of the ICT. “I believe that some people just outgrow a city like Wichita,” said Christopher Stimpson, a former local radio personality who moved to Kansas City in 2008. “I think the city is a much better place now than people give it credit for.” A lack of entertainment options is often cited. Intrust Bank Arena, for example, received enough criticism that county leaders recently considered creating a special promotional fund to try to attract a variety of artists and premium acts representing other musical genres besides country music. But, looking beyond the arena, does the city really lack diverse entertainment options considering that Kevin Hart, arguably the hottest comedian on the plant right now, has visited Wichita twice in five years. His most recent visit in December ended up in four shows because of the demand demonstrated by ticket sales. Beyond Hart, in the past year, alone, rap legends Scarface and Slick Rick, R&B crooner, Howard Hewitt, and even the world-famous DJ Kid Capri are among those who have performed in Wichita. “You have to be willing to expand
Credit: Photography by Michael E. Woods, LLC
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Credit: Photography by Michael E. Woods, LLC
your comfort zone,” said Eric Hayward, a native Wichitan who relocated to the East Coast before returning to Wichita in 2013. “Are there as many things for professionals of color to do here like, say, Washington, D.C. or Atlanta? No. However, you can’t be so close-minded that you don’t appreciate the opportunities that are here. “There are things to do; they just don’t always jump out at you.” And, if there is such a void, another option is to create our own experiences and opportunities. Chez Harrison, a Wichita native, felt that there weren’t enough places for mature audiences to go and enjoy themselves in a lounge-type environment, which prompted her to open the 40 Plus Lounge on 13th and Vesta. The lounge is opened for individuals ages 30 and older and has had several successful events. However, Harrison believes that more can be done to support local efforts. “I do not believe that we take advantage of all the options available,” she said. “It seems as though we would rather travel to KC, OKC, Texas and a number of other places for experiences versus supporting local activities, “If we showed more support on
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Credit: Photography by Michael E. Woods, LLC
a regular basis, it could possibly open up bigger and broader opportunities. Promoters, small business owners, radio stations, corporations and businesses would feel more confident in having or bringing events that catered to our community.” Another concern, beyond entertainment, is that businesses don’t value minority professionals of color. In the summer of 2014, Wichita Urban Professionals surveyed minority professionals on a variety of topics concerning opportunities for career advancement. The survey revealed many concerns including an overall belief that the ceiling for career growth is capped for professionals of color compared with their counterparts. Despite the perception, there are people and organizations that are working to make immediate changes — but those changes won’t come overnight. “There are companies out here looking for talent and we have to continue to put ourselves in positions to take advantage of the different opportunities,” Robert Moody, a local attorney said. “If we want to make a difference we have to start figuring out ways to do so now.”
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Mathematics Where clothing meets culture BY CHRISTINA M. LONG
Courtesy Photo
MAGNATE URBANURBAN MAGNATE • 17 • 21
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ip-hop culture lives at 630 E. Douglas. It’s a culture that inspires every T-shirt, hat and sneaker design lining the crisp white walls of the downtown storefront; a culture that unites the broad spectrum of customers who have kept the doors open for more than one year and a culture that artist Mos Def rhymed about so vividly that store owners felt compelled to name their establishment after his song, “Mathematics.” “We have so many opportunities to bring in a different type of lifestyle and culture than what people are used to here,” said Minh Ho, 23, who co-owns Mathematics clothing boutique with Andy Kim, 26. Their mission is clear: “… to be the hub of all things that make up the street culture in the city of Wichita.” Meanwhile, their influences are vast. A combination of DECA, Youth Entrepreneurs, Wichita State University’s business marketing courses, trips to Chicago and Dallas and mentoring from the owner of the now-closed clothing store, Free, which had been located in Delano inspired their leap into entrepreneurship. “We put everything on the line to make this happen,” Kim said, adding that they’re serious about taking part in the change they’re seeing sweeping through downtown in the city they love. “There are good people here with good values,” Ho said of Wichitans.
Additionally, the city is moving forward, said Kim who also works for the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation. “It’s going in the right direction,” Kim said. “We’re starting to see businesses that aren’t typical to see pop up. There are really cool cafes, coffee spots and tattoo places. Plus, the arena is helping the area, too.” What’s also helping the store amass a sizable following is the owners’ willingness to take part in the action and collaborate with others. Mathematics is a regular Final Fridays participant, for example. The store has partnered with Mars Mansion, a Dallasbased clothing brand, to host a “Pop-Up Shop” where the brand debuted its spring 2014 collection. Additionally, the store participated in Sole Purpose, a sneaker event coordinated by The CRWN, where Mathematics showed off one of the larger collections featured at the show. Both Kim and Ho say they’re glad to be part of the turnaround of downtown and are pleased to see so many diverse people being drawn to their doors. In the coming year, they’re looking to tap into their love for photography, food and other areas to create an even bigger draw for painters, photographers, musicians, and others to use the space to grow artistically. “This is more than just clothes,” Kim said. “We want to build a culture around the name, Mathematics.”
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FROM THE
Block to the
Boardroom WORDS BY JONATHAN LONG FEATURING KESHIA EZERENDU PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MODELS CEDRIC TONY AND KYLE AARON
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rooklyn rapper, Christopher Wallace, captured popular sentiments in 1994 of “either slinging crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot” to beat poverty— particularly for young men of color in 1994. Fortunately, a number of young men found their escape in brighter means by combining higher education and steady employment, which led to careers in professional office settings dubbed, “Corporate America.” Navigating within professional working environments has thrust many into balancing the delicate intricacies between their own version of culture, confidence and fashion with the often less-flexible rules dictated by corporate environments. Cedric Tony is among those who have been able to masterfully switch back and forth from the block to the boardroom. Tony shares that he grew up around street culture and gangs, but he never allowed those influences to overtake his ambition to want more for his life. Always being interested in profit margins, he quickly realized the importance of diversifying income, which led to him developing an interest in contracts and financing. Tony has now used his knowledge to launch several of his own entrepreneurial endeavors. Kyle Aaron is another who has leveraged how he maneuvers between his rap career and his position as a store manager for a large technology company. From the types of office conversations carried to displaying a disposition of being a team-player, having a polished, professional presence is extremely important in today’s work culture, Aaron says. He recognizes the differences in the two careers, but also sees similarities. “They both just have different presentation methods regarding appeal, demographics and clientele,” Aaron said. “Both are a hustle.”
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INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY TO EXERCISE LEADERSHIP.
f or t he
S
LE
ER
KAN
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FO
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YOU. LEAD. NOW. ANOVEMBER NEW MONTHLY SERIES 5-7, 2014 KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER 325 E DOUGLAS AVE WICHITA, KS 67202
ADERSHIP CE
SA
common good
Join those who share your goals and aspirations at the Kansas Community Kansas Leadership Leadership Initiative Center Summit
COMMON
KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER
UPCOMING SESSION: MARCH 16-18, 2015 (REGISTER BY FEB. 20) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER CONTACT:
Shaun Longstaff Rojas 316.712.4956, Ashley 316.261.1583 srojas@kansasleadershipcenter.org alongstaff@kansasleadershipcenter.org The Kansas Leadership Center equips people to make lasting change for the common good. KLC focuses on leadership as an activity, not a role or position. Open to anyone seeking to move the needle on tough challenges in the civic arena, KLC envisions more people sharing responsibility for acting together in pursuit of the common good. or position. Open
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IN PURSUIT OF SIMPLICITY: FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS MOST ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR “THE JOURNAL” BY ED O’MALLEY, President/CEO, Kansas Leadership Center
Courtesy Photo
I
was traveling from some place out east back to Kansas. During a layover, I stopped in an airport bookstore. One impulse buy later, I was walking toward my gate with a copy of Ken Segall’s “Insanely Simply: The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success.” A recent convert to the Apple fan club, I had been intrigued by Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs ever since I read a biography of him. I assumed Segall’s book would be an interesting read about a company that intrigues me. It was that and more. The idea of “simplicity” had always intrigued me. Segall’s book isn’t really about Apple, but instead about what he calls the “religion of simplicity” that flourished at Apple. A quick example: think about smart phones before the iPhone. They had 47 buttons. Along came the iPhone with one. During the flight I came across a story in the book about when
Jobs, who had returned to Apple as CEO after being forced out, convened Apple’s employees for a pivotal announcement. Apple would immediately reduce its product line from dozens of items to four. Everything else would be eliminated. Apple had the smarts to create all those products but to do something truly special – to transform how people live, work and play – Apple would need to focus. Just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should. How many of our organizations and companies are stretched too thin, doing too many things and none of them as well as we could or should? I stopped reading after that story, grabbed a pen and paper and started imagining what it would look like for KLC to “simplify” in a similar way. At the time we had something like 27 different programs, each for a different audience or sub-audience of a larger
audience. Fast forward several months and Ken Segall is speaking to a group of 200 Kansans in the Konza Town Hall at KLC. He tells the same story and again I get out my paper. I began to realize that simplicity is harder than complexity. It took some time and lots of conversations but KLC’s version of “simplicity” emerged. Twenty-seven programs boiled down to just three. It would significantly rock our boat, but faculty, staff and board members believe it will make us stronger. All KLC participants, from our special partnerships with community leadership programs, Project 17, faith communities and more, will engage in one or more of the following programs: You. Lead. Now. It provides intense leadership lessons in a convenient, streamlined format. Lead for Change. A sustained, hands-on experience that features intensive coaching. Teaching Leadership. A series of workshops and conferences for individuals to hone their leadership teaching, coaching and facilitation skills. Now that you’ve been introduced to them, I want to encourage you to attend and promote these programs. They’ll happen on a regular monthly schedule. Encourage your colleagues to attend. We would love to work with them. But most importantly, I want to encourage you to define what “simplicity” means for your organization. Let me know if I can be helpful. Let’s make Steve Jobs proud!
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FEBRUARY
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Urban League of Kansas Open House. 12-1 p.m. Free. Urban League of Kansas, 2418 E. Ninth.
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• Funding Your Business: 1-3 p.m. $20 in advance. WSU Metro complex. Call, WSU KSBDC. 316-978-3193 • Low and No Cost Marketing Ideas. 3-5 p.m. $20 in advance. WSU Metro Complex. Call, 316-978-3193.
ICT-UP MEETING
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• Meeting the 3 M's: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 10:00-12:00 p.m. Free WSU Metro Complex. Call, Wichita WSU KSBDC 316-978-3193 • What the New Healthcare Law Means for Your Small Business. 1-2 p.m. Free webinar. Call, Wichita SBA, 316-269-6275.
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• What is the Emerging Leaders Program? 3-4 p.m. Free. SBA Wichita District Office, 220 W. Douglas. Call, Wichita SBA Office, 316-269-6275.
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• Leadership U Leadership Conference developed by the Wichita (KS) Chapter of the Links, Inc. Sessions designed for African-American High school students and their parents. 8 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Hosted at Butler Community College, 715 E. 13th St., Andover, KS. Free. Call, 316-5168588.
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• Ideas Into Action-Part I. 12-2 p.m. $25. Wichita Independent Business Association Wichita, 200 E. First St. N. Suite 101. Call, 316-201-3264.
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• What the New Healthcare Law Means for Your Small Business. 1-2 p.m. Free webinar. Call, Small Business Administration, 316-269-6275.
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• Meeting the 3 M's: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC, 316-978-3193 • Quick Start Business Planning 1-3 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC,316-978-3193
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• Starting and Growing Your Own Small Business. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost $20. Garvey Center Training Room. Call, Wichita SCORE, 316-269-6273.
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• Ideas Into Action-Part II. 12-2 p.m. $25. Wichita Independent Business Association Wichita, 200 E. First St. N. Suite 101. Call, 316-201-3264.
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• Young Professionals of Wichita: Managing Conflict in the Workplace Series. 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: $10-$20, dinner included. Wesley Medical Center- Cessna Conf. Room. W. Call, the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, 316-268-1170.
10 - Wichita
Urban Professionals
meeting, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Urban League of Kansas, 2418 E. Ninth St. Open to members and prospective members. For more information, call, 316-285-0518.
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MARCH
UPCOMING EVENTS
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• Meeting the 3 M's: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 3-5 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC 316978-3193
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• Meeting the 3 M's: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 1-3 p.m. Free WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC 316-9783193
ICT-UP MEETING
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• Meeting the 3 M’s: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC 316-978-3193 - Wichita • Quick Start Business Planning 3-5 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Urban Professionals Call, WSU KSBDC 316-978-3193 meeting, 7 p.m.-8 21 p.m. at the Urban • Starting and Growing Your Own Small Business. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost League of Kansas, 2418 E. Ninth St. $20. Garvey Center Training Room. Call, Wichita SCORE, 316-269-6273. Open to members and prospective members. 26 For more • Wichita World Trade Council-reception, dinner, and speakers information, call program. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Cost: 25-$35. Wichita Marriott, 9100 Corporate 316-285-0518. Hills Dr. Call, World Trade Council of Wichita, 316-978-3176, • State Tax Workshop for Contractors 9-11:30 a.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC, 316-978-3193 • State Tax Workshop 1-4:30 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC, 316-978-3193
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• Record-keeping and Business Finance Overview. 1-2:30 p.m. Free Wichita Public Library-Downtown Branch, 223 S. Main. Call, Wichita SCORE/Wichita Public Library, 316-261-8500 • Meeting the 3 M's: Learning the Basics of Marketing, Management, and Money 3-5 p.m. Free. WSU Metro Complex. Call, WSU KSBDC 316978-3193.
GET LISTED -
The Urban Magnate Upcoming Events Page is devoted to listing professional, economic, small business and other development opportunities and select area events from ICT-UP collaborators and partners. Listings are free and are from a compilation of sources. Urban Magnate publishes bi-monthly. Staff members reserve the right to select calendar content and to format information according to layout. To submit a listing for consideration, please e-mail cmlcollective@gmail.com.
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