Update 769 October

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Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (ellsworthkschamber.net)

 @Nick’s Notes:  October Update #769

Office hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

To:  Chamber Member  

CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS

At their regular monthly meeting on October 8^th the board conducted the following business

            Approved:

a     President Morford’s appointments to the Ad Hoc Citizen of the Year committee; Caleb Schultz, Josie Roehrman and Mark Parsons.

a     The distribution of proceeds from the Celebrity Pig Kiss’n contest, less expenses, to the National Drover’s Hall of Fame Association.

      Acknowledged:

      “Diamond Jubilee Year” Full Members; Rodney & Janet Kempke, Ellsworth Packing, Inc. and           Connie Terry, Mom’s Diner, Kanopolis. (see 2007 New Members below).

In other business, the board approved by consensus, the inclusion of a review of the corporation’s annual 990 EZ federal report by Clubine Rettele, in the 2008 budget.

  

  BUSINESS “BUZZ”  

 

 2007 NEW MEMBERS

1) Last month I introduced Connie Terry owner of Mom’s Diner as a new soon-to-open business. To my pleasure, Connie stopped in on the Friday before her opening on October 3, to confirm a chamber membership. We are pleased that she recognizes the value this partnership with our members and the services we provide.  I shared all of the aspects of her new dining operation in my September update. Word has it that her “all from scratch” offerings are well worthy of  a visit. I can, personally, attest to a recent delectable Blue Plate Special. We wish Connie much success in her Kanopolis business venture. The diner is open Mon-Sat, 5a-8p and Sun, 6a-2p. For reservations or menu information her telephone # is 472-8985; or e-mail, cmterry60@aol.com.

2) We are pleased to also welcome Rodney and Janet Kempke, owners of Ellsworth Packing, Inc. Rodney and Janet have been operating the business since the retirement of former owner, JC Schritchfield. The Kempke’s are carrying on the tradition of excellence in custom meat processing. Their products include: smoked sausage and alma cheese. Tuesday and Friday are their fresh hamburger days.  We are fortunate to be able to add the packing plant to our chamber website to enhance the varied services and product availabilities in Ellsworth-Kanopolis to those seeking to visit or relocate here. Their office hours are Monday – Friday, 8-12 and 1-5. The telephone number is 472-4177. Ellsworth Packing, Inc and Mom’s Diner are participants in the chamber gift check program.

Present business membership is: Full members:  94; Friend Members:  20; In-Kind: 7 Total: 121   

Note: There have been 17 new business enrollments during this Diamond Jubilee Year. There is no planned membership drive but new memberships are anticipated before year end.

Anybody who thinks there must be a fire when there’s smoke has never tried to burn autumn leaves.

2007-2008 RENEWALS

Thanks for the following Chamber member annual renewals:  Homolka Grain & Supply, Inc. Jerzy Slomka, MD; and Friend member, Kansas Wesleyan University.

 

BUSINESS OWNERSHIP CHANGE

In-Kind Friend member, NRG Radio, Great Bend and Salina has undergone new ownership. The stations are now under the management of Rocking M Radio. Station managers are Ken Schamborn, Gt. Bend and Pat Foster, Salina. We appreciate their continued support of our chamber and our Ellsworth area events and activities.

During a grammar lesson, the teacher wrote on the blackboard: “I don’t have no fun at the seaside.”

She then turned around to her pupils and said to one, “Ronald, how should I correct that?”

“Get a boy friend,” he answered.

 

TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES

We have received a large shipment of 2008 ATT Central Kansas and a few North Central Kansas Area Wide Yellow Books. Stop by and pick up whatever you need for business or home.

 

Proverb: short sentences drawn through long experiences.

HALLOWEEN EVENT REMINDER

You have until October 20^th to enter your pet in the Star Barks Pet Grooming “full Halloween attire” photo contest. For your reservation, call 472-4557. What do you put on a parakeet?

 

NOMINATIONS

As indicated in the Chamber Chatter # 707 regarding the nominating process for the upcoming board member election, the committee, Amy Eck, Linda Denning and Anita Hoffhines will be seeking six applicants whose names will be submitted to the board of directors at the November 12^th Meeting. The election of three members will follow. It is said that a successful chamber of commerce operation is the result of  good leadership, enthusiasm and willingness to serve your community. Call one of the above today and prove it.

Talk is cheap because the supply is always greater than the demand.

CHAMBER GATHERIN”

Congratulations and thanks to Sherman, Hoffman and Hipp LC and associates for a delightful and informative chamber gatherin’ on the 12^th.  A very nice turnout had the opportunity to meet and welcome the firm’s newest addition to the staff, Patrick Hoffman, Attorney at Law. The update and handouts chronicling the firms growth from the 1800’s to present was certainly enlightening. The building, which includes a wall safe installed in the basement of this original site of Citizens State Bank and then the post office, is a rare and unique historic relic. Attendee CSB President Dave Brownback quipped, “We believe there is still money in there belonging to us.”  Everyone appeared to enjoy the hospitality and camaraderie of this monthly event. Next month we will be guests of the Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. (see CALENDER below)

 

 TOURISM ACTIVITY  

Category discontinued until April 2008

Sign on a milk truck: “All We Have We Owe To Udders.”

GIFT CHECKS

In September there were two deposits totaling $425. The bank processed 41 checks totaling $695. The total amount of checks still outstanding is $4,279.

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 25 – Immanuel Lutheran Church Annual Soup Supper, 5:00 – 7:00 pm. (Senior recognition, Shanelec Field at 7:00 pm, EHS vs Sacred Heart District Play-off.

S

 

 

November 2 - ECMC Auxiliary Annual Bazaar and Spaghetti Supper, American Legion Hall, 4:30 – 7:00 pm

November 3 -  Sunflower Civic Club, Kanopolis, Annual Turkey Bingo, Community Building, Food 6:00 pm,   Bingo 7:00 pm.

November 6 – United Methodist Church Bazaar, 2:00 pm, Soup Supper, 4:00 pm.

November 12 – Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting, 6:00 pm, chamber office.

November 15 – Monthly Chamber Gatherin’, Citizens State Bank & Trust, 8:00 am.

“My job is almost impossible .It’s my boss. He docks me if I’m a minute late.

 And if I am ten minutes early, he charges me rent!”

HAPPY BOSS’S DAY!

 

1947-2007 “Diamond Jubilee Year”

 

 PASS IT ON!  Please pass this update on to employees and friends!

Update 767 August

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Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (ellsworthkschamber.net)

 @Nick’s Notes:  August Update #767

Office hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

To:  Chamber Member   

CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS

At their regular monthly meeting on August 13th the board conducted the following business:

Approved:

a     Director’s annual evaluation and Letter of Agreement for continued employment;

a     Submission of $50 check received for Greensburg relief to the Greensburg C of C;

a     Policy 309 Records and Reports;

a     Financial Reports, Profit & Loss; Balance Sheet and Prior Year Comparison;

a     Transfer balance in  Special Savings Account (Ranch Rodeo) to the Chamber’s regular Savings Account;

a      President’s appointment of chamber members, Ken Robson and Curt Glaser and board member Amy Eck to the Ad Hoc Selection Committee, if needed, for the Pig Kiss’n Contest nominees;

a      Renewal of a CD with a provision for depositing accrued interest into the regular Savings Account.

In other business the board;  

a     Gave consensus approval of a New Business Recruitment brochure folder with appreciation to Anita Hoffhines for her assistance to the Director in its design composition;

a     Reviewed plans for a conference table for the chamber office to be constructed by inmates at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

a     Will provide three $10 gift checks for prize drawings at the USD #327 Chamber Gatherin’ September 20^th.

“There are two sure things in life – death and taxes. The advantage of death is it doesn’t get worse

every time politicians meet.”

   BUSINESS “BUZZ”  

 

 2007 NEW MEMBER

We are pleased to welcome National Drover’s Hall of Fame Association as a new voting chamber member. President Mark Roehrman stopped by this past week and expressed his board’s interest in becoming an active member of the chamber and requested an application and invoice. The chamber has been supportive of the many activities of the Drover’s Association and this is a nice reward to solidify the continuing partnership. Our thanks to the Hall of Fame Board of Directors for their thoughtful foresight in supporting all that the chamber does for our two communities. We also wish them continued success in the financial support that is beginning to show positive indicators.

 

MEMBERSHIP LOSS

Former Friend member Holm Motor Co., Abilene, did not renew their membership.

Total membership as of August 17 is:  Friend: 17 Full: 90 In-kind: 6 Associates: 31

“A successful executive is one who can delegate all the authority, shift all the blame and appropriate all the credit.”

 

MEMBER RELOCATION

Chamber member Lonnie Soukup, Brook Financial Service of Ellsworth, has moved to a new location, 104 N. Douglas, former home of Hoffman Auto Sales. We congratulate Lonnie and welcome her to our neighborhood.  

“You can tell when an idea is red hot; it burns the other fellow up, because he didn’t think of it first.”

THANKS LIONS

Our thanks to chamber Associate, the Ellsworth Lions Club, for their recent contribution to pay for one of our “Welcome Ellsworth” banners that adorn our community streets. Thanks to their Treasurer Loren Bates who worked with us and delivered their check.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOARD MEMBER

I am pleased to extend our congratulations to board member Bill Finke on his recent promotion to Deputy Warden at ECF.  The appointment was no surprise to those of us who know Bill and his family. We wish him continued success and appreciate the time and talent he shares in chamber board service on behalf of our communities.  

 

INDY WEBSITE UPGRADE

Linda Denning publisher of the Ellsworth County Independent Reporter recently announced the newspaper’s new website, www.indyrepnews.com. The site is exceptional and offers some new look features.  The mini-bites of various news categories is an excellent resource without comprising the value of the total information report in the weekly news. Some sections are a work in progress. We are very fortunate to have the special features available in a small rural community. They are more commonly found in metropolitan areas.  Congratulations to Linda and her associates for this progressive improvement in news information and reporting for our county.

 

WANTED:  PIG KISSERS

The Chamber is seeking nominations and volunteers for the “Celebrity Pig Kiss’n Contest”, in Preisker Park on Saturday, September 29^th. It will be one of the features at the Cowtown Idol Contest. If you are asked to be one of the contestants your positive response will be appreciated by the chamber board. It is a special event in that there is only one winner but losing has it financial rewards for the chamber and the National Drover’s Hall of Fame Association.   

‘A teenage girl was talking to one of her friends about a new singer she’d heard. “I know he’s going to be a big star, she said confidently. My parents can’t stand him.”

CHAMBER GATHERIN’

Our thanks to the Independent Reporter/ National Drover’s Hall of Fame Association for hosting the August 1^st Gatherin’. The distribution of the recently completed “Longhorns” to those who made donations to the Association was an interesting highlight. Mark Roehrman, President, provided an update on the upcoming celebration on September 27-30. His summary statement that there will be so many activities going on that no one can possibly see or do them all appears to be right on target. The door prizes furnished by the Association were well received and appreciated by the lucky recipients.  Thanks to Linda and her associates for their hospitality, Mark Roehrman for the timely update and to Pat Svaty for coordinating the Longhorn distribution.  

 

 TOURISM ACTIVITY  

VISITOR INFORMATION

                                                OUT-OF-STATE          IN-STATE      LOCAL           FOREIGN      

           Hodgden House                          30                           79                   3                          0

           Kanopolis                                   36                           115                 9                          0

The height of the tourist season and we are drawing 272 visitors in July. We are still the best kept secret between Dodge City and Abilene.  Can you imagine that figure being 2,000-3,000 and the impact on our local economy?  Someday maybe……………………………….!

 

 Georgia’s Caboose Countdown: Goal: $14,000 ______$10,000_________$5,000 ____$4,894 CHAMBER WEBSITE COUNTER

Date	Total Hits	Daily Average
June	4106	50.7
July	4738	54.48

 

 

FOOTBALL MAGAZINE AVAILABLE  

Thanks to Dale Weinhold, Rolling Hills Electric, the chamber has a supply of the 2007 Kansas Pregame magazine. The advertisers make this free state-wide coverage football edition available to the public. The Ellsworth listing has a full photo page and an interesting commentary on Caleb Kruse and the Bearcats. It has schedules for most of the Kansas high schools, colleges and universities. Our Bearcats are “Clawing their way to the Top.” Stop by and get your copy.

 

GIFT CHECKS

In July there was one deposit totaling $110. The bank processed 36 checks totaling $435. The total amount of checks still outstanding is $3,749. There has been a marked decrease in activity compared to 2006 with sales down -$3,200 and bank processed checks - $3,300.  

 

PERSONAL NOTE

On August 29^th I will begin my fifth year as your chamber director. I am appreciative of the support I have received during this tenure and, especially, to the board of directors for their continued confidence in my performance. Our communities are continuing to progress in so many areas. It is rewarding to play a role in that development.  

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8:00 – 10:00 am

September 1 - St. Ignatius Annual Fiesta, 472-4675

September 9 - Mosaic 18^th Annual Golf Tournament; 4-person scramble, $40 per person entry fee. Ellsworth golf course.

September 10 - Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, 6 pm

September 20 - U.S.D. #327 District Office, Chamber Gatherin’, 8:00 a.m.

September 27 – Cowtown Idol Contest, Preisker Part, 7 pm

September 28 – Cowtown Idol Contest – Ambassador Club- Chamber of Commerce            Hamburger/Brats

           /Corn/Chips Feed, 5pm-9 pm.

September 27-30 Cowtown Days – The Great American Cattle Drive – www.ellsworthcelebrations.com

 

1947-2007 “Diamond Jubilee Year”

 

 

PASS IT ON!  Please pass this update on to employees and friends!

 

 

Update 768 September

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Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (ellsworthkschamber.net)

 @Nick’s Notes:  September Update #768

Office hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

To:  Chamber Member  

CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS

At their regular monthly meeting on September 13^th the board conducted the following business

            Approved:

a      President Morford’s appointments to the Ad Hoc Board Member Nominating Committee; Amy Eck, Linda Denning and Anita Hoffhines.  (see NOMINATIONS page 2)

a     President Morford’s appointments to the Ad Hoc Pig Kiss’n “Name the Pig” Contest Selection Committee; Amy Eck, Curt Glaser and Ken Robson.

a     Policies 302, Inspection of Chamber Records; 311, Membership List; 312 Membership Benefits; Policy 401, New Board Member Orientation and  Policy 305 Memberships and Investments approved but to be reviewed at the October meeting to consider a change in the investment amount for  non-affiliated Associate-Ambassadors

a     A 1/8^th  page ad in the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter’s special edition of the Great American Cattle Drive and Cowtown Festival at a cost of $59.95.

a     An Ellsworth 30 second promotional jingle for broadcast on In-kind membership radio stations.

 

            In other business the board: 1) Acknowledged new Full Membership businesses “Just In Time”, Mike Salyers owner and “Reliant Roofing LLC, Shannon Mog, Owner. (See BUSINESSS BUZZ below). 2) By board consensus, authorized the director to send an appreciation letter to the Immanuel Lutheran LC-MS Church for their gracious decision to move their annual soup supper from September 28^th to October 25^th in order to avoid the conflict with the Chamber-Ambassador hamburger feed at Preisker Park. 3) Finalized plans for the Annual Hamburger Feed and the first “Pig Kiss’n and Name the Pig” contests.  Reviewed a quote from Clubine & Rettele, CHTD, CPA for a procedural audit of the financial records and a second quote to add review of the Federal Form 990-EZ. The quotes are being considered for inclusion in the 2008 budget if funding is available. Such an audit would be supplemental to the annual internal audit conducted by the board and volunteers. 

“The biggest cause of crooked politics is people who don’t vote because of crooked politics.”

   BUSINESS “BUZZ”  

 

 2007 NEW MEMBERS

1) Owner Mike Salyers, “Just In Time”, has become another of our local entrepreneurs joining the chamber ranks. I was pleased when Mike contacted me concerning possible membership during the height of the major flooding problems in May. He had opened his water damage restoration business and expressed interest in becoming an active member. Although the demand for water damage service has diminished, Mike continues to provide services with his mold and mildew remediation; carpet, auto and upholstery cleaning.  Mike works from his home office, 315 Blake, and can be reached at 531-1999 or email; justintimerestoration@gmail.com. He is also listed in our chamber business directory under Home & Gardens. We wish Mike much success and look forward to his presence at chamber events and other activities.

2) Owner Shannon Mog, “Reliant Roofing LLC”, has also committed to a Full Membership. He has been very active in our neighborhoods as well as throughout the area with his roofing crews plying their trade. He also engages in other construction activities which have included his Crestview Apartments. The apartments have provided some much needed relief to the recent demands for housing. Shannon operates his business from his home, 408 N. Lincoln, and can be reached at 785-252-7244 or email; shannonmog@hotmail.com. He is also listed in our chamber website directory under Home & Gardens. We extend best wishes to Shannon and look forward to his attendance at some of our chamber activities.

“Half a loaf is better than no time at all.”

 

 

NEW BUSINESSES

1) A few days prior to her official opening, I visited Dena Stoltz, owner of Studio 121, 121 East First Street, (co-located with her husband’s business, Old School Stamps). Dena gave me a “cooks” tour and the facility is as first rate as one could imagine. Although not totally completed at that time, the décor in the lower level offers an excellent environment for those who choose SPINNING (cycling) as their exercise of choice. The upper level has been renovated to accommodate the planned Yoga classes. With qualified instructors for the exercise and fitness, the Ellsworth area now has some diverse offerings in health improvement. Dena will host an Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, October 5^th at 10:00 a.m. All are invited and encouraged to attend.  I have provided our chamber packet for new members for consideration of our invitation to join the chamber business family. The telephone # is 531-0192

2) Connie Terry has purchased the former location of the Kanopolis Lunch Box, 105 N. Kansas, and plans to open her restaurant, Mom’s Diner, on October 1^st. Connie indicates that her menu will consist of Blue Plate Specials with homemade bread, buns, and pies. French fries and other supporting menu items will be prepared from scratch as well. Operating hours will be Monday – Saturday, 5 am-8 pm and Sunday 6 am – 2 pm. The telephone number is 472-8985. Plans for a ribbon cutting will be forthcoming.

“Dad criticized the sermon. Mom thought the organist made lots of mistakes. Sister did not like the choir’s singing.  But they all shut up when little Billy said, “I thought it was a pretty good show for a quarter.”

NOMINATIONS

The aforementioned nominating Committee will be meeting soon to discern names for the ballot for new board members. The names of those who are willing to serve, if elected, will be presented to the board of directors at their October 8 meeting. The election will follow shortly thereafter. If anyone is interested in board service, please contact Amy Eck at Ellsworth Federal Credit Union, 472-4172 or this office. If you are contacted by one of the committee members please give consideration to their request for your service. The office is for a 3-year term. I believe you will have a rewarding experience. 

 

  PIG KISS’N CONTEST – HAMBURGER FEED

The chamber board is pleased with the plans that are in place for these two fund-raising activities during the Cowtown Days and Great American Cattle Drive. Voting jars and forms for the kids pig naming contest were distributed this past Thursday. I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped and continue to work with us. 1) Posters-Jars-forms; Robson’s Card & Gift Shop; Ellsworth Antique Mall; ALCO Discount Stores; Dollar General; True Value; Gene’s Heartland Foods; Lux Interiors; Orozco’s, and First Bank Kanopolis. 2) Pig naming Judges; Amy Eck, Curt Glaser and Ken Robson. 3) Cooking: Bill Maddux Train B-B-Q; Service volunteers; Nancy Johnson, Heather Barta, Ambassador Club members and board members. 4) Kids contest advertisement; DQ Brazier, Ideal Realty, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Radio Shack.  5) A big thanks to my good friend David Bircher for furnishing the award winning pig. 6) Linda Denning Ellsworth County Independent Reporter for her press release support in communicating our events to the public; Mark Seitz for furnishing some of our celebrity photos. 7) Our Celebrity Candidates: Jim ‘Pork Barrel’ Morford; John ‘Quick Draw’ Goddard; Roger ‘Fearless’ Pearson; Josh ‘Honey-baked Ham’ Svaty; Kimberly Gencur ‘Pork Chops’ Svaty; Kendra ‘Puckerin’ Ploutz; Jonathan ‘Red Dog’ Mitchell; and Cherie ‘Hot Lips’ Sauers. 

 

 TOURISM ACTIVITY  

VISITOR INFORMATION

                                                OUT-OF-STATE          IN-STATE      LOCAL           FOREIGN      

           Hodgden House                          37                           39                   7                          0

           Kanopolis                                   27                           60                   0                          0

 Georgia’s 1909 Caboose Countdown: Goal: $14,000 ______$10,000______     *$5,894

*Georgia received $1000 this month from a Union Pacific Grant. “Congratulations!”

 

ELLSWORTH ANTIQUE MALL

Mark & Josie have added a new service to their business; a wireless “Internet Hot Spot.”  Congratulations!

 

GIFT CHECKS

In August there were two deposits totaling $1,085. The bank processed 21 checks totaling $435. The total amount of checks still outstanding is $4,549. The 21 checks processed was the lowest number in a long time.

Human: “Can you speak, dummy?”  Parrot: Yeah. Can you fly, stupid?”

 Welcome Bags

The Chamber will be furnishing 60 welcome bags with local brochures for the Mark Cunningham Memorial/E.A.A. Golf tournament, October 7, and 60 welcome bags with local brochures and participating merchants bargain coupons to the County Treasure’s office for their conference October 17.

 

CHIT-CHAT

a   I received a call from a Tennessee retiree who saw our Welcome Home information on a CBS affiliate station. He thought we had a free house as well. I explained the situation. He was still interested in relocating to Kansas having some relatives in KC. He was interested in housing costs so I sent him to our website realtor page.

a   I had another call from a California couple who were anxious to relocate to escape the inflationary costs of living in Nevada City, California. They are planning ten more years in the workforce before retiring. They requested information on the Ellsworth area which I supplied including our outstanding medical facilities. (His wife is an RN). The good news is that IF they should choose to come, their daughter and family with three school age children may follow.

a   I have had other contacts as well as have Rob Fillion and Jonathan Mitchell. They are the result of the re-televising of a previous interview that Anita Hoffhines did while serving as the Economic Development Director. The CBS CH 13 Sacramento affiliate had won an Emmy award for the story last May. They apparently felt it was worthy of a re-run.  Some new seeds are again being sown. Only time will tell if they will bear fruit.    

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 20 - U.S.D. #327 District Office, Chamber Gatherin’, 8:00 a.m.

September 27 – Cowtown Idol Contest- First Round - Preisker Park, 7 pm

September 28 – Cowtown Idol Contest Semi-finals – Ambassador Club- Chamber of Commerce        Hamburger/Brats/Corn/Chips, 5pm-9 pm.

September 29 - Celebrity Pig Kiss’n and Kid’s Name the Pig winners announced, approx. 6:30; Cowtown Idol                         Finals, 7:00 pm

September 27-30 Cowtown Days – The Great American Cattle Drive – www.ellsworthcelebrations.com

October 5 – Open House and Ribbon Cutting, Studio 121, 121 E. 1^st Street, 10:00 am

October 8 - Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting, 6 pm

1947-2007 “Diamond Jubilee Year”

 

 

PASS IT ON!  Please pass this update on to employees and friends!