Chamber update #659
Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce ecofc@eaglecom.net
@Nick’s Notes – December 2006 Update #659 www.ellsworthkschamber.net
Office Hours 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 472-4071
To: Chamber Member – Keeping you informed
CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS
At their special and regular December meeting the board of directors conducted the following business:
a Approved the 2006 election results as reported by Cynthia Bender, Clubine & Rettele, Chtd; Megan Muchow, Amy Eck (tie – John Kasper and Joe Maze).
a Approved a coin toss naming John Kasper as the elected member, appointment of Joe Maze to fill the unexpired two-year term of Glenn Shoemaker and the appointment of Jon Halbgewachs to fill the one-year unexpired term of George Stover. (Mr. Stover previously submitted a letter of resignation.)
a Approved a bank resolution for signatures for checking and savings accounts.
a Received a report on the Citizen of the Year nominee from the ad hoc committee.
a Approved the election of Wanda Morford, President; Caleb Schultz, V-President; Amy Eck, Treasurer and Megan Muchow, Secretary as the Chamber officers for 2006-7.
a President Morford appointed members for the 2006 Annual Meeting; Amy Eck and Megan Muchow.
a President Morford appointed members to serve on the Banner Project Ad hoc committee, Jim Zamrzla; Dan Ray, Chairman of the Ellsworth Beautification Committee and another member of his choice; and board members Caleb Schultz, Chairman and Joe Maze. (see Banners below)
a Approved Policy 313 Chamber Sound System Use.
a Established the second Monday of the month at 6:00 pm for their monthly meetings in 2007.
a Set the date of January 10, noon, for the new board member orientation by the director.
a Acknowledged new Chamber members; Post Rock Abstract & Title, inc.; Eck Welding & Repair; JL Canyon Ranch, City of Kanopolis; Star Barks Pet and Grooming and Associate Julia Dufon.
“Be careful if you stretch the truth. It may snap back on you.”
CHANGING THE GUARD
In a very unusual conclusion to the election year, the Chamber now has five new board members seated at the board table. It is not too often that three incumbents depart at the same time but two resignations made it somewhat rare. The five replacement choices were very popular with the membership as the five were separated by few votes with a two-way tie for third and only one vote more than the next candidate. As a former director for non-profit corporations I have never experienced such a turnover on any board at one time. We extend our gratitude and thanks to Cee Heller who had also agreed to serve if elected. We are so fortunate to have had six qualified and capable candidates willing to step forward this year. It made the replacement process much easier for the remaining board members.
It is somewhat difficult to bid good bye to such an experienced and dedicated foursome; Linda Denning (5 years), Georgina Bates (4 years), Nancy Lamia (2 years) and, George Stover (7 years). They have provided exceptional leadership in guiding the Chamber in such a positive manner as officers and members of the board, especially in the 3+ years I have served as your director. Your Chamber is not only doing well but has a bright and promising future. We appreciate George holding his resignation to fit in with the election process.
One positive aspect of the departure of these veteran members from the board is that they will continue to be great supporters of our efforts. Linda Denning has and will always be a proponent of the Chamber. Georgina will continue her service to our communities while serving as President of the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club, a position she has filled so unselfishly while serving as an officer on the board. Nancy agreed to serve a two-year unexpired term in 2004. As promised, that ended with her retirement from the Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. She has already asked me to send her an invoice for an Associate membership so she can continue to be an Ambassador. George will also remain active as an Ambassador volunteering with fund raisers and the End of the Trail Ranch Rodeo. For me, it’s like having an extended staff of supporters. It doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks to you all for your generous and faithful service.
“We don’t get ulcers from what we eat, but from what is eating us.”
BANNERS
The Ad hoc Banner Committee should be meeting early in January to select the new street banners based on best product for best price, to determine colors, logo and print message. At this time the best estimate for 46 banners, (the present number of hangers) based on quotes I have received, would be approximately $3,000. It could be less and should not exceed that estimate.
There will be additional expense for new pole brackets to replace broken units. Some spares would be advisable so immediate replacements could be made without additional orders. That may be another $300-400. The board has a 2007 carryover of $444 in Bed Tax funds which will be applied and the Ellsworth Beautification Committee is providing $800 from their funds. I will be requesting pledges on the 2007 Membership Renewal invoices. After all invoices are processed we will determine any balance to be funded. The board will ascertain whether there are sufficient funds in the Chamber budget to make up the shortfall or utilize funds from 2007 planned fund raisers. In the event that more pledges are received than required, the board has an option of purchasing extra banners for back-up or establishing a banner savings account for future banner purchases. Member input will be welcomed by the board.
BUSINESS “BUZZ”
We welcome and congratulate the following new businesses/government for responding to my invitation to join our Chamber family.
Full Members: Owner Peter Eck, Eck Welding & Repair, 221 E. Main, was one of my interesting recruitment opportunities. When I contacted Pete I told him about our many benefits and also added that he was eligible to vote in this year’s election. He joined without hesitation. Pete, who has had his own business for two years, performs metal fabrication & repair, equipment repair and is an authorized JACKEL ATV Dealer. He is assisted by Troy Thorne and part time by, Butch Kepka. He can be reached at: 472-4577 or email: eckwelding@yahoo.com. He is located under Trades on our chamber website.
I was rewarded with a walk-in when Debby Garrett came by to let me know she and her husband, Rick, had opened a new business, Star Barks Pet & Grooming. The business is operated from their home at 523 E. 4th Street. For all of your pet grooming needs, you may contact them by calling, 472-4557 or email, rickdebg@sbcglobal.net. You will also find them on our Chamber website under Specialties and Service. Debby was a former Associate member and was an office volunteer for us. I thank her for her volunteer efforts and wish her and Rick much success in this new venture.
Mayor Cherie Sauers and the City of Kanopolis Council voted to approve our application for a Chamber membership investment at their December 12th monthly meeting. When Linda Denning called me Wednesday to share the good news she received from reporter, Alan Rusch, who covered the meeting, I was very pleased. I learned that Mayor Sauers was very supportive of our efforts on behalf of the Kanopolis community and the council obviously agreed with her assessment. I believe we are fortunate to have all of the governmental, educational and health agencies as full members of our Chamber of Commerce. We invite and encourage Mayor Sauers, council members and employees to participate in as many activities and functions of the Chamber as their schedules may allow.
Friend- Jack Canyon, owner of J L Canyon Ranch, Brookville, has reinstated his Friend membership. He was a member in 2005. Jack continues to be active in tourism with his Trail Rides and working Ranch Experiences nearly year around. He also holds Spring and Fall Round-ups for cowboy wannabes. Jack is now working in cooperative association with Jesse Magana and his Rancho Milagro Historical and Nature Tours. Annette White is serving as the marketing and facilitator for the two businesses. They are providing significant opportunities for area tourism which should flow into our communities. I have provided several advertising listing for their activities through the Kansas Cattletown Coalition Schedule of Events, The Kansas Tourism website, our Chamber website and visitor’s brochure “A Guide to Merchants and Events”. We wish them much success in their endeavors.
Associate: Julia Dufon. Thanks to Julia for supporting our efforts.
2006-7 Renewals: Full member: City Plumbing & Heating and In-kind: Globalink, Inc.
2007 Advanced renewals: Friend: AT&T and Aquila. We appreciate these investment renewals.
There were two year-end non-renewals.
Membership subtotals as of 12-21: Full: 93 Friend: 19 In-Kind: 2 Total: 114
“Three square meals a day: food comes out of a square box, goes into a square microwave
and then eaten in front of a square television”
ELECTION
Our sincere thanks to Cynthia Flax Bender, Clubine & Rettele CPAs, for tallying and reporting the results of the 2006 election. She furnishes the return envelopes as well and makes the election a very effective, efficient and secure activity.
NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT
Although there were no positive reports for new members from committee they have been working diligently to complete their recruiting assignments. I know some good seed has been planted which will pay dividends in the future. On behalf of the board and members, we thank them for serving in this very important aspect of Chamber success; Caleb Schultz, Ch; Heather Barta, Cindy Flax Bender, Margaret “Muggs” Bourne, Joe Maze, Stacie Schmidt, and Doug Stefek.
“Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far.”
NFL NETWORK CONTROVERSY
If any of you have been following the Salina Journal and/or listen to Salina radio stations you know there are a lot of unhappy campers. The lack of access to the NFL Network by their cable carriers has not set will with their subscribers. The first squawks came when the Chiefs had a game available only on the NFL Network which is restricted in their area to Salina digital cable service which is fairly costly. “For the wealthy” is the outcry. How fortunate we are that our local provider, Eagle Community Television, made a significant investment to provide the NFL Network to its subscribers. So, sit back, relax and enjoy K-State vs Rutgers on the 28th as those to the East continue to barter. Thanks Eagle!!
“An exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper.”
CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE
Thanks to all who joined us this (Thursday) morning for our annual open house and gatherin’. A special thanks to our retirees, Linda Denning, Georgina Bates, Nancy Lamia and new President Wanda Morford for furnishing our refreshments and hosting. We had a terrific turnout and enjoyed a great start to our Thursday.
GIFT CHECKS UPDATE
a In November 101 checks were processed with a value of $1,399. There were 4 deposits totaling $1,725. The ending balance representing uncashed checks is $4,189 as of November 30. December is going to be a boon again. Our thanks to The Good Samaritan Village, City of Ellsworth, and the Ellsworth County Medical Center for purchasing gift checks for their employees.
“Procrastination is the fault most people put off correcting.”
KANSAS TRAVEL GUIDE
The new official tourism guide for 2007 and 2008 is now on hand. The revised scheduling by the Kansas Department of Tourism provides one guide for a two year period in lieu of the former annual. A separate supplement, Kansas Events 2007, contains a dated calendar listing all events taking place on each date. This tourist supplement will be published again in 2008 to complement the regular Travel Guide. When any of you plan Kansas vacations or trips drop by and take one of each. I will be distributing copies to our local tourist business sites in the near future
OTHER
I also have a new supply of Kansas maps. You might want to replace that worn out map in your glove box. The new AT& T local directories should be shipped within the next 10 days. My office traffic increases significantly for a few weeks after they arrive. I have dozens of Central Kansas directories available now. You may want some for staff members or family.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 8 – Board of Directors monthly meeting, 6:00 pm 114-1/2 N. Douglas
January 10 – New board member orientation, noon, chamber office.
January 18 – Monthly Chamber Gatherin’ after hours, Family Connections, Hwy 140, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Hosted by the City of Ellsworth.
On behalf of myself and the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,
I wish you all a joyous, peaceful and blessed Christmas.
and a
Prosperous 2007
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