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Monday, January 29, 2018

Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce 
Keeping You Informed!


The Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a local chamber without ties to either the Kansas or the U.S. Chambers of Commerce.  We believe that being independent allows us the best opportunity to serve our members with an unbiased approach to issues that are important to the local communities where we serve. 

In this issue

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Today is the LAST DAY to RSVP for the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday!

 

Centerpieces:

Please bring your centerpiece to the chamber anytime this week or you may set up your centerpiece at Baden Square on the day of the event (Feb 1) after 1:00 PM. 
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2018 Chamber Lunch Bites Series

Mark the following dates down on your calendar for the annual Lunch Bites Series! Area leaders will give a presentation over a catered lunch.

February 21
State of Cowley College*
presented by President Dr. Rittle
Wright Room in Brown Center at Cowley College campus

March 8
State of Southwestern College
presented by President Dr. Andrews
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce

April 25
State of Strother Field* 
presented by Strother Field Manager Shawn McGrew
Location TBA

June 21 
State of City of Winfield
presented by Mayor Greg Thompson
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce

August 30
State of Cowley County*
presented by a member of the County Commission
Community Center at Baden Square

October 4
State of USD 465
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce

All presentations are at Noon. Lunch is $10.
To RSVP for any of these dates, please email admin@winfieldchamber.org or call 221-2420.

*Indicates these luncheons are co-hosted by the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Winfield Fire/EMS Department will also be hosting 30-minute classes here at the Winfield Chamber every Wednesday at 8:30 AM during the month of February. 
To reserve a spot for one of these classes, please call 221-2420 or email admin@winfieldchamber.org.

Also, if you have an AED in your building, please let Aaron Sutton know. Winfield Fire/EMS is working to compile a list of locations of AED's in Winfield for an app so the information can be accessible to the public.

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Newcomer Packet Materials

The Chamber provides informational material in bags for people moving to town or those that are interested in moving. In these bags, we include promotional material from our members. We have given out dozens of these in the last couple months and we are running out of material!

Please consider bringing around 50 promotional items (rack cards, pens, magnets, etc.) to the Chamber so we can help you promote your business! This is a FREE member benefit! 

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Chamber Activities This Week

Ribbon Cutting for Angels Care Home Health
Wednesday, January 31, 3:00 PM, 908 Main St.

Chamber Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 1, 5:30 PM, $30, Community Center at Baden Square, 700 Gary St.
RSVP by 5:00 PM TODAY to admin@winfieldchamber.org or 221-2420

Upcoming Chamber Activities

Cowley County Service Alliance Meeting
Thursday, February 8, 5:30 PM, Wright Room at Cowley College




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Community Events Calendar:    
find Arkansas City events at http://www.arkcity.org/calendar.php


Winfield Soroptimist Soup Supper
Monday, January 29, 4:30-7:00 PM, $7, Community Center at Baden Square, 700 Gary St.


Elementary Honor Choir Day Concert
Tuesday, January 30, 6:00 PM, Richardson PAC, Southwestern College


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Vike-Connected Snapshot
 

Monday - Jan 29
WMS G Basketball @ Rose Hill 7A/8B 5:00pm, 8A/7B 6:00pm
WMS B Basketball vs Rose Hill 7A/8B 5:00pm, 8A/7B 6:00pm

Tuesday- Jan 30
WHS G/B Basketball @ Mulvane FR G/B 4:15pm, JV B/V G 6:00pm, JV G/V B 7:45pm
WHS JV/V Wrestling @ Circle 6:00pm
Irving Music Program @ WHS Auditorium 7:30pm

Thursday- Feb 1
WMS G Basketball @ El Dorado 7A/8B 5:00pm, 8A/7B 6:00pm
WMS B Basketball vs El Dorado 7A/8B 5:00pm, 8A/7B 6:00pm
WHS Regional Scholars Bowl @ Wellington 4:00pm
WMS Wrestling Double Dual @ Augusta 4:30pm
Country View Music Program @ WHS Auditorium 7:00pm

Friday- Feb 2
WHS G/B Basketball @ Clearwater FR G/B 4:15pm, JV B/V G 6:00pm, JV G/V B 7:45pm
WHS V Wrestling @ Rose Hill Inv. 11:00am

Saturday- Feb 3
WHS V Wrestling @ Rose Hill Inv. 10:00am
WHS V B Swimming @ Maize South Inv. (YMCA Northwest Branch) 1:00pm
Piano Regional @ Southwestern College 9:00am
WMS 7/8 PL Boys Basketball Tournament @ Clearwater TBA
WMS 7/8 PL Girls Basketball Tournament @ Mulvane TBA


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News from Chamber Members

 
Please help us promote your business by sending us information to include in this section! Email information to admin@winfieldchamber.org and we will add it to this email blast. Information will need to be received each FRIDAY BY NOON in order to be included in the following week's news.  Pictures and/or flyers must be in a .jpeg format please.
 

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Instead of a box of chocolates give a box of succulents for Valentine's Day! Boxes include a variety of our favorite succulents!  Pre-order online http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-3333015/Valentines-Succulent-Order-Form  or contact our offices at 620.221.8870 / email  info@gottloblawnandlandscape.com.  $24 each - includes four succulents and wooden box.  Orders must be prepaid.


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Learn more about SBA's 8(a) Program on February 1st.

 
The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine year program designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged firms in their quest to succeed in the economic mainstream of the American society. In addition to providing access to specialized business training, counseling and marketing assistance, it helps firms gain a purchase in government contracting.  
The nine year program is divided into two stages: the developmental stage and the transitional stage.  Upon entering the transitional stage, the incumbent's reliance on 8(a) generated revenue is incrementally reduced.  The overall goal of the program is that firms graduate and continue to thrive in their industry.  For this reason, the program requires the certified participants to maintain a balance between their commercial and government business mix. 
In general, socially disadvantaged individuals have been subjected to racial, or ethnic prejudice, or cultural bias within American society because of their identification as members of groups without regard to their individual qualities.  Examples of designated groups include Black Americans; Native Americans; Asian Pacific Americans; and Hispanic Americans.  Individuals outside of the regulatory designated groups must establish individual social disadvantage based upon a preponderance of evidence.  
Here are some Success Story articles written about businesses that have graduated SBA's 8(a) Program:

Is the SBA's 8(a) Development Program Right for Your Company?
When:              Thursday, February 1, 2018
Where:             Conference Room
                        SBA's Wichita District Office
                        220 W. Douglas, Suite 450
                        Wichita, KS 67203
Time:              10:00 - 11:00 a.m.  
Please park in the Garvey Center parking garage.  This office will validate your parking ticket.   Please RSVP to Teri L. Taylor - 316-269-6426 - Teri.Taylor@sba.gov


71st Annual Cowley County Conservation District Meeting

The Cowley County Conservation District is hosting the 71st Annual Meeting and Dinner, February 8, 2018.  Please contact Amanda Scott @ (620) 221-1850 ext. 3 for information.


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Help us to make 2018 4kidsake.com campaign the best EVER for the youth of Cowley County!
 
88 youth in our county have requested a 1 to 1 mentoring relationship and together we can make a difference in the future!
 
Attached is the link to our 24th campaign for Cowley; registration preferred at least 2 weeks prior to event: 
 
https://www.4kidsake.org/Cowley                    
 
Under the event tab, you will find a printable pledge sheet to begin.
 
Click on the event you wish to participate in; on March 4th there will be a session @ 1 & 2:30 which can't be designated on the site, so email me the time you wish or once I see you have registered, I will be in contact with you to get this information.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like me to come and present this to your business or group.     

Debi Clark
Development Manager
Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Cowley & Sumner Counties
Home office: 103 E. 9th Suite 316 Winfield, KS 67156
Tel: (620)221-7766 Fax: (620)221-1229 Cell: (620)222-4428

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Do you have dependents?
If so, please complete our childcare survey.
 
A coalition of volunteers interested in improving early childhood learning outcomes for all children in Cowley County is gathering information about the childcare needs of residents in Cowley County.
The results of this survey will help us determine the feasibility of the local need for childcare facilities, as well as determine areas of concern that may need to be addressed in access to childcare. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey of 14 quick questions.
 
Thank you in advance for your feedback!
 
 
 
For employers, there is a separate survey for your feedback -
Click here -  Childcare Survey- Employersor you can complete the survey by going to http://bit.ly/CowleyChildcareEmployer

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Medical Loan Closet Seeking New Location

The Medical Loan Closet, which has been housed at Grace Episcopal Church annex for the last four years needs to find a new home - soon! The Closet is a non-profit ministry staffed entirely by volunteers. The Closet loans durable medical equipment at no charge to anyone in need. The space needs to be at least 700 square feet and either on the ground floor or with elevator access. If you have any ideas for this space,  please call or email Cheri Baer, 221-3678 or bcbaer@att.net.

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Elementary Honor Choir Day Coming Jan. 30 at Southwestern College
 
The Community Music School (CMS) at Southwestern College is hosting the second annual Elementary Honor Choir Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30.  The day will conclude with a concert in the Richardson Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m.  There is no admission charge.

The Elementary Honor Choir will be directed by Nikki Kirk and will be accompanied by Marsha Granberry.  Pieces to be performed include "Canoe Song," "Whisper," "Over the Rainbow," "Bwana Aqabariki Kumbaya," and "Child of Peace."

"This event is an opportunity to have six of the top students from each elementary school in Winfield and surrounding area schools join to share their musical gifts and love of music.  We are proud to announce that through sponsorships, grants, and the students' registration, the extra benefits to this day are free for students," says Brandi young, executive director of the CMS.  "That means that lunch, snacks, a t-shirt, transportation, music, pictures, and the filming of the end-of-day concert are free."

The selected elementary students will have the opportunity to explore technique skills, discover new music, and work with others. 

For more information about the Elementary Honor Choir Day, visit online at www.sckans.edu/cms .

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Crop Hunger Walk Seeking New Treasurer

Crop Hunger Walk is an annual community walk that raises donations to help people and families that are in dire need of clean water for a healthy life, a need for shelter due to war or natural disaster, and/or education on how to raise animals or vegetables to care for their families.  Church World Services helps people here in the United States as well as the rest of the world.

Our Treasurer is retiring from this position after many years of dedication.  If you may be interested in the position of the Crop Hunger Walk Treasurer please contact Sheryl Pugmire at 620-221-1994. 

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Grant available through United Healthcare

UnitedHealthcare will be awarding $25,000 to a small business in the greater Wichita area through a unique online Community Care Award competition. Whomever has the next BIG idea for enhancing community health and wellness will be the winning project and UnitedHealthcare will support its implementation in early 2018.
 
Here are the basic details, eligible counties include: Reno, Sedgwick, Cowley, Sumner, Butler, McPherson, Harvey and Marion.
 
  • Businesses in greater Wichita with two to 100 employees are eligible to submit project ideas for enhancing the local community's health and wellness
  • All projects must involve a partnership with a local nonprofit organization
  • The window to apply online is from Jan. 1 - Feb. 15, 2018 at www.uhc.com/wichitagrant 
  • Up to five finalists will be selected
  • Finalists will have a chance to present their idea to a panel of judges from UnitedHealthcare, local health care experts and business leaders on Feb. 28 at the Wichita Chamber of Commerce
  • The finalist with the highest combined score will win the $25,000 grand prize
 
As always, we are grateful for the opportunity to help Kansans live healthier lives through these important partnerships. Please help us share this information with your colleagues and networks. For more information on the UnitedHealthcare Community Care Award including the official contest rules and how to apply, visit: www.uhc.com/wichitagrant .

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E-Waste Recycling Event in Winfield Feb. 6
 
The Green Team of Southwestern College will again collaborate with Grace United Methodist Church and the City of Winfield for an e-waste recycling event from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Barn #4 at the Winfield Fairgrounds. CRT televisions and monitors will be accepted for a $5 fee; all other electronics will be accepted free of charge.

"Recycling electronic devices is very important for our planet and our community," says Jason Speegle, director of Green Team Southwestern. "When electronics are sent to the landfill, they have the potential to leach hazardous toxins into our soil and drinking water. Recycling electronics ensures that they are disposed of safely and many of the components will be reused."

Businesses and individuals may bring items to the event. GON Recycling will collect the items and process them for recycling. GON Recycling guarantees 100 percent security on all hard drives and customer information. They are e-Stewards, R2 and ISO 14001 certified.

GON Recycling accepts the following electronic items: computers, laptops, servers, network equipment, LCD monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, POS scanners and equipment, stereo equipment, small household appliances such as toasters, irons, and coffee pots, telephones, telecommunications equipment, phone systems, security equipment, industrial equipment, UPS systems, cell phones, VCRs, radios, keyboards and computer mice, lead acid batteries, re-chargeable batteries, industrial control panels, ink and toner.

Medical equipment that has been inspected and decontaminated of blood-borne pathogens, fluids, solvents, pressure gases or radioactive sources is also accepted. Proof of decontamination is required. This can be a decontaminated sticker or paperwork attached to the unit.

"On behalf of the Green Team at Southwestern, Grace United Methodist Church, and the city of Winfield, we are excited to continue to be able to provide this service to the Winfield community," Speegle says.

For questions about recycling, please contact Jason Speegle at (620) 229-6311 or by email at jason.speegle@sckans.edu.



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The Military Hometown Heroes of Winfield Banner Project is a living tribute created for the community to recognize and honor Winfield residents and their family members who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in the United States Armed Forces. Each banner will be in honor of a specific Winfield service person and will include their name, branch of service and photo. Banners will be displayed in the square of the Winfield Memorial Park on Armed Forces Day and the month of November to both celebrate and remind the community of their dedication to our country.

Project:
The Hometown Heroes banners will be displayed at the Memorial Park square at the initial start of this program and as the project expands the banners will be placed in other common community areas within our town, such as 9th and Main street. (All banner locations shall be determined solely by the banner committee.)
The Hometown Heroes Banners are purchased by the family members or the individual veteran. The cost of each banner is $150 and includes the design, production and shipping. $160 is for the pole hardware that includes, 2 poles, 2 clamps and 2 steel straps. $7.00 will be added for the administration fee. Totaling $317.  Only one Veteran per banner side. So if you have multiple Veterans you may put one Veteran on one side and the other on the other side. 
 
The banners will be used twice a year for the next four years. At the end of the 4th year the family will be notified that their term is up and they will have the option of purchasing a new banner and continue with another 4 years or opt out and keep their banner.  When they opt out we will mail their banner back to them for the family to do what they wish.
 
Businesses or individuals at any time may donate any amount of monies to help other Veterans that are unable to purchase their own banner.  They may also sponsor an individual Veteran.
 
Please Fill out the information below:
 
Family/ Name of applicant__________________________________ 
Applicant address___________________________________
Applicant phone___________________________ 
Applicant email___________________________ 
 
Veterans Name_____________________________________ Veterans Military Branch____________ Rank (if known)____________________ 
Years of service (if known)__________ War Served (if served in War)____________________________
 
There is room at the bottom of the banner for general information. 2 lines, 21 characters each including spaces.(Military information only) Example: if they served in multiple branches or an exemplary medal, such as purple heart... etc 
 
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You will need to submit a picture and payment by March 31st, 2018 . Pictures must be in Military Uniform and in a high quality digital form (preferably 300 or higher DPI). If you do not have a digital copy, please bring the picture and self addressed envelope to Tammy Carrasco at 1521 Main Street and we will digitize the photo and return it to you in the envelope you provided in an appropriate time frame. Please return ALL forms to Tammy Carrasco at 1521 Main Street, Winfield, KS 67156. Payments need to be made in cash or check, payable to Legacy/Veterans Banner Project.


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Quick Links...
 
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce
123 E. 9th Avenue
P.O. Box 640
Winfield, KS 67156
Ph: 620-221-2420
Fax: 620-221-2958
email: admin@winfieldchamber.org
WinfieldChamber.org
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