Roll Call for Chamber Challenge

Doing what most people think just happens!

February 20, 2017

"We rise by lifting others." - Robert Ingersoll

Chamber Challenge - Registration Deadline THIS WEEK!

Chamber Challenge Team and Sponsor Opportunity

The deadline to register your team to compete in the friendly competition while building workplace camaraderie OR to sign up to have your business promoted with Facebook selfies and infomercials is Friday, February 24th. You don't want to miss out on the fun, laughter and unique, "out of the box" advertising opportunities that are sure to be a part of the Chamber Challenge.

* Team Registration $250, includes Sponsor benefits. * Sponsor Registration $75.

Check out all the details and find your 2017 Chamber Challenge Team and Sponsor info here .

Leadership Alumni Lunch and Learn - Reservations due Friday.

PrairieLand Partners

2401 E. Northview Rd.

Tuesday, February 28th

11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

$10 per person (lunch included).

Leadership McPherson Alumni are invited to hear about the dealership's vision and tour the facility. The new 90,000-100,000 sq. ft. facility offers everyone a unique experience. Whether you are purchasing the newest combine, getting service on your tractor or lawn mower, or making a purchase from their array of retail items (everything from John Deere onesies to STIHL chainsaws - they have more than you imagine).

Reservations are due Friday, February 24th to the McPherson Chamber @ 241-3303.

Member Spotlight- Bethany Home

It's the "cruise ship" model where personalized care meets professional staff to offer residents a special retirement community experience. At Bethany Home , their residents receive quality care and services catered to their wants and needs. Learn more...

Mark your calendar and plan on Celebrating Life's Indulgences -Friday, March 10th, the upscale fundraiser for Bethany Home Association. See the ad below for details.

Bethany Home is located at 321 N. Chestnut in Lindsborg. You can reach them at 785-227-2334 or visit their website . See the Chamber Connections photos.

Farm Forum Coming Soon

The 2017 Farm Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Perkins Restaurant, 2211 E. Kansas Ave. in McPherson, at 6:30 a.m.

"McPherson To The World" is the theme and Adam Baldwin will be the featured speaker. Come learn more about how worldwide trade affects our local farmers. Save the date & be watching for more information soon!

Mac County Round Up - Saturday, March 25th in Marquette

The Agriculture Committee of the Chamber is hosting their first 5K and 1 mile Run/Walk in Marquette to fund the Agriculture Future of America scholarship. The plan is to move the run/walk each year to a different McPherson County community to promote the scholarship. Information and registration forms can be found at www.mcphersonchamber.org , stop by the Chamber office at 306 N. Main, or call 620-241-3303.

Dental Insurance Survey

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce is always looking for new possible benefits to provide our members. Dental Insurance is a topic that has been discussed. Please take the time to answer 3 short questions to help us determine if this is something our members would be interested in. We appreciate your time and input! Start the survey.

Chamber Women's Trip - New York City- August 24-28, 2017

Act Now-Deposit Due Wednesday, March 1st and it's filling up fast!

New York City ... an experience you won't forget. "NYC packs more to see and do into one compact area than any other place on earth." We have an exciting trip planned, and invite you to join us as we take in the sights, the lights, and the sounds of this vibrant city!

Check out the trip itinerary & information and plan to join us.

Buzz on Business

Job Opportunities- Holiday Inn Express/Best Western are now hiring for Full and Part-time positions, various positions with flexible hours. Apply in person at 2302 E. Kansas Ave.

Margarita Monday Time?- Made it through Monday and ready for a margarita? All day Mondays at Montana Mike's, 2211 E. Kansas, enjoy $0.99 margaritas!

Physical Capacity Profile Demo & Lunch- Assured Occupational Solutions, 1205 S. Main, invites you to mark your calendars for March 9th @ 11:30 a.m. & plan to join them for lunch & a demonstration. See how this system is designed to help employers. Flyer is attached with more information. RSVP by February 28th.

Leadership Class- The 2017 Leadership McPherson Class has reached the 16 person maximum! We are excited to see the growth, leadership and class project this great group comes up with.

MHS Recognized for 2016 Yearbook- Jostens announced that McPherson High School's yearbook program has been named a 2016 Jostens' National Yearbook Program of Excellence. Josten's recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration and information & communication technologies literacy. Congrats MHS!

More MHS Honors- Congratulations go to the Bullpup wrestling team, they are sending 5 wrestlers to state! Also, MHS Swimming placed 10th out of 38 at State Swimming. They set 2 new school records, had many new PR's and Coach Matt Morrow was awarded 2017 Boys Coach of the Year by the Kansas Swim Coaches Association. Congratulations to the entire swim team & Coach Morrow!

Student Internship Program- Nex-Tech is now accepting applications for Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth, Inc., which runs May 3 - August 4. Through this program, the organization will match more than 30 high school and college students with local businesses throughout northwest & north central Kansas for paid internships. The goal is to give students hands-on experiences in a variety of professions and encourage them to remain in or return home to prosper. Applications due March 31, 2017. Learn more.

Hot Water Heater- If you're in the market for a new hot water heater, McPherson Quality Air, 501 N. 81 Bypass, encourages you to consider a TANKLESS gas water heater. There are many advantages of tankless water heaters their technicians would be happy to discuss with you. To talk to them about a tankless (or conventional) water heater, call 620-245-0599.

Job Posting- CertainTeed, 873 N. Hickory, is now hiring. Click here for a job description and application.

Customer Service Workshop- We appreciate our partnerships with neighboring communities & would like to pass along an invitation from the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC). They will be hosting a workshop, Turning Service Into Sales, with internationally known motivational speaker David K. Aaker, IOM, on Tuesday, March 14 from 9-11 a.m. & again from 2-4 p.m. at SACC's Visit Salina Annex at 120 W. Ash St. Mark your calendars & find a flyer & more information here.

McPherson Housing Coalition is in the second year of their Homelessness Prevention Program being funded by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation's Emergency Solutions Grant. The grant is classified as "conditionally awarded funding" and must be matched with cash or in-kind donations to be made available. They are needing funds to finish out this grant season. Learn more about the program thanks to the McPherson Sentinel article & read real-life examples of exactly how this program is helping families right here in McPherson. Contact Amy Lopez at 620-241-7828 ext. 17, or email [email protected], for more information.

Special Wednesdays!- The Fieldhouse Sports Grill & Taps, 2218 E. Kansas, has a deal for you! Buy two Main Event Entrees and get a FREE appetizer every Wednesday!

And Special Thursdays!- Knackies Meats & Sweets, 111 S. Maple, wants to help make your Thursdays happier. Buy 1 One meat BBQ sandwich & get a second sandwich (of equal or lesser value) half off! Also on Thursday nights, Family Pack special pricing $20.17 + tax. Includes one pound of meat, two pounds worth of sides, four dinner rolls with butter on the side & of course some Bear-b-cue sauce! Feeds approx. 4 people. You can reach them at 620-504-6030.

Check Out This YouTube Channel- Fox & Ash Barber Shop, 210 N. Main, has created a YouTube channel about the hair industry. The first of a 3 part documentary can be seen here. It's very cool & definitely an art, so check it out, then call 504-5528 for your appointment.

Luck Of The Irish- At McPherson Travel Center, 100 N. Main, the Luck of the Irish is smiling on you. Attendees of The Young Irelanders concert on Feb. 25 at the McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main, can save on select tours of Ireland. Bring your concert ticket to McPherson Travel Center by March 11, and save $350 per couple or receive free air transfer on an Irish Tour. Call 620-241-5830 for more details

Road Patching- The City of McPherson will begin patching along Northview Rd. on Tuesday, February 21. Road repairs will involve the eastbound lane, resulting in the closing of the eastbound lane for approximately three days. For more information, 245-2545 or Facebook.

Member Events

Monday, February 20th

Prom Open House- Brooklyn & Co. Bridal, 215 N. Main, will be open until 6:00 p.m. today just for young prom shoppers! Come check out the great selection of gorgeous prom gowns. Like their Facebook page, share this event, then pull it up on your mobile device when you purchase a regular priced prom dress & receive $25 off!

Tuesday, February 21st

YP MAC February Mingle- 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Sundstrom Conference Center, 102 N. Main St. in Lindsborg. MKC is providing refreshments. Find a co-worker or friends & join for some adult conversation & beverages. No cost to attend.

Know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia- 7:00 p.m. at K-State Research & Extension, 600 W. Woodside. Call 241-1523 to RSVP, no charge.

Wednesday, February 22nd

Small World Book Group- 10:00-11:00 a.m. at McPherson Public Library, 214 W. Marlin. A new non-fiction book group; participants will have the opportunity to read and discuss memoirs and real life accounts from a variety of global settings. Call 245-2570 for information.

Thursday, February 23rd

Chamber Connections - 9:00 a.m. at Hampton Inn-McPherson, 200 Centennial Dr.

Chamber Board Meeting - 11:30 a.m. @ Chamber.

Soup Supper- 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Galva Senior Center, 218 S. Main, Galva. Fundraiser with free will offering. For information, 620-654-3404. McPherson County Council on Aging.

Friday, February 24th

Chamber Challenge Registration Due!

Leadership Alumni Lunch & Learn Reservations Due!

Friday, February 24th or Saturday, February 25th

Cooking Class - 6:00 p.m. Friday, 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. Saturday, at The Cook's Nook, 219 N. Main. Pressure Cooking 101: Electric Pressure Cooking Basics. Each class will focus on electric pressure cooking fundamentals and in class trouble shooting. However, different menus will be featured for each one. For information and to reserve your spot, call 241-7180.

Saturday, February 25th

Young Irelanders - 7:30 p.m. at McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main. Eight sensational traditional Irish performers. Contact McPherson Opera House for information or tickets, call 620-241-1952 or www.mcphersonoperahouse.org .

Brunch With McPherson Community Theatre- 9:00 a.m. at McPherson Public Library, 214 W. Marlin. Join for donuts, coffee and a good time! Meet the director of the upcoming summer musical, learn what to expect at auditions and find out how you can get involved in community theatre. Free come and go event for all.

Sunday, February 26th

Circles Soup Supper & Share Night- 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 S. Main, Lindsborg. Informational meeting for those in the Smoky Valley community interested in getting involved with Circles for families from the Lindsborg & Marquette area. Circle Leaders will share their story about what Circles has meant to them. Free will donation accepted for the meal. For information, 620-241-9011.

Tuesday, February 28th

Job Fair - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Central Christian College in the Ed Pyle Sports Complex-North Gym, 1200 S. Main. Employer opportunity to recruit new talent or share your company's vision with college students. More information here The Job Fair is open to the public (ages 18 & older) to meet employers from all different sectors hiring for full and part-time positions. Learn more about the public opportunities.

Estate Planning- 7:00 p.m. at K-State Research & Extension, 600 W. Woodside. Aaron Mayfield, financial planner with Edward Jones & Randee Koger, attorney with Wise & Reber will be presenting the program. A free educational program, not a sales program. RSVP 241-1523.

Wednesday, March 1st

Leadership Board Meeting- 12:00 Noon @ Chamber.

Chamber Women's Trip Deposit Due- $300 deposit for NYC due today. Stop by the Chamber, 306 N. Main, or call 241-3303.

Match Day - 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at McPherson County Community Foundation, 206 S. Main. Donating to one or more participating organizations helps them leverage matching funds or receive prize incentives. $40,000 in match and $5,000 in prize incentives available. Give a gift...watch it grow! Visit
www.mcphersonfoundation.org or call 245-9070.

Thursday, March 2nd

Chamber Connections- 9:00 a.m. hosted by McPherson Community Theatre @ Chamber, 306 N. Main.

6th Annual Ulster Project March Madness- 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Main St. The Ulster Project in cooperation with McPherson Main Street, will be hosting this Irish event. Purchase tickets to sample authentic Irish food while shopping downtown. Tickets available at McPherson Travel, 100 N. Main or St. Joseph's Office, 520 E. Northview. For information, 620-245-0617.

Blood Drive- 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room at the City Offices, 400 E. Kansas. Sponsored by the City of McPherson. Donors schedule an appointment at 620-245-2535 or [email protected] .

Chamber Investors, please submit your news and event items to [email protected], or call 241-3303. We will include your information in "The Buzz" or "Member Events" section in the future edition of the McPherson Chamber McNews.