Wednesday, October 19
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Thursday, October 27
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Thursday, October 27
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The following businesses have recently become members of the Chamber.
If you see them around town or at a Chamber function, please take the time to welcome them.
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R-B Drive In
Kirk & Julia Johnson
Owners
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Airgas
Phil Schmitt
Area Branch Operations Coordinator
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Nationwide Financers
Alan & Judi Webster
President
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MobileComm
Jordan Thompson
Store Manager
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Grand Staff Ministries Play It Again Thrift Boutique
Becky Spencer
Executive Director
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Ulta
Steve Pankratz
General Manager
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The Greater Hutchinson CVB welcomed these visitors last month who made an economic impact in our community!
Kansas State Fair
September 9-18, 2016
Estimated 350,000 attendees
Economic Impact: $11 million
Club Azzurri Fall Soccer Tournament
September 23-25, 2016
2,000 visitors
Economic Impact: $300,000
Good Sam RV Rally: Kansas Chapter
Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, 2016
200 visitors
Economic Impact: $80,000
Kansas Junior Livestock Show
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016
3,000 visitors
Economic Impact: $825,000
Hutchinson Rod Run
Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016
270 car entries
(this was a non-ticketed event)
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Submit a Nomination
for the
Small Business Award!
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The Chamber Small Business Committee is seeking nominations for the Small Business Award!
If you know of a deserving small Chamber business, we encourage you to nominate them for this award. Requirements for consideration are Chamber membership, in business for at least three years, and employs 40 or fewer people.
Click here to nominate a business today!
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The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
is the catalyst for a prosperous business climate
that enhances the quality of life.
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Message from the President
Last week I attended the 2016 Annual Meeting of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This is the largest gathering of economic development professionals in the nation each year and offers extensive training for people in our industry. This year was the largest attendance ever for an IEDC meeting. Several trends and presentations were quite interesting - including national trends in banking, strategic program planning, reporting, and emerging trends in several industry sectors.
One trend was notably of interest to most attendees: Inclusive Economic Development. Every session dealing with economic equity and inclusive economic growth was full - often standing room only. Leaders in economic development are strongly recommending that more attention be paid to a more inclusive model that focuses not only on job creation and business expansion - but also access to transportation, job opportunity for all skill levels, and access to training and education for specific jobs.
Our community (like any other in America) will not fully benefit from economic growth if we are at the same time leaving large portions of the population behind. The Chamber's economic development program will continue to focus on bringing economic opportunity for all. I'm happy to say that here in Hutchinson and Reno County we have excellent training partners in Hutchinson Community College and the Career and Technical Education Academy, as well as a strong partner for job search assistance in the Kansas WorkforceONE program. Most of the recent activity for economic growth has been the result of local business expansion, including: Enterprise Products, Takako America, BOLD 3PL, and others. Our program continues to pursue projects to bring new companies to the community as well. All of that activity will create more opportunity for everyone.
Best regards,
Jason Ball
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Author of The Pursuit of Happyness to Speak at the Chamber 2017 Annual Meeting
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 Chris Gardner, an entrepreneur, #1 bestselling author, philanthropist, and single parent whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations, will be the keynote speaker at the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Monday, February 13, 2017. The meeting will be held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
"We are excited to have Chris Gardner as the keynote speaker for this year's annual meeting," said Sarah Liebl, Chief Financial Officer for Harris Enterprises and the 2017 Chamber Board Chair. "After what has been a tense political season, I believe this will be a welcome departure for our members and the community to hear Mr. Gardner's uplifting story of his life's journey, how he persevered to find his passion, pursue success, and most importantly, happiness."
The Chamber is pleased to have Allen Samuels Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram-Mazda as the Premier Sponsor for the 2017 Annual Meeting. New to the community, Allen Samuels recently opened their first dealership in the state of Kansas here in Hutchinson and has already shown to be a strong supporter of the Chamber and the community.
"We are honored to be the Premier sponsor for this year's Annual Meeting," said Derek Tanksley, President and General Manager of Allen Samuels Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram-Mazda.
To read the full article, click here.
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Chamber to Host
Big First Congressional Debate
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As the race for United States 1st Congressional seat continues, a debate between all three candidates has been scheduled for Monday, October 24th at the Hutchinson High School Performing Arts Center, located at 810 E. 13th Avenue. The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the debate will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This event is being co-sponsored by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and the Hutchinson News.
Participants in the debate include Dr. Roger Marshall, Republican Candidate; Alan LaPolice - Independent Candidate; and Kerry Burt - Libertarian Candidate.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Ball will act as the moderator, and questions will be asked by a panel of three people: Ron Sylvestor with the Hutchinson News, Fred Gough with Eagle Radio, and Dion Lefler with the Wichita Eagle.
No questions will be accepted from the audience that evening; however, questions can be submitted in advance to the Hutchinson News at debate@hutchnews.com.
There is no cost to attend the Congressional Debate. Members of the Chamber and the general public are encouraged to attend. For more information concerning the debate, contact Chelsey Dawson at chelseyd@hutchchamber.com or (620) 662-3391.
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Kansas Legislative Debate
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 Last night 130 people gathered for the Kansas Legislative Debate for the House 102nd and 104th District at the Hutchinson High School Career and Technical Education Academy. The event was co-sponsored by the Chamber and the Hutchinson News.
Participating in the debate was
Rep. Jan Pauls - District 102; Patsy Terrell - Candidate for District 1
02; Rep. Steve Becker - District 104; and Betty Taylor - Candidate for District 104.
It is part of the Chamber's mission to organize opportunities for our members and community to learn about public policy issues and to interact with our elected officials and those seeking office. Last night's debate served as an excellent opportunity to do just that. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 8th. Everyone is encouraged to get out and vote!
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Ribbon Cuttings Held by Ambassadors
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Hayden's Salon & Day Spa -
New Member
Ulta -
Grand Opening
Grand Staff Ministries Play It Again Thrift Boutique -
Grand Opening
To view the ribbon cutting photos and for more information about these businesses
click here.
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October Membership Breakfast
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Wednesday, October 19
Atrium Hotel & Conference Center
1400 N. Lorraine St.
Sponsored by the
The Clayworks at Disability Supports
Featured Speaker - Warden Dan Schnurr,
Hutchinson Correctional Facility
Our featured speaker for the October Membership Breakfast will be Warden Dan Schnurr at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. Still fairly new to the position, Warden Schnurr is excited to address the Chamber membership and explain the vast number of programs that take place at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.
If you d
o not
have a Flash Pass, cost for the breakfast is
$10 for members
and $15 for non-members.
Click here
to make
reservations or call Belinda McClanahan at (620) 662-3391.
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Business-to-Business Networking Event
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Thursday, October 27
12:30 - 5:00 p.m.
1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson
Sponsored by:
Cosmosphere & Eagle Communications
Put your business information out to over 60 contacts in one afternoon! Participants will rotate among the tables and at each one will give a 90-second presentation about their organization and have the chance to hand out business cards or literature. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to network with other Chamber members by telling your business' story and make personal contacts!
In addition, entry into the Business After Hours following B2B is included for all participants!
All B2B participants will also be entered into a drawing to win a $5,000 promotional package from Eagle Communications!
The cost to participate is $49 if registered by October 14th or $59 after that date if space is still available. The deadline to register is Friday, October 21st.
To register online
click here
or call Belinda McClanahan at (620) 662-3391.
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September Business After Hours
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Thursday, October 27
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy refreshments and conversation with
fellow Chamber members
as you explore the Cosmosphere. Great food, beverages and prizes will be given at the event!
If you do not have a Flash Pass, cost for the Business
After
Hours is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
To register online
click here
or call Belinda McClanahan at (620) 662-3391.
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There's an App for That!
Presented by Eian Wagner,
Sales Manager, Nex-Tech Wireless
Friday, October 28
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This updated session is being brought back by popular demand. Attendees will learn how to use technology to be more productive in their daily lives. Productivity apps can help you work from anywhere at any time, they can provide the opportunity for new gains, and can improve your efficiency and accuracy. This presentation would be beneficial for anyone who uses or is thinking about using a smartphone for more than just phone calls and texts and/or using a tablet for more than surfing the net.
The cost of the class is $15 and includes a lunch buffet. To register,
please call Kay Shive at HCC (620) 665-3559 or ShiveK@hutchcc.edu. For more information, contact Marcy Kauffman at marcyk@hutchchamber.com.
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September Small Business Award Presented to BG Consultants
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 The Chamber in partnership with
The Hutchinson N
ews
presents the
Small Business Award each month to recognize the significant contribution small businesses make to our local economy and membership. During the September Membership Breakfast, the Small Business Award was presented to BG Consultants. Sid Arpin, P.E. accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Special thank you to First National Bank, Heartland Credit Union, Eagle Communications, and KFSA for their sponsorship that makes this award possible each month.
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Leadership Reno County Seeking Recommendations and Applications
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The Leadership Reno County Committee announces recommendations are sought and applications are being taken for the 2017 class. The deadline for application is Friday, December 2, 2016.
To recommend a participant please send their name and email address to program co-director, Kris Doswell at
kdoswell@cox.net.
Leadership Reno County works to build leadership capacities for the growth of Reno County. Since 1984, over 910 have participated in Leadership Reno County in 36 classes.
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By Keith Hughes, Vice Chairman & CEO
First National Bank of Hutchinson
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)
Many of the articles I've written for this newsletter have focused on cyber security and you may ask why we spend so much time using this forum to do so. It's simple - we hear case after case of businesses and individuals who have been impacted by poor cyber security measures. The First focuses on security each and every day and I encourage every Chamber business to pause from your day-to-day work to learn more about becoming cyber safe.
NCSAM is celebrated every October and was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.
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Trunk or Treat Hutchinson
Trunk or Treat will held on Monday, October 31st from 6:30-8:30 pm on the Corner of 2nd and Main Street in Hutchinson. Trunk or Treat is an event where children go car trunk to car trunk, in a safe, well lit environment to allow kids to have a fun Halloween night.
The event is organized by The Father's House Church, Abundant Life Childcare & Preschool, The City of Hutchinson and several other churches and businesses. To see a full list of participating organizations and businesses,
click here.
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QuickBooks Training
The Hutchinson SCORE Chapter/Quest Center for Entrepreneurs Program will be hosting a two-day QuickBooks training workshop October 13th and 14th. As many know QuickBooks is one of the worlds most used software accounting programs used by small businesses. Attendees of the training will receive hands on experience, as well as a copy of "QuickBooks 2016, The Missing Manual". Lunch will also be included with registration, but seats are limited. For more information on the workshop or on how to register,
click here.
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11th Annual Hospice and HomeCare
of Reno County Education Forum
Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County is holding a FREE, community screening of the documentary "Being Mortal" on Friday, October 14 as part of our 11th Annual Education Forum. We will also be featuring inspirational speaker and survivor, Jared Estes, who will share his true story of tragedy and triumph. Participants have the choice of attending a morning platform in McPherson at the Cedars Conference Center, 1021 Cedars Drive or the afternoon platform in our Hutchinson office in the Trade Center Conference Room, 1600 N. Lorraine.
Call (620) 665-2473 or register online at www.hospicerenocounty.com.
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Wesley Towers Open House
You're invited to tour the newly renovated and refreshed Independent Living apartment homes at Wesley Towers on Saturday, Oct 8th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Their staff has been working diligently to freshen the neighborhood retirement community that has proudly been serving the Hutchinson community since 1969! Let us show you how we can customize the apartment home with lots of features including a completely redesigned kitchen, renovated bathrooms, laundry hook-ups, new lighting, closets and much, much more!
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Grand Staff Ministries Play It Again Thrift Boutique presents
Music with a Mission Soup Supper/Concert
The event will be Saturday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, 415 N. West Street, Buhler. There will be all you can eat homemade soups: Chicken Tortilla, Potato Sausage, Vegetable Beef, and Chili, plus desserts! The event will also feature Oklahoman Singer/Songwriter Marcy Priest, with
a powerful voice, contagious passion, and exceptional depth. Her albums have garnered accolades from
the Austin Songwriters Group, the Independent Singer-Songwriters Association, and the USA Songwriting Association.
There will also be drawing for a huge Buhler basket give-away, but you must be present to win. Tickets are $10! For more information or to purchase tickets call (620) 543-6518.
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Mennonite Friendship Communities Benefit Day Auction
Mennonite Friendship Communities, 600 W. Blanchard in South Hutchinson, will have its annual Benefit Day Auction at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 8. Funds from the sale go to the Continuing Care Endowment Fund, supporting nursing home residents who have run out of financial resources. Fresh homemade donuts are sold at 8:30 a.m. and lunch begins at 10:30 a.m. On the sale bill are tickets to the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 20, a Sturdi-Bilt shed, a 250-300 pound butchering hog that will be taken to Yoder Meats and more! See an updated sale bill at www.MennoFriend.com and follow the online quilt sale starting November 1.
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Have an exciting milestone to celebrate or a fundraiser or event coming up in the community? Send it to Chelsey at chelseyd@hutchchamber.com for inclusion in the Chamber Outlook. Listings are limited to one listing per Chamber member per quarter and must be 100 words or less.
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