Workforce & Winners

January 17, 2022

Member

"Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.”- Martin Luther King Jr.

Chamber Chatter

Workforce the Next 10 Years and How to Thrive

The Workforce Crisis that we face will be more challenging in the future, our eyes need to be open for what is ahead. Join us on Tuesday, February 8th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm to hear from Mike Henke on what we can do to best utilize our current workforce, to be proactive to analyze your organization, and how we can adapt to attract and develop quality talent in the future. Download event flyer for your office here.

This workshop will be at Hutchinson Community College in McPherson, 2208 Plaza East Place. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. RSVP by February 1st by emailing chamber@mcphersonks.org or call the Chamber office at (620) 241-3303. 📆 Add to calendar

Now Hiring!

Member & Community Relations Assistant

Do You Enjoy Working With People?

We are looking for a positive personality to join our team. If you ENJOY working with people, have great communication (written and verbal) skills, are efficient with computer software and social media, reliable, resourceful, and passionate about promoting our community, apply for the Member & Community Relations Assistant position!

The Member & Community Relations Assistant is a part-time position, approximately 25 hours per week, Monday-Friday 8 am-1 pm with the occasional afternoon or evening event. The ideal candidate would have the flexibility to fill in for vacation or sick leave of co-workers. This position receives holiday pay if it falls on a scheduled workday, and after one year of employment, is eligible to receive vacation pay.

Job Responsibilities & Qualifications

Computer, Social Media, and Written Skills -Looking for someone who is creative and accurate.

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office software (Publisher, Word, Excel, etc.) that is used daily for various applications, including literature for welcome and membership packets.
Requires organization, multi-tasking, and motivation to complete various administrative tasks.
This position will be responsible to take pictures and post Chamber Connection/Ribbon Cutting/and Event photos with captions to Facebook and compose member spotlight articles for the Chamber e-newsletter.
Other tasks include researching and verifying events and keeping the online community and Chamber calendars current.

Verbal Skills- The Chamber is often the first impression of the community and the information hub.

An outgoing, caring personality is ideal to communicate and connect with members on a regular basis.
The Member & Community Relations Assistant will help with all Chamber events and occasional committee meetings.
Looking for someone who is personable when answering questions about the community by phone, visitors to the office, or emails received.
Knowledge about McPherson County is a plus!

If you are looking for a welcoming and positive work environment, apply for the Member & Community Relations Assistant position and join the McPherson Chamber of Commerce team, where our mission is “Visionary leadership promoting a vibrant business community and enhanced quality of life.” Mail or drop off your resume at McPherson Chamber of Commerce, 306 N. Main, P.O. Box 616, McPherson, KS 67460, Attention: Debbie Hawkinson. Or email your resume to chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org.

Candy Cane Cash Winners!

Congratulations to the 2021 Candy Cane Cash Winners!

Marie Alexander - $1000
Kaysha Macy- $500

The winners were among thousands who shopped at local participating stores Nov. 1-Dec. 31. THANK YOU to the businesses that participated. Candy Cane Cash is a McPherson Chamber of Commerce and McPherson Main Street Holiday Promotion.

Farm Forum to feature Rick McNarry

Mark your calendar, February 7th will be here before you know it. The Agriculture Committee of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Farm Forum on Monday, February 7th at 6 pm at the First United Methodist Church. The evening dinner event will include recognition of the 2021 Farm Family of the Year (Dennis and Mabel Friesen), Friend of Ag recipient (Karl Esping), and guest speaker, Rick McNary, creator of Shop Kansas Farms. Learn more about Rick McNary and the Agriculture Committee here.

Join us for an evening of great food and conversations. Tickets are only $20/person and can be purchased in advance at the McPherson Chamber of Commerce. If your business is interested in sponsoring the event to help with the overall Farm Forum expenses or would like to purchase tickets for your customers or guests, please contact the McPherson Chamber at 620-241-3303 or email chamber@mcphersonks.org by January 27th. 📆 Add to calendar

Applications Open For 2022 AFA Scholarship

Attention graduating high school seniors or undergraduate college students pursuing a four-year degree in agriculture or food-related field and residing in McPherson County and/or attending a high school in McPherson County. You are eligible to apply for the McPherson Chamber of Commerce AFA Scholarship.

AFA Scholarship recipients will be selected based on leadership roles in organizations, community service, internship and work experiences, and financial needs. Recipients will also be scored on these three personal vision statements. 1.) Explain your educational and ideal career path. 2.) What is one challenge you have had in the last year and how have you persevered through it? 3.) How would you describe the personal brand you hope to have in the food and agriculture community?

Selected scholars must commit to attending... READ MORE

Member Events

January

January QuickBooks Online Training

10 a.m.- 11 a.m. via Zoom Hosted by Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk, & Loyd.

SJH&L's certified Pro Advisors will be talking about sales tax. Understanding what version of sales tax you are on and how to use it to its fullest. We will also talk about tips and tricks and what to look for to make sure sales tax numbers are accurate. Monthly training is for current SJHL Clients. You can register here.

Family Night

5 p.m. at the McPherson American Legion - 401 N. Main

Come get a hamburger or hot dog, fries, drink, and dessert for the low price of $5. Proceeds from Family Night will benefit the Honor Flight.

January

21-22

Model T Ford Winter Clinic

McPherson College / Templeton Hall – 305 N. Baer

The clinic will be focused on the maintenance and driving upkeep of your car. The meet & greet on Friday evening is at 5 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in McPherson. On Saturday the doors will open for registration at 8 a.m. at Templeton Hall. Cost $5. The 9 a.m. session is entitled “Model T Maintenance.” The 1 p.m. session topics include – “Maintaining Your Paint Finish” and “On the Right Track: Making the Most of the Front Axle.” For more information call Chris Paulsen at 316-648-7887 or email cp7254@hotmail.com

January

Living Well Wednesday Webinar Series - "Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude"

12:15 p.m.- 1 p.m. hosted by K-State Research & Extension Office

Learn more about the art of practicing gratitude, the benefits of practicing gratitude, and the impact it has on our lives. You can register for the webinar here.

January

Chamber Connections

9:30 a.m. at Roosevelt Elementary - 800 S. Walnut St.

Attendees should enter through door #9 which is by the basketball court, off Ave. A. Masks are required in the school. 📆 Add to calendar

Master Gardeners & Friends Program – “Trees”

7 p.m. at the McPherson County Extension meeting room – 600 W. Woodside

Topics covered by featured speaker Kody Kramer, McPherson Arborist, will include: the correct time and proper technique in pruning & trimming of trees, tree diseases & insect damage, and how to keep trees living a long, healthy life.

January

“White Rabbit/Red Rabbit”

7:30 p.m. at McPherson College - 1600 E. Euclid in Mingenback Theater

A unique one night only performance! The actor will receive a script in a sealed envelope for the first time on stage on opening night. What follows is a unique journey for the actor and the audience that is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Alum and Department Chair, Jd Bowman will be performing the script he receives that evening. For updates regarding tickets and showtime, visit the college website here.

Job Opportunities

Member & Community Relations Assistant

McPherson Chamber of Commerce- 306 N. Main. See details above.

Youth & Adult Sports Program Director

McPherson Family YMCA/MRC - 220 N. Walnut

Responsibilities include administering recreational programs and activities for youth and adults. Develop, expand and enhance existing youth and adult sports, middle school connect, and recreational programs. Hire, train, and supervise seasonal and part-time employees. Must possess strong organizational skills and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work closely with volunteers. Excellent benefits include Health Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Retirement. For more information click here.

Customer Service Specialist (Multiple Openings)

Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance - 1122 N. Main

Provide excellent service to internal and external customers by achieving service goals while demonstrating quality, accuracy, accountability and team skills. Full time, 8am-5pm M-F, Salary range: $16 - $18/hr based on experience + full benefits. Workplace flexibility / Hybrid position available. For more information click here.

Billing Specialist

Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance - 1122 N. Main

This position is responsible for the correct handling of premium payments from insured’s, agents, and payors on accounts. Will be responsible for assisting agents, insureds, and other company personnel in understanding the billing process and resolving any issues on accounts. Full time, 8am-5pm M-F, Salary range: $16 - $20/hr based on experience + full benefits. Workplace flexibility. For more information click here.

Underwriter Apprentice (Multiple Openings)

Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance - 1122 N. Main

Learn to underwrite a profitable and growing book of business with acceptable loss and expense ratios, while maintaining good overall agency relationships. Support corporate goals and objectives. Full time, 8am-5pm M-F, Salary range: $40,000 - $50,000 based on experience + full benefits. Workplace flexibility / Hybrid position available. For more information click here.

Senior Internal Auditor

Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance - 1122 N. Main

The Senior Internal Auditor position plays an integral part in assisting the Manager of Audit and Risk execute the Company audits and drive them to success. This requires the Senior Internal Auditor to review, evaluate, and make recommendations for the correction and/or improvement of internal, operational, and management control systems and organizational unit performance, assessing compliance with applicable standards (e.g., the international standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing) and guidelines and sufficiency of internal controls. Full time, 8am-5pm M-F Full benefits / Workplace flexibility / Hybrid position available. For more information click here.

Manufacturing Manager

Ferguson Production, Inc. - 2130 Industrial Drive

The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Tooling, Maintenance, and Process departments which includes management of 15 to 20 associates; capacity management; quality/delivery/cost management; continuous improvement activities; 4DX initiatives; supply chain initiatives; management of manufacturing; and daily and strategic focus on engineering and maintenance issues. For more information click here.

Full-Time Optician

Walters Optometry – 915 N. Main

Job responsibilities include: Working one on one with patients to find the perfect frame. Fit, sell, and adjust glasses. Opticians require knowledge of the different insurance plans we accept and pricing to be able to offer quotes to the patients. This position requires organization, multi-tasking, great customer service, and be self-motivated. For more information click here.

Mechanic Apprentice

CHS McPherson Refinery Inc. - 2000 South Main

We are looking for a Mechanic Apprentice to perform maintenance and repair duties for our fleet of equipment at our McPherson, KS location. You must have strong mechanical aptitude and diagnostic skills, a commitment to quality, and the ability to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work in both a team environment and on self-directed tasks are essential. For more information click here.

Press Operator

LSI Staffing - 305 N. Main St.

Press Operator positions open at local McPherson company! $15.50-$16.00/ hour. Both 2nd and 3rd shift positions are available. Job duties include operating power tools, supplying raw materials, and test/inspecting the products to ensure they meet all quality inspections. Some press operator experience is preferred. Benefits included. For more information call (620) 504-6520.

See more employment opportunities on the McPherson Chamber of Commerce website. *To include employment opportunities for your business, please email the following information (job title, description, requirements, where to apply, and contact information) to chamber@mcphersonks.org Jobs are posted free of charge for our Chamber member investors, and listings will be active on the directory for an entire month. Listings can be extended for a longer time period if the position has not been filled.

Buzz on Business

Valentines Day Package

Ristorante Italiano di Famiglia - 204 N. Main

It’s that time of year again! Order a Valentine's Package at Ristorante Italiano! The packages are good for February 11th, 12th, 14th, and 15th! It includes dinner for two at Ristorante Italiano di Famiglia, chocolate-covered strawberries or cherries, a box of chocolates (regular or sugar-free) from the Pink Flamingo, and a half dozen of roses from Nooks & Crannies! This package secures your table at the time of your choosing on one of the above dates for only $110! Add a bottle of red or white wine and get that same package for only $150! Call in your reservation at 316-210-2461!

Winter Car Safety Starter Kit

McPherson Public Library - 214 W. Marlin

Register for a free Winter Car Safety Starter Kit at the McPherson Public Library! These basic kits are intended to help you stay safe during unexpected weather or incidents while driving. It is recommended that you add to your kit, based on your needs and budget. Additional information and suggested items will be included. Sign-up begins on January 17th and kits can be picked up January 24th-February 4th. Supplies are limited. You can register here.

Central Recognized for 5 Top Programs in U.S.

Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK) - 1200 S. Main

Intelligent.com, a resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning, has included Central Christian College of Kansas in its list of programs assessed for 2022. The research identifies programs in the nation based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. 704 programs from 2,900 universities and colleges were compared across the United States, with CCCK being recognized for five of their degree programs. Congratulations!

Housing Assistance for People with Severe Mental Illness

Prairie View, Inc. - 1102 Hospital Drive

Prairie View has been awarded a $53,856 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help people with severe mental illness afford safe and decent housing. The grant gives the opportunity of affordable housing for those at or below 50 percent median income. Prairie View’s grant is targeted at persons with severe and persistent mental illness. Eligible tenants for this grant must reside in Harvey, Marion, or McPherson counties. Prairie View will begin accepting applications for housing assistance on January 17, 2022. For more information, contact Megan Thompson, housing program coordinator, at 316-284-6400 or 800-992-6292.

Exhibits Artwork of Michael Jilg

McPherson College - 1600 E. Euclid

The artwork of Kansas painter and printmaker, Michael Jilg, and also features jewelry by Joyce Jilg. The exhibition will be on display through February in Friendship Hall and is open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gallery visitors are required to comply with the MC health and safety protocols that require wearing a facemask on campus. “Michael Jilg is one of the most distinguished painters and printmakers in Kansas,” Michaela Valli Groeblacher, gallery director, said. “We are thrilled to have his art on display. Joyce Jilg uses recycled items to make beautiful jewelry and is a perfect complement to her husband’s work.”

Early Season Golf Special

Turkey Creek Golf Course - 1000 Fox Run Road

The bigger your group the better deal you get. This group special will last all the way until Super-bowl Sunday, February 13th. 1 person $25, 2 people $24/person, 3 people $22/person, 4 people $20/person. Price includes 18hole with a golf cart.

New Year, New Cocktails

Noffy's Sandwich Shop & Pub - 210 N. Main

Check out the new cocktails at Noffy's Sandwich Shop & Pub. Snow Day Sour: tequila, freshly squeezed lime & lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg whites. Espresso Martini: your choice of vodka or gin, espresso, caffe amaro, coffee bitters, and chocolate shavings. French 75: gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. Cranberry Orange Margarita: silver tequila, housemade cranberry ginger syrup, orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, cinnamon, and whole cranberries.

New at the Library Bookshop

McPherson Public Library - 214 W. Marlin

These have just arrived! Imagine your favorite warm drink in a shiny, new library mug! Great for coffee or cocoa on those cold evenings or a perfect gift for someone! Only $5!

Free Member Benefit. We want to help our members share the news. Email chamber@mcphersonks.org or call 620-241-3303 and we'll include your info in the "Buzz on Business" or "Member Events" section. Want your business to really stand out? The ads below are only $10 per week!