July 19, 2021

Member "In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories, and steps, be a rebel and count your blessing instead." ~Lisa Heckman

100 Years Strong- Chamber History

Weekly Coffees Boost Connections

“Beginning June 4, Weekly Coffees Planned” This was the headline in the June 4, 2003, newspaper and referred to the weekly coffees first organized by the “Membership Services, Hospitality and Legislative Committee” of the Chamber. Back in 2003 the coffees were held on Wednesday mornings and records indicate that Vanguard was the first business to host a Chamber Coffee, now known as Chamber Connections. Something I got a chuckle out of was how they were referred to in a 2003 document “The 9:30 a.m. coffee and donut gathering would be held at the host business.” Although we still share an occasional donut, the weekly gatherings are focused on making business connections. They are the perfect way to learn about local business products and services, or non-profit organizations and their outreach. Chamber Connections have their own vibe, a positive environment to build business relationships. Check out our Facebook page for a stroll through years of Chamber Connection photo albums. Give us a call at (620) 241-3303 or email chamber@mcphersonks.org to schedule a Chamber Connections.

Chamber Chatter

Rural Appreciation Picnic # 51

The Rural Appreciation Picnic, organized by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, is back on track for Friday, July 23, 2021. This event is a 51-year tradition to celebrate the completion of harvest and appreciation of our agriculture community.  According to the Kansas Department of Ag report dated 8/2020 “agriculture and agriculture related sectors support 250,058 jobs, or 13% of the entire workforce in the state.” And did you know that agriculture is the largest economic and industrial driver in Kansas, generating over $70 billion into the Kansas economy?   The Rural Appreciation Picnic is sponsored and served by members of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce from 5:30-7:00 pm. On the menu will be freshly grilled hamburgers from Krehbiel’s Specialty Meats, tasty baked beans from Knackies Meats & Sweets, along with juicy watermelon provided by PrairieLand Partners.  A Big Thank You to the 2021 Rural Appreciation Sponsors: Stockham Family Funeral Home, Charlie Williams, Ken Cotton D.D.S., Wise & Reber, McPherson Eye Care, Peoples Bank & Trust, McPherson Realty Exchange, Johnstown Farm, Allan Sents, Farmers State Bank, CHS Refinery, First Bank Kansas, Emprise Bank, Hedlund Electric, Grain Craft, Terry Lacy, Farmers Alliance, Culligan, MKC, Prairieland Partners, Krehbiels Specialty Meats, First Street Liquor, Jeff Smith, Home State Bank, and Zeitlow Distributing Co. The Rural Appreciation Picnic will also coincide with the McPherson 4-H Fair. Attendees will have time to enjoy the 4-H exhibits in the 4-H building and Chief Building before the picnic, then stay for a Live Food Auction under the tent at 6 pm, followed by the Meat Goat Show in the Livestock Arena at 7.  Tickets for the Rural Appreciation Picnic are available at sponsoring businesses.

Virtual Hiring Day The McPherson Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner on the second annual Go McPherson Virtual Hiring Day on Friday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!   Last years Hiring Day was a great success and we’re looking forward to an even bigger and better event for 2021.   We do know that some of you may be wondering why we’re going virtual again. Using a virtual platform allowed us to expand our reach significantly in 2020, and our plan is to focus on attracting out-of-state talent. Take a look at the overview video to find out more.

For 2021, we’re keeping the things that our exhibitors loved and we’re adding even more benefits. Booths featuring amenities aren’t just welcome, they’re needed. Our reach is bigger than job seekers. People moving to the area will be interested in the amenities that we have to offer, so don’t count yourself out if you aren’t a business that needs to hire consistently.  We’ve adjusted the participation levels to make it more cost effective for smaller businesses. We’re using a new venue that makes it easier to video chat directly in the platform. We’re including full-service booth setup.  Take a look at our Exhibitor Information Page for a more in-depth explanation of the event and the platform – and to indicate your interest for being an exhibitor in the event.  A couple of things to note about the interest form:  If you aren’t sure what level, simply indicate “Not sure” in the form. We’ll keep you updated.  If you know you want the Platinum level that includes video production, please submit the interest form by July 31st to allow us to have time to produce your video.  For questions contact Kasi Morales at kasim@mcphersonpower.com or call (620) 245-2521

Member Spotlight

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. - Crystal Toews Looking for a competitive interest rate for your mortgage or needing a home loan? Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI), located at 801 N. Main, can assist you with that! If the mortgage process seems like an overwhelming and impossible task, don’t worry! PRMI can help you through wherever you are in the process. Whether you’re just thinking about buying, actively looking for a new home, already found that dream home, or wanting to refinance your home – Crystal Toews and the team at PRMI are there to guide you through. Learn more about PRMI here or visit their website, their Facebook page, or give them a call at 620-708-5141. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by PRMI can be seen here.

Member Events

July 21

“Innovations in Living with Dementia” – Online Webinar 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Hosted by Bluestem PACE Erin Bonitto, nationally known dementia educator, will be the presenter for this free webinar. Pre-registration is required. You can register online here.

July 22

Concerts for a Cause 2021 Concert starts at 7 p.m. - 214 E. Euclid Music by Smoky Valley Bluegrass Band. Free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets, sit back, and enjoy some great music. Stop by and support the Supply Train! Sponsored by McPherson CVB, Hopp’s Sound, and Ellene McKean Realtors & Associates.

July 23

Rural Appreciation Picnic 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds - 600 W. Woodside Hosted by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. A 50+ year tradition of celebrating McPherson County agriculture and area farm families. Tickets for the picnic available at area sponsors.    Free Movies in the Park- “The Peanut Butter Falcon” Sponsored by Disability Supports of the Great Plains and the McPherson CVB MOVIE WILL START AT DARK at Lakeside Park Bandshell. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and watch a movie under the stars!

July 23-24

Mammo Ammo, a FREE Mammogram Service Sponsored by Women And Children Combating Cancer (WACCC) Event will be at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 N. Elm. July 23rd: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. / July 24th: 8 a.m-5 p.m. Must be a McPherson County resident. Insurance will be taken for those covered. No income requirements. Call 620-242-4461 for an appointment.

July 24

Pat Noyes Golf Experience 8 a.m. hosted by McPherson College The Pat Noyes Golf Experience will be at Turkey Creek Golf Course. Shotgun start is at 8 a.m. $200 per person / $800 per team. To register for the event, you can go here. 15th Annual Youth Fishing Derby 8 a.m.-12 noon at Lakeside Park – 500 W. Lakeside Drive Hosted by The City of McPherson and McPherson Park Department. A FREE event for ages 6-15 years. Three age groups. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Fishing Derby starts at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded. Go to the City of McPherson Local Government Facebook page for more information. “Peter Pan Jr” 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House - 219 S. Main A McPherson Community Theatre Summer Stage Production. Free will donations and open to the public. More more information visit the McPherson Opera House website or McPherson Community Theatre Facebook page.

July 26

Parent/Child Scramble 5:45 p.m. Shotgun Start at Turkey Creek Golf Course - 1000 Fox Run Rd. Format is a 2-person scramble. Cost per team: $25 for members / $40 for non-members. Parent/Child Scramble can also include grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Prizes as well as dessert after the round! Sign up by calling 620-241-8530 or email tregf@mcpcity.com

July 28

MRC’s Free Annual Swim 8 p.m.-10 p.m. at the McPherson Water Park - 511 N. Lakeside Drive Free admission. Enjoy a free swim, sno-cones, popcorn, and some fun contests! Sponsored by the McPherson Recreation Commission.

July 29

Concerts for a Cause 2021 Concert starts at 7 p.m. - 214 E. Euclid Music by Y Not Us. Free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets, sit back, and enjoy some great music. Stop by and support the Girl Scouts! Sponsored by McPherson CVB, Hopp’s Sound, and Ellene McKean Realtors & Associates.

July 29

"Swiss Family Robinson" Opening Night At the McPherson Opera House – 219 S. Main Don't miss "Swiss Family Robinson" at the McPherson Opera House July 29th – August 1st. Performances on July 29th-31st will be at 7 p.m. Showtime on August 1st is at 2 p.m. A benefit for the McPherson Opera House. Tickets can be purchased here.

July 30

Free Movies in the Park- “Frenemies – The Angry Birds 2 Movie” Movie will start at dark at Lakeside Park Bandshell. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and watch a movie under the stars! Sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and the McPherson CVB

July 31

United Way of McPherson County Annual Triathlon 8 a.m. at McPherson Water Park - 511 N. Lake­side Adult and Junior Triathlon (ages 5-15): swim / bike / run. All proceeds benefit United Way of McPher­son County. Check United Way of McPherson County website for registration information and updates at www.unitedwaymcpherson.org as they become available.

Job Opportunities

Mold Attendant CertainTeed - 873 N. Hickory St. Responsible for the inspection, packaging, and handling of product coming from assigned machines. This includes identifying and separating defects, ensuring packaging is prepared, and that the product is packed according to work instructions. Candidates will be required to demonstrate focused effort relative to their role in the following fundamental areas: Safety Practices, Production, Quality, 5S, and Teamwork. For more information and to apply click here. Shop Manager/Technician Hutton McPherson - 1401 S. HWY. 81 Bypass At Hutton, we live by four words: Lead, Inspire, Respect, Construct. And doing this starts with the people we hire. A Hutton employee thinks first about the team, and that includes more than coworkers. It includes clients, subcontractors and community partners. As a shop manager, you’ll embody this approach while performing tasks involving the management of the Hutton shop. Tasks can range from performing equipment safety inspections to facilitating the check in and out procedures for tools and equipment. For more information and to apply click here. Multiple Positions Central Christian College of Kanas - 1200 S. Main CCCK has an array of open positions such as Art Instructor, Advancement Officer, Athletic Trainer, and many other faculty positions. For more information and to apply click here. Site Coordinator & Assistant McPherson Family YMCA - 220 N. Walnut Y-Kids Site Coordinator is part of a team which provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all children Kindergarten to 5th grade. Our program nurtures a child’s potential, ensuring the development of healthy, trusting relationships that build confidence and character. Lead activities, including: academic enrichment and homework help, structured activities that provide kids with STEM, arts and crafts, and healthy snacks. For more information and to apply click here. Multiple Positions The Cedars - 1021 Cedars Dr. The Cedars has multiple open positions available, such as Care Assistant, RN/LP, and Maintenance Technician. For more information and to apply click here. Baker Heartbeat Coffee - 1211 S. Main This position cooks in the evenings or very early mornings so works well around other jobs as extra cash. This position could also potentially combine with a barista team member position if that interests you. For more information and to apply email manager@heartbeatcoffeemac.com. Crossing Guard City of McPherson The children in our community need your help crossing the busy streets safely. The City of McPherson is seeking Part-time, On-Call crossing guards for the 2021-2022 school year while school is now face-to-face and back in session. This position pays $12/hr. when called to fill in. Contact Traffic Lt. David Reed (620) 245-1200 for more information. 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

Retirement Announcement McPherson Travel Center Inc. "After 37 years as full-service travel agents, we have made the decision to alter our business model. On August 1, John will retire, and Cindy will shift her focus to group travel and convention planning. While we are no longer accepting new individual reservations, we want to assure you that we are available to "finish" what we have started. For those of you whose travel plans are in process, we will continue to assist you until your travel is completed. For those who have travel credits or vouchers, we will see that you get them redeemed appropriately. It has been a great run, and one that we enjoyed. We have certainly appreciated your patronage and support over the years, helping us to make McPherson Travel Center a vibrant and successful business. It have been a pleasure working with each of you. Thank you!" - John and Cindy Krehbiel Promote McPherson at Kansas State Fair The McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau is looking for volunteers for the Visit McPherson booth in Hutchinson, Sept. 10-19, 2021. Click on the link to sign up or contact the CVB at 241-3340 if you have any questions. Under Remodel Midway Motors Supercenter - 2075 E. Kansas The Midway Supercenter building is currently under remodel but they are still open! Construction is expected to be complete by early fall but they have a mobile sales office in the meantime. They appreciate your patience as they work to update their facilities for an even better customer experience. Cutest Pet Contest Walmart Supercenter - 205 S. Centennial Stop by the Customer Service Desk and vote for your favorite pet for their cutest pet contest. All proceeds go to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. New Product In Store The Cook's Nook - 219 N. Main The Cook's Nook is so excited to have a new line of dilly beans and a couple of other pickled treats. Perfect for Bloody Mary's, charcuterie boards, or just straight from the jar. Stop in and pick up a jar today! Carnival Week The Locker Room Nutrition & Energy - 101 N. Main Monday the 19th - Saturday the 24th is Carnival Week at The Lock Room. Enjoy drinks inspired by the carnival, such as Kettle Corn, Animal Cookie, Fried Oreo, Cotton Candy, and Rootbeer Float. Check out their Facebook or Instagram for the drink schedule. 2021 Benefit Day Bierock Fundraiser Pine Village - 86 22nd Ave., Moundridge Bierock pre-orders are due July 26th. Turn in your pre-order to Pine Village. Pick-up August 6th, 3-6pm at Pine Village Wellness Center parking lot. Download the order form here. Support Police Department Program McPherson Police Department - 1177 W. Woodside The Police Department is currently coordinating their annual Child Safety, Bullying and Drug Education Program in a sincere effort to keep children safe and drug free. The materials were carefully selected from the National Child Safety Council, a federal tax-exempt organization dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our children. They are requesting your financial support to ensure the success of their program. To donate online click here and enter the program #KS 57-C-2. To donate over the phone call Mindy at 877-472-3377 or mail it to McPherson Police Department, 1177 W. Woodside, McPherson, KS 67460. New Website Three Rings Brewery - 536 US Highway 81 Bypass Check out Three Rings Brewery’s new website here. They now have a calendar so you can stay up to date on upcoming food trucks and entertainment. Fall Adult Volleyball Leagues McPherson Family YMCA - 220 N. Walnut Fall Adult Volleyball roster forms are now available for pick up at the McPherson Family YMCA, 220 N. Walnut. Roster due August 20th by 8:30 p.m. Pool Maintenance Donna’s Pool & Patio - 416 W. Kansas Tired of maintaining your pool yourself? Give Donna’s Pool and Patio a call and get on their cleaning and maintenance schedule, 620-245-7922. 30% Off Candles Twice Told Tales - All of Twice Told Tales candles are 30% off, so that they can make space for the new scents that are coming soon. Come stock up on your favorites! Free Member Benefit. We want to help our members share 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!

For some people, we are the yellow pages and the information center for the community and its opportunities. We are also an organization that unites businesses, professionals and community civic minded individuals in an effort to expand the economy of the area.

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