2700 Vine Hays, Ks 67601discoVerHays.com

Hayscc@discoVerHays.com (785) 628.8201

SPOTLIGHT

connecting Business. creating commerce. offering opportunities.

February 2015

The Chamber’s annual goals for 2015 include:

connecting Business• Member benefits: The Chamber offers

events to help members connect with businesses, professionals and the community. We will strengthen the communication between our office and members.

• Polling: Offering resources along with a brief description about community issues as they arise, and follow up with an opinion poll.

• Promoting opportunities: We love promoting Chamber opportunities and member happenings. Through awareness and announcements, we can help ensure success for our member businesses.

creating commerce• Advocating: We will continue to strengthen

the bridge between our member’s interests regarding community issues and leaders.

• Member and community incentives: An ongoing objective of the Chamber is to refer businesses and keep dollars local. We would like to continue communication about Chamber Cheques, the Membership Directory and the Shop Local brochure to patrons and visitors.

• Regional and state outreach: The Chamber will partner with area and state leaders, as well as numerous state Chambers, to ensure our region’s economic impact remains strong.

offering opportunity• Chamber networking programs: Through

Hays Area Young Professionals, Leadership Hays and Hays Area KONZA Club, we can build personal strengths, assist in strategizing and help implement tactics that will impact our community.

• Program assessment: We continue to assess existing programs and determine whether changes need to be made.

Strategizing Future Successes

Proudly printed in color by Northwestern Printers Inc. (785) 625-1110 northwesternprinters.com

With Leadership

Hays sessions beginning this month, I have spent time gathering information and processes to help engage participants as they learn new skills about leadership. Some leadership styles depend on the task, the team or individual’s capabilities and knowledge, the time and tools available and the results desired. One of these models involves delegating tasks to others to help foster employee involvement and empowerment. I decided to try this style by delegating our new interns the task of introducing themselves. Please help me in welcoming them.

Daniel Rineberg PhotoMy name is Daniel Rineberg, and I am from Topeka. I am

a junior majoring in business management at Fort Hays State University. In doing this internship, I plan to gain experience in sales and marketing, sharpen my Excel skills, network with Chamber members and help coordinate events to promote area businesses. One thing I really like about the Hays community is it has small-town atmosphere. Most people here are friendly and honest, and I really enjoy that. I have truly valued the friendship I’ve made and education I’ve received thus far.

Corbin Roth PhotoMy name is Corbin Roth, and I’m originally from Conway

Springs. I graduated from Butler Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree in fine arts and am currently working towards a B.A. in graphic design at FHSU. Last semester, my teacher, Mrs. Wellbrock, offered an internship with the Hays Chamber. I immediately said yes. This internship will help show what it’s like outside of the classroom and teach me how everything works in the real world of design. With a degree in graphics, I will pursue a career with an advertisement agency or design book covers. Hays is a great community and self-sufficient. However, the thing I like most is the small-town closeness.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR: Brian Weimer, IPI Financial ServicesCHAIR-ELECT: Brad Haynes, FHSU Athletic Assoc.PAST CHAIR: Lance Bickle, SicoirTREASURER: Tom Meis, Midwest EnergyConnie Bollig, Emprise BankKaren Gutierrez, Gutierrez RestaurantTravis Kohlrus, Eagle Communications

Tammy McClellan, Heartland Community FoundationEric Norris, Hays Public LibraryLeland Olive, Couture For Men & WomenTodd Powell, Glassman, Bird, Brown & Powell L.L.P.Mark St. Peter, Nex-TechShae Veach, Hays Medical Center

STAFFTammy Wellbrock

Executive DirectorCeleste Sander

Membership CoordinatorKathy Heinrich

Administrative AssistantJessica Krogstad

Communications Coordinator

Mission: The hays area ChaMber of CoMMerCe works for The business prosperiTy of hays and iTs neighbors.

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FEATUREDBUSINESS

Stanion Wholesale Electric Co.

The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and

Western Beverage would like to congratulate February’s Featured Business, Stanion Wholesale Electric Co., 1206 E. 22nd. Stanion Wholesale is family owned and locally operated since 1961, serving the Hays community for 54 years. There are 17 locations throughout Kansas and Missouri serving all of Kansas and parts of Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and places beyond. A total of 200 employees are dedicated to serving your needs, including a 24/7 emergency service.

Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. ranks No. 65 in size in the Top 200 distributors in the nation in 2014 by Electrical Wholesaling. They are a “green” company working to conserve energy and save our environment. Services include fully trained Automation, DataCom, Lighting, Utility, and Energy Services Specialists. Reinvesting in the community is at the forefront of their business, donating to many worthy causes and organizations including Special Olympics for the state of Kansas. For more information, call (785) 628-8722.

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Medical and Dental Care The region�’s premiere medical home,

dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.

105 W. 13th 785.621.4990

www.rstcareclinic.com

Visit us online at discoverhays.com

cHamBer news

Join Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball, as well as Ellis County administration, for a joint Business After Hours from 5 to 7

p.m. Feb. 12 at 718 Main. Enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments, network your peers and learn about the two businesses.

A legislative forum will be at 8 a.m. Feb. 7 in the newly renovated Ellis County Commission chambers, 718 Main. Rep. Sue Boldra, R-Hays, and Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, will be

discussing the legislative process and happenings in Topeka. It’s a great opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions through written submissions to those representing Kansas.

We would like to thank the Annual Awards Banquet sponsors for the contributions.

Premier Sponsors: APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division, Diamond R. Jewelry, EnerSys, Insurance Planning Inc., ITC, Koerner Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, LDI, Midwest Energy Inc., Nex-Tech

Wireless, Sunflower Bank, Walmart.Award Sponsors: Eagle

Communications, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, Golden Belt Bank, James Motor Co., Sam’s Club.

Other Sponsors: Dr. Mirta Martin, Emprise Bank, Flowers by Frances, Northwestern Printers, Western Beverage.

Annual Awards BanquetFeb. 195:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m. program & awardsFHSU Memorial Union

Chamber closedFeb. 20

Monthly Membership LunchFeb. 27, noonSmoky Hill Country Club Program: City of Hays and Ellis County. Sponsor: Golden Belt Bank

Business After Hours

Eggs & Issues

Thanking Banquet Sponsors

Stepping Out Program New MembersThe businesses listed below recently

made an important investment by joining the Chamber. Please consider them for your needs, and let them know you learned about their business through the Chamber. Greetings to:

Boy Scouts of America,Coronado Area Council205 E. Seventh, Ste. 115

(785) 656-4208

Cindy Elliott(785) 628-3827

Riordan Clinic1010 E. 17th

(785) 628-3215

January correction:OH4F (Open Hands 4 the Fatherless)

(785) 621-2063oh4f.org

Receive a Chamber Cheque for each new business you recruit to become a Chamber Member.

Announcements

The Stepping-out program (formally known as Operation Renewal) is designed to offer our members the chance to engage with the Chamber through Ambassadors, Board of Directors or Chamber staff to share ideas, concerns, accomplishments or changes within their business. On Feb. 11, expect a visit from a Chamber representative to distribute a 2015 membership window decal for your business. Additional decals can be requested for multiple entries or drive-through windows.

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• Convenient e-Billing and bank payment options• Affordable Leased Security Lighting

1-800-222-3121www.mwenergy.com

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

memBer news

ITC Great Plains LLC, in conjunction with Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Mid-Kansas Electric Co., has placed the V-Plan high-voltage electric transmission line and the Clark County, Ironwood and Spearville substations into service in western Kansas. The 122-mile double-circuit, 345,000-volt transmission line is designed to connect eastern and western Kansas in order to improve electric reliability, enable energy developers to tap into the transmission grid and promote economic development in the region.

The Power of One scholarship campaign at Fort Hays State University came to a successful close Dec. 31, raising $12,050,073. The campaign originated as a tribute to retiring president Edward H. Hammond. Every dollar contributed to the campaign will make a difference for Fort Hays and will be used to establish scholarships for hard-working students in need of financial assistance. To learn how to make a difference in 2015, visit foundation.fhsu.edu.

Hays Medical Center recently opened the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic located in Oak Park Medical Complex (2501 E. 13th) Bldg. 4, Ste. 11 in Hays. Open seven days a week, hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The facility is walk-in only, no appointment. Patients must be 6 months and older. Ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an

adult. Co-pay and self-pay are due at time of service. Cash, credit and debit card or local checks accepted. For more information visit haysmed.com/convenientcare.

Insurance Planning Inc., presented a gift of $20,000 to Heartland Community Foundation to establish the Fred and Jean Berger Insurance Planning Inc. Charitable Fund. The gift honors Fred and Jean Berger, who founded Insurance Planning in 1968. The fund will be managed as a donor-advised fund of the local Heartland Community Foundation. This initial contribution includes the permanent endowed gift and additional funds to provide grants to local organizations and projects that directly support the senior population. Prior to Berger’s retirement from the agency, he devoted his time to working with seniors — primarily on long-term care insurance needs.

The American Red Cross is proud to announce the 12th annual Hays Battle of the Badges Blood Drive had an overwhelming response with 302 pints collected, more than the goal of 270. The Red Cross thanks the local law enforcement, firefighters and EMS who “battled” to see who could bring

in the most blood donors. Its success was secured by all who donated and volunteered. The real winners, however, are hospital patients in need of blood.

FHSU Science Cafe will be at 7 p.m. Feb.12 at Gella’s Diner, 117 E. 11th, Hays. Trey Hill, assistant professor of communication studies, will present “Sometimes truth is greater than fiction: Exploring common psychological myths and even more interesting psychological facts.”

Qdoba Mexican Grill is now offering catering service fresh from the kitchen. Catering is available for small groups 10 to 15 people and large groups 20 to 500 people. Qdoba hot-bar options include: hot taco bar, hot nacho bar and hot naked burrito bar. Handmade tortilla chips and salsa, as well as box lunches, are also available. Catering reservations can be made 24 hours prior to an event. For more information, call (785) 621-2515.

Nex-Tech is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement to acquire Computer Solutions Inc. CSI is headquartered in Smith Center, with satellite offices in Beloit, Concordia and McPherson. The purchase is expected to be finalized by April 1. CSI provides technology infrastructure solutions to organizations throughout Kansas.

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Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has served persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 47 years. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, it has established a DSNWK Development Fund to help secure the ability to meet growing demands for services and technology updates. It has also launched a website for individuals. Information about will and estate planning is available, as well as tools for professional advisors to keep current on tax changes, deduction calculators and advisor news. Visit dsnwk.giftlegacy.com or email Allen_Schmidt@DSNWK.org.

The Board of Directors of the Downtown Hays Development Corp. announced Sara Bloom, a native of Lindsborg and former Hays resident, has been named executive director. Bloom is grateful for the opportunity with the DHDC. She and her family are excited to return to the city they love. Bloom is confident her background and skill set will make a significant contribution to the Hays community.

The FHSU Management Development Center is excited to offer the following workshops to Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members for a 15-percent discount. Workshops being offered include: Effective Presentation Skills (Feb. 18), Performance Management (March 10), Customer Service (April 14) and Project Management (May 5-6).

For more information or to register, visit fhsu.edu/mdc/workshops. When registering online, use code 6298ztk to obtain the Chamber discount. For additional information, contact Sabrina William at (785) 628-4124 or slwilliam@fhsu.edu.

For the sixth consecutive year, Commerce Bank appears on Forbes’ annual list of America’s 10 best banks. Commerce is No. 9 on Forbes’ list, which rates the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts banks by overall financial health. In 2014, Commerce was No. 10 on the list. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes for six years in a row. We attribute much of our success to our high level of customer service, our commitment to the success of our communities and customers and consistent returns for our investors. We look forward to continuing that success in 2015,” said Deron O’Connor, president of the Hays market. Forbes ranked the 100 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts on nine measures of financial health: return on average equity; net interest margin; nonperforming loans as a percentage of loans; nonperforming assets as percentage of assets; reserves as a percentage of NPLs; two capital ratios (Tier 1 and risk-based); leverage ratio and one-year sales growth. All of the data, outside of sales growth, was provided by Charlottesville, Va., financial data firm SNL Financial

Ann Zlamal was named managing principal with Waddell & Reed in western Kansas. After a career as a speech therapist, Zlamal entered the securities industry in 1997,

joining Waddell & Reed in 2012. She has had prior positions as financial advisor, branch manager and regional manager with a variety of firms. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, swimming and horseback riding, as well as being a proud aunt to her eight nieces and one nephew.

Rejuvenations Day & Med Spa is excited to announce Traci Stanford has joined the team as spa business manager. She has expertise and skills in community relations. Stanford is a 2009 graduate of FHSU, is married to Jerrod Stanford and has a baby, Ivy Faith.

The Fort Hays State University spring Entrepreneur Direct Speaker Series will feature Scott Redler, chief operating officer and co-founder of Freddy’s Custard & Steakburgers, and Jason Ingermanson, the largest franchisee of Freddy’s. The entrepreneur direct presentation will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. March 3 in the FHSU Ballroom, Memorial Union. Students, faculty and the community are invited to the free event.

Mark your calendars for Heartland Community Foundation’s one-day community matching event, Match Madness, on March 10. On that day, donors make a contribution to the endowment fund of one or more of the participating charities. The foundation will match that donor gift with a grant to the charities. Heartland’s matching pool is $9,000.

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

memBer news

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Switch now with the phone and tablet

BuyBack Program!

Nex-Tech Wireless4310 N Vine, Hays785-621-3670

Nex-Tech Wireless • The Mall2918 Vine St, Hays785-639-1461

1. Tell us about your current position.I am vice president and branch manager at the

Emprise Bank West location. I have been with the bank for 28 years. In addition to the branch manager duties, I am involved in all types of loans, especially real estate.

2. Why do you feel it is important to be involved in the Chamber Ambassador Program?

As an Ambassador, I feel I am representing the city of Hays. I am also learning about new businesses in Hays and the ones that have been here for years. We sponsor many events for the community, and it is great to be a participant. Last but not least, it is a privilege to network with so many individuals.

3. What is your favorite Ambassador memory? My favorite memory is learning how I became an

Ambassador. Without my knowledge, I was nominated, voted on and approved to join. I was pleasantly surprised. Now, the event leading up this did involve “beverages” — need I say more?

4. How long have you been serving as an Ambassador?I have been an Ambassador for 17 years, and all

of those years have been a great experience. I can’t remember not being an Ambassador.

5. What do you enjoy most about living and/or working in the Hays community and surrounding area?

I have lived in Hays most of my life. It is a great community to raise a family, and there are so many opportunities for everyone. I enjoy running into someone I know everywhere I go.

AmbassadorscHamBer programs

Hays Area Young Professionals

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1. Tell us about your current position.I’m currently an inside sales rep at Nex-

Tech, providing business IT and communications solutions to customers all over the state. I work closely with our outside reps to deliver the best service possible.

2. Why is it important for you to be involved in HAYP?

HAYP is a great way to network with local peers from all kinds of industries. You can share similar experiences, find valuable resources and form some great connections and friendships.

3. What other community activities are you

involved in?Besides HAYP, I am also a CASA volunteer,

a member of the Sister Cities Committee and on the selection committee for the Avi Kempinski Memorial Scholarship.

4. What goals do you have for the year? I would like to challenge myself to have

more focus and purpose in my community involvement to make sure I’m helping to make progress.

5. What do you enjoy most about living and/or working in the Hays community?

Our residents care about our community; they enjoy living here and are proud of it. It shows in the vast involvement of community members on every level.

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Connie Bollig,Emprise Bank

Olga Detrixhe, Nex-Tech Inc.

New HAYP MembersWelcome and congratulations to our newest HAYP members:

• Hillary Penrod, Astra Bank • Trevor Ottley, Mid-Kansas Auto Auction LLC

• Nicole Walz, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

Official Ambassador Photo An Ambassador group photo will be taken at the Annual Banquet on Feb. 19. Arrive to the FHSU Stouffer Lounge

at 4:45 p.m. Attire: navy or black suit (pants or skirt acceptable for women), white button-down shirt, red tie (men), and name tag.

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

For a listing of upcoming events, visit the HAYP Facebook

page at facebook.com/HaysAreaYoungProfessionals

austria/germany trip

cHamBer cHats riBBon cuttings

Emprise Bank, 1011 E. 27th St. (785) 624-6514 emprisebank.com

INSPIRE Body Mind Spirit, 5790 230th Ave(785) 650-7505 inspirebodymindspirit.com

Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3310 E. Vine St.(785) 621-2515 qdoba.com

Court House & Law Enforcement Center3000 New Way Blvd., Hays

(785) 625-1040 for the sheriff’s office (785) 625-1050 for the jail

Tiger Gold on Friday (TGOF)www.fhsu.edu/tgof

Astra Bank, 3310 Vine St.(785) 621-2444 bankwithastra.com

Day 1: Depart U.S. on an overnight flight to Munich, Germany.Day 2: Arrive in Munich/ Innsbruck; served twice as host to the Winter Olympics.Day 3: Innsbruck/City Tour: visit the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, Olympic

Stadium and more.Day 4: Optional Salzburg Tour: explore Cathedral of Salzburg, Mozart’s

birthplace and more.Day 5: Bavaria, Munich and Oktoberfest: tour the beer capital of the world during

Oktoberfest.Day 6: Optional Merano Tour: wine tasting in Italy.Day 7: Neuschwanstein Castle: tour the castle and its enchanting alpine views.Day 8: Optional Mittenwald/Garmisch Tour: violins and art.Day 9: Depart Innsbruck for U.S.

Extended Stay Tour (additional $599/person, double occupancy)Day 9: Romantic Road/ Nürnberg: remarkable Bavarian scenery and royal

medieval city tour.Day 10: Nürnberg: German Renaissance, German Royalty and famous German

artisans.Day 11: Depart Nürnberg for U.S.

Abbreviation Legend:AMB = Ambassador LH = Leadership HaysBAH = Business After Hours RC = Ribbon CuttingCC = Chamber Chat ML = Membership LunchHAYP = Hays Area Young Professionals WC = Welcome Center

For details, see your weekly emails.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun

feBruary calendar of eVents

Executive Circle Chamber Members

“Thanks to these businesses for making the ultimate investment!”

ENCLOSED FLYERS ARE NOT ENDORSEMENTS OF THE HAYS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THEY ARE

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS BY CHAMBER MEMBERS.

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LH, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CC, 9 a.m., Sunflower Bank (1010 E. 27th)AMB Team Captain, noon, Gutch’s

Eggs & Issues,8 a.m., Ellis County Administrative Building (718 Main, Basement Conference Room)

HAYP Advisory Council Meeting,noon, WC.

Chamber Board of Directors meeting, 4 p.m., WC.

HAYP Off the Clock, 5 to 7 p.m., Golden Q (809 Ash)

LH, 8:30 a.m. to noon (WC)RC, 9 a.m., Boy Scouts of America (205 E. Seventh, Ste.115)

CC, 9 a.m.,Covenant Builders(4101 Covenant Dr.)ML, noon, Smoky Hill Country Club( 3303 Hall)

Stepping-out Program w/AMB, 11 a.m. (WC) Executive Board Meeting, 4 p.m. (WC)

BAH, Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, 5 to 7 p.m., Ellis County Administrative Building (718 Main)

CC, 9 a.m.,Photos Phorever(213 W. 23rd)

Annual Awards Banquet, 5:30 p.m. social; 7 p.m. program and dinner(FHSU Memorial Union)

Chamber closed

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