Contact Us

Steve DyerPresidentsdyer@gardencitychamber.net

Myca BunchVice Presidentmbunch@gardencitychamber.net

Sylvia LiraOffice Managerchamber@gardencitychamber.net

Mary WilsonAccounts Payablemwilson@gardencitychamber.net

Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce1511 E. Fulton TerraceGarden City, KS 67846

Office: 620.276.3264Fax: 620.276.3290www.gardencitychamber.net

15 - Legislative Coffee 10:00 a.m. - St. Catherine Hospital Cafeteria. Complimentary breakfast provided by St. Catherine Hospital

19 - Chamber Breakfast Presentations by Layla, Lucy & Co. and ServiceMaster Rapid Response. Location: The Golf Club at Southwind - 7:30 a.m.

20 - Business After HoursHosted by Kearny County Bank, 1910 E. Mary St. 5:00 -6:30 p.m.

&NEWS OMMERCE

GARDEN CITY AREA

February 2014

Our Mission

Improve the quality of life, aid in economic growth and development, represent the business community on legislative issues and pro-mote cooperation between the public and private sectors.

OMMERCE

GARDEN CITY AREA

VIEWS

Chamber to Honor Area Businesses at Banquet

Sponsored by:

February Events

Brungardt, Hower, Ward,

Elliott and Pfeiffer

“It’s Not Just Luck...When Preparation Meets Oppor-tunity” is the theme for the Garden City Area Cham-ber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet set for Thursday, March 13, 2014. Presenting Sponsor for the 2014 Banquet is Tyson Fresh Foods.

Each year the Chamber looks to recognize its member-ship for their support and dedication to the communi-ty by bringing them together for a night of fine dining and entertainment.

“Success in business is the result of hard work, prepa-ration and opportunity,” says Steve Dyer, Chamber President, “Of course luck is always helpful but if you are not ready for good things to happen, luck will turn from good to bad. We want to celebrate and recognize those businesses who have taken advantage of being prepared to succeed.”

In keeping with tradition, the Chamber will present the esteemed “Award of Merit” to one citizen that has exceeded the standards in their commitment to the Chamber and its goal of promoting local business. This year marks the 31st year of the award, which is kept secret from the recipient until the night of the event, has been awarded.

Beginning this year, the Chamber will present four new awards to recognize local businesses for their out-standing entrepreneurial achievements, successes and contribution to the community.

Companies and individuals may be nominated for these awards by Chamber members, employees and through self-nominations. Finalists and winners are determined by the Chamber’s selection committee following a specific set of criteria. The committee is comprised of Chamber board members and volunteers who specialize in different areas of business.

The Chamber will recognize businesses from the four following categories: • Small Business of the Year (1-20 employees) • Business of the Year (21+ employees) • Emerging Business of the Year • Non-Profit of the Year

Nominations for the individual business awards will be accepted at the Chamber through February 21, 2014.

Nomination forms are available via the Chamber’s website at www.gardencitychamber.net.

The 2014 banquet will be held inside the Dennis Perryman Athletic Complex of the Garden City Community College, located at 801 N. Campus Drive. The pre-ban-quet social will begin at 5:00 p.m. The banquet, catered by Great Western Dining, will feature several beef carving sta-tions and a wide variety of other main course and dessert options for all to enjoy.

The Chamber is also proud to present this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Tommy Spaulding, whowill speak to attendees regarding the value of building lasting, genuine business (and personal) entrepreneur-ial leadership skills. Mr. Spaulding is the New York Times bestselling author of the book, “It’s Not Just Who You Know,” which focuses on transforming your life by turning colleagues and contacts into lasting relation-ships. “I have heard Mr. Spaulding speak and he is amazing.” says Dyer, “His real life experiences along with his strong com-munication skills make him one of the top speakers to ever present in Garden City.”

HENK’SCarpet & Upholstery

Cleaners

2014 Night out in TopekaOn January 27, 2014 the Southwest Kansas Chambers of Commerce, com-prised of Chamber executives from Garden City, Dodge City, Grant County, Hugoton, Liberal and Scott City hosted the annual “Southwest Kansas Night Out in Topeka.”

The focus of the event, held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, was to honor state-wide legislators and introduce them to southwest Kansas community and business members. All 40 state senators and 125 state representatives were invited and over 200 individuals attended the social event.

The goal of the Southwest Kansas Cham-bers of Commerce is to combine the strength of the local chambers in south-west Kansas to provide a positive impact on growth and development in the region by addressing regional issues, legisla-

tive concerns and internal issues within individual Chambers while maintaining the individuality of the local Chambers. In addition to the night out in Topeka, the Southwest Kansas Chambers also host the annual “Pheasant Hunt Dinner” each November in Finney County in conjunc-tion with the Sportsman’s Caucus Pheasant Hunt event.

Special Thanks to the 2014 Night Out in Topeka sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Finney County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Gold Sponsors: COX Communi-cations and Western State Bank; Silver Sponsors: AT&T, Black Hills Energy, United Wireless Communications, and Sunflower Electric; Bronze Sponsors: J&R Sand Co., National Beef, Wheatland Elec-tric, Southern Pioneer Electric, Pioneer Electric and Highlands Livestock.

2014 Night Out in Topeka! Top left - CVB Director Kimberlea Inderlied and CVB Asst Director Roxanne Morgan enjoy entertainment from the magician. Middle right - GCCC’s Beverly Schmitz-Glass, Down-town Vision Director Nicole Lucas and Liz Sosa of Inkt Graphics enjoy the evening social. Bottom Right - Dan Schenkein, Dodge City Chamber Director, plays along with the magician. Bottom Right - Garden City’s Chamber President Steve Dyer poses with Chamber Board Member Mark Hinde of SDSI and Liz Sosa. Middle right - Community members from southwest Kansas attend the 2014 event in Topeka.

The Kearny County Bank has been very pleased about its entry into the Garden/Finney County market

with the acquisition of the Garden City State Bank in October 2012. Kearny County Bank has brought enhanced fi-nancial strength to consumers and busi-nesses of the area and is continuing the tradition of “Personalized local banking with people you know.” As of December 31, 2013 the bank’s capital position was in excess of $28,000,000 and totals were over $186,000,000. It is one of the oldest continually operated, locally organized businesses in southwest Kansas. The Kearny County Bank was organized in 1888 with $11,000 in capital. The banks’ first home was in the Spivey & Holmes building at the southeast corner of Main & Waterman in Lakin. The building was built in 1885 to house the Bank of Lakin which closed in 1887. In 1900, Kearny County acquired the build-ing to use as a jail and courthouse while The Kearny County Bank remained in the front of the building. By 1906 the bank and community had grown substantially and the bank moved to a new building across the street. Upon the bank’s 75th anniversary in 1963, the bank moved two blocks north to a new facility at Main & Washington where it remains today. In 1935, Kearny County Bank merged with the Deerfield State Bank. At the time, the Campbell family members were the primary stockholders in the bank the Deerfield State Bank and minority share-holders in The Kearny County Bank. Due to this common ownership, it was decided to merge and move the assets to The Kearny County Bank. In 1946, officials from Garden National Bank in Garden City acquired majority control of The Kearny County Bank and the Lakin State Bank and subsequently

consolidated the two entities. Less than ten years later in 1955, majority control of the bank was returned to Kearny County with the purchase of Garden Na-tional Bank interest in the bank by Dan Ratzlaff, J.R. Hutton, and Clyde Beymer, Jr. Since then, the Beymer family has acquired majority control of the bank while minority shareholders are descen-dants of the Campbell family.

Gary Beymer, current bank president, came to the bank in 1976 and became the executive officer in 1980 following the death of Richard Lucas. At that time, Bob Beymer was hired as the bank’s cashier and today serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Trust Officer. Other Beymer family members employed by the bank are Gary’s sons, Brick, a Trust Officer, Blake, a Loan Offi-cer and Bob’s daughter, Taryn works as a teller. Mike Dykstra is the current Chief Executive Officer and Todd Dauber is the Branch President of Garden City office. The current board of directors are Bob Beymer, Chairman, Gary Beymer, Dixie Beymer, Mike Dykstra, Earle Rice, Frank Reifschneider and Doug Laubach. Reifschneider and Laubach were the or-ganizers of the Garden City State Bank. The Kearny County Bank is a full service bank with locations in Lakin at 221 N. Main St., Lakin and 1910 E. Mary, Garden City. The bank’s strong capital structure allows it to offer competitive pricing on all types of deposits and loans. In addition, the bank is in process of enhancing its commercial services with the addition of commercial online bank-ing with ACH, wire transfer and remote deposit capture capabilities. On the con-sumer side, the bank is adding mobile banking and remote deposit capture. Above all, the bank’s employees are experienced and committed to providing you or your business a great, mutually beneficial banking experience!

Spotlight on...

The Kearny County Bank

Kearny County Bank - 1906 Kearny County Bank - 2014

February Beverage Sponsor

On January 4, 2014 the Chamber, along with the members of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee hosted its annual Legis-lative Caucus event at the Clarion Inn. Legislators from southwest Kansas were invited to the breakfast meeting and Representatives John Doll, Bud Estes, John Ewy, Don Hineman and Russ Jennings participated in the discussion.

The Caucus serves as the unveiling of the Chamber’s annual Legisla-tive Agenda which addresses issues such as Housing, Transportation, Healthcare, Immigration Reform and Workforce Development and Job Creation. Members of the Government Affairs Committee, led by Mark Hinde, Committee Chair, presented each Legislative Agenda item to the representatives. The representatives were then given time to speak regarding the topics and provide feedback as to what legis-lative action may be taken during the 2014 legislative session and its effect on Finney County.

OMMERCE

GARDEN CITY AREA

Around the block

GC Optometrists welcomes Dr. DahlGarden City Optometrists, the office of Drs. Hoch, Williams, Gerstberger and Nguyen, are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Brandon Dahl. Dr. Dahl is a 2009 graduate of the Southern College of Optometry who speaks fluent Spanish and is accepting new patients beginning February 12th. Dr. Dahl is in the Garden City office Monday through Friday. Garden City Optometrists is located at 707 E. Kansas Ave and can be reached at (620) 276-3381.

United Way welcomes new board membersThe Finney County United Way would like to welcome new board members Tanner Lucas from Western State Bank, Celyn Hurtado from the City of Garden City and Nikki Omenski. They would also like to say ‘thank you’ to retiring board members Bob Halloran and Carol Lee who both served from 2008-2013. Their expertise will be truly missed.

Miles of Smiles welcomes new program directorMiles of Smiles would like to welcome Kate Howland as the new program di-rector. Since taking over, Howland has been visiting with the staff and meeting numerous community partners. “I am thrilled to be a part of such an incredible organizations, “ says Kate, “As I get to know more of our volunteers and learn more about the program, I continue to be amazed at the level of dedication and passion exhibited by everybody. My primary goal right now is to listen and learn from our volunteers and strive for the best with the program.” Welcome Kate Howland!

Western Kansas Communi-ty Foundation grantsThe totals are in and the Western Kansas Community Foundation granted out over $1 million in 2013 including over $85,000 in scholarships. Because of local community members, the WKCF continues to grown and give to area non-profits for the improved quality of life in southwest Kansas. For informa-tion on how your favorite non-profit can receive a grant, call the WKCF office at (620) 271-9484 and Shea, Melissa or Troy will be happy to help. You can also visit our website at www.wkcf.org.

Museum announces brown bag lunch seriesThe annual noon-hour Brown Bag Lunch Series will get underway soon at the Finney County Historical Museum with a different free presentation each Tuesday for the public, as well as for members of the Finney County Histor-ical Society. Everyone is welcome to bring their own lunch, with beverages and dessert provided. Each program runs approximately one hour, beginning at noon in the meeting room of the mu-seum at 403 S. Fourth Street in Finnup Park. Call (620) 272-3664 for more information.

LHD welcomes new staff accountantsLewis, Hooper & Dick, LLC is proud to announce the addition of Jessica L. Currier and Jeremy J. Fincham to its professional staff. As a staff accountant Currier provides accounting, audit, tax and consulting services to the firm’s clients. She is a Ft. Hays State University graduate. Fincham joins the firms as a staff accountant where he will assist the firm’s clients with their audit, tax and consulting needs. Fincham holds a Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration for KSU.

Big Brothers/Sisters Board OpeningsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Finney and Kearny Counties is currently looking for dedicated individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Each board mem-ber is responsible for the development of the organizations immediate and long range objectives. If you are interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters contact Tammy Davis, Executive Director, at (620) 275-2424.

Legislative HotlineKansas residents can now access infor-mation on state government, legislation, and public policy issues by calling (800) 432-3924. Each call is received and answered by research librarians at the State Library of Kansas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Callers can also leave messages for legislators, sub-mit a request for copies of bills, commit-tee meetings, voting records and other information regarding current legisla-tion. Individuals may also text questions to (785) 256-0733.

Have exciting news within your organization you would like to share with the community? Send your informa-tion to mbunch@gardencitychamber.net by the 20th of each month and we will include it in the next “Around the Block” section of the Chamber newsletter.

Chamber hosts Legislative Caucus

WelcomeNew Chamber Members

People are our Priority.

“We make it happen, you make it home.”

1135 College Drive, Suite AGarden City, KS 67846

Ph: (620) 271-9500Fax: (620) 271-9515

www.hometownrealestategc.com

ConsolidatedPrinting

for all your printing needs

www.consolidatedprinting.com

Hours

Business After

Wednesday, February 19, 2014Check -in - 7:00 a.m. / Program - 7:30 A.M.

The Golf Club at SouthwindSponsors:

Layla, Lucy & Co.and

ServiceMaster Rapid ResponsePresenting

Sponsor:Marketing

Sponsor: Southwind

Thursday, February 20, 2014

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by:

Join us at Kearny County Bank located at 1910 E. Mary St. for the

February Business After Hours!

networking - great food - cash prizes & giveaways

Attend the February Chamber Breakfast and register to win two tickets to see ALAN JACKSON in Dodge City

courtesy of The Golf Club at

American Warrior, Inc. 3118 Cummings RdGarden City, KS 67846(620) 275-2963Oil Production

Connell Enterprises1111 N. 9th St.Garden City, KS 67846(620) 287-0343www.connellenterprises.orgWeb Site Design

New York Life17901 P. Rd.Cimarron, KS 67835(620) 521-3177Financial Advisors

Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA)6300 W. 95th StreetOverland Park, KS 66212Utilities

Downey Lawn & Landscape, Inc211 E. SouleIngalls, KS 67853(620) 271-2629Irrigation Systems

Brown Sugar’s Family Restaurant & Bakery118 W. Kansas AveGarden City, KS 67846(620) 805-6635Restaurant & Bakery

VaporWave519 W. Mary St., #107Garden City, KS 67846(580) 749-0170E-Cigarettes/Lounge Jan 4, 2014 - Representatives John Ewy, Bud Estes, John Doll,

Russ Jennings and Don Hineman attend the 2014 Chamber Legislative Caucus at the Clarion Inn.

Chamber to facilitate Rental InspectionProcess Meeting

At a January City Commission meeting, a proposed inspection process and fee structure was presented to the City Commissioners for review. Many area rental property owners and managers were invited to attend the meeting and several individuals spoke with concerns regarding the proposal.

Several concerned parties asked that before the inspection process be finalized several things be considered from the City including a uniform checklist, a waiver of all penalties and fees and that the current self monitoring system remain in place with the City provid-ing mediation when complaints are filed.

Upon attending the commission meeting, Chamber President Steve Dyer met with Community Development and Inspections Director Kaleb Kentner and other City staff relating to the inspection process issue. During the meeting, City officials agreed to sit down with the Chamber and interested landlords to discuss possible solutions.

The Chamber will host City officials and rent-al property owners and landlords at a meeting on February 21, 2014 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 1511 E. Fulton Terrace. City staff has indicated they will bring ideas to the table for discussion and the Chamber will facilitate the meeting.

This is an open meeting and all interested parties are welcome to attend. For further questions or comments, please contact the Chamber at (620) 276-3264 or email chamber@gardencitychamber.net.

On March 4, 2014 the City of Garden City, the City of Holcomb and Finney County will put before voters the option of renewing the existing 1/4 cent sales tax which has been in place since 1997. If approved, the County will allocate the countywide sales tax to fund a new Community Corrections Service Center which will house the Community Corrections department, the Court Services offices and the Youth Services facilities. The three entities are currently located in difference locations within the City. The tax is not a permanent sales tax and would only be extended until the new Community Corrections Service Center project is paid off.

The City’s portion of the sales tax will go toward the City’s general fund to be used to offset revenue shortages and stabilize the City’s mill levy.

The rate is 1/4 cent per dollar of purchases (2.5 cents per $10 or 5 cents per $20). Sales tax revenue is paid by people who make purchases in Finney County regardless of where they live. The sales tax rate is Garden City is 8.30% .

Sales tax rates from communities around the state of Kansas are as follows: Dodge City - 8.80%; Great Bend - 7.90%; Hays - 8.40%; Hutchinson - 8.40%; Liberal - 8.40%; and Salina - 8.05%.

The election is on March 4, 2014. Mail in/ad-vanced voting begins February 12, 2014. The deadline to register to vote is February 11, 2014.

Garden City, Holcomb, County asking to continue 1/4 Cent Sales

Chamber Breakfast