SponSored by the Lawrence chamber of commerce

LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Our Vision

vitality in Lawrence and Douglas County.

Our Mission-

ests of our members and the Lawrence/Douglas County business community by:

• Advocating for local and regional competitive economic viability• Promoting civic leadership and community engagement

Mission & Visionthank its volunteer Board of Directors and their compa-nies for their dedication and commitment to economic development and community vitality in Douglas County. 2011 Executive Committee:Chair: Cindy Yulich, Emprise Bank Past Chair: Matt Hoy, Stevens & Brand, Incoming Chair: John Ross, Laser Logic Treasurer: Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank Secretary & President/CEO: Tom Kern

Permanent Ex-Officio Positions:

Haskell Indian Nations Univ.: Steve PrueUSD 497 Superintendent: Dr. Rick Doll

Board of DirectorsPhillip Brown, ICL PerformanceBradley Burnside, U.S. BankSheryle D’Amico, Lawrence Memorial HospitalBill Fuerst, KU School of BusinessGeorge Grieb, Lynn Electric, Inc.Saralyn Reece Hardy, Spencer Museum of ArtRodger Henry, Lawrence Medical PlazaTim Herndon, Landscape Architect / Urban PlannerKen Hite, Mize, Houser & CompanyErnesto Hodison, Douglas County BankDebra Vignatelli Konzem, Bright-EHRChad Luce, Westar Energy

Frank Male, Lawrence LandscapeMike McGrew, McGrew Real Estate

George Paley, Paley Properties/Caspian GroupDelbert Phlipot, Amarr Garage DoorTrudy Rice, Rice EnterprisesLinda RobinsonMiles Schnaer, Crown AutomotiveSteve Schwada, Meadowbrook Apts.

Paul Werner, Paul Werner Architects Constance Wolfe, Halcyon House & Lawrence Giveback

2011 Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785-865-4411.

Today: LED Source Ribbon Cutting, 10 E. Ninth St. Ste. B., 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Friday:KU School of Pharmacy, 2010 Becker Dr.

Aug. 25: Wayne & Larry’s Private Party Room ribbon cut-ting. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Aug. 30: Meadlowlark Estates Ribbon Cutting, 4430 Bauer Farm Dr., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Sept. 5:

Sept. 14: Taste of Lawrence Fall Mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meadowbrook Apartments. Members & Educators only.

Sept. 22: Leadership Lawrence Announcement Reception, 5-7 p.m. Landmark National Bank.

Sept. 24: -ship Lawrence scholarship.

Sept. 29: Leadership Lawrence Alumni Luncheon, Noon to 1 p.m., Morning Star Church. Alumni only.

Oct. 7: Crown Automotive Valor Awards Golf Tourna-ment. Alvamar Public Golf Course, 1809 Crossgate Drive. Registration at 11 a.m.

Oct. 12: Leadership Connections with Ron Alexander of the Kansas Leadership Center. (Leadership Lawrence Alumni event).

Oct. 18: Valor Public Safety Awards Luncheon. Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Dr. Details TBA.

Oct. 19: Business After Hours. 5-7 p.m. Lawrence Land-scape Tree Farm. 1185 N. 1250 Road. Members Only.

Nov. 1: Business Expo 2011 & Forecast Breakfast. Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Expo from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Dr.

Calendar of Events

Moving alongBy Tom Kern

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

As I begin to pack up boxes and load the moving truck to Steamboat Springs, I have been reflecting on my three

years here in Lawrence.When I arrived in 2008, the

community was just beginning to feel the effects of the national

the private sector, state funding for KU was in question and com-mercial and industrial develop-ment was basically at a standstill. But despite those sobering issues, Lawrence had some dynamic business development opportuni-ties.

Bioscience industry grows

Lawrence was expanding, with the Lawrence/Douglas County Bioscience Authority moving from concept to the reality of a $7.4 million incubator facility.

percent occupied and has more than 60 people working in the

-port from the Kansas Bioscience Authority, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County allowed De-ciphera and Crititech to remain and grow in our community.

KU’s Center for Research (KUCR) recruited nationally ac-claimed cancer and drug research faculty and was awarded one of the largest NIH grants in recent years, increasing its ability to

potential to expand the commer-cialization of KU research is re-stricted only by the limits we put on our own vision of the future.

become the bioscience center of the Great Plains never has looked more promising.

Economic diversity a must Light manufacturing is a

very important component of the Lawrence economic picture with over 20 small-to-large light manufacturers collectively em-ploying more than 5,000 people. In 2008/09 we experienced

employment sector including the closure of the Sauer Danfoss facility. Only recently have we seen signs of recovery including the approval of a $20 million Berry Plastics warehouse/distri-

bution center and the addition of a new manufacturer to our community—Plastikon, which will occupy the old Serological’s facility in the East Hills Business Park. We have also seen increases in employment at Hallmark, Am-mar, PROSOCO, DelMonte and Schlumberger.

Health care continues to be a positive economic force for the community. Lawrence Memorial Hospital has expanded with its medical facility in Eudora, added new cardiac and surgical groups and is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation to its main facility.

undergone major changes in the past three years with the arrival of a new Chancellor and Pro-vost along with new Deans in Business, Law and Music, a new Athletic Director and football coach. In the face of reduced state funding, KU remains a nationally recognized research university. From my perspective KU is the hidden gem within our region.

Hard work, great things ahead

Lawrence, I believe that while we have made progress on a number of issues there is much still to be done for Lawrence to achieve its full potential and become an even

.yadot si ti naht ytinummoc rettebLooking toward the future, we have begun the Kansas Research Nexus, with our economic development partners in Topeka and Manhattan. Together we will market the 85-mile I70 corridor as the bioscience/food safety/animal health center of the Great Plains.

With additional industrial inventory, we can solicit new industry including light manufac-turing, warehousing and distribu-tion facilities to reinforce our tax base. Downtown can continue to be the economic center of the community, but it will require a focus on balancing the needs of

that downtown Lawrence is a great place but it will take effort on everyone’s part to make it a better place for all.

I have enjoyed my time here in Lawrence. It is a great community with friendly hard working and engaged residents and businesses. People are passionate about Lawrence and that is one of its greatest attributes.

I wish each and everyone one of you the very best.

By Chamber StaffLawrence Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Lawrence is honored to an-nounce the inaugural winner of the Gavin Smith Scholarship, Crystal McWhirt, owner

“Crystal is a more than worthy recipient,” said Melissa Smith, Gavin’s wife. “We were looking for a small business owner who is passionate about Lawrence and has the desire to give back to their community for years to come. We had several wonderful applicants, but Crystal’s humbleness, drive and passion made her stand above the rest.”

business owner/entrepreneur who will com-mit the necessary time to the Leadership Lawrence program but cannot afford the tuition.

“Being awarded this scholarship is the highest compliment and I am honored to have this opportunity,” McWhirt said. “I have been interested in Leadership Lawrence

for years but as a small business owner, the cost and time

scholarship removes one of those elements and I knew it was a sign to jump on the opportunity to apply.”

McWhirt opened

in Oklahoma in 2004 before relocating to Lawrence in March, 2007. A graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, she had a passion for photog-raphy even as a child.

high school seniors, but it also provides photography services for families, pet owners, business owners and commercial work.

By Chamber Staff

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

to an active community member and 2009

Smith Scholarship will make it possible for small business owners and entrepreneurs to become part of the Leadership Lawrence experience.

Smith was an active member of the Lawrence community and owner of a small business, Fatso’s Public House and Stage. Following his death on Sept. 28, 2010, his family and friends began to search for the best way to honor his life and his passion for Lawrence. Ultimately they decided to host the Gavin Smith Memorial Golf Invitational, to raise funds for an organization Smith cared deeply about.

“We put a lot of thought into what

Invitational. We wanted it to be something that Gavin was passionate about and Gavin

-ship Lawrence,” said his wife Melissa Smith. “His experience in the class of 2009 inspired him to be a better small business owner and Lawrencian. After each monthly class he bounded through the front door of our home rejuvenated and excited about being a citizen of Lawrence, Kansas.”

Long-time friend and 2008 Leadership Lawrence graduate Bryan Culver remembers Smith’s excitement when he was accepted into the 2009 class. “He would often ask me about my experiences in the program and seemed very interested in applying,” Culver said. “When he was selected for the Class of 2009, he was ecstatic and as he learned more about the Lawrence community and further

developing his leadership skills, Gavin grew even more excited about actively being a part of our community going forward.”

It was an easy decision then to approach Leadership Lawrence about creating the Gavin Smith Scholarship to help other small business owners like Gavin be a part of this community leadership program. A com-mittee consisting of Culver of Peoples Bank, Jandi Smith of Knology, Leigh Moore of Landmark National Bank, Megan Poindexter of the Lied Center, Matt Llewellyn of 23rd Street Brewery, Gavin’s wife Melissa Smith,

Adam Handshy, Lawrence Chamber of Com-merce and Leadership Lawrence Executive Director Sue Hack formed the scholarship selection committee.

“It’s so humbling to know that this pro-

that his family has chosen to honor that life by making it possible for others to participate in it,” said Hack. “We are excited that Gavin Smith will always be a part of Leadership Lawrence through the generosity of his family and friends.”

Funds for the scholarship will be raised through the Gavin Smith Memorial Invita-tional golf tournament, to be held at Alvamar on Sept. 24, one year to the date of Gavin’s death.

“My hope is that we take this opportunity not only to remember an amazing person, but also to rejoice in the love and support of friendship and family. Without that, none of us would have survived losing Gavin,” Me-lissa said. “One of the most important things that Gavin taught me, and there were many,

loved is unparalleled and with this event we hope everyone is reminded of that and will try to emulate that love in their own lives.”

New Leadership Lawrence scholarship remembers Fatso’s owner Gavin Smith

2011

5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday

September 14, 2011Meadowbrook Apartments grounds

(Bob Billings & Crestline Dr.)

Members & Educators Only

will host “Coffee with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins” at 9 a.m., Friday at the KU School of Pharmacy.

when Jenkins was called back to Congress.Following a brief presentation,

Jenkins will take questions from those in

attendance. Elected to Congress in 2008 to represent the Second District of Kansas, Jenkins (R-Kansas) serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

members and the public.Visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call

785.865.4411.

Rep. Jenkins takes questions, comments Friday

CROWN AUTOMOTIVE VALOR AWARDS GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Crystal Image

I truly believe Gavin would be

deeply honored to see that this

scholarship was established in his

name to give future small busi-

ness owners and entrepreneurs

the opportunity to be part of a

community-focused program like

Leadership Lawrence.

Bryan Culver on Gavin Smith

”

“

When: Friday, October 7, 2011

Time: Registration starts at 11 a.m. ; tee time is 1 p.m.

Where: Alvamar Golf Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive

Cost:

Download registration materials at lawrencechamber.com or call 785.865.4411.

When: Saturday, Sept. 24

Time: Registration starts at noon. Shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.Where: Alvamar Golf Club, 1809 Cross-gate Drive

Cost: $75 per player / $300 per 4-man team (Includes: green fees, cart, tee shirt, swag, team prizes & dinner/drinks to fol-low at Fatso’s) Payment due Sept. 10.

Info: http://TheGClassic.com/ or facebook.com/TheGClassic

The G Classic:

Honor Local Heroes -- EMS, Fire & PoliceProceeds benefit the Valor Public Safety Awards, recognizing

Douglas County’s public safety officers and giving scholarships to their children.

Photographer Crystal McWhirt earns inaugural Gavin Smith Scholarship