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By Alice C. HuntCommunications Director

Leadership Lawrence will celebrate three veteran volunteer leaders and 37 program graduates during Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013 graduation. The program will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Alvamar Country Club.

Cindy Yulich will receive the Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer Award, and Mike Wildgen will receive the Watson M. Buford Public Service Award. The Don Volker Leadership Award recipient will be announced that night.

Yulich is being recognized for leading the search for the Chamber’s new President & CEO search in late 2011 and early 2012. Yulich, who served on the Chamber Board of Directors for five years, and as Board Chair in 2011, volunteered to take on what became a seven-month search for the new President & CEO, resulting in the hiring of Greg Williams.

“It’s an honor to receive this award, particularly since it honors the legendary Wally Galluzzi,” Yulich said. “There have been so many people pulling together the last few years to make the Lawrence Chamber, and our community, stronger and better that I’m extremely humbled by the recognition.  It’s been my privilege to be a part of that effort!”

6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 26Alvamar; 1809 Crossgate Drive$35 - Food and drinks included

Register at LawrenceChamber.com

Help us celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Lawrence Class of 2013! We will also recognize recipients of the following:• Don Volker Leadership Award• Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer

Award• Buford Watson Public Service Award

Thank you to our sponsors:

Volume 2, Issue 2

The ConnectionA publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

March/April 2013

2013 Leadership Lawrence Graduation

37 will graduate Leadership Lawrence; 3 volunteers will be honored April 26

LL

Galluzzi served as a Chamber Board member and as the first Envoy Committee Chairman in 1982. Wally was president of Haskell Indian Junior College from 1970 to 1981.

Mike Wildgen has, informally, become a professional interim leader for local organizations, helping them through periods of transition. He has been an interim leader at the Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence Humane Society, Watkins Museum of History and the City of Eudora. Wildgen is currently interim director at Douglas County Senior Services.

The Buford M. Watson Public Service Award is given to a member of the community who volunteers with the city, county or school district. It is given in memory of Buford Watson, who served as

Photo by Sue Hack/Chamber StaffEach month, Leadership Lawrence class members studied a leadership competency and a facet of life in Lawrence and Douglas County. The class will graduate April 26.

2013 Class Sponsor

OrthoKansasICL Performance ProductsAlvamarCapital City BankJeff Peterson - Edward JonesMcDonald’s

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By Greg Williams, CEcDLawrence Chamber President & CEO

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, along

with its allied partners at the City of Lawrence, Douglas County and The Economic Development Corporation of Lawrence and Douglas County, has recognized that over the years there have been missed economic development opportunities throughout the region.

Over the past year, the Chamber has been reengineered and reinvigorated — determined to go in a new strategic direction with ambitious objectives. With this momentum now in place, we’re launching a pro-active and progressive multi-year initiative to fund economic development. We intend to become the leading force for economic vitality in the Lawrence and Douglas County region. Our leadership team is strongly supportive, as are our allied partners.

The time is now.To prepare for our three-year economic

development capital campaign, which we’ll kick off very soon, we conducted a simple “peer city” review of economic

development organizations and their funding levels. In Bloomington, Ind., more than $900,000 of private-sector dollars support the local economic development program. In Boulder, Colo., the private sector funds nearly $825,000 of that program annually. In Iowa City, Iowa, the annual funding exceeds $775,000. The private sector in Norman, Okla., supports their local economic development program with more than $450,000 annually. In 2013, The Chamber’s economic development program is funded with less than $80,000 of private-sector dollars.

Many have heard me say, “We’re a not-for-profit organization trying not to act like one.” We’ve made tremendous operational and programmatic strides in a short time. But to accomplish all that we want, and need, to accomplish, we need dollars. And money, unfortunately, doesn’t grow on trees.

It’s our intention to lead the business retention, expansion and attraction efforts in the region through aggressive marketing and relationship building with national site location consultants, real estate advisors and company decision-makers. We will create a regional message that resonates both locally and nationally. It’s our goal to develop and implement a local

entrepreneurship program in conjunction with the KU School of Business.

With adequate funding, we will work to enhance the region’s talent development agenda and attract quality technical education programming to the community. We will provide a one-stop-shop for regional data, demographics and real estate opportunities and build and deliver a strong, consistent and accountable investor relations program.

Our metrics will measure our success by the amount of new capital investment we help facilitate, the number of net new jobs created or retained for our region as well as the percent increase in per capita income levels.

This bold new plan is resonating with business leadership and there is a tremendous amount of support locally for The Chamber’s plan to market the region, encourage the expansion of existing business and recruit new employers. To be successful, we need not only the moral support of our private-sector but the financial support as well. You’ll certainly be hearing more about this campaign in the near future and I hope when your business or professional organization is asked, you’ll support the program. Thank you.

Capital campaign raises funds to attract business, jobsA Message from the CEO

Coffee & ConversationBioscience and Technology Business CenterBioscience and Technology Center, 2029 Becker DriveLaVerne Epp, president and chair of the Bioscience and Technology Business Center, will discuss the state of biosciences development in Lawrence and Douglas County.

7:30-9 a.m. FREEChamber Members & Invited Guests Only - No reservations required.

Contact Cathy Lewis at 785.865.4406or clewis@lawrencechamber.com

– April 16

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city manager from 1970 to 1989.The Don Volker Leadership Award is

given to exemplary volunteer leaders in the community. The award was established by the 1983 Class of Leadership Lawrence in memory of Don Volker. Volker was the primary force in establishing the Leadership Lawrence program, and served as its first chairman until his death in December 1982.

This is the 31st class to complete the Leadership Lawrence program, which includes community members from all

walks of life to attend nine classes over as many months. The class members learn about a variety of facets of the community including government, economic development, arts and media, and other topics. Participants also learn about the leadership competencies from the Kansas Leadership Center.

All are invited to celebrate at the graduation. Tickets are $35, and food and drink is provided. Register at www.LawrenceChamber.com or call 785.865.4411.

 LEFT: Brad Finkeldei, Co Vice-Chair of the Chamber’s Government & Community Affairs Committee, chats during the Chamber’s visit to the Capitol Building in Topeka March 6.

RIGHT: U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins talks with Chamber members during her March 26 visit to Lawrence.

Government & Community AffAirs updAte

Call Us First: Chamber Committee Works To Help Existing Business

Photos by Alice C. Hunt / Chamber Staff

Lawrence Chamber Advocacy

 The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Government & Community Affairs team has been busy advocating on behalf of businesses in Lawrence.

In early March, more than a dozen Chamber members went to Topeka to meet with lawmakers and raise awarness of the Chamber’s commitment to “Bringing Business to Kansas.” Members provided breakfast to the legislators, and then met with the local contingent and key leaders, including Gov. Sam Brownback.

The committee also arranged for U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins to meet with Chamber members to discuss budgetary concerns in Washington that may have an effect on local and regional business.

The Chamber was also active online with a “Your Vote Matters” social media campaign leading up to the days of the April 2 local election, encouraging Chamber members to vote, both in advance and on Election Day.

A new “Eggs & Issues” program has been scheduled for Saturday, April 13, at the Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Drive. The program will run from 8-9:30 a.m. and feature local state representatives, wrapping up this year’s legislative session. The cost is $15 and the event is open to the public.

The Government & Community Affairs Committee meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month at the Chamber offices. For information or to join the committee, please contact staff liaison to the committee Eileen Hawley at ehawley@lawrenechamber.com or 785.865.4408.

Leadership Lawrence (from page 1)

By Sean M. JohnsonEconomic Development Project Manager

Ribbon cuttings, networking opportunities, marketing opportunities and business attraction and retention. All are part of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s job, but we are also here to help with your business’s day-to-day needs.

Need assistance navigating updated legislation affecting your industry? Looking to expand but not sure where to start? In need of fresh demographic information for the region to help your business thrive?

Whether you opened your business’s doors 20 days or 20 years ago, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Existing Business Support Committee is here for you.

The comittee, chaired by Brian Iverson of INTRUST Bank, works with various community economic development partners in the region to help existing businesses overcome challenges and discover new economic opportunities.

The committee is structured around a nucleus of committee members who represent a wide variety of experience and expertise. Upon identifying a business that needs help, the committee will mobilize to develop appropriate strategies to assist with overcoming the respective challenge.

As part of the Chamber’s “Regional Economic Sustainability” strategic priority, the committee has access to resources throughout the community and beyond. No matter what your challenge, the committee will help find a solution through its expansive network.

For information on this committee or for help with your business, contact Sean M. Johnson, Economic Deveopment Project Manager at sjohnson@lawrencechamber.com or 785.865.4425.

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For further information or to discuss possible sponsorship opportunities for your business, please contact Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or (785) 865.4427.

The Sand Trap Classic

Take the WORK out of networking with the Chamber’s annual Sand Trap Classic!

This engaging and interactive signature event is a great opportunity for sponsors to engage prospective clients and customers in an atmosphere uncharacteristic of other corporate events.

Slated for May 3, at Alvamar Public Golf Course, the Sand Trap Classic is an 18-hole, four-person, scramble-format golf tournament.

The tournament structure provides sponsors countless avenues to meaningfully engage participants and create a lasting, positive impression for their businesses.

PLAYERS

TOURNAMENTINVITE

ON-SITE BANNER

TAKEAWAY PRIZE

EMAILCOMMUNICATIONS

CART SIGNAGE(on all carts)

WEBSITERECOGNITION

HOLESPONSORSHIP

BBQ/AWARDSDINNER

DOUBLE-EAGLE$4000

8

LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

LOGO

NA

LOGO

YES

8

EAGLE$2000

8

LOGO

LOGO

NA

NA

NA

LOGO

YES

8

GOLF CART$2000

4

LOGO

LOGO

NA

NA

LOGO

LOGO

NO

4

BIRDIE$1000

4

NAME

LOGO

NA

NA

NA

NAME

NO

4

HOLE$400

NA

NAME

NAME

NA

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NAME

YES

NA

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By Eileen HawleyVice President of Operations

The familiar messages begin each year about this time as the severe weather season in the Midwest begins to ramp up. We are told to prepare, to make a plan, to practice. Disaster can strike anywhere at any time. Preparedness messages are intended to encourage us – as business owners, family members and community residents – to have a plan in place to protect us when disaster strikes.

For the next several weeks, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will be sharing suggestions on steps its members can take to protect their businesses.

In the event of a disaster, what is the most common challenge a business will face? According to the New York Times, it is data loss. Think about how much of your business success relies on data: client lists, accounting files, employee information

and corporate history. Data loss can result from a number of causes including human error, malfeasance, hardware failure, theft or terrorism.

The Chamber is planning at least one event for later this year where members can hear direct from experts on how to protect their businesses from a variety of

Protect your business by preparing for disaster

Photo by Eileen Hawley / Chamber Staff

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Mortgage Officer Geoff Strole

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threats, including cyber terrorism. At a recent conference of computer security professionals, 79 percent believed there would be a “major” cyber terrorism attack within the next year, with utilities and financial institutions the most likely targets. That opinion is shared by the Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control System Cyber Emergency Response Team which responded to 198 cyber incidents last year.

When we consider protecting our business investment through preparedness planning, we must consider the full spectrum of potential disasters. In addition to severe weather season, businesses today must plan for a pandemic or epidemic illness, excessive heat, interruption of power, terrorism or flood. By planning for the worst, we can protect our families, employees and business investment.

Statistics vary, but the consensus is that between 25 and 40 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. According to the American Red Cross, that number rises to 80 percent when a business is unable to reopen with 30 days.

You have invested time and energy into making your business successful. Developing a Continuity of Operations (COOP) and disaster recovery plan will help ensure your business recovers as quickly as possible. The American Red Cross “Ready Rating” program offers businesses and organizations a model that can help them become better prepared for emergencies.

Here are some initial steps to consider as you develop or refine your disaster recovery plan:• Conduct a risk assessment for your

business. We all face common risks in flooding, severe weather or pandemics, but consider risks that may be unique to your business and rank them according to likelihood and impact;

• Remember that employee safety is paramount to your business success. Create and practice evacuation plans for employees;

• Determine how you will communicate with employees in the event of a disruption of business if phones and the server are down;

• Maintain current contact information for employees and customers;

• Recognize that in times of crisis, your employees will view family as their top priority. Develop disaster recovery and continuity plans that include flexible work schedules;

• Consider an alternate location where you can do business if your own facility is unavailable;

• Review your preparedness plan to ensure that it actually can be implemented. Consider challenges to implementation and make sure you have back-up plans in place;

• Determine your core business functions, those things you absolutely have to do to remain in business and prioritize accordingly;

• Talk with your key suppliers in advance to develop a plan to keep you supplied during a disaster.

The Chamber’s goal is to help you – our members – protect your investments by providing resources that help you identify potential risks and ways to minimize them. Over the next few weeks, watch your Chamber Matters, the Chamber website and Facebook for suggestions on protecting your business.

Photo Courtesy of Institute for Business and Home Safety

DID YOU KNOW?

On May 4, 2007, 25 separate tornadoes were

reported in Kansas. But one – an EF5 with a

1.7 mile-wide vortex – traveled 22 miles, clear

through Kiowa County destroying 95 percent of

Greensburg, Kansas and killing nine people.

RESOURCESSmall Business Administrationhttp://www.sba.gov/content/disaster-preparedness

American Red Cross Ready Ratinghttp://www.readyrating.org/BusinessSplash.aspx?gclid=CKKd9uXiqrYCFetAMgodewkA_A

State of Kansas “Kansas Ready” websitehttp://www.ksready.gov/

Kansas Division of Emergency Managementhttp://www.kansastag.gov/kdem_default.asp

Douglas County Emergency Managementhttp://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/em_home.aspx

Be Prepared (from page 5)

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Ribbon Cuttings

February 19, 2013Douglas County Dental Clinic2210 Yale Rd.

February 15, 2013LHBA Home ShowCrown Automotive, 3430 Iowa St.

March 5, 2013A Helping Hand Home Care1425 Oread West

March 7, 2013Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church –

150th Anniversary847 Ohio St.

February 5, 2013Marinello Schools of Beauty

1601 W. 23rd Street, Ste. 204

March 14, 2013Prairie Land Insurance123 W. Eighth St., Suite 101

March 22, 2013AT&T Store3310 Iowa St. Suite A

Ribbon Cuttings

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Calendar of Events

Lawrence Chamber of CommerceEvents are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register for an individual event, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785-865-4411.

April 2: Ribbon Cutting: Pita Pit, 11:30 a.m., 1011 Massachusetts

April 9: Commuter Connection – Topeka, 11:30 a.m., Capitol Plaza, 1717 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612

April 11: Ribbon Cutting: Independence Inc., 4:30pm, 2001 Haskell

April 13: Eggs & Issues, 8-9:30 a.m., Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Dr. $15. www.LawrenceChamber.com. 785.865.4411.

April 16: Coffee & Conversation: Bioscience & Technology Center, 7:30 – 9 a.m., 2029 Becker Dr.

April 18: Business After Hours: Alvamar Country Club, 5 – 7 p.m., 1809 Crossgate Dr.

April 25: Ribbon Cutting: Edward Jones – Jeff Peterson, 4:30 p.m.,

730 New Hampshire, Ste. 212

April 26: Ribbon Cutting: LHBA Spring Parade of Homes, 11:30 a.m., Location TBD

April 26: Leadership Lawrence Graduation, Alvamar, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., 1809 Crossgate Dr.

April 30: Ribbon Cutting: Alvamar Country Club, 11:30 a.m., 1809 Crossgate Dr.

May 2: Ribbon Cutting: Chutney’s Indian Diner & Bar, 4:30 p.m., 918 Massachusetts

May 3: The Sand Trap Class Golf Tournament, Alvamar Public Golf Course, 11:30 a.m., 1809 Crossgate Dr.

May 7: Ribbon Cutting: ARCpoint Labs – Lawrence, 11:30 a.m., 600 Lawrence Ave.

May 8: Business of the Year Awards, Cider Gallery, 5-7 p.m., 810/812 Pennsylvania St.

May 9:: Ribbon Cutting: Midland Farm Store, 4:30 p.m., 1401 N. Diagonal Rd.

June 20: Summer Soiree, Oread Hotel, 5:30 – 8 p.m., 1200 Oread Ave.

For more events, visit www.lawrencechamber.com.

Agler & Gaeddert, Chtd.Allen Belot ArchitectAmerican Family Insurance - Ron

King Agency, Inc.Avon Independent Sales

RepresentativeB.C. & R. Storage Company, Inc.Bartlett & West, Inc.Bert Nash Community Mental

Health CenterBioscience & Technology Business

Center, Inc. - BTBCCapital City BankCEK Insurance, Inc.Chemstrade Phosphorous

Specialties, LICChild Care Aware of NE & NC KansasCircle S Ranch & Country InnClinton Parkway Animal HospitalColliers InternationalComfort Inn & SuitesComfortCare Homes of Baldwin CityComputerized Assessments &

LearningContinental Title CompanyCrown Toyota/Scion/Volkswagen,

Inc.Dazzlers Christian Dance

db dualityDeciphera Pharmaceuticals, LLCDennis M. SprattDesktop & DataSolutionsDillon StoresDouglas County District AttorneyDouglas County Senior Services, Inc.Douglas County TreasurerDowntown BarberEmprise BankEMR, Inc.Executive Residences, Inc.Francis, CarolGene Fritzel Construction Co. Inc.Gleason & Doty Chtd.Golf Course Superintendents

Association of AmericaGould Evans Associates, L.C.GPW & Associates L.L.C.Great American InsuranceGreat Plains Media:

1320AM/105.9FM/92.9FMGuidewire Consulting L.L.C.Hand Built Productions/Dalton

Paley PhotographyHilltop Child Development CenterHi-Tech Interiors, Inc.Home Instead Senior Care

Jos. A. Bank Factory StoreKastl Plumbing, Inc.Kathy Perkins, L.L.C.KBS Constructors, Inc.KnologyK-State Research & Extension –

Douglas CountyKU Memorial UnionsLandmark National BankLaser Logic, Inc.Lawrence Antique MallLawrence Arts CenterLawrence Board of RealtorsLawrence Habitat for HumanityLawrence Public SchoolsLawrence Workforce CenterLynn Electric, Inc.Mainline PrintingMcCownGordon ConstructionMcDonald’s RestaurantsMidland Adult Day Health CenterN. Daniel Ranjbar, D.D.S., P.A.,Oread MortgageOwens Flower Shop, Inc.P1 Group, Inc.Paley Properties/Caspian GroupPapa Keno’sParty America

Pickleman’s Gourmet CaféPine Family Landscape CenterPioneer Ridge Retirement

CommunityPremier Auto Co.Quality Structures, Inc.Sandbar SubsSchurle Signs, Inc.Schwada, SteveSchwartzburg, JamesSeamless Data Systems, Inc.Standard Beverage CorporationThe Bowersock Mills & Power

CompanyThe Edmonds Duncan GroupThe Kansas City StarThe University Daily KansanThe UPS Store – 5941tiny k Early InterventionTom Sloan, State RepresentativeToshiba Business SolutionsU.S. BankUMB BankVidricksen, AlWalmart #01-0484Weaver’s Inc.Westar Energy

Thank you! These businesses, organizations and individuals renewed their committment to the Lawrence business community through their Chamber membership: