Ellsworth-Kanopolis Area Chamber of Commerce ecofc@eaglecom.net
@Nick’s Notes – October 2006 Update #657 www.ellsworthkschamber.net
Office Hours 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 472-4071
To: Chamber Members
CHAMBER BOARD BUSINESS
At their regular October meeting the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber Board of Directors conducted the following business:
Approved revisions to Board Attendance Policy 404.
Approved President Denning’s appointments to the 2006 Citizen of the Year ad hoc committee; Wanda Morford, Chairperson and members Dave Brownback and John Sherman.
Tabled the annual events directional signage project until further review by project chairperson, Kim Torkelson.
Discussed plans for possible purchasing of new street welcome banners. Director is to work with city officials to determine status of number and location of present pole settings as well bracket condition and estimated costs.
Reviewed non-member businesses in preparation for the 2006 business recruitment drive. A committee chaired by board member Caleb Schultz will meet to plan the campaign.
“Caution is that which prevents one from buying an atlas until the world affairs look more settled.”
BUSINESS “BUZZ”
Lost Membership: K.C.’s Restaurant and Catering has not renewed their chamber membership.
New Owner: Connie Schmitt announces the sale of the Best Western Garden Prairie Inn. The new owners are Victor and Sharan Kuhmar who have are making the move from California. We welcome the Kumar family which includes Nova, 6 and Ritu 4, to our communities and wish them much success. Connie will continue her chamber involvement through her Lakeview Lodge near the Kanopolis Lake. It has been a pleasure working with Connie on mutually beneficial activities including co-operative advertising with a few other local business in support of tourism for our area.
2006 Renewals: Homolka Grain & Supply Co.; Jerzy Slomka, P.A. Full membership(s); Kansas Wesleyan University, Friend membership. We appreciate these 2006-7 investment renewals in our chamber.
Membership: Our membership totals heading into the November recruitment drive are:
Full: 84 Friend: 20 In-Kind 8 Total 112
Open House
WELCOME BAGS
Thanks to those of you who provided promotional materials for your business. We had over 50 items to welcome new residents to our communities. For those of you who missed out you may still participate by calling the office.
DOWNTOWN/HIGHWAY BANNERS
How do you feel or think of when you travel through communities that have the colorful welcome banners displayed. Some are year-around, others signal a specific event or season. They may have a picture which defines their culture or special identity while some reflect multi colored artistic drawings.
You have to admit, they do provide that “welcome” atmosphere. Ellsworth used to have the bucking cowboy on red background. Pretty appropriate for our western culture. Unfortunately, the weather and aging took its toll. A few were rounded up and hung by city personnel but they soon fell to the blustery Kansas winds. A lone survivor hangs in front of CSB. It’s too bad we weren’t better far-sighted and put away funding for replacements as needed. A total renewal is now in order. This not as much about cost as it is an investment unless we do not want to enhance a positive welcome to visitors and become a player in the state’s sixth largest industry, “tourism.” I am pleased that the board of directors was enthusiastically receptive to my suggestion that the matter is deserving of the chamber’s attention. According to the former director, Georgina Bates, the chamber was the major proponent of the first round of banners to fly down Douglas and off Highway 156. With some exciting events coming into focus for 2007 it is of utmost importance to move forward now. We will keep you posted.
SPREADING THE WORD
The chamber is not only a major source of information concerning all types of requests but also in getting information to the media in advance of activities. I have been sending the basic information on our communities’ events to the Salina Journal when I know of them or when requested to do so. I also have the potential to get press releases to over 60 state newspapers at the click of the keyboard. I have done many this past year. We have other resources as well. One was brought to my attention by Friend member, Jim Patnode, Wilson Telephone & WTCI. Jim offers non-profit organizations free announcements on their cable channels in four communities in our shopping area. For more information you may contact me and I will help you make the contact. Jim attends most of our chamber coffees. I encourage you to come by and visit with him about this great public service.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES
I have received additional copies of the 2007 Central Kansas Feist directories. Businesses missed or in need of additional copies are welcome to stop by a pick-up what you need for home or office. Business has been brisk on all AT &T’s the past few weeks.
GIFT CHECKS UPDATE
a In September 67 checks processed with a value of $915.00. There were 4 deposits totaling $1,055. The ending balance representing uncashed checks is $4,374 as of September 30.
MONTHLY CHAMBER GATHERIN’
CHAMBER WEBSITE www.ellsworthkschamber.net
| Date | Total Hits | Daily Average |
| June | 3,948 | 131.60 |
| July | 3,934 | 126.90 |
| August | 4,073 | 131.29 |
TOURISM VISITOR INFORMATION (Report extended due to visitors on September 29-30)
|
| Out-of-State | In-State | Local | Foreign |
| Hodgden House Museum | 69 | 415 | 119 | 2 |
| Kanopolis Guard House | 13 | 32 | 4 | 0 |
| Ellsworth Art Center | 37 | 110 | 75 | 2 |
Georgia’s Caboose Countdown: Goal: $14,000 Current: $5,162 Increase since last month $2,004.
NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT
The New Business Recruitment ad hoc committee will meet next Thursday or Friday at noon. Caleb and I would appreciate having a few chamber member advocates join us in planning a November campaign.. All businesses benefit either directly or indirectly from the chamber’s services We have done the best that we can with the resources that your membership provides. However, there is that needs and should be done. If you can be here or have an employee whom you know is interested and would do a good job in planning, contact the office for recruitment job description. Caleb and I will be calling some of you soon. We hope you will respond positively.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PASS IT ON! Please pass this update on to employees and friends! 
<< Home