NEWSLETTER October 2022

2023

One of the most anticipated events of the year is taking place on January 31st, 2023. The 2023 Annual Chamber Awards Banquet is the opportunity to recognize all the outstanding community members, businesses, and organizations for their contributions in making Ellis County thrive. There are eight awards in varying categories encompassing the magnitude of the generosity of the business community. Businesswoman of the Year Award Sponsor - Nex-Tech Wireless • Proven history of business accomplishments, community service, and chamber participation • Encourages and fosters growth in others to reach their full leadership potential Citizen of the Year Award Sponsor - Nex-Tech • Community involvement during the past year • Instrumental in elevating the quality of life for Ellis County residents Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsor - Grow Hays and the Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation • An entrepreneur who has demonstrated the ability to create and grow their business(es) over the past year • Recent efforts have added value to the community Hall of Fame Award Sponsor - Golden Belt Bank • Life-long commitment of community service and civic involvement • Demonstrated excellence in business or profession and exemplary leadership

Helping Hands Award Sponsor - eyeSMILE Vision + Dental • Non-profit organization or employee • Demonstrated commitment to caring, generosity of spirit, openness, and inclusion Member Investor of the Year Award Sponsor - Werth Wealth Management • Supports The Chamber throughout the year through service on the Board of Directors, Ambassadors, Hays Young Professionals, chamber committees, and attendance at chamber events • Proven financial investment to The Chamber within the past year Rising Star Award Sponsor - Vyve Broadband • Within the ages of 21 - 40 • Possesses and exhibits excellence in leadership qualities while having strong community involvement and chamber engagement Small Business Achievement Award Sponsor - City of Hays • A long-standing small business in Ellis County • Notable contributions to the overall success of the community

Nominations are due to The Chamber no later than October 31st, 2022! 2700 VINE ST. HAYS, KS • HAYSCHAMBER.COM • [email protected] • 785.628.8201

Community Advancement

Sarah’s Space On September 9th, the Governor’s Council on Education conducted its Hays site visit on Fort Hays State University’s campus. Council members included dozens of superintendents across the state, the Kansas Department of Education, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. During the site visit, The Chamber in Hays, Kansas was selected to present on the challenges that Ellis County businesses are facing with workforce, specifically areas of needed improvement employers are seeing in recent hires. Here are the items that were shared with council members: Positive Attitude • Confidence • Professional courtesy / giving notice when leaving a job • Enthusiasm • Honesty • Patience • Respectfulness • Understand concept of starting at the bottom (working nights and weekends) Teamwork / Work Ethic • Handling difficult situations • Customer service • Building interpersonal relationships • Self-awareness • Being a team player • Working well under pressure • Dependability

Communication • Listening • Nonverbal communication • Understanding body language • Verbal and written communication • Writing skills • Grammar • Meeting commitments and deadlines Professionalism • Inappropriate content on social media and how it impacts employers • Showing up • Cell phone use on the job • Asking questions when there is a lack of understanding • Professional dress and appearance • Conflict management / resolving issues without involving management

The above attributes are items that have been identified by The Chamber in Hays, Kansas member investors during our annual membership meetings. There is so much value for our community in the time shared with our members. As we learn more about your business, its needs, successes, and challenges, it puts our entire organization in a stronger position to advocate on behalf of our business community and Ellis County at-large. Thank you to the businesses who have already met with us this year. We would value and appreciate the opportunity to visit with more members, so we can continue to make our community stronger!

MISSION

Accelerating business connections and advocating community advancement

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR: Melissa Romme, Adams Brown CHAIR-ELECT: Bryan Brady, HaysMed

TREASURER: Andrew Rupp, Insurance Planning, Inc. PAST CHAIR: Mike Morley, Midwest Energy SECRETARY: Debbie Nunnelee, Hess Services Matt Allen, Paul-Wertenberger Construction Joseph Bain, Fort Hays State University Matt Bender, Defiance Brewing Co. Shanna Dinkel, USD 489 Aaron Gillespie, Nex-Tech Wireless Jody Hipp, Jody Hipp - Aflac Amanda Rohleder, Nex-Tech Shane Smith, Commerce Bank

CHAMBER STAFF Sarah Wasinger PRESIDENT / CEO PH. 785.621.1389

Rhonda Meyerhoff VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP PH. 785.621.1385

Mariah Legleiter VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS PH. 785.621.1384

Crystal Young ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PH. 785.621.1386

2023

Join in the fun...

Become a sponsor for the Premier Sponsor

Wine Sponsor (Two Available)

Centerpiece/ Floral Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor

Price: $1200

Price: $1000

Price: $1000

Price: $1000

6 tickets included with reserved seating

4 tickets included with reserved seating

4 tickets included with reserved seating

4 tickets included with reserved seating

Featured in printed program and verbal recognition during the event

Featured in printed program and verbal recognition during the event

Featured in printed program and verbal recognition during the event

Featured in printed program and verbal recognition during the event

Advertising in newsletter and social media

Advertising in newsletter and social media

Advertising in newsletter and social media

Advertising in newsletter and social media

Show appreciation for Ellis County's farmers and ranchers as a sponsor!

35th Annual AG APPRECIATION JANUARY 10th, 2023

See the sponsor flyer on page 34 for more information! Welcome to Our Newest Members! The businesses listed 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.

Big Creek Counseling

Gravity Wellness Spa

KAW Valley Engineering

Paint the Town Purple is an art therapy painting event to encourage community members to express themselves and their experiences. Options and FHSU Student Groups Arts for Social Change and the Criminal Justice Club will host this painting.

DSNWK/ Employment Connections will host our

Business Connections

annual Employer Appreciation on

Thursday, October 20th, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. We will have our famous Mexican food and drinks again this year. It will be a come-and-go at 660 Commerce Parkway. We want to take this time to thank our many community employers who support our individuals with developmental disabilities. This event is open to the public with an opportunity to learn more about who we are.

• Sunday, October 16th, Union Pacific Park, 2 – 6 p.m.

These events contain sensitive and potentially graphic and verbal content. Discretion is advised.

It is time for Jennie Atwell to

turn the page and begin a new chapter in her life journey! It is a bittersweet time for her as she looks forward to focusing on faith, family, friends, and Jennie Atwell freedom. Compounding this time filled with emotion is leaving behind the many individuals she has become friends with through Jennies.

Mandy Giess has joined the Heartland

Credit Union’s Hays branch as a Real Estate Lending Consultant. In her role, Giess will serve members, prospective members, builders, developers, and real estate personnel with home loan products and services.

What started as a simple desire to be helpful to those in the community who needed rides has become a lucrative business! A much-needed service for the residents in this community and those who visit Hays! So, she does not want to walk away from this endeavor. Instead, Jennie would like to find someone to take the business over and continue the mission of providing a safe and pleasant, reliable transportation option.

Mandy Giess

“We’re excited to have someone with Mandy’s experience and connections to the Hays community on our team,” said Michael Lorimor, vice president of real estate lending. “Her knowledge of the home loan process and understanding of the local market will help assure our members receive the right loan with the highest level of service.”

For more information about the business, contact Jennie by email at [email protected] or call 308-920-1393.

Giess brings more than 13 years of experience in the home loan industry to HCU. The Hays branch is located at 2825 Plaza Ave.

Arnett Chiropractic Care, P.A. has added three new members to its crew over

HCU is headquartered in Hutchinson, with offices in Hays, Haven, Newton and Wichita. HCU delivers financial services to members throughout the US. The credit union has over 35,000 members, and over $550 million in assets.

the past year.

Dr. Ashleigh has been with Arnett Chiropractic since Nov. of 2021 while doing her preceptorship. She officially became a "Doc" on staff after graduation in February of 2022!

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and

Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services is bringing awareness through several events. Community members are invited to take action, prevent domestic violence, and support survivors. • Tuesday, October 4th, Union Pacific Park, 7 p.m.

She is originally from a small town in central Illinois and moved to Hays for work. She’s joined Ashleigh Walker many great organizations in the area including The Chamber/Hays Young Professionals, Leadership Hays, and a local church/small group.

Turn the Lights SalON! is a competition between area salons to decorate their windows for the month of October.

Dr. Ashleigh said, “I’ve met many great people in my year here so far and look forward to the years to come!”

Purple Light Nights

In Her Shoes is an interactive experience where participants can walk through a simulation of a survivor’s journey through an abusive relationship. • Tuesday, October 11th, Hays Public Library, 5 – 8 p.m.

Jayce Reed

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Chiropractic assistant Jayce grew up in Stockton but now lives in Victoria. She’s been a patient at Arnett Chiropractic since she was 12 and is super excited to be able to

work at the clinic! She’s going to school for massage therapy and nursing. Jayce’s free time is spent doing homework; walking her dogs, Elodie and Piper; or hanging out with her family! Mary feels blessed to be a new chiropractic assistant. She’s lived in the Hays area for almost 16 years. Mary stated, “I love my little tribe, and they are my priority. When I’m not momming or working, I also have my own Mary Hood small jewelry business. I like to do puzzles, crafts, and travel to make memories with my kids.” Mary looks forward to getting to know the clients, growing, and setting down roots at Arnett Chiropractic!

Eric Depperschmidt has joined the Fort Hays State University Foundation as a director of

development for FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. A western Kansas native, Depperschmidt has worked in economic development in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, and as a loan officer in commercial and agricultural banking in western Kansas. Before working in Eric Depperschmidt economic development and banking, Depperschmidt served as Kansas’ 1st district legislative liaison for Congressman Jerry Moran. His areas of responsibility were agriculture, rural development, and military and veterans affairs issues. He is a 1999 FHSU alumnus, air force, and national guard veteran. “I am pleased to have joined the Fort Hays State University Foundation team. I have great pride in Fort Hays State University and in being an alumnus,” said Depperschmidt.

Brent Williams has joined the Fort Hays State University Foundation as a director of

development for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. He holds a Brent Williams bachelors from the University of Oklahoma and master and doctoral degrees from Florida State University in violin performance. While most of his formal experience relates to music as a prominent violinist, he also has diverse administrative, teaching, relationship-building, and non-profit experience. This background has provided a great understanding of how a university functions and the importance of donor support for student success. Williams is new to the Hays area, joining his wife, Ginger Williams, FHSU Forsyth Library dean. “The Foundation office has such an important mission. This is an exciting time for Fort Hays State University and the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and I am fortunate to be part of it,” said Williams.

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas will be closed Friday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day, and will be closed Thursday, November 24th & Friday the 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The KUMC Area Health Education Center is hosting the 2022 Mental

Health Symposium: Supporting Rural Kansas Kids. This one-day symposium is designed for providers and professionals engaged with youth in a variety of settings including healthcare, behavioral health, school, foster care, and pastoral care. The program will be held on October 28, 2022, at Fort Hays State University. Registration and additional details are available online at www.eeds.com/live/270538.

Monique Koerner is the new family and community wellness extension agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. She's passionate about the community of Hays and the families and children that live here!

Hays is her hometown; she graduated from HHS and FHSU with her bachelor's and master's degrees. Before Monique Koerner being hired as an extension agent, she worked as a home visitor for Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers for Early Childhood Connections. Advocating for and supporting families who breastfeed is also one of her passions. She has been a La Leche League Leader for almost 23 years and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 11 years. Her family consists of a husband, Lance, five children ages 25-15, and three dogs, Bella, Chopin, and Phiobe, who round out the family. Koerner welcomes you to reach out for her support. Her office is at 601 Main St., or contact her at 785-628-9430 or [email protected].

The Center for Life Experience, Inc. (CFLE) is pleased to announce Darian Schlegel, MS as their new executive director.

Schlegel grew up in Ness City and moved to Hays in 2017. Darian Schlegel She received her Bachelors and Masters in Psychology from Fort Hays State University. During graduate school, Schlegel focused on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as an effective way to create adaptive methods of communication between others. She hopes EFT will be a great modality to increase discussion and discovery of emotions while at the CFLE. Schlegel and her husband, Logan, celebrated the June arrival of their first baby girl, Ayla. Family time is usually spent going on walks or playing with the dogs. Schlegel stated, “I have found the greatest supporters in any endeavor are family and friends. So, I am excited to see the friendships and support between CFLE group members. I hope to continue Ann’s legacy to encourage others to reach out and make connections with others.”

Child Care Task Force makes measurable strides in community advancement

Strategic Collaboration

Last month, an exciting child care project was announced that will add more than 70 child care spots in Ellis County by the front end of 2024! Congratulations to HaysMed for announcing their project, which will include 70 new child care spots. This project is made possible due to the generosity of the HaysMed Foundation, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and the Hadley Foundation Endowment. The Chamber in Hays, Kansas and the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County were honored to write a letter of support for this project. Forward progress is great news for Ellis County, and more work is left to be done to address the additional 550 spots needed across the county. A series of focus group meetings will be held centered around child care this coming November. The intention of these focus group meetings will be to ascertain how each of the groups is impacted by child care, understand the unique challenges faced, and identify future partnerships that can be created to build more child care capacity for Ellis County. Please save the dates for the following focus group meetings, which will be held at The Welcome Center at 2700 Vine St.: • Employer Child Care Focus Group Meeting – November 1st at 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. • Child Care Provider Focus Group Meeting – November 1st at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. • Education Child Care Focus Group – November 17th at 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. • Faith-Based Child Care Focus Group – November 17th at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Parent Focus Group – November 17th at 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The next Child Care Task Force of Ellis County is scheduled for October 25th at 4 p.m. All local businesses and organizations are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Your Business Featured Here!

4301 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601

(785) 625-0001

*Contact The Chamber for more information!

wal-mart.com

718 Main Street, Suite 224 • Hays, KS (785) 628-3046

www.adamsbrowncpa.com

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Critical Conversations - October 19, 1:00-4:00 p.m. HR Series: Managing Employee Job Performance – Nov. 8 - 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A Culture of Culture-Building – Dec. 8 - 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

LEADERCAST: The 1 Thing Back by popular demand: Leadercast! The year’s theme is: What is THE ONE THING that Makes a Leader Worth Following. Our event takes place November 16, 2022 on the FHSU campus from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Get registered now for $99! Special pricing made available by The Chamber in Hays, Kansas and Sunflower Electric Power Corporation.

Workforce Recruitment Workshop Mike Henke, Speaker October 27, 2022 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering 2350 E. 8th St., Hays

See flyer on page 17 for more details!

Your Business Featured Here! *Contact The Chamber for more information!

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Your Business Featured Here! *Contact The Chamber for more information!

Development Opportunities

Register now for upcoming MDC workshops!

Hays Young Professionals

Welcome Our New YPs! What do you hope to gain from your

involvement with the HYP organization?

APAC Kansas, Inc. Justin Younger

Center for Life Experiences Darian Schlegel

“I want to learn about Hays future development and make meaningful business connections"

Don't wait!

Order your HYP shirt here!

HYP members are invited and encouraged to attend other chamber events including Ribbon Cuttings, Chamber Chats, Business After Hours, Catching Up events, Membership Lunches, and more throughout the year!

“I have a passion for

encouraging young adults to become active in the community not only to aid them in building lasting connections, but also to create a community that can continue to grow and positively impact those in it."

multiple styles are available!

Creek Side Resort Kac' Rae Patterson

The deadline for this order is October 31st!

“I hope to gain exposure

and involvement within the community through the different businesses and people within it. I truly believe that you learn the most by meeting a variety of people and opening yourself to new opportunities and situations."

October HYP Events October 6th Networking & Engagement Committee Meeting, The Welcome Center, 12:05 p.m. October 13th Advisory Council Meeting, The Welcome Center, 5:15 p.m. October 5th Lunch with Leaders, Speaker: Jennifer Hecker, Options Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, & Market, 12:00 p.m. October 8th FHSU Homecoming Parade, Meeting Place TBD, 11:00 a.m. October 11th Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, 6:00 p.m. October 18th Connection Lunch, Program: Bring your Boss to Lunch! Sponsor: Glassman Corporation The Venue - Thirsty's Brew Pub & Grill, 12:00 p.m. October 20th Third Thursday Social, The Fort Tavern & Patio Bar, 5:15 p.m. October 22nd FHSU Tailgate Lewis Field, 10:30 a.m. October 26th Membership Development Committee Meeting, Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, & Market, 12:00 p.m.

Scholarship Report: Meredith Malatin Fort Hays State University Meredith was awarded a scholarship through the Membership Development Comittee! She attended the Management Development Center's Supervisor Bootcamp training this past August. She was eager to apply what she learned in the class to her career. Meredith shared, "I would recommend this training to anyone, especially those that want to be better leaders in the organizations and learn how to manage others." 14

DSNWK CUSTOM CREATIONS

Speaker: Erica Berges, Executive Director of the United Way of Ellis County Sponsor: Eagle Radio Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering - 2350 E. 8th St.

1107 Main St.

SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

DOWNTOWN HAYS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION / THE CHAMBER IN HAYS, KANSAS

AMBASSADOR LUNCH

Speaker: Doug Williams, Grow Hays Executive Director and Sandy Jacobs, Hays City Commissioner on Imagine Ellis County Sponsor: Insurance Planning, Inc. Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering - 2350 E. 8th St.

CHAMBER CHATS

MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

AUGUST MEMBERSHIP LUNCH

The Downtown Hays Pavilion - 10th & Main St.

FHSU HOMECOMING

Robbins Center - 1 Tiger Place

AUGUST AMBASSADOR LUNCH

Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering - 2350 E. 8th St.

SEPTEMBER AMBASSADOR LUNCH

Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering - 2350 E. 8th St.

RIBBON CUTTING / CHAMBER CHATS

2929 Sternberg Dr.

PAISLEY PEAR WINE BAR, BISTRO, & MARKET

MANE ATTRACTIONS

TRI-CENTRAL OFFICE SUPPLY

WONDER WOMEN LEAGUE

WESTERN KANSAS THERAPY ASSOCIATES

HOMESTEAD OF HAYS

1100 Main St.

1101 Main St.

ARC Park - 33rd & Hillcrest

LEADERSHIP HAYS CLASS OF 2021 ARC Park - 33rd & Hillcrest

James Building - 208 E. 8th St., Suite D

RIBBON CUTTINGS

GROUNDBREAKINGS

2416 Vine St.

INSURANCE PLANNING 3004 Broadway Ave.

This flyer donated by:

October SAT SUN

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1 3 4 5 6 7 • CU, USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence, 9 a.m., Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th St.

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• HYP, Lunch with Leaders, Speaker: Jennifer Hecker, Options, 12 p.m., Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, & Market, 1100 Main St.

• HYP, Networking & Engagement Committee Meeting, 12:05 p.m., The Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.



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• CC, Options, 9 a.m., 2176 Plaza Ave.

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• HYP, FHSU Homecoming Parade, 11 a.m.

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• HYP, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, 6 p.m., Meeting location TBD • Green Ribbon Hays, Speaker: Patrick McGinnis, 6:30 p.m., TMP, Dreiling Theatre, 1701 Hall St.

• Election Debate,111th District Race, 6:00 p.m., Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

• GB, Grow Hays Microfactory, 10 a.m., 9th St. & Commerce Parkway

• RC/CC, Creek Side Resort, 9 a.m., 3301 US Hwy 183 Alt.

• RC, Hays Convention & Visitor's Bureau 40th Anniversary, 4 p.m., The Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.

9 15 17 18 19 20 21 • HYP, Advisory Council Meeting, 5:15 p.m., The Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.

• HYP, Connection Lunch, Bring Your Boss to Lunch!, Sponsor: Glassman Corporation, 12 p.m., The Venue - Thirsty's Brew Pub & Grill, 2704 Vine St.

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• HYP, FHSU Tailgate, 10:30 a.m., Lewis Field, 600 Park St.

• CC, Golden Plains Credit Union, 9 a.m., 2720 Broadway Ave.

• HYP, Third Thursday Social, 5:15 p.m., The Fort Tavern & Patio Bar, 111 W. 7th St.

• AMB, Monthly Lunch, 11:30 a.m., Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

• Chamber Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m., The Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.

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• RC, Center for Life Experience, 4 p.m., 103 C E. 27th St.

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• Child Care Task Force Meeting, 4 p.m., The Welcome Center, 2700 Vine St.

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• HYP, Membership Development Committee Meeting, 12 p.m., Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro, & Market, 1100 Main St.

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• Mike Henke Seminar, 1 p.m., Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

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• CC, Hays Area Children's Center, 9 a.m., 94 Lewis Dr.

• ML, Monthly Lunch, 12 p.m., Program: Mike Henke, Workforce Retention & Company Culture, Sponsor: Nex-Tech, Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

29 31 30 ABBREVIATION LEGEND: BAH = Business After Hours AMB = Ambassador BP = DHDC Brick Presentation CC = Chamber Chat CU = Catching Up GB = Groundbreaking GO = Grand Opening

HYP = Hays Young Professionals LH = Leadership Hays LL = Lunch & Learn ML = Membership Lunch VO = Virtual Only RC = Ribbon Cutting WC = Hays Welcome Center

2022

Executive Level Chamber Members