The more things change, the more they remain the same.

I am not sure where this old saying comes from, but it is used quite often. Change can be inevitable, gradual and subtle, but the end result is amazing. This process is like an old t-shirt. The texture feels great and you depend on it to be comfortable. Yes, it's the same shirt, but the fibers are gradually changing over time. Somehow, it retains that feel good quality. It is just a great fit.

FALL OPPORTUNITES

Each year Fall brings on the hope (once again) of the Chiefs having a great season, of the Royals finishing the year in sight of the 500 mark and our favorite college football teams giving us a great deal to cheer about this fall. When your team is coming off of a great season, yes KU and MU fans, the expectations are always high. But as a passionate K-State fan, I always hope the new football season will be a six plus win season and we are back in the bowl mix again!

The Census Bureau recently released their population estimates for July 1, 2007. Shawnee's population was estimated at 59,958, a significant increase since 2000, when the Census reported a population of 47,996. The City's rapid growth is a result of superior quality of life locally and bodes well for future business development in the area.

When the CVB committee met in August, I shared with them some pretty amazing attendance statistics from the Johnson County Parks & Rec District. Now I know that people will usually say these numbers are always inflated, so I asked the question just how do you get these numbers. The answer was each location has traffic counters that you drive over, so the numbers should be accurate as amazing as it may be.

Join us Wednesday, September 10, for our monthly membership luncheon, featuring Guest Speaker Ken Henton of HWA for a presentation on City of Shawnee Justice Center and Fire Station #72. It will be held at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Overland Park, 8787 Reeder Road (I35 & 87th Street) - 11:30 Networking - Noon Luncheon. Call 913-631- 6545 to RSVP.

The 2008 Shawnee Business Expo is coming Thursday, October 23, 2008.

TRC (Total Resource Campaign) is the annual sponsorship campaign for the chamber and takes place throughout the month of September. Over 30 volunteers will be securing sponsorships and form great business relationships. This year's TRC theme is "Red Hot Results...Shawnee Chamber is Hot, Hot, Hot!!!! Please take time to review the 2009 SPONSORSHIPS for the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. This is a great opportunity to get involved and showcase your business.