K-7, 55th Street/Johnson Drive interchange project work to begin in Johnson County
Beginning Monday, March 29, access to and from Johnson Drive, from both northbound and southbound K-7, will be closed for construction work on the new K-7 and 55th Street/Johnson Drive interchange project in Johnson County.
Marked detours for project-related closures will be provided via signage on K-7 and adjoining city streets and will also be included on a full-color, interchange project detour map. To provide drivers with an easy-to-follow detour route, the City of Shawnee is placing color-coordinated arrows on the pavement along the detour routes. The color of the arrows will coordinate with each, individual detour route included on the project detour map. Click here to view the interchange project detour map. In addition, drivers can pick up project information, including the detour map and construction phasing/traffic impact map, at one, Bank of Blue Valley, 5520 Hedge Lane Terrace; and/or at two, Security Bank of Kansas City, 5450 Roberts Street, during normal business hours.
During the Johnson Drive closure, drivers will detour via 47th Street to Silverheel Street to Woodsonia Drive (blue detour route). In early August 2010, the new, Silverheel Street (a City of Shawnee construction project) spur located via Clear Creek Parkway south of the interchange project is scheduled to open providing an additional detour route (purple detour route). Drivers will then be able to detour via Clear Creek Parkway to Silverheel Street to Woodsonia Drive. Johnson Drive access to and from K-7 is scheduled to reopen to all traffic mid 2011.
In early June 2010, 55th Street, west of K-7, is scheduled to close for construction work on the new roundabout that will be located on the west side of the interchange. During the 55th Street closure, traffic will detour via 47th Street to Old K-7 Highway (red detour route) or via Clear Creek Parkway to Hedge Lane Terrace (green detour route).
Advance message boards will alert drivers to all lane and ramp closures on the interchange project. Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes. Click here to view daily-updated, lane/ramp closure information for the project.
The interchange project includes construction of a roundabout to merge the K-7 on and off ramps with 55th Street/Johnson Drive, and a second roundabout will be constructed west of K-7 at the intersection of Hedge Lane Terrace and 55th Street. Also included with the project is the construction of a side-road overpass at Clear Creek Parkway and K-7 as well as the already-completed construction of Hedge Lane Terrace from 55th Street south to Clear Creek Parkway. When the interchange project is completed, 55th Street/Johnson Drive will run under K-7.
Miles Excavating, Inc. (Basehor, Kan.) is the primary contractor on the interchange project with a total-contract cost of $21.4 million. The K-7 and 55th Street/Johnson Drive interchange project is a cooperative effort, funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Shawnee. The entire K-7 and 55th Street/Johnson Drive interchange project is scheduled to be completed fall 2011.
The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs and “Give ‘Em a Brake!” when approaching and driving through the project work zone. For more project information, please contact Kimberly Qualls, Northeast Kansas public affairs manager, 785.640.9340, or Amy Pope, Bonner Springs construction engineer, 913.721.2754.
Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital undergoes name change
Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital announced Monday, March 29, 2010, its name has changed to more accurately reflect the variety of services offered at the physician-owned hospital. The hospital’s founders voted to change the name of the hospital to Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital.
“Heartland is dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients,” Federico Gonzalez, M.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors said. “We have worked to continually improve the services we provide and the quality of care we deliver to our patients and their families. Our new name more accurately reflects the expanded services we provide our patients and the communities we serve.”
Founded in 2003, the 80 members of Heartland’s medical staff provide a broad range of professional services, including orthopedic and spine surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, hand surgery, general surgery, weight loss surgery, primary care medicine and ear, nose and throat surgery, as well as many others.
Heartland’s Chief Executive Officer, Don Burman, echoed Dr. Gonzalez’ statement and noted that Heartland was recently recognized by Press Ganey and Associates for the hospital’s ongoing effort to improve customer service and customer satisfaction.
“Our recent Press Ganey Summit Award, the only recipient in Kansas, underscores our continued commitment to improve the quality of care and services provided at our hospital,” Burman said. “We’re very proud of what this hospital has accomplished and what it delivers to the community and to patients. Our staff always provides patients and families with the best possible hospital experience. Heartland truly is a multi-specialty hospital.”
About Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital
At Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital—formerly known as Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital—the future is here. Designed, owned and led by physicians from different specialty areas and groups throughout Kansas City, the hospital is raising the standards of patient and physician satisfaction. Since 2003, the Overland Park, Kan., hospital has grown to include more than 80 physicians who specialize in orthopedics and pediatric orthopedics; bariatric weight loss surgery; ear, nose and throat surgery; spine surgery; neurosurgery; hand surgery; joint reconstruction; vascular; general surgery; pain management; and a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures.
Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital welcomes Hawn as its new Director of Business Development
Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital has welcomed Stephanie Hawn to the executive team, where she is serving as the hospital’s new Director of Business Development.
A resident of Leawood, Kan., Hawn previously served as a medical marketing manager for Medi-Flex, Inc., and a senior product designer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. She also has experience as a senior product design and marketing strategist for Emerging Brands and Channels, a division of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
“Stephanie is a great asset to the Heartland team due to her impressive, professional marketing and business background,” Don Burman, Chief Executive Officer at Heartland said. “Stephanie will play an integral role in the day-to-day business activities of our hospital and will work with our board to accomplish Heartland’s business objectives.”
In the past, Hawn held a variety of responsibilities including project management; strategic planning; brand development; marketing and sales; consumer research; and product design. In her new role at Heartland, Hawn is responsible for marketing development and management; identifying ways to increase business; representing the hospital at community functions; and enhancing the hospital’s image.
“I am excited about my new position and the opportunity to work within a hospital that is truly dedicated to providing the best possible outcome for each patient,” Hawn said. “I look forward to contributing to Heartland’s mission by utilizing my experience in business and marketing.”
Hawn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pennsylvania and also has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Missouri Kansas City in Missouri.
About Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital
At Heartland Surgical Specialty Hospital—formerly known as Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital—the future is here. Designed, owned and led by physicians from different specialty areas and groups throughout Kansas City, the hospital is raising the standards of patient and physician satisfaction. Since 2003, the Overland Park, Kan., hospital has grown to include more than 80 physicians who specialize in orthopedics and pediatric orthopedics; bariatric weight loss surgery; ear, nose and throat surgery; spine surgery; neurosurgery; hand surgery; joint reconstruction; vascular; general surgery; pain management; and a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures.
Huston named Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion for Kansas
David Huston, president of Olson Manufacturing and Distribution Inc., has been named the Solveras/NFIB Small Business Champion for Kan. The recognition was published in NFIB's myBusiness magazine on page 19 of the March/April 2010 issue. Congratulations on your achievement, David!
"David's activism speaks for itself," Dan Murray, state director of NFIB/Kansas, the state's leading small business association, said. "He's someone we can depend on. We know he'll do everything he can to help promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses." Courtesy of NFIB myBusiness magazine.
Click here to view the whole article.
KCP&L named highest-ranked utility in Midwest Large Business Customer Satisfaction Study, J.D. Power, Associates
KCP&L celebrated its achievement as the highest-ranked utility in J.D. Power and Associates' Midwest Large Business Customer Satisfaction Study Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at its Energy Center, 1200 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. Congratulations on this recognition! To learn more about KCP&L, please click here.
Native reptiles, amphibians presentation, Small Scale Films Inc.
Dan Krull, president of Small Scale Films Inc., will be presenting live, native reptiles and amphibians to customers of Suburban Lawn and Garden, 135th Street and Wornall, Saturday, April 3, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Krull will be answering questions about the reptiles and amphibians that share your garden. Come to learn with your family and friends! Don’t forget your camera!
Easter Brunch, Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle LLC
In need of Easter plans? Have brunch at Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle, 12401 Johnson Drive, Sunday, April 4, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Custom-seating times available. Guests can order from a delicious menu. Large parties need to make reservations. For more information, please click here or call 913.631.4100. Enjoy!
Yesterday’s Tomorrow event, Johnson County Museum
You are invited to an extraordinary evening of dining, history, art, entertainment and auction at the Yesterday’s Tomorrow event Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 7 to 10 p.m. located at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd. Honorary Chairs Bob and Ann Regnier and the Friends of Johnson County Museum announce the national museum of suburban history and policy center. The evening will feature the exhibit Faraway Nearby, Addressing Suburbia. Dress is decade appropriate or business attire. To purchase tickets, please call 913.715.2575, or click here. $50 per ticket. Thirty-five years of age and younger, $35 per ticket.
Open House, St. Joseph Early Education Center
Interested in what St. Joseph Early Education Center has to offer? Attend its Open House Thursday, April 15, 2010, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at its location, 11525 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203, to tour the facility and learn of offers available to you. The event is open to the community. Please contact Nancy Wacker, director, for more information, 913.631.0004. Click here to visit the Website.
Wear Blue Day for Kids to fight against child abuse, Sunflower House
On Friday, April 16, 2010, and Sunday, April 18, 2010, employees, church members and organizations can show their support by proudly displaying a special, blue ribbon and/or wearing "casual blue" for the whole day. Employees and members are invited to donate $5 for the opportunity to dress casual on Wear Blue Day for Kids. Sunflower House urges employers to consider matching staff contributions, doubling the financial impact and providing it with much-needed funds to help protect abused children.
To participate in Wear Blue Day for Kids, please contact Mitch, 913.631.5800, or register online by clicking here.
Free, 2010 Economic Forum, Country Club Bank
"Are we There Yet?" You are invited to a free seminar sponsored by Country Club Bank Thursday, April 22, 2010, from 7:30 a.m. to noon, located at the InterContinental Kansas City, 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. This seminar is exclusive to business owners and executives, and it will feature economist Chris Kuehl, Ph.D. and business strategist and author Joe Calhoon. Attendees will receive free, one-year subscriptions, valued at $600, to both Kuehl's eNewsletter and Calhoon's Website. Please RSVP by April 15 either online or call 816.751.4201. Don't miss this opportunity! Space is limited.
The Free State Social, a social-networking event
Social media is much more than a fad - it's changing the way the world communicates. The communities in northeast Kansas are at the forefront of this movement and have made the region a hub for innovative technologies and social media use.
Because of this, The World Company is hosting a brand new social media event: The Free State Social.
"The Free State Social will highlight the best in social media from our area and put local innovations and ideas on a national - even global - stage," Ben Smith, World Company Social Media Manager, said. "Our purpose is to educate attendees about the current state of social media, present opportunities for its use and talk about where the industry is headed."
The Free State Social will be April 29-30, 2010, at the new, Oread hotel in Lawrence, Kan. Keynote speakers include Jeremiah Owyang, Ellyn Angelotti, Shawna Coronado, Sarah Evans, Gowalla co-founder Scott Raymond and Chris Brogan, co-author of the New York Times best-seller Trust Agents.
Tickets are available for purchase at $295 and $395 (VIP). April 29 sessions are open to all ticket holders, while April 30 is reserved for VIP ticket holders. The April 30 half-day includes small group and one-on-one discussions with the Free State Social keynote speakers.
A limited amount of sponsorships are available at $3,500, $2,500 and $2,000 levels.
For more information, click here to visit the Website or email freestatesocial@ljworld.com. The event is also on Twitter, @FreeStateSocial and #FSSocial.
Small-business seminars, KSBDC, JCCC
The Kansas Small Business Development Center's of Johnson County Community College small-business-seminar schedule for April is as follows:
- April 8 Meet the Tax Man: Your Tax Responsibility to the State of Kansas; Sales and Use Tax Information for Construction Contractors
- April 13 Introduction to QuickBooks Pro/Premier; Starting a Business: Success Right From the Start
- April 15 Introduction to QuickBooks Pro/Premier; CEO Roundtable: Work on Your Business, Not in Your Business
- April 20 Intermediate QuickBooks Pro/Premier Workshop; Introduction to QuickBooks Payroll
- April 26 Business Book Club
- April 27 IRS Small Business Tax Workshop
To register for any of the above seminars, call 913.469.2323 or visit the Website, clicking on "Shop JCCC" and scrolling down to click on Kansas Small Business Development Center.
In addition to the seminars, the Johnson County Community College KSBDC provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting to existing and prospective, small-business owners in Johnson, Wyandotte and Miami counties in Kan. The JCCC KSBDC's team of consultants includes experienced professionals with expertise in the areas of finance, accounting, marketing, strategic planning and general, small-business management. Consultants meet with small-business owners by appointment, and there is no charge for the KSBDC's consulting services. For additional information about any of the classes, seminars or services, please contact Regional Director Malinda Bryan-Smith or Training and Event Coordinator Kay Lampe at 913.469.3878 or click here to visit the Website.
One-hour lunch with Sage Financial, Inc., advisor
Do you have unanswered questions about retirement and/or investment issues? Join Financial Services Professional Terry Sharp, Sage Financial, Inc., for lunch at his office to gain professional advice. There will be no sales presentation made regarding a product or service, and there is no obligation on your part. Simply visit with Terry to ask your questions, and he will answer them with his best, professional opinions and suggestions; he will even buy you lunch! Please call Terry today to set up your lunch meeting, 913.441.8380.
Exclusive offer to Chamber members only
Chamber member Cottman Transmission is offering a special discount of 20 percent off of any service, whether it be transmission or total-auto care. This is for Chamber members only. It is not offered in conjunction with any other offers. Additionally, Cottman Transmission offers a $50 referral fee to anyone who refers to it an internal-transmission job. They just need to be able to know who sent a customer to them. Contact Cottman Transmission at 913.631.3990; located at 6320 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 66203.
