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Good News Starts Here.
A few good words from the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce
September 2010
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TRC2011

2011 Total Resource Campaign! "Life's too short-eat dessert first" a phrase many of you may have heard and followed. Everyone loves "dessert" but with the 2011 Total Resource Champaign, we have great "entrees" to place your sponsorship and marketing orders for next year.

They include the annual dinner, golf tournament and business expo. But you will love the "desserts" that can help market your business: morning coffee, business after hours, membership luncheon, legislative reception and Shawnee tomorrow leadership. And the topping for your favorite dessert (event) may be online directory marketing, website ads, member serve direct mail, coupons or even sponsorship of the ChamberLine!

With the kickoff for the 2011 TRC on Thursday, September 2 at Appreciated Advertising (2340 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, KS) from 5-7 p.m, Dawn Kuhn, Bank Midwest as Chair of the Campaign will bring excitement, energy and fun for everyone. The TRC takes place throughout the months of September and October. This years' new membership TRC, served up by Amy Graves, is looking to be the full course meal deal!!!

If you are interested in joining this committee and helping the Chamber secure sponsorships for 2011 and new members, please contact Mary Taylor at mtaylor@shawneekschamber.com or 913.631.6545.

Tim Harmon, 2010 Chairman
Buckle up, the race is on to the finish line...

In my construction business, we often talk about "How you start a project is a good indicator of how you'll finish a project" or "past performance is a good indicator of future performance". The Chamber has had a terrific start and accomplished much in the first eight months, but we must finish well to have a successful year. As business owners, managers and city leaders, we know how critical it is to have a developed plan, to execute the plan and to adapt to changes as they are presented. As my term serving as Chairman of the Board moves toward the last quarter, may I share with you what to anticipate as we zoom to the finish line?

But before I discuss the future, I must offer my congratulations to the Leaders of Shawnee: City Government, Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders and most of all the hundreds of Volunteers who live out the idea of servant leadership. Money magazine's recognition of Shawnee as one of the top 100 cities (#17 to be exact) with populations over 50,000 confirms what we have known for a long time, that Good Starts Here in one of America's most livable cities.

Now, let's review a snapshot of how we'll finish 2010 together. Recently I appointed Ms. Dawn Kuhn, manager at Bank Midwest, as "2011 Total Resource Committee" Chair. This will be her third year serving in this capacity and she has done a tremendous job. Dawn and her team will be contacting business owners, offering sponsorship opportunities and Investors Guild renewals. A successful campaign is crucial as we rely heavily on it for Chamber budget planning as we move forward in the next year. Please be generous and participate when a friendly person contacts you.

My second major appointment was to identify the 2010 Annual Dinner Committee's Chair, Mr. Chris Gorup, Shawnee Mission Ford. Chris is a tireless worker who I've heard say,"I'll only volunteer for a position if I can have fun doing it". Jody Adams, co-owner of Weaver's Auto Center, will be assisting Chris as the Co-Chair of the auction subcommittee. Chris promises that the annual dinner at the Sheraton Overland Park will be one of the best ever and attended by over 500 people. He is right, it will be a grand celebration of what we have accomplished this year, honoring those "servant leaders" who allow the Shawnee Chamber to thrive and be progressive. Give Chris or Jody a call to see how you can get involved.

Furthermore, in late October, Mr. Tom Langhofer, General Manager of Rodrock Development and the Chair of the Shawnee Economic Development Council will Chair the planning committee for the 2010 Economic Development Summit. Patricia Lyles, State Farm, and Ann Zimmerman, Zimmerman Consulting, will be teaming with Tom, Mayor Jeff Meyers, and Chamber and city staff as they facilitate an economic development forum.

Finally, the next election of our governmental leaders will be focused on who can revive the economy and return our region back to prosperity. Your chamber has responded by partnering with the Johnson County Public Policy Council and the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber to offer: a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, Secretary of State Forum and the Third District Congressional Candidate Forum. Wow, what a line up.

So, buckle up, it's going to be an educational, eventful and fun final months of 2010 as we race towards the finish line. See you on the track.

Tim Harmon, 2010 Chairman of the Board
2010 Business Expo
Is Shawnee one of your business' target audiences? Are you looking to expand your business-professional network? Do you want to familiarize yourself with the Shawnee community? The answer is simple; plan to exhibit at and/or attend the 2010 Business Expo.

The Shawnee Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo is Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Shawnee Civic Centre. Proposing opportunity, exhibitors as well as visitors will shake hands with business leaders of the community.

With more than 60 business exhibitors, the Business Expo will not fall short of gaining exposure, creating awareness and building brand loyalty for your business. As an exhibitor, you will have the opportunity to showcase your business' products and services not only to fellow exhibitors but to the community, too, as the event is free for the public to attend.

Presenting Sponsor, Shawnee Gardens, has quite the day lined up for exhibitors and visitors, with the expressions Art Gallery, sponsored by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, showcasing artwork from local and regional artists; an eco-friendly section of exhibitors, featuring green products and services; a safety exhibit, presented by the City of Shawnee; and an After Expo like the Chamber's Business After Hours, sponsored by M & I Bank.

There are only 10 booths available to exhibit in the 2010 Business Expo! Download a registration form today. Please contact Megan Hardwick, program coordinator, with questions regarding the event, 913.631.6545 or mhardwick@shawneekschamber.com.

Thank you to the 2010 Business Expo Presenting Sponsor, Shawnee Gardens, for its support and dedication of an event so beneficial to the business community of Shawnee. Shawnee Gardens specializes in short-term, long-term and memory-care services to provide compassionate care by addressing the special needs of each resident and patient.
The city of Shawnee and the State of Kansas have recently ranked high in several national reports, affirming that Shawnee, Kan. is a great location for both businesses and residents. In Money Magazine's Best Places to Live 2010 List, Shawnee moved up from spot number 39 to claim the number 17 ranking! Shawnee ranked above average in medium family income ($93,289 annually compared to $90,957 average), job growth (26.67 percent compared to 15.71 percent average), and less than average for medium home price ($185,587 compared to $239,391 average).

Recent rankings for the state of Kansas also recognize our excellent business and economic climate:
  • Top 10 in Business Facilities magazine's 2010 Rankings Report
  • Number 3 in Southern Business & Development magazine's Top Deals and Hot Markets report
  • Number 7 in the Annual Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pre-Business States Report
  • Number 11 in CNBC's annual Top States for Business report
If you are looking for that extra edge to make your business stand out, now you can with your member listing on the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce website. Members can stand out by adding a logo or color border to their directory listing, or by purchasing an additional category listing. Choose from these three affordable options:
  1. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS CATEGORY LISTING - $40/a year
  2. COLOR BORDER AND BACKGROUND, or - $50/a year
  3. COMPANY LOGO, COLOR BORDER AND BACKGROUND - $75 /a year

If your business specializes in more than one area (i.e. catering AND event space) the additional category listing is perfect for you. Through our new online web enhancements, businesses can elaborate and expand on what they specialize in.

There are over 650 members of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce - when visitors browse through the online member directory you could stand out from other members by adding a logo or color border to your listing.

Both of these features can be purchased for a small price through the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. Complete the order form on our website today and make it easier for customers and prospects to notice your business!
Want to find out the predications for the 2010 Big 12 Football season? Stan Weber, Broadcaster for WHB, Metrosports and the voice of the Kansas State Wildcats will be our featured speaker. The September luncheon is Wednesday, September 8 at Shawnee Town Hall (11600 Johnson Drive). Be sure to RSVP to the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce by Friday, September 3. Please call the office, 913.631.6545, or register online. Thank you to First National Bank of Olathe for sponsoring the luncheon.
If you're looking for some help with your small business, check out the seminars offered by the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Johnson County Community College (JCCC). This month's schedule features many great topics, for instance: "Strategic Business Planning," "FOCUS: Productivity and Time Management for Small Business Owners and Employees," or "QuickBooks Payroll." View the continuing education opportunities provided by KSBDC today!

The JCCC KSBDC also provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting to existing and prospective small business owners in Johnson, Wyandotte and Miami counties in Kansas. Their team of consultants include experienced professionals with expertise in teh 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 these seminars or services, please contact Malinda Bryan-Smith, Regional Director, or Kay Lampe, Training and Event Coordinator, at 913.469.3878 or visit the JCCC KSDBC website.
Country Club Bank
Country Club Bank is a locally-owned community bank. The bank has served the greater Kansas City area since 1953 through its nine financial service centers, and through its affiliates Country Club Trust Co., Country Club Financial Services, Tower Wealth Managers and the Capital Markets Group.

Thank you for your continued, Investors Guild support and dedication!
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In good business,
Shawnee Chamber of Commerce

phone: 913 | 631 | 6545

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Shawnee Chamber of Commerce | 15100 W. 67th St., Suite 202 | Shawnee | KS | 66217-9344