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Good News Starts Here.
A few good words from the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce
March 2010
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JoCo Sunflower

The Johnson County Public Policy Council and the Chairman of the Board of Johnson County Commissioners, Annabeth Surbaugh, cordially invite you to attend the 2010 State-of-the-County Address and Luncheon Tuesday, March 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park, Kan.

Company tables and seats are available. Reservations must be received by Monday, March 22, 2010, and paid in advance. Refunds will not be made on cancellations received after the registration deadline. Please click the image to download a reservation form or call the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce, 913.631.6545, to make your reservation today!

Tim Harmon, 2010 Chairman
March Madness

Wow, is it that time of year again. The NCAA Big 12 Basketball Tournament returns to Kansas City (its rightful place) to determine who will be crowned Big 12 champions. Which teams will be invited to the Big Dance? This year proves to be a special year because the Big 12 is considered the nation's powerhouse conference and could field seven to eight teams in the tournament. Brackets will be filled out, office pools will create friendly competition and water cooler talks will escalate. It is my favorite sporting event of the year where underdogs upset the prestigious programs and legends are born.

March Madness is also happening in Northwest Johnson County. As the snow melts and the temperatures rise, the sun is shining on the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. Some economic development highlights include the following: a full service Holiday Inn and Suites, redevelopment in the Shawnee historic downtown area and potential re- use/conversion of existing vacant Big Box spaces.

Attendance is up at networking events, monthly membership luncheons and business after hour functions. It is exciting to observe the new friendships and business relationships being formed. You have probably heard the saying "Don't ever graduate from the basics." One of the basics in my "business strategy tool bag" is a strong, business alliance with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. I encourage you to do the same; you will be pleased with the outstanding results.

We are here to serve you. Enjoy "bracketology" and cheering your teams onto victory. Go Big 12.

Tim J. Harmon

Chairman
A new study initiated by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) shows "chamber members consistently pay their bills in a more timely manner, resulting in better credit scores (629 vs. 557) than U.S. businesses, as a whole" (Cortera 2010) .

The study, produced by Cortera, a community-based, commercial-credit bureau, sampled 10 chambers of commerce across the country, producing approximately 10,000 companies across 10 states to make up the combined sample. Comparing chamber- member businesses with other regional, state and national businesses, Cortera found chamber of commerce members maintain a higher, average- credit score than businesses at large.
Are you interested in gaining more exposure and visibility for your business? The Shawnee Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a number of new, member benefits, giving its members the opportunity to do just that! As a result of our investment to integrate our database with the Website, we are pleased to offer several, Web-site enhancements, providing members with increased brand awareness, promotional opportunities and convenience.

Brand Awareness
  • In the new, enhanced, business directory, your business name now links through to your business Website, a map link is included with your directory listing, which pulls up a map pinpointing your business location; and a more-information link opens a new window providing additional, business information such as your business description and additional locations.
  • New members are highlighted with an icon and are in a scrolling list, and they continue to be featured via the View New Members link for 60 days.
  • The Career Ladder section of the Website allows you to post job openings online, linking back to your employment section on your business Website, and get help with employee recruitment.

Promotional Opportunities
  • A referral is now created each time a company is displayed in search results; thus, you can track your exposure. You can view your referrals from the Members Only section of the Website.
  • The online directory offers exposure opportunities available only to Chamber members. You can stand out by adding a logo or color border to your directory listing and/or by purchasing an additional, category listing.
  • Another enhancement to the business directory is the option to provide a members-only discount or coupon to the general public. By offering a members- only discount, you can generate more business by submitting your company's discount while also getting great deals by searching the directory for discounts on products or services offered by other members. Likewise, you can further promote your business to anyone searching for you or your business category on the Chamber directory when you provide a coupon.
  • Share your organization's events with others and view happenings around the community in the Member Company Events Calendar.
  • Web-site ads; you now have the option to purchase a Web-site ad that clicks through to your website and increase company visibility.

Convenience
  • You can add or update your contact information directly on the Website, ensuring the most accurate information is displayed.
  • Online, event registration and payment; enjoy the convenience of online registration and payment. You can also pay for your membership investment and renewal online.
  • Members Only; once logged in, you can update your contact information and request a Chamber logo to display on your Website.

All of these enhancements are free, member benefits, with the exception of the enhanced, directory listings and Web-site ads.

Chamber members should receive a unique username and password by email this week, which will allow you to access the Members Only area so you can begin taking advantage of these value-added benefits. If you don't, please contact the Chamber office, 913.631.6545, so it can add your e-mail address to its database.
Old Shawnee Days logo
Vice President of Marketing and Communications Rob Thomson of the Kansas City Wizards is the guest speaker of the Membership Luncheon Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shawnee Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203. Please RSVP by noon Monday, March 8, to either the Chamber office, 913.631.6545, or to rsvp@shawneekschamber.com.

Thank you, Old Shawnee Days Society, for sponsoring this month's Membership Luncheon.
CVB GSH color logo
Announcing the new, Shawnee Convention and Visitors Bureau's (CVB) Website, www.shawneekscvb.com! Visit it today to discover what to do, what is going on and where to eat and stay in Shawnee. The new Website is enhanced, with more interactive features and access to Shawnee entertainment and attractions at your fingertips!
Golf bag
The Chamber's 31st Annual Golf Tournament is Monday, May 17, at Lake Quivira Country Club, 100 Crescent Blvd., Lake Quivira, KS 66217. The fun- filled day of golf will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will last into the evening.

Don't miss the opportunity to golf with your fellow, Chamber members and business partners. Arrange a team of four golfers and/or become a hole sponsor, promoting your business to more than one hundred golfers at the tournament! The deadline for registration is May 3. Please contact the Chamber office, 913.631.6545, for more information.
SMF logo
Shawnee Mission Ford Inc, a Ford dealer in Shawnee, Kan., offers new Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers online at www.shawneemissionford.com. Find your dream car or search the new Ford inventory to see what is on the lot, get new car pricing and free Ford price quotes. View its used-car inventory, including pre-owned, Ford vehicles.

Thank you for your Investors-Guild support and dedication!
SMF logo
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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