2015 Chamber Newsletter (1)

2700 Vine Hays, KS 67601
discoverhays.com
hayscc@discoverhays.com
(785) 628.8201
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Connecting Business. Creating Commerce. Offering Opportunities.
February 2015
The Chamber’s annual goals for 2015 include:
Connecting Business
• Member benefits:The Chamber offers
events to help members connect with businesses,
professionals and the community.We will
strengthen the communication between our
office and members.
• Polling: Offering resources along with a brief
description about community issues as they
arise, and follow up with an opinion poll.
• Promoting opportunities: We love
promoting Chamber opportunities and
member happenings.Through awareness and
announcements, we can help ensure success for
our member businesses.
Creating Commerce
• Advocating: We will continue to strengthen
the bridge between our member’s interests
regarding community issues and leaders.
• Member and community incentives: An
ongoing objective of the Chamber is to refer
businesses and keep dollars local.We would
like to continue communication about Chamber
Cheques, the Membership Directory and the
Shop Local brochure to patrons and visitors.
• Regional and state outreach: The Chamber
will partner with area and state leaders, as well
as numerous state Chambers, to ensure our
region’s economic impact remains strong.
Offering Opportunity
• Chamber networking programs: Through
Hays AreaYoung Professionals, Leadership
Hays and Hays Area KONZA Club, we can build
personal strengths, assist in strategizing and
help implement tactics that will impact our
community.
• Program assessment: We continue to assess
existing programs and determine whether
changes need to be made.
Strategizing Future Successes
Proudly printed in color by Northwestern Printers Inc. (785) 625-1110 northwesternprinters.com

With
Leadership
Hays sessions
beginning this month, I have spent time
gathering information and processes
to help engage participants as they learn new skills about
leadership. Some leadership styles depend on the task,
the team or individual’s capabilities and knowledge, the
time and tools available and the results desired. One of
these models involves delegating tasks to others to help
foster employee involvement and empowerment. I decided
to try this style by delegating our new interns the task of
introducing themselves. Please help me in welcoming them.
Daniel Rineberg Photo
My name is Daniel Rineberg, and I am from Topeka. I am
a junior majoring in business management
at Fort Hays State University. In doing this
internship, I plan to gain experience in sales
and marketing, sharpen my Excel skills,
network with Chamber members and help
coordinate events to promote area businesses.
One thing I really like about the Hays
community is it has small-town atmosphere.
Most people here are friendly and honest, and I really
enjoy that. I have truly valued the friendship I’ve made and
education I’ve received thus far.
Corbin Roth Photo
My name is Corbin Roth, and I’m originally from Conway
Springs. I graduated from Butler Community College in
2013 with an associate’s degree in fine arts and am currently
working towards a B.A. in graphic design
at FHSU. Last semester, my teacher, Mrs.
Wellbrock, offered an internship with the
Hays Chamber. I immediately said yes. This
internship will help show what it’s like outside
of the classroom and teach me how everything
works in the real world of design. With a
degree in graphics, I will pursue a career with
an advertisement agency or design book covers. Hays is a
great community and self-sufficient. However, the thing I
like most is the small-town closeness.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR: Brian Weimer, IPI Financial Services
CHAIR-ELECT: Brad Haynes, FHSU Athletic Assoc.
PAST CHAIR: Lance Bickle, Sicoir
TREASURER: Tom Meis, Midwest Energy
Connie Bollig, Emprise Bank
Karen Gutierrez, Gutierrez Restaurant
Travis Kohlrus, Eagle Communications
Tammy McClellan, Heartland Community Foundation
Eric Norris, Hays Public Library
Leland Olive, Couture For Men & Women
Todd Powell, Glassman, Bird, Brown & Powell L.L.P.
Mark St. Peter, Nex-Tech
Shae Veach, Hays Medical Center
STAFF
Tammy Wellbrock
Executive Director
Celeste Sander
Membership Coordinator
Kathy Heinrich
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Krogstad
Communications Coordinator
Mission: The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce works for the business prosperity of Hays and its neighbors.
Tammy
talk
FEATURED
BUSINESS
Stanion Wholesale
Electric Co.
The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and
Western Beverage would like to congratulate
February’s Featured Business, Stanion Wholesale
Electric Co., 1206 E. 22nd. Stanion Wholesale
is family owned and locally operated since
1961, serving the Hays community for 54 years.
There are 17 locations throughout Kansas and
Missouri serving all of Kansas and parts of
Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas
and places beyond. A total of 200 employees are
dedicated to serving your needs, including a 24/7
emergency service.
Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. ranks No. 65
in size in the Top 200 distributors in the nation
in 2014 by Electrical Wholesaling. They are a
“green” company working to conserve energy
and save our environment. Services include fully
trained Automation, DataCom, Lighting, Utility,
and Energy Services Specialists. Reinvesting
in the community is at the forefront of their
business, donating to many worthy causes and
organizations including Special Olympics for the
state of Kansas. For more information, call (785)
628-8722.
2

Medical and Dental Care
Theregion’’spremieremedicalhome,
dedicatedtoprovidingaccessto
compassionate,qualitycareforall.
105 W. 13th 785.621.4990
www.rstcareclinic.com
Visit us online at discoverhays.com
Chamber News
Join Adams, Brown, Beran
and Ball, as well as Ellis County
administration, for a joint
Business After Hours from 5 to 7
p.m. Feb. 12 at 718 Main. Enjoy
hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments,
network your peers and learn
about the two businesses.
A legislative forum will be at 8
a.m. Feb. 7 in the newly renovated
Ellis County Commission
chambers, 718 Main. Rep. Sue
Boldra, R-Hays, and Sen. Ralph
Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, will be
discussing the legislative process
and happenings in Topeka. It’s
a great opportunity to provide
feedback and ask questions
through written submissions to
those representing Kansas.
We would like to thank the
Annual Awards Banquet sponsors
for the contributions.
Premier Sponsors: APAC Kansas
Inc., Shears Division, Diamond
R. Jewelry, EnerSys, Insurance
Planning Inc., ITC, Koerner
Chiropractic & Physical Therapy,
LDI, Midwest Energy Inc., Nex-Tech
Wireless, Sunflower Bank,Walmart.
Award Sponsors: Eagle
Communications, Girl Scouts of
Kansas Heartland, Golden Belt
Bank, James Motor Co., Sam’s Club.
Other Sponsors: Dr. Mirta Martin,
Emprise Bank, Flowers by Frances,
Northwestern Printers,Western
Beverage.
Annual Awards Banquet
Feb. 19
5:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m. program & awards
FHSU Memorial Union
Chamber closed
Feb. 20
Monthly Membership Lunch
Feb. 27, noon
Smoky Hill Country Club
Program: City of Hays and Ellis County.
Sponsor: Golden Belt Bank
Business After Hours
Eggs & Issues
Thanking Banquet Sponsors
Stepping Out Program
New Members
The businesses listed below 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. Greetings to:
Boy Scouts of America,
Coronado Area Council
205 E. Seventh, Ste. 115
(785) 656-4208
Cindy Elliott
(785) 628-3827
Riordan Clinic
1010 E. 17th
(785) 628-3215
January correction:
OH4F (Open Hands 4 the Fatherless)
(785) 621-2063
oh4f.org
Receive a Chamber Cheque for each
new business you recruit to become a
Chamber Member.
Announcements
The Stepping-out program (formally known as
Operation Renewal) is designed to offer our members
the chance to engage with the Chamber through
Ambassadors, Board of Directors or Chamber
staff to share ideas, concerns, accomplishments or
changes within their business. On Feb. 11, expect a
visit from a Chamber representative to distribute a
2015 membership window decal for your business.
Additional decals can be requested for multiple entries or drive-
through windows.
3

• Convenient e-Billing and
bank payment options
• Affordable Leased Security Lighting
1-800-222-3121
www.mwenergy.com
To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.
Member News
ITC Great Plains LLC, in
conjunction with Sunflower Electric
Power Corp. and Mid-Kansas Electric
Co., has placed theV-Plan high-
voltage electric transmission line
and the Clark County, Ironwood and
Spearville substations into service in
western Kansas.The 122-mile double-
circuit, 345,000-volt transmission
line is designed to connect eastern
and western Kansas in order to
improve electric reliability, enable
energy developers to tap into the
transmission grid and promote
economic development in the region.
The Power of One scholarship
campaign at Fort Hays State University
came to a successful close Dec. 31,
raising
$12,050,073.
The campaign
originated as
a tribute to retiring president Edward
H. Hammond. Every dollar contributed
to the campaign will make a difference
for Fort Hays and will be used to
establish scholarships for hard-working
students in need of financial assistance.
To learn how to make a difference in
2015, visit foundation.fhsu.edu.
Hays Medical Center recently
opened the Convenient Care Walk-In
Clinic located in Oak Park Medical
Complex (2501 E. 13th) Bldg. 4, Ste.
11 in Hays. Open seven days a week,
hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 7:30
p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5
p.m. Sundays.The facility is walk-in
only, no appointment. Patients must
be 6 months and older.Ages 16 and
younger must be accompanied by an
adult. Co-pay and self-pay are due at
time of service. Cash, credit and debit
card or local checks accepted. For
more information visit haysmed.com/
convenientcare.
Insurance Planning Inc., presented
a gift of $20,000 to Heartland
Community Foundation to establish
the Fred and Jean Berger Insurance
Planning Inc. Charitable Fund.The
gift honors Fred and Jean Berger, who
founded Insurance Planning in 1968.
The fund will be managed as a donor-
advised fund of the local Heartland
Community Foundation. This initial
contribution includes the permanent
endowed gift and additional funds to
provide grants to local organizations
and projects that directly support
the senior population. Prior to
Berger’s retirement from the agency,
he devoted his time to working with
seniors — primarily on long-term care
insurance needs.
The American Red Cross is proud to
announce the 12th annual Hays Battle
of the Badges Blood Drive had an
overwhelming response with 302 pints
collected, more than the goal of 270.
The Red Cross thanks the local law
enforcement, firefighters and EMS
who “battled” to see who could bring
in the most blood donors. Its success
was secured by all who donated
and volunteered.The real winners,
however, are hospital patients in need
of blood.
FHSU Science Cafe will be at 7 p.m.
Feb.12 at Gella’s Diner, 117 E. 11th,
Hays.Trey Hill,
assistant professor
of communication
studies,
will present
“Sometimes truth
is greater than
fiction: Exploring
common psychological myths and
even more interesting psychological
facts.”
Qdoba Mexican Grill is now
offering catering service fresh from
the kitchen. Catering is available
for small groups 10 to 15 people and
large groups 20 to 500 people. Qdoba
hot-bar options include: hot taco bar,
hot nacho bar and hot naked burrito
bar. Handmade tortilla chips and
salsa, as well as box lunches, are also
available. Catering reservations can
be made 24 hours prior to an event.
For more information, call (785) 621-
2515.
Nex-Tech is pleased to announce
it has reached an agreement to
acquire Computer Solutions Inc.
CSI is headquartered in Smith
Center, with satellite offices in
Beloit, Concordia and McPherson.
The purchase is expected to be
finalized by April 1. CSI provides
technology infrastructure solutions to
organizations throughout Kansas.
4

Developmental Services of
Northwest Kansas has served persons
with intellectual and developmental
disabilities for more than 47 years.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, it has
established a DSNWK Development
Fund to help secure the ability to
meet growing demands for services
and technology updates. It has also
launched a website for individuals.
Information about will and estate
planning is available, as well as tools
for professional advisors to keep
current on tax changes, deduction
calculators and advisor news.Visit
dsnwk.giftlegacy.com or email Allen_
Schmidt@DSNWK.org.
The Board of Directors of the
Downtown Hays Development
Corp. announced
Sara Bloom, a native
of Lindsborg and
former Hays resident,
has been named
executive director.
Bloom is grateful for
the opportunity with
the DHDC. She and her family are
excited to return to the city they love.
Bloom is confident her background
and skill set will make a significant
contribution to the Hays community.
The FHSU Management
Development Center is excited to
offer the following workshops to
Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
members for a 15-percent discount.
Workshops being offered include:
Effective Presentation Skills (Feb. 18),
Performance Management (March
10), Customer Service (April 14)
and Project Management (May 5-6).
For more information or to register,
visit fhsu.edu/mdc/workshops.When
registering online, use code 6298ztk
to obtain the Chamber discount. For
additional information, contact Sabrina
William at (785) 628-4124 or slwilliam@
fhsu.edu.
For the sixth consecutive year,
Commerce Bank appears on Forbes’
annual list of America’s 10 best banks.
Commerce is No. 9 on Forbes’ list,
which rates the 100 largest publicly
traded banks and thrifts banks by
overall financial health. In 2014,
Commerce was No. 10 on the list.“We
are honored to be recognized by Forbes
for six years in a row.We attribute
much of our success to our high level
of customer service, our commitment
to the success of our communities
and customers and consistent returns
for our investors.We look forward to
continuing that success in 2015,” said
Deron O’Connor, president of the Hays
market. Forbes ranked the 100 largest
publicly traded banks and thrifts on
nine measures of financial health:
return on average equity; net interest
margin; nonperforming loans as a
percentage of loans; nonperforming
assets as percentage of assets; reserves
as a percentage of NPLs; two capital
ratios (Tier 1 and risk-based); leverage
ratio and one-year sales growth.All
of the data, outside of sales growth,
was provided by Charlottesville,Va.,
financial data firm SNL Financial
Ann Zlamal was named managing
principal with Waddell & Reed in
western Kansas. After a career as
a speech therapist, Zlamal entered
the securities industry in 1997,
joining Waddell & Reed in 2012. She
has had prior positions as financial
advisor, branch manager and regional
manager with a variety of firms. In
her spare time, she enjoys skiing,
hiking, swimming and horseback
riding, as well as being a proud aunt
to her eight nieces and one nephew.
Rejuvenations Day & Med Spa is
excited to announce
Traci Stanford has
joined the team as spa
business manager. She
has expertise and skills
in community relations.
Stanford is a 2009
graduate of FHSU, is
married to Jerrod Stanford and has a
baby, Ivy Faith.
The Fort Hays State University
spring Entrepreneur Direct Speaker
Series will feature Scott Redler, chief
operating officer and co-founder of
Freddy’s Custard & Steakburgers,
and Jason Ingermanson, the
largest franchisee of Freddy’s.The
entrepreneur direct presentation will
be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. March 3 in
the FHSU Ballroom, Memorial Union.
Students, faculty and the community
are invited to the free event.
Mark your calendars for Heartland
Community Foundation’s one-day
community matching event, Match
Madness, on March 10. On that day,
donors make a contribution to the
endowment fund of one or more
of the participating charities.The
foundation will match that donor
gift with a grant to the charities.
Heartland’s matching pool is $9,000.
Member News
5
Switch now with the
phone and tablet
BuyBack Program!
Nex-Tech Wireless
4310 N Vine, Hays
785-621-3670
Nex-Tech Wireless • The Mall
2918 Vine St, Hays
785-639-1461

1. Tell us about your current position.
I am vice president and branch manager at the
Emprise Bank West location. I have been with the bank
for 28 years. In addition to the branch manager duties, I
am involved in all types of loans, especially real estate.
2. Why do you feel it is important to be involved in the
Chamber Ambassador Program?
As an Ambassador, I feel I am representing the city of
Hays. I am also learning about new businesses in Hays
and the ones that have been here for years. We sponsor
many events for the community, and it is great to be a
participant. Last but not least, it is a privilege to network
with so many individuals.
3. What is your favorite Ambassador memory?
My favorite memory is learning how I became an
Ambassador.Without my knowledge, I was nominated,
voted on and approved to join. I was pleasantly surprised.
Now, the event leading up this did involve “beverages” —
need I say more?
4. How long have you been serving as an Ambassador?
I have been an Ambassador for 17 years, and all
of those years have been a great experience. I can’t
remember not being an Ambassador.
5. What do you enjoy most about living and/or working
in the Hays community and surrounding area?
I have lived in Hays most of my life. It is a great
community to raise a family, and there are so many
opportunities for everyone. I enjoy running into someone
I know everywhere I go.
Ambassadors
Chamber Programs
Hays Area Young Professionals
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2 watch
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1. Tell us about your current position.
I’m currently an inside sales rep at Nex-
Tech, providing business IT and
communications solutions to
customers all over the state. I
work closely with our outside
reps to deliver the best service
possible.
2. Why is it important for you
to be involved in HAYP?
HAYP is a great way to
network with local peers from all kinds of
industries.You can share similar experiences,
find valuable resources and form some great
connections and friendships.
3. What other community activities are you
involved in?
Besides HAYP, I am also a CASA volunteer,
a member of the Sister Cities Committee
and on the selection committee for the Avi
Kempinski Memorial Scholarship.
4. What goals do you have for the year?
I would like to challenge myself to have
more focus and purpose in my community
involvement to make sure I’m helping to make
progress.
5. What do you enjoy most about living and/
or working in the Hays community?
Our residents care about our community;
they enjoy living here and are proud of it. It
shows in the vast involvement of community
members on every level.
5
Take
Connie Bollig,
Emprise Bank
Olga Detrixhe,
Nex-Tech Inc.
New HAYP Members
Welcome and congratulations to our newest HAYP members:
• Hillary Penrod, Astra Bank
• Trevor Ottley, Mid-Kansas Auto Auction LLC
• Nicole Walz, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland
Official Ambassador Photo
An Ambassador group photo will be taken at the Annual Banquet on Feb. 19. Arrive to the FHSU Stouffer Lounge
at 4:45 p.m. Attire: navy or black suit (pants or skirt acceptable for women), white button-down shirt, red tie (men),
and name tag.
For a listing of
upcoming events, visit
the HAYP Facebook
page at facebook.com/
HaysAreaYoungProfessionals

Austria/Germany Trip
Chamber Chats Ribbon Cuttings
Emprise Bank, 1011 E. 27th St.
(785) 624-6514 emprisebank.com
INSPIRE Body Mind Spirit, 5790 230th Ave
(785) 650-7505 inspirebodymindspirit.com
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3310 E. Vine St.
(785) 621-2515 qdoba.com
Court House & Law Enforcement Center
3000 New Way Blvd., Hays
(785) 625-1040 for the sheriff’s office
(785) 625-1050 for the jail
Tiger Gold on Friday (TGOF)
www.fhsu.edu/tgof
Astra Bank, 3310 Vine St.
(785) 621-2444 bankwithastra.com
Day 1: Depart U.S. on an overnight flight to Munich, Germany.
Day 2: Arrive in Munich/ Innsbruck; served twice as host to the Winter Olympics.
Day 3: Innsbruck/City Tour: visit the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace, Olympic
Stadium and more.
Day 4: Optional Salzburg Tour: explore Cathedral of Salzburg, Mozart’s
birthplace and more.
Day 5: Bavaria, Munich and Oktoberfest: tour the beer capital of the world during
Oktoberfest.
Day 6: Optional Merano Tour: wine tasting in Italy.
Day 7: Neuschwanstein Castle: tour the castle and its enchanting alpine views.
Day 8: Optional Mittenwald/Garmisch Tour: violins and art.
Day 9: Depart Innsbruck for U.S.
Extended Stay Tour (additional $599/person, double occupancy)
Day 9: Romantic Road/ Nürnberg: remarkable Bavarian scenery and royal
medieval city tour.
Day 10: Nürnberg: German Renaissance, German Royalty and famous German
artisans.
Day 11: Depart Nürnberg for U.S.

Abbreviation Legend:
AMB = Ambassador
LH = Leadership Hays
BAH = Business After Hours
RC = Ribbon Cutting
CC = Chamber Chat
ML = Membership Lunch
HAYP = Hays Area Young
Professionals
WC = Welcome Center
For details, see your
weekly emails.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun
February Calendar of Events
Executive Circle Chamber Members
“Thanks to these businesses for making the ultimate investment!”
ENCLOSED FLYERS ARE NOT
ENDORSEMENTS OF THE HAYS AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THEY ARE
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS BY
CHAMBER MEMBERS.
2 3 4 5 6 7/8
31/1
LH, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CC, 9 a.m., Sunflower
Bank (1010 E. 27th)
AMB Team Captain,
noon, Gutch’s
Eggs & Issues,
8 a.m., Ellis County
Administrative
Building (718
Main, Basement
Conference Room)
HAYP Advisory
Council Meeting,
noon, WC.
Chamber Board of
Directors meeting, 4
p.m., WC.
HAYP Off the Clock,
5 to 7 p.m., Golden Q
(809 Ash)
LH, 8:30 a.m. to noon
(WC)
RC, 9 a.m., Boy Scouts
of America (205 E.
Seventh, Ste.115)
CC, 9 a.m.,
Covenant Builders
(4101 Covenant Dr.)
ML, noon, Smoky Hill
Country Club( 3303 Hall)
Stepping-out Program
w/AMB, 11 a.m. (WC)
Executive Board
Meeting, 4 p.m. (WC)
BAH, Adams, Brown,
Beran & Ball, 5 to
7 p.m., Ellis County
Administrative
Building (718 Main)
CC, 9 a.m.,
Photos Phorever
(213 W. 23rd)
Annual Awards
Banquet, 5:30 p.m.
social; 7 p.m. program
and dinner
(FHSU Memorial
Union)
Chamber closed
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2015 Chamber Newsletter (1)

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