Trivia Thursday!

Two days ago was Trivia Tuesday!  I just found out this week that Ike’s Place here in town has trivia (I guess I’ve been living under a rock), and being the useless information buff that I am, I was thrilled to go and compete.  It paid off too – our team won third place!  Like during most of my activities, I found myself thinking of the Chamber, and more specifically….Chamber trivia!  Last week I talked about what we do here for members and the community, and today I’ll expand on that, with trivia categories and questions. 

The first category is Government, and we have two questions in this category.  The first question is “Is the Chamber a county or city department?”  The correct answer to that question is no.  While the Chamber is located in the same office building as the CVB (a city department), we are our own organization.  We consider the CVB, county, and city partnership organizations, and are involved with them on many projects.  The second government question is, “Does the Chamber sit on any City committees or County committees?” The answer to this question is yes.  We have a seat on the CVB board of directors and city economic development council.  We also are kept up to date on city and county activities by their employees and commissions.

The second category is Entertainment.  Our first entertainment question is “What entertainment does the Chamber provide?”  The answer to that is that the Chamber promotes community events and activities.  Many of our local attractions here in Abilene are Chamber members and we promote them and their events they put on (i.e. D-Day celebration, the railroad, Seelye Mansion, etc).  These are all entertainment attractions, and the Chamber also promotes community events that provide entertainment.  Great examples of this are the Central Kansas Free Fair and holiday celebrations.  The Chamber also hosts our annual banquet, held at the beginning of the calendar year, which is entertainment as well as a business report.

Our final category is Miscellaneous.  Our first question is “What kinds of businesses are involved with the Chamber?”  The answer – all kinds!  We have catering businesses to health systems, excavating to bridal stores, gift shops to government organizations.  You name it, we’ve got it!  The second Miscellaneous question: “Who can become a Chamber member?”  The answer is businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and municipalities.  Our final Miscellaneous question is, “How can I find out more information?”  The answer to that is how I sign off to every article: as always, you can contact the Chamber at 785.263.1770 or chamber@abileneks.net!

PS – I had a blast at Trivia Tuesday…join the fun at Ike’s Place, Tuesdays at 7:00! 

The Folks Next Door

Last week, I had my neighbor check my mail over the weekend because I was out of town.  I had ordered a package and knew it would be in, and she graciously kept it in her apartment until I came back to Abilene.  It made me think about the old adage, “If you need a cup of sugar, just go to your neighbor next door.”  I truly was able to go just next door for help, and in Abilene, that happens all the time.  I’ve seen many examples lately of this, mostly in construction going on around town.

If you head east from the post office on 3^rd street, you’ll see some construction at Peterson Monuments and Design.  As with many construction projects, there is need for hammers, nails, paints, measure tapes, and more.  In case they don’t have these on hand, the construction crew can just head next door to RHV Do-It Best Hardware for all the tools they need. 

Another construction project happening around town is the construction of the Donut Palace on north Buckeye.  Many construction crews work long hours: at least 8 to 5 and usually even longer than that.  At lunchtime, all they need is to walk next door to Ike’s Place to grab a bite to eat.  If they get thirsty throughout the afternoon, no problem!  They just need to walk next door to either Kwik Shop or Sonic for something refreshing!

As you can see, one can find many things if they go next door.  This happens not only in construction, but in some of our Chamber projects as well.  One example of this is with our Ambassador program.  Our Ambassadors program is getting started with great vigor, and ordering shirts will be part of that.  Luckily, we’ll able to go right next door to order those from Last Chance Graphics.

Construction projects, polo shirts, a cup of sugar….all these things and more you can find if you just go next door.  There’s also another way you can check out something in Abilene that has to do with the folks next door…and that’s the second live performance show of Great Plains Theatre’s 20^th Anniversary Season: “The Boys Next Door.”  This show focuses on four handicapped men, their social worker, and their lives.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews on this show, and I’m looking forward to seeing it tomorrow night! You have four more opportunities to see the show: Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 PM, or Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Is there anything you head next door for?

You can always contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770, or at chamber@abileneks.net. 

A scene from "The Boys Next Door," playing at Great Plains Theatre 

Beat the Heat

I’m going to be honest right now.  It has been hot outside.  Not as hot as it could be, that’s true, but anything over 95 degrees is too hot for me!  For those of us that have lived in Kansas for, well, more than one summer, we’re used to the heat.  Days that peak over 100 degrees is just another day in the life for us.  Not for the first time, I’m thankful that my job is mostly inside, and when I do walk around and visit businesses, I go inside their businesses as well, so my time in the heat is limited.   That’s not the case for everyone though.  The last couple of weeks, we have seen many a farmer out in the fields harvesting.  For most, harvest has concluded, but I still know some that are finishing up. 

Heat exhaustion or sickness can affect those in the workplace.  The good news is that there are ways to prevent the symptoms from creeping in and disrupting anything.  This is especially helpful for those that work outside, but it’s applicable for those that run errands outside, walk around, or are in the outdoors at all!  I snagged these tips from Assurance Edge Online; check out their website for more tips and information!

1. Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing. This is easier to move around in and doesn't absorb as much heat. 
2. Be prepared for warmer conditions. Check the forecast, and know what to expect before you head out into the elements. 
3. Take multiple breaks inside or in the shade.  Break up your day.  Take a short break every hour or every two hours to recharge and cool off a little bit. 
4. Avoid overexposure or going out in the peak time of 10:00am-3:00pm.  If it's possible to avoid, don't go outside when the sun is beating down its worst.  Go out in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. 
5. Drink plenty of water! Water is so important for refueling and hydration.  Take a water bottle with you on your errands, and refill it often. 
6. Use and reapply sunscreen.  Even the most tan-skinned people can sunburn.  It doesn't take long either - less than an hour, and you'll be red! Apply sunscreen before you leave, and reapply it throughout the day if you remain outside. 
7. Stay away from caffeine. Caffeine, while it can give you more energy, can greatly dehydrate you. This is the opposite of what you want to happen, so make sure you stay away from caffeine. 

Not only will these seven tips help you beat the heat, but Abilene itself offers many ways to beat the heat, or at least pass the time in the heat.  Multiple stores sell ice cream and other cold sweet treats, there’s the swimming pool to cool off in, and our parks offer great shade and scenery.  If you’re hankering to burn a hole in your wallet, the shopping in Abilene provides a great escape from the heat.

While this summer is fairly cool compared to other places in the country (over 120 in Death Valley!), it still is pretty warm outside.  Use these seven tips to stay cool and “Beat the Heat” over the upcoming Dog Days of Summer, and it’ll be fall (the BEST season!) before you know it

USA! USA! USA!

I believe that we will win.  USMNT.  ‘Murica.  God Bless the USA.  All four of these plus the title of my column are slogans and catchphrases that I’ve heard all over in the past few weeks.  I’ve been talking about Germany, France, and everywhere but the United States in my last few columns, so I figured it’s time for a change!

Two very big things are happening for the United States right now, and they’re bringing the country together.  The first is the World Cup, the soccer event held every four years, in which the USA has advanced to the Round of 16.  As I’m typing this, the USA is playing Belgium, hoping to advance to the quarter finals.  The second event is, of course, Independence Day. 

So how does the World Cup and the 4^th of July relate to business?  Productivity at the workplace is decreased as employees stream the games and check their phones for game updates, and the 4^th of July is zero productivity at the workplace because (almost) everybody has the day off!  Well, like I always believe, connections to business can always be found, if one just remembers to look hard enough!

The biggest tie to businesses is those businesses that experience a rush on or around the holiday or event.  World Cup games, especially now in the knockout rounds, are entertainment for many people.  People want to sit and gather with their friends in front of a screen, and this often takes place at restaurants.  Clothing stores & sporting equipment stores often experience a rush at this time, provided they load up their inventory with their nation’s apparel and soccer balls! 

For the 4^th of July, there are two main businesses that experience rushes, grocery stores and liquor stores.  Folks want to load up on their hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, and s’mores as well as their beer for the holiday, and rush to the grocery store and liquor store to make sure they’ve got all the goodies.  These places often experience a rush of customers before the holiday itself, because who wants to do errands on their day off?

Other businesses that can expect more people are tourist attractions (people with the day off want to make sure they see the sights!), home décor stores (red, white, & blue galore!), and party stores (gotta get those American flag plates!).  How lucky is Abilene that we can get all we need for our soccer game and our 4^th of July without once having to drive outside city limits? 

The Chamber will be closed Friday in observance of Independence Day.  Have a great holiday weekend, and go Team USA!  I also have to root for Germany and France…you can take the girl out of Europe but you can’t take the Europe out of the girl! As always, you can contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770 or chamber@abileneks.net! 

There's No Place Like Home

I’m back! After three flights, three countries, five hours of layovers, three hours of delayed flights, cancelled flights, lost luggage, and twenty-six and a half hours, I finally made it back to Kansas City late Saturday night.  Many friends and family are calling this a “Once in a Lifetime” experience, but I disagree, because I definitely will be going again!

 I had a twelve day whirlwind adventure to Europe, and I still can’t believe it went by as fast as it did.  As the cliché goes, time flies when you’re having fun, and this proved to be true during my trip.  As I was packing my suitcase and two extra bags full to the brim (my suitcase weighed EXACTLY 50 pounds!) with presents and fun memories, I was struck with a sense of sadness to be leaving, but at the same time, a sense of excitement to be going home.

I visited many places in two countries during my trip, Germany and France.  I stayed with my family in Odenheim, Germany, visited surrounding cities, and took a short trip to Paris, France.  Through the whole trip, I was consistently reminded of home.  While I did miss some material things like my daily Diet Dr. Pepper and peanut butter, I was more struck with similarities while visiting the different areas. 

In Odenheim, there is a beautiful church just up the hill from where I stayed. While looking out over the beautiful town of Odenheim from the vantage point right outside the church, I thought of Abilene’s own Grace United Church of Christ, where my grandparents were married almost 56 years ago.  Right next to the church in Odenheim is the oldest building in the town, a house.  I was strongly reminded of Abilene’s historic homes, lining the streets and the over 30 year tradition of the Home for the Holidays Tour.  We traveled to Mannheim, Germany, to join over 5,000 fans to watch the Germany-Portugal game in the 2014 World Cup!  Germany won 4-0, and while I was celebrating, I was struck of the memories of the Chamber-wide March Madness competition we did this past year.

Germany wasn’t the only place I was reminded of home.  Strolling along the Paris streets, I was reminded of Abilene as well.  While last week’s column told you about some of our big similarities with major tourist attractions, these are smaller similarities.  Bakeries are prevalent on the streets of Paris, and while enjoying the French bread and macaron cookies (my favorite), I was reminded of the chocolate chip scones I love at Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro.  Moulin Rouge is the main cabaret theatre in Paris, marked by its signature red windmill.  You can bet your bottom dollar (Annie reference anyone?), that I was reminded of Great Plains Theatre, who are right in the midst of their 20^th Anniversary season.  After visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, we took some back streets to find my family’s favorite couscous restaurant, and on the way to that restaurant, we found a diamond-in-the-rough bookstore called Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.  For a book lover like me, this was such a cute little find that I was thrilled about.  While perusing the stacks, I remembered another great bookstore that I love, Rivendell Bookstore, right here in Abilene.

This trip was truly an amazing experience for me.  Not only did I get to see places I’d been dreaming of since I was young, I was able to grow closer to my family and experience local cultures.  However, while experiencing those different cultures, I was continually reminded of our local culture here in Abilene.  As Dorothy says, there really is no place like home, and I’m glad Abilene is mine.

As always, you can contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770 or chamber@abileneks.net! 

Chamber Membership: Cheaper Than Pizza, Gas, & Candy

Chamber membership is an investment. Like any investment, yes, it does cost money. The question we get regarding this is..."How much money?" or "Can I afford it?" Well, let's explore that concept together, using the base rate of membership, $200.00, paid annually.

Like I mentioned, it costs $200.00 for a business to have an annual membership to the Chamber. For that you receive many benefits. For information on a few benefits, check out this past Monday's post, "Why Chamber?"  This number can seem daunting, but remember, that covers your entire year of membership...let's break it down to something smaller. 

$200.00 breaks down to $16.00 per month. To put that into perspective, that costs less than a large pizza with a large breadsticks per month.

$200.00 breaks down to $3.00 per week. To put that into perspective, that costs less than a gallon of gas per week.









$200.00 breaks down to $0.55 per day.  To put that into perspective, that costs less than a candy bar per day.




Is the Chamber membership tangible like pizza, gas, and candy? No. It doesn't have a taste and it won't help your car move from point A to point B. However, over the course of a year, you can see 52 newsletters, which get sent out to Chamber members, and 52 newspaper columns.  Maybe you'll see your name in that newsletter in an ad or a story - that's for Chamber members too. You can attend one of the events, usually hosted by another business, that the Chamber helps coordinate every year. You can join one of our committees, provide input on Chamber decisions, give us ideas that can be used for future membership enhancement, and more.

I believe this is extremely affordable.  Over 130 businesspeople in the Abilene area agree with me....I hope you will too. Call me at 785.263.1770 or email me at chamber@abileneks.net anytime, and I'll chat with you more.

Flat Ike returns in next week's blog posts - make sure you come back and read about some of his adventures!

Being a Tourist

Across the pond, I am continuing my travels through Europe.  This week I rode a train over 180 mph from Germany to Paris, and there I was in the City of Lights.  What you may find surprising about Paris is that it has similarities to our little hometown of Abilene, KS.  I know what you’re thinking: “Paris, France, similar to Abilene?  She’s crazy!  She’s let the travel bug get to her!”  Well, while I may have the travel bug, I’m certainly not crazy.  Keep reading and you’ll see why.

Abilene and Paris are certainly different.  For one, their locations are nowhere close to each other, and they’re 4,638 miles apart.  Abilene’s population is 6,844 people, and Paris’s is 2,243,833.  We’re in different countries, speak a different language, and use different currency.  Yet despite all these differences, we share an industry.  One of Paris’s major industries is tourism...and so is Abilene’s. 

Our attractions are different than Paris’s, that’s true.  Paris’s Top 5 attractions are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Sacre-Coeur.  I can NOW say I've been to four of these!  Abilene’s Top 5 attractions in 2013 were the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home, Great Plains Theatre, the Greyhound Hall of Fame, Seelye Mansion, and the Heritage Center.  I've been to all five…have you?

Tourism is very important to Abilene, and especially to commerce in Abilene.  Combined, our top five attractions welcome over 235,127 visitors every year.  Other attractions like the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad and Old Abilene Town add another 20,000 visitors.  This is over 250,000 people coming to Abilene to see what we have to offer!

Tourism is an industry IN commerce that also has a domino effect into other industries in commerce.  Many visitors spend the night in Abilene, bringing dollars into the lodging industry.  They eat food in our local restaurants, bringing dollars into the food & hospitality industry.  Shopping in our local stores brings money into our retail and sales industries.  There are even many Abilene residents that started as tourists!  As they moved into town to make their lives here, they brought dollars into the real estate industry, service industry, banking, hair salons, hardware stores, grocery stores, car dealerships, the library, the city, and the list goes on and on. 

Now is the time for tourism around the world.  I can say from experience that’s true in Paris, and I know from experience that it’s true for Abilene.  While tourism often attracts out of town visitors, local tourism also exists.  My friends and I are planning an Abilene trip this summer.  I encourage you to do the same.  Take a day with your family or just you, and visit some of the places in the town we call home. 

I will continue to be out of the office the rest of this week.  You can still call the office at 785-263-1770, and staff at the CVB can help you.  I will return Monday June 23.   

As the locals say in Paris, Au Revoir! 

Why Chamber?

One of the most frequently asked questions, if not THE most frequently asked question from businesses regarding Chamber membership, is "Why?" Membership into a Chamber of Commerce is an investment for a business, and like all investments, they want to know that they're getting their money's worth.  There are sources upon sources that can tell you why you should join us. However, at the end of the day, you'll want to know why you should join the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce. Here's my Top 3 Reasons why we want to see you as a member....but you can always call me for more :)

1) Instant Connection
Currently, the AACC has 130 members. This number grows every week, and has members from all industries. From food service to manufacturing, government to insurance, hair salons to healthcare, you name it, we've got it.  When a new member joins, they instantly become connected to those 130 businesses. You can use the Chamber as your connecting point to facilitate a partnership, event, or promotion with these other businesses.  For example, at Sterling House's recent event (Read more here), they gave away an "Abilene Weekend for Two!" utilizing four other members in the process.  They were able to promote four other businesses.......just by simply joining the Chamber.

2) Business Advocate
When you run a small business, there are so many things to keep up with, and it's really easy to miss things that are going on in your community that affect you. That's what the Chamber is here for. We stay on top of what is happening at City and County government meetings, as well as statewide issues. As a Chamber member, we keep you in the loop. Another way we keep businesses in the loop is with our Chamber newsletter. This goes out every week, keeping people up to date with Chamber and community activities. Click our newsletter picture in the upper right of the page to see this week's newsletter (and check back every Wednesday for a new one).

3) Credibility
Big cities and small towns don't have a lot in common, but one thing they do have in common (most of the time), is a Chamber of Commerce. This office not only serves as a business advocacy membership organization, but it serves as the general information center for the town. Chambers offer more credibility to businesses because of this. When people walk into a business and see a Chamber sticker or plaque, they instantly know that that business cares for their community and cares for the success of local business.  Seeing businesses in collaboration with each other puts customers at ease and are more likely to remember those businesses.  Also, when people search for the Chamber website (since all towns have one), they will automatically see Chamber businesses listed on that website).

Like I said, you can always call or email me for more reasons why you should join the Chamber. We hope to see your business as part of our organization soon.

If We Are Relevant...

The Chamber not only writes a blog, but we follow a few blogs as well! One of these is a local blog, the City Manager's blog (linked at left). This blog is a great resource for everything happening at the City, including public announcements and government updates. Another blog that the Chamber follows is the Chamber Mentor blog, written by "America's Chamber Mentor," Patrick McGaughey. A blog post written by McGaughey a couple of weeks ago has really resonated with the Chamber board and staff. It was as follows:

If we are relevant, we are authentic.

If we are authentic, we are original. 

If we are original, we are genuine. 

If we are genuine, then we are what we were meant to be. 

Like I mentioned, this has resonated within the Chamber the last two weeks. It's really what I call a "reflective statement," something stated to make you reflect inward on who you are as an organization and what it is you strive to be. For the Chamber, we strive to be a voice for business. Whether this is through posting blogs with business information, hosting networking events to get businesses to meet other businesses, sending out newsletters, or pounding the pavement asking how things are going, the voice of local business is what we try to be. 

What is your organization meant to be? Are you relevant, authentic, original, and genuine? Take some time this weekend and give it a thought. Have a great weekend! 

Flying Away

Hallo! That’s German for “Hello!”  As many of you know, I am over 4,000 miles away in Odenheim (Östringen), Germany, which is in the state of Baden-Württemberg, just east of Bavaria.  This is a small town – just like Abilene!

Abilene is home to many small businesses.  A characteristic of small businesses is few staff and employees.  This adds a personal touch to business that customers are looking for, but makes leaving for a couple days or a couple weeks hard.  If you’ve ever been faced with this challenge, or anticipate facing it in the future, read on for some advice on Organizing the Office Before Vacation.

When I was researching this topic, I was led to www.workingmother.com for these tips. 
Leigh Steere, co-founder of Managing People Better, LLC, provided these tips that can make your workplace less stressful in the dates heading up to vacation.

1. Give Warning: As soon as YOU know you’ll be leaving, let your boss & coworkers know. 
2. Stay Covered: Talk to your coworkers about some duties they can cover for you while you’re gone.  Don’t make this list too long or detailed – they still have a job of their own.
3. Prioritize Projects: Focus on urgent deadlines before you leave.  If it can wait, then let it wait.
4. Make a List: Coming back to work can be equally as stressful as preparing to leave.  Create a back-to-work list for yourself.
5. Be semi-available:  If YOU can’t be contacted, ask someone if they’d be willing to answer questions.  In the Chamber’s case, you can contact the CVB at 785-263-2231 (or the Chamber number 785-263-1770) for Chamber questions! Thank you to Glenda and Staff for helping out!
6. Offer Tips: If someone is covering for you, offer them some helpful tips about what could make those tasks easier.
7. Do Double Duty: Put in some extra time before you leave if you’re swamped.  If you have multiple projects to get done, extra hours may be needed before you leave.
8. Set an Alert: Change your voicemails and emails to reflect that you’re gone.  Be sure to include dates of absence and who to contact in the meantime.
9. Clean Up: Your desk will be dirty and piled high when you get back.  Make sure it is spotless before you leave so you don’t get Pre & Post Vacation Piles mixed up.
10. Plan Ahead: Schedule a catch up meeting with your cover person for your first day back to the office.

I will be out of the office from Tuesday June 10 – Friday June 20.  I will return on Monday June 23.  Please continue to call the Chamber office for questions at 785-263-1770.  The Chamber newsletter, “All About Abilene,” will still be sent in my absence, you can check out the Chamber blog at chamberconnectionabilene.blogspot.com, and you’ll still see my column next week! 

Odenheim, Germany, my home for the next 11 days

Flat Ike Travels Abroad!

Hey everybody! My name is Flat Ike. You've heard of Flat Stanley right? Flat Stanley was started as a project for school children to write to each other from different areas of the country. Kids took pictures with Flat Stanley when they traveled places, and sent the pictures to their pen pals! Abilene's own Garfield Elementary School has done this! That's what I am too - only since I'm from Abilene, I'm Flat Ike!

This is Me!

You know Torey right? She's the Chamber director who usually writes the blog posts (I typed this without her looking). She's going on an exciting vacation tomorrow, and she's taking me with her! I'm pretty excited too. She wanted to let you all know what was going on herself, but I beat her to it!

So here's what's happening. Tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday June 10, Torey are I will fly out of Wichita, and fifteen hours, three airplanes, and two countries later, we'll arrive in Frankfurt, Germany! Over the next 11 days, we'll travel around Germany and Paris, France!

Torey will be out of the office from June 10-June 21. She'll return on Monday June 23. Torey's left the Chamber in pretty good hands. Not only will you see blog posts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays over the next two weeks, you'll still see the weekly newsletters and the weekly newspaper columns.  If you have Chamber questions, you can call the Chamber number 785.263.1770, and speak with CVB staff.

You won't hear from me until after we get back, but check back on Wednesday for a new post! See you soon!

Heidelberg Castle, one of the places we'll visit in Germany

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France - we'll be there too!

Benjamin F Edwards Hosts Business After-Hours

Tuesday June 3, the Benjamin F Edwards office here in Abilene, Kansas opened their doors to guests for June's Business After-Hours event.  This monthly event, hosted by a Chamber member, is designed as an informal networking event for community members. They are able to gather freely after the workday is complete. It doubles as a way for the hosting businesses to share their area and speak about their services.

The staff at Benjamin F Edwards put their clients first, every time.  Their commitment to their clients' best interests are what enables them to stay focused on what really matters - you and your financial well-being. At Benjamin F Edwards, you will receive objective advice along with dedicated service and support. Come see for yourself what their special brand of client-first service is all about. They can be reached at 785.263.3794, or at 102 NW 3rd.

Thanks to Benjamin F Edwards for hosting a great event!

    

 

             

 

The Proudest Thing...

He was the third of seven sons.  He was a high school athlete.  He was a husband, a father.  He was a five star general.  He was the 34th President of the United States, from the 34th state admitted to the Union.  You all know who I'm talking about, because we all still "Like Ike."  I'm talking about Dwight David Eisenhower.

June 6, 1944. D-Day. D-Day, or "Operation Overlord," as it was codenamed, was the largest mission of its scope before or since its execution.  It was the largest air, land, and sea operation, including 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 servicemen.  These brave men invaded five beaches of Normandy: Gold, Sword, Juno, Omaha, and Utah, and halted Hitler's idea of world domination. Eisenhower served as the Supreme Commander for this invasion, some people even referring to it as "Ike's Invasion."  The morning of June 6, this snippet was heard from his Order of the Day: "Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you."

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home is celebrating D-Day +70 Years this Friday and Saturday, and you're invited.  This is the greatest international commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in the United States. The weekend will include a remembrance ceremony, documentary viewing and panel discussions, concerts, military re-enactors, vintage military vehicle equipment displays, and a C-47 flyover. Concluding the commemoration is the Salina Symphony performing the Symphony at Sunset D-Day Concert. Food and beverages will be available Saturday afternoon and evening allowing families to picnic on the grounds and participate in all the day's activities.

What an amazing honor Abilene has by being home to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home and this event. Hundreds of people will be coming to Abilene this weekend to celebrate with us and bring dollars and commerce into our community. Upon returning from the war, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene."  Well, Ike, the sentiment certainly goes both ways, because one of the proudest things we can claim is having the privilege of having you as a resident. Show your pride this weekend by helping celebrate Friday and Saturday.

As always, you can contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770, or chamber@abileneks.net.

Sterling House I Unveils New Renovations

Last Thursday, May 29, Sterling House I hosted a ribbon cutting and reception for their new interior.  They underwent a complete renovation at the beginning of the year.  The lobby area, dining, public areas, hallways, and office spaces were all renovated, including all new artwork hung in the main areas and hallways. This is the first renovation done in the building's 19 year history.



Tours were given by Sterling House staff, showing the new areas.  Three significant areas showcased were the dining room, lobby & public areas, and the new living room area.  They were able to renovate a section of the front lobby, adding a second television, allowing residents more opportunity to congregate and socialize with each other.

            

At the end of the event, there was a grand prize drawing.  The grand prize was an "Abilene Weekend for Two!"  The winner, Joe Bond, received two tickets to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home, two tickets to any mainstage show at Great Plains Theatre, two dinner train tickets aboard the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, and a $50.00 gas card.  Todd Moore, Marketing Director, noted that, "We wanted to give the community of Abilene a way to experience Abilene." The Chamber worked with Todd on the idea, and appreciate Todd utilizing us as well as promoting fellow Chamber members! 

Congratulations to Sterling House I!

L to R: Todd Moore and Joe Bond 

Photo by Tiffany Roney, Abilene Reflector-Chronicle

Great Plains Theatre Welcomes New Executive Director

Yesterday evening, community members, youth members, theatre cast, staff, and more gathered at Great Plains Theatre for a Meet N Greet Reception.  The public was welcomed to the theatre to meet Maggie Hoffman, the new Executive Director, and the cast of two upcoming shows: "Big River," the kickoff show to the 20th Anniversary season, and "The Paper Bag Princess," the upcoming youth production.

Hoffman recently graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Public Affairs.  She is a 2010 graduate of Abilene High School. Friends, family, and community members gathered to welcome her back to Abilene.  Maggie said, "It's nice being home.  It's been a very busy first couple of days, but I like being busy. It's good."

                

 

The entertainment for the evening was provided by the cast of the upcoming youth production, "The Paper Bag Princess."  The show was made into a musical by two Abilene youth. Sage Tokach wrote the script and Jordan Luty wrote music.  When asking Tokach and Luty about how they came up with the idea, Sage said, "It's a really small children's book that is still my favorite book. Everyone should know about this story, so I talked to Jordan, and we got to work."  They added two characters to the story and expanded the storyline for the musical.  Cast members Jackson Welch, Carly Graefe, and Christopher Yates performed two songs from the show: "Match Made in Cyber Heaven," and "Alone."  The show will be Friday June 20 and Saturday June 21 at 6:30 P.M., with a matinee performance Sunday June 22 at 2:00 P.M.

Cast for the show "Big River" were also in attendance to speak with folks about the show.  "Big River" is the musical adaptation of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."  Doug Nuttleman, Artistic Director at GPT, is directing the show (as well as doing costuming, set design, props, and more!).

"Big River" kicks off Great Plains Theatre's 20th Anniversary Season, with shows running June 6-June 15.  Opening night, there will be a red carpet cocktail party at 6:30 P.M.  Dress is semi-formal.  If you don't have your opening night tickets, you better call and get your seats now!

Visit www.greatplainstheatre.com  OR call 785.263.4574 for more information and to book your tickets!

Eat, Drink, and Be Married!...in Abilene!

Each week, Torey (our exec director) writes a "Chamber Connection" column for the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.  This goes in the opinion section of Wednesday's paper, and will be posted on the blog every Wednesday as well.  This column also inspired the name of our blog. enjoy!

This coming Saturday, I get to see one of my dear friends Sarah tie the knot in Kansas City.  She and I have shared many a workday together both in high school and when we were in college working at a doctor’s office, and I’m so excited to see her marry the man of her dreams.  For years, I’ve loved the idea of weddings, and since my emphasis in college study was event planning, wedding planning became not only a hobby, but a career passion. Since my senior year in high school, I’ve even helped my uncle with The Big 94.5 Country Bridal Fair.  Coming to Abilene as the Chamber Director, I didn’t think wedding planning would be involved in my position, but boy was I glad to be proven wrong.

Abilene is an absolute “diamond in the rough” when it comes to weddings.  Being at the same office as the CVB, we get many calls about renting the Abilene Civic Center, many of which are for wedding rehearsals, receptions, and the wedding itself.  That is just one of many venues in Abilene that can be used for weddings.  Couples can say “I Do” under the gazebo at the Eisenhower Park Rose Garden, in front of the scenic Seelye Mansion, at the Great Plains Theatre, or even aboard the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad.

After the vows have been said, and the rings are on, newlyweds can celebrate with a reception at the Abilene Civic Center, St. Andrew’s Parish Hall, Sterl Hall, or many others as well.  They can have their meal catered by Applemint Catering & Events, West’s Plaza Country Mart, Mr. K’s Farmhouse, or more, as well as the cake they cut into made by Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro, plus other options.   

There are some other things involved with wedding planning that I haven’t mentioned.  For the dress (as well as other wedding attire for the whole wedding party), which for most brides is the most exciting part of the planning process, there is Abilene Bridal & Formalwear to find that perfect dress.  You can register for gifts at Cypress Bridge, and get your photos taken by Keller Photography & Design.  Many salons can do your hair, nails, and makeup, and even Rivendell Bookstore can help you with the planning process before it all starts.

See what I mean about being a diamond in the rough?  There are so many great opportunities to have a wedding here in Abilene.  With wedding season just starting, I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of people taking advantage of getting married in this wonderful town.  PS – Congratulations to Sarah and Ben!

You can always contact the Chamber at 785-263-1770, or at chamber@abileneks.net.  

A wedding at the Seelye Mansion with photography
by Keller Photography & Design 

Upcoming Events!

The Chamber stays busy, like most businesses, at all times of the year. However, with graduations, Memorial Day weekend, and the start of wedding season, the month of May tends to be especially busy for people! Here in Abilene and at the Chamber office, we are no exception.

We have a great amount of Chamber events coming up for community members the next couple weeks. Please come and have a good time with us as we celebrate our members.

• Wednesday May 28, 5:00-7:00PM: Join Great Plains Theatre for a Come & Go, Meet N Greet Reception as they welcome new Executive Director Maggie Hoffman. Cast members from the upcoming show, "Big River" will be there as well as special entertainment provided by the cast of the upcoming youth show, "The Paper Bag Princess." 
• Thursday May 29, 4:00-5:00PM: Sterling House #1 will be having a ribbon cutting for their newly renovated area. Enter to win the grand prize drawing for an "Abilene Weekend for Two!" The winner will receive two admissions to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, & Boyhood Home, two dinner train tickets on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, and two tickets to any mainstage show at Great Plains Theatre. 
• Saturday May 31, 8:00AM: The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a downtown cleanup. Meet at the Chamber office, bring a trashbag, and help clean the downtown for tourism season! 
• Tuesday June 3, 5:00-6:30PM: The June Business After-Hours event will be held at the Benjamin F Edwards office, at the corner of 3rd and Buckeye. Refreshments will be served. 
• Tuesday June 10, 5:30PM: The Chamber, City of Abilene, & Dickinson County will be cohosting a "Business Outreach Event," featuring the Small Business Development Center. The SBDC will be giving a program on the free services they offer to small business including business & financial planning services. 

All these events are free of charge and help multiple local businesses, not to mention they're going to be a lot of fun!  We hope to see you there! 

Central Kansas Mental Health Center Celebrates 50 Years

Chamber member Central Kansas Mental Health Center celebrated their 50th Anniversary, with the theme of, "50 Years of Transformation moving toward 50 Years of Integration." The event was held at the Eisenhower Presidential Library Courtyard in Abilene.

Executive Director Kathy Mosher gave an overview of CKMHC's history and a glimpse into where they are heading, as well as accomplishments of the past year.  Mosher shared the organization's three main goals for the next year:

1. Improve Customer Service
2. Work to Incorporate More Options for Crisis Diversion
3. Implement Integrated Care 

Mosher recognized special guests from the Kansas Department of Aging & Disabilities, members of the Association of Mental Health Centers, county commissioners, and state representative John Barker.  Barker presented Mosher and Central Kansas Mental Health Center with a plaque recognizing their 50 years of contributions made to the mental health industry in Kansas.  Mosher also recognized former executive directors Dr. William Dries and Patricia Murray, stating, "It is an honor to be able to follow in your footsteps."  

Representative John Barker & Exec. Director Kathy Mosher 

After sharing some personal recollections from high school of the keynote speaker, Mosher introduced Attorney General Derek Schmidt.  Schmidt commended CKMHC for their 50 years of work, especially noting the center's priority of "Treating the whole person, not just the disease." Schmidt noted, "The mental health industry is a people-centric business. There's no living in history, you have to move forward. The next 50 years will be very different than the last." Schmidt then shared a personal connection with mental health, speaking of a family member who had a mental health illness that was not properly diagnosed.  Thanks to the efforts of the Central Kansas Mental Health Center, patients like those are fewer and fewer. They are providing much needed services in Kansas. 

Attorney General Derek Schmidt 

The Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Central Kansas Mental Health Center on an excellent 50 years of service, and wishes them a fruitful future! We are proud to have you as a member of our organization!

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce's blog! We are located in the heart of Kansas, Abilene, the town that raised a President.  This blog is just another form of communication we are using to connect with our members, businesspeople, community members, and more! Here's just a couple things to expect from this blog:

• Posts About Chamber Activities and Events
• Weekly Column, the "Chamber Connection," that appears in the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle. 
• Guest Columns from board members, chamber members, and partnership organizations. 
• Pictures of Abilene and the area. 
• Links to news websites and up to date information available by link to local, state, and national legislative information. 

Thank you for visiting! We'll see you soon.

Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce - If it's good for the area, it's good for your business!