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Chamber events open to ALL Chamber member

business employeesThe Chamber has been working hard

this year to provide a wide range of events and programs to help you and your business make better decisions and understand the ins and outs of our community, from Coffee & Conversation to Business After Hours to our Signature Events.

We also recognize how hard it can be sometimes to get away from your desk to attend these events.

That’s why we want to remind you that all Chamber events are open to ANY employee of a Chamber member business -- not just those registered as Chamber Representatives.

These networking and education opportunities are a chance for any member of your business to become more engaged in the Chamber. Your business will be seen as an engaged part of the business community, and it’s an easy way to offer your staff the opportunity for professional development and networking opporutunities.

Some of our biggest events of the year are coming up this month: the Summer Soiree summer mixer on Thursday, June 20, the Sand Trap Classic golf tournament on Friday, June 28.

Don’t miss out! Make sure you or a member of your team is engaging and participating at the Chamber.

Call us at 785.865.4411 to register.

Volume 2, Issue 3

The ConnectionA publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

May / June 2013

A little more than one year ago, I was

offered the opportunity to lead the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce as its new President & CEO. There is considerable temptation to look back at what we have done in the past year and congratulate ourselves on a job well done. We have done much, and we have done well but my purpose here is to look forward, not back.

First, though, I must thank the Search Committee and in particular its chairwoman Cindy Yulich for selecting me from a competitive field of candidates. The support of the entire volunteer leadership team – the 2012 and 2013 Board of Directors – has been instrumental in creating the conditions for our successes over the past year. I thank each of you.

I am fortunate also to work with a talented and dedicated staff. To a person, this staff is passionate about this community, this Chamber and its members.

I truly appreciate the support and

investment of every single Chamber member. Every business, large or small, and every individual member brings strength and credibility to our efforts on behalf of the Lawrence and Douglas County business community.

The Chamber of Commerce is forward-focused. What does that mean? It means that we are working diligently to implement our strategic priorities of member engagement, advocacy and economic prosperity to create opportunities for you, our members. In July, we will issue our mid-year progress report measuring our progress against the goals we set for ourselves for 2013. This fall we will begin the strategic planning process that will guide our focus for 2014.

I am unapologetically optimistic about our future. We have a strong team in place. Our voice in this community is being heard. We are building strong partnerships throughout our region. I can’t think of a better way to begin my second year as President & CEO of the Chamber.

A Good Year in the Books;Chamber Continues Forward

A Message from the CEO

By Greg Williams, CEcDLawrence Chamber President & CEO

Look for the Chamber’s mid-year report, publishing this July.

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LLEADERSHIP

AWRENCEA PROGRAM OF THE LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LL

In addition to learning the ins and

outs of our community, Leadership

Lawrence helped me envision Lawrence

as a place I want to call home for

the rest of my life.Jay Wachs

Class of 2013, The BriarCliff Group

“

”

For more on Leadership Lawrence, visit www.LeadershipLawrence.org

Thank you to th 2013-14

Recruitment Sponsor

2014 Class ScheduleClass Reception 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 18Opening Retreat 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27Opening Retreat 1-5 p.m. Sept. 28Regular session 1 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18Regular session 2 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15Regular session 3 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13Regular session 4 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17Regular session 5 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21Regular session 6 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 28Regular session 7 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 18Final Retreat 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 25Graduation 5:30–8:30 p.m. April 26

Apply today atwww.LeadershipLawrence.org/Applications

Gavin Smith Scholarship Application:due 5 p.m. July 16 (for small business owners only)

General Applications due 5 p.m. Aug. 9

Participants spend nine sessions learning about various aspects of Lawrence life, about the four competencies for civic leadership outlined by the Kansas Leadership Center, and where you can do the most good in Lawrence and Douglas County!

Leadership Lawrence has influenced me to be a stronger leader who is thoughtful, listens more attentively and is more proactive in solving problems in my business.

Amanda StormClass of 2013 , Trinity In-Home Health Care

“”

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By Eileen HawleyVice President of Operations

The tornado that hit Moore, Okla., reminds us that we are vulnerable to the same sort of severe weather its residents experienced on May 20. Severe weather can occur almost any time of year, with the peak season for tornadoes running from April through June.

Severe weather season provides an opportunity for us to consider our preparedness for dealing, not just with the effects of tornadoes, floods or wind, but for crisis in general. Leaders and managers are never more strongly tested than in a time of crisis. The actions you take and the decisions you make will affect your business, your employees and at some level, your community.

Preparation begins by identifying vulnerabilities. Make a list of the types of events that could affect your business including your geographic location, employee behavior, natural disasters, cybercrime or workplace violence, and then rank them from 1 to 5 with 5 having the highest potential for occurrence and greatest effect on your business or community.

Understanding the likelihood of an event occurring and its potential impact on your employees, family, environment, facilities and business helps you determine the level of time and resource you may want to invest in preparing for any specific event. Your vulnerabilities will fall into one of four

categories: high probability of occurrence and high damage potential; high probability of occurrence with minimal damage; low probability of occurrence with high damage potential; and low frequency of occurrence and low probability of damage.

Preparedness Matters:  This graphic shows the track of the May 22, 2011, Joplin, Mo. tornado superimposed over Lawrence, with downtown Lawrence at its center.  The damage to Lawrence would encompass much of its City and County Offices and a large portion of the business com-munity, as well as highly populated areas of our city.

Reducing vulnerability through planning

High Damage Potential Low Damage Potential

High

Lik

elih

ood “The Red Zone”

• Red zone vulnerabilities place an organization in the greatest danger and require immediate attention.

• Avoid or mitigate potential risks in this category.

• Control potential damage through advance planning.

“The Amber Zone”• Amber Zone risks require attention and advance planning but

the danger is not immediate.

• These risks have a high likelihood of occurrence, but do not pose a high financial or damage risk.

• Risks can be managed through policies, plans and practices.

Low

Lik

elih

ood

“The Gray Zone”• Gray Zone risks, like Amber Zone, require attention and plan-

ning, but the danger is not immediate.

• Events not likely to happen, but which will bring increased vis-ibility, government regulation or reputation damage if they do.

“The Green Zone”• These risks are reasonably controlled.

• These should be addressed once the Red, Amber and Gray Zone risks are addressed.

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Mortgage Officer Geoff Strole

Get the free mobile app athttp:/ /gettag.mobi

plus low rates

Small business owners in Douglas County are invited to apply for Leadership Lawrence’s Gavin Smith Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship that makes it possible for small business owners and entrepreneurs to become part of the Leadership Lawrence experience.

So far, two business owners have benefitted from the Gavin Smith Scholarship: Crystal McWhirt, owner of photography stu-dio The Crystal Image; and Scott Risley, owner of Risley Chiro-practic.

“I was honored enough to be close friends with Gavin, so receiv-ing this scholarship was very close to my heart,” Risley said. “He was so very passionate about the program and was eager to get others involved.  I now understand why Gavin was such a support-er.  The program helped me gain such a vast amount of knowledge about our community and a better understanding of the complex-ity involved in the issues we face in Lawrence.”

Gavin Smith (Leadership Lawrence Class of 2009) was an active member of the Lawrence community and owner of a small busi-ness, Fatso’s Public House and Stage. Following his death on Sept. 24, 2010, his family created the scholarship, which is funded by the Gavin Smith Memorial Golf Invitational, held each fall.

Apply at www.LeadershipLawrence.org/pg/Application. It is due to the Chamber offices at 5 p.m. July 16.

Leadership Lawrence Offers Gavin Smith Scholarship for Small Business OwnersGOLF WITH US

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013ALVAMAR COUNTRY CLUB

www.LAWRENCECHAMBER.com / 785-865-4411$375 / FOURSOME OR $100 /INDIVIDUAL

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The Chamber’s Summer Soiree provides an unparalleled view of the business community, from atop the ninth-�oor terrace of The Oread Hotel. Held in June, this informal networking opportunity truly demonstrates the “fun of business.”

With an average June high of 85 degrees, cool breeze and scenic views from the rooftop, this is an event certain to attract a large number of Chamber members.

Presenting Sponsors - $2,500 (limit 2)Presenting Sponsors enjoy co-branding of their business with the event,

receiving primary placement of their business name and/or logo throughout

all print and electronic media, marketing materials and event signage.

Presenting sponsors receive the exclusive opportunity to provide a take

home gift for all guests, 10 tickets to the event and the option to address the

audience as desired.

Gold Sponsor - $1,500 (limit 4)Gold Sponsors enjoy their business name and/or logo featured throughout

all print and electronic media, marketing materials and event signage. Gold

Sponsors receive six tickets to the event.

Silver Sponsors - $750 (limit 8)Silver Sponsors enjoy their business name featured throughout all print and

electronic media, marketing materials and event signage. Silver Sponsors

receive two tickets to the event.

To discuss Summer Soiree Sponsorship opportunities,

please contact Adam Handshy, Director of Events, at 785.865.4427 or

ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com.

Thanks to our �rst Presenting Sponsor:

Thursday, June 20Thursday, June 20

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Ribbon Cuttings

April 16, 2013Allie’s Village Memory Care1701 Research Park Drive

April 11, 2013Independence Inc.2001 Haskell Avenue

April 25, 2013Edward Jones: Jeff Peterson730 New Hampshire St., Suite 212

April 26, 2013LHBA Spring Parade of Homes4004 Sephora Drive

April 2, 2013The Pita Pit

1011 Massachusetts St.

April 30, 2013Alvamar Country Club1809 Crossgate Drive

May 2, 2013Chutney’s Indian Diner & Bar3310 Iowa St. Suite A

Ribbon Cuttings

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Ribbon Cuttings

May 10, 2013Bowersock Mills & Power Co.North Powerhouse off Elm Street

May 9, 2013Midland Farm Store1401 Diagonal Road

May 16, 2013Jock’s Nitch Sporting Goods1116 W. 23rd St.

May 23, 2013VFW - Alford-Clarke Post No. 8521801 Massachusetts St.

May 7, 2013ARCPoint Labs

600 Lawrence Avenue, Suite E1

May 30, 2013J.Lynn L.L.C.2449 Iowa St. Suites K & L

May 31, 2013Treanor Architects741 Massachuetts St.

Ribbon Cuttings

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Calendar of Events

Lawrence Chamber of CommerceEvents are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. To register for an individual event, visit www.lawrencechamber.com or call 785-865-4411.

June 13: Ribbon Cutting: Massage Specific, 4:30 p.m., 4105 W. Sixth St., Suite A8.

June 18: Ribbon Cutting: Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4:30 p.m., 2518 Ridge Court (United Way Building).

June 20: Summer Soirèe 5-8 p.m., Oread Hotel, Nest on Ninth (Ninth Floor Terrace). Chamber member exclusive. $25 in advance. $35 at the door. Dinner, beer and wine included.

June 25: Ribbon Cutting: Wireless Zone, 4:30 p.m., 650 B Congressional Drive.

June 27: Ribbon Cutting: LegalShield , 4:30 p.m., held at the Lawrence Chamber Offices, 646 Vermont St., Suite. 200.

June 28: Sand Trap Classic Golf Tournament, Alvamar Public Golf Course, 1809 Crossgate Drive. $375 for a foursome, $100 for an individual. Registration deadline is June 21.

July 4: Chamber Offices closed in observance of Independence Day.

July 9: Ribbon Cutting: Philsquare & Design Brilliance Creative Marketing. 4:30 p.m. Cider Arts Gallery. 810 Pennsylvania St. Suite 227 (upstairs).

July 11: Groundbreaking: Neuvant House, New Addition. 4:30 p.m. 1216 Biltmore Drive.

For more events, visit www.lawrencechamber.com.

Thank you! These businesses, organizations and individuals renewed their committment to the Lawrence business community through their Chamber membershipin April and May:

23rd Street BreweryAllstate Insurance CompanyAmerican Family Insurance –

Ron King AgencyAmerican Red CrossAmeriprise Financial

Services – Dan CaryARCpoint Labs LawrenceBalloonartsBambino’sBarber Emerson, L.C.Baymont Inns & SuitesBenefit BrokersBerry PlasticsBest BuyBest Western LawrenceBig O TiresBigg’s Bar & GrillBlue Cross and Blue Shield

of KansasBPI Building ServicesBradley Animal Hospital, P.A.Brandon Woods at AlvamarThe Bristol GroupeBum Steer CateringCallahan Creek, Inc.Capital Concrete Products

Carladyne Knox ConyersCelebration Party RentalsCommunity Blood CenterCorpus Christi Catholic

SchoolCreative Advertising, Inc.Cromwell EnvironmentalCrown Distributors, L.L.C.Custom Tree Care, Inc.Diamond Everley RoofingDouglas County Farm Bureau

AssociationEccentricity TooThe Edmonds Duncan GroupE-State Management, LLCFamous Dave’sFarm Bureau Financial

ServicesFirst American TitleFirst State Bank & Trust of

LawrenceFreddy’s Frozen Custard and

SteakburgersGay, Riordan, Fincher,

Munson & SinclairHampton InnHair Experts Salon & Spa

Harris Auto Repair, Inc.Haskell Indian Nations

UniversityHighland Construction, Inc.Holiday Inn Express Hotel &

SuitesHome DepotHoward JohnsonJane Bateman, The Interiors

StoreJayhawk Bowling SupplyThe Kansas City StartKansas Department for

Children and FamiliesKennedy Glass, Inc.Kinedyne CorporationKizer Cummings JewelersKU Small Business

Development CenterLathrop & Gage, LLPLawrence Dental SolutionsLawrence Education

AssociationLawrence Fraternal Order of

PoliceLawrence Medical PlazaLawrence Optometric Center

Lawrence Police Officer’s Association

Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority

LWK Associates, L.L.C.M&M Office & School SupplyMaceli’sMarinello’s Schools of BeautyMariscos RestaurantMinuteman PressNiehoff/Dunco Heating &

CoolingOliver Electric Construction,

Inc.The Olivia CollectionPapa Murphy’sPearson Collision Repair, Inc.Pediatric & Adolescent

Medicine, P.A.Penny’s Concrete, Inc.Perkins Family Restaurant &

BakeryPlastikon HealthcareR.D. Johnson ExcavatingRadcliffe, C.P.A., DeanReeves, D.P.M., P.A., James E.The Reuter Organ Company

Risley ChiropracticRitzman’s Lawn Care, Inc.Scotch Fabric Care ServicesSenecal, EvelynThe Sherwin Williams Co.Sloan Law FirmStanion Wholesale Electric

Co.Stephens Real EstateSuccess By 6 Coalition of

Douglas CountySunflower Outdoor and Bike

ShopSunflower Paving, Inc.Teller’sTenants to HomeownersTrevino & Rockwell, L.L.C.University National Bank of

LawrenceVan Go, Inc.Waverly Partners, L.L.C.Westlake HardwareWright, Judy L. Z’s Divine Espresso & Coffee

Roaster