December 2009 NEWSletter

Kyle Garcia Director of Marketing KU Continuing Education

Nestled off of Bob Billings Parkway in the for-mer Maupintour building is the University of Kansas Continuing Education center (KUCE). Despite its 120-year history, many in the local community do not realize that KUCE touch-es the lives of tens of thousands of Kansans each year.

KUCE reinforces the local and regional econo-my and supports the outreach initiatives of the University of Kansas in many ways, including training thousands of police officers and fire-fighters in every county in Kansas, delivering international aerospace training programs, disseminating life-saving medical information and providing lifelong learning opportunities for seniors.

“Since the inception of the first School of Uni-versity Extension in 1891, the University of Kansas has been a leader in lifelong learning,” said Frederick W. Pawlicki, executive director of KUCE. “By responding to the educational

needs of working people across our state or citi-zens without access to a college, KU Continuing Education has evolved into a national leader in the delivery of high-quality professional edu-cation, workforce development and distance learning.”

KUCE serves more than 70,000 people of di-verse backgrounds and age groups. With more than 1,000 courses, programs and conferences, the unit supports KU’s academic, research and community service initiatives. KUCE’s services extend locally, nationally and across the globe with programs serving all 105 Kansas counties, 50 states and 55 countries.

KUCE enlists KU’s world-class faculty to of-fer courses for post-graduate working profes-sionals, Independent Study for KU credit and a variety of other non-credit courses designed for professional development and personal growth.

At the heart of KU’s Independent Study pro-gram are more than 150 undergraduate and

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Firefighters work to contain a simulated propane emergency as part of a mobile training course delivered by KUCE’s Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute.

KU Continuing Education–Leading the Community in Lifelong Learning

December2009

Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044

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T H E P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

TIME FOR A LITTLE REFLECTION…

I have been here for a little over a year, and I thought it might be worthwhile to share with you some of the things that have occurred during my first year as Presi-dent/CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

• One of my first objectives was to meet as many mem-bers of the Chamber as possible. I have successfully vis-ited one-on-one with about 315 chamber members and found this to be the most empowering part of the job. I learned first hand about a number of very unique busi-nesses and about people’s passion for Lawrence.

• I spent a great deal of time this year getting to know the University of Kansas and its people. I soon learned that KU is really a combination of several organizations, including the University, KU Athletics, KU Endowment, KU Alumni and KU Continuing Education to name just a few. I have tried to meet as many people from those different organizations as possible and create a positive working relationship between them and the Chamber. I believe KU is an economic engine of Lawrence and one that we need to continue to grow and nurture.

• I knew that keeping a positive and proactive relation-ship with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County was essential for the Chamber especially as it relates to eco-nomic development. I am happy to report that we have a great relationship with both the City and the County and that we work regularly with them on a variety of issues. I have been very impressed with the commitment from both elected and appointed officials to the Cham-ber’s mission and vision of creating jobs and economic opportunities.

• I was very pleased to see the turnout and level of in-volvement for our recent Community Forum on Job Growth. We had some 120 engaged citizens involved in a grassroots process that has provided us the base infor-mation, which we will use to develop a long–term eco-nomic development strategy for our community.

• Internally, we have seen some impressive performances by the Chamber staff. In 2009, we added over 170 new members to the Chamber. This represents an increase of over 20 percent from 2008. That is a laudable accom-plishment in any year, but to do it in a year of a recession is just outstanding.

• We have been able to make some measurable prog-ress on the issue of doing business in Lawrence/Douglas

Tom Kern President&

CEO

County. The Chamber’s Development Committee has been meeting monthly with the City/County planning staff to examine ways to streamline and consolidate the development and code compliance process in our com-munity. These changes, some of which have already been approved by the City, will enhance our ability to both attract new businesses and help our existing businesses grow and prosper.

• We spent a lot of time this year thinking about how we can better communicate with you—our members. We have redesigned our newsletter to be more reader friend-ly. In addition, our new website design was launched in late October with the objective of being easy to use, clean and effective.

• We saw a reinvigorated government affairs effort this year that included a Congressional Series where mem-bers had the opportunity to meet our congressional del-egation and talk with them directly about such critical issues as health care, the federal stimulus programs and the economy in general.

• I have been very impressed with the level of commit-ment from the City, Douglas County and KU in regards to the biosciences. The creation of the Lawrence/Douglas County Bioscience Authority, the recent groundbreak-ing for the new $7.25 million Bioscience & Technol-ogy Business Center and the recent purchase of the old Oread Labs building (a graduation facility for bioscience companies) are all examples of this collaborative effort. Over time, great things will happen as a result of this community commitment.

As you can see, it has been a busy first year for me. Like anywhere else, we have our challenges, but I am confident that as long as we continue to work together we will make Lawrence a better place for all who call it their home.

I wish you and your families the happiest of holiday seasons!

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MAKING

LAWRENCE THRIVE! ~Chamber Gift Certificate

P U Z Z L E D A B O U T G I F T I D E A S ?

CALL 785-865-4411 OR STOP BY THE CHAMBER, 734 VERMONT ST.

2009

785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com

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NE WS & E VENTSDecember

A View from the Other Bench... From One of the Toughest Hurdles KU Basketball Ever Cleared, the 1988 National Title FoeDirector of Athletics at Lamar University and a former men’s basketball coach known for his high scoring offense and full-court press defense, Billy Tubbs will speak at the 2010 Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting to be held on Friday, January 29 at the Lawrence Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center, 200 McDonald Dr.

In Lawrence, Tubbs may be familiar to those who remem-bers the 1988 NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tourna-ment when KU, coached by Larry Brown, won the na-tional title with an 83–79 victory in the final game over Big 8 Conference rival Oklahoma, coached by Tubbs.

In 31 years as a head coach, Tubbs posted a career record of 641-340 (.653). His 641 career wins ranks 24th all-time in NCAA Division I history. Tubbs has led his teams to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, six NIT appearances, eight conference championships, three conference tourna-ment championships and 18 20-win seasons. For his ef-forts, he was named conference coach of the year eight times and was a two-time national coach of the year.

Throughout his career as a head coach, Tubbs led univer-sities such as Southwestern University, Lamar University,

the University of Oklahoma and Texas Christian Uni- versity.

The Annual meeting will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, awards and a presentation by Billy Tubbs at 7 p.m. The Lawrence Chamber of Com-merce is inviting all of its members to celebrate and recog-nize community leaders who have devoted their time and energy to public service and business. The Chamber will honor these individuals with the following awards:

Citizen of the Years•Wally Galluzzi Chamber Volunteer of the Year•Buford M. Watson Public Service Award•Athena Award•Business of the Year Awards•

The Chamber is currently taking reservations, please call 785-865-4411 or email [email protected]. Tickets are $75 per person. You can also reserve full tables of 10 for $750. For more information about the event, contact Cathy Lewis at 785-865-4406 or [email protected].

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com

Let’s Get Together for Some Holiday Cheer at Brandon WoodsBrandon Woods at Alvamar celebrates a new era in serving senior adults in the Lawrence community and invites you to the Chamber’s last 2009 Business After Hours event to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 1501 Inverness Drive.

Come celebrate this Holiday season and spread the word about your products and services in a relaxed, social setting.

Enjoy live music and a festive array of food and drinks catered by Brandon Woods Food Service in the Big 12 Pub and Wood-lands Restaurant.

A newly renovated model apartment will be open for view-ing. Parking is available off both Bob Billings Parkway and Inverness Drive.

There is no charge for this mixer, and no reservations are re-quired. We look forward to seeing you there!

12/03 Ribbon Cutting: Salon Di Marco 4:30 p.m., 733 Massachusetts

12/03 CYPN Tacky Holiday Party 5 p.m., Holiday Inn, 200 McDonald Dr., Brazilian Room A

12/05 The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade 11 a.m., Downtown Lawrence

12/09 Business After Hours Mixer with Brandon Woods 5–7 p.m., 1501 Inverness

12/10 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Public Library— New Business Center 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 707 Vermont St.

12/16 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Hearing Aid Center 11:30 a.m., 4106 W. 6th St., Ste E

12/16 Chamber Board of Directors Holiday Reception 4:30 p.m., Chamber Office, 734 Vermont, Ste. 101

12/17 Ribbon Cutting: Gina Halsey Acupuncture & Chinese Herbology 4:30 p.m., 1112 W. 6th St., Ste 106

1/07/10 Ribbon Cutting & Open House: First United Title Agency 4:30 p.m., 4105 W. 6th St., Ste. A1

1/07/10 Legislative Priorities Breakfast 7:30 a.m., The Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass. St.

1/13/10 Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours: The Oread, 4:30 p.m., 1200 Oread Ave.

1/29/10 The Chamber Annual Meeting 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Holidome, 200 McDonald Dr.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Continued from page 1


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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

By Natasha Buller

Sandra London-Leib’s journey from lobbyist for retired U.S. Senator Bob Dole to CEO/Owner of a medical equip-ment provider grew out of her commitment to prevent child and elder abuse. London-Leib is passionate about her endeavor and speaks enthusiastically about her business.

“At Advanced Homecare we believe that the longer our patients are able to be mobile, independent and live in their own environment, the longer they will live,” she said.

Located at 2851 Iowa Street in a 12,000-square-foot building is Advanced Homecare, the largest medical equip-ment supplier in the region, serving Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Since London-Leib purchased the company six years ago, it has quadrupled in size. Today, Advanced Homecare has one of the largest retail showrooms in the region with a full line of items for the home, including seat lift chairs, scooters (some scooters go as fast as 10 miles an hour and can travel 37 miles on one charge), power chairs, a full line of orthotics and complete sleep apnea and mastectomy services. They also provide private fitting rooms for mas-tectomy patients and c-pap and bi-pap patients.

While equipment is important for independent living, it is also important to Advanced Homecare that their custom-ers’ houses retain a home-like feel.

“We let people know if they have a person with special needs, their house does not have to look like a hospital,” London-Leib said. “Our goal is to make our patients’

homes look inviting.”

The company is currently working on a fully accessible handicapped kitchen and bathroom with remote control mirrors as well as a fully wheelchair accessible shower.

Advanced Homecare earned the Gold Seal of Approval and received accreditation from the Joint Commission, scoring in the top five percent of medical equipment pro-viders nationwide during the commission’s evaluation process.

For more information about Advanced Homecare, go to www.advancedhomecarekansas.com.

Advanced Homecare is Passionate about Independence for Elders

graduate courses. Several thousand students take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of these distance-learning courses every year.

Jim Peters directs KUCE’s academic and professional pro-grams, which provide professional development opportuni-ties that span dozens of professional fields, including engi-neering, health care, law, education and bioscience.

“Providing continuing education programs for working pro-fessionals is essential to our mission,” Peters said. “The key for us is to deliver to the businesses and employers of Kansas a workforce that is well-trained and highly productive.”

KU Continuing Education’s Aerospace Program is interna-tionally renowned for its award-winning programming, of-ten drawing attendees from across the globe.

“In partnership for over 33 years with the University of Kansas Aerospace Engineering Department and the School of Engineering, this program has provided the highest qual-ity instruction, taught by more than 90 industry and aca-demic experts,” Dr. Soma Chakrabarti, director of Aerospace Programs said.

In addition, KUCE’s partnership with the University of Kan-sas Medical Center offers cutting-edge clinical and admin-istrative programs benefiting physicians, nurses and allied professionals across Kansas, the nation and the world.

Public safety is also a significant focus at KUCE. With the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute, KUCE provides training for police, fire and EMS professionals throughout the state.

Because KUCE’s philosophy is that learning is a lifelong pursuit, KUCE offers a series of programs fostering learning and leadership among young people in Kansas and around the country.

Moreover, the KU Osher Institute is committed to creating accessible and innovative learning environments with a spe-cial focus on participants age 50 and over, fulfilling KUCE’s commitment to adult learners. KU is the only university in Kansas to house an Osher institute.

A proud Lawrence-based institution, KUCE is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of the community and sup-porting the outreach initiatives of KU.

Sandra London-Leib, CEO and Owner of Advanced Homecare

KU Continuing Education—Leading the Community in Lifelong Learning


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2009

NE WS & E VENTSDecember

Jobs are not found, they are made! This was the catch phrase to promote the Community Forum on Job Growth, which took place Oct. 29 in the Law-rence High School cafeteria.

The event was organized in collaboration with the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, the League of Women Voters, the Lawrence Journal-World and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

Roger Zalneraitis Jr., the city’s economic develop-ment coordinator, began the forum by presenting several facts about job growth in Douglas County. He said that this county lost more jobs than any other county in the state in 2008.

More than 120 area residents joined round table discussions and shared their ideas on how to bring more jobs to Lawrence.

“The purpose of this event is to obtain public input on strengths and weaknesses of the community as it relates to economic development and job growth,” Lawrence Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Tom Kern said.

on JOBCommunity ForumGROWTH

Participants listed the following top five community strengths:

KU–potential to commercialize1.Quality of life2.Geographic location3.Transportation network4.Education system: K-12 and Higher Ed5.

Participants also identified the following top five job growth limitations:

Long-term community planning and vision1.Anti-business perception2.Non-competitive in economic development3.City Hall climate4.Development code and process5.

The Chamber plans to develop a report summarizing the vote tallies for each of the topics in December. The goal is to create a proposed job creation policy to present to the community and elected officials for consideration.

Scott McCullough, director of the City’s planning and development services, and Mark Andersen, attorney at Barber Emerson, L.C., participate at a table discussion during the Community Forum.


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RIBBON CUT TINGS

Imagine Drop-In Childcare ~ 536 Fireside Court ~ October 27

iCafe ~ 520 W. 23rd St., Ste. F ~ November 5

Prairie Pond Studio & Bead Co. ~ 809 Massachusetts ~ November 12

92.9 The Bull ~ 3125 W. 6th St. ~ November 19


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2009

MEMBERSHIP

W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S

December

Advantage Heating & A/C, Inc.Air Conditioning & Heating406 N 7th St., Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-842-6996 Mr. Randall V. [email protected]

Body BoutiqueFitness Centers – Women2330 Yale Rd.Lawrence, KS 66049Phone: 785-749-2424 www.bodybofitness.comJalon [email protected]

Camp BirchwoodEducation Summer1035 Vermont St., Ste. BLawrence, KS 66044Phone: (800) 451-5270www.campbirchwood.com Dan Bredemus [email protected]

CenterplateConcessions1651 Naismith Dr.Lawrence, KS 66045Phone: 785-864-6154www.centerplate.comRick Brown [email protected]

The Eldridge Extended Wedding & Reunion Facility201 W. 8th St.Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-749-5011www.eldridgehotel.com Mary Nichols [email protected]

Gemstone Catering Caterers 2222 W. 6th St.Lawrence, KS 66049Phone: 785-766-7421www.gemstonecatering.comJustin Cudnik [email protected]

Hillcrest Wrecker & Garage, Inc. Towing Services3700 Franklin Park Cir.Lawrence, KS 66046Phone: 785-843-0052Jerry Taylor [email protected]

Hurst Fine Diamonds Jewelers – Retail 3140 Iowa St., Ste. 109Lawrence, KS 66046Phone: 785-749-5552www.hurstdiamonds.com Michael [email protected]

Jeff’s Audio Video, LLC Audio/Video Equipment & Custom Installation 805 Locust, Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-218-0331www.jeffsaudiovideo.comJeff [email protected]

Johnny’s West Restaurant & Bar 721 Wakarusa Dr., Ste. 100Lawrence, KS 66049Phone: 785-843-0704Rick Renfro

Lawrence Hearing Aid Center Hearing Aid Sales & Service4106 W 6th St., Ste. ELawrence, KS 66049Phone: 785-749-1885Kimberly [email protected]

Lawrence Printing & Design Printing And Design2317 Pondarosa Dr.Lawrence, KS 66046Phone: 785-843-4600www.lawrenceprint.comTony [email protected]

Legends Place Student Housing4101 W. 24th Pl.Lawrence, KS 66047Phone: 785-856-5848www.legendsplace.com Taffie Pounders [email protected]

Logan Business Machines, Inc. Copiers & Facsimiles417 B NE 24 Hwy.Topeka, KS 66608Phone: 785-233-1102www.loganbusinessmachines.comSteve [email protected]

Mango Tan Tanning Salons 4000 W. 6th St., Ste. DLawrence, KS 66049Phone: 785-856-2646www.mangotan.com Kristi A. [email protected]

Midwest Concrete MaterialsManufacturing Concrete Products 3645 E. 23rd St.Lawrence, KS 66046Phone: 785-843-1688www.4mcm.com John [email protected]

Noodles & CompanyRestaurants 8 W. 8th St.Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-841-4300www.noodles.comZach [email protected]

The OreadHotels 1200 Oread Ave.Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-843-1200www.theoread.comRachel [email protected]

Pachamama’s Restaurant & Star BarRestaurants 800 New Hampshire St.Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-841-0990www.pachamamas.comSarah [email protected]

Pink Box BakeshopBakeries – Retail727 Massachusetts St.Lawrence, KS 66044Phone: 785-424-3535www.pinkboxbakeshopkansas.comMichele [email protected]

734 Vermont, Suite 101 Lawrence, KS 66044

Tom Kern, President & CEO [email protected]

Beth Johnson, Vice President of Economic Development [email protected]

Cathy Lewis, IOM Vice President of Membership [email protected]

Sue Hack Executive Director, Leadership Lawrence [email protected]

Hank Booth, Government & Community Affairs Director [email protected]

Christy Bogner Accountant/Director of Operations [email protected]

Natasha Buller Marketing & Communications Manager [email protected]

Adam Handshy Project & Program Coordinator [email protected]

Sandy Winstead Hadley, Administrative Asst., [email protected]

Meredithe McCormick Member Sales Executive [email protected]

OFFICERSChair Bonnie LowePast-Chair Jim Otten, DDSIncoming Chair Matt Hoy, Stevens & BrandTreasurer Cindy Yulich, Emprise BankSecretary & President/CEO Tom Kern

PERMANENT POSITIONSBernadette Gray-Little, KU ChancellorDr. Linda Sue Warner, Haskell Indian Nations University PresidentRick Doll, Dr., USD 497 Superintendent

BOARD MEMBERSAllison Vance Moore, Grubb & Ellis| The Winbury Group, Vice Chair of Chamber Member ServicesBill Fuerst, KU School of Business Bobbie Flory, Lawrence Home Builders Association Bradley Burnside, U.S Bank David Johnson, Bert Nash, Co-Vice Chair of Government & Community AffairsDavid Livingood, Treanor Architects Debra Vignatelli Konzem, Retired

Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank, Vice Chair of Chamber OperationsGary Bennett, Laird Noller Automotive, Inc. Jane Bateman, Jane Bateman, The Interiors Store, Co-Vice Chair of Government & Community AffairsJohn Ross, Laser Logic, Inc.Kathy Pryor, KU Theatre & Film, Vice Chair of Leadership Lawrence & Strategic Planning Larissa Long, Black Hills Energy, Co-Vice Chair of CommunicationsLinda Robinson, KU Center for Research on LearningMike McGrew, McGrew Real Estate, Vice Chair of Economic DevelopmentRodger Henry, Lawrence Medical PlazaShannon Frost, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Steve Brown, Berry PlasticsSteve Schwada, Meadowbrook Apartments, Venture Properties Terry Campbell, Barber Emerson, L.C., Co-Vice Chair of CommunicationsTodd Thompson, Thompson, Ramsdell & Qualseth, P.A. Trudy Rice, Rice Enterprises

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce: (785) 865-4411

STAFFBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Documents

December 2009 NEWSletter