Enclosed in this newsletter, you will find an application for the 2016 Leadership Hays

program. As you will read, our mission is to “Improve and strengthen individuals and the Hays community by identifying, inspiring and involving those persons who have displayed a capacity for leadership.”

All facilitators presenting the program’s curriculum strongly believe leadership is an activity and not a position. Furthermore, we understand and acknowledge that anyone can practice leadership at anytime, anywhere. We love the idea that we can improve our offices, businesses, personal relationships and communities by empowering others with the necessary tools to achieve progress. Here are a few testimonials from businesses regarding the impact of the Leadership Hays program:

Every year I’m excited to send someone from Eagle through Leadership Hays. Being an employee-owned company, we take professional development seriously and Leadership Hays is a program with proven results. One

of my favorite attributes of Leadership Hays is that it’s not conceptual or theoretical training — it’s practical training. In fact, after each session, there are techniques they can use at work or in their personal lives.

Travis Kohlrus, general manager,Eagle Communications

I was a participant of Leadership Hays in 2013. It was a way to network with other business men and women in the community that I would not have normally crossed

paths with. We were paired in many different groups to interact and role play. I brought many of these activities into my workplace. It was interesting to incorporate the egg concept into an all-employee meeting at the bank. It was interesting to see how the different personalities could mesh into a group

promoting teamwork.Wanda Karlin, retail service manager,

Sunflower BankBuilding leadership skills is a challenge every day in

our business. With many of our team members having attended Leadership Hays, it has given us a common language to build from on a day-to-day basis. Every time a new member completes Leadership Hays, it stirs new innovation within the group.

Steve Riat, sales manager, Nex-Tech

2700 Vine Hays, Ks 67601discoVerHays.com

Hayscc@discoVerHays.com (785) 628.8201

SPOTLIGHT

connecting Business. creating commerce. offering opportunities.

December 2015

Proudly printed in color by Northwestern Printers Inc. (785) 625-1110 northwesternprinters.com

Leadership Hays 2016

While many

American’s devote one day each year to sharing thanks, we at the Hays Area Chamber truly have much to be thankful for throughout the year. As a non-profit entity dependent upon membership dues as well as other fundraising activities, the Chamber would simply not exist without the financial generosity of our members.

Certainly, treasure is one way you show your support of the Chamber. However, the time many of you spend — whether attending weekly Chamber Chats, monthly Business After Hours, frequent lunches, periodic ribbon cuttings or the annual events like our banquet, golf tournament, Healthcare Appreciation, Education Appreciation, Agriculture Appreciation …the events are numerous — plays a powerful part in the overall Chamber’s success. Without the investment of your time, we would not be able to make the networking connections or spread the word on the various happenings and offerings in our community. From witnessing a hole-in-one at our golf tournament or ringing the bell during the Chamber’s day for the Salvation Army Red Kettle effort, your time is valuable and we hope you see great benefit from sharing it with us.

And, last but not least, the talent many of you share with us through your involvement with Ambassadors, HAYP or the Board of Directors, or the many other ways you can volunteer to help us achieve progress, is appreciated. Because of so many, the Chamber operates more smoothly, effectively and strategically. We lean on the expertise of so many to help us with our accounting questions to our creative needs.

So, from the bottom of my heart, as well as from the hearts of the Chamber staff and Board of Directors, we thank you for the treasure, time and talent you bestow upon us. May your holiday season be Merry and your New Year be filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR: Brian Weimer, IPI Financial ServicesCHAIR-ELECT: Brad Haynes, FHSU Athletic Assoc.PAST CHAIR: Lance Bickle, SicoirTREASURER: Tom Meis, Midwest EnergyConnie Bollig, Emprise BankKaren Gutierrez, Gutierrez RestaurantTravis Kohlrus, Eagle Communications

Tammy McClellan, FHSU FoundationEric Norris, Hays Public LibraryLeland Olive, Couture For Men & WomenTodd Powell, Glassman, Bird, Brown & Powell L.L.P.Mark St. Peter, Nex-TechShae Veach, Hays Medical Center

STAFFTammy Wellbrock

Executive DirectorCeleste Sander

Membership CoordinatorKathy Heinrich

Administrative AssistantJessica Krogstad

Communications Coordinator

Mission: The hays area ChaMber of CoMMerCe works for The business prosperiTy of hays and iTs neighbors.

tammytalK

FEATUREDBUSINESS

There will be two Business After Hours in December.• Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Doerflers’ Harley

Davidson, 1100 E. 43rd St.• Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. — FHSU Foundation, FHSU

Robbins Center, One Tiger Place

Business After Hours

The Meckenstock Group 1407 main st. | Hays, Ks 67601

pHone: (785) 625-5601The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and Western

Beverage would like to congratulate November’s Featured Business, the Meckenstock Group.

Years in business in Hays: 78 years.Number of staff: 10.What accomplishments are you most proud of? Two

things: 1. Helping educate people about financial management. 2. We are active in local philanthropic endeavors including annual FHSU business scholarships and supporting many other non-profit organizations.

What services or products do you offer? Financial consulting, life insurance, Medicare supplements, long-term care, mutual funds, annuities, REIT’s and managed-money accounts.

What do you want the business community to know about your business? The Meckenstock is a locally owned, second-generation business that continues to serve the financial needs of the citizens of Hays.

What do you value most about your Chamber Membership? It is an integral part of our community involvement.

Do you have a company slogan? “We have been serving the community for all your financial needs since 1937.”

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Medical and Dental Care The region�’s premiere medical home,

dedicated to providing access to compassionate, quality care for all.

105 W. 13th 785.621.4990

www.rstcareclinic.com

Visit us online at discoverhays.com

cHamBer news

• Dec. 3: Business After Hours at Doerflers’ Harley Davidson, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.• Dec. 10: Business After Hours at FHSU Foundation, 5 to 7 p.m.• Dec. 11: Chamber newsletter articles and inserts due.• Dec. 24 to 25: Chamber & Hays Welcome Center closed• Dec. 31: Chamber open 8 a.m. to noon• Jan. 1: Chamber & Hays Welcome Center closed.

New Board Members

What is the Annual Awards Banquet?

New MembersNew York Life

1318 Federal St., Hays(785) 650-7923

Member referralReceive a $10 Chamber Cheque for

referring a new business to join the Chamber.

Announcements

The Hays Area Chamber is excited to announce the names of those individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the term beginning January 2016. The roster includes three new members and 10 returning members. Elizabeth Jaeger, Tami Norris and Brian Ruder are the newly elected board members. Lance Bickle, Connie Bollig, Karen Gutierrez, Brad Haynes, Tammy McClellan, Tom Meis, Leland Olive, Mark St. Peter, Shae Veach and Brian Weimer are all returning for the upcoming year.

The Hays Area Chamber Annual Awards Banquet recognizes outstanding businesses and individuals in Hays and the surrounding area. These companies and organizations make a significant impact, drive economic growth and help make this region a better place to live, work and play.

Winners exemplify excellence through proven growth or stability, innovation, creativity, community leadership and achievements. There are five categories including Rising Star for young professionals, Small Business Achievement, Business Woman of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Hall of Fame. The winner of each category will be unveiled during the Awards Banquet.

*To nominate a Chamber member, forms are inserted in this newsletter or can be found at discoverhays.com.

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Save the date! The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet will be Feb. 2, 2016, at FHSU’s Memorial Union.

The social hour hosted by FHSU President Mirta Martin will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., with the program beginning shortly thereafter.

Tickets are $50 and non-refundable. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber (2700 Vine St.) or over the phone via credit card at (785) 628-8201.

Annual Banquet Tickets on Sale Now

• Convenient e-Billing and bank payment options• Affordable Leased Security Lighting

1-800-222-3121www.mwenergy.com

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

memBer news

Errol Wuertz of Heartland Realty of Hays attended the National Association of Realtors Convention in San Diego from Nov. 12 to 16. More

than 20,000 realtors were in attendance. The convention gives attendees the opportunity for various educational sessions on improving business practices. In addition,

there were 400 exhibitors showing off new technology and marketing concepts. The featured speaker for the general session was Emmit Smith, NFL’s all-time leading rusher, now a real estate developer and contractor. Smith gave a motivation presentation to the delight of all the attendees.

Covenant Builders, Eagle Communications and Fort Hays State University Athletics will be honoring Hometown Heroes at FHSU home basketball games. A Hometown Hero is anyone from Ellis County or the surrounding area who has made an extraordinary effort to make a significant impact in our community. Honorees will receive four courtside seats at an FHSU basketball game and will be recognized at the game. Nominations can be submitted to the FanZone section on the FHSU Athletics website or use the “contact us” button at covenantbuilders.net or email mjcook8@fhsu.edu.

The holiday season is officially under way, and the Salvation Army Red Shield will be out bell ringing for its annual Red Bucket campaign. This season’s goal is to raise $40,000

with 88 percent of the funds assisting residents in Ellis County. Last year, more than 150 families benefited. The Salvation Army is seeking individuals and businesses to help aid in the bell ringing through volunteering and donations. Call Ashley Allen at (785) 342-4600 for details.

Heavenly Soles Massage will be offering many holiday specials in December. From paraffin wax dip treatments for hands and feet to full body massages and reflexology, there are plenty of great gifts and stocking stuffers for all. For more information and pricing, contact (785) 650-7626 or message Shayne on facebook.com/Heavenlysolesmassage.

Kyle Folgmann recently joined Midwest Energy as a meter technician supervisor at Hays. He is responsible for metering functions throughout the company and comes to Midwest from Cherryland Electric Co-op in Traverse City, Mich. He attended Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich., as well as Northwest Michigan College in Traverse City, and will be joined in Hays by his wife and three children. Gary Hoffman, network and telecommunications administrator at Midwest Energy’s Hays office, returns to the company after an 18-year hiatus. He worked for

Midwest as a computer operator from 1995 to 1997 and earned a bachelor’s degree in CIS and a master’s degree in information networking at Fort Hays State University before becoming a computer networking instructor there.

The Nex-Tech Wireless annual Teaming up for Tots toy drive has kicked off and will continue through the end of December. Donate a new toy to help a child in the community. Anyone is encouraged to donate a toy for the drive, regardless of your wireless provider. For a complete list of locations, visit www.nex-techwireless.com or call (877) 621-2600.

Soroptimist International of Hays is hosting Ernie Biggs dueling pianos entertainment March 19 for its annual spring fundraiser.  Soroptimist is seeking corporate sponsors for the event. If you wish to be a corporate sponsor, or would like to reserve tickets in advance, contact Olivia at (785) 259-7132. 

Dr. Paul Solomon announced he is now on the national registry of certified medical examiners. It allows him to provide DOT physical exams to commercial drivers. They are located at 1301 Pine, inside the Hays Chiropractic Center, and offer low cost, same day or next day appointments. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, visit www.625BACK or call (785) 625-2225.

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here f� you

nex-tech.com • 877-625-7872

“At Nex-Tech, I sincerely feel that our employees care about the customer

and what they have to say.”

Elizabeth• Customer Sales, Hays

LDI’s second annual “Win $1,000 For Your Favorite Charity” giveaway continues until Dec. 31. Community members are urged to submit an entry and vote for their favorite local cause or organization on the LDI Facebook page. Each Facebook user is limited to one vote per day. The giveaway is being presented in celebration of LDI’s commitment to serving Kansas through its full-service dealerships, product support and the “doing what it takes” attitude to provide customers with the best quality products, parts and service.

The Ellis County Historical Society has appointed Jim Huenergarde, a retired financial adviser, as interim director. Huenergarde has served on the ECHS board as a trustee, treasurer and on several committees including finance and fundraising. The job description and opening for the executive director has been posted on elliscountyhistoricalsociety.org, the ECHS Facebook page and numerous other academic sites. The museum has switched to winter hours but will be available by appointment for research and tours of eight or more. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

Centennial Towers, senior living for 55 and better, has apartments available now. They will move you for free (certain restrictions apply), rent-based income and free utilities. For

more information, call Jodi at (785) 625-6242. Centennial Towers will be hosting an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at 2502 Sherman Ave.

Rent-A-Center would like to invite the community to its grand reopening. The business is moving locations and is excited to open at 4333 Vine St., Suite 50. Grand reopening is scheduled for Dec. 17.

DSNWK/Employment Connections will host its second annual Holiday Open House and Employer Appreciation from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at 660 Commerce Parkway. It is a great way to spend time networking with community members, as well as bringing the entire family for a fun-filled evening. Enjoy cookie decorating, activities, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and making delicious s’mores over an outdoor fire pit. Soup and light refreshments will be served. Attend the Dec. 11 Chamber Chat and get a sneak peek at the evening festivities.   

Gambino’s Pizza announced its manager, Dannie Lohrmeyer, has completed and received his ServSafe Manager’s Certification.

On Oct. 23 and 28, dental professionals and teams from Hays participated in the DDS Give Program, providing $40,498 worth of dental services free of charge to those in need. DDS Give is a program created by the dental professionals of northwest Kansas to provide donated dental care in their own offices to the underprivileged in northwest

Kansas communities in order to alleviate pain, infection, dental decay and gum disease.  Participating teams included: Canterbury Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Dan Loftus, Lifetime Dental Care, Cedar Lodge Dental and Kinderknecht Family Dentistry.

Dallas Haselhorst, a partner with Sicoir Computer Technologies, has successfully completed his GPEN security certification from the SANS Institute. GPEN certified individuals have demonstrated ability to execute penetration-testing methodologies and properly conduct a penetration test. In addition, they are able to assess target networks and systems to find security vulnerabilities in any business where sensitive data is stored or transmitted. Penetration tests and security assessments are either strongly recommended or required in a number of industries including healthcare, financials or any business who accepts credit card payments.

Covenant Builders is putting on a synchronized show of musical Christmas lights from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 4101 Covenant Dr. The lights will move in time to Christmas music you can listen to through your car’s radio on 89.3 FM. Musical selections include Christmas classics as well as Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

memBer news

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Switch now with the phone and tablet

BuyBack Program!

Nex-Tech Wireless4310 N Vine, Hays785-621-3670

Nex-Tech Wireless • The Mall2918 Vine St, Hays785-639-1461

1. Tell us about your current position. I am the Western Kansas regional president for Sunflower Bank, N.A.

2. Why do you feel it is important to be involved in the Chamber Ambassador Program? The Chamber Ambassadors play an integral role in helping businesses meet and serve the community. As business

representatives, the Ambassadors can welcome new business to Hays, help visitors to the region find services and products offered by the area business community and facilitate the communication between customers and business owners.

3. What is your favorite Ambassador memory? I have thoroughly enjoyed being an Ambassador. I can’t really single out a favorite, but working at different community events was always fun.

4. How long have you been serving as an Ambassador? I think it has been 9 years.

5. What do you enjoy most about living or working in the Hays community and surrounding area? Hays has been a great community in which to live and work.  It is a truly family oriented community that has so much to offer. We can enjoy numerous sporting, arts, educational and recreational events. There are numerous activities in which to become involved. The people are welcoming and hard-working. It has felt like home from the moment we arrived in town.

AmbassadorscHamBer programs

Hays Area Young Professionals

ne2 watch

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1. Tell us about your current position. I am the Youth Leadership and Community Development

Specialist for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Council. I plan program events, recruit partner organizations as “experts” in their fields for girl programs and oversee the high awards process for our council.

2. Why is it important for you to be involved in HAYP? I believe

your community is a reflection of what you give back to it. As a transfer to Hays, it is important to me to be a part of HAYP in order to get to know my community, be a valuable member in it and as a direct result, proud of where we call home.

3. What other community activities are you involved in? I am a member of the local

Soroptimist International chapter and serve on the awards committee and the civic engagement committee, AAUW, HAYP Civic Engagement Committee, a recent addition to the HAYP advisory council, as well as volunteering in other capacities that arise.

4. What goals do you have for the upcoming year? Expand the solid educational program base for my Girl Scouts so they are able to become the most empowered and impactful women they can be and share that with other young women their age.

5. What do you enjoy most about living or working in the Hays community? I tend to be a passionate person, and in Hays you don’t have to search far to find a cause to be passionate about and for ways to be involved as much or as little as you would like to be. I love living in a place that reflects my same mentality in a lot of ways.

5TAKE

Mike Briney, Sunflower Bank

Nicole Walz,Girls Scouts

of KansasHeartland

To submit member news or sign up for Chamber event alerts, email hayscc@discoverhays.com.

There will be no HAYP Connection Lunch or Happy Hour in December. For a listing of upcoming events, visit facebook.com/HaypHaysAreaYoungProfessionals

New HAYP Members Welcome and congrats to our newest HAYP members: • Jordan Krzycki, HaysMed • Jessica Norris, Nex-Tech, Inc. • Crystalyn Oswald, Ellis County Attorney’s Office

On Oct. 21, HAYP hosted its annual career workshop with TMP seniors. Members offered insight on different topics, such as how to interview properly, what internships can do for your career and why networking is important. Students, teachers and YP members alike value this opportunity to share experience and knowledge, which has become a staple in the YP program.

Youth Outreach

cHamBer cHats

Carrico Implement, 300 W. 48th St.(785) 625-2219

Eagle Communications Broadband NOC1012 W. 28th St. www.eaglecom.net

riBBon cuttings

Avalon Advanced Health1011 W. 27th St. Ste. F4, Hays (785) 301-2639

Hays Phone Doctor, 218 W. Eighth St.(785) 261-9089 haysphonedoctor.com

Heavenly Soles Massage205 E. Seventh St. Ste. 225 (785) 650-7626

Nex-Tech Wireless, 3001 New Way Blvd.(785) 621-3600 nex-tech.com

FHSU University Book Store, 700 College Dr.(785) 628-4417 fhsushop.com

7United Way of Ellis County, 205 E. Seventh St. #106

(785) 628-8281 uwec.itechra.net

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun

decemBer calendar of eVents

41 2 3 5/6BAH, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Doerflers’ Harley Davidson (1100 E. 43rd St.)

CC, 9 a.m., American Legion Post No. 173 (1305 Canterbury Dr.)

AMB & HAYP Holiday Social, 5 to 7 p.m. (WC)

RC, 10 a.m.,Pizza Hut(1308 Vine)

BAH, 5 to 7 p.m., FHSU Foundation (FHSU Robbins Center, One Tiger Place)

RC, 4 p.m.,Rent-A-Center(4333 Vine St. Ste. 50)

Christmas Eve,WC closed

New Year’s Eve,Chamber open until noon

Christmas Day,WC closed

New Year’s Day,WC closed

CC, 9 a.m., DSNWK (660 Commerce Parkway) December Chamber Newsletter Articles & Inserts Due

CC, 9 a.m.,INSPIRE Body Mind & Spirit (5790 230th Ave.)

RC, 4 p.m.,Finn Financial(105 E. 27th St. Ste. A)

Chamber BOD Meeting, 4 p.m. (WC)

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Abbreviation Legend:AMB = Ambassador LH = Leadership HaysBAH = Business After Hours RC = Ribbon CuttingCC = Chamber Chat ML = Membership LunchHAYP = Hays Area Young Professionals WC = Hays Welcome Center

For details, see your weekly emails.

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.