By Alice C. HuntCommunications Director

To help Chamber members better understand the Lawrence USD 497 school bond issue, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Coffee & Conversation” program on this topic February 12.

The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the school district offices, 110 McDonald Drive. USD 497 Superintendent Dr. Rick Doll will explain the elements of the bond to Chamber members and then answer questions.

The proposed bond, totaling $92.5 million, will be up for a public vote April 2.

Talks to keepChamber members informed

on the issues of the day

Thursday, March 14: Douglas County Law EnforcementInvestigation and Training Center,4820 Bob Billings ParkwayCity of Lawrence Police Chief Tarik Khatib and Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern will explain the challenges and opportunities of law enforcement in our community, and the role it plays in economic development.

Tuesday, April 16: Bioscience and Technology Business CenterBioscience and Technology Center,

2029 Becker DriveLaVerne Epp, president and chair of the Bioscience and Technology Business Center, will discuss the state of biosciences development in Lawrence and Douglas County.

Volume 2, Issue 1

The ConnectionA publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

January/February 2013

Learn AboutYour Community

Technical Training, Building & Tech Upgrades Topic of USD 497 Bond Vote

Coffee &Conversation

Courtesy IllustrationThis illustration shows the suggested layout of the career and technical center proposed by USD 497. The project would expand the technical training opportunities for high school students in Lawrence, starting with programs in the fields of health science, networking/Cisco, machine technology and commercial construction.

The bond issue includes $5.7 million to construct a 30,000 square-foot career and technical education center at the district’s Holcom site. The timing of that proposal coincides with the development of a Lawrence workforce development consortium, which Chamber leadership has been instrumental in facilitating.

The Chamber believes the consortium will help ensure there is a dynamic, educated local workforce available for employers. The consortium would include partnerships with Johnson County Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College and Neosho Community College as well as the Lawrence USD 497.

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The Lawrence Public Schools portion included in this bond would focus on career readiness in fields such as health science, machine technology, networking/Cisco and commercial construction.

The bond issue also includes:• $80.3 million in building improvements

designed to: bring elementary schools up to current accessibility standards and eliminate 11 portable classrooms; improve energy efficiency; add classrooms at Free State High School and expand cafeteria and theater space at Lawrence High School.

• $6.5 million in technology upgrades, which would implement the recommendations of an external technology audit issued in October 2012.

According to district officials, the project would not raise taxes because the bond would begin collection as already existing bonds expire, causing a net zero tax increase.

Coffee & Conversation is presented by

EXACT LANGUAGE OF THE BOND ISSUE“Shall the following be adopted?

Shall Unified School District No. 497, Douglas County, Kansas (Lawrence), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $92,500,000 to pay the costs to construct additions to and renovate, improve technology infrastructure, equip and furnish existing elementary and secondary schools; construct, equip and furnish a new career and technology education facility and make all other necessary and related improvements in the District; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A 10-101 et seq.; K.S.A. 25-2018 (f ); and K.S.A. 72-6761?”

WHEN TO VOTE7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013Find your polling place at: www.douglas-county.com/depts/cl/ve/ve_home.aspx

WHY?The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce encourages its members to be active participants in the community, which includes voting for local officials, and having a voice in local issues. Help make the voice of the business community count!

the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to help connect our members to issues of importance in the community in a free, informal gathering. The events are open

to Chamber member businesses and their employees and Leadership Lawrence alumni. No reservations are required. For details, call Cathy Lewis at 785.865.4406.

Photo by Dalton Paley / Handbuilt ProductionsMore than 400 Chamber members attended the 2013 Annual Meeting on Friday, January 25 at Liberty Hall. The AfterGlow celebration was held at The Eldridge.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2013 Annual Meeting on Friday, January 25. We had a great turnout and look forward to a productive year in 2013

Thank you again to outgoing board members: Saralyn Reece Hardy; Tim Herndon; Frank Male; George Paley; Delbert Phlipot; Steve Schwada and Cindy Yulich; and to our 2012 Leadership Team: John Ross, Doug Gaumer, Cindy Yulich and Ken Hite.

Special congratulations to award recipients Sharon Spratt and Joan and Web Golden, who received the 2012 Crown Automotive Organization ATHENA Award and the Citizen of the Years Award respectively. The Chamber is grateful to the following sponsors:

Platinum: AT&T; Black Hills Energy; INTRUST Bank; The Olivia Collection; Bioscience & Technology Business Center at the University of Kansas.

Gold: Bartlett & West, Inc.; Laird Noller; Lawrence Memorial Hospital; NIC Inc.; Thompson, Ramsdell & Qualseth, P.A.

Silver: Berry Plastics Corporation; Emprise Bank; Hallmark; Laser Logic; McGrew Real Estate; Stephens Real Estate.

Bronze: Allen Press; Alvamar Country Club; Barber Emerson, L.C.; Brandon Woods at Alvamar; Dillons; Hamm Companies; Haskell Indian Nations University; Hy-Vee; Mainstreet Credit Union; P1 Group; Stevens & Brand, L.L.P.; University National Bank of Lawrence; Walmart.

An Evening to Celebrate

Annual Meeting Celebrates Members, Community and Businesses

Didn’t make it to this year’s Annual Meeting?Stay connected! Don’t miss another Chamber event!

• Visit us at www.LawrenceChamber.com

• Get “Chamber Matters” delivered weekly to your inbox

• Download our app “Lawrence2Go” from the iTunes App Store or Google Play

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s Government and Community Affairs committee is worxking on a number of initiatives to facilitate communication between members and key political leadership at the local and state level. Co-vice chairs Brad Finkeldei of Stevens & Brand LLP and Kevin O’Malley of O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, Inc., work with a team of volunteers to identify ways to enhance the Chamber’s image as an innovative and effective leader in regional economic development and enhance Chamber member awareness of legislative priorities and issues of importance to the business community.

  More than 100 Chamber members met with and asked questions of seven Kansas legislators February 2 at the Eggs & Issues event. Many stayed for the Voter Education Coalition’s “Meet the Candidates” event for those running for City Commission. (The Chamber is a member of the coalition.)

  Upcoming initiatives include meeting with legislators in Topeka in March promoting Lawrence business to members of the legislature and their staffs. This will be the first trip to Topeka advocating for the Chamber in several years.

 The committee meets at noon on the second Wednesday of the month at the Chamber offices. For information or to join the committee, please contact staff liaison to the committee Eileen Hawley at ehawley@lawrenechamber.com or 785.865.4408.

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Hugh Carter to the staff. Hugh is the Chamber’s Vice President of External Affairs, assisting the President & CEO in strategic planning and acting as a liaison between members and elected officials.

Hugh is currently serving as a commissioner for the City of Lawrence. His term expires in April 2013. To reach Hugh, call 785.865.4490 or email him at hcarter@lawrencechamber.com.

Government & Community AffAirs updAte

Photo by Alice C. Hunt / Chamber StaffPhil Struble of Landplan Engineering and Design moderated the Feb. 2 “Eggs & Issues” program with (L to R) Rep. John Wilson; Rep. Tom Sloan; Sen. Anthony Hensley; Rep. Barbara Ballard; Sen. Paul Davis and Sen. Marci Franciso. Sen. Tom Holland (not pictured) also attended.

Chamber Welcomes Hugh Carter, Vice President of External Affairs

The Chamber of Commerce has identified three clear priorities to serve the needs of our members in 2013.  The “Moving Forward” Business Plan outlines how the Chamber will pursue its goals of regional economic sustainability, advocacy and member connectivity and relationships.

  The Chamber is working actively to identify and capture investment opportunities that benefit our community and larger region.  The Chamber is committed to working with community partners to help develop a skilled, diverse workforce by building a business for case for establishing a technical training consortium in Douglas County.      We are providing active leadership in keeping our local businesses in Douglas County and helping them to grow and flourish.  To attract businesses that create new jobs for our residents, the Chamber is focusing on improving the availability of “shovel ready” sites and increasing our building inventory.

  The Chamber will provide a strong voice advocating on your behalf for the infrastructure, workforce development and processes necessary to our ongoing growth and quality of life.  We are developing and maintaining strong, productive relationships with elected officials at the local, State and Federal levels.  Through our Government & Community Affairs Committee we are enhancing the Chamber’s image as an innovative and inviting location for business growth. 

 We recognize the success of our efforts relies on the investment of you, our 872 member businesses. The Chamber is committed to providing meaningful engagement opportunities for all its members, and providing venues to keep members informed on important, timely issues.

  The Chamber’s 2013 Business Plan is posted on the website at www.lawrencechamber.com.  We encourage all members to read it and see how the Chamber is working to find solutions to the issues that affect our community and build an environment in which our local businesses thrive and grow.

Moving Forward

Ribbon Cuttings

December 11, 2012MacXprts2108 W. 27th Street, Ste. J

December 7, 2012The Sandwich Bowl3514 Kasold Dr., Ste. E

December 13, 2012Salon Renew1420 Kasold, Ste. D

December 18, 2012Mass St. Sweet Shoppe727 Massachusetts

January 8, 2013Cosmos Indian Store734 Massachusetts St.

January 10, 2013Pinnacle Career Institute Dental Assisting Program1601 W. 23rd, Ste. 200

Ribbon Cuttings

January 31, 2013Health Care Access Clinic & Douglas County AIDS Project Center346 Maine St.

January 22, 2013Burgers By Biggs4801 Bauer Farm Drive

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.

Feb. 12: Coffee & Conversation: USD 497 School Bond, USD 497 Offices, 7:30–9 a.m., 110 McDonald Drive.

Feb. 15: Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Home Builders Association

Home Show, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Crown Automotive, 3400 S. Iowa St.

Feb. 19: Ribbon Cutting: Douglas County Dental Clinic, 4:30–5:30 p.m., 2210 Yale Road.

Feb. 21: Ribbon Cutting: A Helping Hand Home Care, 4:30–5:30 p.m., 1425 Oread West

March 14: Coffee & Conversations: Douglas County Law Enforcement, Investigation & Training Center, 7:30–9 a.m., 4820 Bob Billings Parkway.

March 14: Ribbon Cutting: Prairie Land Insurance, 4:30–5:30 p.m., 123 W. Eighth Street, Ste. 101.

For more events, visit www.lawrencechamber.com and click on the calendar.

Want to schedule a ribbon cutting?Contact Events Director Adam Handshy at ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com or call him at 785.865.4427.

1300 Willow Studio, L.L.CAll-N-1 Landscape, L.L.C.Ameriprise Financial Service, Inc.Artisan Floor CompanyAseraCareChannels of HealingCold Stone Creamery/Rocky

Mountain Chocolate FactoryCopy CoCreative Advertising, Inc.Custom Tree Care, Inc.Douglas County Casa, Inc.Garrett Harper - New York Life

Insurance CompanyHinman and Associates The Human

Resource SolutionIndepsys, Inc.Jay Pryor Consulting, LLCJim Moore, Financial Advisor - Wells

Fargo Advisors, LLCKansas City SailingKansas Insurance, Inc.Kansas Licensed Beverage

Association

KB Painting, L.L.C.Keller Williams Realty Diamond

Partners, Inc.Lawrence First Class TransportationLED SourceLisa Lahm/Massage SpecificLongHorn SteakHouseM Street InteriorsMaceli’sMr. Goodcents Subs & PastasNatural Breeze RemodelingNatural Grocers by Vitamin CottagePapa Johns PizzaMr. Ryan PapeshDr. Gene RampRE/MAX Excel - Larry NorthropRenovation MD, L.L.C.River City Heating & CoolingRunaway Pony B & BSay Cheez PhotoboothTitus D. CoWells Fargo Home Mortgage

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