Deciphera Reaches Key MilestoneCongratulations to Deciphera Phar-

maceuticals on its most recent milestone, a $7 million payment from Eli Lilly and Company, in its collaboration focused on B-RAF kinase inhibitors for the study of potential oncology therapeutics. The collaboration began in October 2008.

Chemtrade, ICL Performance HonoredCongratulations to our members

Chemtrade and ICL Performance Prod-ucts! They received an award from the U.S. EPA Region 7 for “Outstanding Achievement in Planning, Prevention and Risk Reduction in the Community.” The award recognizes their leadership in the joint ICL/Chemtrade Community Action Panel. They were the only Kansas companies to receive an award.

Got news?Moving location? Received an indus-

try-specific award? Let us know and your news may appear here. “Member News” is the section of our newsletter just for your business’s latest news and achieve-ments.

Contact Communications Assistant Alice C. Hunt at ahunt@lawrencecham-ber.com or 785.865.4420 for details. The next newsletter deadline is April 1.

The ConnectionA publication of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

January/February 2012

Member NewsLMH, health industry boosts EDBy Janice EarlyLawrence Memorial Hospital

How important is health care to Douglas County’s economic wellbeing?

Many may be surprised by the overall scale of the existing activity in the health care sector in Douglas County. From 2006 to 2011, Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) has invested $115 million in capi-tal asset additions. That capital investment includes facilities expansions and a new medical office building at the main hospi-tal campus, a new medical office building in Eudora, and new state-of-the-art medi-cal equipment and information technology. Last year alone, capital asset additions to-taled $13.8 million.

LMH is a public not-for-profit hospital and is self-funded from its operations and supported by contributions from the LMH Endowment Association. The hospital does not receive local tax dollars. In 2012, total operating revenue is projected to top $200 million, an increase of 32% in the past five years. Expenses during that same time have increased 34%. This year LMH is projecting $10 million in net income. Revenues ex-ceeding expenses are reinvested back into the organization to fund improvements in facilities, equipment and services.

LMH is one of the top five employers in Douglas County with a staff of 1,270 em-ployees with a median wage of $22.39 an hour, excluding physicians. There has been a 26% increase in the LMH workforce in the last 10 years. The hospital’s 2012 payroll is $84 million for salaries and benefits.

According to a recent K-State Research and Extension study of the economic con-tributions of the state’s health care systems, in 2010 the health care sector accounted for an estimated 6.9 percent of Douglas Coun-ty’s total employment, or about 4,510 jobs. Further, the study calculated economic multipliers for eight health care sectors and estimated that health care directly and indi-rectly accounted for 6,582 jobs throughout the Douglas County economy. It was esti-mated that these same sectors accounted for almost $300 million in total county in-come and about $108.5 million in county retail sales.

Dr. John Leatherman, lead author of the K-State report, notes that research has shown time and again that local health care and education are two enormously impor-tant factors for economic development. He said the local health care system has some-times been the “tie-breaker” in industry location decisions, and that retirees view quality local health care as a “must have” local service.

Access to affordable quality local health care services is essential to attracting and retaining local businesses and retirees. Health care has been among the fastest growing economic sectors for the past 30 years. Given demographic trends, pros-pects for continued growth are good – even in the midst of health care reform.

Ribbon CuttingsThe Summit, Jan. 13, 2012

The Summit is a full-service, contract-free health center featur-ing a climbing wall, sauna, massage therapy and the latest in fit-ness equipment. The Summit is located in the ground floor of the new building at 901 New Hampshire (corner of Ninth Street).

For details about the facility, visit www.thesummitlawrence.com

Thank you to our Board Members, Envoy Members, Elected Officials and other Chamber Members who take the time to welcome Douglas County’s new businesses!

The Cat Clinic of Lawrence, Jan. 17, 2012The Cat Clinic of Lawrence, run by Dr. Jennifer O’Driscoll,

DVM, caters exclusively to felines. The clinic, located at 1701 Mas-sachusetts St., is housed in the former Christian Science church.

Visit www.catcliniclawrence.com for more information or to make an appointment.

Mexquisito, Jan. 24, 2012Mexquisito is an auethenic Mexican restuarant located at 712

Massachusetts St., Downtown Lawrence. The restaurant brought to Lawrence by the same great folks from Tortas Jalisco on Sixth Street. Mexquisito is also part of the Lawrence Originals. For more information, call 785.856.8226.

The Rezolve Group, Jan. 26, 2012The Rezolve Group, a higher education technology and ser-

vices company, now has a location in the I-70 Business Center in North Lawrence. The business specializes in helping student gain increased access to and a better understanding of student financial aid. Visit www.rezolvegroup.com for more information.

By Cathy Lewis, IOMVice President, Membership

The first month of the New Year is al-ready behind us. The Chamber staff is working hard to make 2012 another great year for you, our members. We are work-ing on several new programs that we be-lieve will demonstrate the value of your Chamber membership.

We have revamped our major commu-nication products in an effort to keep you informed about events and issues. This is the inaugural edition of our bi-monthly Chamber Connection and you should al-ready be receiving our weekly Chamber Matters, emailed every Thursday.

Have you ever wondered how to bid on business at KU? We’re making it easy for you to do just that. Visit our website at www.lawrencehamber.com and click on the “Do Business with KU” button and

you’ll be connected direct to the KU Pro-curement website. The first time you visit the page, just register your business with KU eBids and once approved, you’ll be able to log in and respond to bid opportunities.

Our Chamber Champions program, begun in 2011 to mentor new Chamber members, is off to a great start! My thanks to our current Champions who have giv-en generously of their time. Chamber Champions maintain close contact with new members to understand any concerns and to share information. They encourage new members to attend events and act as a host, making introductions to help new members feel welcome. If you’re interest-ed in helping new members have the best possible experience, please call or email me. This is a great opportunity to help all members feel engaged and welcome.

What’s on your mind? It’s almost time for our annual member survey and an op-

portunity for your voice to be heard. Your responses help us provide services you value and insight into your priorities and concerns. The survey will be distributed electronically to the full membership and all feedback is confidential. We’ve had an outstanding response in the past couple of years. I hope you will take the time to com-plete the survey and share your thoughts.

We never forget that members are the heart of the Chamber of Commerce. We are working hard to provide programs, services, promotional opportunities and events that are relevant and provide you a chance to meet others in the business com-munity and have a little fun at the same time. Make sure you take advantage of the benefits in your member tier. Visit the “Join the Chamber” section on our website to review your benefits. As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call.

Making the Most of Your Membership

Volume 1, Issue 1

Douglas County Sheriff Ken McGovern is joined by Law-rence Foundation members John Ross (left) and Ken Hite (far right) who presented Sergeant Clark Rials and his daughter Vanessa with a $1,000 Valor Public Safety Awards Scholar-ship. Sgt. Rials was one of 14 first responders honored last year with a Valor Public Safety Award.

The children of Valor honorees are eligible for a one-time educational stipend when they begin college. To date, $4,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Valor honorees. For more information on the Valor awards, including becoming a Valor sponsor, visit: www.lawrencekansasvalorawards.org.

Calendar of EventsLawrence 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. 17: The Fix Salon Ribbon Cutting, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 845 New Hampshire St.

Feb. 23: Coffee with U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder. Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. Members Only. RSVP to frontdesk@lawrencechamber.com or 785.865.4411.

March 3: Eggs & Issues Session #2, 8-9:30 a.m., Crystal Ballroom, Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St. $15 Members, $20 Public. Registration due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29.

March 28: Business After Hours at Cottonwood. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 2801 W. 31st St. Members Only.

April 6: Chamber offices closed.

April 19: Lawrence Sign Up Ribbon Cutting (New Location!). 4:30-5:30 p.m. 712 N. Second St.

April 27: Legends of Leadership Lawrence and Class of 2012 Leadership Lawrence Graduation. Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St. Details to come.

KU Small Business Development Center KU-SBDC seminars are held in their offices, 646 Vermont St. To register, visit http://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/Conferences.action or call 785-865-8844.

Feb. 21: The Right Start: A group learning session for start-ups, 6-8 p.m. Free. Registration required.

March 6: The Right Start: A group learning session for start-ups, 6-8 p.m. Free. Registration required

March 16: Let’s Write a Business Plan!, 1-3 p.m. $25. Registration required.

The Lawrence Chamber of

Commerce is pleased to

welcome Jean Milstead as

its interim Vice President for

Economic Development.

Welcome to the team, Jean!

Email: jmilstead@lawrencechamber.com

Phone: 785.865.4425

LLLawrence Chamber of Commerce, 646 Vermont Street Suite 200, Lawrence, KS 66044 785.865.4411 www.lawrencechamber.com

LLEADERSHIP

AWRENCEA PROGRAM OF THE LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Save the date...

The Legends of

Th is event will honor the Founders of Leadership Lawrence, the First Class, and the Class of 2012.

Friday eveningApril 27, 2012Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St.Open to the Lawrence-Douglas County community.Visit www.lawrencechamber.com for details.

VALOR PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDSSCHOLARHIP AWARD PRESENTATION

Eileen Hawley/Lawrence Chamber of Commerce