September 2010, Volume 6, Issue 9, www.manhattan.org A publication of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce 8 Rules For Good Customer Service - Good Customer Service Made Simple By Susan Ward, About.com Guide of good customer service is forming a rela- that someone is picking up the phone when tionship with customers – a relationship someone calls your business. (Notice I say Good customer service is the lifeblood of that that individual customer feels that he “someone”. People who call want to talk to any business. You can offer promotions and would like to pursue. a live person, not a “fake recorded robot”.) slash prices to bring in as many new cus- Contact us: tomers as you want, but unless you can get How do you go about forming such a rela- 2) Don’t make promises unless you 501 Poyntz Avenue some of those customers to come back, tionship? By remembering the one true WILL keep them. Manhattan, KS, 66502-6005 your business won’t be profitable for long. secret of good customer service and acting Not plan to keep them. Will keep them. 785-776-8829 phone accordingly; “You will be judged by what Reliability is one of the keys to any good 785-776-0679 fax Good customer service is all about bring- you do, not what you say.” relationship, and good customer service is [email protected] ing customers back. And about sending no exception. If you say, “Your new www.manhattan.org them away happy – happy enough to pass I know this verges on the kind of bedroom furniture will be delivered on TDD Relay Center: positive feedback about your business along statement that’s often seen on a sampler, Tuesday”, make sure it is delivered on 800-766-3777 to others, who may then try the product or but providing good customer service IS a Tuesday. Otherwise, don’t say it. The same service you offer for themselves and in their simple thing. If you truly want to have good rule applies to client appointments, dead- turn become repeat customers. customer service, all you have to do is lines, etc.. Think before you give any prom- ensure that your business consistently does ise – because nothing annoys customers If you’re a good salesperson, you can sell these things: more than a broken one. anything to anyone once. But it will be your approach to customer service that deter- 1) Answer your phone. mines whether or not you’ll ever be able to Get call forwarding. Or an answering serv- sell that person anything else. The essence ice. Hire staff if you need to. But make sure Continued on page 2 Understanding Generational Differences Each generation has distinct attitudes, behaviors, expectations, habits and motivators. Mark your calendars!! The • Communicate and work more Location: Marianna Kistler Manhattan Area Chamber of Com- effectively with those of other Beach Museum of David J. Rebein merce is excited to bring you generations. Art, 701 Beach Lane For over 20 years, Dave has been a “Understanding Generational Dif- • Build stronger working steady, consistent and visible presence in ferences”, presented by David J. relationships with all Fee: $49 for Chamber mem- the High Plains' legal arena. Dave has tried Rebein. generations. bers (after October 13th), hundreds of cases and represented For- • Appreciate the attitudes and tune 500 Companies as well as individuals For the first time since the Indus- behaviors of everyone in your $79 for non-members in high profile employment and personal trial Revolution there are four dif- organization. injury cases in both Federal and State ferent generations with four differ- Register Early: A Special Courts. ent approaches in the workforce. Dave will also present “Finding early bird rate of $39 is These variations can be of value to Your Passion” at no additional available for Chamber Dave has been recognized as an the organization OR it can create charge. Regardless of where you members registering outstanding lawyer in The Best Lawyers in great conflict within the workplace. are in life and your career - there is by October 13th. America and Super Lawyers for his work as a trial lawyer. He always time to discover or redis- was recently named in The Guide to America's Leading Business Understanding these differences cover - what you're truly passion- For more information and to regis- Lawyers as one of Kansas's Top 10 Litigators. He is a past will help leverage strengths, ate about and turn that interest ter for the seminar, contact the member of the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission, improve productivity, avoid and passion into a new career and Chamber office by email at a past president of the Kansas Bar Association and associated disagreements, maximize team- a more fulfilling life. [email protected] or call with many other legal organizations in various capacities. work and bring out the best in 785-776-8829. each other. Date: November 3, 2010 Rebein is a public speaker and has traveled extensively to Space is limited to 80 attendees in Time: 8:30am – 11:30am deliver messages of encouragement and inspiration to civic After this seminar, participants will each session, so get your reserva- OR groups in both small and large communities. be better able to: 1:30pm – 4:30pm tions in today. • Understand where each (sessions will be Dave is a partner with the firm Rebein Bangerter, PA in generation is coming from Sponsorships are available, call identical) Dodge City. and where they are going. Kristin Holt, 785-776-8829. Page 2 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review September 2010 8 Rules For Good Customer Service - The mission of the Man h a ttan Area Cha m b er of Com m e r ce is to Good Customer Service Made Simple 6) Train your staff (if you have any) to be fos t er a changing envi ro n m e n t for business success that enhances ALWAYS helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. the quality of life in our reg i o n . We market the re g i o n ,a dvocate for Do it yourself or hire someone to train them. Talk to bu s i n e s s ,and provide servi c es to our members and custom e r s . Continued from page 1 them about good customer service and what it is Are you intere s t ed in being a member of the Man h a ttan Area (and isn’t) regularly. Most importantly, give every 3) Listen to your customers. Cha m b er of Com m e r ce? Giv e Kim a call at 776-8829 for more member of your staff enough information and power Is there anything more exasperating than telling in fo rm at i o n . to make those small customer-pleasing decisions, so someone what you want or what your problem is he never has to say, “I don’t know, but so-and-so will This is a publication of the Man h a ttan Area Cha m b er of Com m e r ce – and then discovering that that person hasn’t been all adver tising is the res po n s i b i l i t y of The Man h a ttan Merc u r y. be back at...” To place an ad or for more inform at i o n , cont a c t Regina Stat t on at paying attention and needs to have it explained again? From a customer’s point of view, I doubt it. 77 6 - 2 2 0 0 , ext. 231 or classdisplay@ t h e m e rc u r y.co m . 7) Take the extra step. Can the sales pitches and the product babble. Let For instance, if someone walks into your store and your customer talk and show him that you are listen- asks you to help them find something, don’t just say, ing by making the appropriate responses, such as “It’s in Aisle 3.” Lead the customer to the item. suggesting how to solve the problem. Better yet, wait and see if he has questions about it, or further needs. Whatever the extra step may be, 4) Deal with complaints. if you want to provide good customer service, take it. No one likes hearing complaints, and many of us They may not say so to you, but people notice have developed a reflex shrug, saying, “You can’t when people make an extra effort and will tell please all the people all the time”. Maybe not, but if other people. you give the complaint your attention, you may be able to please this one person this one time - and 8) Throw in something extra. position your business to reap the benefits of good Whether it’s a coupon for a future discount, addi- customer service. tional information on how to use the product, or a genuine smile, people love to get more than they 5) Be helpful - even if there’s no immediate thought they were getting. And don’t think that a profit in it. gesture has to be large to be effective. The local art The other day I popped into a local watch shop framer that we use attaches a package of picture because I had lost the small piece that clips the hangers to every picture he frames. A small thing, pieces of my watch band together. When I explained but so appreciated. the problem, the proprietor said that he thought he might have one lying around. He found it, attached it If you apply these eight simple rules consistently, to my watch band – and charged me nothing! Where your business will become known for its good cus- do you think I’ll go when I need a new watch band tomer service. And the best part? The irony of good or even a new watch? And how many people do you customer service is that over time it will bring in think I’ve told this story to? more new customers than promotions and price slashing ever did!

Thursday, September 16th 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Manhattan Country Club

Start your day off with breakfast and some early morning networking. Coffee and a buffet breakfast will be served, followed by four speakers that will share information about local topics of interests to the community.

Speakers include: • COL Mike Heimall, Commander of Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley • Trent Armbrust & Brad Shoen, Riley County Police Department Community Advisory Board • Dr. Bob Shannon, USD 383 Superintendent • Janice Reitz, McCain Auditorium

This fast-paced, informative gathering is well attended so reservations are required and can be made online at www.manhattanchamber.org or by calling 776-8829. The cost is $15 per member or $30 for non-members.

Sponsored by: September 2010 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review Page 3 Please join us for Business After Hours in September Prepay for Business After Hours and save $$$ Wednesday, September 8 These laminated passports are great for businesses that regularly 5:30 – 7:00 pm send representatives to Business After Hours. Monthly checks or expense reimbursements are eliminated. And, best of all, at $48 each you save up to $72 annually over the usual $5-10 donation. 1800 College Ave Hosted by Passports are not specific to one person, so multiple people may enter on one passport. An RSVP is still requested. Interested? Please The heat didn’t keep over 160 Chamber members contact Kristin Holt at [email protected] or call the Chamber away from the August Business After Hours hosted office at 776-8829. by Anderson Knight Architects, Knight Real Estate, Peoples Choice Mortgage/Peoples Exchange Bank and VonFeldt, Bauer & VonFeldt CPAs. Attendees enjoyed networking and a wide variety of foods and beverages that were located throughout the four businesses. Join K-State Athletics September 8 at Bramlage Those winning door prizes were Cameron Olson Coliseum as we kick off the new season. with Hy-Vee, John Pence, Rob Sample with Hy- Vee, Mark Skochdopole with Kansas State Bank ★, The K-State Athletic Department’s vision of a model Karen Streeter with Vista Drive In and Michael intercollegiate athletics program consists of five core VanVleet of Midwest Concrete Materials ★. goals: 1. A world-class student-athlete experience; 2. Value to the University, community and state; 3. The Chamber gave away a one-year pass to Busi- Integrity and transparency in matters of ethics, ness After Hours to Tom Floersch of Ray’s Apple finance and NCAA compliance; 4. Championship- Market and a $50 Little Apple Dollar to Lela level athletic performances; and 5. The best fan Gillispie. experience in the Big 12. The Wildcats had a suc- cessful 2009-2010 academic year, securing the Thank you to the following members of the Chamber number one all-sports graduation rate in the Big 12 Champions and Chamber Diplomats for volunteering to for the third straight year, while five Wildcats were help with registration at the August Business After Hours: named Academic All-Americans. K-State teams also Genae Denver with Manhattan Christian College, Andie Metcalf with Human Resource Management saw athletic success this past season, including Network, Clint Sandmann with Edward Jones ★ and men’s ’s Elite Eight run, ’s NCAA Alice Wagner with UMB Bank ★. tournament bid and numerous All-Big 12 and All- America honors for all 16 ath- letic teams. Members of the coaching staffs will be in atten- dance, so put on your purple and help K-State celebrate the start of another successful sea- son at the September After Hours.

Sponsor representatives address the crowd at the August Business After Hours. Page 4 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review August 2010 izes in managing all of your printers, copiers & fax machines. We manage your printing so that your organization can focus on what you do best! We provide the expertise and knowledge Since our August newsletter, these needed to successfully manage your businesses have renewed their Community Health Ministry entire print fleet. After carefully investments in the Chamber. The Rosemary Helms, Public Relations reviewing your current cprint environ- 903 6th Street, Wamego ment we will propose to you solutions Board of Directors and staff thank Upcoming events: these businesses for their continu- Ph (785) 456-7872 to streamline your business. This will result in lower fixed costs and ing support of the Chamber. Fx (785) 456-1651 Saturday, September 11 www.wamegocommunityhealthmin- increased productivity. Cat Town event istry.org 15 Years and Over 4:00 p.m. Community Health Ministry a 501c3 Army Community Service Sponsored by: Alliance Property Management, Inc. non profit organized in 2001 in a Sally Sowell, Operations Officer Claflin Books & Copies licensed indigent clinic that cares for 7264 Normandy, Fort Riley Dara’s Fast Lane Inc. the uninsured and underinsured. We Ph (785) 239-9435 Ka-Comm., Inc. provide medical, mental, dental, med- Army Community Service (ACS) pro- McCain Auditorium ication and medical legal treatment. grams offer real-life solutions for Sol- Pottawatomie County Econ Dev’t Corp. We also provide rent utilities, food, diers and their Families. ACS equips transportation, and household needs. them with the skills and education 10 to 14 Years Literally, one could come here naked needed to face the challenges of mili- Cheney Construction, Inc. and leave with all of their needs met. tary life today and tomorrow. ACS Course In 2009, CHM, treated 6,990 individu- hosts a variety of programs including; deployment readiness, relocating, Little Apple Toyota Honda ★ als, with over 10,000 visits. A large number of volunteers and eight information and referral, financial Little Apple Veterinary Hospital employees make up our staff. assistance, employment services, and Sauder Manufacturing Co. other family assistance issues. ACS Tuttle Creek State Park Central Michigan University partners with local communities Jan Carlson, Program expanding and offering enhanced and 5 to 9 Years Administrator advanced solutions for Soldiers and American Academy of Cosmetology & 215 Custer Avenue their families. Massage Therapy Building 215, Room 132, Fort Riley ★ Carpet Plus Ph (785) 784-4402 BSE Structural Engineers, LLC K-State School of Leadership Studies Fx (785) 784-5486 Steven N. Busey, Owner/ RadioShack Manhattan ★ www.cel.cmich.edu/ftriley Professional Engineer ★ Ron Wilson CMU at Fort Riley provides bachelor's 9911 Pflumm Road, Lenexa Tarkio CD Disposal, LLC degree completion programs, master's Ph (913) 492-7400 Fx (913) 438-3773 The Osborne Company degree programs, graduate certificate programs and professional develop- www.bsestructural.com Please contact Dena Huff for The Women’s Health Group, PA ment programs for military, DoD BSE Structural Engineers, LLC is a more information United Bank & Trust employees, reservists, veterans and structural engineering firm based in on this group, 776-8829. family members associated with the Kansas providing structural engineer- 1 to 4 Years post. Local classes offered at CMU's ing services for the building, infrastruc- Follow us on Facebook! Benjamin Moore – Allied Paints Fort Riley Center. CMU provides a gen- ture and aquatics industries. BSE has Connections erous program for military tuition dis- a strong staff dedicated to maintaining Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers, P.A. counted rates. Central Michigan Uni- architectural integrity and creating Copies-4-Less, Inc. versity is accredited by the Higher sound, economical designs. BSE has Diamond Solar Solutions Learning Commission of the North 6 engineers and 2 technical and Edward Jones Central Association of Colleges and administrative staff members; our ESB Financial Schools. owners and most of our engineering staff are Architectural Engineers from Falley Painting Co., Inc. Linde African Braiding Salon & and our ties to Farm Bureau Financial Services Hair Supply Manhattan remain strong. Have you checked out www.manhattan247.org lately? Ferguson Enterprises Lindelani Ndou, Owner Henderson Engineers Inc. 121A S 4th Street, Suite 201 Flint Hills Opera, Inc. Manhattan247.org is the location to find events, unique Heritage Wine & Liquor Ph (785) 320-5353 Tim Bonnell, Founder/General Manhattan content and EXCLUSIVE video forecasts from WIBW! Hy-Vee Linde African Braiding Salon & Hair Director John R. English Supply prides itself in giving their cus- Ph (785) 236-8122 …and we can advertise your business for FREE! All local busi- Manhattan Running Company tomers beautiful hairstyles. They do www.flinthillsopera.org nesses can add their coupons free of charge. The coupons will be Flint Hills Opera exists to inspire McCown Gordon Construction all kinds of braids and weaving. They designed and publicized through email, Facebook, Twitter and more. also sell an assortment of braiding people of all ages and backgrounds Medical Search Associates That’s FREE advertising! Click on the “offers” link at www.manhat- hair, weaving, wigs and hair products. with diverse operatic performances, Motel 6 tan247.org to find out how! New Century Bank $10 off all braids over $120. $5 off to provide arts and opera education to Riley County – Manhattan Health with Military ID. the general public and those interested in opera related careers, and to have a We want to hear from you! Upload your favorite area photos, give Department Print Management Solutions positive impact on the community at us your top 10 things to do in Manhattan and check out the summer Schurle Signs, Inc. Robert Murphy, Print Management large. play list. Stasyx Computer Solutions Consultant Universal Construction Company, Inc. Ph (785) 564-2526 Find Manhattan24/7 on Facebook for offers, updates and more. Fx (800) 667-5715 ★ www.printmanagementsolutions.biz The denotes these businesses as Manhattan24/7 is a campaign funded equally by the Investors in Advantage Manhattan 2. Print Management Solutions special- City of Manhattan and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. September 2010 • Volume 10, Issue 9 A publication of the Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau A weekend of Family Fun! Grab the kids, make sure every- tradition. This special weekend Check out the K-State Student movement gallery activity and stadium, sponsored by Hy-Vee. one is in purple and spend the will feature a dinner theatre, Union for special presentations, unique 3-D art projects. Many Call (785) 532-7584 to get the weekend in Manhattan. family-fun films, special events, feature films, and a jazz band per- other activities will be featured latest details and purchase a $10 open house programs, tours, forming in the Bosco Student across campus. Be sure to check reservation. Those registered for Friday and Saturday, Septem- sales, and of course K-State Plaza from 11-1 p.m. on Saturday. out www.k-state.edu/family Family Time can also purchase ber 24-25, K-State University will Wildcat Football! The K-State Insect Zoo will feature day/events/ for the latest infor- football game tickets for $10 celebrate an 82 year Family Day unique exhibits and cockroach mation and schedule. before races, while the neighboring K- September 15. State Gardens will set up a color- The day will feature Wildcat Foot- ful self-guided tour. ball as Central Florida comes to It will be a fun-filled day with town. Before the game, the K- plenty of purple and Powercats! The Marianna Kistler Beach State Parents and Family Associa- Museum of Art will host on Satur- tion will host the fourth annual day from 10-12 p.m. a special Family Time in Cat Town at the Manhattan Arts Center Entertains What do Mozart, Dr. Seuss, mar- of his fiance at a family gathering The Manhattan Arts Center is riage, and drinking all have in that includes Joe’s estranged home to regular exhibitions in the common? Visit the Manhattan father and alcoholic sister. This main gallery. A show by Manhat- Arts Center, purchase season tick- comedy is the product of Norm tan Area Photographers will be ets to the MAC’s upcoming the- Foster, known as the Neil Simon on exhibit from September 11- atrical season to find the answer. of Canada. October 23, with an opening reception to be held on Septem- Catch a Wildcat Bus The Manhattan Arts Center The stories of famed children’s ber 10, from 5-7 p.m. Be sure to Be a part of the Wildcat Tradi- House. The shuttle arrives near announced its upcoming theatre author Dr. Seuss will take the include the annual Wrap it Up tion! Visit on K-State the stadium at the Jardine Apart- season, which includes four stage in “Seussical the Musi- exhibit to purchase that unique football game days, catch the free ments, near the southeast corner plays. The first is a musical focus- cal.” The story follows the adven- gift. Purchase can be made from game-day shuttle bus to Bill Sny- of the stadium. ing on the story of a marriage, “I tures of Horton the elephant, who November 7-December 28, with der Family Stadium, and return Do! I Do” This play traces the 50- hears the voices of tiny creatures an opening reception on Novem- year relationship between Michael who inhabit a speck of dust. Per- ber 6. by shuttle after the game for the Shuttles start two hours before and Agnes. Performances will be formances of Seussical will be Victory Party in the ‘Ville! kickoff and run up until kickoff. held September 24-26 and Sep- April 29-May 1 and May 5-8. For more information on The return trip shuttles start with tember, 30- October, 3. performances and exhibits, visit Catch the bus at one of three five minutes left in the third quar- Theatre is not the only thing the the MAC’s Web site at ww w. m a n - stops in Aggieville, including Tri- ter. You can enjoy two great Wild- Audiences will watch the jeal- MAC hosts. Music lovers appreci- ha t ta n a rt s . o r g or call (785) 537- angle Park, along Moro Street, or cat traditions: K-State football and ousy of composer Antonio Salieri ate the BirdHouse Music Per- 4420 for information on purchas- on 12th Street south of Moro. The Aggieville! when he faces the talent of the formance Series, which includes ing tickets to performances. shuttle also stops at the K-State young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart two more dates in 2010. On Sat- Union, on the west end of Bosco in the Peter Shaffer play, urday, October 9 at 8, Plaza across from “Amadeus”, which will be per- Krista Detor, will bring her formed Nov. 5-7, and 11-14. piano performances to the MAC for her third engage- February 25-27 and March 3-6, ment. On Saturday, Decem- audiences will be treated to the ber 11, Patty Larkin and romantic comedy, “Drinking Merrie Amsterburg team Alone.” This comedy is set in the up for a riveting mix of styles midst of a dysfunctional family and entertainment. reunion. The story follows Joe, who hires Renee to play the part Nora Jane Struthers Page 2 Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Topics September 2010 Fall Means Pumpkin Patch Bike the Yellow Brick Road Summer winds down, the air turns crisp, and there’s a hint of Fall in the air! That can only mean The Yellow Brick Road will always Participants in this young Kansas Those traveling to region for the be connected with Kansas and tradition have a choice of taking event can ship their bicycle by con- one thing, it’s time for Pumpkin Patch. adventure. In the case of the Sixth three routes of 15, 27, or 64 miles. tacting Dave Colburn, manager of Annual Yellow Brick Road Ride, The routes will take riders through The Pathfinder at (785) 539-5639 The 37th Annual Pumpkin Patch Arts and scheduled for Wamego, Kansas on prairie and farmland, with not-to-be- for details. Those wishing to rent a Crafts Fair will be held on Friday and Saturday, Saturday, October 2, this connec- missed views of an incredibly bicycle for the ride can talk to Big October 1-2 at Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park. The tion also means awe-inspiring Flint diverse Kansas landscape. Poppi’s Bike Shop at (785) 537- fair will be held Friday from 10-8p.m. and Hills fall scenery and support of a 3737. Saturday, 10-4p.m., with a special senior worthy cause, the WAM-SAG-MAN Proceeds of the event will go to and disabled shopping time each day from Trail. support efforts to create the WAM- For more information on the event, 9-10a.m. SAG-MAN Trail, which will eventu- including registration, routes, and ally connect Manhattan and its lin- start times, call event coordinator This annual Pumpkin Patch is an arts and crafts fair sponsored by ear park trail, with Wamego, offer- Diane Novak at (785) 494-2319, Mercy Regional Health Center Auxiliary. All proceeds from the event go ing hikers, walkers, and runners or by e-mail at novakd@scicable- to the Auxiliary. The emphasis at Pumpkin Patch is handmade or another great opportunity to experi- com.com. Details are available at homemade crafts, with over 100 vendors on site. All food proceeds ence Kansas from the ground up. www.wam-sag-man.org/yellow- from the kitchen benefit the hospital auxiliary. For more information, brickroadride.php. call (785) 776-1171. Fun Fall activities American Quilts tell a story Starting the last weekend in September, Britt’s Garden Acres on Quilts are handed down from gen- Chapel on Friday, September 10th at the Beach Museum of Art. The Scenic Drive west of Manhattan will offer a pumpkin patch and corn eration to generation. Every quilt at 4:30 p.m. with a reception for lecture is free and open to the pub- maze. Running through the month of October, Britt’s will be the perfect tells a story, especially if it’s a quilt the public following the talk at the lic. Please contact the ATID office stop for the Great Pumpkin, as well as the chance to lose yourself in with a 100-year history. Beach Museum. for further information, at (785) the corn! Fall Fun awaits at Brit t ’ s! Call (785) 539-190 1 for inform a t i o n . 532-6993 or www.humec.k- The Department of Apparel, Dr. Crews is the Director of the state.edu/atid. Celebrate our Unity and Diversity Textiles, and Interior Design will International Quilt Study Center & host a lecture by Dr. Patricia Museum, at the University of Does your heart find joy in the variety of people in our community? Crews as part of the closing recep- Nebraska–Lincoln and the subject Come join us in celebrating the International Day of Peace on the K- tion of “Pieces of Time – Quilts of her talk will be “American Quilts State Campus. The Wildcat Festival is dedicated to celebrating the from the KSU Historic Costume in the Modern Age: 1870-1940.” diversity and commonality among humanity. A Concert for Peace and Textile Museum” exhibition will be held in Bosco Plaza outside the K-State Student Union on Sep- which is currently on view at the The Friends of the Costume & tember 19 from 7-10:30 p.m. For more information call the K-State Beach Museum of Art. The lecture Textile Museum are hosting the Office of Diversity at (785) 532-6276. will be presented at All Faiths lecture and the reception to follow Greetings from the The Little Apple® “Kansas – Champions of Tourism” Are you in the tourism business, be treated like royalty as they get handing out prescriptions, “Take to the Big Apple then Mark your calendars for Octo- an up-close, behind the scenes tour Two Chuckles and Call Me in the ber 10-13 as Kansas City Kansas to this annual event. Morning”, reminding all of us that will be hosting the annual Kansas humor helps one to cope with daily Tourism Conference. The Keynote Speaker, Lowell situations. Catlett will present “Understanding The 2010 Tourism Conference Today’s Economy and Tomorrow’s An update from KS Travel & promises to be better than ever New Future”. Understanding these Tourism will lay the groundwork for with great speakers, workshops, trends is key to a successful Tourism in Kansas for 2011. Break- activities and networking opportuni- approach to tourism. outs will feature Social Media, ties. Tracking Marketing Efforts, Group Lisa Brochu, Associate Director Tours, Volunteerism, Conference Opening Session will be presented Natn Assoc. for Interpretation will Bids, & Sports Marketing. by Howard Tietjan challenging speak on “Creating Connections for Tourism professionals to “Integrate Communities”. Travelers are seek- Put on your running shoes and Staff from the K-State Volunteer Center of Manhattan traveled to technology into your marketing ing authentic and engaging experi- become a Champion of Tourism in the Big Apple this summer. They presented the staff of New York plan” ences! Lisa will guide the tourism Kansas City Kansas this coming Cares with red, circle fans from The Little Apple® (pictured above). professional to help “connect”. October. To register go to: What a great way to connect the Apples! If you’re headed to the Big What is fall without a peek a the www.TIAK.org. Apple, contact us at 785-776-8829. KC Renaissance Festival? Atten- Life is short and a sense of humor dees of the Tourism Conference will helps one cope. Lyn Hester will be Band Day Tradition Mark your calendars to see the bands march on! At 1 p.m. on Satur- Aggieville means music day Sept. 11, you will have an opportunity to see an amazing parade of Circle the weekend of Friday and Saturday, October 1-2 on your calendar and be sure to use a fat red area and regional High School Bands join our very own K-State March- marker! You do not want to miss the 5th Annual Aggiefest 2010, which will attract over 100 bands to eight ing Band. The parade begins at KSU to Aggieville to Manhattan Town unique venues in Aggieville. The music starts rocking on Friday night at 6p.m. and goes until 2a.m., then starts Center. Gather up some family & friends, put on your purple, pick a again at 2p.m. Saturday. place along the route to listen & watch some great marching bands. It’s a perfect way to march on to the Bill Snyder Football Stadium to cheer Come join us along Moro Street for more music than ever before, all from the efforts of the Manhattan Music at the KSU vs. Missouri State Football Game at 6:10pm. Coalition! Aggieville will be rocking’ the night away. Tickets are a bargain at $20. For information on bands, and ticket purchase, visit www.aggieville.org. September 2010 Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Topics Page 3 Parkwood Inn and Suites,

To those who love nature, there is something along Konza’s trails to Manhattan’s Newest Hotel satisfy. Geology? Check out the lime- Manhattan has a new hotel property for its overnight guests. The stone and flint layers, filled with fos- Parkwood Inn and Suites is now open for business. sils. Wildflowers? Something is always blooming on the Konza. Located near the intersection of Fort Riley Boulevard and 17th Street, Wildlife? Look for deer, turkeys, Parkwood Inn offers 78 sleeping rooms, including five regular suites and a hawks, collared lizards, and handicap-accessed suite. The hotel also offers free breakfast to guest, hundreds of species of songbirds. Prairie? The big four of native grasses wireless internet, and an exercise room. – big bluestem, little bluestem, Indi- angrass, and switch grass – abound The new hotel is managed by Jacqueline Murrell, who previously man- along the trails. aged the Best Western since early 2007. For information or to reserve a room, call (785) 320-5440 or visit www.parkwoodinnmanhattan.com. The trails, maintained with the sup- port of the Friends of Konza Prairie, are the public’s main con- nection with Konza. Most of Konza’s 8,600 acres is off limits to the public. Owned by the Nature Conservancy and K-State, Konza is managed by the K-State Division of Biology as a research center. Scientists from around the world make the trek to Konza to study the tallgrass prairie environment and conduct research into the intricacies of the flora and fauna found on site. For that reason, to protect the hundreds of research projects that are ongoing, access to Konza is limited.

Each year, however, hundreds of school children and special environ- mental groups visit Konza and partic- ipate in the Konza Environmental Education Program. And once every Fort Riley will discover two years, Konza flings open its doors for an open house, called the ® Konza Prairie Biennial Visitors’ The Little Apple Hikers gather around an ancient buffalo wallow now filled with water. Day. That special day happens this Fort Riley will again host the Fall Apple Day Festival showcaseing all there month, on Saturday, September 25. is to see and do in the region. Konza Brings Prairie nation. Closer to home, voters in During the day, Konza offers guided Kansas picked the trails as one of the hikes along the trails, special live to the World 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography The Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau will be on hand to repre- Across the country, folks are discov- animal exhibits, research demonstra- in the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s tions for children, hay wagon rides, sent The Little Apple® with all its attractions, events, and opportunities ering Manhattan’s unique connection 8 Wonders of Kansas program. for fun! to the extra-ordinary Flint Hills land- and a unique guided driving tour scape and the final remnants of the through the bison enclosure for an What makes Konza trails attractive The festival will be held at Fort Riley’s Artillery Parade Field on Saturday, tallgrass prairie: The Konza Prairie up-close look at the bison herd. to so many is their ability to transport Sept. 18 from 9-3 p.m. The festival will offer visitors music, food vendors, Trails. hikers into another world so quickly. For information on Visitors Day and an ATV Rodeo, inflatable toys for kids, a motorcycle rally, mule rides, an Located just six miles south of Man- Konza, visit ht t p : / / ke e p . ko n z a . ks u . e d u / obstacle course, paintball range, treasure hunt, and many more activities With loops of two, four, or six miles, hattan along McDowell Creek Road, Konza’s public trail system will take visit/visitors.htm. To support the for all ages. Plus you can purchase homemade apple pies...yum. the trail begins by passing through environmental education efforts and hikers to incredible vistas atop the woods and over King’s Creek on a Flint Hills and along the gallery forest the trails system you can become a The event is open to everyone, so plan on attending for a day of discov- narrow bridge. Hikers quickly leave Friend of Konza Prairie. For informa- of King’s Creek. This unique hiking the woods behind and make an easy ery. For information, visit www.rileymwr.com or call (785) 240-0268. opportunity is attracting attention. tion visit climb up over the limestone layers of http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/friends The May 2009 edition of Backpacker a Kansas Flint Hills into a prairie magazine included Konza’s trails in wonderland. its list of the top 100 day hikes in the Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau Steering Committee Barbara Nelson, Chairman - Strecker-Nelson Gallery is Back! Dave Lewis, Dave Lewis Entertainment Starting Friday, September 10, the Bowl, will have new bowling lanes, p.m. on Sunday through Wednesday. Curt Loupe, Ex-Officio - Manhattan Parks & Recreation sound of a rolling ball and crashing and many other refurbishments, both Janet Paxton - Holiday Inn at the Campus pins will again fill the Manhattan air. inside and out. Plans are also being For more information on bowling Manhattan’s bowling center, located developed for many more major and opportunities and leagues, call the Lynda Spire, Ex-Officio - KSU Conference Office at 515 Richards Drive located off minor renovations in the future. center at (785) 539-0371. Then we’ll Jennifer Fritchen - Clarion Fort Riley Boulevard next to the Clar- see you going for strikes at Little Bernie Haney - Kansas State Athletics ion Hotel, will reopen under a new Bowlers will compete in Fall Apple Lanes! Brad Everett - Fairfield Inn name and new management. leagues, beginning the week of Sep- Teresa Morris - Hampton Inn tember 13. The new lanes will open Now known as Little Apple Lanes, every day at 9 a.m., closing at mid- Diana Nickel - Scenic Valley Inn the center formerly known as Zuckey night on Thursday-Saturday and 10 John Pence - KSU Housing & Dining •9/11/2010 - 10/23/2010 The Manhattan Area Photographer's Exhibit, Manhattan Arts Center •Through 9/11 From Sea to Shining Sea, Strecker-Nelson Gallery •Through 9/12 John Vogt: Sculpture Revisited, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, K-State •Through 9/12 Pieces of Time: Quilts from the Historic Costume and Textile Museum Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, K-State •Through 10/21 Free Fit Club, Peace Lutheran Church, 7pm every Thursday •Through 10/31 Prairie Bus & House Tours, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, 11am •Through 12/19 Yoonmi Nam: 2010 Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Gift Print Artist, Mari- anna Kistler Beach Museum of Art •Through 12/31 READ to a dog! Reading Education Assistance Dogs!, Manhattan Public Library, 1-3pm on Sundays •Beach Museum of •Pieces of Time •Youth Fishing Clinic, Art Homeschool Lecture and Recep- Anneberg Park, 8-noon Tuesdays: Recycled tion for Dr. Patricia •Flint Hills Daylily Soci- ety Sale, 5th & Humboldt, 8-12 Sculpture, Marianna Kistler Crews, All Faiths Chapel •Alpaca Market, CiCo Par k, 9am Beach Museum of Art, K- Auditorium, K-State, •11-12 8th Annual Youth/Handi- State, 1-2:30pm 4:30pm cap Assisted Deer Hunt, Tuttle •Auditions for "Amadeus", •16th Annual Youth Fishing Creek Lake Corps of Engineers Manhattan Arts Center, Clinic, Susan B Anthony •K-State Football vs Missouri State, Bill Snyder Family Sta- 7-9pm Middle School, 6:30-9pm dium, 6:10pm •Grandparents' •Focus on the Per- •Fall Apple Day Festi- Day, , manent Collection, val, Fort Riley, 9-3pm 9:30-5pm Marianna Kistler Beach •18-19 Cultural History •Movies on the Grass out- CASA Training, First Museum of Art, K-State, Programs, Tallgrass Prairie door film: A Powerful Lutheran Church, 6pm 10:30am National Preserve, 10am Noise, , K- •Kansas State University •18 Yard Art Classic Car State, 8pm Orchestra, McCain Audi- Show, Manhattan Town Cen- torium, K-State, 7:30pm ter, M-Sat 10-9; Sun 12-6

•11th Annual MCC Golf •Family Day, K-State Classic, Manhattan Chris- Campus, all day •Movies on the tian College Campus •Konza Prairie Biennial Grass outdoor film: Yoonmi Nam gives a MCC Leadership Center, 9-3pm Visitors' Day, 8-5pm Papers, Hale Library, 20-23 Kansas Economic Gallery Talk, Marianna •24-25 Manhattan High School •K-State Football vs Central Breakfast, Manhattan Class of 1960 50th Reunion, Florida, Bill Snyder Family Sta- K-State, 8pm Development Alliance Fall Kistler Beach Museum Christian College Campus Clarion dium Conference, Holiday Inn of Art, K-State, 4:30pm Center, 7:30-9am •24-26 The Wizard of OZ, •K-State hosts •19-21 The Wildcat Festi- at the Campus Columbian Theatre, Museum & Missouri, , Art Center, Wamego K-State, 7pm val, K-State Student Union •24-26 "I Do I Do", Manhattan •25-26 Sports Card Show, Arts Center, 7:30pm; 2pm Manhattan Town Center •The Wizard of OZ Columbian The- Visit the CVB’s Web •27-28 Jim Colbert atre, Museum & Art site for a current listing Motorcycle CASA, Intercollegiate Tourna- •K-State Volleyball hosts Center, Wamego, Brooks Yamaha, noon ment, Colbert Hills Golf UMKC, Ahearn Field 7:30pm of local events - Course, 8:30am House, K-State, 7pm •9/30-10/3 "I Do I Do", Manhattan Arts Center, vi s i t m a n h a t ta n ks . o r g 7:30pm; 2pm

Manhattan 501 Poyntz Avenue Marcia Rozell Convention & Karen Hibbard Dennis Toll Manhattan, KS 66502 Director Tourism Sales Manager Service Coordinator (785) 776-8829 Visitors Bureau Staff [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (785) 776-0679 fax

Convention Calendar September Dates Convention Name Attendance Headquarters PRESORTED 2-4 Kansas State University 75 STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID Department of Journalism MANHATTAN KS 3-5 Phi Delta Theta Fraternity 150 Holiday Inn at the PERMIT NO 359 Campus Convention & Visitors Bureau 5-6 Konza Reptile Expo 100 Clarion 501 Poyntz Avenue 13-15 Financial Therapy Association 50 K-State Union Manhattan, KS 66502-6005 Annual Meeting 20-23 Kansas Economic Development Alliance 200 Holiday Inn at the Fall Conference Campus 21-23 Kansas Senior Invitational Golf Association 160 Clarion Tournament and Meeting 23-24 Associated General 80 Clarion Contractors of Kansas, Inc Annual Meeting 23-27 Relaxation Station Tours 100 Hampton Inn 24-25 Axio Learning Conference 150 K-State Alumni Center 24-25 Manhattan Christian College 160 Colbert Hills Annual Golf Classic 24-26 Manhattan High School Class 100 Clarion of 1960 Reunion

Vision Statement: Mission Statement: Destination Manhattan! To expand the local area economy by attracting visitors. September 2010 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review Page 9 September Events NNoot t e e w w o o r r thythy NNeew w s s To make a reservation for an upcoming event, please call the Chamber at 776-8829. Please join us as your time allows.

Business After Hours 8 5:30 – 7:00 pm McCullough Development ★ hosted a Host: K-State Athletic Department ribbon cutting on July 21st for their 46 Location: Bramlage Coliseum unit Strasser Landing apartment complex on N. 4th Street in Downtown Member 2 Member Mailing Program Items Due Manhattan. The “green friendly” apart- 10 5:00 pm ment project is a classic example of local Location: Chamber Office entrepreneurship. The locally owned apartments are managed by McCullough Manhattan Young Professionals Social Development. They were designed by the 11 4:00 p.m. Ebert Mayo Design Group and built by Event at Cat Town Prior to K-State Football Game Schultz Construction using many local Sponsored by: Curtin Property Company with catering by Ray’s Apple Market tradesmen and suppliers. Good Morning Manhattan 16 7:15 – 8:30 am Sponsor: Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que Location: Manhattan Country Club

Brown Bag Lunch Series 21 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Topic: Creating 360 Degree Leadership in Small Business Presenter: Cindy Kulp, CompetitivEdge Business Solutions Sponsored by: Claflin Books and Copies October Events Business After Hours The August 20 Ribbon Cutting at the 13 5:30 – 7:00 pm new Cox Bros BBQ at 520 McCall Road Host: Wildcat Creek Golf & Fitness marked the greatly anticipated return of Location: 800 Anneberg Circle a favorite local restaurant. Brothers Bud and Bobby Cox offer four distinctive Brown Bag Lunch Series styles of BBQ: Carolina, Kansas City, 19 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Memphis and Texas as well as a variety Topic: Ethics and Etiquette in Social Media of delicious side dishes to be enjoyed in Presenter: Cyndi Danner-Kuhn, Faculty/Education the eclectic country casual dining area. Technology Integration Coordinator, K-State College of Education Don’t forget our drive thru window and Sponsored by: McElroy’s, Inc. catering services for both Cox Bros BBQ (539-0770) and CoCo Bolo’s Let’s Do Lunch (537-4700). 27 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Sponsor: Hy-Vee Location: Manhattan Country Club

*All dates and times are subject to change.

The ★ denotes these businesses as Investors in Advantage Manhattan 2.

Thank you to the following members of the Chamber Champions and Chamber Diplomats for volunteering to help with registration at the June Good Morning Manhattan: Dustin Furrey with Keating & Associates ★, Jackie Patton with Al Langton Insurance, Josh Runyan with Copeland Insurance Agency, Clint Sandmann with Edwards Jones ★ and Aaron VonFeldt with VonFeldt, Bauer and VonFeldt CPAs. Page 10 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review September 2010

Resources for nections. In addition, SCORE Business Barometer can provide access to local vol- Entrepreneurs unteers for counseling and July 2009 July 2010 reviewing ideas for expanding BUILDING PERMITS - source: City of Manhattan The web provides many oppor- your business. Total Issued 68 44 tunities for research when it merce, assistance is available $ Amount $7,843,385 $9,549,221 comes to questions about Small Business Administra- through the Export Assistance Permit Fees $42,419 $34,854 growing or starting a business. tion Center. They offer courses RETAIL SALES (Manhattan) - source: City of Manhattan It is easy to get bogged down www.sba.gov such as Export University 101, The SBA is an independent Retail Sales $81,007,300 $70,412,400 in all the different pathways and provide additional Sales Tax Collections $810,073 $704,124 you can be drawn in while try- government agency that works resources to understand what ing to determine what valid with banks to help entrepre- it takes to enter the overseas LABOR - source: Kansas Labor Market Information Services advice is, and avoid being neurs to start and grow their market for distribution. Manhattan lured into paying for informa- business. With offices all Civilian Work Force 29,289 30,090 tion that may be readily avail- across the country, they pro- In addition to the above Employed 27,844 28,633 able for free. Knowing where to vide technical support to bor- national resources, extensive Unemployed 1,445 1,457 look, and where to turn, can rowers and lenders through Rate 4.9% 4.8% information can be found help make the difference online and business office con- Riley County through the Kansas nections. The Manhattan, Civilian Work Force 37,706 38,737 between failure and success Department of Commerce: Employed 35,788 36,803 for an idea or opportunity. Kansas area is serviced by the www.kansascommerce.com. Unemployed 1,918 1,934 Here is a short list of low cost SBA office located in Wichita, For a complete search of gov- Rate 5.1% 5.0% and free resources available to Kansas. The SBA web site ernmental agency assistance help start the process of offers a Small Business Train- utilize: www.google.com/uncle- exploring ideas and prospects ing Network which has a wide sam in business: selection of self paced courses and educational publications. Karl Klein SCORE 501 Poyntz Avenue www.score.org Export Assistance Center Manhattan, KS 66502 This nonprofit organization pro- www.export.gov (785) 587-9917 vides planning tools, lessons, For manufacturers interested Fax (785) 776-0679 [email protected] online workshops, and an in expanding their range of dis- ht t p : / / w w w. wa s h b u rn . e d u / s b d c email hotline for business con- tribution, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Com-

Chamber Endorses WorkKeys

At the August Chamber Board Meeting, Rich Jankovich, Workforce Center Advisory Board Chairman, introduced a resolution to the Board to endorse the Kansas WORKReady! certificate program for Chamber Members. It states, “The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce provides its support for the Manhattan Workforce Center through its endorsement and recognition of the Kansas WORKReady! Certification and its use by our members as part of their hiring practices.”

For area employers, hiring a new employee with a WORKReady! certificate enables the employer to have a reasonable expectation of the skills and abilities of the new hire. Each level of certification has a level of expertise and job skill level described on the back of the certificate. The Kansas WORKReady! certificate provides employers with tangible proof of workplace skills. Having the endorsement of the Chamber is very exciting for the Workforce Center and it assists in bringing the benefits the Center provides to our members and employers to the forefront when hiring new employees. For additional information about how Chamber Members can utilize the Kansas WORKReady! certificate program or to learn more about the capabilities and offerings of the Manhattan Workforce Center contact Jo Brunner, Workforce Center Supervisor 785-762-8870 or Noreen Stowe of Heartland Works at 539-5691. For more information, check out: www.kansasworks.com. September 2010 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review Page 11 by Bevin Landrum Fort Lewis Hiring Heroes Job Fair Military Update Military-Community Liaison On Thursday, August 5th, Myranda and Bevin attended the Fort 3rd Annual Military Family Lewis Hiring Heroes Job Fair in Washington state. The five-hour event brought in several hundred Soldiers. Many Soldiers had connections to Night a success Kansas and were interested in the opportunities available here, as well as the low cost of living. At the event, dozens of Soldiers stopped by the Manhattan booth and 10 resumes were gathered. Contact contin- The 3rd Annual Military Family Night at the Kaw Valley Rodeo was ues to be made in hopes of helping them find great job matches. a big success in spite of the high temps. The crowd at the pre- rodeo picnic was bigger than ever with over 600 plates served by sponsor Famous Dave’s during just an hour The ★ denotes these businesses as Investors in Advantage Manhattan 2. and a half time span. That’s a lot of BBQ and we had military families in line wrapped around the whole tent at one point. After everyone got their fill of food and Pepsi ★, the fun began in earnest with visits to the rides and vendors at the Riley County Fair and then the opening ceremony for the Kaw Valley Rodeo at 8 pm. The Military Relations Committee gave away 1,200 free tickets in cooperation with our sponsors: Dick Edwards Ford, Hi- Tech Interiors ★, Shilling Construction ★, and the Fort Riley Central Kansas Chapter of AUSA. We’re shooting for 1,500 next year!

It would be remiss of us to leave out some great “helpers” who made the event possible with logis- tical support and the ticket distribu- tion process—Riley County Fair Board, Kaw Valley Rodeo Associ- ation, RSVP of the Flint Hills, Optimist International, Flint Hills Breadbasket, Fort Riley ITR and the Fort Riley FRSA staff. Thanks to everyone for making this another great event to bring our military families and community together. Page 12 Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Little Apple® Business Review September 2010

Commerce website www.man- For example, Joe’s Fishery hattanchamber.org. might want to add the words Chamber Building Interior “shrimp,” “tuna” and “season- Did 6,668 referrals ings” to their list of keywords. to Receive Maintenance you were made through the Only you know the magic words website in the past 30 days. to draw customers to you. Simply In 1997 the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce purchased, email a list of those words to the remodeled and moved into its current building location at 501 Poyntz know? Keywords Option - Free! Chamber and watch your refer- Ave. Because we are often considered the “front door” for our commu- The majority of searches are rals grow! nity, the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff take pride in Thousands of people are com- made with keywords. A member’s making sure our facility stays clean and fresh for our many members ing into our community this year. keywords include any word in Contact Kristin Holt at and visitors. One of the first places newcom- their name, address, business ers look for information about 776-8829 to add your FREE type, etc. Additional words that keywords today. Two years ago the Chamber did some cleaning, repair and much their soon-to-be community is the direct a prospective client to your needed maintenance to the exterior of our building. This year, after Manhattan Area Chamber of business can be added. thirteen years of pretty heavy use, the Chamber interior is to receive some much needed repair and maintenance. Most of the work will Join us for these FREE and revolve around interior painting and replacing and repairing carpet and informative workshops tile. A few other changes our regular visitors may note will be that we are moving some offices around to gain a better use of office space Upcoming Seminars include: and hopefully some office efficiency to better take care of our mem- bers and numerous daily visitors. September 21 Creating 360 Degree Leadership in Small Business Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm All of our interior work will be bid out to Chamber members this fall. Presenters will begin promptly at 11:45 am The Chamber will maintain its regular business hours during the build- October 19 ing repair and maintenance process. When complete we should again Ethics and Etiquette in Social Media Location: Manhattan Chamber Boardroom be ready to serve our customers and visitors efficiently and effectively for many years to come at 501 Poyntz Avenue. If you have any ques- November 16 The seminars are offered FREE of charge to tions please don’t hesitate to contact Lyle Butler, President of the NBAF Update Chamber members and $20 for guests. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

You bring your lunch………the Chamber will provide Space is limited; reservations are required. soft drinks and water. Please call 776-8829 to register.