Business Perspective Our Mission: October 2018 To enhance the business environment and quality of life in our community. Vote on November 6! ® Learn about the candidates at www.VoteJoCo.com where you’ll find candidates’ responses to a questionnaire on important business issues and also video of candidate forums hosted by the Johnson County Public Policy Council. Upcoming candidate forums hosted by the Overland Park Chamber: Chamber Calendar Kansas House District 48 Kansas House District 28 Kansas House District 16 October 4, 2:30-3:30 p.m. October 15, 3:15-4:15 p.m. October 17, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Candidate Forums • David Benson (D) • Brian Clausen (D) • Rep. (D) House Districts 48 & 29 • Rep. Abraham Rafie (R) • Kellie Warren (R) • Sue Huff (R) Thursday, October 4 - 2:30-5:15 p.m. Overland Park Chamber, 9001 West 110th Street Kansas House District 29 Kansas House District 27 Johnson County October 4, 3:45-5:15 p.m. October 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Commission District 4 Ribbon cutting • Robert Firestone (L) • Nicole Rome (D) October 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 9 - 4:00 p.m. Ajilon, 10801 Mastin Street, Suite 600 • Rep. (D) • Rep. Sean Tarwater (R) • Janee Hanzlick • James Todd (R) • Jason Osterhaus Wednesday Wake-up Kansas House District 8 (Incumbent) 2018 Series Sponsor: Baker University Kansas House District 20 October 17, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10 - 8:00-9:00 a.m. October 15, 2:00-3:00 p.m. • (R) Johnson County Commission District 1 Jason’s Deli, 12010 Metcalf Avenue • Becky Barber (D) • Michele Lobitz (D) Free and open to Chamber members only • Rep. (R) October 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Leawood Library, 4700 Town Ribbon cutting These forums held at the Overland Park Chamber, Center Drive Thursday, October 11 - 4:30 p.m. 9001 West 110th Street, except where noted. • Becky Fast Brookridge Dentistry & Orthodontics, • Ron Shaffer (Incumbent) 9528 Antioch Road Public Policy & Advocacy Committee All times are approximate. Numerous other candidate forums are being hosted by the Discussing the 2019 Kansas Legislative Agenda Johnson County Public Policy Council and can be viewed at www.votejoco.com. Video Friday, October 12 - 12:00-1:30 p.m. of forums (when available) will be posted soon after event. Overland Park Chamber, 9001 West 110th Street For more information on voting in Johnson County: www.jocoelection.org. Candidate Forums House Districts 20, 28 & 27 Monday, October 15 - 2:00-5:30 p.m. Overland Park Chamber, 9001 West 110th Street Chamber Annual Meeting Candidate Forums House Districts 8 &16 and Johnson County Wednesday, December 5 Commission District 4 Wednesday, October 17 - 2:00-5:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Overland Park Chamber, 9001 West 110th Street Overland Park Convention Center Tommy 6000 College Boulevard Spaulding Working Lunch 2018 Series Sponsor: Grantham University New York Times bestselling author Tommy Spaulding is a Event Sponsor: Tuesday, October 23 - 12:00-1:30 p.m. leadership expert and nationally acclaimed speaker. His Pinstripes, 13500 Nall Avenue $25 for Chamber members only heartfelt message can transform your organization, build Executive Leadership Series committed teams, earn lifelong customers and drive bottom 2018 Series Sponsor: First National Bank line results in today’s competitive global marketplace. Featuring Lisa Ginter, CommunityAmerica Tuesday, October 30 - 7:30-9:00 a.m. Sponsorships Available! DoubleTree by Hilton Kansas City-Overland Contact: Celia at (913) 766-7603 or [email protected] Park, 10100 College Boulevard To register for this event, click here or call (913) 491-3600. To register for these events, click here or call (913) 491-3600. FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Chamber Board and Staff Difficult, but important conversations BOARD OFFICERS: As Johnson Countians we love our statistics. We rank highly on most of the coveted Brett Bogan, Chairman Spencer Fane LLP lists – for educational attainment, healthy living, income, economic growth, etc. Just Mike Hess, Chair-Elect recently Overland Park was named to three more lists – #1 - Best Places to Raise a HNTB Corporation Family by WalletHub.com, #-15 - Best Places to Live by Money, and #29 - Best Stacie Gram, 1st Vice Chairman Swiss Re America Holding Corporation Real-Estate Market by WalletHub.com. We’re proud of these rankings because they Charles Laird, 2nd Vice Chairman represent an outstanding quality of life and business environment. But there are Menorah Medical Center Doug Lynn, Secretary other numbers I want to focus on this month. Sprint The Johnson County Mental Health Center has reported Chris Wally, Treasurer Wally & Co. that teen suicides in Johnson County nearly doubled in the Michael Tracy, Past Chairman first six months of 2018. Unfortunately, this is not a recent OMNI Human Resource Management phenomenon, with the Center for Disease Control reporting BOARD MEMBERS: that the suicide rate has increased nationally 24 percent over Marshaun Butler, Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas the last 15 years. The Kansas City Star reported recently Faruk Capan, Intouch Solutions Diana Chaloux-LaCerte, Hitch Fit Gym that suicide is the third-leading cause of death for children Greg Crowley, Crowley Furniture ages 5 to 14 and is the second-leading cause of death for Jim Edwards, Nothing Bundt Cakes ages 15 to 24. The National Institute of Mental Health Bill Ferguson, Central Bank of the Midwest reports that 90 percent of the 15 to 24 group had an under- Dr. Michael Fulton, Shawnee Mission School District Tracey Osborne Brenner Holland, Hunt Midwest lying mental illness. Oltjen, CCE, IOM Craig Jeffries, Empower Retirement Leadership by all six Johnson County school district superin- President & CEO Jodde Lanning, Payne & Jones, Chartered @traceylosborne Don Pearce, Pearce Construction Company tendents is raising awareness and creating action to address Karsten Randolph, Shawnee Mission Health the mental health of our students. Recently each of our Bob Regnier, Bank of Blue Valley superintendents spoke to our Johnson County Presidents Council which represents Stephen Rhorer, SPX Cooling Technologies our region’s chambers. The collaboration among our districts is unprecedented, as Tony Rupp, Foulston Siefkin LLP Mark Thomas, Copaken Brooks is the sense of urgency they share when it comes to the protection of our kids and Steve Troester, PGAV Architects, Inc. their families. Mark Williams, Garver There have been countywide meetings of district leaders, mental health providers EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS: and advocates to discuss education, awareness and support for suicide prevention. Bruce Boettcher, Sheraton Overland Park Hotel There are amazing student-led efforts as well. The Blue Valley Education Founda- [Visit Overland Park board representative] Dr. David Cook, The University of Kansas Edwards tion Annual Breakfast devoted much of its program recently to a powerful discus- Campus sion. Speakers Superintendent Todd White, parent Mandy Shoemaker of BV Well, Bill Ebel, City of Overland Park Dr. Adam Hamilton, Church of the Resurrection; and BV Northwest student Mayor Carl Gerlach, City of Overland Park Dana Markel, Visit Overland Park Cynthia Dong representing the student-led mental health board, talked about the Bobby Olm-Shipman, St. Luke’s South Hospital stigma of mental illness, and how to support students and families and provide [2018 Chairman of Overland Park Chamber Economic Development Council] ongoing support to reverse the trend of teen suicide. Tracey Osborne Oltjen, CCE, Overland Park Chamber The business community, too, has a key role in the mental health conversation. The Greg Wolf, Dentons Kansas City Business Journal recently featured a discussion with local experts. If you missed it, I recommend it as an excellent summary of factors related to mental illness such as loneliness and disconnection due to technology, along with some of CHAMBER STAFF: the local resources available. Tr a cey Osborne Oltjen, CCE, President & CEO Prevention and proactiveness are crucial. Two programs highlighted in the Business Stacey Cowan, Membership Director Frank Ebling, Controller Journal discussion were the ASIST program (applied suicide intervention and skills Celia Fritz-Watson, Director of Events & Member Services training) and Mental Health First Aid. Chamber member Netsmart’s COO Tom Tim Holverson, IOM, Recruitment & Retention Director, Herzog said, “There has to be intention on our part as an employer.” And they’ve Economic Development Chris Jackson, EDC Policy & Communications Coordinator done just that, by providing Mental Health First Aid training to any of their associ- Beth Johnson, CEcD, Senior Vice President of Economic ates who are interested, training more than 500 associates so far. Development Stan Lawson, Communications Director (continued on page 5) Erin Murray, Assistant to the President Tom Robinett, Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy Business Perspective is published monthly by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. Amy Stock, Member Services Coordinator 9001 West 110th Street, Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66210 Phone: (913) 491-3600 • Fax: (913) 491-0393 • [email protected] • www.opchamber.org

2 Business Perspective UPCOMING EVENTS

Maximize the time in your busy work day Build your business network! by combining lunch with the opportunity to cultivate new business relationships!

Wednesday, October 10 8:00-9:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 23 Expand your network Hosted by while enjoying delicious 12:00-1:30 p.m. new American and Hosted by Italian foods.

5721 West 119th Street Join us for networking and enjoy 13500 Nall Avenue samples from the Jason’s Deli breakfast catering menu including 2018 Series Sponsor fresh-cracked eggs, scrumptious $25 per person for pastries, fresh fruit and more! Chamber members only. Free and open to Chamber members only. To register, click here or call (913) 491-3600 To register, click here or call (913) 491-3600 For information on becoming a member, contat Stacey Cowan Thanks to our Wednesday at (913) 766-7604 or [email protected]. Wake-up Series Sponsor:

Executive Join us for these programs featuring executive insight Come hear Overland Park’s good news Leadership on business leadership. at our annual fun-filled breakfast! Series Proudly sponsored by: INSIGHTS FROM THE TOP Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, October 30 Breakfast program: 7:30-9:00 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Kansas City-Overland Park 10100 College Boulevard featuring Friday, November 16 Lisa Ginter, CEO 7:30-9:00 a.m. CommunityAmerica Credit Union Marriott Kansas City-Overland Park 10800 Metcalf Avenue Lisa Ginter joined CommunityAmerica in 1995 and has overseen nearly every function of the Something new is happening this year! Credit Union. In her first few years at CEO, she Watch your e-mail for details. advanced the organization to more than $2.5 billion in assets and launched a series of new $30 for members; $40 for non-members business divisions and strategies helping members $350 for a table of 10 for members; achieve true financial peace-of-mind in their lives. $450 for a table of 10 for non-members Ginter serves on the Board of Directors nationally for the Credit Proudly sponsored by Union National Association and also is an active leader with a breadth of financial, civic and philanthropic organizations across the city. Members: $30 per person or $330 for a reserved table of 10 Non-members: $40 per person or $440 for a reserved table of 10 To register, click here or (913) 491-3600 To register, click here or call (913) 491-3600

October 2018 3 NEW MEMBERS / CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome new members! Chamber releases first-ever We are pleased to introduce these new Chamber members: Local Public Policy Platform Bambou Salon & Spa For many years the Overland parks, recreation, arts, Debbie Linder, Store Lead Please support fellow 11156 Antioch Road Chamber members who Park Chamber has released culture and entertainment, Overland Park, KS 66210 have made investments public policy platforms roads and transportation, (913) 341-1976 to enhance the prosperity outlining federal and state housing and access to health [email protected] of our community! issues identified as important care and mental health www.bambousalons.com for the business success of services. It encourages Beauty Services, Spa - Day our members. Now, for the regular assessment of the Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of first time, the Chamber is continued availability of those CoStar Group Inc. Overland Park Kelli Griffith, Client Relationship Justin Hubbard, Manager confirming its positions on elements and the evolution of Manager 8645 West 135th Street local issues (City of Overland the characteristics of a 4801 Main Street, Suite 300 Overland Park, KS 66224 Park and Johnson County) desirable quality of life. The Kansas City, MO 64112 (913) 851-5050 with the release of our Chamber believes the (816) 516-9323 [email protected] 2018-19 Local Public Policy optimal way to accomplish [email protected] www.trmaoverlandpark.com Platform. This document has that assessment and ongoing www.costar.com Martial Arts Instruction Real Estate - Commercial & Industrial, been reviewed and approved preservation of our quality of Real Estate Trinity Nursing & Rehab by the Chamber’s Public life is through the efforts of a Center Policy and Advocacy Com- local government most close Edison Spaces Luis Jimenez, Administrator mittee and its Board of to the people and comprised Jessica Renfrew, Director of 9700 West 62nd Street Business Operations Directors. It is intended to be of officials elected through Merriam, KS 66203 an easy-reference guide for non-partisan elections. We 4400 College Boulevard, Suite 200 (913) 384-0800 Overland Park, KS 66211 city and county officials as also recognize the value of [email protected] (913) 850-6572 www.trinitynursingandrehab.com well as by Chamber mem- strong partnerships between [email protected] Skilled Nursing Facility, Rehabilitation bers when public policy is local government and our www.edisonspaces.com Services being implemented that local business community. Office Space, Real Estate impacts local business. Two Maids & A Mop The 2018-2019 Local Public Edison Spaces Wiliam Hoffman, II, Franchise A basis of the Local Public Policy Platform can be found 7900 College Boulevard Owner Policy Platform is support of on the Chamber’s website at Overland Park, KS 66211 7419 Metcalf Avenue the elements that contribute www.opchamber.org - click (913) 850-6572 Overland Park, KS 66204 to quality of life: public here. [email protected] (913) 624-9484 education, public safety, www.edisonspaces.com [email protected] Office Space, Real Estate www.twomaidsoverlandpark.com Kinesphere Physical Cleaning Services Therapy & Pilates Wally & Co. Katie Cornwell, Owner Chris Wally, Owner Noelle Dowma, Owner/Physical (913) 693-4700 Therapist [email protected] 10880 Benson Drive, Suite 2370 www.wallyandcompany.com Corporate Woods, Building 23 Real Estate - Commercial & Industrial Overland Park, KS 66210 (816) 379-6899 Xcel Roofing [email protected] Bryan Manning, Owner www.kinespherept.com 24 Northwest Chipman Road Physical Therapists, Pilates Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816) 448-8208 New Woman Obstetrics & [email protected] Gynecology www.loveourroof.com Dr. Kari Farris, Physician/Owner Roofing, Windows - Replacement New Chamber members were recognized at last month’s Wednesday Wake- 9209 West 110th Street up networking event. Membership Director Stacey Cowan and Chamber Overland Park, KS 66210 Refer potential new Chamber Board Member Mark Thomas, Copaken Brooks; presented new members (913) 735-4726 members and earn Chamber plaques to Justin Hubbard, Tiger Rock Martial Arts; Bryan Manning, Xcel [email protected] credit when they become a Roofing; Craig Hammontree, Open Works; Susie Wheeler, Body Guitar www.newwomanobgyn.com member. Send referrals to Stacey Clinic; Debbie Linder, Bambou Salon & Spa; and Dr. Meghan Hamilton, Health Care, Physicians & Surgeons M.D. Cowan at [email protected]. Brookridge Dentistry & Orthodontics.

4 Business Perspective REINVESTED MEMBERS

President’s Message cont. . . . one in five adults in the U.S. In September the Johnson – 43.5 million (18.5%) – County Commission ap- experiences mental illness in proved additional funding to a given year. Conversations increase staffing at the are beginning throughout our Johnson County Mental community – and our coun- Health Department. Walk-ins try, about mental wellness as increased 10 percent in FY a holistic part of our wellness 2016-17 and are estimated to plan. We devoted consider- grow an additional four able time to the topic during percent this next year. In real our ForwardOP process as numbers? That was 6,128 residents and community people last year, some of leaders told us it’s a criti- whom were in crisis. cal component of Overland Park’s future success. Member Renewals As we know, it’s difficult to We thank these companies for reinvesting in the Overland Park discuss these issues. Mental There are opportunities for Chamber of Commerce in August 2018: wellness is not yet as com- you and your business to 40-50 Years 5-9 Years monplace to talk about elevate awareness, and the Indian Creek Shopping Center, Aesthetic Surgical Arts as heart health or cancer health of our community. And L.L.C. Canon Solutions America prevention, but the National most importantly, improve Clarus Group Alliance on Mental Illness the lives of those around us, 20-39 Years Drill Law Firm, LLC AAA Missouri one at a time. Kansas City Web Design reports that approximately Buchanan Clarke Schlader LLP Lansing Trade Group Cross Manufacturing, Inc. Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Click the advertisements on this page for details. DLR Group Wellness Downtown Overland Park Nothing Bundt Cakes Overland Park Partnership, Inc. Papa Kenos Pizzeria HDR Engineering, Inc. Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe HTK Architects, P.A. Overland Park Lund, George W. Rasmussen College Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Santa Fe Tow Service Inc. Bauer, LLP Titan Built, LLC Parris Communications Inc. Paychex, Inc. 1-4 Years SAFEHOME, Inc. Advantage Tech, Inc. SPX Cooling Technologies Arb Tech Kansas City TranSystems Block Real Estate Services, LLC Casey’s General Store Wellington Core Bank 10-19 Years Curtin Property Company Affinis Corp Farmers Insurance - The The Arts and Recreation Wertzberger Agency Foundation of Overland Park Intouch Solutions Benefit Services of Kansas City, Inc. Jason’s Deli Conference Technologies, Inc. Kansas Leadership Center Display Studios LANE4 Property Group Financial Engines Mariner Holdings FLG Networking Services Mid-America Orthopedics Kansas City J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Office Pride of Overland Park Seafood Polestar Plumbing, Heating and Air Kincaid Coach Lines, Inc. Price Brothers Liberty Exposition Services, Inc. REACH Healthcare Foundation Overland Park Host Lions Club Shawnee PARC Post Acute & Olsson Associates Rehabilitation Center Team Construction Parker Communications Group Tick Tock Escape Games Pete’s Pest Control Workforce Partnership

October 2018 5 RECENT EVENTS

City Council President Jim Kite, Chamber EDC Senior Vice President City Councilmembers Dave White and Terry Happy Scheier, Chamber EDC Beth Johnson and Chamber Diplomats helped Dr. Ryan Riggs and his team Senior Vice President Beth Johnson and Chamber Diplomats helped Brad celebrate a ribbon cutting for the new Overland Park location of Blue Sky Marks and his team celebrate a ribbon cutting for Kansas Regenerative Fertility, 14253 Metcalf Avenue. Dr. Riggs trained at the distinguished Jones Medicine Center, 6650 West 110th Street. The center is devoted to Institute for Reproductive Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, advancing access and quality care in adult stem cell regenerative medicine to where the first IVF baby in the United States was conceived. help people suffering from inflammatory and degenerative conditions. For For more information: (913) 218-0162 or www.blueskyfertility.com. more information: (913) 800-7555 or www.kansasrmc.com.

City Councilmember Terry Happer Scheier, Chamber EDC Director of Recruitment & Retention Tim Holverson and Chamber Diplomats helped Stephanie Molnar, Executive Director, and her team celebrate City Councilmembers Dave White and Terry Happer Scheier and Chamber a ribbon cutting for the rebranding of Shawnee PARC Post Acute & EDC Vice President Beth Johnson helped Cheryl Johnson and her team Rehabilitation Center, 7600 Antioch Road. Shawnee PARC offers long- celebrate a ribbon cutting for the new headquarters of Diagnostic Imaging term care for those in need of 24-hour nursing care. For more information: Centers, P.A., 6650 West 110th Street. For more information: (913) 319- (913) 383-2001 or www.shawneeparc.com. 8400 or www.dic-kc.com.

City Council President Jim Kite, Chamber President Tracey Osborne Oltjen City Council President Jim Kite, City Councilmember Chris Newlin and and Chamber Diplomats helped Tim Barton and Matt Druten, co-founders; Chamber Diplomats helped Beth Langdon, Director of Membership; Brian and Jessica Renfrew, Director of Business Operations; celebrate a ribbon Harrison, General Manager; and members of ACA Business Club celebrate cutting for the opening of the newest Edison Spaces, 7900 College a ribbon cutting for their new location at 6840 West 105th Street. ACA Boulevard. Edison offers fully furnished office space and shared amenities is a private club that focuses on building high quality relationships among with flexible durations and sizes for shorter-term business needs. For more executives, professionals and business owners. For more information: information: (913) 850-6572 or www.edisonspaces.com. (800) 793-2582 or www.acanetwork.org/kansascity.

6 Business Perspective RECENT EVENTS

hosted on August 30 by

Barbara Walker, True North Hotel Group; Pat Ray Cole, Consolidated Communications; Leo Haley Lopez, KCWE 29-TV; Lettiann Hoppa, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Abdullah Parker, Buse, True North Hotel Group; Anissa Garner, Southerland, Lettiann & Associates AdamsGabbert; Joe Lillian, Servpro of Leawood/ Candlewood Suites Kansas City-Overland Real Estate Services, LLC; Carol Baber, Overland Park; Sidra Connell, Jason’s Deli; Jill Park; Julia Lynn, Allied Global Services; CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. Grotzinger, Arts & Recreation Foundation of Jake Akehurst, Johnson County Community Overland Park. College. OP

hosted on September 20 by

Erin Ronan, Enterprise Bank & Trust; and Debbie Sherrer, Creative Planning; and an ACA Business Josh Bernal, SLCKET; Lisa Phlegar, Q39. Club member.

October 2018 7 RECENT EVENTS

hosted on September 12 by

Camille Kaldahl and Morgan Young, Shawnee Sherryl Nens, Office Pride of Overland Park; Patricia Mosby, DexYP; Trish Reedy, Mission Health; Jean Fiorello, National Jason Bahnson, Heartland Payment Systems; PrimeLending; Michelle Poston, Infinitas American University. Dr. Dan Lorenz, Specialists in Sports and Coordinated Wealth Counsel. Orthopedic Rehabilitation; Mark Thomas, Copaken Brooks.

Member Orientation on September 6

Chamber President Tracey Osborne Oltjen talks to Dr. Michael Cartwright, Cleveland Celsie Sneden tells about her business, attendees about the Chamber’s programs and mission. University-Kansas City; talks to attendees NEAT Method Kansas City. about being a Chamber Diplomat.

Save the Date! Our next Member Orientation: November 8 8:00 a.m.

8 Business Perspective CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS / DIPLOMAT SPOTLIGHT

Revealing the vision Chamber Diplomat Q&A Last month, a Reveal the Vision Open House provided a first glimpse at Shannon Riordan, Lifted Logic, our community’s draft vision and action plan as part of the Forward OP 10251 West 87th Street process to outline a path of continued success for the next 20-25 years. Q: What is Lifted Logic? It is based on input from a A: A custom website design & community that cares about development; all in-house from the future of Overland Park as content to photo/video, design a place to thrive, succeed and and build. As a Project Man- prosper. To complement these aspirations, the plan is grounded in an ager, I meet with the client to understanding of current conditions and trends. The vision plan will help determine the best align all aspects of our community life and identify goals and specific strategy for the project, keep the project moving along from actions for Overland Park to implement. start to finish, and update the The action plan identified clients regularly on the status of their project. My Vision: these key goals: main focus going forward will be with our on-going Overland Park will lead as a 1. A welcoming place clients who continue to work with us after the where all people have website has launched to optimize SEO, implement forward thinking, innovative SEM strategies, and continue with other writing, access to high quality photo/video, design services we offer. and welcoming community. education, affordable healthcare, social services, Q: Who do you find is a best connection / partner and a safe environment, and where the community works together for for you in business? A: Still learning this for my new position; but other the greater good. “connecters” are always great. Good partners can 2. An engaged community that offers opportunities for people to be others in marketing or consulting businesses that interact with each other, local leaders and institutions that provide an understand the importance of a quality, SEO array of civic services. optimized website for lead generation. 3. A high quality, sustainable and attractive built environ- Q: Why are you a Chamber Diplomat? A: I enjoy learning about other Overland Park ment that offers a variety of choices including neighborhoods that offer businesses and helping connect people. I believe the opportunity to live, work, and play and establishes Overland Park as that in any organization you get out of it what you a destination for business and family leisure travel. put into it and I want to help make the Chamber 4. A connected city that offers choices for mobility including well- great. Plus, who doesn’t love to start their day with maintained road networks, public transit, sidewalks, bike lanes, and a positive, powerful group of people? trails with an emphasis on embracing new infrastructure technologies Q: What has been your favorite benefit or moment and future transportation modes. as a member of the Overland Park Chamber? A: I think the people are one of my favorite ben- 5. A Strong Economy anchored by a diverse job base and positive efits. I’ve already had some great one-on-ones with city image that is attractive to investment and visitors allowing for a high Chamber members outside of organized Chamber quality of life for all people. events, plus reconnected with past friends in the For more information: www.forwardop.org. short few months I’ve officially been a member. Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A: Learn how to say no with grace and ease. Q: What is your hidden talent or ability? A: Disney Trivia knowledge Q: What recent book / movie are you recommend- ing to others? A: “Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg was the latest book I read and recommend.

To find out more about becoming a Chamber Diplomat, contact Stacey Cowan at [email protected] or (913) 766-7604.

October 2018 9 DIPLOMAT SPOTLIGHT / MEMBER NEWS

Chamber Diplomat Q&A 2019 membership directory Adam Doran, HighPointe Financial Group, offers advertising opportunities 10975 Benson Drive The Overland Park Chamber’s 2019 Membership Q: What do you do at HighPointe Financial Directory offers advertising opportunities for Group? Chamber members. We are working with longtime A: I help business owners and their employ- partner MetroMedia, Inc., to produce this publica- ees save money, build wealth, and protect tion. their income. At High- Pointe, we’re education- To learn more about advertising in the directory, focused, and we like to contact Kathy Moore, MetroMedia Inc., at make the complex, (913) 951-8441 or kmoore@metromediapublish- simple, so people can ers.com. make informed financial Complete and return your verification decisions and feel confi- form to ensure your company information! dent about what they’re If you are the Chamber’s primary contact at your busi- doing with their money. ness, please return your completed verification form as soon as possible. If Q: Who do you find is a best connection / you didn’t receive the verification form and need it resent, please contact partner for you in business? Amy at (913) 491-3600 or [email protected]. A: Public safety professionals, real estate and mortgage professionals, network marketing/ direct sales professionals. Q: Why are you a Chamber Diplomat? Member News & Events A: I love networking and welcoming new Ajilon is hosting an open house, TechCycle Solutions is the new businesses to the community, I love being 4-6:30 p.m. on October 9 in its name of the former Device Pitstop, connected to the areas where I live, work, and new office space at 10801 Mastin 6864 West 153rd Street, and is play, and people who know me tell me I’m Street, Suite 600. offering customized solutions for all good at being an ambassador for things I A reception is being held for Cathy device needs. believe in. Weaver, Miracles With Water, to Mize Hizer & Company has Q: Where are you from / what brought you to celebrate her being named Women launched a new service, Mize Overland Park? Business Advocate of the Year by Restaurant Group Controllership A: I grew up in Central Iowa. My former the Kansas Department of Com- Services, to help McDonald’s owner/ career as a police officer brought me to the merce’s Office of Minority and operators manage accounting, KC area, where I’ve lived for almost 14 years. Women Business Development, 5-7 financial, payroll and internal con- Overland Park has always been a place I p.m. on October 16 at the Over- trols. Greg Harry and Christy frequent for shopping, dining, and fun. Now I land Park Chamber. Gurney have joined Mize Restaurant work here, too! National Merit Semifinalists in the Group to work with McDonald’s Q: What is your hidden talent or ability? 2019 National Merit Scholarship owner/operators nationwide. A: I’m really good at fishing. There really is a Program include 57 Blue Valley KU Edwards Campus is collabo- skill to it. So if we were stranded in the Schools seniors, 13 Shawnee rating with the KU Medical Center wilderness and there was water available, we Mission School District seniors to meet the growing demand for wouldn’t starve. and 12 Olathe School District health science professionals through Q: What do you consider your greatest seniors. Semifinalists have an a new post-baccalaureate certificate achievement (so far)? opportunity to advance in competi- program. A: Starting my own business, sticking with it, tion for awards worth about $31 AT&T has invested nearly $725 and turning a profit. It’s the hardest thing I’ve million, which will be offered this million in its Kansas City wireless ever done. coming spring. and wired networks during 2015- Q: What has been your favorite journey? Hunt Midwest has secured leases 2017 to boost reliability, coverage, A: My marriage to my wife. She helps me with two tenants including Parisi speed and overall performance for become more self-aware and better every day. Cafe for ground-level retail space at residents and businesses. The The Vue, its $49M mixed-use upgrades also improve critical To find out more about becoming a Chamber redevelopment project under services that support public safety Diplomat, contact Stacey Cowan at scowan@ construction in Downtown Over- and first responders. opchamber.org or (913) 766-7604. land Park. (continued on the next page)

10 Business Perspective ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Sponsor Spotlight:

Kansas Gas Service’s mission is straightforward and simple: to deliver natural gas for a better tomorrow to more than 636,000 customers. And that starts with its employees and their commitment to provide safe and reliable natural gas service to 360 communities throughout Kansas. Every day Kansas Gas customers count on them to warm Last month, the Chamber’s Economic Development Council Investors homes, cook meals, dry clothes, heat water and power heard from Martin Rivarola, assistant director of Transportation and Land industry. It provides reliability, warmth, comfort and Use with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). Rivarola provided a convenience to homes and businesses that rely on look at the long-range transportation plan that MARC is developing as the Regional Transportation Plan 2050. MARC seeks input from the public as it affordable energy. plans how the region will manage and operate a multimodal transportation Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: system that meets economic, transportation, development and sustainability OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that goals. For more information: www.marc.org. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap Unemployment 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. August 2018 August 2017 For more information, visit www.kansasgasservice.com Overland Park 3.1% 3.5% or www.onegas.com. Johnson County 3.1% 3.4% For the latest news, follow on Twitter: @KansasGas. Kansas City Metro MSA 3.9% 4.4% Click the ad below for details. State of Kansas 3.3% 3.6% (These percentages are not seasonally adjusted) – Kansas Labor Information Center (KLIC)

Building Permits in Overland Park New New Non- Other Totals Commercial Commercial Commercial Aug. 2018 2 0 62 64 Square Feet 142,456 N/A 22,866 165,322 Value $11.894,539 $0 $10,373,130 $22,267,669 – City of Overland Park

Overland Park Retail Sales June 2018

October 2018 11 Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors! Corporate Partners 9001 West 110th Street, Suite 150 Overland Park, Kansas 66210 (913) 491-3600 • www.opchamber.org

Corporate Sponsors Affinis Corp American Century Investments Member News continued . . . Rod Smith, principal at Olathe Public Schools’ Frontier Trail Middle School, Corporate Woods ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council announced 18 local artists who will has been honored as Kansas Middle Edward Jones receive financial support for transforma- School Principal of the Year. First National Bank tive projects from its competitive Kimberly Megow, MD, MBA, FACHE, Inspiration Grant program. ArtsKC also FAAP, has been named Chief Medical JE Dunn Construction Company announced Ovation grant funding for 22 Officer for HCA Midwest Health, which Johnson County large arts organizations for fiscal year operates Overland Park Regional Community College 2019. Medical Center and Menorah Medi- Kansas City Power & Light Friends of Johnson County Develop- cal Center. mental Supports is one of 16 nonprof- Dr. Craig Yager, an orthopedic surgeon, Kansas Gas Service its to receive a Community Service Tax has joined Mid-America Orthopedics. Saint Luke’s Health System Credit from the State of Kansas and will Jan Marrs SPHR, has joined Mize Hous- The University of Kansas use the award to build new homes er & Company, PA, as Talent Leader. specifically designed to meet the Edwards Campus accessibility needs of individuals with Jonathan (Jon) D. Schmeidler, QKA, has intellectual and developmental disabili- joined TPP Retirement Plan Special- ties, as well as Alzheimer’s and demen- ists, LLC, as a Senior Plan Administra- Leadership Circle Sponsors tia. tor. AdamsGabbert WaterOne was recognized as having Amy Tysseling joined the Blue Valley Fortune Financial Advisors, LLC the “Best Tasting Water in Kansas” by School District Board of Education, OMNI Human Resource the Kansas Section of the American filling an open position in District 1 that Management Water Works Association at its 10th opened with the resignation of Pam annual conference. Robinson. To add your name to this list each month, Lauren Solidum is the new president/ contact Tracey Osborne Oltjen CEO of Catholic Charities of North- To submit company news, click here. at (913) 491-3600 or east Kansas. To submit events, click here. [email protected].