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Emporia Main Street Calendar of Events |  | |
February 8
Promotions Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main street office.
Design Meeting
Noon in the Emporia Main Street office.
February 13
RAIL Meeting
4:00 p.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
February 14
Start Your Own Business Class at
Flint Hills Technical College
February 15
Board Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
February 18
Historic District Meeting
9:00 a.m. in Topeka
February 22
Business Enhancement Meeting
8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
Home Based Business Meeting
12:30 p.m. in the Emporia Main Street office.
March 17
St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Emporia
April 1-4
National Main Street Conference- Baltimore, MD
April 13-15
Glass Blown Open Disc Golf Tournament by Dynamic Discs
April 19-20
Kansas Main Street Quarterly Training, Dodge City
April 21
The Taste
Civic Auditorium
May 19
Downtown Car Show by the Flatland Cruisers
June 2
The Dirty Kanza
June 9th
Symphony in the Flint Hills
Do you have an upcoming event for your business or organization? Let Emporia Main Street know and we may include it on our upcoming calendars!
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| General Level Members | |
AKA Marketing/The Sports Fan
Amanda's Bakery
Applebee's
Ash, LLC.
Atherton & Huth Attorney at Law
Barden & Thompson
Bath Expressions
Bennett Dental Group
Best Western Hospitality House
Brown's Shoe Fit Co.
C & J Woodworks
Cable One
Cable One Advertising
Capitol Federal
Cassell Insurance
Chester Press, Inc.
Clark Carpet & Tile
Coffelt Sign Co.
Commercial Street Diner
Complete Works
Country Mart/Price Chopper
Dan's Hands
Dorsey & Wise Family Eye Care
Douglas Chiropractic Center
Dynamic Disks
Emporia Chamber of Commerce
Emporia State Federal Credit Union
ESU Memorial Union
E-Town Solutions
First Community Bank
Flint Hills Eye Care Associates
Flint Hills Lanes
Flint Hills Music
Flint Hills Tech College
Flint Hills Mall
Forget Me Not Productions
Four Seasons Apartments
Furniture Loft
Genesis Health Club
George Groh & Sons
Gerald Schumann Electric
Glendo
Granada Coffee Company
Granada Plaza & Lofts
Graves Drug Store
Hair Krafters
Helbert & Allemang Attorney's at Law
High Gear Cyclery
Hornet Residential
IM Design Group
Inno-Vest Corporation
Java Cat 5
Jimmy John's
Kansas Radio 96.1 The Wave
Kari's Diamonds by Design
KISS 103.1
Krueger & Williams Law Office
L & L Pets
Little Acorns
Little Caesers Pizza
Lyon County State Bank
Lyon County Title
Marion National Bank
Mark II Lumber
Mathis Physical Therapy
McDonald's on 6th Ave.
McKinzie Pest Control
Menu Foods Midwest Corp.
Midas Touch Golden Tans
Modern Air Conditioning
Muckenthaler, Inc.
Nature's Paradise
Navrat's Office Products
Pizza Ranch
Plum Bazaar
Poehler Mercantile
Pool & Wright
Prairie Sage Apartments
Prairie Land Partners
Pro Cuts
Redi Upholstry
Redline Trucking
Ru Yi
Sauder Custom Fabrication
Scheller's Lawn & Landscape
Simmons Pet Food
SS Graham Insurance Agency
Stanley Jewelry
Studio 11
Subway
Sunflower Gymnastics
Symmonds & Symmonds Attorney at Law
The Help Desk
The Henrikson Team
The Medicine Shoppe
The Sweet Granada
The Villiger
The White Rose Inn
Thompson Auto Repair
Toso Appraisal Service
Total Technology, LLC
Town Crier Bookstore
Town Royal
Verona Grill and Pizzeria
Wash House
Water's True Value
Westar Energy
Wheat State Pizza
Williams Automotive
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| Non-Profit Level Members | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Community Theatre of Emporia
Corner House
Emporia Arts Council
Emporia Farmer's Market
Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance
Emporia High School Future Business Leaders of America
Emporia Public Library
ESU Foundation
Small Business Development Center
First Presbyterian Church
Flint Hills Optimists Club
Jayhawk Area Council (Scouts)
Lyon County Historical Society
National Teachers Hall of Fame
Plumb Place
The United Way |
| Home Based Level Members | |
Boyzen Bunny Fiber Arts- Tracey Graham
Energy Innovators
Family Jewels-
Leticia Rust
Gold Canyon Candle- Stephanie Morgan
Green Door Recycling- Amy Becker
Independant Longaberger Consultant- Judith Dieker
Interdependent Web- Ben Stallings
Joe the Furniture Doctor- Joe Kurzen
Kynda Kreative- Amanda Mendoza
Mary Kay- Brenda Braynard
Pampered Chef- Chelsea Gerleman
Patti Cakes- Patti Lipson
Paula's Creations
Paula Roper
Premier Designs Jewelry- Nikki Simmons
RossTography
Mike Ross
Scentsy- Deann Rose
Scentsy- Kelly Long
Stampin-Up
Darcy Johnson
Tastefully Simple- Vanessa Apodaca
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| Individual Supporters | |
Anne Strobel
Brad Harzman
Dale and Carolyn Davis
Erin Woods
Fred and Patricia Gilligan
Julie Johnson
Kayla Oney
Mark & Amy McAnarney
Mary & Tim Helmer
Matt & Val Zimmerman
Pam & Fred Stephenson
Peggy Mast
Rob Gilligan
Sue Blechl
Tyler and Melanie Curtis
Victoria Partridge |
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Emporia Main Street E- Newsletter |
Greetings!
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you get the oportunity to spend the day with loved ones, shop at your local merchants for those inevitable last minute gifts and go out for a nice dinner at one of our local restaurants! |
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Special Notification:
The Kress Center- 702 Commercial, has their 3000 sq. ft. lower level available for a health/fitness related business. Rent is just $500 per month, plus utilities with a lease. For more information, please contact Sophie Mallon at: 620-344-2250, 620-344-2249 or 620-342-6622. |
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The Start Your Own Business Class is a joint effort between Flint Hills Technical College, the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University and Emporia Main Street. Classes run from February 14th through March 15th. For more information on the class CLICK HERE! |
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The Taste is April 21 at the Civic Auditorium in Downtown Emporia. Last year, we sold out of Tickets... We want to make sure that YOU have the first chance to purchase Taste Tickets, so you can either contact the Emporia Main Street office, or click HERE for the on-line purchase option! |
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Flint Hills Mall Upcoming Events
"3rd Annual Kansas Hunting & Fishing Expo"....March 3rd & 4th . Activities for all ages. |
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Who gets the CREDIT?
Who is IN CHARGE?
Why does it MATTER?
Getting things done in an era of transitional leadership.
We know that the amount of information on planet earth is doubling at a fantastic rate. We are creating specialties that never existed just a few years ago, and in a few more years, successful businesses will require specialties that don't exist today. This rapidly evolving market place requires a new way of thinking about our businesses, our community, our assets and our employees. Simply put, we must become more focused on productivity than tradition. We must put productive assets in charge of projects to ensure things get done. We must hold each other accountable for tangible results. We must recognize that true leadership involves recognizing our own limitations and we need to adapt to an organic decision making environment that responds quickly to market opportunities instead of relying on the slow and archaic methodology of the past. But how?
1. Recognize that leaders are born, not made. Significant research indicates that individuals are born with inherent leadership traits, or not. The idea that we can "create leaders" isn't supported by evidence. We can improve leadership by giving leaders tools. We can alter leadership by exposing them our world view, but if you take a timid person and thrust them into training programs, make them read books and attend seminars on leadership, you'll just get a timid person that understands the concept of leadership very well. This is important, because we often try and put a "square peg in a round hole" as opposed to doing the more effective thing: allocating resources in the correct manner.
2. The right person for the right situation- Just because someone isn't a "leader" doesn't mean they can't be effective in business or community development. It is the job of management or community leaders to put people into positions where they can thrive. We've all seen a fantastically organized person that isn't very sociable, or a very passionate person that has attention deficit issues. Have you ever known someone that had a special skill that wasn't utilized because they weren't "in charge"? People aren't widgets, and smart businesses/organizations take advantage of their assets because they are more interested in creating a positive outcome than who got them to that outcome.
3. If you want to communicate, you have to speak the language- None of us want to participate in meetings that last forever and  accomplish/communicate very little. Conversely, hosting meetings that are so rigid that they discourage the free exchange of ideas are equally unproductive. The goal of communication is to exchange information in such a way that it accomplishes your goals. While we're not encouraging you to convert to "Twitter Speak" (saying the words L O L out loud should be illegal), we would encourage you to adapt your methods of communication (the media you use as well as language) to your audience. As a former parliamentarian, I love Robert's Rules of Order, but some of the most productive meetings I've been a part of are more informal. We are here to be productive, right?
4. Who is in charge here? Doesn't that depend on the goal? I have some older colleagues that are fantastic at their given professions, but are technically illiterate. Should they be "in charge" of a Facebook Page because of their organizational or business position, even though their skill set doesn't support the activity? Or, should their leadership abilities allow them to delegate, or in some circumstances pass on an activity because they understand they wouldn't be effective in a role? When we decide that we are "in charge" of everything, in the best case scenario it prevents us from hiring people that fill out our skill set. In the worst case, it stimulates our hubris to the point that we take on tasks that aren't in our skill set, which leads to failure.
5. Who gets the credit? This answer is simple: everyone that contributed. "Successes have many fathers, but failure is an orphan" is an ancient saying that highlights our historic battle with "credit". I prefer to say "wins are we's and losses are me's", meaning that you give credit for wins to participants, and absorb the loss. This is important, because you want to encourage people around you to grow, develop and participate in the process of creating a successful business, organization or community. By giving away credit to those that participated in the process, you offer positive reinforcement that generally results in more successes. However, there are those that really didn't do anything that constantly need (or take) credit. Don't worry about them. Eventually people find out that they were simply in the proximity, had nothing to do with the success, or they should have done the work but didn't. Let karma worry about those people, because the modern results driven economy will catch up with them eventually....
6. Why does a productivity based emphasis matter? Well, you want to get things done, right? It doesn't matter if you are referring to business staff, an organization you are a part of, or a community; modern success requires actual production. Employees must produce work that has a positive impact on your business. Organizations must show tangible positive impacts on their area of expertise. Communities must create real, positive impacts for their citizens. In a business scenario, if a car salesman self identifies as an "expert" and sells 5 cars in a year, while a "non-expert" sells 50, who would you want on your sales team?
7. Why is this different from the past? Technology, social norms, education, information and people have changed. Twenty years  ago, if I wanted to know who I should contact for a particular service, I might have picked up a phone book. Today, I would probably use an Internet search engine. Ten years ago, I would have engaged in "social networking" through a mixer, at an event or through some other highly traditional activity. Today I'm more likely to make those social interactions through social media. Technology is quickly replacing "conduits" and allowing people to make direct connections. With compressed margins, people care less about "likability" and more about "productivity". With information constantly available at anyone's fingertips, people are more engaged and less likely to entrust decisions to a few people without their input. If people purchase a product, they want what they paid for (and they probably researched it on-line). If people purchase a service, you can almost bet they used social media to receive group input before, during and after the purchase. If people contribute to the tax base, they want to know what they received for their money (and they can track budgets/information on-line.) For more information on changing social media, click HERE.
8. So what do we do with this information? Evolve. Adapt to your market realities. Make decisions based on real quantifiable goals. Hold yourself, and those around you accountable. Doing something simply out of tradition isn't acceptable. Trying to fit someone's "square peg" skill set into a "round hole" is ineffective. Demand productivity. Lean on those around you, and share credit with those that did something "real". The speed of change isn't slowing down, and those that move too slowly can't adapt. Align yourself with other entities that understand the need for production and targeted changes that correspond with market realities.
Change isn't easy. While the concept of putting the most  productive business, staff member or organization in charge seems really simple, it rarely is. When individuals and institutions expend political capitol simply to maintain the status quo without productivity based reasoning, you know it's time for a change. No one likes to "kill" their favorite product line, but sometimes it is necessary to improve your return on investment. No one likes to reassign staff, but sometimes you must to achieve operational efficiency. No one likes to alter long-standing business relationships, but sometimes you need to embrace change. So, my challenge to you this week is to identify something that needs changing to stay current in today's market place and MAKE THE CHANGE! Credit the people that help you, and it doesn't matter who's in charge. Your changes matter, because you matter to your staff, your community and your Main Street. |
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Did you know? Answers to YOUR questions...
Last week, we met with a firm that can help the city decrease net costs for building maintenance through tax credits, we participated in a series of site visits for October's Downtown symposium, we met with a transportation group that made some very positive headway in retasking L-CAT, we hosted a Promotions Meeting, we judged an entreprenurial competition for a District of the Future Business Leader's of America, we held a Design Meeting, we met with an area developer on upcoming plans, we participated in an interview with an ESU student on Main Street's role in community development, we met with an area company that wants to get involved in several upcoming projects, we attended an "Emporia Celebrates the Flint Hills" meeting to discuss Symphony activities and we discussed engineering assistance associated with passenger rail with a local engineering firm. PLUS we sent out a Valentine's Guide that got several hits (and some great e-mail feedback)! It was another busy week, but we got some great questions from all of you!
1. "Why don't you just tell the businesses to _______?" An ongoing discussion with community members. We have several requests from community members for our local businesses... Improved hours (open later), more restaurants open on Monday, better exterior design, more attention to cleaning, staff issues, product/service selection, accepting credit/debit cards, etc... First, I'm glad that so many community members care enough to offer suggestions to our local businesses. Our businesses generally are trying to improve every day to meet the needs of local consumers. But, our job at Main Street is to offer assistance, research, alternatives and suggestions. We cannot "make" a business do something, nor would we enforce our collective will on another business. Do I agree with some consumer sentiments. You bet. If I'm making a suggestion to a business, it's either because I've heard it from consumers or I'm spotting a problem that is fixable prior to negative customer feedback. The more success your business enjoys, the more successful we all are. So, I encourage you to remain open to feedback (as will Main Street). But, it is YOUR business. Do what YOU think is best for your long term business success.
If you want to communicate ideas to a local business, try using our "Secret Shopper" form.
2. "I'm hearing conflicting reports on the health of our "pull factor", and I don't understand the basis of the conflicting reports?" From two in-office visits. A few weeks ago, I answered information about the City of Emporia's pull factor. The information I presented was pulled directly from the Kansas Department of Revenue (and I linked back to the actual report). Statistics can be difficult to understand without context, so please allow me to clarify some points.
-There are city pull factors and county pull factors. My area of work is primarily within the city of Emporia, so that is the pull factor I used. I wouldn't call the city pull factor the county pull factor, or vice versa, because they are two different numbers and two different reports..
- We have a decreasing population. However, if the population decreases and our rate of pull factor increases, it is an indication that our current retail businesses are improving their pull. Otherwise, you would expect to see the decrease in population correspond with a decrease in pull factor. But, we completely agree that the area needs more industrial, technical and other static jobs to support an increase in population, disposable income and retail capacity.
- One of the most useful tools in our Main Street tool box is factual, positive economic information. When we as a community have the ability to celebrate positive economic news (like our positive city pull factor), it makes entrepreneurs and potential investors feel better about their potential investments. Of course, they will conduct their own independent industry specific homework, but I'd rather start out with someone in a positive frame of mind than the alternative.
Click HERE for the most recent City Pull Factor Report.
3. "Can we do (insert event or activity) in Emporia?" From three separate local organizations. We are often asked by local organizations for "permission" to conduct an activity utilizing city/state controlled areas or resources. We DO NOT have the power to independently authorize those requests. We do, however, have access to forms and procedures that can get you connected to the right people. We can also inform you of additional activities that may occur at the same time as your activity. Remember, Commercial Street is also Kansas Highway 99, and 6th Avenue is also Federal Highway 50, and depending on your planned activity, multiple layers of authorization may be necessary. For off-street activities, things like insurance, security, inclement weather plans, mapping and a host of other considerations are necessary. We can help you through those "check lists", but we cannot independently authorize the activity.
For a copy of the City Event Form, click HERE.
4. "How can L-Cat help increase in-town spending?" From a committee member. Last week, elements of the City, County, CVB, L-Cat and Emporia Main Street met to discuss a substantial change in operations within Lyon County Transportation. This change would allow L-Cat to add hotels to their route, work with local groups (tourists, weddings, reunions, university groups, etc). This may seem like a small change, but our ability to augment routes to accommodate conventions, people staying in hotels and area groups for tours could result in significant increases in dollars spent at local retailers and restaurants. Currently, our major hotels are disconnected from all of our premier conference facilities. Although we sit in a prime conference area (we are not in the geographic center of Kansas, but we are in the population center), our inability to connect hotels to our conference centers hinders our ability to recruit conferences to town. Until we rectify that situation, we can work with both our hotels and conference facilities (ESU, FHTC, The Civic Auditorium, The Granada, The Arts Council) to facilitate transportation. Creative usage of our existing resources can offer an efficient way to increase dollars spent within this area without resulting in significant increases in expenditures. Some creativity and hard work can result in an improved local economy.
For more information on L-CAT, click HERE.
5. "How many new businesses do you think Emporia will get out of the Start Your Own Business Class?" From a volunteer. I have no idea... We should have a better idea after the first few classes, but I'm happy that we get the opportunity to work with the Small Business Development Center and Flint Hills Technical College on one of the most successful economic development tools Emporia has ever employed. Think about all the businesses that have been started through this wonderful class!!! Local business volunteers help teach sessions, students pay a minimal class fee and local funds were raised for potential funding sources. The SBDC and FHTC work after hours to help area entrepreneurs start their dream job. We are there every week helping people through the process, and after the class is over, all three agencies continue to reach out to businesses with material support. This kind of "get your hands dirty" economic development produces tangible results that are the envy of economic development agencies throughout the state, and I'm glad that we have dedicated partners that took a chance and made the sacrifices to ensure the continued success of the Start Your Own Business program. We preach "productivity", and the Start Your Own Business class is a prime example of working with partners that believe in creating tangible results for the Emporia community.
The Start Your Own Business Class is a cooperative effort between Flint Hills Technical College, the Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University and Emporia Main Street. For more information on the Flint Hills Technical College Business and Industry Center, please CLICK HERE.
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The volunteers, members and staff of Emporia Main Street are working extremely hard to improve our business climate and build a successful community. In short, we are working hard FOR YOU! We appreciate your support, and we will continue to aggressively pursue opportunities to benefit our membership in the future. Because, as we all know: small steps lead to BIG impacts!
Have a question? Submit it to the Emporia Main Street office and we'll do our best to help you! |
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