This is the new format for our quarterly newsletter.  Hope this provides you with information and if you have questions or comments, please contact us.

Coleman Celebrates Official Opening:

On April 9, 2010, The Coleman Company, Inc., celebrated the official opening of its Distribution Center at Midwest Commerce Center in Gardner, KS.

  Shown (l-r) are Dan Hogan, Jerry Fogel of Kessinger Hunter, Pat Duncan, County

  Commissioner Annabeth Surbaugh, Gardner Mayor Dave Drovetta, Rob Tecco,

  Sam Solomon, Omar Tovar, Secretary Thornton, Paul Licausi and JoAnn Adams.

"We are pleased to celebrate this formal opening as a significant milestone for our company and a key component of our global business strategy," says Sam Solomon, Coleman President and CEO.  "The Coleman Distribution Center project is driven by the desire to better serve our customers, allowing Coleman to reduce cycle time and deliver increased value to customers and consumers."

Election of EDC Board Vacancies:  Recently, we have had two resignations from the EDC Board.  Jim Holland has been a long time EDC supporter, but the Holland Corporation sold the quarry on Highway 56 and they are no longer EDC members.  Bryan Greene, Board member and Secretary/Treasurer, has resigned from Arvest Bank and will be moving to Colorado.  We want to thank Jim and Bryan for their support of the EDC.

Newly elected officers are Wayne Bennett, Director-Commercial Division of Continental Title Company; and Chris Corcoran, Chief Operating Officer of Olsson Associates.  Jim Lehman, Senior Vice President of Metcalf Bank was elected as Secretary/Treasurer.

Activity Update:

As we end the first quarter of 2010, it would be easy to talk about the difficult economy, but there are signs of improvement.  In the last couple of months several new project files have been opened and a couple of delayed projects have resurfaced.  Most of these projects seem to be focused on existing buildings but there are not that many large buildings in the market which could mean they need to build to meet their needs.

We have seen some businesses consolidate, downsize and even leave the market.  At the same time we have companies like Coleman, Jarden Home Products and Stenner Pump open their doors.  The same is true for the retail and service sector in southwest Johnson County.

In the past year the EDC has continued to place ads in local, regional and national publications to keep the market aware that we are still active.  Through partnerships with the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Johnson County Partnership, KCADC and KC SmartPort we have taken our message around the country by attending trade shows and calling on consultants.  Last year at Retail Industry Leaders Council (RILA) the mood was less than upbeat.  This year there was talk of increased traffic, restocking inventories and an upturn (slow as it might be).  I hope we can report more projects and an improving economy with each quarterly report this year.

I especially want to thank you all for your support of the Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation.  Economic development is a team effort with the public and private sectors working together. Please let us know what you think and how we can help you.

New Members: 

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company is a leading provider of general contracting and construction management services with clients in the Midwest marketplace and nationwide.  Ranked consistently as one of the top 50 construction firms in the United States by Engineering News-Record, Kraus-Anderson provides integrated project management services that ensure timely, successful execution of all types of commercial construction projects.  With over 105 years of history, Kraus-Anderson continues to flourish as a general contractor and construction manager based on its philosophy of delivering quality services with an unwavering focus on meeting our clients' goals.  Greg Shannon is Director of Business Development for Kraus-Anderson Construction and his office is located at 15612 College Boulevard in Lenexa, KS, 66219.  Greg can be reached at (913) 227-4911 or gregshannon@krausanderson.com.  Web site: www.krausanderson.com.

Continental Title Company:  Wayne Bennett is Director of the Commercial Division, and Sara Steele, Commercial Escrow Assistant, are the latest additions to the CTC's staff of over 160 employees and 18 offices covering Kansas and Missouri.  They have a combined 30 years of experience in commercial title and escrow and are well-versed in closing local and national commercial transactions.  Backed by four of the title industry's premier underwriters, Wayne and Sara can help close any commercial transaction in all 50 states.  They are located in CTC's corporate headquarters, 4550 West 109th Street #100, Overland Park, KS 66211.  Wayne can be reached at (913) 660-1061 or wbennett@ctitle.com.  Sara can be reached at (913) 660-1031 or ssteele@ctitle.com.  Web site: www.ctitle.com. 

New Century Employment Services:  Chris Morrow is Director of Business Development-Partner and he has many years of experience in the employment field. The office is located at 136 E. Main in Gardner, KS  66030. Chris can be reached at (913) 856-5620 or chris@newcenturyemployment.com.

Web site: www.newcenturyemployment.com.

The Coleman Company, Inc.:  Rob Tecco is Director of Distribution for the newly developed Coleman facility located in the Midwest Commerce Center, Gardner, KS, opened on November 1, 2009.  This 1.1 million square foot facility provides significant jobs and tax base and is the largest project in the Kansas City Metro area.  The Coleman Company, Inc. mailing address is 17150 Mercury, Olathe, KS 66061.  Rob can be reached at (913) 856-1110 or rtecco@coleman.com. Web site: www.coleman.com.

Reece & Nichols O'Connor & Associates:  In 2000, after being in the real estate business for more than seven years, Mike and Joyce O'Connor opened their own real estate brokerage in Gardner.  The office is located at 526 East Main, Gardner, KS 66030.  Mike and Joyce can be reached at (913) 856-6671 or joyceo@reeceandnichols.com. Web site: http://www.joyceo.com.

Events:

Mark you calendar for the 2010 Business Appreciation hosted by the Gardner Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation on Wednesday, June 2nd at the Gardner Edgerton High School at noon.  The cost is $25 per person.  Click here to RSVP for this event.

30th Annual Johnson County Airport Commission Invitational Golf Tournament will be on Friday, June 25th at the Prairie Highlands Golf Course.  Click here for details and to RSVP for this event.