July 2015 Newsletter
Labor Day Registrations are Open!
From what I figure, we have 65 days until the 119th Annual Hoisington Labor Day Celebration kicks off!  June was a very busy month setting things in motion and watching the sponsorships fill up. The Labor Day Committee is very pleased with the number of donations, new and old, that came in this year, and we thank you again!

In July, planning stops and organizing begins!  As of this morning, the Labor Day pages on the Chamber's webpage are "fully stocked" with registrations, rules and pictures. 

Click here to visit the main Chamber Page, and click on "Labor Day" for an overview of all of the events or click on the pages to visit the specific events with registrations.

Sincerely,
Kristi Lovett
Executive Vice President
Hoisington Chamber of Commerce
July Chamber Events
Thursday, July 2nd
9:30 a.m. - Chamber Coffee hosted by the Labor Day Committee @ Chamber

Monday, July 6-Wednesday July 8th
Chamber offices closed.

 Thursday, July 9th
8 a.m. - Chamber Board of Directors Meeting @ Chamber
9:30 a.m. - Chamber Coffee hosted by Clara Barton Hospital Foundation @ Hospital
11:30 a.m. - "Focus on Hoisington" radio show - 1590 KVGB

Sunday, July 12th
5-7 p.m. - Barton County Young Professionals Pool Party @ Hoisington Pool

Thursday, July 16th
9:30 a.m. - Chamber Coffee hosted by Rodeway Inn & Suites @ Rodeway 
Noon - Chamber Ambassador Meeting @ Chamber (bring DQ)

Thursday, July 23rd
9:30 a.m. - Chamber Coffee hosted by Post Rock Radio @ Chamber

Friday, July 24th
Deadline for Labor Day Pageant Registration 

Thursday, July 30th
9:30 a.m. - Chamber Coffee hosted by GPS Kids Club @ TBA
Hoisington Chamber News
THE CASH MOB IS BACK!  Monday, July 18th @ Hoisington Floral!

The Hoisington Chamber Ambassadors are excited to announce that Hoisington Floral is the July Recipient of the Hoisington Cash Mob! The Ambassadors target the small, local businesses that make our community special in order to give the business owners an economic stimulus.  We help businesses grow, we make people happy, we get stuff for ourselves, all while we have a great time!

Stop in at Hoisington Floral anytime on the 13th, say hi, and purchase something to support this important local business!


Summer Sizzler Retail Promotion Winners!

Congratulations to Amy Finger of Hoisington for winning the T&L Donated Black Cat Night Works Pack!  And Congratulations to Karen Mitchell of Ellinwood for being the winner of the Summer Sizzler Picnic Pack!

 
July Hoisington Area Events
Wednesday, July 1st
1 p.m.- Summer Reading @ Library

 

Thursday, July 2nd
10 a.m. - Summer Program "Mighty Moths" @ KWEC
5:30 p.m. - Hoisington City Court 

Saturday, July 4th
Happy Independence Day!

Monday, July 6th
USD 431 - Central Office Closed
7 p.m. - City Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, July 8th
1 p.m. - Summer Reading @ Library

Thursday, July 9th
10 a.m. - Summer Kid's Program: Protecting the Nest Egg @ KWEC

Friday, July 10th 
Clara Barton Hospital's and Foundation's Anniversary Events & Blood Drive
9 a.m. - Naturalist Camp @ KWEC

Sunday, July 12th
7:30 p.m. - Texas HoldEm Poker Tournament @ KofC

Monday, July 13th
2-4 p.m. - Hoisington Food Bank Open 
7 p.m. - City Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 14th
6 p.m. - Cheyenne Bottoms Naturalists - Butterflies are Free @ KWEC
7 p.m. - Board of Education Meeting

Thursday, July 16th
10 a.m. - Summer Program: Something's Fishy @ KWEC
5:30 p.m. - City Court

Monday, July 20th 
5:30 p.m. - Clara Barton Auxiliary Meeting

Monday, July 27th
4-6 p.m. - Hoisington Food Bank Open
7 p.m.- City Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 29th
4-6 p.m. - Free school physicals at Clara Barton Hospital
Member News & Events

The American Red Cross Mobile Blood Donation Bus is making a special stop at Clara Barton Hospital on Friday, July 10th in honor of Clara Barton Foundation's 25th anniversary and 65 years as a Hospital. 

On July 10th, from 11:15am to 5:45pm, you can donate blood (in honor of our Hospital's name sake, Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross) in the Blood Mobile located in the front parking 
lot. 

This is the first time the bus has set up shop in Hoisington. We invite you to stop by, meet our volunteers and donate lifesaving blood. All presenting donors will be entered into a drawing for a Labor Day Events Family Pack donated by Hoisington Chamber of Commerce which includes carnival wristbands and tickets to the dances, suppers, and derby Labor Day weekend. 

Visit Clara Barton Hospital registration desk or on-line at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), to schedule your appointment.
 

 

 

 

You're invited to join the Cheyenne Bottoms Naturalists for an exciting opportunity to learn more about the natural world, participate in research opportunities, and enjoy hands on activities!

Who can join? Anyone!  Programs will be geared towards adults, but interested teens are welcome to join in the fun as well!

 

What's going on? Once a month, CBN meets at the KWEC from 6-7 pm.  Each meeting covers a different nature topic, and may feature a guest speaker, a presentation from KWEC staff, or a special short film.  Every meeting will have at least one hands on activity, so don't worry that you'll be sitting around like a bump on a log!

 

Alright, how much is it? CBN is FREE!  All you have to do is come to the meetings prepared to enjoy yourself!

 

Butterflies are Free

What's better than watching dozens of butterflies frolicking through the prairie?  Getting out there and seeing them up close!  We'll head out to the KWEC nature trail armed with butterfly nets to get an up close and personal look at our local butterfly species.  Bring your bug spray, as butterflies are not the only hungry insects outdoors at this time of year! You'll also have the chance to sign up for the KWEC's annual butterfly count!

  

 

KWEC Children's Summer Programs - Click HERE To visit KWEC's Website!

 

Designed for children ages four through 12, one-hour programs will be offered at no charge, with age breakdowns of 4 to 7, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., and 8 to 12, from 2-3 p.m. Programs include lots of hands-on activities, with trips outside if possible. Please dress children in old clothes and shoes and bring sunscreen, insect repellant and water. Each program will include activities, games and/or crafts. Children age seven and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is three days before class. To register for a program, or for more information, call 1-877-243-9268. There is a maximum limit of 20 children per class and a minimum of 6. Although there is no program charge, donations for supplies are appreciated.


 

 "Mighty Moths" - July 2 (register by June 29)  Enter the world of moths, where darkness rules but light attracts. From subtle shades of browns and grays, to bright yellows and blues, moths can be as colorful as butterflies. Participants will learn how silk is made from moth cocoons, play a moth game and make a moth craft.


 

 "Protecting the Nest Egg" - July 9 (register by July 6) Discover the animal world's master weavers and masons, as we investigate birds' nests and bee combs. Participants will search for bird nests; make their own nest and test it.

 

Naturalist Camp - July 10th
9:00 AM 

During this year's naturalist camp, kids will explore the "nature of color". Using items found in nature, like butterfly wings, feathers and flowers, participants will investigate color and light through experiments and observation. They'll also use prisms and water to make rainbows. In addition to making a rainbow scope, participants will decorate a nature camp T-shirt to take home.

 

  "Something's Fishy" - July 16 (register by July 13)

Encounter the variety of fish living in Cheyenne Bottoms, from catfish to fathead minnows. Learn how they survive their underwater world, search for fish in the KWEC's pond and make your own fish to take home.

 


 
City of Hoisington June Recap

Despite Tremendous Loss, Hoisington Has a Great Deal to Celebrate


 

The City of Hoisington and its staff had a challenging month of June.  The month included projects that will improve our community moving forward but also included a loss that will impact the City staff as well as its residents.  June was a month to celebrate the public's support of our kids but it was also a month to mourn the loss of a long time public servant, Dave Wondra.  Dave served in the City of Hoisington's power plant for 25 years and was the power plant superintendent at the time of his passing. 


 

Dave's efforts to improve the City's electric operations were admirable.  He played a role in the City's power supply planning, RICE-NESHAP upgrades, daily operations of the power plant and he was a committed advocate for public power.  It will be hard to replace the knowledge he possessed and the genuine dedication Dave felt to our community and its residents.  Please keep his family and friends in your prayers as they work through this challenging time.  The City of Hoisington was fortunate that Dave chose to share his talents with their staff and our great community.


 

The month of June kept our staff and community very busy.  Not only did our community vote to move forward with an $11.5 million bond issue to enhance the district's facilities, the month also included several other initiatives that will have an impact on our residents for many years.  During the month of June, the City agreed to terms with the owners of Cardinal Pharmacy to purchase the pharmacy property, addressed the discharge of fireworks, modified their electric power supply portfolio, took action to mitigate blighted properties, changed pool hours, improved its mosquito mitigation efforts, signed fire protection agreements with surrounding townships, commended Clara Barton Hospital and the Clara Barton Foundation, heard about a proposed dog park and worked hard to increase housing opportunities in Hoisington.


 

Among the most exciting topics in the City of Hoisington is the progress the City continues to make on the economic development front.  Not only is Hoisington on pace to open a new Casey's General Store in early August, Clara Barton has completed its $1.4 million expansion and is expanding its staff.  The community continues to get calls from business prospects and is seeing welcomed interest in housing expansion.  In addition to this renewed interest and the recent investments in our community, the City is pleased to announce that Mooney Enterprise, LLC is going to purchase the building and land that Cardinal Pharmacy operates out of.  This purchase shows a tremendous commitment to the Hoisington community and suggests that Hoisington will enjoy a long-term solution to its pharmaceutical needs. 

In addition to these improvements on the business and education front, there has been an increased interest in housing in Hoisington.  


 

In June, the City continued to make progress on a new partnership with Housing Opportunities, Inc.(HOI) to bring 12 new housing units to Hoisington.  These 12 units will infuse more than $1.5 million into our local economy beginning this fall.  The City will also begin working with HOI to provide some custom-home construction options in our community.  The City of Hoisington's Land Bank recently conveyed a lot to an individual that hopes to build a new home in the near future.  The City is also working with Barton County's Habitat for Humanity to bring another new home into the Hoisington community.  Things are moving forward at an incredible pace!  If you are interested in learning more about these projects, please contact Jonathan Mitchell at the City of Hoisington via email at jmitchell@hoisingtonks.org or by calling 620-653-4125.


 

Some would say things are booming in Hoisington.  Along those lines, the governing body voted to allow fireworks to be discharged on July 3rd and July 4th this year from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.  Please enjoy a safe celebration of this important holiday.  While you are enjoying the warm weather, you may want to go visit the City of Hoisington's Pool.  The City's pool hours will change beginning July 1st.  The pool's hours will change back to its traditional hours on every day except Tuesday and Thursday.  That means on every day except Tuesday and Thursday, the pool will be open to the public from 1:00-5:00 PM, to adults (18+ only) from 5:00-6:00 PM and to everyone from 6:00-8:00 PM.  On Tuesday and Thursday, the adult swim time was expanded and so the pool will be open to the public from 1:00-5:00 PM and to adults (18+ only) from 5:00-7:00 PM.  The pool will close at 4:00 PM on July 4th and will also close early on July 12th as Hoisington's pool is the host location for the Barton County Young Professionals' pool party.


 

In June, the City also renewed its fire protection contracts with Albion, Eureka, North Homestead, South Homestead and Union Townships for 2016-2020.  These contracts provide services to these townships for a fixed fee that was determined by population and call volume.  The City also agreed to sell its excess base load to Garden City to assist with efforts to keep energy costs for its residents down. 

In other business, the City continues to take action to clean up the home located at 522 E. Fifth St. that was damaged by a fire earlier this year.  The City purchased a new mosquito fogger and is working to notify the public prior to spraying for mosquitoes.  The City's governing body also established their priorities for the 2016 Budget process.  These priorities will provide a framework for the budget that will fund City operations in 2016. 


 

Another item worth noting that occurred in June involved recognizing Clara Barton Hospital and the Clara Barton Foundation for 25 years of service to our region.  The hospital's name and ownership changed in 1990 and the Clara Barton Foundation was created.  Over the past 25 years, the hospital has continued to grow and has become one of the region's most well-respected medical facilities.  The City would ask that everyone take a moment on July 10, 2015 to salute the hospital and its foundation on "Clara Barton Hospital and Foundation Day".


 

If you have any questions about the projects and initiatives listed in this newsletter, or would like additional information about the City of Hoisington or its economic development initiatives, please contact Jonathan Mitchell at 620-653-4125.

 

Barton County Young Professionals News

 

YOU'RE INVITED!

    FAMILY POOL PARTY & BBQ

for Barton County Young Professionals

Who: Barton County Young Professionals & their families

What: Family Pool Party & BBQ

When: Sunday, July 12th @ 5-7 p.m.

Where: Hoisington City Pool, 718 W. 7th in Hoisington KS


 

Barton County Young Professionals are invited to gather for the group's annual Family Pool Party & BBQ on Sunday, July 12th from 5-7 p.m. at the Hoisington City Pool, 718 W. 7th Street in Hoisington, Kansas.

 

Sponsored by the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to Town & Country Supermarket, this event is FREE for members and their families. Join us for hot dogs, refreshments, pool fun, and networking. More than $200 in door prizes will be given away at 6 p.m., including Hoisington Labor Day prize packages, Summer Fun Baskets and more!
 

Not a member of Barton County Young Professionals yet? No problem! New members are invited to sign up any time by emailing bartonyp@gmail.com. Membership is free and it looks great on your resume! This event is open to anyone who lives or works in the Barton County area.

 

Reservations are requested so that food quantities will be accurate. Sunshine and summertime... can't wait to see you at the pool!

 

Reply with the number of people attending in your group no later than Thursday, July 9th at 5 p.m. or RSVP through the event on Facebook (www.facebook.com/bartonyp).

Sponsored By:

 

Join the BCYP Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartonyp/

 

Like the BCYP Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/bartonyp

Other News
TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER TOURNAMENT

 

Everyone 21 and over is invited to compete in a Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12th. at the Hoisington Knights of Columbus Hall.  The Knights host this tournament to raise funds to be donated to area charities. 

 

 

Kansas Tourism is now accepting 2016 Kansas Travel Guide listing orders.  

 

2016 Travel Guide Listing Criteria

Kansas attractions, dining and shopping establishments, visitor resources and events can purchase listings in the 2016 Travel Guide. Included in your listing are the title of your business, address, phone number and web address, and a brief description (up to 160 characters). Each listing is $82, and can be highlighted for an additional $40.

Lodging establishments including: Hotels & Motels; Bed & Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals; Campgrounds & RV Parks; Retreat Centers & Guest Ranches; and Hunting/Fishing Lodges & Outfitters may purchase GRID listings in the 2016 Travel Guide. There will be separate grids for each of the lodging types listed. Included in your grid listing are title of your business, address, phone number, web address and the amenities available at your property. Each grid listing is $82, and can be highlighted for an additional $40. If you would like to appear in more than one lodging grid, you will be charged $82 for each grid you are included in.

In order for your business or destination listing to be included in the Travel Guide, you must:

  •  Meet all criteria for a TravelKS.com listing (view criteria)
  •  Have a current and up-to-date TravelKS.com listing
  •  Pay for listings by the due date, July 17, 2015

If you are interested in purchasing a listing, please call Kristi at the Chamber to get you signed up. 


Job Opportunities
In the interest of keeping the eBlasts and Newsletters manageable in size,
the Job Opportunities from our investment members will be listed on our website under the "About Hoisington" link under "Employment".

TO SEE WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE FROM OUR MEMBERS.
Kansas April Unemployment Rates/Labor Market report


TOPEKA, Kan. - The state's May seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, up from 4.3 percent in April and down from 4.5 percent in May 2014.
 
Seasonally adjusted figures show Kansas gained 8,300 private sector jobs since last year, or 0.7 percent. Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 6,500 jobs, a 0.5 percent increase since May 2014. Since last month, Kansas declined by 1,500 seasonally adjusted private sector jobs, or 0.1 percent. The state lost 3,800 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs, a 0.3 percent decrease since April.
 
"Preliminary estimates show Kansas lost 3,800 jobs from April to May. Changing seasonal factors led to a decline in student workers at the State universities," said Tyler Tenbrink, Senior Labor Economist. "Also, construction activity slowed in May, likely due to above average rainfall during the month. Administrative and support services as well as food services also contributed to the decline over the month."
   
  
 
Not seasonally adjusted figures show Kansas gained 6,000 private sector jobs since last year, or 0.5 percent. Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 4,400 jobs, a 0.3 percent increase since May 2014. Since April, private sector jobs increased by 5,000, or 0.4 percent. The state gained 3,400 total nonfarm jobs over the month, a 0.2 percent increase.
 
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May was 4.5 percent, up from 4.3 percent in April and unchanged from one year ago.
  
There were 14,120 initial claims for unemployment benefits in May 2015, up from 12,780 in April and up from 12,518 in May 2014. There were 70,450 continued claims in May, down from 74,735 the previous month and down from 76,255 in May 2014.
 
Data provided is preliminary and subject to monthly revisions and annual benchmarks by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information on procedures for producing Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) estimates is available on the BLS website here and procedures for producing Current Employment Statistics (CES) estimates is available on the BLS website here.
 
PLEASE NOTE: The June 2015 Labor Report will be released on Friday, July 17.

Call for Content eBlasts and Newsletters

 

If you have exciting news that you would like to share in our monthly newsletter or weekly eBlasts with nearly 200 individuals in our business community, please send it to the Chamber office at hoisingtoncofc@embarqmail.com three business days prior to the 1st of the month.

 

If you would prefer to get a printed copy of the monthly newsletter, please let the office know.


The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce
123 N Main St.
Hoisington, KS  67544
620-653-4311