Author Archives: Courtney Sendall

Love of people, community unite #SmBizAwards finalists

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Our 2017 Small Business Awards finalists truly couldn’t be more different when it comes to the industries they span (think from roofing to retail). But what they all do have in common is a love of people and a love for their community. The Wichita Eagle has profiled each of the 10 finalist companies in today’s edition, and links to each story can be found below.

There is another opportunity to hear directly from the finalists at next week’s Sunrise Scrambler, where a representative from each company will share some entrepreneurial insights about what has contributed to their success. The event will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26. Then the Small Business of the Year will be announced at a luncheon on May 24.

About the Small Business Awards
Small business is at the heart of what we do at the Chamber, so we’re so pleased to celebrate the 13th annual Small Business Awards this year. This annual program offers well-deserved recognition to small businesses for their achievements and contributions to our community by offering the opportunity to showcase their company, share their story and be rewarded for their efforts. Click here to learn more about the program and to see a list of previous award recipients.

Top 3 Moments from Honors Night 2017

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By Courtney Sendall
Marketing & Communications Manager

Each year when Honors Night concludes, I think, “This year was the best yet.” And while I have only attended 5 of the 54 Honors Night celebrations, this one was no exception because the Honors Night Committee once again selected highly deserving individuals and organizations to recognize in front of 665 members of the business community.

This year’s honorees included Dawson Grimsley, Chris Callen, Foley Equipment Company, Conco Construction, Howard+Helmer, and the Wichita Art Museum Art Garden. (Click the links to view the videos played at the event <<< you want to watch the videos.)

                                                                2017 Honorees

In no particular order, here are my favorite moments from Honors Night 2017, all of which left me feeling energized and excited about the future of Wichita.

  1. Howard+Helmer unveiling their new brand: Alloy Architecture
    At the conclusion of the video highlighting Over the Years award recipient Howard+Helmer, Principal Dave White announced he had some exciting news to share with the Honors Night attendees. After beginning with a restroom remodel project in 1981, their company has significantly contributed to the landscape of Wichita (think MarkArts, WSU’s Rhatigan Student Center & Shocker Hall, and Church of the Magdalen to name a few), and the Chamber was honored that they chose that moment to unveil their new brand: Alloy Architecture. We can’t wait to see what the next 36 years will bring.
  1. Chris Callen accepting the {FIRST} Exceptional Young Leader award
    In his humorous and sincere acceptance speech, Builders Plus CEO Chris Callen credited several people, ranging from his drum line instructor to his parents, for his success. In responding to people who question his motivation for launching GroundWork, a startup hub in his Builders Plus office, he says this: “I want to live in, I want to do business in, and I want to prosper in a great city. Period. That’s my dream.” Chris’ “doing something” attitude is something we should all emulate to make Wichita better than it was yesterday. Watch Chris’ Honors Night video here and view a live stream of his touching acceptance speech on the Young Professionals of Wichita Facebook page.
  1. Dawson Grimsley on giving back, texting and driving, and Fords
    I briefly introduced myself to Dawson at the Honors Night rehearsal on Monday afternoon, and when I saw him on Tuesday evening, he shook my hand and said, “Nice to see you again. It’s Courtney, right?” Working at the Chamber, I have the wonderful opportunity to meet a lot people, but it’s rare that they remember my name upon second meeting (and I’m guilty as well). So I was a Dawson fan even before seeing his Honors Night video and hearing his acceptance speech.

    In his video, he spoke about the responsibility that business owners have to support charitable organizations and pointed out that the more money you make, the more money you can give away (love that theory!). The video was also sprinkled with clips from the Davis-Moore PSAs that he became known for, and he delivered a live PSA during his acceptance speech when he urged audience members not to text and drive. From the stage, Dawson told Chris Callen that he seemed like a great guy, aside from the Ford truck he drives, but promised to make him a great deal when he visits Davis-Moore to trade it in.

Again, I encourage you to check out all of the honoree videos at the links above, and you can view photos from the event on the Chamber Facebook page.

I’d love to hear what your favorite moments from the night were, so tweet your comments to @ChamberWichita.

Chris Callen to be honored as Chamber’s first Exceptional Young Leader

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Chris Callen, CEO of Builders Plus Construction and Grit Virtual, is the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s first Exceptional Young Leader. He will be recognized at the annual Honors Night celebration on Tuesday, April 11.

In honor of the Chamber’s Centennial year, the Exceptional Young Leader award is being added to the lineup of traditional Honors Night awards. Its purpose is to provide premiere recognition of extraordinary young talent through service to community and noteworthy accomplishments. Future recipients will have a history of demonstrated leadership within their job and philanthropic involvement.

A graduate of Maize High School and the University of Kansas, Chris assumed the role of CEO at his parents’ business, Builders Plus Construction, in 2013. Since that time, the company has brought high-tech to the construction industry through the use of virtual reality, which led to the launch of a new division of Builders Plus (Grit Virtual) earlier this month. The company has seen four years of record revenue with Chris at the helm and was one of our 2016 Small Business Awards finalists.

An entrepreneur himself, Chris is passionate about supporting start-up companies in Wichita. When Builders Plus relocated to downtown Wichita, he dedicated 2,200 square feet of space to GroundWork – A Startup Hub for start-up companies to reside. Currently, five companies and three freelancers are utilizing the space.

In addition to his professional accolades, Chris serves the community through involvement on several nonprofit boards, including the Arthritis Foundation, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, and the Associated General Contractors of Kansas. He also acts as a mentor for the e2e Accelerator and is a member of Young Professionals of Wichita.

Formerly announced Honors Night award recipients include:

  • Uncommon Citizen: Dawson Grimsley
  • Spirit of Wichita: Foley Equipment Company
  • Over the Years: Conco Construction and Howard + Helmer Architecture.
  • Keeper of the Plains: Wichita Art Museum Art Garden.

Please join us in congratulating Chris and all the other 2017 honorees!

Reservations for Honors Night may be made online. For tickets and additional information, visit wichitachamber.org/HonorsNight or call 316-268-1123.

Chamber surpasses Centennial capital campaign goal

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At today’s Chairman’s Lunch event, Chamber President & CEO Gary Plummer announced the completion of our Centennial Celebration capital campaign. Originally launched with a goal of $650,000 on Dec. 1 of last year, it concluded today with a total of $706,306.

The funds will be used to make updates to the public areas of our headquarters, originally constructed in 1972 at 350 W. Douglas and frequently used by our 1,600 Chamber members, 25 committees and five affiliates.

But the changes will be more than just cosmetic our organization prepares for the next 100 years of leading the community. Funds will also be used to initiate new programs focused on inclusion and education policy.

“Two of the Chamber’s four strategic priorities in 2017 are centered on these new initiatives that we believe will help establish the foundation for our future legacy,” said Scott Schwindaman, 2017 Chamber Chairman and President of Lubrication Engineers. “Our Education Policy priority will focus on the important issue of funding for K-12, and our Diversity and Inclusion priority will focus on specific tactics that will further position our region’s image as a leader in this area.”

“All of these improvements, both physical and in our programming, have been made possible through generous donations made from our members to our Centennial fundraising campaign,” said Plummer. “A special thank you to INTRUST Bank who committed $100,000 to kick off our campaign.”

A complete list of Centennial Celebration supporters can be found on our website here.

Young Professionals of Wichita announces new hires

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The Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) added two members to their team last month. Alejo Cabral has been named the full-time Program Coordinator, and Meghan Madsen has been named the Marketing & Communications Intern for the spring 2017 semester.

A summer 2017 graduate of WSU’s Barton School of Business with double majors in Marketing & Management, Alejo has been working in the banking industry since 2012. His primary responsibility will be to manage the organization’s network of volunteers and the events they plan for YPs in our community.

Meghan is a senior at Wichita State University’s Elliott School of Communication, and her primary responsibility will be to assist YPW Executive Director Suzy Finn with the execution of the organization’s marketing strategies. Her previous internship experiences include the Wichita Eagle and Cowley College.

“Both Alejo and Meghan bring a new and energized presence to YPW and the Chamber,” Finn said. “Their background and experiences, along with their hardworking mentality, will serve them well in these new roles.”

Dawson Grimsley to be honored as 2017 Uncommon Citizen

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Dawson Grimsley

Dawson Grimsley, retired President and Owner of Davis-Moore Auto Group, is the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Uncommon Citizen. He will be recognized at the annual Honors Night celebration on Tuesday, April 11.

Established in 1974, the Uncommon Citizen is the Chamber’s most prestigious individual award. It recognizes those who, by their individual efforts year after year, have made uncommon contributions to the people and institutions of Wichita and the surrounding area. Recipients are honored not only for their role in business but for their participation in cultural, civic, social and philanthropic activities.

Grimsley spent his entire career with the Davis-Moore Auto Group team, purchasing the dealership in 2001, when he became president and majority owner. A well-known community philanthropist, he used his company’s advertising channels over the years to highlight the work of a number of local nonprofit organizations. The partnerships he forged with Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way of the Plains, the DUI Impact Center and the Kansas Humane Society, provided needed visibility to their important community services.

His dedication to community safety through television, radio and print advertising campaigns earned Grimsley numerous local, state and national awards during his career. His promotion of safe driving became an integral part of Davis-Moore’s messaging, branding and identity. The safety campaign he initiated continues today under new CEO Sean Tarbell.

Grimsely and his wife, Patty, have four grown children and seven grandchildren. He retired from Davis-Moore on Dec. 31, 2015.

Formerly announced Honors Night award recipients include:

  • Spirit of Wichita: Foley Equipment Company
  • Over the Years: Conco Construction and Howard + Helmer Architecture
  • Keeper of the Plains: Wichita Art Museum Art Garden

The announcement of the Exceptional Young Leader award will be forthcoming.

Reservations for Honors Night may be made online. For tickets and additional information, visit wichitachamber.org/HonorsNight or call 316-268-1123.

Diversity & Inclusion to be main focus of Chairman’s Lunch

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We have announced our program agenda for our 2017 Chairman’s Lunch, coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Chairman's Lunch Panelists

In keeping with the event’s tradition of presenting perspectives from the City, County and Chamber, the event will begin with each organization addressing their respective 2017 priorities.

The second portion of the program will be a panel discussion titled “Creating a Workforce for the Future Through Diversity and Inclusion.” It will highlight the necessity of including people with different ideas and backgrounds to move our community forward.

The discussion, moderated by Chamber President Gary Plummer, will include the following panelists:

  • Scott Schwindaman, 2017 Chamber Chairman
  • Jeff Longwell, Mayor, City of Wichita
  • David Unruh, Chairman, Sedgwick County Commission
  • Junetta Everett, Vice President of Professional Relations, Delta Dental of Kansas, Inc.
  • Dr. Kim Krull, President, Butler Community College

“The importance of diversity and inclusion will be at the forefront of the Chamber’s top priorities as we celebrate our Centennial year in 2017,” said Plummer. “This year’s Chairman’s Lunch program is an opportunity to demonstrate how the Chamber, the community’s local governing bodies, and other organizations are being intentional about including people with different ideas and backgrounds in order to increase our competitiveness in the global economy.”

This community event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 for Chamber members, $60 for general admission, and $650 for a corporate table sponsorship (includes eight tickets and sponsorship benefits). Contact Rachel Douglass at 316-268-1127 with questions or visit wichitachamber.org to purchase tickets.

Announcing the recipients of 54th annual Honors Night awards

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The Chamber will recognize an outstanding individual, exemplary corporate citizens, exceptional commitments to the community, and a striking architectural achievement at the 2017 Honors Night event on April 11. In addition to the tradition awards of Uncommon Citizen, Spirit of Wichita, Over the Years and Keeper of the Plains, the Exceptional Young Leader award will be given for the first time in the history of the program (recipient to be announced at a later date). This will be the 54th year for the annual event.

The 2017 award recipients are as follows:

Foley EquipementThe recipient of the Spirit of Wichita award is Foley Equipment Company. Established in 2002, this award is given to an organization or not-for-profit organization that received the Over the Years award at least 20 years ago, in recognition of its continued strength of employment, leadership, innovation, and community involvement. Foley Equipment Company won the Over the Years award in 1979.

The two recipients of the Over the Years award are Conco Construction and Howard + Helmer Architecture. The Over the Years award recognizes businesses and institutions with long-standing performances as good corporate citizens and major contributors to the community’s economic well-being; displaying leadership, innovation and community involvement.

Copy of Logo KC+ICTconco construction

 

 

 

 

 

The recipient of the Keeper of the Plains award is the Wichita Art Museum Art Garden. The Keeper of the Plains award recognizes an outstanding architectural achievement completed by a firm, organization or individual, which has contributed to the beauty of our community.2016-wichitaartmuseumRED

The Uncommon Citizen award and Exceptional Young Leader award recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.

Honors Night 2017 is presented by Metro Courier, Inc. and will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at Textron Aviation Activity Center, 9710 E. Central. Tickets are now available for $90 per person or $720 for a table of eight and can be purchased online at wichitachamber.org/HonorsNight.

Formal invitations will be sent to Chamber members, but the general public is also invited to attend.

Sponsorships are still available. Contact Rachel Douglass at 268-1127 for more information.

YPW announces 2017 Leadership Academy class

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YPW_leadership_finalPlease join us in congratulating the 25 area young professionals who have been selected to participate in the 2017 Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) Leadership Academy, a leadership development program for young professionals who are interested in growing their leadership capabilities. Leadership Academy participants were nominated for the class by members of the community and then completed an application, which was reviewed by a selection committee.

The program educates YPs on their personal styles, values and strengths so they can grow as leaders, motivate others and impact change in their organizations and communities. The program, which will begin in January, includes six weekly sessions that feature interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessments, and in-depth conversations with Wichita’s top community and business leaders.

Suzy Finn is the Executive Director of the Young Professionals of Wichita.

Suzy Finn is the Executive Director of the Young Professionals of Wichita.

“YPW’s unique leadership program is designed by YPs for YPs,” said YPW Executive Director Suzy Finn. “Our hope is that this class will learn as much from each other as they will from the experts they’ll hear from. We believe the broad range of industries, sectors, years of experience, roles, and backgrounds represented will be key to making that possible. Wichita’s future is bright with individuals like these excited to learn more about their role in leadership.”

2017 Leadership Academy Participants:

  • Alyssa Peppiatt, BKD, LLP
  • Ann Marie Siegwarth, Envision, Inc.
  • Ashley Lunkenheimer, Wesley Medical Center
  • Branden McLaughlin, CrossFirst Bank
  • Chloe Stevenson, Apples & Arrows
  • Cyle Barnwell, BELT Leasing
  • Destiny Pello, Emprise Bank
  • James Holland, Westar Energy
  • James Nixon, Airbus Americas Engineering, Inc.
  • Jenna Reid (Kramer), Sullivan Higdon & Sink
  • Jennifer McDonald, CCH, A Wolters Kluwer Business
  • Jessica Long, Delta Dental of Kansas, Inc.
  • Jessie Rainey, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • Kristen Zemanick, Koch Industries, Inc.
  • Kyle Womacks, Emprise Bank
  • Lauren Clary, Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A.
  • Mary Hetherington, Wichita Community Foundation
  • Matt Spahn, Martin Pringle Oliver Wallace & Bauer, L.L.P.
  • Megan Lovely, City of Wichita
  • Mike Heldstab, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
  • Rachel Sweet, Via Christi Health
  • Ravon Kirkendoll, BG Products, Inc.
  • Shannon Vande Brake, Textron Aviation Inc.
  • Steven Suellentrop, Legacy Bank
  • Teddy Farias, Wichita Area Technical College

Have a favorite small business? Nominate them!

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2017_sba_awards_4cThe Wichita Chamber is accepting nominations for the 2017 Small Business Awards now through Friday, Dec. 9. The program, now in its 13th year, is presented by ComfortCare Homes, Inc. and Occidental Management, Inc. It offers well-deserved recognition to small businesses for their achievements and contributions to our community and provides owners and employees the opportunity to showcase their company, share their story and be rewarded for their efforts.

Business Criteria for Participation

  • Headquartered in Wichita Metro area
  • Employ between 1-25 FTE for Tier One, or 26-100 FTE for Tier Two
  • Have been in business for at least three years
  • Demonstrate a commitment to good business practices
  • Maintain good employee relations
  • Contribute to the community
  • Have primary source of revenues from business operations, rather than grants, donors, or governmental funding (not-for-profits may be eligible to apply if they meet this criteria)
  • Be a member in good standing of the Wichita Metro Chamber at the time of application

Nominations can be made online at wichitachamber.org/awards.

One business from each tier will be selected as the 2017 Small Business of the Year, and an awards luncheon will be held in the spring to announce the recipients.

ComfortCare Homes, Inc. was the recipient of our 2016 Small Business of the Year Award (Tier 2) and is a Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 Program.

ComfortCare Homes, Inc. was the recipient of our 2016 Small Business of the Year Award (Tier 2) and is a Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 Program.