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Category Archives: Business
Gamechangers and Champions Event
Kansas Innovation Partners Gather for Gamechangers and Champions Event
TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Innovation served as a convening partner last week for the Gamechangers and Champions event, held in Wichita, which brought together a diverse set of partners to support entrepreneurship and innovative startup development in Kansas. The 2025 Gamechangers and Champions was co-presented by NXTUS, a Wichita-based catalyst for the startup ecosystem.
“By bringing together startups, angel investors and ecosystem champions from across Kansas, we are creating a space where groundbreaking ideas can take root, partnerships can spark, and the future of our state’s innovation ecosystem can be shaped,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This collaboration with NXTUS reflects our enduring commitment to empowering local startups, cultivating collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation that drives economic growth and opportunity for all Kansans.”
In addition to professional development and networking, Kansas startups competed in the Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels — a startup pitch competition — where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their businesses, gain exposure to investors, and compete for funding that could propel their ventures forward. A $20,000 grand prize was delivered to pitch competition winner, Andrew Marquez with VU Scholarships of Roeland Park. And, selected by a vote of the more than 200 attendees, Matt Williams with Noonan brought home the “Fan’s Choice” award, which carried a $2,500 prize.
“Most Kansans have no idea the breadth and quality of entrepreneurs who are building tomorrow’s great businesses right here in Kansas,” President and CEO of NXTUS Mary Beth Jarvis said. “We’re changing that, thanks to the support from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Barton School of Business at WSU and the dozens of other sponsors. For the first time ever, we’ll collide state-wide innovators – these gamechangers for our economy – with their champions – the investors and supporters who are lifting them up as they build companies around breakthroughs in every industry.”
In addition to the pitch competition that initially included 74 companies, Gamechangers and Champions 2025 featured a variety of engaging activities, including:
- Opening Networking Session with Startup Grind and WIBA, sponsored by IMA
- Startup Grind Fireside Chat with Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage Cloud, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Expert-led breakout tracks – Focused educational sessions for both startups and investors, supported by the Greater Wichita Partnership, Lange Capital and Kansas State University
- Business & Basketball Lounge – Thanks to Network Kansas’ eGrowth Ventures, attendees had access to networking sessions, complimentary headshots, and the NCAA Tournament games
- Keynote remarks, sponsored by Koch, from Kevin Lockett – Former K-State and Kansas City Chiefs player and longtime entrepreneur, who now manages the investment firm Fulcrum Global Capital
The event successfully created a space for innovation, collaboration and the celebration of Kansas’ growing startup ecosystem.
“The Gamechangers and Champions event was a true celebration of the diverse innovators building disruptive startups right here in Kansas,” Commerce Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Congratulations to Andrew Marquez and VU Scholarships on winning this year’s pitch competition as they march on toward many future successes. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for making this celebration possible and to the city of Wichita for warmly welcoming innovators, investors and ecosystem partners from across the state.”
About NXTUS:
NXTUS Inc. helps entrepreneurs grow companies of significance. The organization works to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers. NXTUS manages NXTSTAGE programs, which are aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their innovations and to help accelerate the pace of innovation and startup growth in the region, as well as Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional angel investor syndicate.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Casner Returns To Fort Scott with Fitness Nook at Buck Run
Regi Casner is back to teaching fitness classes in Fort Scott once again, after a hiatus during the pandemic.
Her classes are at the Buck Run Community Center and also in Mound City, where she lives.
“I am teaching at Buck Run on Mondays and Fridays. I teach a 10:15 a.m. stretch class and a 12:15 p.m. Align/Pilates class.
“The stretch class moves slow and the Align/Pilates class flows through yoga poses with some strength work and Pilates blended in,” she said.
“The target audience age is 40-60s. I have a couple in the 30’s. I was hoping the noon class would be helpful for gals still working, and taking a lunch break.”
She will offer a free introductory class in April and early May.
About the Instructor
Casner “has taught fitness classes for a long time, completed a ton of training over the years, and wellness is my career and lifestyle,” she said.
“I first fell in love with group fitness when I took a step class in college(Pittsburg State University). It was love at the first step and downbeat.”
“The Fitness Nook was started because I believe small towns also deserve great fitness classes and the opportunity to sculpt, stretch and sweat together! “
“I love teaching group classes for many reasons. My top three are: 1. seeing people show up for themselves, and then realize than can do more than they think they can… and then doing it. And doing it again. It’s more than the mountain climber or plank. It is about showing up. 2. Sweating together is just downright awesome, especially when the music and company is good. 3. Helping people feel better in their bodies.”
“I’ve been married to Mat for almost 30 years, we have four grown adult children and one granddaughter (all of the above are my favorites). Besides the studio in Mound City, I work as the Wellness Coordinator at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, and teach fitness in Fort Scott.”
“My own personal fav workouts are: a strong yoga class, and a Pilates/Barre class-with some decent weight work included—and a great playlist. “
“I really do enjoy burpees, I don’t like mountain climbers (even though we almost always do mountain climbers). I love jumping jacks and backbends, I don’t enjoy twists, esp. twists in chair pose.”
If interested in classes, please send her a message
(913) 991-7860
reginacasner@gmail.com
fitnessnookmc.com
“And if you were interested until you read the words: burpees, mountain climbers, and/or jumping jacks, come to stretch class. Those words and actions are never mentioned there.”
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team 2025 Update
The past year we have provided county-wide support and grant funding to Fort Scott area, Bronson, and Mapleton. We have been working with The City of Bronson and SEKRPC on a CDBG grant as well. This year we will continue that work and include Uniontown to the list. Last year, we were awarded several county wide multiyear grants and ALMOST $4 MILLION in regional grants that directly benefit the citizens of Fort Scott.
Our mission drives our work: to increase access to physical activity, healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth.
We continue to offer hyper local workforce development (in partnership with SEK KANSASWorks) once a week until we can secure additional funding, a full-time community health worker, and business technical assistance in house daily.
We are very excited to start a new small business grant program, the last grant program we had saw over $3 million in capital injection in the community. Details will come later. We will have the resources from CML Collective https://www.cmlcollective.com/ and Create Campaign https://www.createcampaignks.com/to implement programs and offer resources for our small business community. I have also been asked to speak at the Network Kansas 4th Annual Conference in Wichita in May.
HBCAT SPECIFIC UPDATES
Community Health Needs Assessment and Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRES)
o *This surveys and assessments are important to inform HBCAT work, use of resources, and funding mechanisms.*
o We are working on our Community Health Needs Assessment and BRES. As the County Economic Development, I implemented the same survey in 2019. We called the City to see if they would like to participate with us on this year’s survey as a way to build relationships with local businesses.
o HBCAT will create a report and collaborate with the city to present findings to the commission. This is a service HBCAT is providing free of charge.
o We used the same survey and template as we used in 2019 (provided by Craig at the Dept of Commerce!) and we will be able to compare data. For instance, we can compare these 2019 business ratings:
o HBCAT is working with the Health in All Policy Subcommittee (City of Fort Scott, HBCAT, Bronson) on the Community Health Needs Assessment.
o If you are interested, this was part of the very first country-wide comprehensive strategic plan we did in 2019:
- The newsletter and results of that survey were widely distributed and can be found here: I’d like your feedback on this file. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b8086521-c234-48ea-83dc-4e29e862542f.
- 2019 County Assessment: updates combined.docx
- I still have the strategic plan if you are interested in seeing it
$250-$300K Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas
This grant provided HBCAT $100,000 in coordination dollars for two years and up to an additional $200,000 for the community.
Where the money is going:
Coordination Pathway – HBCAT
$100,000 over two years (HBCAT providing 50% match for coordinator salary)
- Coordination and planning activities such as regular engagement with technical assistance providers, peer communities and in-person training sessions.
- Community engagement and leadership strategies.
- Evaluation reporting and data collection.
Package: Economic Stability: Social Entrepreneurship Supports
- The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Rural Community Partners
o Business Development
o Grant Range: $5,000-$25,000
- Match Expected: No
o Champions:
- Jody Love/Justin Miles HBCAT
- Mary Wyatt, City of Fort Scott
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- Jennifer Simhiser, LHEAT member
Package: Education Access and Quality: Farm to School
- USD 234
o Community Green Farms at the Highschool
o Grant Range: $5,000-$25,000
- Match Expected: No
o Champions:
- Destry Brown, Superintendent
- Jenny Layes, CHW
Package: Health Care Access and Quality: Health Related Social Needs
- Girard Medical Center
o Fort Scott and Uniontown Rural Health Clinic
o Grant Range: $5,000-$25,000
- Match Expected: No
o Champions:
- Ruth Duling, CEO Girard Medical Center
- Jenny Layes, CHW
Package: Neighborhood and Built Environment: Multimodal Transportation and Recreational Trails
- City of Mapleton
o Grant Range: $5,000-$25,000
- Match Expected: Yes, project costs will likely exceed funding available through this package
o Expand on Mapleton’s recreational trails
- Champions:
- Gregg Post, Friends of Mapleton
- Debbie Potter, Friends of Mapleton
- Jody Love, HBCAT
Package: Social and Community Context: Incubator Kitchen and Food Hub
- The Kitchen C+C Incubator Kitchen
o Grant Range: $5,000-$50,000
- Match Expected: Yes, funding or in-kind donation
o Provide incubator space for cottage food makers
o Champions:
- Angela Simon, Co-Owner, The Kitchen C+C
- Rachel French, Co-Owner, The Kitchen C+C
- Bailey Lyons, Co-Owner, The Kitchen C+C
OTHER GRANTS, HBCAT PROVIDING A MATCH:
- $302,166 KDHE Subaward of G2G EPA Grant
o Regional
- $165,000 Kansas Health Foundation/Kansas Food Action Network Grant
o County Wide
- $45,800 KDOC Rural Community Champion Grant
o Bronson Specially, working on CDBG grant to match
- $50,000 Youth Substance Abuse and Prevention Grant
o County Wide Schools
- There are a couple smaller grants including:
o Health in All Policy Grant (County Wide)
o Community Health Needs Assessment Grant (County Wide)
o National Center on Healthy Housing Grant (Regional)
Rural Community Partners (RCP)
“A rising tide lifts all ships.” As a region we have now applied for and have been awarded $4million in grant funds in the last year. Rural Community Partners is our regional grassroots organization that blossomed out of the regional work with the University of Kansas Medical “COPE” program. It is housed within HBCAT, with Jody Love leading to drive the work and we serve as a fiscal agent. The RCP board includes Randy Robinson, Christina Pacheco, Darrell Pulliam, and Quentin Holmes. RCP has county coalitions in 4 counties, regional mentors, and the Small Business and Entrepreneurs Council (SBEC) which is made up of small businesses across the region.
Quick update on our work to date:
WE HAVE A NEW LOGO!! CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK!
Civic Engagement:
o -LHEATS are meeting regularly in 4 counties, each with their own budgets.
o -Bourbon and Crawford will finish out the COPE dollars in May and hopefully we will be able to implement our new EPA grant
o -Attending many conferences and events across the state and county, bringing along residents from each county.
Workforce Development:
o -We applied for an EPA Community Change Grant and was selected for $2.9million. We collaborated with 3 different workforce development agencies, 4 counties, and University of Kansas. We hope to start work in June.
Business Development:
o -The SBEC was working diligently on a regional survey. We found out that Commerce is working on the same effort. We are excited to see this happen and see it roll out and how we can build upon it.
o -Dare to Dream event was a success
o -The Small Business Mentorship Program has had clients and mentors across the region
o -HBCAT received a BCBS Pathways Grant that will financially support our small business and entrepreneurship efforts
o -Quarterly small business highlights! You find them here: https://ruralcommunitypartners.substack.com/
Still in limbo is a $2.9million EPA grant due to uncertainty at the federal level. While our organization is not depending on the funding, our community and region can certainly benefit from it.
As the founding president and CEO, I am exceptionally proud of where we stand today—almost 10 years ago (next year!). I am forever grateful for the friendship and support of my dear friend, and then City of Fort Scott Economic Development Director, Heather Smith. Together, we co-wrote the first BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant. While grants don’t necessarily create organizations, the Pathways grant was instrumental in helping us build the capacity to grow.
Special thanks to the HBCAT Board: Josh Jones (Chair), Kelly Perry, Kayla Boyd, Alex Barner, Lindsay Madison, Lucas Kelly and our team: Jenny Layes, Justin Miles, Aura Brillhart, Sherri Siebert, and Brett Dalton.
Our partners, funders and collaborators are ever growing and some of our current funders include: University of Kansas Medical, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Healthy Housing, Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability, Kansas Food Action Network, Kansas Health Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas, Sunflower Foundation
We will work to continue to grow our local, regional, state, and national networks. This intentional effort took much time, money, and travel but we have found the return on investment to be great. Among many accomplishments, we wanted to share a few highlights:
- We have collaborated with Wichita State on a grant and resource hub for coalitions, be sure to check out the new website: https://elevatekansas.org/coalitions/
- Jody has been nominated to the executive committee for the Governor’s Council on Wellness this year, and to serve as the Vice Chair next year
- We have had one trip to Washington DC this year and have another planned in May
Looking forward to what 2025 brings!! (HINT: A new website for one!!) Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jody Love
Rural Community Partners, Inc.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
President and CEO
620-215-2892
104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Awardees of the KS Governor’s Arts Announced.
Governor Kelly Recognizes Melissa Etheridge, Others at Governor’s Arts Awards
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Governor’s Arts Awards during a ceremony held at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center. The event was focused on celebrating remarkable individuals, organizations and communities for their exceptional contributions and leadership in advancing the arts across Kansas.
Grammy and Oscar Award-winning musician Melissa Etheridge was named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Award.
“There are many talented Kansans involved in creative work across our state, and we know that art enhances their lives and the lives of those around them,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The people we recognized at the Governor’s Arts Awards tonight are using their talents and passions to strengthen communities all throughout Kansas and to enrich the culture of our great state.”
At the awards ceremony hosted by Wichita television personality Sierra Scott, 17 individuals and organizations were recognized for their work and efforts in elevating Kansas through arts and culture. Nominations for each award are thoroughly reviewed and chosen by a selection committee. The recipient for The Governor’s Award is chosen by Governor Kelly herself.
“Governor Kelly and I have had the privilege of learning about and witnessing the dedication of artists, organizations, advocates, communities and creative businesses located across every region of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas arts and culture community plays a significant role in our growing economy by enriching the quality of place we call home. This impressive group of awardees is most deserving of the spotlight, and the state looks forward to see these inspiring leaders continue to enhance the cultural landscape of Kansas.”
The 2025 Governor’s Award recipient has been inspiring fans around the world for decades. Beyond Etheridge’s chart-topping records and stirring live performances, the Leavenworth native is known as a tireless advocate of Kansas who champions local causes through hands-on service.
“Across the nation and world, people are connecting with Etheridge’s music and can see how she truly embodies the Kansas values of hard work, self-reliance and kindness,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “She takes all the things that make Kansas great and shares them with the world — and she regularly brings it back home to benefit communities through her generosity and spirit.”
This year’s award categories and recipients are:
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Media Arts: Kiki Bush, Gypsum
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Music: Bob McWilliams, Lawrence
- Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Visual Arts: Shin-hee Chin, McPherson
- Arts Advocacy: Brenda Meder, Hays
- Arts Patron of the Year: Paul Dorrell, Roeland Park
- Excellence in Arts Education: Tyler Dallis, Pratt
- Excellence in the Arts in Business: The Artificers, Fort Scott
- Emerging Arts Leader of the Year: Lacey Connell, Overland Park
- Emerging Arts Organization of the Year: LV Arts, Leavenworth
- Rural Arts Community of the Year: Clay Center
- Urban Arts Community of the Year: NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, Topeka
- Arts Leader of the Year: Katy Guthrie, Garden City
- Arts Organization of the Year: Theatre in the Park, Overland Park
- Arts Legacy Award: Constance “Connie” Bonfy, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: Cecil Riney, Wichita
- Arts Legacy Award: NedRa Bonds, Kansas City
- The Governor’s Award: Melissa Etheridge, Leavenworth
To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission, their programs or art resources, visit here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC):
The Kansas Arts Commission stewards the state’s investment in the arts by empowering creativity, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economy to enhance the vitality of every Kansas community. The Kansas Arts Commission is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. To learn more about KAC, click here or contact Ben Stanton at benjamin.stanton@ks.gov or (785) 213-5959.
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Farmers Market Returning Vendors Meeting Is Tomorrow, March 11
The first meeting of the year for the Fort Scott Farmers Market is on March 11 from 6-8 p.m. in the Healthy Bourbon County office at 104 N. National, directly across from the pavilion where the farmers market occurs.
“This is a business meeting for returning vendors only,” said Teri Hamilton, spokesman for the group. “We’ll be discussing finances and voting on leadership. One can pay for the season and put in location requests.”
On April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a vendor welcome meeting.
“This meeting is for new and returning vendors,” she said. “We’ll go over market guidelines, talk about the SNAP program and accept applications and fees for the season.”
Fees remain the same from last year:
$5 registration fee, $5 per week booth rental, or $108 for the full season from May until October.
The farmer’s market moved to the new Downtown Pavilion in 2024.
“The first year under the pavilion was great,” Hamilton said. “All of our vendors saw an increase in our sales. It didn’t matter what the weather was like, people came to shop and visit. We are so thankful for it.”
New this year is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
“This is for people who qualify for Food Stamps,” Hamilton said. “Any who has SNAP can use it at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.”
Venors interested in joining the 2025 Fort Scott Farmer’s Market season are welcome to the April 17 meeting.
The farmers market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion at North National and Old Fort Boulevard starting the first Saturday in May, this year it’s May 3, and ending on the last Saturday in October, this year it’s October 25.
The Artificer’s March Online Gallery
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New CarHelp Mobile Mechanic Employee: Andrew Burenheide
CarHelp is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Burenheide to the CarHelp family. CarHelp has offered automotive repair services in Fort Scott since 2012, first as a mobile mechanic then from the shop located at 5 corners in 2016.
Andrew is a graduate of Flint Hills Technical College, ASE trained in all aspects of vehicle repairs, computerized diagnostics and diesel repairs. He has nearly a decade of experience working at a dealership and an independent auto repair shop. Andrew will be handling diesel work along with general repairs.
CarHelp offers a 90 day parts and labor warranty, we fix it right the first time or we make it right. CarHelp has been expanding over the years to include computerized alignments, computerized diagnostics and A/C servicing. We have the A/C machine for the newer cars as well. We do brakes, belts, oil changes, general repairs and we replace engines, transmissions, differentials and everything in between.
CarHelp is also your local UHaul dealer, see us for moving and hauling rentals.
Stop by and say Hi to Andrew and chat with us about your repair needs. CarHelp is located on the north end of 5 Corners at 1114 S Clark and you can call us at 620-215-2419.
Artificers Newsletter for March
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Valentine Art for Every Heart at the Artificers
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The Artificer’s Online February Gallery
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New Employee: Teri Hamilton at Common Ground Coffee Co.
Teri Hamilton, owner of The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery, is putting her own business on pause and will be using her baking talents at Common Ground Coffee Co.12 E. Wall as of Monday, February 3.
In recent years, Hamilton’s husband has been able to help her with her home business, but because of a new job, he won’t.
“This makes it unsustainable for me physically,” Hamilton said. “The bakery business needs to grow in employees and space…and we are not ready to take that step.”
Starting on February 3 she will be at the coffee shop on Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to noon, baking for them.
“I’ll be making cookies and pastry-type things and possibly adding a few things of my own but will be keeping that baked good case full,” she said. “Taking this part-time job will keep me baking for the community.”
She started her artisan bakery three years ago, and feels the job will allow her to “see people, interact with them and see them enjoy the things I make for them.”
“I’m excited to join the Common Ground team, I look forward to serving people good food.”
Suzanne Griffin will continue her weekly dinners at the coffee shop and offer catering services.
Together they will produce some fun offerings for Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day.
Griffin said they will be offering appetizer trays and dip assortments for Super Bowl parties and for Valentine’s Day-chocolate dipped strawberries and Chardudery Trays for men.
“We call it Chardudery Trays because it has bacon, beef and no frilly stuff,” Griffin said.
For more information contact Common Ground Coffee Co. at 620.223.2499.
Ashton Pridey
Heidi Dixon
Orpha Durossette
Ava Witt
Suzanne Griffin
Jenna Graham
Submitted photo.