Category Archives: Business

Business, Government, Kansas

KS Is a National Leader in Economic and Income Growth

Leave a comment

Kansas: National Leader in Economic and Income Growth in First Quarter of 2023

~~Bureau of Economic Analysis Report Reflects Success of Kelly Administration Efforts to Create Jobs, Support Businesses~~

TOPEKA – A report recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that, in the first quarter of 2023, Kansas ranked fourth in the nation for personal income growth and seventh in the nation for economic growth. The report highlights the Kelly administration’s success in recruiting and supporting businesses that grow the state’s economy and increase wages for workers.

“This report is further proof that the work my administration is doing to create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and balance the budget is benefiting Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The days of Kansas making headlines for failure and mismanagement are long behind us. Now, we are leading the nation in creating a strong economy.”

Kansas’ real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state, grew by 6.0% from the fourth quarter of 2022 when adjusted for inflation, triple the national average of 2.0%.

Personal income in Kansas grew by 8.4% over the same period, surpassing the national rate of 5.1%.

“This report demonstrates the resiliency and strength of the Kansas economy,” Secretary of Administration and Director of Budget Adam Proffitt said. “The state has placed in the top 7 for both GDP and Personal Income in the aggregate and across multiple sectors of the economy, showing that our economy is not overly dependent on any one sector. Our state’s fiscal health is strong, and the outlook remains promising.”

The report showed that agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting were the lead contributors to growth in states including Kansas – a testament to the Kelly administration’s efforts to reinvigorate the state’s economy across multiple sectors.

“The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and residents have worked hard to build a reputation for the Sunflower State as one of the top states in the nation for outdoor recreation, and our six percent rise in real GDP this quarter certainly reflects that,” Secretary of Wildlife and Parks Brad Loveless said. “By prioritizing sustainable practices and collaboration with private landowners, I’m confident we’ll continue to develop our great tradition of hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping for many more generations, and visitors, to come.”

“Agriculture has always been at the heart of the Kansas economy, and the growth we’ve seen in agriculture and agribusiness across the state shows the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansans,” Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam said. “Innovative approaches in technology, science, and sustainability will keep Kansas agriculture at the forefront of producing the food, fiber, and fuel that are needed in the future.”

Read more from the BEA here.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet July 11 at Lyons Realty Group

Leave a comment

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, July 11th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Area News, Business, Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Foundation Annual Truck Raffle Drawing  

Leave a comment
Gwen and Pete Martin. Submitted photo.

 

Local Woman Wins 23rd Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Annual Truck Raffle Drawing

 

After 23 years, the Friends of Tri-Valley  Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing has a Kansas Winner.  The Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 23rd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing:  Gwen Martin.  Gwen’s ticket was drawn from 1,659 entries on Friday, June 23rd at 1:30 pm by TVDS Financial Specialist Christie Fritch.  Gwen was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won.  Gwen came on Wednesday, June 27th to collect her prize.  She is from Woodson County and  as such is familiar with the services Tri-Valley provides and has been a proud supporter in the past.   She is from now the proud owner of a 2023 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.  This year’s raffle drawing raised $10,000 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).   Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired eight houses and one duplex.  These fifteen houses are home to 66 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.   The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).

Tricia Campbell, TVDS Special Projects Coordinator; Gwen and Pete Martin; Bill Fiscus, TVDS CEO; and Jeff Lassman, Steve Faulkner Ford. Submitted photo,.

 

 

Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Katy Shead

Leave a comment

This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs.

To recommend a youth under 18 years-of-age for a feature, send contact info to [email protected]

Katy Shead. Submitted photo.

Katy Shead, 16, is providing tutoring services for school children for a business.

She attends a virtual school.

“I provide online tutoring services for people in my online school,” Katy said. “I mainly tutor math but I helped one student with basic Latin last school year.”

Her  academic advisor and  teachers recommend her to families.

“Also, people have made posts requesting tutors on my school’s Facebook page,” she said. “I have also started doing free sessions to advertise.”

Katy started tutoring as a business during the 2021-2022 school year.

“My academic advisor asked me if I would like to tutor a girl in Saxon Math 5/6,” she said.” I had always enjoyed helping my brother, cousins, and classmates with school, and I was excited to try to help this girl.”

She seems to be a natural teacher.

“I enjoyed the creative challenge of finding engaging ways to present the material to her,” she said. “She was very sweet and we had a lot of fun. This past year I got to tutor her again and her sister as well!”

“It’s sometimes difficult to tutor online – especially with a subject where showing work is mandatory,” she. “I use WebEx to video conference with my students and we work on the whiteboard.”

Katy practicing constructions for the Geometry review. Submitted photo.

“I sent a document camera to one of my families with two students so that I could see both their work and their faces at the same time to pinpoint confusion as soon as possible,” she said.

She has tutored 5th and 6th grade, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

“One of my students in Algebra II lives in Cambodia,” she said. “It was so interesting to hear her stories and perspectives.”

This coming year, she is taking on greater challenges.

“I hope to tutor more upper-level math such as Pre-calculus and Calculus I, as I am going to be taking Calculus II next year,” she said. “I also hope to tutor higher levels of Latin if there is an opportunity.”

A recent geometry final review she held, had 35 students.

 

Katy Shead with her geometry class. Submitted photo.

She is the daughter of Mark and Haley Shead, rural Fort Scott.

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Taco Azul Food Truck Moves to The Twin Mansions

1 Comment
Taco Azul Food Truck has turned the gazebo on the grounds of the Twin Mansions into place to eat their Mexican food. Submitted photo.

The Taco Azul Food Truck has moved to a new site with more seating and shade for their customers.

The menu. Submitted photo.

“We’re excited about this move because there’s more seating, more shade, more room for kids to move around, and altogether a great atmosphere,” Erin Macik said. “Seb set up a really neat outside dining area, and it will be a lovely gathering place for the folks of Fort Scott.”

“Our only regret is that everyone at the Washateria was very accommodating and pleasant to work with, and we’re sad to leave them,” she said.

The reason for the move: technical reasons.

“The generator for the trailer has a carbon monoxide detector and automatically shuts off when levels get high,” she said. “Unfortunately, it was shutting off about every 20 minutes, so we needed to find a place with a plug-in. We were able to install one easily at the mansions, and Seb is starting there today!”

“After a year of planning and setting up, we opened at the Good Ol’ Days festival this year,” Erin said.

Taco Azul at Good Ol Days Festival 2023. Submitted photo.

Seb Macik spent some time teaching in Mexico City before he and Erin were married, and discovered Mexican street tacos during that time.

“Ever since then, he’s been working to make the perfect street taco, and the result is Taco Azul: real-deal Mexico City tacos in Fort Scott, KS,” she said.

Street tacos made by Seb Macik. Submitted photo.

The Twin Mansions are located at 742 National Ave., Fort Scott, they are in the parking lot behind

.
Regular hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

“We post the week’s schedule on Facebook every week, and there are slight changes occasionally, but in general, those are the hours we’ll be open,” Erin said.

 

 

Taco Azul Food Truck has moved to the Twin Mansions property on National Avenue. Submitted photo. This is the dining area set up at the gazebo on the property.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Rinley Holly

1 Comment

This is part of a series highlighting young entrepreneurs in our community.

If you would like to nominate a young entrepreneur, please submit their contact info to [email protected].

Rinley Holly sells to a customer, while her brother Stetson looks on.

Rinley Holly, rural Fort Scott,  is five years old and likes to bake.

Katie, her mom, said she would bake everyday if she could.

Her parents, Katie and Ethan, own Still Waters Farm and sell beef and pork at the farmers market on Saturdays. She is with her family on Saturday mornings, along with her brother, Stetson, 3.

“Last year, she kept asking me to let her sell cookies,” Katie said.

So, Rinley baked and sold her product once last year at her family’s booth at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.

This year when Katie heard that other entrepreneurs were going to be selling products at the farmers market on June 3, “We asked her if she wanted to make some cookies.”

She did, and she has a helper.

“Stetson likes to taste test for her,” Katie said.

Rinley tells the process of making her cookies:

“You make dough, roll it in a ball, and flatten them with a cup, then put them in the oven on a rack,” she said. “Snickerdoodles are my favorite.” She also makes chocolate chip cookies.

Rinley likes to bake, “Cause it’s fun,” she said.

She is planning on attending the Acton Children’s Business Fair, later this year, her mother said, to learn more about the business side.

“Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace,” according to https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/fortscott-ks

“We will host children’s business booths at the 2nd annual event that will be held at the Farmer’s Market located at Skubitz Plaza near the Historic Fort on September 30th, 2023 from 8 a.m. to noon.”

The Fort Scott Farmers Market is at Skubitz Plaza, directly in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Business, Fort Scott

Chamber of Commerce Insurance Info June 28

Leave a comment

Chamber Hosting

Informational Sessions on

Chamber Blue

Health Insurance Program

to inform those interested in a 1/1/24 start date!

Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS

Insurance Program

Two info. sessions will be held Wednesday, June 28th

9-10am and 12-1pm

at the Chamber office

231 E. Wall St.

Current Chamber members and any prospective members are welcome to attend!

See link below to RSVP.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is starting to get information out on the Chamber Blue Health Insurance program through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas for 2024 coverage for local businesses and their employees.

 

The Chamber is offering two informational sessions about the program on Wednesday, June 28th at the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall St. The sessions will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. and 12 to 1 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP through the events tab of fortscott.com so seating and materials can be planned.

 

Businesses currently enrolled in the program are welcome to attend one of these sessions, but do not need to do anything as they will be contacted by BCBS with renewal info.

 

The timeline for coverage for 2024 is as follows:

  • Interest Surveys will need to be completed between July 1 and August 18
  • Rates will be Announced in October
  • Enrollment will take place in November

Click HERE for more info. on the program.

Click HERE to RSVP for an info. session.

 

Visit fortscott.com or contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
Click to RSVP for Info Session

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

[email protected]
Facebook          Twitter          Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers In July  

Leave a comment
Logo

The Artificers In July

Happy July! Check out the calendar below for all the

classes and events happening this Month!
Register for Classes Here!

Artist Opening Reception

Master Artist

Liberty Worth, Textile and Fabric Artist

Guest Artist

Gentry Warren, Mixed Media Artist

About the Artists

Master Artist Class

Work with textile artist Liberty Worth to give new life and artistic outcomes to old fabric scraps. We will be “painting” (no paint involved) with fabric to create new objects d’art.
Register for The Fabric Art Classes Here!
Business, Government, Kansas

Nominees For Positive Impact to Communities Being Sought

Leave a comment

Nominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.

“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a busiNominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.

“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

###ness or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

###

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at California Nails Salon on June 22

Leave a comment

ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by

California Nails

Thursday, June 22nd

8am

300 E. 23rd St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by California Nails, Thursday, June 22nd at 8 a.m. at 300 E. 23rd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

California Nails is under new management as of May 15th, 2022. With 30+ years of experience California Nails offers many services such as; Acrylics, Dips, Pedicures, Reflexology, Pedicure Soaks, Nail Clippings, Chair Massages, Hot Rock Massages, and Men Pedicures. California Nails wants everyone to join them in celebrating their 1-year anniversary!

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

 

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Farmers Market Vendor Spotlight: Mack and Michele Houser

Leave a comment

Mack and Michele Houser have been growing and selling vegetables at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for several years now! They find great self accomplishment in producing fresh, homegrown vegetables for spring, summer, and fall. You can find them at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. They are also available to make deliveries in and around Fort Scott. For more info, stop and visit their booth, or give them a call!

Bourbon County, Business, Fair

Vendors Have Two Options at 2023 Bourbon County Fair

Leave a comment
The Bourbon County Fair has two options for vendors the year.
The first is in the Merchants Building on Tuesday, July 18, Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20.  All three night are from 5 pm to 8 pm and the cost is $25.
  The second option is new this year and it is the Makers’ Outdoor Market.  The outdoor market will be in setup between the main fairgrounds and the rodeo arena on Thursday, July 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm with a cost of $5.
There is limited spaces available in the Merchants Building.
Both options are open to any business, organization, maker, producer, creator, or non-profit.
Any questions can be sent to [email protected]
Registration: