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Category Archives: Business
Shop Local For a Money Saving Christmas
Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent
November 2023
The holiday season is upon us, have you started thinking about your Holiday Shopping? Believe it or not, Christmas is just a little over 5 weeks away and it will be here before we know it! Christmas is one of the most magical times of year and can often become the busiest time of year, making it easy to get caught up in the moment of gift buying! Planning ahead, setting a budget, and shopping local can help shoppers avoid over- spending while giving a little back to your community during the giving season!
There are many different ways to support small local businesses during the Holiday gift season. In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th. Some ideas to help you shop local this holiday season may include:
- Using a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
- Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
- Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
- Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
- Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants and businesses of interest.
- Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.
By purchasing even a few gifts off of your list can make a huge difference to your local town. Keeping your money local helps your local government receive more tax revenue resulting in better public services that you use all year long. Supporting local business that often donate to local charities and youth events, also allows those businesses to provide family and neighbors with employment opportunities.
Another important aspect of a money saving Holiday is your budget and the amount of money spent on gifting.
- Set a Budget: Start by making a list of all individuals you plan to purchase a gift for. Decide on an amount that you wish to spend on each individual and don’t go over. Saving money over time and placing in a designated envelope with each recipients name, will give you time to think of items that will be in your budget to purchase for the recipient.
- Track your Spending: A lot of people spend like crazy come December and don’t check their budget as they are spending. It then becomes difficult when you loose track and get off budget to play catch up. Make sure to keep a running list of all expenses and where your budget is at to avoid overspending in the long run.
For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-244-3826. To learn about additional programs we will be offering, visit Southwind.ksu.edu!
Another Solar Farm Is In Initial Stage in Bourbon County
Another solar energy facility for Bourbon County is in the initial stages.
Earlier this year Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative put up solar arrays at 135th and Range Roads in the northern part of the county.
To view that story: Heartland Creates Solar Farm To Generate Energy For Local Members
On November 13, during the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks presented the commissioners with four contracts with NextEra Energy to be signed for solar energy production in the southwest part of the county.
NextEra Energy is the world’s largest utility company, according to its website.
“For more than 20 years, NextEra Energy Resources has been investing in Kansas and is committed to continued renewable energy development,” said Laura Gies, NextEra Energy Resources Communication Specialist.
“Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, is a proposed photovoltaic solar energy facility for Bourbon County,” she said. “The proposed project will have the capacity to generate approximately 400 megawatts of solar energy that is able to power about 50,000 homes.”
“The electric grid is made up of power generation assets, transmission lines, and distribution centers,” she said. “The grid constantly balances the supply and demand for the energy that powers everything from industry to household appliances. Essentially, the power generated from the Hinton Creek Solar site will be delivered to the electric grid and go where it’s needed. While the power goes where it’s needed, the benefits of Hinton Creek Solar always stay local.”
The development of the facility is a long process.
“Developing a solar project is a multi-year process, which includes assessing existing transmission infrastructure, landowner and county officials’ interest, as well as conducting environmental surveys among other considerations to determine whether this community is right for a renewable energy project,” she said. “Hinton Creek Solar is in the initial stages.”
“Renewable energy projects, like the proposed solar project, are attractive to local communities, as they provide numerous economic benefits, including good jobs and the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue, which can be used to enhance schools, roads, and essential services,” she said.
“Hinton Creek Solar will create hundreds of construction jobs, and our goal is to hire as many qualified workers as possible from the local area,” she said.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.(REDI) has been working on this project with NextEra, Commissioner Jim Harris said during the November 13 commissioners’ meeting.
“We’re thrilled to announce an $800 Million Solar Development coming to our region,” Bourbon County REDI Director Rob Harrington said. “REDI played a crucial role in making this happen. Construction is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.”
Harrington thanked Hinton Creek Solar LLC. for selecting
Bourbon County for this monumental project, he said.
“This is the largest single development project that Bourbon County has ever received, and we are delighted they chose to bring this large development to our community,” Harrington said.
The site will be in the southwest part of the county, with 27 community members agreeing to put a portion of the solar facility on their properties.
The following are the signed agreements as provided on the county’s website:
Development-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)
Contribution-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)
Road-Use-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(3)
Decommissioning-Agreement-Hinton-Creek-Solar(2)
Here is a brief look at parts of two of the agreements:
Development Agreement
The development agreement document signed is made between the Board of County Commissioners for Bourbon County and Hinton Creek Solar, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, whose address is 700 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach, FL 33408, according to the document provided by the county.
The developer, NextEra Energy, intends to construct one or more project companies or phases and operate a solar project, commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek Solar Project, to be located on privately-owned land within the county and includes photovoltaic solar panels, battery storage, inverters, solar monitoring equipment, substations, collection lines, access roads, temporary construction areas, operation and maintenance facilities, and other infrastructures relating to the solar project, according to the document.
The developer has or will enter into lease agreements, easement agreements, and forms of landowner consent documents with the participating landowners within the solar project area.
The county intends to consider the orderly development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar project.
The county acknowledges and agrees that all permits and approvals required for the solar project have been granted and substantial amounts of work have been completed, according to the signed agreement.
Contributions Agreement
According to Kansas law, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for ten taxable years immediately following the taxable year in which construction or installation of such property is completed and upon the filing of such application for exemption, according to the contributions document provided by the county.
The developer shall make the following contributions to the county:
One initial payment of $1,000 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project made within 30 days after the start of construction. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate initial payment.
An annual contribution of $1,500 per megawatt of installed photovoltaic capacity of the project by January 15 of each year…and continuing through the 9th anniversary of the initial contribution date, for a total of 10 annual contributions. If the project is constructed in more than one phase, each phase shall make separate annual contributions.
Christmas on the Bricks Festival: Nov. 30-Dec.3
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Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store Black Friday Sale Has Started
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Key Clothing Sale Starts November 18
Key Apparel has been a local business for over a hundred years.
“Key has been in business in Fort Scott since 1908 and was founded on bib overalls,” said Brenda Brown with sales support and merchandising for the business.
Key Industries, Inc. in Fort Scott is having its 15th Annual Warehouse Sale from Saturday, November 18 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., then from Monday through Wednesday, November 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The sale continues on Friday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We have first quality products,” Angie Carr, Key’s Operation Project Coordinator, said. “We also use the sale to sell discontinued styles or colors, and irregulars-say for instance where a stitch is not completed and didn’t pass inspection but we can go ahead and closeout. That will be noted to the customer, we will specify why it is irregular.”
The sale this year is at a new location at 2400 S. Main St. Suite 200, between Hibbets and T-Mobile in the strip mall.
“Previously, we were at the former Gordman’s Store space under a short-term lease,” said Carr.”We have the same amount of merchandise (in the new space) as in previous years.”
Key Apparel is an official clothing sponsor of the Kansas State Fair and to commemorate that designation, Ike, the Bison, a collectible toy, will be sold.
“They make ideal stocking stuffers,” Carr said.
Payment of cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover will be accepted during the sale.
To shop year round:www.keyapparel.com
Be The Light Boutique Owners Receive E-Community Loan
HBCAT partners with Chamber to help small business owners apply for loan and grant funding
For five years, Susan and Eddie Townley sold antiques, vintage finds, and home decor in booths at markets in Louisburg and Overland Park. This year, they were ready to open their own business in a historic building in downtown Fort Scott.
They just needed a bit of capital to seal the deal. And to get that capital, they had to prepare paperwork.
For help, they turned to The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. And on Nov. 2, their dreams were realized when the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main, just across the street from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
The boutique, which is open Thursday through Sunday, provides shoppers in Fort Scott as well as visitors to the area with a choice of unique clothing, home decor, antiques, and vintage finds.
“We are so excited for them because we have been with them step by step since the beginning of their business endeavor,” said HBCAT Executive Director Rachel Carpenter.
As a result of assistance from the HBCAT’s Center for Economic Growth, the Townleys were able to apply to the Fort Scott Chamber for an e-community loan, an initiative started by Network Kansas in 2019.
“Network Kansas provides us funding that we can then loan out to businesses for start-up, expansion, or any other type of needs they have,” explained Lindsay Madison, Chamber president. “A business will work with the staff at The HBCAT and another of their partners, the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center, to determine cash flow projections, market research reports, and other documents.”
The applicant then makes a brief presentation to the loan committee and awaits approval or a request to go back to the drawing board. If approved, the applicant might receive anywhere from $5,000 to $45,000 at 4 percent interest for 10 years.
For Be the Light Boutique, it was a critical piece of new business ownership.
“We needed funds to purchase some final inventory and provide a cash flow to continue with improvements to a building built in 1895,” Susan said. “My husband and I have done all the work on it to date.”
“The HBCAT helped us develop a business plan and loan documents that would serve as a basis for all of these grants,” she said. “We gave them our information, and they assisted with the creation of it. It was a beautiful thing.”
For more information on e-community loans, visit fortscott.com/e-community
About The HBCAT
The mission of The HBCAT is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities.
Learn more at HBCAT.org. Find HBCAT on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyBBCo/
What’s Happening in Fort Scott November 10 Issue
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The Artificers Holiday Open House Shopping Event!
The Artificers Holiday Open House Shopping Event! |
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We are offering 10% off all Gallery, and 20% off select artists as well!Come in and see us for our open house! We will have holiday snacks and savings! |
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Drawings!Enter to win one of two free Walk-in Ornament Class tonight!! (One adult class, and one kids class vouchers) Come in and personalize ornaments in one of our Walk-in Classes! Adult walk-in Class is November 16th and ends at 8pm! The kids walk-in Class is the 18th and goes from 11am-5pm! |
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Made in Kansas Program Showcases Products
Commerce Announces First ‘Made in Kansas’ Participants
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 13 manufacturers have been accepted into the department’s Made in Kansas program. Made in Kansas is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help promote Kansas manufacturers to customers across Kansas and around the globe.
The Made in Kansas program is designed to showcase Kansas-made products and provide those companies with a verified stamp of assurance for use in promotional activities. Participation is free. To join the Made in Kansas program, a business must utilize manufacturing in the production process and meet one additional criterion:
- More than half the components come from Kansas
- Final assembly takes place in Kansas
- Kansas-headquartered company includes design and/or engineering functions
“Some of the finest products in the world are made right here in Kansas, but the world might not know that yet,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This initiative highlights first-class manufacturers that contribute significantly to their local communities as well as the overall state economy.”
Commerce established the program to create a tangible means for companies to communicate that their products are made in Kansas. Certified program partner manufacturers have access to the exclusive Made in Kansas seal to feature on packaging, products and promotional materials.
“Having a Made in Kansas logo on products lets customers know they are purchasing excellence, reliability and consistency,” Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “Our manufacturers embody the Kansas work ethic, which is honed by more than 160 years of pioneering spirit and commitment to workmanship.”
The first manufacturers that have been accepted as Made in Kansas Program participants are:
- Cross Manufacturing, Hays, Lewis, Pratt
- Garmin International, Olathe
- Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina
- Handy Hook, Garden Plain
- JAWbats, Baldwin City
- MAC Water Technologies, Kansas City
- MaiCo Industries, Ellsworth
- New Age Industrial, Norton
- RANS Aircraft, Hays
- Rawhide Portable Corral, Abilene
- Splashtacular, Paola
- Superior Boiler, Hutchinson
- Vortex Global, Salina
Kansas manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the program and proudly display their entrepreneurism and ingenuity for the rest of the world to see. For more information about the Made in Kansas program and its partner companies, click 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Looking For Art: Artificers in December
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The Artificers In December!December is almost here! Check out the calendar below for all events happening this next month! |
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Annual Christmas Show! |
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December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd we are having our 7th Annual Christmas Show! Friday night will kick off three days of shopping and socializing with the array of featured artists setting up shop here in the gallery and studio. Come in and get all your holiday shopping done early and support local downtown businesses! |
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Call us at 913-574-7741 for reservations! We have catering connections for stress free party planning! |
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Community Event Coming Up! |
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Be sure to visit us during the Christmas on the Bricks Event! |
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Wash Wednesdays at the Washateria
