Category Archives: Business

Bourbon County, Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur Series: Chloe Couchman

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This is part of a series on young entrepreneurs in this community.

To nominate a young entrepreneur, send contact information to [email protected]

Chloe Couchman sells homemade potholders and cookies at her booth at the June 3 Fort Scott Farmers Market.

Chloe Couchman, 9, from Bronson, started her business after her grandma, Diana Cooper,  visited her some months back, she said.

“She gave me a pot holder kit and taught me how to do it,” Chloe said.

Since then Chloe has been selling her product by word of mouth.

“She has been at Bronson Ruritan,” said her mother Melanie Couchman. “She and her brother goes with her dad (Tony Couchman) and I to the Ruritan Club. She passed out some free ones and let them know she was selling them.”

“She also let her Grandpa Couchman and her bus driver know,” Melanie said.

Chloe said she likes the creative side of “making her own patterns” of potholders.

In addition, her business booth contains chocolate no-bake cookies to sell, made by Chloe.

“They are my favorite kind,” she said.

Chloe said she had a good day at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on June 3, selling 10 potholders and 11 bags of cookies. Her Mom is pondering a booth herself to sell her baked goods that she creates, and if that happens, Chloe will be selling more of her creations there as well.

It is $5 to set up a booth at Fort Scott Farmers Market, which meets every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at Skutbitz Plaza, in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

For more information on the market:

https://www.facebook.com/fsfma

 

 

Art, Bourbon County, Business

Young Entrepreneur Series: Camren Lamb

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Camren Lamb plays guitar to draw people in to his booth to view his artwork at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on June 3, 2023.

This is first in a series of young entrepreneurs in the community. The series aims to highlight youth who are venturing out in their own businesses.

Please submit names of other recommended young entrepreneurs to be featured to [email protected]

Camren Lamb, 9, heard about entrepreneurship in January 2022, at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Dare to Dream program, an adult entrepreneurship event.

Camren is the son of Melanie and Larry Lamb, rural Fort Scott.

Melanie attended the event and Camren came also.

“I asked if I could make a picture, so I sold my first art,” Camren said.

He sells artwork and plays a newly purchased guitar as part of his business.

Dacia Clark, with the Small Business Development Center, taught him and others in a April 2022 childrens workshop about developing a business plan, and other marketing basics, Rachel Carpenter with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team said. The SBDC is housed in the HBCAT office at 104 N. National Avenue.

“Acton Children’s Business Fair provided the curriculum, and HBCAT helped coordinate the efforts,” Carpenter said.

In addition to selling his artwork, he plays music requests on his guitar for passersby.

“I played ukelele first, then guitar,” he said. The guitar was purchased from money he earned at the Children’s Business Fair in April 2022.

He doesn’t charge for for playing, he said.

“I use it to draw people (in to look at his artwork),” he said. “I take requests  and tell them songs are free but I had a basket for artwork sales and people started putting money in for the music.”

He was selling at the Fort Scott Farmers Market for the first time on June 3. “This is my second time selling, the first time was at Buck Run Community Center at the Children’s Business Fair.”

 

Most recently he played guitar at the Shead Farm Festival, the Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store and at the Friday Night Free Concert at the gazebo downtown.

He took ukelele lessons from Bob Solomonson and guitar lessons from Stephen Moses, he said.

Camren said this year his earnings will go to help the Show Me Christian Youth Home and he  is also saving money for church camp.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Affordable High Speed Internet Project Coming to Bourbon County

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TOPEKA, June 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced a $49.9 million loan to connect thousands of rural Kansans to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The project will improve service for 149 businesses, 821 farms and over 4,000 people in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.

“High-speed internet is essential in today’s world of online business, learning and communication,” Davis said. “This investment will help ensure rural Kansas remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”

This is the fourth funding round of the USDA ReConnect Program. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has invested in 142 ReConnect projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement totaling $714 million in USDA investments in Kansas and 18 other states.

The Kansas details are:

  • The Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Inc. in Kansas will receive a $49,954,702 loan to connect 4,189 people, 821 farms, 149 businesses and three educational facilities to high-speed internet in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.

Background: ReConnect Program

Applicants to ReConnect Program funding must serve a rural area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. Applicants must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in the proposed service area. Additionally, to ensure that rural households that need internet service can afford it, all awardees will be required to apply to participate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service to qualifying low-income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Artist Reception and Master Class at Artificers

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Join Us at The Artificers For

Phillip Ortiz

Opening Reception and Master Class!

This Friday!

June 9th 6PM

Artist Opening Reception

Master Artist

Phillip Ortiz, Mixed Media Artist
Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Historic Economic Development

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded Third Consecutive Gold Shovel for
Historic Economic Development


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the third straight year, Kansas has won Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel Award. The back-to-back-to-back accolade has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment.

“Every day, my administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This award shows that our work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.”

Kansas was recognized for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state. Five states were awarded the prestigious Gold Shovel in their respective population categories, with Kansas at the top of the list of states with fewer than 3 million residents.

Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022, but it wasn’t the only one. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained.

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to bring prosperity to communities across the state is being fulfilled by home-grown businesses and companies from around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “A third straight Gold Shovel confirms our strategic plan for economic development is working.”

That strategic plan, the Kansas Framework for Growth, was unveiled by Governor Kelly in early 2021. Through the work of thousands of Kansans from the public and private sectors, the plan emphasizes:

  • Talent development and retention
  • Working with higher education institutions on job and business creation
  • Innovation as a driver of opportunity
  • Community assets and regional approaches
  • Long-term growth policies
  • Target business sectors

Almost 90% of the successes announced since the beginning of the Kelly administration came from one of the five target sectors. Over that time, Kansas has attracted more than $16.2 billion in private-sector investment and created or retained more than 57,000 jobs.

Area Development Magazine is a publication for economic development executives covering corporate site selection and relocation.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Rural Workforce Summit June 22

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Bourbon County Redi…
Rural Workforce Summit
The Rural Workforce Summit will feature seven nationally recognized industry leaders in workforce development, who will share their insights and expertise. This diverse group of speakers will offer valuable knowledge and practical strategies that can benefit individuals and businesses alike.
We have arranged a block of discounted hotel rooms at the Sleep Inn exclusively for summit attendees. If you have any out of town employees or executives who may choose to stay overnight before the event, they will gain unprecedented access to a networking event with all of the speakers. This exclusive opportunity allows for one-on-one conversations with each of the speakers, fostering valuable connections and insights.
To ensure your participation, please RSVP by June 19th by using the QR code on the attached flyer or the Eventbrite link in this email. We kindly request a nominal admission fee of $20, which includes lunch and a continental breakfast provided during the event.
Date: June 22, 2023 Time: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Art, Business

Uniontown Receives Kansas Grant For a Mural

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The Bandera Stone company building is on the north side of Uniontown’s square.

The City of Uniontown received a $2,250  grant from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to have a mural painted in the town.

The grant for the mural was initiated by Mary Pemberton, who with her husband owns Bandera Stone, a dimension stone business in town.

Recently, they renovated a brick building on the north side of Uniontown’s square, at 103 Third Street.

“I have been considering a mural since we started renovations on the building,” she said. “I always notice murals when I travel and I think this location by the park is a perfect place to bring a little art to Uniontown.”

Mary Pemberton stands in front of the east side of the Bandera Stone building, where the mural will be painted.

The Bandera Stone building has a large exposed eastern side, which can be viewed from the city park, across the street.

Pemberton read about the grant opportunity from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity and at first she wasn’t interested.

“But the promotion they do for the winners would get Uniontown some attention, not only locally but state-wide, so I decided to apply,” Pemberton said.

Danyell Miles, Fort Scott,  is the artist selected by Pemberton to design and paint the mural.

Pemberton said they are finalizing all the details on the design but that it includes Bourbon County and Kansas iconic images with a special feature that pays homage to local authors.

“I have always been an avid reader so wanted to do something to incorporate books into the mural,” she said.  “You’ll have to wait until the mural is finished and come see it in person to find this special feature.  The mural is designed with a lot of elements that require you to spend a few minutes and look closely to really understand the significance of the details.  The mural is also designed with selfie (photo) lovers in mind and will have one 3D element for photo opportunities. Danyell deserves all the credit for taking my unorganized ideas and putting them together to design a very unique and interesting mural.”

“Painting should start in late June,” Pemberton said. “We expect to have it completed in time for a grand reveal during the final Music in the Park event at Uniontown city park on August 11th.”

To prepare for the mural, the Pemberton’s had the brick wall tucked pointed and cleaned, plus put lighting along that side of the building.

The Grant

“Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population,” according to a press release from Kansas Governor Kelly’s office. “The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.”

 

Uniontown, in the western part of Bourbon County, has a population of approximately 300 people.

Fort Scott also received  a grant for a mural through this program.

That story will be featured in an upcoming feature on fortscott.biz.

 

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 2nd Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

Upcoming pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

Click here for all the FUN activities at the

Museum of Creativity, something for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

June Special at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Good Ol’ Days & Good Books, 25% off History, Historical Fiction, and Old Books

6/2 ~ Good Ol’ Days Chicken Dinner, 4:30-6pm, tickets on sale NOW at the Chamber, $9/dinner.

6/2-3 ~ Good Ol’ Days Parade and festivities

6/2 ~ First Friday at The Artificers, 8 N. National Ave.

6/2 ~ First Friday Backroom Art Gallery located at Hare & Crow, local art by local artist, 118 S. Main St., 1-9pm, click here for more info!

6/2 ~ Street Dance, Whiskey Outlaw and Bobby Degonia, Downtown Pavilion, bring your lawn chair , come out and enjoy music on the bricks, 7pm

6/2-3 ~ St. Mary’s MEGA sale in Kennedy Gym, all proceeds go to rebuild St. Mary’s Church

6/3-4 ~ Kansas Free Fishing Days, click here for more info!

6/3 ~ Storytime at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 2:30pm, guest storyteller Taylor Bailey

6/8 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Road, 8am

6/9 ~ Rock Star Karaoke at Memorial Hall, doors open at 6pm, live music at 7pm, food & drink available for purchase, entry $10 per person or $60 for a table of 6, all proceeds go to Memorial Hall Upgrades.

6/10 ~ Kansas Crossing presents Three Dog Night, must be 21+ to attend, click here for more info and to get tickets.

6/11 ~ First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott Presents Rev. Darryl Burton, 10:30am, click here for more info!

6/13 ~ Lunch & Learn – Hosted by KOAM TV, lunch provided at Empress Event Center, 12-12:45pm

6/15 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia, 110 E. 23rd St. 8am

6/15-16 ~ Blood Drive in Nevada Mo at First Baptist Church Reception Hall, Thursday 12-6pm and Friday 9am-2pm

6/16 ~ Paint Party – Daisy & Bee at Common Ground Coffee Co., $5 to reserve your spot/$20 due at class

6/17 ~ 2nd Annual Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America hosted by the American Legion Riders Post 25, registration starts at 8:30am to 10:30am @ Buck Run Community Center, click here for more info!

6/17 ~ Pizza Republic hosting Live Music event by Brian Lumley with the Red Dirt Underground, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

SAVE THE DATE!

6/22 ~ Rural Workforce Summit hosted by Bourbon County REDI and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, register today for $20/person, click here for info.

7/11 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet

7/21-22 ~ Wahzhazhe- The Osage Ballet

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

May Special at Hedgehog. INK! Bookstore!

42nd Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days:

Back to the Bricks! June 2nd & 3rd, Downtown Fort Scott, click here for details!

Live Music at Pizza Republic featuring Brian Lumley with the Red Dirt Underground!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Weekend Activities Schedule Provided by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

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THIS WEEKEND is the 42nd Annual
Fort Scott GOOD OL’ DAYS FESTIVAL!
Craft vendors, food trucks, live music, parade, children’s fair, car & bike show, model train show, living history activities, and more! Make your way to the bricks in Downtown Fort Scott this Friday & Saturday, June 2nd & 3rd! See the schedule here and find more info on fortscottgoodoldays.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneurs: at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

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The logo of Acton Children’s Business Fair from its website.

Several young children who are learning how to create their own business will have their wares on display and for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market this Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be at Third and Main Street, behind the First United Methodist Church in that parking lot.

Children who attended a young entrepreneurs fair in the last year will be selling their wares and encouraging other children to start their own businesses

“Saturday is to get the word out and let other children see a small sample of inspiration for what they can be a part of,” Maria Whitson, one of the parent organizers said. “It will also allow the children who have created businesses a chance to sell their products.”

“We will have opportunities for kids to take their ideas and learn about how to turn it into a business,” she said. “Then we will give them an opportunity to launch and sell their products at the kid’s business fair later this year. More information will be available at the kid’s booths at the farmers market this weekend.”

The Acton Children’s Business Fair will be sponsoring a fair again this fall. To learn more: https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/

“There will be cash prizes for the event in the fall,” Whitson said.

Whitson and Melanie Lamb are the parent organizers who will be available to answer questions on Saturday.

Melanie Lamb. Submitted photo.
Maria Whitson. Submitted photo.

Some of the children who will participate:

Camren Lamb is an young businessman, selling his artwork and music. Submitted photo.
Chloe Couchman will be selling her handmade potholders. Submitted photo.

“This weekend kids will be having their booths to inspire others to be entrepreneurs,” she said. “Kids who already have set up their own business to inspire others.”

Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.
Asher Whitson will be selling his framed artwork. From Facebook.

In addition, there will be handouts for a class in September that the youth can participate in, Whitson said.

Malachi Whitson will be selling jewery at the farmers market. From Facebook.
Grace Jackson along with her sisters will be selling produce. Submitted photos.
Trinity Jackson. Submitted photo.
The Jackson sisters will be selling produce, this is Evie. Submitted photos.

 

The farmers market has changed spaces this Saturday only, to accommodate the Good Ol’ Days annual celebration in downtown Fort Scott.