Category Archives: Business

Chamber Offers Health Plan to Local Businesses and Organizations

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce announces
Chamber Blue
Health Insurance Offering
We are excited to announce we are
joining forces with CCEKS (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas),
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and
37 other Chambers across the state to offer
an association health plan to our members for your business or organization.
Join us for an informational session about
the plan on Wednesday, June 22nd at the
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room:
3 time options of 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm
Click here to register to attend one of the sessions so we will know how many to expect.
See brochure below or click here to view more info. on Chamber Blue on our website.
*Businesses or organizations do not have to be a
Chamber member to attend the informational sessions to learn more and get rate quotes, but will need to become a member to enroll in the insurance when the time comes.
Click here for a printable copy of the brochure shown above.
Cristy Mitchell of BCBS of KS and Chamber member
Don Doherty of Northwestern Mutual Life,
RPS Benefits, Inc. will be in attendance at the informational sessions to provide all the details and answer questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!

New Auto Detail Business Owner Follows His Passion

Submitted photo of Chance Gosewisch.
Chance Gosewisch (pronounced Go-switch), 25, started his auto detailing business in May 2022, called Prestige Auto Spa & Ceramic Coatings.
He offers professional auto detailing, specializing in paint correction, ceramic coatings, interior detailing, waxing, paint sealants, headlight restoration, LED installment according to his Facebook page. And he is willing to tackle marine, RV, SXS’s, quads and motorcycle coatings/corrections
“I started this business because God had placed it on my heart to follow my passion and what fuels my soul,” Gosewisch said. “I love cars and have always had a passion for them. I especially love taking care of them and preserving their beauty and sharing my passion with others.”
 “I am professionally licensed, trained and certified as well, through a prestigious school with elite leaders in this industry,” he said.
The business is offering a Father’s Day special on Facebook for the days up to Father’s Day, June 19.
Gosewisch said he can make a dad or husband’s day special by getting rid of scratches, stained seats or carpet or renewing worn out leather seat.
Contact Goswisch at
 or 620-215-3287
or Facebook: Prestige Auto Spa & Ceramic Coatings

Ks Helps Small Business Recovery

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing $50 Million of Financial Relief to Kansas
Small Businesses

 

TOPEKA –Surrounded by small business leaders in downtown Topeka, Governor Laura Kelly today signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, which will invest $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Providing $50 million of financial assistance for small businesses is just one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business state in the country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The financial assistance legislation I signed today will support our entrepreneurs by ensuring they can make the investments they need to hire workers, strengthen their product lines, and better serve their communities.”

“Small businesses are what power our economy, and this legislation builds on years of work to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to serve customers and create jobs,” said Senator Tom Holland. “Through bipartisan collaboration, we will be able to continue to make sure that our economy continues to grow a strong base of businesses here in Kansas.”

Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

“House Bill 2136 is a product of the many people who have shown unwavering commitment to Kansas small businesses,” Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said. “On behalf of the Kansas business community, thank you to Governor Kelly and the legislature for supporting this legislation. It will provide relief for the small businesses that make up the backbone of our state.”

More information about HB 2136 can be found here.

New Supper Club: Twigs & Berries

Suzanne Griffin. Submitted photo.

Suzanne Griffin had opened her home to feed over 30 high school students on Wednesday evenings before the COVID-19 Pandemic started, which she calls a supper club.

Submitted photos.

The stay-at-home mom of six children had been told she was a good cook and mentioned the idea of a supper club to friends.

In April 2022  Griffin began her business of making homemade, pre-assembled meals to sell.

The name of her business is Twigs & Berries, and the meals are made in her home at 1211 S. Judson. She makes family-style meals ready to pick up, take home, bake and enjoy.

“We are going into our third month and serve between 80-100 orders each Wednesday night,” she said.  “Customers place orders ahead of time online through a form, or message me and then pick up curbside.”

Each meal includes a main dish, two side dishes and a dessert.

“We also offer mason jar salads, frozen entrees, full side desserts and once a month a breakfast pickup,” she said.  “We have been so blessed to offer meals that are delicious, affordable and family-friendly.  It was an answer to prayer to provide for our family at the same time to be a blessing to others.”

Contact information for Twigs and Berries is 479-263-4059 or Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/groups/508029837448241

 

Downtown Store Changes Name

Rechelle, Joshua and Julie McClellan. Submitted photo.

Main Street Gallery & Gifts has a new name to rebrand because of additions to the store, located at 23 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott’s historic district.

Since April, it is now called Main Street Vintage and Co.

“We have been wanting to re-brand for sometime now, and we finally made a decision,” said Josh McClellan,one of the owners.

Submitted graphic.

The owners remain the same: Julie McClellan and her son, Josh, and daughter in-law Rechelle.

The family started their store in Oct. 2000.

Since Oct. 2019,Rechelle has been working full time and since then, “We have done a total transformation,” Josh said. “We now have more than 60 vendors.”

“We wanted to reflect our store with a new and improved name.” he said. “We needed something more upscale. We offer several boutique vendors and we have numerous furniture artists. We offer
more products also, from DIY chalk paint, to decoupage papers and stencils by Jami Ray Vintage, and transfers, stamps, and molds by Iron Orchid Designs.”

Decoupage papers are now available at the store. Submitted photos.

“We have people that have never been to the store and they come in and say ‘Wow, it’s beautiful here!’ We wanted to show
that in our name.”

“We changed our name at the end of April 2022 on all of our social media platforms,” Josh said. “Julie and I have been working on the name change with several vendors for sometime now,” Josh said. “We are proud of all of our accomplishments and wanted to show the public.”

The following are some offerings of the store:

 

 

Sports Training Available

Momentum Indoor Training Summer Offerings:

Sports Performance Training – Training designed specifically for an individual to increase general and sport specialized sports performance.  It is crucial to improving an athlete’s ability to master the skills of their chosen sport, reduce the risk of injury, and gain a competitive edge.  Scheduled individually or in small groups each athlete has training designed specifically to teach proper movement patterns that will improve their speed, power, agility, and more.  Athletes from any and all sports benefit from Sports Performance Training.

 

Sports Performance Training is scheduled on an individual or small group basis Tuesdays to Fridays.

 

Pricing –

7 to 11 years old – $50 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

12 years old and older – $75 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

Monthly pricing is available after the first 12 sessions

 

 

Skills Room Access

 

Volleyball – Utilize the Sports Attack Volleyball Skillz Attack machine.  This machine can Serve, Pass, Set, and Hit.  It allows any player to train any and all the positions by themselves anytime they want or need to.  The Skillz Attack can also be used in small groups.  Volleyball will be set-up for scheduling on Wednesdays.

 

Softball/Baseball – Train like an elite athlete with the Hack Attack Softball and Baseball pitching machine.  Both machines can pitch multiple pitches and simulate a live pitcher by throwing balls around the strike zone instead of just straight pitches.  20 minutes against the machine will allow an athlete to see an average of 75 pitches.  The Softball/Baseball machines will be set-up for scheduling on Tuesdays and Thursday for individuals and groups of less than 5 players.

 

 

All training is by appointment and on a first come first serve basis and will be the following:

Tuesdays – Softball/Baseball

Wednesdays – Volleyball

Thursdays – Softball/Baseball

Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays – Skills Room is closed to all scheduling

 

Skills Room Pricing

30 minutes – $25

1 hour – $40

A loyalty program will be in place for those who qualify

All previously purchased packages will continue to be honored

 

 

Emelia Whiteaker, MS, ATC, PES – Owner/Operator/Trainer

A native of Fort Scott, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Washburn University and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Sports Performance and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania.  Emelia holds certifications from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist.  Over a 15 year career she has trained athletes ranging in age from 6 years old to the professional levels and sports that include: Football, Distance Running, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Rodeo, Hockey and more.  Many of Emelia’s athletes have gone on to be individual and team state champions and compete as elite athletes.  It is her belief that every child that has the heart to be an athletes has the potential to be an athlete and it is her job to help them get there.

 

Momentum Indoor Training can be reached by Call or Text at (620) 224-8442, e-mail: [email protected] or message the Facebook page: @mitrainingfs.

 

 

 

Tri-Valley Holds Award Ceremony

Labconco is the Business of the Year for 2022. Submitted photos.

On Friday, April 29th , Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2022 Award Ceremony to celebrate individual achievements as well as community support in Bourbon county.  The ceremony took place at 1 pm at Tri-Valley’s Service Center located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.  Awards were presented to the following individuals:

Business of the Year – Labconco

Employer of the Year – Wendy’s Ol’ Fashioned Hamburgers of Fort Scott

Achievement Award – Crystal Douglas

Winfred Jent Award – Judge Mark Ward

Mark Ward was selected at the Winfred Jent Award winner for 2022. Submitted photos.

Board of Director’s Award – Ken Anderson

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mertz Tax Service

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Mertz Tax Service with Janice Allen accepting.Submitted photos.

Refreshments were served following the ceremony.  Attendees received a Tri-Valley cup as a takeaway.

Submitted by Tricia Campbell, Special Projects Coordinator at

Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

 

 

STEP INTO SUMMER SIDEWALK SALE

 


The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Step into Summer Sidewalk Sale that will take place Downtown and Around on Saturday, May 21st

 

Participating merchants include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Hare & Crow barber Shop, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Main Street Vintage & Co., Mayco Ace Hardware, Museum of Creativity Gift Shop, Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market. 

 

The Step into Summer Sidewalk Sale is a great opportunity to support locally owned retailers while enjoying refreshments and finding good deals.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Historic Buildings Are Given New Life

11 N. Main.

Eddie Townley and his wife, Susan, have purchased two historic buildings in downtown Fort Scott.

Ed and Susan Townley with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townley and Ella Townley. Pictured in the store front before the renovation of the building at 11 N. Main began in November 2021.

One, 11 N. Main,  is now completed and put to use, the other, 12 N. Main is on the agenda for updating.

11 N. Main seen through the front window. May 2022.

11 N. Main is the former Books and Grannies Book Store which was purchased in January 2021, while 12 N. Main is the former Country Cupboard.

11 N. Main as seen from the back door on Skubitz Plaza. May 2022.

At 11 N. Main, “We emptied it out, rearranged some walls, and made an ADA compliant bathroom on the first floor,” Townley said. “We also did painting, new flooring and painted the ceiling.”

“It turned out really nice,” he said. “It is rented by a Fort Scott Greyhound legacy group, as a gathering place.”

The building has about 1,700 square feet on the first floor. The second floor is a later project, he said.

12 N. Main, the former Country Cupboard

12 N. Main is slated for renovation completion in the summer of 2022, according to new owner Eddie Townley.

12 N. Main was purchased by the Townleys in December 2021.

“We are going to give it a good facelift and bring it up to date,” he said. “Bathrooms, flooring, painting.” The timeline is summer 2022 completion.

“The Country Cupboard was a great building with good bones,” Townley said.

This building use is undetermined as yet, Townley said.

12 N. Main was formerly the Country Cupboard, a decades old business which was an anchor in the historic Fort Scott Downtown.

Townley said he “wants to see the downtown come back to life,” and wants to be active in the revitalization.

“We would, like the Renard’s want to be involved in the community,” he said.

Judy and John Renard owned the Country Cupboard for many decades and was an anchor store in downtown Fort Scott.

To view more history of the building:

Country Cupboard To Close For Good, Until Then Saturdays Only

 

 

Input Needed For Workforce Survey

Chamber Logo New 2019.jpg

WORKFORCE SURVEY

FORT SCOTT – BOURBON COUNTY AREA

YOUR RESPONSE IS APPRECIATED!

Only one primary contact for each

business/organization needs to complete

the survey.  If you are not the right person

to answer workforce questions, please forward to the person within your organization who can respond.

Employers of all sizes are asked to respond.

Thank you!

The Chamber is sending in

partnership with Bourbon County REDI

Greetings!

RE: Important Survey of Workforce for our Area – Your Response is Appreciated!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is supporting Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) on an important survey of workforce for our area.  This survey is looking for your input on the availability, education and training levels of your workforce and difficulties in hiring. It also asks some questions related to housing, as it impacts workforce attraction and retention.

 

This survey only needs to be completed by one PRIMARY contact for each business/organization. As such, I hope you will take about 15 minutes to answer this important survey.

If you are not the right person to address these questions, please forward to the person within your organization who can respond.

 

You will find the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BourbonBusinessSurvey

 

Again, your input is very critical to insuring REDI and the Chamber have a good view of the current and future workforce needs.  Please take the survey today.

Thank you!

Lindsay Madison

President & CEO

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE SURVEY,

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE

& PARTICIPATION!

Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.

Chamber Champions Logo Image 2022 - Ledger Size.png