Category Archives: Business

Evergy Announces Dec. 28, 2022, Transfer to Nasdaq Stock Market

Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 15, 2022 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced it will transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective as of the opening of trading on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. The last day of trading on the NYSE will be Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Evergy’s common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “EVRG.”

 

“Evergy prides itself on innovation and providing cost-effective power and clean energy to our customers, while bringing value to our shareholders,” said David Campbell, Evergy President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our stock exchange move will allow us to benefit from Nasdaq’s cutting-edge technology and information in serving our shareholders, and we are excited to be joining a wide range of innovative companies listed on Nasdaq.”

 

About Evergy

 

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Our focus remains on producing, transmitting and delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for the benefit of our stakeholders. Today, about half of Evergy’s power comes from carbon-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We value innovation and adaptability to give our customers better ways to manage their energy use, to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees, and to add value for our investors. Headquartered in Kansas City, our employees are active members of the communities we serve.

 

For more information about Evergy, visit us at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Statements made in this Document that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Evergy, Inc.’s strategic plan, including, without limitation, those related to earnings per share, dividend, operating and maintenance expense and capital investment goals; the outcome of legislative efforts and regulatory and legal proceedings; future energy demand; future power prices; plans with respect to existing and potential future generation resources; the availability and cost of generation resources and energy storage; target emissions reductions; and other matters relating to expected financial performance or affecting future operations. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by forward-looking words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “seeks,” “intends,” “proposed,” “projects,” “planned,” “target,” “outlook,” “remain confident,” “goal,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information.

 

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Evergy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Evergy Companies”) are providing a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: economic and weather conditions and any impact on sales, prices and costs; changes in business strategy or operations; the impact of federal, state and local political, legislative, judicial and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, securitization and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding, among other things, customer rates and the prudency of operational decisions such as capital expenditures and asset retirements; changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices, or the interpretations thereof, governing tax, accounting and environmental matters, including air and water quality and waste management and disposal; the impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of significant weather events and the extent to which counterparties are willing to do business with, finance the operations of or purchase energy from the Evergy Companies due to the fact that the Evergy Companies operate coal-fired generation; prices and availability of electricity and natural gas in wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry and the Evergy Companies; the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on, among other things, sales, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and also on operational issues, such as supply chain issues and the availability and ability of the Evergy Companies’ employees and suppliers to perform the functions that are necessary to operate the Evergy Companies; changes in the energy trading markets in which the Evergy Companies participate, including retroactive repricing of transactions by regional transmission organizations and independent system operators; financial market conditions and performance, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate benchmark interest rate; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of physical and cybersecurity breaches, criminal activity, terrorist attacks, acts of war and other disruptions to the Evergy Companies’ facilities or information technology infrastructure or the facilities and infrastructure of third-party service providers on which the Evergy Companies rely; Impact of the Russian, Ukrainian conflict on the global energy market; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; cost, availability, quality and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the Evergy Companies’ ability to manage their transmission and distribution development plans and transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility, including environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including those related to the Evergy Companies’ ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, maintain satisfactory relationships with their labor unions and manage costs of, or changes in, wages, retirement, health care and other benefits; disruption, costs and uncertainties caused by or related to the actions of individuals or entities, such as activist shareholders or special interest groups, that seek to influence Evergy, Inc.’s strategic plan, financial results or operations; the possibility that strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and long-term financial plans, may not create the value that they are expected to achieve in a timely manner or at all; difficulties in maintaining relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties.

 

This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. You should also carefully consider the information contained in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC, and from time to time in current reports on Form 8-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The Evergy Companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

 

Investor Contact:

Pete Flynn

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 816-652-1060

[email protected]

 

­Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, External Communications

Phone: 785-508-2410

[email protected]        

Media line: 888-613-0003

 

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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by City of Fort Scott

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, December 15th at 8 a.m. hosted by The City of Fort Scott, 123 S. Main Street.

At this week’s Coffee, the City staff will provide a recap of the year 2022, and give a preview of what is to come in 2023.

 

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Chamber Selling Table Tent Ads

The Chamber puts out Table Tents every 2 months with a community calendar. There are 4 business card size ads available on each table tent for $50.00. The table tents are out for a 2 month period. We distribute roughly 500 to different businesses throughout the community; restaurants, hotels, Briggs Auto, Fort Scott Community College, and more!

Click here to reserve an ad space!

Please note that ad spaces are only for

Chamber Members. If you would like to become a Chamber Member click here for information or give us a call at 620.223.3566

Below is a sample table tent:

If your business or organization has any events for Jan/Feb events calendar please let us know!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion Members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 13: Boost Your Business

Rachel Carpenter is the director of  the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. Submitted photo. 

The Healthy Bourbon County Team center is hosting an event, Boost Local Business, that will be held at Healthy Bourbon County Action Teams’ office at 104 National Avenue on December 13 at 6 p.m.

The event is to help local business owners learn of the resources available to them.

An additional event with the same information will be offered on December 20th at noon, for those unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

The event’s purpose is to showcase different ways to support employees and employers, according to Rachel Carpenter, the director of Healthy Bourbon County Team’ s Center for Economic Growth program.

“Southeast Kansasworks is a hidden gem for businesses and community members,” Carpenter said.  “At this event they will share about their services and the different ways they can support employees and employers. They strive to help individuals be in the careers they want to be in by supporting them in getting education and certifications.”

“Business owners and community members are welcome to attend this event,” Carpenter said. “They register through an Eventbrite link found on the Facebook event or at HBCAT.org. The event is free and there is a for $40 gas voucher for each participant, food will be provided, and free childcare.”

“HBCAT contracted with Kansas University Medical Center… for their grant funded program COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said. “This helped establish the LHEAT (Local Health Equity Action Team) in Bourbon County. The LHEAT is comprised of community organizations, Community Health Workers, and community members.”

“The LHEAT has started off with $40,000 to help support the initiatives that the LHEAT strategizes,” Carpenter said. “One event that the LHEAT has done in the past is distribute produce boxes through out Bourbon County back in May.”

This event is also being sponsored by the Local Health Equity Action Team and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Kansasworks.

The event will include a  HBCAT overview, a KANSASWORKS overview, an explanation of business services offered and info on  a registered apprenticeship.

Brandi Galbreath. Submitted photo.

Speakers are Brandi Galbreath – Outreach Manager (Presenting 12/13/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

 

Jim Jenkins. Submitted photo.

Jim Jenkins – Business Services Director (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services

 

Dustin Troth. Submitted photo.

Dustin Troth – Business Services Representative (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services)

 

Nadia Qureshi. Submitted photo.

Nadia Qureshi – Outreach Coordinator (Presenting 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

 

Chastity Troxel. Submitted photo.

Chastity Troxel – Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager (Presenting on 12/13/22) on Kansas Registered Apprenticeship.

 

 

Carpenter graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University. She previously received certification in Community Development and Grant Writing also through Fort Hays State University.

Large Increase in Evergy’s Capital Plan

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a workshop
tomorrow to discuss large increase in Evergy’s Capital Plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is holding a workshop tomorrow (December 13) beginning at 9:30 a.m. to give Evergy officials the opportunity to explain a large increase in the company’s capital expenditure projections. Evergy’s capital investment plan, filed with the Commission earlier this year, showed a $1.2 billion increase in projected spending compared to its Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) presented last year.

Commission Staff expressed concern over the increased spending projections. The Commission echoed those concerns in an order issued on September 15, stating, “Evergy’s Capital Improvement Plan affects the majority of Kansans and thus requires public scrutiny.”

During the workshop, Evergy will be asked to explain the reasons for the increase and how it would impact ratepayers, as well as answer questions from KCC Commissioners, Commission Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB).

The workshop is informational only and no Commission action will be taken. The cost of capital investments and any proposed changes to rates are reviewed by the Commission during a rate case. Evergy has not filed for a rate case.

The workshop will be conducted virtually by Zoom and is available for public viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The workshop will also be recorded for later viewing.

 

Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm

Ethan, Rinley, Stetson, and Katie Holly on opening day of their Farm Store last weekend. Submitted photo.
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.

The Holly’s  began their a new business in 2020 when they  started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.

“We value knowing where the meat we  are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”

“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”

In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.

In the Spring of 2021  they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”

“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”

This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.

“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”

The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.

“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area,  which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”

Still Waters Farm Store is located on the Holly property at 2014 Locust Road, rural Fort Scott. Featured in the shop is locally raised beef and pork.Submitted photo.

The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.

If there are questions about the business,  contact  via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook  for more information.

“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.

The Family’s Background

The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.

Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children  while managing the daily farm chores.

Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.

The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.

USDA Loans and Grants to Create and Expand Rural Businesses

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that the Department is investing $7,168,490 in loans and grants to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas communities.

For example:

  • A $6,971,000 loan will help refinance debt held by another lender for Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC of Gove County. Triple Crown Energy specializes in acquiring, developing and operating oil and gas properties in a variety of basins in the Continental US. One of Triple Crown’s subsidiaries, Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC, owns and operates producing wells in Ness, Gove and Hodgeman counties.

 

  • A $178,607 grant will help provide technical assistance to rural grocery stores transitioning to mutually owned business models, including the cooperative model in rural communities. The Rural Grocery Initiative will work with Kansas State University and partners across Kansas to enhance and deliver cooperative development services. The primary objective is improving the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. This project will assist 30 businesses and save two jobs.

 

  • An $18,883 grant will help provide technical assistance to West Central Missouri Community Action Agency to advance its START HERE revolving loan fund and Business Acceleration Network in Appleton City, Missouri. This project will help serve microentrepreneurs in West Central Missouri and Southeast Kansas. This project is expected to assist 20 small businesses.

 

Submitted by

Allen Pickert

Public Affairs Specialist

State office, Rural Development

United States Department of Agriculture

1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100

Topeka, KS 66604

Phone: 785-271-2700     Cell: 785-207-1171

http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks

@RurDev_Kansas

 

“Together, America Prospers”

 

Stay Connected with USDA:

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bids and Dibs: Largest Resale Boutique In Kansas

December 2022. Bids and Dibs, a  resale boutique. Submitted photo.
A local consignment store is celebrating 10 years serving the community, and has acquired some recognition.
In conjunction with the anniversary, they are hosting the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
To learn more about the special deals/discounts:
Angela Simon. Submitted photo.

Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.

Opening day of Bids and Dibs in December 2012 at 19 S. National Avenue. Submitted photo.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and  Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Employees of Bids and Dibs. Submitted photo.

Upgrading Technology in January 2023

“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said.  “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”

Bids and Dibs 10th Anniversary Celebration Kick Off Dec. 8 At Chamber Coffee

Bids and Dibs will kick off its 10th anniversary celebration on Thursday December 8th at 8 AM by hosting a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Open House.
There will be refreshments and a full coffee and hot cocoa bar.
“We will also have a drawing for several door prizes to be given away that morning,” owner Angela Simon said. “The celebration will continue December 8 through the 10th.”
“The first 50 customers in-store all three of those days will receive a scratch off ticket with discounts up to 30% off,” she said. “Consignors will receive an extra 10% off when they use their account credit to pay. All Customers will receive a free gift with every purchase and an entry to win a filled, giant Christmas Stocking valued at over $100!”
The shop will be open Christmas Eve day from 8 AM to noon.
“We will re-open the day after Christmas on the 26th for our annual half price sale,” Simon said. “Everything in the store is 50% off nothing is held back. That sale runs for two days the 26th through the 27th.”
“After the year end sales are finished we will close until the second week of January to implement our new consignment system,” she said. “We will start the 2023 consignment year then. Please watch for updates on our policies and procedures.”

Cocoa and Caroling Dec. 9 Downtown Fort Scott

Cocoa & Caroling!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott. It will be held this Friday evening, December 9th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas.
The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa being served by the Museum of Creativity in front of the Sunshine Boutique. This will offer locals and visitors another opportunity to shop small and support local, while enjoying some holiday cheer. Find the hidden mistletoe in stores to win Chamber bucks!
Participating stores include: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK!, Iron Star (will close at 6:30pm to attend CASA event), Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Museum of Creativity, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Bids and Dibs on Dec. 8

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Bids and Dibs

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, December 8th at 8 a.m. hosted by Bids and Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and celebrate Bids & Dibs 10-year anniversary. The Chamber Coffee will kick off special events the store will be hosting December 8-10th where they will offer prize drawings, discounts, and a free gift with every purchase.

 

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.  Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.