Governor Laura Kelly Announces Peerless Products Expansion to Create Over 100 Jobs in Iola
~ Peerless Expansion Represents Largest Job Announcement in Allen County Since 1994~
IOLA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated the announcement of Peerless Products, Inc., purchasing a 150,000-square-foot facility in Iola to expand its production capability.
Peerless estimates the expansion will create 100 to 120 new full-time jobs in Iola over the next five years, with a capital investment of $10.35 million.
“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”
Governor Kelly joined Scheduling and Purchasing Manager for Peerless Products Josh Granere, Iola Mayor Jonathan Wells, Thrive Allen County President and CEO Lisse Regher, and Secretary of Commerce David Toland for today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Kansas-based Peerless produces high-performance architectural aluminum windows and doors for new construction, replacement and historical construction for high-rise and institutional buildings. The expansion of its operations will allow the company to begin to diversify its product line by moving into commercial windows.
“I’m honored to help celebrate a significant economic development win for our state—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Peerless Products and the workforce in Iola and Southeast Kansas,” Secretary Toland said. “Congratulations to Peerless and to our local partners on making this ambitious vision for growth a reality.”
“With our continued growth in Fort Scott, where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows,” President of Peerless Products Coby Jones said. “We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”
The State of Kansas, City of Iola and Allen County partnered to secure the Peerless expansion project, which is the largest job announcement in Allen County since 1994.
Kansas Small Business Development Center Offers New Business Support Kiosk to Bourbon County Residents
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be launching their new Business Support Kiosk to provide no-cost consulting services to small businesses in the Bourbon County area.
The Kansas SBDC Business Support Kiosk will launch on November 2nd inside the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center located at 17 N. Main in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Kiosk will have a mixture of in-person support and daily walk-in video conference support. Support available will include COVID-19 business programs, steps to starting a business, industry research, training seminars, and access to additional SBDC experts across the state.
“We want to give current businesses the tools to build sustainable business models with the capital and resources needed,” said Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director. “The Kansas SBDC has a track record of supplying small businesses with industry reports, business planning templates, and resources needed for long term success.”
Hoener also stated that having the Kansas SBDC’s certified personnel is crucial for the community’s economy and small businesses moving forward.
“It’s nice helping bring this enhanced service to my hometown,” said Dacia Clark, Assistant Director for the Kansas SBDC at Pittsburg State University. “We want to give special thanks to the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County for their continued support of the Kansas SBDC program.”
About the Kansas SBDC: The Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University serves as the regional consulting resource for the small business owner. Whether it’s an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get off the ground, we provide our customers with quality professional and personal care. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Pittsburg State University, a majority of our services come at no cost to the local business. Learn more about the Kansas SBDC at http://www.pittstatesmallbusiness.com/.
A new round of grants for small businesses is available online as of today, Oct. 26, according to Jody Hoener, Bourbon County’s Economic Director.
This is a NEW grant opportunity for for-profit business and she advised applying before the Nov. 2 deadline, next week, she said.
“I haven’t applied for this specific grant and it is online,” Hoener said. “If anyone needs any help though, I would be more than willing to help.” Contact her at [email protected]
2020 GORDON PARKS PHOTO CONTEST Sponsored by Merl Humphrey. The Theme “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” for any amateur photographer. Deadline EXTENDED to 10/26/2020, send submission to [email protected].
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
10/23-10/29 –FORT CINEMA The Nightmare Before Christmas, Honest Thief, The War with Grandpa
10/23 & 10/24 – CLARK STREET LIGHTS, HALLOWEEN THEME & SCREAM!
10/23 – FORT SCOTT FARMERS’ MARKET– At Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon. American Legion serving Breakfast on the Bricks starting at 8am.
10/24 –OPEN HOUSE FORT SCOTT EXPLORATORIUM! ~ 10 am – 5 pm. Sample Exhibits, Take home & build projects, Shop custom homemade crafts. Run through the Halloween themed maze! Much more! Visit:
10/24 -BACKYARD BAIT CHILI COOKOFF AT GUNN PARK! Hosting to raise money for the FSHS students. Raffles, Top 3 winners, Free-will donation. Gunn Park 1010 Park Ave. 3-6 pm
10/25 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
By attending the Chamber Coffee we will be the first to see the displays and sample exhibits that the Fort Scott Exploratorium will present at their first OPEN HOUSE, October 24th. Also two more scheduled for November 21st and December 12th
Bowman’s ~ “We plan on creating a museum with interactive components. For each of the sections we’ll have some displays behind plexiglass and others that visitors can explore hands on”.
We will also be teaching classes ourselves (or leasing space for others to do so), hosting clubs and birthday parties.
Be sure to follow our blog to keep tabs on our progress converting this open space into a realization of dreams.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE
Announcer for October: Gregg Motley
10/29 ~ OPEN date to schedule a Chamber Member Coffee
The Bowman Family moved into the Beaux-Arts Centre. Submitted photo.
Before March 2020, the Bowman family was quite content living in North Kansas City in a wonderful neighborhood, Lorina Bowman said. “I accidentally came across the Beaux-Arts Centre on Zillow ( a real estate website) and saw a lot of potential. “
The Beaux-Arts Centre, 102 S. National Ave, is next door to the post office.
“When my husband saw it, he was also excited,” she said.
They set up several appointments with the owners to view the property.
” We tried to talk ourselves out of it because the building needs to be updated quite a bit, but every con was able to be twisted into a pro,” she said. They prayed and feel God led them to purchase the property.
The family plans to open a museum with interactive components and call it Exploratorium.
“It’s always been a dream of ours to open a business that would incorporate all of my family’s hobbies and talents,” Lorina said. “The fact that my family is able to live on the top floor while we build the museum is the only way our vision is possible.”
“We will have fun, unique exhibits that all ages will enjoy, such as; Barbie, Model Trains, Lego, and more,” Lorina said. “We will have play structures and other hands-on activities. The building will also include a gift shop and eventually a snack bar. We are most excited about our classroom which is where we will host workshops and clubs to really get the community involved in teaching, learning and exploring new hobbies and talents.”
The Bowman Family is comprised of Johnathan, a computer programmer who works from home since leaving California in June 2017. “He is excited to learn new handyman skills as he tackles different projects in the building,” Lorina said.
Lorina is a stay-at-home mom but loves to make crafts to sell at fairs and is excited to have a full-time gift shop to sell all the creations she’s made over the years, she said.
She’s also happy she can put on events to “appease her overzealous party planning passion,” she said.
Marshall is 15 years old and enjoys creating Electonic Dance Music on the computer and building weapons out of polyvinyl chloride pipe.
Vivian is 13 and loves Harry Potter, Legos, and reading.
Theodore is almost 11 and a master at creating obstacle courses and unique games for his siblings to play, Lorina said.
Lawrence is 9 and can fold origami for hours and keep his family laughing with his humor, she said.
Adelaide is 4 and does her best to keep up with the rest of the family, she said.
The youngest is Harriet, 2, who has the cutest smile and curls, Lorina said.
The timeline for the project is undetermined.
“The timeline really depends on the community,” Lorina said. ” My husband and my dad have been doing a lot of the projects tackled so far. If left to our own devices we could eventually open our doors to the public but it would be years in the making. Why wait that long? “
“With enough community support through funding and volunteer labor we could open as early as next spring and then ALL generations could come together to enjoy our Exploratorium,” she said.
Follow the project on Facebook @ Fort Scott Exploratorium to find out how you can help and see what they have accomplished and what currently working on.
2020 GORDON PARKS PHOTO CONTEST Sponsored by Merl Humphrey. The Theme “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” for any amateur photographer. Deadline EXTENDED to 10/26/2020, send submission to [email protected].
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
10/16-10/22 –FORT CINEMA Heaven, Nightmare Before Christmas, Honest Thief,
10/16 – The FSHS Tigers Football game on the Big Screen! Free – Reserve your seats to watch the game!
10/16 & 10/17 – CLARK STREET LIGHTS, HALLOWEEN THEME & SCREAM!
$1 entry from 7 pm -10 pm
10/16 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
10/16 – FORT SCOTT FARMERS’ MARKET– At Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon. American Legion serving Breakfast on the Bricks starting at 8am.
10/16, 17 & 18th – KANSAS ROCKS WEEKEND Our C-19 Camp -N- Crawl a 3-day event. One price for the entire weekend, Collecting toys for the Christmas Season.
10/17 –CRUISE NIGHT – Cruise night for the season! 6 pm -10 pm, route of 6th St. to 18th!
10/17 –FSCC – HEAD BASKETBALL COACH “COOK’S CLINIC” – Open Sat. from 10 am – 1 pm., Arnold Arena. Coach Cook and other area coaches will present various drills and areas on emphasis. $20 per person .620.223.2700 # 7280
10/17- BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!Live Music featuring Damaris hosted by the Boiler Room Brewhaus! 7:30 – 9:30 PM
10/17- FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH ~”America in the End Times’ with Gary Kah, 6-8 pm. 1818 S. Main St.
10/18 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
SAVE THE DATE!
10/21 ~BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings in the Ghetto Taco Truck from 4 pm – 8 pm. Authentic Street Tacos, Come in for a Drink!
10/21 ~WARD KRAFT JOB FAIR ~ Hiring Office, Sales and Production Members. Apply from 10 am -2 pm and again from 4 to 6 pm. Hall, Meet & Greet at 5:30 pm, and Forum starts at 6 pm
Dr. John Fox MD and Mary Beth Newkirk APRN, FNP-C are the owners of NewFox Wellness. Submitted photo.
Dr. John Fox and Nurse Practitioner Mary Beth Newkirk have partnered to open a new med/spa business called NewFox Wellness.
It is located at 1118 S. Clark, Fort Scott inside the Re:Freshed Salon and Spa, just off 12th Street and Hwy. 69.
NewFox Wellness is located in the Five-Corners Strip Mall off of 12th Street.
The business features advanced aesthetics.
“Advanced aesthetics is typically offered in large cities but we are bringing these services closer to home,” Newkirk said. “Many people use these types of products but it takes a lot of time, travel, and added expenses to go to K.C. or farther for treatment. By offering these services in the community, people can actually decrease their overall cost and time. We plan to continue to expand with many additional services and are open to wellness suggestions from the community!”
Newkirk works on a patient. Submitted photo.
Services offered: Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, Kybella, microneedling with the only FDA approved SkinPen, skin tag removal, and Cryotherapy for minor skin lesions, she said.
“Our goal is to partner with Delane Godden, owner of {Re:Freshed} Salon and Spa, to treat the whole person’s facial and skin needs,” Newkirk said. “We all have blemishes or insecurities about our bodies we want fixed; these products allow Dr. Fox and I to offer results at a fraction of the cost compared to surgery and/or laser treatments.”
Newkirk enjoys the job she has.
Newkirk works on a patient. Submitted photo.
” As a provider, there is an amazing amount of joy in watching a person’s confidence increase after correcting a facial asymmetry or treating their TMJ pain with Botox or healing acne scarring that has been present for years,” she said. “Many of the services we are offering will boost a person’s self-esteem, worth, and confidence. Who doesn’t want that? “
NewFox Wellness is located inside the Re:Freshed Salon and Spa, 1118 S. Clark. Submitted photo.
She is offering free consultations and grand opening promotions as well. The grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 1.
The phone number is 620-215-5890.
The business will be from Monday-Saturday by appointments. “Times may vary based on injector availability,” Newkirk said.
Follow NewFox Wellness on Facebook and IG for more info and updates.
Owners
Newkirk is a Nurse Practitioner certified in family medicine.
” I graduated with my advanced nursing degree from Pittsburg State University and have additional training in Advanced Aesthetics and injectables through the National Laser Institute,” she said.
She trained under Brittney Burnworth, nurse practitioner and owner of BB Aesthetics in Columbus Ohio, a top 250 medspa in the nation, she said. She is an Allergan Epic Advanced Training Injector Nurse Educator.
Dr. John Fox is co-owner and medical director for NewFox Wellness.
“Dr. Fox is well known and loved in this community,” Newkirk said. “It was a huge loss to our area when Mercy (Hospital) closed and he was forced to move his practice outside our area. NewFox Wellness is a way for us to give back to his wonderful patients and the community by offering services not provided in this area.”
Kansas Corporation Commission schedules public hearing and comment period to receive input on solar rate design
A public hearing on electric rate design options for Kansans that use solar panels is scheduled for November 5 at 6 p.m. The Kansas Corporation Commission will conduct the hearing virtually via Zoom. Kansans who wish to speak at the hearing will need to register in advance in order to receive login information. The hearing will be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing.
For those who do not wish to speak at the hearing, there is an opportunity to submit a comment online from the KCC’s website, via email or written letter beginning today. The comment period ends on December 21 at 5 p.m.
In September 2018, as part of a Westar (now Evergy) rate case, the Commission approved a three-part rate design for residential solar customers that includes a demand charge. The Sierra Club and Vote Solar, who were parties to the docket, filed an appeal. In April of this year, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed the judgement of the Court of Appeals and the Commission and sent the matter back to the KCC for further proceedings.
An order on a new rate design consistent with the Court’s opinion is due on or before February 25, 2021.
Hound Nutrition owner, Haven Kelly, right, stands in front of the snack shop with Abbygail Profitt, one of four employees. Profit is from Joplin, MO.
Haven Kelly was 19 when she opened Hound Nutrition in downtown Fort Scott in August 2020.
The young entrepreneur said she saw an opportunity and “went for it. There is not a nutrition shop in Fort Scott.”
An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. Kelly’s dad, David Owens, is a silent partner in the business.
“He comes on weekends and helps out,” Kelly said. “He supports me in every way possible.”
Kelly is from Blue Jacket, OK, her dad is from Welch, OK.
Hound Nutrition sells snacks, meal replacements, and all manner of teas at the shop.
One side of the Hound Nutrition Menu.
“We use Herbal Life Nutrition, the number one nutrition company in the world,” Kelly said.
“We do protein waffles, donuts and cake pops,” she said.
Today, Oct. 14 the shop is having its first Waffle Wednesday.
“We will sell them until we run out,” she said. “I’m super excited.”
On Thursdays, the shop personnel sells mega teas for the price of a medium, and on Saturdays, one can buy five to-go teas for $25, she said.
This Friday evening is the start of game nights at the shop, Kelly said.
“Card games, board games, Jenga, corn hole and tic/tac/toe,” she said.
“I’ll be open to play some games and hang out,” Kelly said. “It starts Oct. 16, open until 8-9 p.m.
Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kelly is on the Fort Scott Community College softball team.
A local business resource center was brought to fruition because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The idea of a business resource center being needed became abundantly clear around March or April,” Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director said. “Businesses were scrambling, trying to maintain or adapt as required, trying to keep their heads above water, all while attempting to navigate the very complex financial relief offered by the (U.S.)Small Business Administration and others. Just raising awareness of the opportunities and making critical connections to financial institutions for relief became a full-time job, let alone helping owners fill out applications.”
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
B-WERC Formed
The local program, called the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (B-WERC), was funded through Kansas’ Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program, which was from money dispursed through the U.S. Cares Act Relief, all of these COVID-19 related measures by the layers of government.
Its purpose is to address current and immediate COVID-19 Pandemic related needs to assist business, encourage economic activity, and address unemployment, according to Hoener.
“I realized that the solution of throwing money at the problem was a very short term fix,” Hoener said. ” Businesses need customers for long term sustainability. The value in an increased online presence was highlighted more than ever during this pandemic. Restaurants were developing online solutions for curbside or delivery services as they were forced to close down. Other retailers were developing online solutions to get their products in the hands of customers. Distance learning, telework, or telehealth became a forced reality.”
Partnerships
“Other partnerships and resources are available through the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Scott Community College,” she said. “The chamber will assist the county in coordinating and promoting. Fort Scott Community College will be offering community classes in B-WERC on social media and other skills. Classes will be hands-on with available laptops for each participant. Telework and distance learning stations will be available for community members who need access to high-speed internet.”
Fort Scott Community College.
“We will provide 20 qualified businesses free website building with expert assistance in value propositions and messaging critical to branding,” Hoener said.
A partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University will assist businesses to obtain needed capital and provide business planning assistance for sustainability, Hoener said.
Pittsburg State University.
“These incredibly valuable services, in addition to marketing or industry reports, will be readily available,” she said. “This unique assistance will give businesses the needed help to build sustainable models.”
Entrepreneurs
“Many times communities who experience high unemployment rate will in turn see high entrepreneurship rates,” Hoener said. “For those (who are) unemployed and have great ideas to start their own business, this will give them the tools and know-how to move forward successfully.”
Job-Seeking
“A job seeking service will also be available onsite through another partner, KansasWorks, two times a week,” she said.
Childcare, An Important Component
“Childcare centers and daycares have high standards to maintain licensures. One requirement is to meet continuing education requirements. Although continued education for staff is clearly a need, it can create a burden on the facilities in scheduling, costs, and human resources. It is estimated there are approximately 15 illegal daycare providers in our county. Through our partner KansasWorks, B-WERC will be implementing a program that will offer to work with the childcare centers and daycares to meet credentialing requirements of continuing education hours. A program will be implemented to incentivize illegal care to become legal. Childcare is critical to keep our workforce working.” Hoener said.
The B-WERC office will be located on the second floor of the old Kress building at 17 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott. The office is expected to be open Nov. 2, according to Hoener.
The street-level floor of the building will house a grocery store.
The store owner, BAJA Investments, LLC, was also a recipient of the SPARK grant program. To see the story on that, click below:
Bourbon County Website Building and Marketing Grants Program Parameters
The grants will be scored and consequently awarded on a first come first serve basis to those that are eligible, according to Hoener. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2020. The grant will be awarded until 20 qualified businesses have been awarded.
Who Is Eligible
For businesses located within Bourbon County, priority will be given to those businesses with a physical location.
The business must currently have minimal (basic) to no online or website presence.
Grants are for businesses who have experienced business disruptions as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and will benefit from an increased online presence through any or all of the following:
Increased foot traffic
Encouraging tourism activities
Enhance or enable online scheduling (i.e. curbside, delivery, hair appointments)
Enhance or enable online sales
Raise awareness of critical structures in the community (i.e. Food Access, Child Care, etc.)
The applicant must be willing to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours over the next several months working with The Bureau of Small Projects staff.
Non-profits are not eligible under this program
The County reserves the right to request additional documentation
How to Apply
Applications are online at Bourboncountyks.org/spark
Once an application is submitted, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lindsay Madison, and Bourbon County Economic Development Director will review, Hoener said. The application will be scored to determine if the application meets minimum standards to qualify. A follow-up email will be sent to the applicant’s business.
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.
An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.
Parameters
Grants applications will be open until October 31st.
Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis to those who are eligible.
Grant Scoring Algorithm:
Grant Purpose: Website Building and Marketing Services for Business Impacted by the COVID 19 Pandemic
Points
Current Online Presence
Facebook Only
5
No Facebook or Website
5
A basic, static, webpage only
5
A dynamic web page currently exists
0
How Would an Online Presence Benefit the Applicant? (Check all that apply)
Increased foot traffic
5
Encourage tourism activities
5
Enhance or enable online scheduling
5
Enhance or enable online sales
5
Raise awareness of a public need such as food or childcare
5
Business Activities and Impact (Check all the Apply)
The business is a childcare center or daycare
5
Business sales a product that can be legally sold online
5
The business provides a service that scheduling can be done online
5
The business is located in Downtown Historic District
5
The Business encourages overnight stays
5
***Minimum score of 5 from each of the three categories is required to be determined eligible
Process
A complete application must be submitted online.
Additional Information may be requested for clarification.
Economic Development Director and Chamber President will score the application and make the final determination of eligibility.
Economic Development Director will send congratulatory and introductory emails to The Bureau of Small Projects and the business contact.
