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Category Archives: Business
Spring Pop Up Event: Lots of Goodies For Foodies
Two area food vendors are planning an event on March 27 at the Tractor Supply parking lot, on South Main Street in Fort Scott.
The Blue Spoon, Pittsburg, and Perry’s Pork Rinds, Bronson, are partnering for a second annual Spring Pop Up Event.
Blue Spoon
The Blue Spoon is a food truck whose specialty is a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes and was created in Pittsburg, by Brenda Davis.
Davis began her food truck venture in July 2017. Christina Oberle is a partner in the business.
“It became very well-liked and instead of a hobby it became a success,” Oberle said.
“The name (The Blue Spoon) just came to us… we thought and thought and thought,” Oberle said. “Brenda wanted to create a memory and have our customers walking away remembering who we are. With that, the Blue Spoon was formed and the logo created,” Oberle said. “Every dish is served with a blue spoon… if the dish needs a fork, well it’ll be white.”
“We specialize in mac ‘n cheese (dishes)… all varieties,” Oberle said. “Plain to Chicken Mac, to Chops and Cheese, which is a grilled pork chop in a bowl of mac ‘ cheese, and soon to be released, Lobster Mac.”
“We have a great variety, eleven flavors, at big events,” she said. “We also serve fresh-cut fries, nachos, and funnel cakes. All with varieties… nothing plain Jane here, we even put it on a sandwich!”
Oberle lived a few years in Fort Scott, working at Lifetouch and Woods Grocery.
“I came to know a lot of people there and wanted to share our awesome food with Fort Scott,” Oberle said. “A few years ago we got into the Good ‘Ol Days and last year we were able to do the wonderful pop-up with Perry’s Pork Rinds! They are wonderful people and through this journey, we have had the great honor of meeting many entrepreneurs like them!”
The food truck is currently part-time, Oberle said.
“You just never know when this can become a full-time gig,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds
Perry’s Pork Rinds is a family-owned business, with the husband and wife team of Thaddeus and Kelly Perry.
They make small-batch pork rinds in the following flavors:
Original, Spicy, Ranch, BBQ, Cinnamon Sugar, Chili Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Chili Lime, Garlic Parmesan, Shoe String Cracklings, Bacon Cheddar.
They recently expanded their business with a new product: fudge.
They can make up to 350 flavors but they feature chocolate walnut, chocolate fudge, birthday cake, and peanut butter.
“We use real cream and butter to make our fudge,” Kelly Perry said. “We pour them directly into containers and ship them nationwide and take them into the fairs and festivals.”
The cost for both rinds and fudge is $8 for 8 oz.
“The company that we actually bought into is the same company that is selling inside of Bass Pro shops and Ozark Land,” Kelly Perry said. “We had to pay a hefty price for a custom kettle, as much as a small car!”
Hound Nutrition Changes Hands
Hound Nutrition, 116 S. Main, is under new ownership.
Kelly Perry and Ashton Dowell have purchased the shop from former owner Haven Kelly, who is a Fort Scott Community College student and catcher on the school’s softball team. Haven Kelly became the tenant of the shop in August 2020, following the move of the Common Ground Coffee Shop to a different location.
“With the softball season starting, Haven was unable to give it the extra care it needed,” Dowell said.
“We have a 50% investor from Oklahoma and Ashtyn represents his 50% of the business and works the retail side of the business,” Perry said.” I am another 50% owner in the business. All of us have some skin in the game so to speak.”
The business sells meal replacement shakes, energizing teas, and protein coffee.
Customers can contact the business on Hound Nutrition Facebook page or Instagram, or coming soon, their new call-in line.
“We are selling the same products, but some new flavors are coming,” Dowell said.
There are some new services.
“The new service we provide is our delivery,” Perry said.
In addition, they are planning some upcoming events that will be hosted at the facility including: songwriter nights, joining the Chamber of Commerce, and tea parties “where we give informational meetings to anyone looking to start a program,” Perry said. “We break down each of the products one-by-one and educate customers on what the products do for their health. We sample a few of the products and for those who want to purchase the programs they can, or they can continue to pay for retail via our nutrition club.”
Herbalife Nutrition is the brand of product sold at the shop.
“Herbalife Nutrition is a multi-level marketing group we are #2 in the nation behind Amway,” Kelly said. “And the #1 nutrition company worldwide that has been in business for 40 years.”
“Anyone working behind the counter is an Herbalife Distributor that can sell any of our products,” Perry said. “Our nutrition clubs are a hub for people to come to try products, narrow down their wants and then purchase healthy products.”
“The customer receives one-on-one coaching and guidance from their independent distributor,” Perry said.
“Our hope is to pick up retail sales before the end of our lease in four months so the business can continue to grow and run in Ft Scott,” Perry said.
“All of the independent distributors are highly motivated self-driven and want to see a change in the community for the better,” Perry said.
“This is the second store that I have opened since January 18,” Perry said. “My husband is not involved (in this venture), he is fully invested into the pork rind business which is going full steam ahead.”
“We will soon be offering protein pretzel bites, protein waffles, and protein donuts in this location,” Kelly said.
Employees, who at this shop are called distributors, include Reaghn Dowell, Kelsey DeMott both of Fort Scott, and Chris Ames of Bronson.
Kelly Perry is also the owner of The Protein Place in Iola and co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds of Bronson, with her husband, Thaddeus.
Dowell said they will be focusing on setting up meetings for Herbalife, the supplier of their products, and those interested in say, a weight loss program.
“We can help them along their journey,” Dowell said.
Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Briggs Auto of Fort Scott
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Briggs Auto of Fort Scott. The Coffee will take place in the Ford building of Briggs, located at 1819 S. Main St., and the event will be celebrating their five-year anniversary of the Fort Scott location.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may enter into a drawing.
Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
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LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!
Chamber Announces LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will take place Friday, March 19th through Sunday, March 21st. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.
All ages are encouraged to take part in the Chalk Art Contest by making a display in the Downtown Historic District or at another participating store and post the art creation to the Chamber Facebook page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” with the hashtag #fortscottshopart to be included in judging.
Customers are invited to shop local while viewing the chalk art. Most retailers will be offering complimentary lollipops, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions. Locations included in the event will have a Lollipop Hop & Shop poster in the window to show they are participating.
The participating retailers are: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.Ink book store, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Star Emporium Downtown General store, Sunshine Boutique and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, express yourself through art for all ages, and join the Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest starting Friday, March 19th thru Sunday, March 21st.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
THRAMS Antiques, A Picker Family
THRAMS Antiques has been open in Bronson for about four months and was started by women because of their hobbies that turned into a business.
“We pick up antiques and furniture in our spare time,” Mandie Ericson, one of the pickers said. “This is a hobby that we started several years back and used the extra room at the Bronson Locker (same building and same family) to display our unique finds. We take passion in finding rare collectible antiques that can be repurposed and used in homes.”
According to https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Picker,
a picker is an early bird who hunts swap meets, estate sales, thrift stores, etc, and scoops up the good deals – often for resale in antique shops or on eBay.
“All antiques have a story to tell, and they become more valuable over time,” she said. “It is our passion to make people happy and for people in our area to have the opportunity to shop for antiques and unique items.”
“We find things (to sell) through people selling on the marketplace and estate sales as well as people wanting us to buy from them directly,” said Mandie Ericson.
The antique storefront is adjacent to the Bronson Locker, 504 Clay Street.
“Helen Bolling is the owner of the Bronson Locker so we had room to open it in the old hardware building (adjacent to the Bronson Locker) and we think it’s a great addition to the town of Bronson,” said Mandie.
The name of the antique shop is THRAM’s Antiques, with the R for Rayma Ridge, recently added.
T is for Tyler Ericson, H is for Helen Bolling, R is for Rayma, A is for Amber Ericson, and M is for Mandie Ericson.
Helen and Mandie work at the Bronson Locker, while Amber Ericson, the main investor of the antique shop, is a 4th-grade teacher at Uniontown. Tyler Ericson is currently at Pittsburg State University pursuing her degree in elementary education and Rayma works in insurance, helps at the locker when she can and has her own disc jockey business.
“Helen is Amber’s mom and Mandie and Tyler are Amber’s daughters-in-law and Rayma is my sister,” Mandie said. “I basically manage the Bronson locker so we take care of the antique shop through the locker while Amber teaches at school.”
Mandie and Helen work at the antique shop during the day while Rayma and Tyler help on weekends and Amber helps after school and weekends, Mandie said.
The antique store will be open every weekend in March on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Contact Amber (call or text) 620-363-1159 to schedule an appointment or with any questions regarding the store, according to their Facebook page.
“Our family has been collecting antiques for several years and really enjoy it,” Mandie said. “We have very nice collectible items, household basics, as well as one-of-a-kind furniture for fantastic prices!”
Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Old Fort Auto
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Old Fort Auto on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 8am. Chamber members and guests are invited to join us at the Chamber Coffee located at 213 Scott Ave., Downtown Fort Scott.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees can enter into a drawing!
Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Kansas: 10th In Nation For Eco Devo
Kansas Ranked 10th in Nation for Economic Development Projects Per Capita
TOPEKA – Kansas had the most dramatic jump in economic development success of any state in the country in 2020, according to Site Selection magazine.
With 70 projects meeting the magazine’s criteria, Kansas ranked 10th in the nation in economic development projects per capita in 2020. The new ranking increased from 2019 when Kansas was ranked No. 20.
“Our latest Site Selection ranking proves what we already know: Kansas is on the right track to continue strengthening our economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “More businesses means more, higher-paying jobs for Kansans. As our economy continues to recover from COVID-19, our ability to attract new development and maintain existing businesses will be critical.”
This achievement comes in the wake of sweeping changes to the state’s Department of Commerce, including a new International division, a fully-staffed Business Recruitment team, an overhauled In-State Development team, and other improvements. These strategic shifts for Commerce led to 2020 being one of Kansas’ most successful capital investment years ever. In 2020, the Kelly Administration broke the all-time capital investment record since the Department of Commerce was formed with more than $2.5 billion in new capital investment.
“This is a testament to how our state’s approach to economic development has fundamentally changed,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “We’re aggressively pursuing new avenues for business, and in much higher quantities than Kansas ever has before. To go from 20th to 10th in one year is a major achievement, and I’m proud of my team at the Department of Commerce and our partners throughout the state for making this incredible progress possible.”
The criteria for projects per capita in this ranking include new corporate facility projects like headquarters, manufacturing plants, research and development operations and logistics sites, among others. Retail, government projects, schools, and hospitals are not counted.
New facilities and expansions must meet at least one of three criteria to be included:
- Involve a capital investment of at least $1 million
- Create at least 20 new jobs, or
- Add at least 20,000-square-feet of new floor area
In addition to this new ranking for the state, several Kansas communities were recognized as top-performing “micropolitan” areas, including Coffeyville, Hutchinson, McPherson, Pittsburg, and Salina. These rankings can be seen here.
Site Selection’s full state rankings report can be seen here.
About Site Selection
Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Data Inc., delivers expansion planning information to a qualified circulation of 48,700 executives of fast-growing firms. Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Site Selection is also available via Site Selection Online. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Conway Data, publisher of Site Selection magazine, the Conway Analytics Report and a family of online industry newsletters, in 2017 was recognized as Georgia International Small Business of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Conway Data has been a trusted advisor to corporations, government economic development and investment promotion agencies around the world since 1954. Conway Data owns and manages Conway Events, organizer of worldwide FDI events; FDI advisory firm Conway Advisory; and New York-based Conway PR & Marketing, a leading PR and lead-generation firm. Conway Data also manages the Industrial Asset Management Council.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.
March 19: Lollipop Hop and Shop, Plus Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Chamber Announces LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will take place Friday, March 19th through Sunday, March 21st. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.
All ages are encouraged to take part in the Chalk Art Contest by making a display in the Downtown Historic District or at another participating store and post the art creation to the Chamber Facebook page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” with the hashtag #fortscottshopart to be included in judging.
Customers are invited to shop local while viewing the chalk art. Most retailers will be offering complimentary lollipops, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions. Locations included in the event will have a Lollipop Hop & Shop poster and pink & blue balloons displayed at their entrance.
The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, express yourself through art for all ages, and join the Lollipop Hop & Shop + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest starting Friday, March 19th thru Sunday, March 21st. A list of participating retailers will soon be posted on fortscott.com.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Jayhawk Wind Project Breaks Ground This Week
The Jayhawk Wind farm facility breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, according to a press release from Apex Clean Energy, the developer.
The project will consist of 70 General Electric wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MegaWatts. The project will provide more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue, according to the press release.
The following is an email interview with Patrick Chilton, Apex Public Engagement Manager.
Apex sold to WEC yet you will be doing the construction and operating of the windmills?
“Apex Clean Energy has not been sold to WEC Energy Group. Jayhawk Wind, the wind project developed by Apex in Bourbon and Crawford Counties, has been sold to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy.
“The power produced by the project will be injected into the Southwest Power Pool grid, the electric grid network that serves Bourbon and Crawford Counties.
To learn more about the Southwest Power Pool: https://spp.org/
“Facebook signed a contract to purchase the power from Jayhawk Wind after the previous power purchase agreement (PPA) was mutually dissolved. The tech company will buy that power to help support its operations in the region.”
Facebook is a valued Apex customer, according to a Bloomberg Business press release about the transaction:
Apex sold to WEC but will still construct and operate the farm?
“Apex Clean Energy will manage the construction of Jayhawk Wind on behalf of its new owners, and IEA Constructors will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project.
“Under this contract, IEA will be responsible for working to hire subcontractors, vendors, and local personnel. Upon completion of construction, Invenergy will take over operations.
“IEA Constructors is a subsidiary of IEA that manages utility-scale renewable energy and heavy civil infrastructure projects. They will perform all of the engineering, procurement, and construction needs of the project,” according to Chilton.
A question was asked if Apex was planning on selling Jayhawk Wind from the beginning?
“Yes. Our plans to work with a financing counterparty on Jayhawk Wind have been a part of our discussions with the community since the beginning of this project. Apex is honored to help design and permit excellent projects like this one for companies that want to support and own renewable energy facilities. We believe WEC and Invenergy will be wonderful long-term partners for this community.”
You will be hiring locals, so where is the info if someone is interested in seeking a job with Jayhawk Wind.
“Jayhawk Wind has been running a local vendor program, which is ongoing.
“More information about this program is available at https://www.jayhawkwind.com/local_vendor_program.
“Through this program, local contractors and vendors have been signing up to let us know they are interested in supporting the construction of Jayhawk Wind.
“As promised, we have been preparing to share this information with the Balance of Plant contractor. We have continued to aggregate a locate vendor list throughout development and vendors are welcome to continue to submit their information on our website for consideration.
The Balance of Plant (BoP) is a power engineering term that refers to the various supporting and auxiliary components of a power plant system required to produce energy, according to https://ifsolutions.com/what-is-balance-of-plant-in-power-plants/
“Now that IEA has been selected as the Balance of Plant contractor, we will be sharing our local vendor directory with them directly.”
New Downtown Business: Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market
Rosemary Harris, 52, is the owner of a new downtown business at 18 N. Main, Suite A, Barbed Wire, and Roses Vintage Market.
Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market is located in the northern storefront of what used to be a part of Country Cupboard Store, a decades-long mainstay of downtown Fort Scott.
The store hours are currently Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
She began her business journey helping a friend that owned a store, then opened her own flea market on January 30, 2021, she said.
“We have a variety of items ranging from vintage to antique to customized and repurposed,” Harris said. “Our vendors bring their own unique style to the store and each booth has its own special charm.”
“We have unique furniture pieces, vintage items, and collectibles. We love to help you find items you are looking for in your collections. We also will be looking to buy estates soon.”
“I started this business because I love seeing vintage and antique items find new life and purpose,” she said. “I enjoy the stories and pictures people share of their collections and why they started collecting. I’m so glad to be a part of the downtown business district.”
Harris can be contacted at 620-224-7764 or find the business on Facebook.
Jayhawk Wind Sold to WEC Energy Group
| Apex Sells Jayhawk Wind, with Facebook PPA, to WEC Energy Group and Invenergy
Contact: Cat Strumlauf | Director, Corporate Communications |
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PPA for Full Capacity Represents Facebook’s Fourth Power Purchase from Apex
Apex Clean Energy today announced that WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) and Invenergy purchased the Jayhawk Wind project, including a renewable power purchase agreement with Facebook. The more than 190 MW project, located in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas, will help support the tech company’s operations in the region.
“Establishing and growing strong relationships with the nation’s pre-eminent clean energy investors and power purchasers is fundamental to Apex’s core mission and to our ability to bring best-in-class renewable energy assets like Jayhawk Wind to life,” said Mark Goodwin, Apex Clean Energy president and CEO. “Because of these agreements with Facebook—a valued Apex customer—and new partners WEC Energy Group and Invenergy, Jayhawk Wind will advance the new energy economy in Kansas and generate significant long-term economic benefits for the local community.”
The deal marks Apex’s fourth renewable transaction with Facebook, following a 61.6 MW PPA with Altavista Solar; a 200 MW PPA with Aviator Wind East, part of the largest single-phase, single-site wind project in the United States; and, most recently, a 175 MW PPA with Lincoln Land Wind in Illinois.
“We are excited to help bring this new wind project—our first in Kansas—to the grid in support of our operations in the region,” said Urvi Parekh, head of renewable energy at Facebook. “At Facebook, we are committed to supporting our global operations with 100% renewable energy and helping accelerate the transition to renewable energy around the world.”
Jayhawk Wind will help Facebook meet its goal to support its operations in the region with 100% renewable energy and reach net-zero carbon emissions. The tech company stepped in as the project’s offtaker after a previous power purchase agreement was mutually dissolved.
The purchase of the Jayhawk Wind project is part of WEC Energy Group’s $16 billion ESG Progress Plan—the largest five-year capital plan in the company’s history.
“Our commitment to the Jayhawk project is the next step forward in our comprehensive plan to build a bright, sustainable future, serve strong vibrant customers, and continue to grow earnings from our portfolio of renewable energy assets,” said Gale Klappa, WEC Energy Group executive chairman.
The Jayhawk facility, which breaks ground this week and is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies—including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue.
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About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.About WEC Energy Group WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation’s premier energy companies, serving 4.6 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.The company’s principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in the Midwest. WEC Energy Group is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 42,000 stockholders of record, 7,300 employees and $37 billion of assets. |