Category Archives: Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Small Businesses Encouraged With New Partnership Offer

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is initiating a partnership program that aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial environment in the community.

What is an entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is an individual who, rather than working as an employee, founds and runs a small business, assuming all the risks and rewards of the venture, according to investopedia.com.

The big-picture vision for this initiative is to move Bourbon County forward as a great place to start and grow a small business and where existing businesses have access to all the resources they need to grow and achieve their potential,” Bill Michaud said.

Michaud is the chairman of the Chamber’s Business Resource and Development Committee.

Bill Michaud is the chairman of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Business Resource and Development Committee. Submitted photo.

 

He and Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison are the primary workers to bring this initiative to Fort Scott, Michaud said.

“Lindsay Madison did the work to complete the application which resulted in us being selected,” he said. ” She and I have been the primary ones immersed in the details.”

Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.

“The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce representing Bourbon County has been selected by Network Kansas as a partner in the E-Community Program,  a partnership program that aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial environment in partner communities throughout the state,” Michaud said. The Chamber was notified in June 2019.

“Bourbon County was awarded this partnership opportunity through a competitive application process in which 14 Kansas communities were vying for selection and only five new e-community partners were selected,” he said.

 “The revolving loan fund and other E-Community resources can be the catalyst to build onto the many great improvements which have occurred in our community in recent years, “Michaud said. “This program is a resource that could help fund additional rehabilitation of downtown buildings which are currently very difficult to finance.”

 E-Community loan funds can be used for building acquisition, renovations, inventory, expansion, relocation, equipment and other purposes.

One of the barriers to starting or growing a business is access to funding.

  “The largest component of the E-Community Partnership is providing a locally controlled loan fund used to enable new business and existing businesses to overcome that barrier,” Michaud said.  “There also additional resources available through Network Kansas to help businesses of all sizes including a variety of programs through StartupKS.”

The E-Community program also provides funding for several approved educational and personal development programs. 

“These programs are geared toward teaching and developing potential and existing entrepreneurs,” he said.

Click below for a link to that inventory of programs:

The E-Community program was created through a Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Program, according to the Fort Scott Chamber website.

Application Details

Applicants may include startup businesses and existing business purchases and/or expansions.

The minimum loan request is $5,000 with a $45,000 maximum amount available per applicant business, subject to availability. The terms for loans issued in the fiscal year 2019-20 will be 5 percent rate over a 10-year maximum term.

Applicants will be asked if the entrepreneur or business has a tax liability in arrears with the Kansas Department of Revenue or the IRS, or been involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.

Applicants will be asked to provide relevant details such as length of time in business, business name or entity changes, number of jobs to be created or retained, etc.

All business plans will be submitted with the application and should include key elements such as:

  • Executive Summary
  • Business Description
  • Products or Services
  • Short- and Long-Term Goals
  • Project Financing
  • Management
  • Ownership
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Description of Major & Prospective Customers
  • Description of Market & Competition
  • Financial Projections

Contact the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University for assistance in developing a business plan, 620-235-4920.

How the application will be judged

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Financial Review Board will use the following rubric to score all applications in the Bourbon County E-Community Program.

Criteria Strength (1-4) Weight (% of total) Weighted Score
Financial Soundness

25

Owner/Operator Experience

20

Business Plan

25

Owner/3rd Party Funding

25

Community Commitment

5

TOTAL

100

SCALE

4 = Exceeds expectations 3 = Meets expectations

2= Partially meets expectations 1 = Does not meet expectations

Application Checklist

Be sure to include the following with your completed application:

  1. $50 Non-refundable Application Fee
  2. Business Plan including Financial Projections (1-year projection of profit & loss by month and 3 years of annual projections)
  3. Financial Statements (if an existing business)
  • Income statement and balance sheet from within the past 90 days
  • Income statements, balance sheets, and complete business tax returns for the two (2) prior year-ends
  • A current list of business obligations
  1. Applicant Resume
  2. Personal Financial Statement from within the past 90 days
  3. Three Letters of Reference
  4. Other documents relevant to the project
  • Proposed purchase agreement
  • The existing or proposed franchise agreement
  • Existing or proposed lease agreement
  • Real estate contract
  • Contractor bids
  • Appraisals and environmental reports
  • Partnership agreement
  • Articles of incorporation & bylaws

History Of Initiative

The initiative was established as a part of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to stimulate entrepreneurship and small business growth as a priority for economic and community development in the State of Kansas.

Click here to learn more about Network Kansas and E-Communities.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is located at  231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at  620-223-3566  or email [email protected].

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Fort Scott Chamber Offers Table Tent Ads

It’s time for Table Tents!
Business card ad spaces are limited – sign up for yours now. Reach thousands of potential customers for only $50!
September/October table tents are in production now. Hundreds of these are displayed in hotels, stores, fast-food & sit-down restaurants all over Fort Scott for the entire months of September and October.
Have a special event coming up? Promote your event with a business-card ad for only $50!
Want more exposure for your business? This is your chance to reach thousands of customers at a super-affordable cost.
If you would like to place a business-card sized ad, email [email protected]
or call Monica at 620-223-3566.

Town-Wide Fall Garage Sale Registration

Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566

FORT SCOTT – Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale on Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th.

Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents in Fort Scott to do your fall cleaning and make room for something new.

Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10.

The registration fee lists your sale on the official garage sale map and enables the Chamber to advertise the sale throughout the region on the radio, newspaper, social media and the Chamber website.

Businesses are encouraged to advertise on the official garage sale map, which will be distributed to shoppers the week of the Town-wide Garage Sale.

The maps will be distributed from local stores and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The cost to place a business ad or coupon is $25.

Garage sales may be registered in person at the Chamber office, 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566.
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Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting at Nelson State Farm and Meeks Law Firm

WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Hosted by:

Kale Nelson State Farm
& Meeks Law Firm
With ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating their new location immediately following the coffee
Location:

1805 S. National Ave.
Thursday, August 8, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
August 15 – Craw-Kan (at Sleep Inn & Suites, 231 E. Wall St.)
August 22 – Ascension Via Christi Fort Scott
August 29 – Fort Scott Washateria (501 S. National)
September 5 – Stutesman’s Action Realty (New Location: 120 E. Wall St.)

Cherry Jammers Perform at Friday Night Free Concert

The Friday Night Free Concert at Heritage Park this week will feature the Cherry Jammers music ensemble from the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

It is held at 7 p.m. at the corner of Main and First Street in downtown Fort Scott.

“This group is one of our favorites who have performed for us for many years,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer for the Chamber of Commerce, said. “The group sings hymns and gospel classics. The group combines vocal and various musical instruments.”

Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

In the event of bad weather the event will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop on Main Street.

Fort Scott Tax Holiday This Weekend

Fort Scott’s
Sales Tax Holiday
Weekend
This weekend,
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
August 2nd, 3rd & 4th
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an opportunity for shoppers to save money
August 2nd through the 4th.
Select retailers will be offering a
Sales Tax Holiday by volunteering to pay the sales tax for shoppers.
Enjoy a 9.4% discount this weekend at these participating merchants:
Bids & Dibs
Books & Grannies
The Electronic Store
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn
Hedgehog.INK
J & W Sports
Papa Don’s Pizza
Ruddick’s Furniture
Sekan’s Occasion Shops
Sunshine Boutique
These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, home décor both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more.
There is no need to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend.
Save money,
Shop local,
Shop Fort Scott!

What’s Happening in Fort Scott By the Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Community College Program ranks #2 in Kansas!! (See press release flyer below for more information)
To see the full list of rankings of nursing programs, click this link: https://www.nursingexplorer.com/states/kansas
If you would like more information about the FSCC nursing program, click this link: www.fortscott.edu/nursing
Hedgehog.INK will be open on Sundays and Mondays from 1:00-5:00pm starting Sunday, July 7th. During the month of July, children’s gently used books are
buy 2 get 1 free. During the month of August, adult fiction gently used books will be buy 2 get 1 free

Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)

Due to the popularity of the Trailblazers program, The Fort Scott National Historic Site will be repeating the program for a second week from August 12-16. The workshop will be the same as the one held the previous week, except that 12 additional children will be able to participate
This program is open to youth ages 9-12. It will begin at 8:30 am and end at noon each day and there is no charge for the day camp. Registration is underway. To sign-up, contact Fort Scott National Historic Site at (620) 223-0310 or e-mail your name and phone number to: [email protected]
Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday
In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
Save the Date: 2019 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Saturday, September 14th at Woodland Hills Golf Course,
2414 S. Horton in Fort Scott (See flyer below)

$200 per team includes green fees, cart & lunch. Deadline to enter is September 6th.

This fundraiser will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties.

For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7401, ext. 230 or [email protected]

26-27
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
26
Medicalodges of Fort Scott is holding a Pulled Pork Fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association on Friday, July 26th from 10am-2pm (See flyer below)

Menu: Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, chips, cookie… $5

– Drive up to the south end of building (915 S. Horton) for your order to be brought to you
– Any order with 10 or more dinners can be delivered if requested
– You may call your order in ahead of time: 
620-223-0210
 
26 2019 Chamber Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, 11am registration, chipping contest & lunch, 12pm tee-off (See flyer below)

Join us for the Chamber Golf Classic – always a great time and fun tournament! Prizes, raffles, and hole challenges!

To register a team and/or sponsorship, click HERE

26 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

This Friday’s concert at the Gazebo downtown will feature “Forever Family”. Jim Dillow, brother, Ernie Dillow and sister, Shirley Showalter started singing together about 6 years ago.  They felt God leading them to share the gospel message of hope and love through music and testimony.  Forever Family enjoyed singing at the Gazebo for the last 3-4 years.  In December of 2017 Jim was suddenly taken to his heavenly home.  They discontinued their ministry at that time as the loss of their Godly and inspiring brother was so heartbreaking and overwhelming.  Recently God has opened doors for Ernie and Shirley to sing together again.  Friday evening will be their first full concert since Jim’s passing.  They, along with Jim’s wife, Susan, are dedicating this performance to the memory and legacy of their brother and husband.  They look forward to sharing; knowing God always has a plan for our lives.  Ernie and Shirley will continue to praise God and seek His guidance for future ministry

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
26 Flagship Romance performing at Liberty Theatre Patio – 113 S. Main St. 8-10pm

Shawn & Jordyn are returning to Fort Scott to perform music from their new album “Concentric”, along with some favorites from previous albums. Tickets are $10, seating is limited

To purchase tickets, contact:
– Deb: 620-224-8650
– Terri: 620-224-7221
– Kate: 620-224-4442

Watch a Flagship Romance video HERE

27 Benefit Bass Fishing Tournament for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer (See flyer below)

CLICK HERE VISIT THE FACEBOOK PAGE HERE FOR FULL DETAILS:

Everyone who knows Chad Elmer and and for those of you who do not –  He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and they found a couple spots on the liver. He is under going some pretty aggressive chemo therapy treatment

Check-in 5:15 am @ 223 N National Ave. Ft.Scott
Tournament starts @ 6:00 am sharp (everyone starts here no early sign ins)
Weigh – in 3:00 pm @ 223 N National Ave. Ft. Scott

Entry will be $25/person. 50% of the entry fees will go to Chad to help with his up coming expenses and the other 50% will go to prize money

2 or 3 person teams, however you choose. Pay out for 1st and 2nd place for biggest stringer and pay out for the biggest Bass. Fish must be 15″ minimum to weigh in and MUST BE ALIVE!

Contact Justin Daly: 620-215-3849 with any questions

27
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
27
 Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is looking for clues during the Fort’s “Texting and Twitter – 1840’s Style” on Saturday, July 27, from 10 am until 3 pm. Open to all ages

“Texting and Twitter – 1840s style” will give you clues into historic methods of communication including quill pen and ink well letter writing, deciphering messages in Morse code, and composing a ‘tweet’ for a historic news story

All programs are free and open to the public. To participate, stop by the visitor center

The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am -5 pm daily. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

Visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc

27
Rollin’ For Sami – Cancer Benefit Ride (See flyer below)
Sami Milburn is a 2015 graduate of FSHS who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in June 2018. When diagnosed, Sami was a junior in college. She has had to put her education, and her career as a hairdresser, on hold while being treated at KU Medical Center. All proceeds from this ride will be going to help Sami fight her cancer

When: July 27th, 2019
Registration: 9-10:30am

Where: Fort Scott, KS
Start: 5 Corners Gas Station
Stops include: His & Hers in Walnut, The American Legion in Cherokee, and The Pink Pickle in Girard

Etc: $25 to ride (two or four wheels), shirts for the first 50 riders, silent auction, and Copperhead Nation to play at conclusion of ride!

Visit the “Rollin’ For Sami” Facebook page by clicking this link:  https://www.facebook.com/Rollin-For-Sami-345127172851873/

27
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
27 The Wayward Bettys benefit concert for Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National, 7pm (See flyer below)

This is a benefit concert raising funds for Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter

Tickets are $10 in advance & may be purchased at the following:
– Fort Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter – 8 N. Judson
– Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave.
– Chamber of Commerce – 231 E. Wall St.

28 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of
5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team.
Pre-register at the tap room

30-31 Summer Reading Program: Superheroes & Sci-Fi –
FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 10am-12pm

With guest author Cathy Werling

30
T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
30 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
30 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

30
Economic Development Priority Planning Session – Bourbon County Commission Room, 210 S. National Ave., 1st Floor, County Courthouse, 5:30-7pm

Economic Development Director will be presenting findings of community assessments and ask for feedback into setting priorities.
We will ask:
Where do you want to see our community 5-10 years from now?
What, from your perspective, will move our county forward?
What are our strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities?
What are the urgent (if any) needs right now?
31
Dine & Donate event at Papa Don’s to benefit Walk to End Alzheimer’s (See flyer below)

On July 31st Papa Don’s will donate 10% of your dining bill (dine-in OR carry-out) to Walk To End Alzheimer’s in Southeast Kansas

Visit the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s website HERE
Visit Papa Don’s website HERE
31 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
31
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
31 Teen & Tween Summer Reading Wrap-Up: Harry Potter Birthday Party – FS Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 5-6pm
31
Shoe Voucher Bingo Fundraiser at Community Christian Church – 1919 S. Horton, 6:30-9:30pm (See flyer below)

Back to School Shoe Vouchers!!
Join us for a night of fun to help area students in need receive a $15 voucher for back to school shoes.  In recent years we have provided for students K-5th but want to expand that grade range to include MS & HS students as well

$10 donation for a 10 game pack with 3 cards on each game. Light concession will also be available
Visit CCC’s website: http://www.cccfortscott.com/

31
Iraq in the Bible – First Southern Baptist Church,
1818 S. Main, 6:30pm

A special presentation of “Iraq in the Bible” will be held at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 31st beginning at 6:30 pm. The church is located at 1818 South Main in Fort Scott. This interactive video presentation will look at the history, archaeology, and prophecies of Iraq. Israel is the most mentioned nation in the Bible. Iraq is the second most mentioned nation in the Bible. However, it is not called Iraq. Instead, Iraq is known as Nineveh, Babylon, Shinar, Assyria, Ur of the Chaldees, and Mesopotamia. Chaplain James Collins, a retired U.S. Army Chaplain, visited all of the historic locations. Chaplain Collins will be your guide through the land of Iraq. You are invited to attend this special free presentation. Bible Study small groups are welcome. For more information, call Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church at
(620) 223-2986

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Aug. 8 for Meeks Law and State Farm Insurance

 The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the new location of State Farm Insurance and Meeks Law Firm at 1805 S. National Avenue. The event will take place Thursday, August 8th, with remarks and ribbon cutting immediately following the Chamber of Commerce Coffee which begins at 8 a.m.

JK Hold’M Properties invite you to stop by and check out the transformation of their building to an updated and modernized office building in the heart of 69 Highway in Fort Scott.

Justin Meeks and Kale Nelson purchased the building that has served Fort Scott since 1925.  Formerly being the home to Lockwood’s Steakhouse, various liquor store owners, Silver Spur Bar, a pet shop and other business entities, the building was renovated and now is the home to Justin Meeks Attorney at Law and Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance.

 

Please join Meeks Law Firm and Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance on Thursday, August 8th, 2019 for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1805 St. in Fort Scott. Refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

***

Chamber Coffee at the Empress Event Center July 25

WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Hosted by:

Bourbon County E-Community
Location:

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.
Thursday, July 25, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
August 1 – OPEN – CALL TO SCHEDULE
August 8 – State Farm/Meeks Law Firm (RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY TO FOLLOW)
August 15 – Craw-Kan
August 22 – Ascension Via Christi Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Forever Family

Friday evening’s community concert at the Heritage Park Gazebo in downtown Fort Scott, at 1st and Main Street will feature Forever Family. It starts at 7 p.m. Please bring a lawn chair and enjoy the outside concert.

 Siblings Jim Dillow,  Ernie Dillow, and, Shirley Showalter started singing together about six years ago. 

“They felt God leading them to share the gospel message of hope and love through music and testimony,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator said.  “Forever Family enjoyed singing at the Gazebo for the last 3-4 years.  In December of 2017 Jim was suddenly taken to his heavenly home.  They discontinued their ministry at that time as the loss of their Godly and inspiring brother was so heartbreaking and overwhelming.  Recently God has opened doors for Ernie and Shirley to sing together again.  Friday evening will be their first full concert since Jim’s passing.  They, along with Jim’s wife, Susan, are dedicating this performance to the memory and legacy of their brother and husband.  They look forward to sharing; knowing God always has a plan for our lives.  Ernie and Shirley will continue to praise God and seek His guidance for future ministry.”