Visioneering Wichita announces Emerging Leaders Program

In an effort to reach out to young community leaders, Visioneering Wichita is continuing the Emerging Leaders Program for individuals between the ages of 25 and 39 years old. The Emerging Leaders Program is a scholarship opportunity for young professionals to be involved in Visioneering Wichita’s annual City to City Visits. This year's visit will be to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 14 – 16. Regional economic and livability competitiveness are the themes and they will focus on three main areas:

• Downtown: Pittsburgh made their dreams come true through smart downtown initiatives. We want to understand what key components were needed to be in place to drive their revitalization plans and how those strategies worked together in their cultural district rebirth and streetscaping in the downtown area.
• Changing the Legend from Steel Capital to Green City: We want to hear how their leaders have shifted the economic focus from steel to education, health care, financial services, higher education and advanced technology such as robotics. Pittsburgh ranks among the highest in the number of green technology initiatives.
• Livability: We desire to learn more about how the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers to the Ohio River has been incorporated into their city activities and tourism opportunities plus how parks, recreation and open spaces have increased their community’s livability factor.

Visioneering Wichita is aware that many young leaders are establishing themselves economically and may not be able to support the travel cost, therefore a scholarship program has been instituted. One full or two partial scholarships are available this year. Applicants are required to fill out a scholarship application form. Forms are available online here and the application deadline is 5 p.m. on August 1st. Awards will be announced August 10th.

“Visioneering Wichita has always had a high priority of connecting with our young citizens through many of its initiatives. We believe this program is another way to increase diversity, as well as provide a unique opportunity for winners to network with other community leaders,” says Jon Rolph, volunteer chair of the Visioneering Wichita Steering Committee.

Visioneering Wichita is the comprehensive long-range planning initiative for south-central Kansas. Partners include the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, City of Wichita, and Sedgwick County, as well as hundreds of organizations, businesses and individuals who participate in 15 strategic alliances designed to improve the regional economy and quality of life.

Dining Out with Pulse: Noodles & Co

As the foam pool noodles return for the summer and temperatures continue to rise, business is heating up at Noodles & Company. With two new locations in Wichita, Noodles & Company is a casual place to eat featuring cuisine from around the world. Globally inspired and broken into different categories—including Mediterranean, American and Asian—it’s easy for customers to customize their cravings. My favorite dish, the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese, is great plain, but can be spiced up by adding different kinds of meat and toppings.

Service is fast and options change depending on the season including the summer trend of berry salads. Noodles & Company doesn’t just offer noodles, but sandwiches, salads, and soups along with extra-large cookies and Rice Krispie treats.

Looking for a place to enjoy the beautiful weather with friends or a reasonably priced date night? Noodles & Company has an outdoor patio in addition to their often crowded indoor seating. Swing by for lunch or take dinner to go after work. Either way, this new Wichita attraction is sure to please and is the perfect place for summer taste. To view a menu, visit http://www.noodles.com/

Locations:
Rock Road
3300 North Rock Road
Wichita, KS 67226

Towne East Mall
7700 E. Kellogg, Suite 1014
Wichita, KS 67207

Written by:
Amy Nichols is a student at Wichita State and enjoys attending the Shocker basketball and baseball games. She also can frequently be seen studying at Mead's Corner coffee shop and Cocoa Dolce. On the weekends Amy loves traveling to the country, specifically the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas.

Dining Out with Pulse: Bella Vita

Wichita is not necessarily known for having a large variety of locally owned quality Italian food. Typically your options are limited to a chain restaurant or driving 20 minutes south of Wichita to Mulvane. However, there is hope of enjoying excellent Italian food in Wichita at a hidden jewel and one of my favorite places to dine, Bella Vita Bistro.

Located at 120 N. West St right off of Douglas and West St, and tucked away in a non-descript strip mall, you have to look hard to find this must try restaurant. Bella Vita has only been open for a year and is the product of a couple who moved from Miami, Florida to Wichita in order to open an Italian restaurant. The ambiance inside is perfect for a romantic date or special outing with a group of friends. To feel comfortable around other diners, I would recommend wearing dressy casual (t-shirts and flip flops would be out of place) and be aware the interior is small and cozy so be prepared to sit close to your dining neighbors.

The overall dining experience utilizes an experienced wait staff and the intent in true Italian fashion is to enjoy your meal and all of the different courses - don’t plan to go for a quick 30-minute meal- 1.5 hours is the average I’ve experienced. Regarding the food, being in the Midwest we typically associate the quality of our meal with the size of the portions. However, that is not the intent here in the sizing of the portions being more in line with European restaurants. Don’t get me wrong, you can still leave with leftovers, but you won’t be able to live off them for the next 2 weeks.

Bella Vita has a typical Italian menu that covers all of the bases while also providing several seafood options. The steamed mussels, fried mozzarella and bruschetta are solid appetizer choices and I have a difficult choosing between the house salad and onion soup. I love the the traditional Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken and my boyfriend swears by the Linguine Frutti de Mare which is a pasta dish full of all types of seafood. Other choices include a house specialty called Chicken Bella Vita which is their spin on Chicken Cordon Bleu and a Chicken or Veal Balsamica (your choice) that incorporates spinach and apples into the dish. Lastly, a dessert tray is presented at the end of your meal which has several selections (I’m a sucker for chocolate cake).

Overall, expect to spend around $50-$70 per couple for an appetizer, salads, entrees and dessert. Additionally, Bella Vita has a full bar and well-rounded wine list. Prices are moderate and the selection is decent.
I have to admit, I suggest Bella Vita for dinner all of the time! I can’t think of a better place to have a great Italian meal with my boyfriend or girl’s night dinner. It fills up fast on the weekends so be sure to call and make reservations (316-941-4500/www.bvbistro.com, leave a message and they will call you back).

Written by:
Ilex Baxter works in Business Development for Koch Minerals LLC and loves the excitement of living in Old Town.  When she’s not out and about she enjoys dancing, golfing and long runs with her 5 year old Sheltie.  Ilex is addicted to Gossip Girl and everything related to her amazing alma mater, The University of Kansas.

Tallgrass Filmmakers Lab: Movie Trailers 101 & The Business of Film Marketing

The Tallgrass Filmmakers Lab will present its third workshop of the year, focusing on the essential business of film marketing. “Movie Trailers 101 & The Business of Film Marketing” will be taught by Erin Wyatt, award winning Trailer Editor and co-Owner of the Los Angeles film and television marketing company, Seismic Productions. The class will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, at Integrated Media Group, 143 N. Rock Island, third floor.

Go inside the multi-million dollar world of movie marketing, with Wyatt, an accomplished producer and editor whose work includes trailer and television campaigns for film studios including 20th Century Fox, New Line Cinema, Lions Gate Films, Roadside Attractions, Focus Features, Screen Gems, Warner Brothers, The Weinstein Company, Miramax and Universal. His work includes campaigns for BROTHERS, SUNSHINE CLEANING, THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT, SEX & THE CITY, PRECIOUS, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and TRANSAMERICA, among many others.


“Anyone who’s been to the movies, or even steps outside for the matter, can attest to the fact that marketing is an essential element of the movie business,” said Lela Meadow-Conner, Executive Director of the Tallgrass Film Association. “We’re excited that Erin is coming to Wichita to share some of this insider knowledge with our moviemaking community — information that is invaluable for filmmakers.”

The class will consist of two parts. First, Wyatt will provide an overview of movie marketing, topics to include working with studios and filmmakers, impact of the internet age and the differences between marketing major studio and independent pictures. During the second half of the class, Wyatt will dissect several movie trailers, providing insight into structure, length, music, copy, graphics and voice over techniques as well as discuss current industry trends.

Advanced RSVP is required. The enrollment fee is $20 General Admission/$15 for students and teachers/seniors/TFA Members for those who register/RSVP before July 1. After July 1, enrollment fee is $25 General Admission/$20 for students and teachers/seniors/TFA Members. Registrants may prepay by using the form below, or clicking here, or may pay with cash or check at the door.

About Erin Wyatt:

A Colorado Springs native, and CU Boulder graduate, Erin moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of acting…or so he thought. In 2001, he landed a gig at Seismic Productions as an assistant/messenger, with no interest in movie trailers or marketing. During his free time, Erin taught himself how to do motion graphics and was soon working on graphics jobs at the company. On the weekends, he experimented with editing, taking Final Cut Pro classes and playing around on his first generation iMac (while all of the other editors were still using Avid.) One day, the owner of the company noticed a spot Erin had cut for the Mark Wahlberg film ROCK STAR and said, “Wow, that’s really good!” The spot was delivered to the client at Warner Brothers who said, “I want everything on this campaign to like THAT.” And so, an editor was born.

Before long Erin became the main editor at Seismic, garnering Key Art and Golden trailer nominations for films like Roman Polanski’s THE PIANIST. He soon carved out a niche for himself as a go-to editor for films of all genres, from romantic comedy, to drama to independent. Some of his work includes 27 DRESSES, BRIDE WARS, SEX & THE CITY, BLADES OF GLORY, INCEPTION, GREEN LANTERN, SUNSHINE CLEANING, LOST IN TRANSLATION, HAIRSPRAY, PRECIOUS, SAW, and THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT.

He has received 22 award nominations and 4 wins at the Key Art and Golden Trailer Awards for work like the BROTHERS trailer, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN trailer, BLADES OF GLORY trailer, TRANSAMERICA trailer, and PRECIOUS.

In 2010, after seven years as Senior Editor, Erin became a co-partner/owner of Seismic Productions, where he continues to be in demand as an editor, but has added producing and managing a staff of thirty employees to his resume.

Dining out with Pulse: SUMO By Nambara

Wichita is known for some great eating establishments. In fact, we have several good sushi restaurants in the city. Sumo is one of the best in Wichita, the atmosphere and décor is good. Conveniently located near E. 13th Street and Greenwich, its trendy vibe is perfect for young professionals. After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than some Sake, wine, or one of the many mixed drinks. The bartenders know how to mix a good drink and are friendly. You can watch sports at the bar or meet new people waiting for your delicious drink.

The hibachi-style grill is entertaining, whether you bring a date or the entire family. The sushi list is extensive, and it is all very good. The Poke-Tini is great, and the California Roll is good sushi for beginners. And for the main course, get ready for the variety of entrees. Everything on the menu is good! The Teriyaki chicken and Sesame chicken are excellent. The Volcano chicken is quite spicy but very good. If you are still wondering if Sumo is right for you, just remember the chefs at the hibachi grill. They make dining out an exciting and memorable event.

Unfortunately, you cannot make reservations, but you can call ahead for first available seating.Wait time is comparable to most restaurants. Parking is an issue, so be prepared to arrive earlier on the weekend. Overall, the food is great and the atmosphere is fun. I recommend it to all of my friends.

Written by:
Darren Murphy grew up in NW Kansas, graduated with a degree in Communications, Public Relations from Fort Hays State University. He enjoys playing music on his guitar, attending NewSpring Church, and watching college sports. In addition, he enjoys attending WSU basketball and baseball games, as well as spending time with friends and family. Darren also likes traveling to new places and taking in Wichita's art and music scene.