Young Professionals of Wichita

YPW Day at the Capitol Recap

2012-02-09T13:46:00.001-06:00

The Leadership Link Team of YPW has committed to provide events that bring awareness to the importance of our local and state government. One such keen initiation was to arrange a day trip to the state capitol, Topeka on Tuesday, Jan 24th 2012. This thoughtfully planned and brilliantly executed event was sponsored by iSi Environmental.

We arrived at Topeka around 10.30 am. The group was a true representation of YPW – engineers, financial consultants, business owners, students and job seekers all trying to get more involved in society. Some already had a political background while others, like me, were hoping to learn more about the political processes & persons involved. The House of Representatives session convened at 11.00 am and during the announcements the Speaker of the House introduced YPW and the legislators responded with a standing ovation to welcome us!

We then proceeded to lunch and an interactive session with legislators - Rep. Brenda Landwehr (R), Rep. Jim Ward (D), Sen. Garrett Love (R). The panel was very forthcoming with their answers about what inspired them to run for office and what the YPs can do to get more involved at an official level. The belief that they can make a difference and the desire to do it was the common theme of their motivation to seek a political career and that’s what still motivates them every day. They appreciate the citizen legislature system in Kansas which allows them to have regular work when the House / Senate are not in session. [The annual legislative sessions starts the second Monday in January and ends in early April (90 calendar days)]. Among the panel, Sen. Love (24 yrs of age) is a business owner while Rep. Ward is an Attorney by profession. The panel believed YPW is a good start to making a difference and suggested YPs get more active at the school, city or council level.

We then made our way to Governor Brownback’s office where we were shown around before the Governor arrived and answered a few questions. Then we started the tour of the Capitol building from the east wing, visited the House and Senate Chamber as well as sat in on a committee meeting.

We then met with Securities Commissioner, Aaron Jack, who shared his expert knowledge and views on some of the current issues. We then started on our way back to Wichita after an interesting and informative day at the Capitol. On a more personal note, what started as an opportunity to learn more about the political processes and meet prominent figures, ended with an appreciation for the approachable nature of the political leaders.

CLICK HERE to view pictures from the day!

Dining Out with Pulse: Il Ponte

2011-12-08T16:32:00.001-06:00

In my time here in Wichita, I’ve come to know the city as one which has a wide variety of wonderful Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Regardless of where you live, you are probably close to an establishment that can satisfy your cravings for this type of food. Despite the number of choices, Wichitans would be foregoing a great dining experience if they don’t try a restaurant named Il Ponte Café, which is located on the northeast side of town at 3101 North Rock Road.

Il Ponte is located in a strip mall on the west side of Rock Road just north of 29th Street. Its appearance doesn’t stand out in any significant respect, so you need to be on the lookout for it. The interior of Il Ponte is actually quite spacious. In fact, it even has a small bar area for you to enjoy your favorite adult beverage.

The menu features a mixture of your favorite Mediterranean dishes along with traditional Italian dishes. Every item on the menu is reasonably priced, and entrees range from $9.50 to $13.95. If you are a fan of seafood, do not go to Il Ponte without having the herb crusted salmon with lobster sauce. It is, without a doubt, the best salmon dish in town.

Outside of the food, what makes Il Ponte such a great dining experience is its staff. The waitresses are friendly, attentive, and eager to ensure that your needs are met. Additionally, it is not out of the ordinary for the chef to make his way out to the restaurant floor to greet the patrons, answer any questions about the food, and make sure that your meal exceeded expectations.

The best part of Il Ponte, however, might be its Sunday buffet (11 am–3 pm). If you’re like me, you typically like to do as little as possible on Sunday in an attempt to soak up that last bit of your weekend, which includes trying to cook something for lunch. Thus, if you’re looking for a tasty meal to fill you up for the rest of the day, then try Il Ponte. Every Sunday, the chef features different chicken, beef, and pork dishes, along with pasta, hummus and more. In my opinion, the Sunday buffet at Il Ponte is the best buffet in Wichita, regardless of the day. Be forewarned, though, because you’ll need to bring an appetite.

about the author:
Brett Legvold enjoys long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners...ok, maybe not. How about: Brett is an attorney at Martin Pringle. Outside of work, Brett enjoys playing, watching, and debating anything and everything that has to do with sports, watching movies and TIVO'd shows, and spending quality time with his wife and child, a border collie.

Boys & Girls Club Friend-raiser

2011-11-23T13:50:00.001-06:00

YMCA Strong Vines Wine Tasting

2011-11-22T16:25:00.001-06:00

I've had the opportunity to tour Curtis Middle School and get a first-hand look at what the Strong Kids Campaign is does for these students just in the after school programs. It is absolutely amazing and I strongly encourage you to check out what they do in this community! Thanks!

Lights of Love

2011-11-17T10:34:00.001-06:00

This weekend is Lights of Love at Bradley Fair. Along with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 Saturday and the Bradley Fair carriage rides is the opportunity for pictures with Santa with donations to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita.

In addition to the Christmas Tree lighting & photos with Santa, several of the businesses at Bradley Fair are donating a portion of their proceeds over the weekend to RMHC Wichita. Listed below the businesses participating, please consider patronizing them during the donation times to help support a worthy cause while you enjoy dinner or lunch!

Thursday (TODAY!)

On the Border is donating 10% of sales.

Saturday

Il Vicino is donating 10% of sales.
Marble Slab Creamery is donating 10% of sales.
Carla's Love it, clothing store is donating 10% of sales.
Jason's Deli is donating 10% of sales from 4pm-8pm only.
Coco Dolce is creating a chocolate bag called "Cheers to Hope". This bag will include one champagne chocolate and one strawberry chocolate. The proceeds from this item will be donated to RMHC Wichita.

Boys & Girls Club Save the Date!

2011-11-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

Candy Canes and Cocktails

A “friend”raiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

Hosted by the Young Leaders Impact Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas.

Come hang out with us for a few hours, enjoy the food, drinks and live music, and learn about how you can make an impact on the future young professionals in the Wichita area! More details to come, but get it on your calendar now. You will not want to miss this event!

12/13/11

5:30pm-7:30pm

Rock Island Live

Don't miss the 10th Annual Boo & Brew Bash!

2011-10-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Tickets available HERE

Holiday Galleria begins today!

2011-09-29T09:29:00.001-05:00

The holiday season will officially start this weekend! The Junior League of Wichita is hosting their eighth annual Holiday Galleria fundraiser event at the Century II Convention Center. This four day upscale shopping extravaganza will provide you with a simple solution to your overwhelming holiday shopping list; over 110 merchants from all over the Midwest will be selling a variety of amazing products including home décor, children’s gifts, clothing, jewelry, gift wrap, books, food, and spices.

Funds raised from this event will sponsor projects based on the Junior League of Wichita’s goal of ending child abuse in the Wichita area. By attending this exciting event, you are not only putting a dent in your holiday shopping list but you are supporting your very own community as well!

Diving Out with Pulse

2011-09-28T13:32:00.001-05:00

When I was in high school I had the opportunity to spend several weeks in Australia, and while I was there I got to see the Great Barrier Reef. We spent a day out on the reef, and while I did get to see some incredible sights while snorkeling, I’ve always wished I’d gotten certified to scuba dive before the trip. So, this summer I decided to go with a friend to get certified, so that the next time an opportunity like that came along, I wouldn’t be kicking myself afterwards for having let it slip by.

Scuba diving is a highly safe activity, so long as you know what you’re doing. If you try to dive without proper training, you can get into trouble quickly. There are a number of organizations worldwide that train and certify scuba divers, but the largest is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). PADI has some of the best training available, and its certifications are recognized worldwide. At this point you might be wondering where to earn a certification; Kansas doesn’t exactly have a lot of beachfront property. Well, believe it or not, the Wichita area has not one, not two, but three dive shops, all of which offer PADI certification: Adventure Sports (where I went), Pro Ski and Scuba, and Amber Waves Diving Co. in Augusta.

So, now that I was ready, what did it take to get certified? First, the bad news, there’s homework. Before the first scuba class I had go through a course book and a video that tells what is involved in diving. It covered all the basics from equipment, to hazards, to dive planning, and even basic underwater navigation. Once that was done it was time for class, where the instructor (who in my case happened to be KSN meteorologist Dave Freeman, kinda cool, no?) reviewed what we’d learned in order to make sure we fully understand it.

Now, it was finally time to get in the water. So off we headed... to the pool. Our first dives were “confined water” dives. The pool offers the best environment to learn in without worrying about things like current, temperature, or low visibility. Our first two days were spent in the pool learning what it was like to breath underwater, how to use our equipment, what to do in an emergency, and all the basic skills we’d need before we took on open water.

So, now that our pool work was done, we were ready for “open water”. However there was still that pesky “no ocean” problem I mentioned before. But, just because there isn’t an ocean, it doesn’t mean there isn’t water. It’s just a short drive to Joplin, MO and you can find an old zinc mine (said to have been the largest of its kind in the world) that has been flooded to create a 14 acre lake reaching over 200 feet deep. At the lake we practiced many of the same skills as during our pool dives, but this time we were more than twice as deep and dealing with all the issues (current, temperature, visibility) that the pool didn’t have. At the end of our last exercise, our instructor held up a sign (we were still underwater), it read “U R a scuba diver”.

Now, after just two weekends, and a few hours underwater, I am a certified Open Water Diver. This is just the beginning, though. There are still more levels I can try for, from Advanced Open Water Diver, to Rescue Diver, all the way to Master Scuba Diver, or I could even take the “professional” track and become a Divemaster or an instructor. Plus, with a scuba certification, I can go almost anywhere in the world and explore what’s hidden just below the surface, from reefs to wrecks.

So, if you’ve ever considered learning to dive, I would encourage you to do it. And, if you’re never considered it, maybe you will now.

about the author:
Cory Theobald grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, and earned a degree in aerospace engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He then moved to Wichita to work for Spirit AeroSystems, where he is currently employed as a design engineer. He enjoys skiing, softball, quality craft beer, and fencing; a sport he picked up in college. He is also an avid reader, with Douglas Adams topping his list of favorite authors.

YPW Tallgrass Film Fest Discount!

2011-09-27T14:35:00.002-05:00

The Tallgrass Film Festival has graciously offered to team up with YPW so we can offer our members a great discount to all of their events this October!

Beginning today, enter this discount code: YPWWAMtallgrass at this website on the TALLPass or Early Bird TallPass option and it will offer them a discounted all access pass for $140 plus processing fees. (The normal price is $175).

The VIP TALLPass allows bearers entry into the following all weekend long:

All Galas (4) plus after parties
All General Admission screenings
Access to the VIP Filmmaker Lounge open all weekend in the Orpheum Building where they can get snacks, drinks, massage, mani/pedi and mingle with filmmakers and VIP's in between films
Entry to the VIP Mayor's Reception at WAM on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 5-7
Entry to the VIP Firkin Filmmaker Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 10-11:30 at Tanya's Soup Kitchen

The full feature film lineup will be announced this Friday, Sept. 30 and will be available on the Tallgrass Film Festival website. The official program will be available as an insert in the Wichita Eagle on Friday, October 14 and then will be available at select venues around town.

Great opportunity from the Rotary Group Study Exchange program!

2011-09-15T11:45:00.000-05:00

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

Rotary District 5690 is accepting applications NOW for their outbound GSE team travelling to Russia in 2012. The outgoing team will depart April 29, arriving in Russia on April 30, 2012, and will return May 21.

Their exchange is with District 2220, which represents the European part of Russia. District 2220 has Rotary Clubs in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Volgograd, Ekaterinburg, Kazan and Perm (the city, not the process). The final itinerary is not yet set, but this trip will offer the participants an opportunity to experience one of the most interesting countries in a manner few tourists can enjoy.

More information about this unique program of Rotary International can be found on their website here.

Potential applicants must be between 25 and 40 years old and cannot be a Rotarian or the spouse, child or grandchild of a current Rotarian. Please contact individuals in your community who may be interested and qualified or employers who may want a unique leadership enrichment experience for a young professional.

Please have applicants or employers direct inquiries or applications to the District GSE Chairperson, Steve Woods, at GSEWoods@aol.com or by calling him at 316-683-3561.

Dining Out with Pulse: Fizz Burgers and Bottles

2011-09-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

Wichita has the market cornered on burger restaurants. But if you are looking for great burgers and great atmosphere, look no further than Fizz Burgers and Bottles. Located at 7718 E. 37th Street North, it's a nice alternative to fast food burger joints. The burgers are thick and juicy and can be topped with an assortment of condiments. Fries were brought before the burgers, along with 6 different dipping sauces. The roasted garlic sauce and the smoked pepper mayo were outstanding. The 1/2 lb house burger is so good but so big!

Not only does Fizz serve burgers made to order, they also have great regular fries, sweet potato fries, fresh coleslaw, pasta salad and pickles. If you aren't a burger fan, Fizz has BBQ pulled pork, zesty pulled pork, tangy chicken, and cheddar-bacon chicken sandwiches. Fizz has a large selection of bottled soda pop, bottled beer and wine. The grape and cherry sodas were excellent. You may have to ask for a list of soda pop, as there are so many to choose from.

If you are health-conscious, the menu has a variety of salads to choose from. Dessert is one of the best things about Fizz. Wait staff will bring a tray of homemade cafe truffles, which are artisan cake balls. Fizz provides a fun atmosphere for lunch or dinner and the wait staff does an excellent job of making you feel at home. Diners can also call ahead and order to-go. If you want to dine somewhere relaxed and unique, I suggest trying Fizz.

About the author:
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.

Around town with Pulse: Old Town Farmer’s Market

2011-08-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

Having only lived in Wichita a year, I’m always looking for new ways to explore the city. Recently, I visited the Old Town Farmer’s Market and it turned out to be one of the best Saturday mornings I’ve had in a while. As you approach the square on 1st street and Mosley, you’re greeted with the tunes of local musicians and the aroma of fresh popped kettle corn. There are little ones playing in the kids’ activity area and pets leading their owners to follow all of the wonderful scents.

The vendors sell anything and everything local or hand-made including candles, art & crafts, kids clothing, honey, salsas, pastas, sweet treats like cinnamon rolls & pies, Mexican breakfast tacos, fruits & veggies, jewelry and the list goes on. They are all so excited to tell you about their product and some even have free samples, which I never seem to be able to turn down. Two of my favorite samples were chicken enchiladas and pecan pie flavored honey…so delicious! I made my way around to visit all of the tents and ended up leaving with a bag full of goodies and a full stomach. All in all, it’s a pretty great way to spend a Saturday morning so next Saturday check out the Old Town Farmer’s Market and support your local farmers and artists.
The farmer’s market is held every Saturday from 7am – 12pm at 1st street and Mosley from May 14 – October 15.

About the author:
Jenny Gautreaux is Certified Professional Organizer and loves to help others create an organized environment. She is a native Louisianan who loves any community festival or themed event, discovering local “non-chain” restaurants and traveling to new and exciting places. Jenny is a member of the Junior League of Wichita, a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita and just had a wee one this August!

Dining out with Pulse: Redrock Canyon Grill

2011-08-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

Where in Wichita would you eat if you were facing three weeks of no American food? I had a trip abroad so I was determined to pick a Wichita eatery that would suffice my American cravings for three weeks. I chose Redrock Canyon Grill in Bradley Fair. The local Wichita purists will argue that Redrock is not truly local because there are actually three locations (two in the red dirt state to the south of Kansas and the other in Wichita). I disagree though; it offers great service from familiar faces, the food is prepared fresh by incredible chefs and I know about their diligent efforts to keep their customers happy. That said, off to Redrock I went with fellow YP, Trish Inslee.

We started with queso and chips as our appetizer. Now, I consider myself a queso connoisseur, always searching for the best and latest concoction of melted cheese and spices. In fact another YP, Warren Potter, and I argue so often about Wichita's best queso destination that we have actually discussed organizing a blind taste test of various queso dips. We have even considered the logistics of keeping the queso warm for fair and impartial testing, and a scoring scale. I digress. The queso arrived quickly, appearing with plenty of chips and a warm yellow tone. It was delicious, the perfect blend of cheese, spices and whatever other unhealthy ingredients they throw into queso. One thing I liked about their queso was that it wasn't too heavy; it was just enough to wet my palette and keep me satisfied - but not stuffed - before dinner.

For dinner, we split the John "B" Good enchilada platter. Three succulent corn-tortilla enchiladas featuring rotisserie chicken and dripping with monterey jack cheese and salsa verde. It arrived with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. Now, Redrock's rotisserie chicken is second to none. In fact, if you ever have a few minutes while you are there, before you order swing by the window inside the restaurant so you can watch the chicken go round and round on the open flame. I dare you to do so and not order the chicken; impossible to pass up once you see the method in which it was prepared. It didn't disappoint this time. The enchiladas were perfect.

We finished it off with their wonderful "something chocolate" dessert. Chocolate cake, ice cream, whipped cream and some other glorious toppings were the perfect ending to our tasty dinner. It is impossible for me to eat at Redrock and not order that dessert! Unrelated, they have a newly renovated patio, some nice summer wines and a full menu that offers something that will suit your preferences.

I know what you are thinking. I wanted one good American meal to last me three weeks and I chose two traditionally Tex-Mex dishes. Let's be honest. There are very few, truly American dishes. One thing we do well, as a culture, is take some of the best things from other cultures, put our American stamp on it and, in some cases, make it even better. With queso and enchiladas, Redrock preserves the Tex-Mex flavor, but combines it with a tremendous flavorful American twist.

Top it all off with one of their desserts and your American taste buds will leave happy.

About the Author:
Bobby Gandu has been a Kansan his entire life, formerly living in Topeka but now residing happily in Wichita. He has been involved in YPW for several years, previously serving as an Ambassador but now enjoying his role on the Pulse Team. He currently serves as the Director of Admissions for Wichita State University, after having served the university in numerous other capacities and roles. In short, if you get stuck sitting next to him at a meeting or an event, he’ll probably talk your ear off about why WSU is a special place. Aside from bleeding black and yellow, Bobby is active as a board member for the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center and volunteers as a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Dining Out with Pulse: Starlite Drive-In

2011-08-10T16:25:00.002-05:00

Having only moved to Wichita a year ago, I thought that surely I was the only person I knew here that hadn’t experienced Wichita’s Starlite Drive-In Theatre. Come to find out, most of the people I know who have been here for many years have either never gone or didn’t even realize that there was a drive-in here in Wichita. Despite the hot weather, if you can find the energy to stay up all night, the Starlite Drive-In Theatre is one of Wichita’s more nostalgic experiences. There aren’t very many places left that still have a drive-in theatre and we are lucky enough to be one of them. Not only does the drive-in have shows every night of the week, but they also frequently have special midnight showings up movies such as Transformers, Harry Potter, and Captain America.

Having just recently discovered the drive-in myself, I went twice in 2 weeks earlier this summer and intend to go back for more. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can go watch 3 movies for $8.00 per person, but you have to be a trooper to make it through all 3 because they don’t start until around 9:30 after the sun goes down! Granted, watching a movie is still just watching a movie, but there is something much more enjoyable about sitting outside under the stars and enjoying Hollywood. While there is a no alcohol policy, everyone is welcome to pack a cooler and bring their own food and beverages to enjoy throughout the evening. You can sit inside your car and listen to the movie through your radio or use the speakers provided by the theatre; you can pull out a few camper chairs and sit outside; or you can back up your truck with whatever furniture you pack (many bring couches or mattresses) and enjoy the movie that way!

Having gone twice now, here are a few tips and pointers:

If you intend to show up for the first movie (you can show up for just the 2nd or 3rd, whatever you want) get there by 9pm so that you arrive early enough to pick the spot that you want. The lots fill up on the weekends a lot faster!
If you show up for the 2nd or 3rd movies, park in the back and wait for everyone to leave from the previous movie before trying to find a spot.
If you plan on sitting in chair outside of your vehicle, take a car, not an SUV or truck. Tall vehicles have fewer options for good parking spots due to visibility.
Pack sandwiches, drinks and snacks in a cooler rather than eating before or eating at the snack bar. It’s like a picnic at night!
We live in Kansas so it’s hot even after 9:30. If you don’t want to deal with the heat, go to the 2nd show; otherwise wear cool clothes but bring a jacket for cooler nights!
After you eat, go to the snack bar for a funnel cake!!!
If you are going to use your car radio, turn your key backwards to listen so that you don’t run-down your battery (or bring jumper cables!)
Sleep in the day that you go! If you intend to stay to the end you won’t be getting home until after 3:30am!

The theatre has 2 screens going every night and there are different movies showing on each so be sure to check-out the showings before you go so that you know which screen you want to watch. This truly is a wonderful experience whether you are taking your family, going with friends, or having a date night. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area!

Here is their link for more information on drive-in theatres, snack bar prices, and what is showing.

About the author:

Megan Junk is an Activities Advisor at Wichita State University. She has lived in Illinois, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Minnesota and is loving Wichita, Kansas. Outside of work, Meg enjoys traveling, watching Cubs baseball, watching movies at the Warren Theatre, and eating as much Olive Garden as her stomach will allow!

Dining Out with Pulse: Wichita Pizza Co.

2011-08-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

So, you think you know where to find the best pizza in Wichita—Knolla’s, A.J.’s, Papa Murphy’s, or Il Vicino, right? Wrong. Opened last fall, Wichita Pizza Co. has quickly become my go-to location for great pizza that offers a combination of traditional favorites and innovative creations. Notwithstanding its wonderful toppings and creative pizza offerings, Wichita Pizza Co. has one feature common to all its pizzas that makes it superior to all others—the best pizza crust in town.

While everything on the menu is fantastic, I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend my favorite pizza selections. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, try the Buffalo Chicken pizza. For an extra kick, ask for bacon. You can even request to have your favorite dipping sauce, ranch or bleu cheese, mixed into the sauce. On the other hand, if you’re craving something different, try the Canadian Bacon & Kraut pizza. The sweet, salty flavor of the Canadian bacon goes perfectly with the kraut.

Of course, pizza isn’t all that Wichita Pizza Co. offers. It has great appetizers, calzones and hoagies, as well. Not only that, but all of Wichita Pizza Co.’s selections are at an affordable price, ranging from $9.75 for a small cheese pizza to $18.99 for a large, specialty pizza. Finally, perhaps the most endearing part about Wichita Pizza Co. is the fact that it is a family run restaurant where the people are friendly, and the service is great. To view a menu, visit http://wichitapizzacompany.com. Eating options include both dine in and carry out.

Location:
1520 South Webb, #120
Wichita, Kansas 67207

About the author:
Brett Legvold enjoys long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners...ok, maybe not. How about: Brett is an attorney at Martin Pringle. Outside of work, Brett enjoys playing, watching, and debating anything and everything that has to do with sports, watching movies and TIVO'd shows, and spending quality time with his wife and child, a border collie.

YPW Awards Finalists

2011-07-13T11:15:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the finalists for the YPW Awards!

YPW Community Service Award, sponsored by Spirit Aerosystems:

Presented to a YPW member who is distinguished by their record of service to their community. They have engaged in continuing efforts to preserve and promote Wichita through their time, service, and talents.

Jennifer Collins, Legend Senior Living, LLC
Suzy Finn, Lytton's Appliance
Keith Talbert, Go Wichita

Distinguished Young Professional Awards (given to one male and one female)
Presented to a YPW member who has reached personal and/or professional achievements in their career, has positively impacted their communities, and shows promise for continued success.

Ilex Baxter, Koch Minerals, LLC
Kim Doze, Martin Pringle Attorneys at Law
Jeff Englert, Grubb & Ellis Martens Commercial Group, LLC
Bobby Gandu, Wichita State University
Rick Griffin, Martin Pringle Attorneys at Law
Jennifer Szambecki, Greteman Group

YPW Innovations in Business Award
Presented to a YPW Member who has made a unique or especially noteworthy contribution to their business, a YP who has reinvigorated or modernized a business, or a YP who has successfully started their own business. Special consideration will be given to those nominated for contributions that are designed to attract and retain young talent to Wichita in some way or provide a service uniquely designed to appeal to YP’s.

Jason Bell, Specs
Ivan Moore, Unified Party Bus
Claude Puntel, Cross Cultural Assimilation Institute, LLC

Young Professionals Choice Award (LOOK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR THE WINNER THIS WEEK!)
Presented to an organization that excels in their efforts to attract, retain and develop young professionals in the Wichita community.

Grant Thornton, LLP
Martin Pringle Attorneys at Law
Carlos O'Kelly's (Sasnak Management)

Join us at Founders Day on Friday, July 29th to see the winners announced!

Visioneering Wichita announces Emerging Leaders Program

2011-06-30T10:58:00.002-05:00

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

2011-06-24T15:23:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-13T09:58:00.006-05:00

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

2011-06-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

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

2011-06-02T11:50:00.003-05:00

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.

Save Your Spine Save an Animal

2011-05-25T13:17:00.001-05:00

YPW Member, Dr. Mike Stanley with Dopps Chiropractic is proud to be holding a fundraiser to benefit the Kansas Humane Society of Wichita this Summer! During the months of May, June, and July, Dr. Mike will be offering a Chiropractic exam, consultation, and any x-rays (if needed) for a $25 donation to the Kansas Humane Society. This is regularly a $250 value! If you are suffering from any of these conditions listed below, give us a call and set up an appointment today. Not only will you be taking control of your own health, but you will be donating to a tremendous organization! Save an animal by saving your spine!

Chiropractic can help with:
• Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Upper extremity pain (shoulder/elbow/wrist)
• Lower Extremity Pain (hip/knee/ankle/foot)
• Pain between shoulders
• Osteoarthritis
• Disc Problems
• Carpal Tunnel

Save Your Spine, Save an Animal!

Call 316-685-4965 to set up your appointment.

Meet a Member - Sarah Goertz

2011-05-23T14:15:00.001-05:00

Meet YPW Member, Sarah Goertz. Sarah is a member of the YPW Board of Trustees and is the Chair of the Community Relations Action Team.

Sarah Goertz is a Web marketing specialist for Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. Before landing her dream job, Sarah served as marketing coordinator for Geotechnical Services, Inc. (GSI), a geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting firm. She has also worked as a marketing specialist, journalist, graphic designer and Web designer for more than eight years.

Sarah began her career as a feature writer for a mid-size newspaper in Tyler, Texas, went on to serve as communications coordinator for a $10 million non-profit organization and worked as associate director of marketing for the first for-profit medical university in the country. Her two degrees, one in journalism and the other in digital media, give her the unique ability to create impactful communications through both print and interactive online mediums.

Education
B.S., Mulitmedia Journalism
Oklahoma State University

A.A.S., Digital Media
Butler County Community College

Professional Affiliations
• KETCH Community Council
     o Board Member (Feb. 2006 to April 2007)

• Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
     o Program Director (March 2008 - Present)

• Young Professionals of Wichita
     o Community Relations Committee Member (May 2009 – Nov. 2009)
     o Community Relations Chair (Nov. 2009 – Present)

• Mentoring a Girl in Construction (MAGIC) Camp
     o Committee Member (Feb. 2009 – Present)

• RiverCity WRAPS – Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy
     o Executive Leadership Team (April 2010 – Present)

• City of Maize Planning Commission
     o Member (May 2009 – Present)

Politcal Awareness Update

2011-05-20T15:23:00.000-05:00

After 90 days and six hours, the Kansas Legislature officially adjourned at 6:00 am last Friday morning. The session proved to be fairly productive for business interests as well as social conservatives.

Major reforms were achieved on unemployment taxation and the worker’s compensation system. In addition, Governor Sam Brownback won approval from the legislature on all of his “Road Map for Kansas” economic initiatives, including his expensing plan and rural economic development zones. The Promoting Employment Across Kansas program (PEAK) was successfully tweaked for a third year in a row and now allows for forgiveness of personal income taxes for S-Corp and LLCs that relocate to Kansas.

Most of these issues had received major focus throughout the session, but didn’t find resolution until the final week. That’s not unusual in an environment where every issue is a possible bargaining chip for one Chamber or the other. It is not uncommon for agreements to be reached on a policy matter only to see official voting held up by one Chamber in attempt to force their counterparts to accept another policy position on unrelated legislation. It is a chess game that the Senate usually wins and while the House got better at the game this year, especially on the budget, the Senate still outmaneuvered the House on many issues.

The budget was the major point of contention the entire session. The session started with a speech from the Governor highlighting the criticality of the legislature passing a rescission bill and getting it to his desk by the end of January. With the state facing a $500M shortfall, the Governor wanted cuts to the FY2011 budget in order to help balance the budgets for this year and next. Neither Chamber passed bills in time to meet that deadline and then negotiations between the two Chambers on the bill just stalled. No rescission bill was ever passed and the Governor eventually had to use his allotment authority to balance this year’s budget. It was not a good start and it was sign of what was to come on budget matters and discussions between the two Chambers.

As the session entered day 89 of the 90-day session, and after over 20 rounds of bargaining between the House and Senate, a budget agreement was finally reached and was readied for consideration by the full legislature. The FY2012 budget cut nearly $50M in state general fund spending, but the cuts to agencies and especially public schools was much larger due the absence of federal stimulus dollars that had been backfilling state money for the last two years. It was a Republican only approved budget and not a single Democrat in either Chamber voted for the budget. Democrats were unwilling to support the budget due to cuts to schools and social service programs. In the House, some staunch conservative Republicans refused to support the budget because they felt the budget did not cut enough.

The final budget spends nearly $14B all funds, including state and federal monies. The state general fund budget is just over $6B and leaves a projected ending balance of $70M, well below the required 7.5% which would be $450M.

Even in good years budgets have winners and losers. In a tough budget year there are understandably more losers and those losses tend to be even more painful. Some longstanding state agencies were either eliminated or folded into larger agencies. KTECH and the Pipeline program were eliminated and while the Kansas Arts Commission and Public Broadcasting were funded by the legislature, the Governor has promised to use his line item veto authority to zero-out their funding. Public broadcasting will probably survive, though they will face significant challenges. The Kansas Arts Commission will not. In fact, it appears that June 10 is the effective end date for the Commission. Schools also faced significant cuts, although legislation was passed that allows them to use funds previously allocated for other uses.

There were some notable hard fought wins for south-central Kansas however. The Kansas Affordable Airfares Program was renewed and NIAR, NCAT, and CIBOR were all funded for the next budget year. The Equus Bed Recharge project was also funded, and Wichita State, KU and K-State will receive extra money to increase programs for engineering students.

KPERS
During the Veto Session the Legislature passed a bill creating a commission to study and develop a long term plan to address the $7.7B unfunded liability for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement Program (KPERS). The bill also requires public employees to choose between paying a higher percentage of their salaries into the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System or having future benefits cut. The measure commits the state to increasing its annual contributions to KPERS starting in July 2013.

Unemployment
During the session two different plans emerged for reforming the Kansas Unemployment System. The fund is broke and money had to be borrowed from the feds in order to make unemployment payments. The plans were similar in that both reinstated the waiting week and created six new rate classes, basically for negatively balanced employers. The key difference was the Senate plan would increase the taxable wage base from $8K to $11K over three years. Although it would cost employers in the short term, increasing the wage base saves positively balanced employers millions in federal interest payments. The House refused the increase and left the taxable wage base at $8K.

In a final conference committee meeting, the House offered to accept the Senate plan, but in return the Senate would be required to accept the House-only passed Payroll Protection Act. This is the legislation that would prohibit unions from automatically deducting money from member’s paychecks for anything political. The legislation was popular in the House and became personal for House leadership after union members loudly interrupted the House of Representatives during voting on the measure.

In a bold move, Sen. Terry Bruce (R) Hutchinson, described as “shooting the hostage”, the Senate entertained and passed a motion to concur with the original House passed unemployment legislation. The original House legislation was simply unemployment and did not contain Payroll Protection. That means the bill is headed to the Governor without the increase in the taxable wage base.

Work Comp
Kansas business had long awaited some reforms to Worker’s Compensation laws. The legislation is the result of deliberation and extensive negotiation between labor and business representatives. The final version of the legislation improves the Kansas business climate, increasing our competitiveness with surrounding states and ensuring injured workers receive the care and benefits they need. The reform package passed the Senate 37 to 0 and the House 120 to 0. The Governor signed the bill into law in Wichita.

Taxation and Business Development
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback campaigned on creating jobs and growing the Kansas economy. His primary plans for accomplishing these goals centered on creating rural economic zones. If people from outside Kansas move to counties with decreasing populations and create jobs, they could forgo personal income tax and even have their student loans paid by the state and the county in which they locate. The other key to the Governor’s economic plan was the ability for businesses to expense 100% of capital investment in year one for tax purposes.

Things got a little complicated for the new administration when businesses across the state balked at the elimination of tax credits known as High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP). The Governor, looking to pay for his expensing plan and deal closing fund, put HPIP on the chopping block. In addition to HPIP elimination, the Governor’s plan also proposed eliminating the only retention tool available to the Department of Commerce. The session was barley underway when the Governor and his administration realized that the total elimination of HPIP posed a political cost that was too high for the comfort of legislators (and business).

In the end, a very beneficial and productive compromise was reached. The Governor would get his expensing plan, HPIP would remain, although slightly changed, and the PEAK program would be tweaked to allow for retention. The contents of the compromise are contained in SB 193 and SB196. The links below are to the final conference committee reports for the legislation.

Politics of the Session
Political junkies are fond of saying elections have consequences. Depending on your point of view, those consequences are either positive or negative, but no one would disagree that the last election had major consequences. The state has a conservative Governor for the first time in a very long time. The Senate which has been in charge for quite some time lost just a little bit of its moderate steam and a fair amount of its power. While the Senate is still firmly controlled by moderate Republicans, it now has more conservatives. That has left them a bit uncomfortable.

The House coalition, made up of moderate Republicans and Democrats (forming a majority), has been relegated to the status of irrelevant. Conservatives clearly rule the House, and after two frustrating years of seeing his proposals dead on arrival in his own Chamber, House Speaker Mike O’Neal is clearly the second most powerful man in Kansas next to Governor Sam Brownback.

What does it all mean? Well, for next session, look for both Chambers to send each other those highly political and uncomfortable election year “gotcha” bills that require a great deal of squirming and nose-holding before casting a vote. Despite the fact there is no public service announcement against it, there is nothing more addicting than political power, and for the next year and a half there will be an epic battle in Kansas for that power.

The Walking Theme Trails Come to Life

2011-05-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

On each Final Friday of the month from 6 PM to 8:30 PM from May to September the Trails will come to life. On the chosen Final Friday each museum will present a free sidewalk celebration of entertainment along their Trail.

1. Final Friday

May 27th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

The Exploration

Trail Exploration Place volunteers will give walkers clues to solve a “crime,” getting a taste of crime scene investigation (CSI) techniques. This Final Friday Museum Mystery is all part of the national traveling exhibit, CSI: The Experience, opening at Exploration Place on Saturday, May 28.

2a. Final Friday
June 24th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Art Trail
Kansas artists creating really cool art right on the Art Trail. The Wichita Art Museum will feature artists from all over Kansas. Among the featured artists will be former Wichita native Jordan Tarrant. Jordan paints using words to create his murals. Jordan will paint a mural of William Shakespeare using the 52 words and 47 phrases that Shakespeare invented. Dave Burk donated the use of a building wall in Old Town for the mural.

2b. Final Friday
June 24th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
American Indian
Trail This Trail will feature the sights and sounds of the Indian Culture. The Mid-America All-Indian Center will welcome both singers and drums to the Trail. The Museum will be open from 6PM to 8PM that evening should the walkers wish to immerse themselves in the Art of the Plains Indians.

3a. Final Friday
July 29th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The Magic Trail (Haysville)
The Magic Trail in Haysville will present the Wizards of Wichita. The Wizards are part of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The Wizards will be sure to entertain, amuse and confound walkers of all ages. The Wizards promise not to make the Trail or any of the walkers disappear, everything else is fair game.

3b. Final Friday
July 29th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Poets Trail
The Wichita Poets Trail will present Wichita Poets who are competing in the Poetry Slam National Competition in Cambridge MA. The Poets will be reciting at the Pavilions at WaterWalk from 6PM to 8:30PM.

4. Final Friday
August 26th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
African American Trail
The African American Museum will present a Kansas Idol contest for Jazz, R&B, Rap, Gospel and Story Telling. Great music has always been the calling card of for not only the African American community in Kansas but also for Kansans state wide. Why not celebrate this great tradition by bringing the best modern day performers from all over Kansas to compete to see who is the greatest of them all.

5. Final Friday
September 30th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Sports Trail
The Sports Trail will feature interactive events along the Sports Trail. How would you like to compete against a legendary Kansas college quarterback throwing a ball threw a hanging tire or match free throws against former great college basketball players? Or you may just want to talk with former Kansas sports hero’s to ask them about what made them great. This event leads up to the Kansas Sports Hall Of fame Induction ceremony which will be held on October 2nd.

8. Final Friday
September 30th, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tallgrass Film Festival Trail
The Tallgrass Association will present a course on how to make a movie along the Tallgrass Film Festival Trail. Filmmakers will line the Trail to teach walkers various tricks and techniques about how to use their I Phones, video cameras or any other devise that takes video to make a movie! No longer will your friends and family have to sit through boring videos of your vacations or family outings because now you will be able to dazzle them with your movie making skills. The walker will learn various elements of filmmaking, from storyboarding, to edit tricks, to learning different apps that allow everyone to become a filmmaker---their own film might even show up in the next addition of the Tallgrass Film Festival! The Trail presentation leads up to the 9th annual Festival which will be held from October 20th-23rd, where aspiring filmmakers of all ages can see more than 100 independent films from all over the world and even discuss the craft with guest filmmakers.

The Mayors’ and chairman’s challenge
In order to prove to the nation that we really do love to walk, Mayor Carl Brewer of Wichita, Chairman Dave Unruh of Sedgwick County and Mayor Ken Hampton of Haysville have created The Mayors’ and Chairman’s Challenge. Go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WalktheTrails to register the number of Trails and miles that you have walked from May 18th to September 30th. There will be recognition for the individuals, organizations and groups that walk all the Trails.

Political Awareness Update

2011-05-09T10:54:00.002-05:00

The Kansas Legislature worked through week two of Veto Session and went home today planning to return Monday for week three. Progress thus far has been slow and at times painful, but it is progress none the less. The annual Veto Session is usually a “stop and go” exercise with plenty of waiting in between and this wrap-up session seems to have more stopping than going. A few agreements have been reached by conference committees, but even some of those are on hold from final action votes as one Chamber attempts to force the other to take action on unrelated legislation.

The budget, however, is the big roadblock and both teams of negotiators have reached a high level of frustration. The House and Senate, both having passed budgets, began trying to reconcile differences last week on about 250 disagreements. 250 is an extraordinary number of differences. The key difference appears to be the final ending balance. While the House is pushing for an ending balance of least $60M, the Senate seems comfortable with between $7 -10M. The House is the more conservative of the two Chambers and House Appropriations Chair Marc Rhoades believes that anything below a 1% ending balance is too dangerous. Senate Ways and Means Chair Carolyn McGinn, on the other hand, says she too is concerned with the ending balance, but she believes additional cuts would be too devastating to local government, schools and safety net programs.

The House and the Senate have approximately 80 differences remaining, including the ending balance. Offers have been exchanged which include the Kansas Affordable Airfares Program, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Next Wednesday, May 11, marks the 90th day of session. Legislative secretaries packed up and went home today and legislative salaries run out after day 90. Entrenched disagreements tend to wane just a little when legislators are answering their own phones and trying to figure out how the coffee maker works and doing it all pro bono.

Conference Committee Report on SB 193 passed the House yesterday 107-10. It now heads to the Senate Monday. SB 193 contains a six year HPIP extension/recertification simplification and the following PEAK provisions:
• Creates additional opportunities for existing Kansas companies by increasing the $4.8 million cap for in-state expansions to $6 million.
• Allows new Sub-S companies to be forgiven their personal income tax liabilities by moving to Kansas, creating a major incentive without costing the state fiscally.

Conference Committee Report on Substitute to SB 196: Governor’s HPIP/expensing/Deal Closing fund bill (SB 196) will be run on the House floor next week after the Senate passes the above referenced Conference Committee Report (CCR) to SB 193.

House and Senate conferees had basically boiled the differences down to the increase in the taxable wage base for unemployment insurance premiums. The House had refused to increase the base to $11K as the Senate had done. That increase is the lesser of two evils. While it will cost business more, it will not cost business as much as raising it and then owing the feds nearly $480M in additional interests payments beginning in 2014. The House made a final offer to the Senate yesterday, taking the Senate position on the increase, but also coupling the Paycheck Protection Act into the final version of the bill. Paycheck Protection is the act that says unions cannot collect monies for PACs through automatic payroll deductions.

HB 2134, signed by Governor Brownback on April 18, will bring sweeping changes to the work comp laws in Kansas. To help educate members, the Kansas State Chamber has scheduled a series of seminars across the state in partnership with the Kansas Society of Human Resource Management (KS SHRM) and the Kansas Self Insurers Association (KSIA) to update employers and HR professionals on these significant changes. Registration Fee: $75 for KS Chamber, KS SHRM and KSIA members and $125 for non-members. For information or to RSVP, please call Eric Stafford at (785) 357-6321.
Seminar Dates:
Friday, May 13 – Wichita
10:00 am
Room 126, Clinton Hall
Wichita State University

Friday, May 20 - Topeka

Friday, May 27 - Salina

Friday, June 3 - Kansas City

The first seminar will be held in Wichita on Friday, May 13, at 10:00 AM. The location is room 126 Clinton Hall on the Wichita State University campus. This session will be led by Tony Andersen with McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips, P.A., one of the attorneys involved in negotiations with labor which resulted in the product of House Bill 2134.

Andersen will offer in-depth analysis into the changes to Kansas work comp law, including the new prevailing factor test, reversal of the Bergstrom decision and new notice requirements for both employers and employees to name a few.

For more information or to register, download the informational flyer.

2011 40 Under 40

2011-05-06T10:21:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all the YPW Members selected for the Wichita Business Journal's 2011 40 Under 40 Class! We're so proud to have so many oustanding members.

Brandon Baker -- The Carnahan Group
Stephanie Bowen -- Flint Hills Resources LP
Karla Campbell -- Spirit AeroSystems Inc
Ginger Farney -- Ernst & Young
Chad Glenn -- Shelden Architecture
Katie Grover -- Heartspring
Christopher Howell -- UMB Bank NA
Susan Johnson -- IMA of Kansas
Todd Lewis -- University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Jesse McCurry -- Kennedy and Coe LLC
Mark Schemlzle -- Allen, Gibbs & Houlik LC
Jennifer Szambecki-Benninga -- Greteman Group
Dr. Kimberly Taylor -- Wichita Clinic
Candace Wilson -- Geotechnical Services Inc.

2011-05-05T13:09:00.007-05:00

Introducing the 2011

YP’s make big contributions to Wichita – it’s time to celebrate all that we do!

The first annual YPW Awards will be presented at Founders’ Day 2011, Friday, July 29. We want to recognize the outstanding contributions that our members make to the Wichita community and we need your help! Please review the 2011 YPW Awards categories and if you know a member that deserves – nominate them! We want to hear from YOU – these awards are to celebrate our YPW members that go above and beyond the call of duty to make Wichita a better place to work, play and live.

Distinguished Young Professional Award (two will be awarded):
Presented to a YPW member who has reached personal and/or professional achievements in their career, has positively impacted their communities, and shows promise for continued success.

YPW Community Service Award:
Presented to a YPW member who is distinguished by their record of service to their community. They have engaged in continuing efforts to preserve and promote Wichita through their time, service, and talents.

YPW Innovations in Business Award:
Presented to a YPW Member who has made a unique or especially noteworthy contribution to their business, a YP who has reinvigorated or modernized a business, or a YP who has successfully started their own business. Special consideration will be given to those nominated for contributions that are designed to attract and retain young talent to Wichita in some way or provide a service uniquely designed to appeal to YP’s.

Additional recognition will be given to one business for a Young Professionals Choice Award and our Outstanding Corporate Investor of the Year.

Any YPW member may nominate any business for the Young Professionals Choice Award, and nominations will be reviewed with three finalists selected by the Board of Trustees. Finalists will be emailed out to YPW members, who will vote on the winner. Nominees are expected to be companies that excel in their efforts to attract, retain and develop young professionals in the Wichita community.

The Award for Outstanding Corporate Investor of the Year will be presented to a YPW corporate investor that has shown continued support for YPW, its programs, and the Wichita community. YPW Staff will select the finalists for this award and the Board of Trustees will vote on the winner. (Those Board of Trustees members employed by any finalist company will be excluded from the voting process.)

In addition to these awards, we will also recognize each Action Team’s Volunteer of the Year to honor the exceptional individuals responsible for planning YPW’s extensive programming, and the YPW Commitment Award will be presented.

Finalists will be announced prior to Founders’ Day on July 29, so watch the YPW Newsletter and Blog for these special announcements!

Please click here for the brief nomination form! Nominations are due by May 25. Forms can be returned to Heather Denker: hdenker@wichitachamber.org or faxed to 265-7502.

Individual YPW awards applications will be reviewed by the YPW Awards Selection Panel. This panel consists of YPW’s Board of Trustees Chair, Past Chair and Chair Elect, YPW’s Community Advisors and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce. Selection will be moderated by YPW Staff. (If excessive numbers of applications are received, a panel of YPW volunteers and YPW Staff will narrow the selections) Consideration will be given to the exact criteria of the award as well as activities in the spirit of YPW’s Mission. All awards require that the nominee have been a YPW Member for at least three consecutive months prior to nomination.

Arkansas River Trash Roundup

2011-05-03T10:49:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! Join Cargill, Ducks Unlimited and the City of Wichita for the River Trash Roundup to help get the river ready for Riverfest. The event is on May 7th from 9am to noon. Check in and register at the south end of the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium Parking Lot.

Cargill will be providing participants with an event t-shirt and is inviting all the volunteers to a post-cleanup cookout back at the check-in station.

The event is registered with American Rivers as part of the “National River Cleanup” initiative. The National River Cleanup is providing the bags for the event.

Groups of volunteers – such as those associated with a business, school or university, club, church or scout group – may want to “adopt” one of clean-up sites for the event. If a group adopts a site, that group’s participants will all start in that location. Visit the City of Wichita's Website for more information.

Here's a look at the past year's stats:

On May 1, 2010, 487 bags of trash were collected totaling 2.81 tons (5,620 lbs) of trash. A record 600 volunteers turned out for the event.
On May 2, 2009, 517 bags of trash were collected totaling 2.1 tons (4200 lbs) of trash.
On May 3, 2008, 176 bags of trash were collected totaling 0.76 tons of trash.
On May 5, 2007, 171 bags of trash were collected totaling 1.64 tons of trash.
On May 6, 2006, 95 bags of trash were collected totaling 1.72 tons of trash.
On October 22, 2005, 90 bags of trash were collected totaling 1.18 tons of trash.

Tunes on the Tarmac 2011

2011-05-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

YPW has been invited to one of the best parties in Wichita; Tunes on the Tarmac. This year's Tunes on the Tarmac, Tunes with a Twist will be held on May 14th from 6:30pm - 11pm at the Jabara Airport. The party features a Sterling Silver tenderloin dinner, open bar, and dancing to a live band. Fabulous Silent and Live Auction items include: a weekend getaway to colorado, concert tickets, artwork and more.

This is a benefit for Arts Partners, a nonprofit organization, igniting the full creative potential of all young people. YPW members are invited to attend at a discounted rate of $85 ($60 tax deductible). For more information on the event or about Arts Partners call 316-262-4771, email info@artspartnerswichita.org, or visit their website: tunesonthetarmac.org.

Meet a Member - Keith Talbert

2011-04-12T11:25:00.001-05:00

Meet YPW Member, Keith Talbert. He is the 2011 Chair of the YPW Ambassador Action Team and has been a member for 3 years.

Name: Keith Talbert
Age: 26
Occupation: Destination Sales Manager at Go Wichita

YPW
How long have you been involved?
I have been involved with YPW since 2008 when I worked as an Admissions Representative for Wichita State University.

Why you are involved?
To network, meet new people and provide my knowledge to help better the Wichita community for Young Professionals.

Has the organization allowed you particular opportunities?
Yes, YPW has allowed me to build upon my leadership skills and take an active role in making the organization a fun, exciting and happening spot for YPs.

Your personal goals for the organization:
To help with its growth and continue to maximize the benefits it has to its members.

Favorite recent YPW event?
I would say being a part of the inaugural year of Leadership Academy. It was a great personal and professional growth opportunity as an individual. I learned a lot and heard great perspectives from Wichita’s community leaders.

Career
How did you get to where you are today?
Not giving up on my goals and dreams. I am big proponent for using life's negatives to shape positive results.

Anything you would do differently?
I would have focused more on internships and gaining real life experience in college. It is always great to be ahead of the game when you are trying to achieve your career goals.

What inspired you to get into your profession? Or, What is inspiring about your profession?
I love to travel, so being in the travel & tourism industry was a natural fit. There is so much out there to see and I have not even begun to see it all. Thanks to my job I am getting the opportunity to experience and learn so much when it comes to travel.

Community
Involved in any way?
Yes, I am involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas, Wichita State’s Business Week Planning Committee and the newly formed Roteract Club of Wichita group. I have many other groups, but at this time those are my main focus.

Your favorite thing about Wichita/Most unique thing about Wichita
My favorite thing about Wichita is the ease of getting connected within the city. I am not really sure what I can say about the most unique thing about Wichita. I am still discovering all of Wichita’s treasures.

Why did you choose Wichita?
I chose Wichita based on my desire to attend Wichita State University. I heard great things about their business school and liked the idea of being in more of a city setting. So my college education was the main reason I am here in the city today.

Political Awareness Update

2011-03-22T13:59:00.000-05:00

Last week saw considerable movement on key issues facing the Kansas Legislature as lawmakers enter the final stretch leading up to first adjournment. Most significant in the Senate was the Ways and Means Committee’s passage of its fiscal year 2012 budget. Thursday and Friday were designated as tax policy days in the House, and after some maneuvering and caucusing, the House did take major action on altering the state’s tax policy.

Taxes

What has now become House Substitute for Senate Bill 1 is legislation drafted by Senators Ty Masterson and Terry Bruce. The legislation is a comprehensive overhaul of the Kansas corporate and personal income taxation method. In short, the bill would lead to decreases in personal and corporate income rates that are equal to the percentage growth in state tax receipts from the previous year. Basically, if the state received 12% more money in 2011 then corporate and personal income tax rates would drop by 12% in 2012. If there is no growth – there is no decrease. Nothing in the legislation prohibits the legislature from raising other taxes, nor does it contain any spending limits as some opponents of the bill have tried to assert. It is conceivable that over time the state’s personal income tax rate could be “bought” down to zero (0).

The House initially rejected the bill on Thursday. Conservatives were generally supportive of the bill, but several voted no due to a provision that would have made last year’s sales tax increase permanent. That provision was removed Friday morning and the bill passed with 72 votes. The bill is now headed over to a Senate that is likely not as impressed with tax reduction as is the House.

The House also passed the major components of the governor’s economic plan. The expensing and reformulated HPIP and deal closing fund, as well as the rural enterprise zones intended to spur growth in low population areas, all passed the House.

Budget

The Senate Ways and Means Committee, after several weeks of work, did pass a budget on to the full Senate. The bill cuts $535 million in spending next fiscal year and includes portions of the governor’s original rescission bill.

The House Appropriations Committee, just today, completed work on their budget. At the time of this update, the total amount of cuts had yet to be determined, however the House Appropriations Committee made significant cuts beyond what the governor recommended, including the total elimination of the Kansas Affordable Airfares Program. It’s probably fair to say that even conservative budget hawks will view this budget as somewhat harsh in terms of the cuts made to state funded programs. After a several weeks long process of budget subcommittees trimming budgets, the full committee, over a four day period, made even more cuts. Among the casualties - school budgets were hit, as were Meals on Wheels, Disaster Relief, assistance for the aged and the Departments of Health and Environment and Social and Rehabilitation Services. The Judicial Review Panel was completely eliminated.

Typically, the House and Senate would work their respective budgets this week and conference to work out the differences. However, that scenario seems unlikely at this point as the Senate may be hesitant to enter into house “politics” prior to first adjournment. The conference committee between the two Chambers on the FY 11 rescission bill was less than productive. They never did reach an agreement and the Senate walked away clearly frustrated with the House negotiators. Remember, brand new revenue estimates are out April 1 and to many it may make more sense to just wait for the new numbers and work through the budgets the last week of April when legislators return for Veto Session.

Clearly, many people are alarmed at the actions taken by the House Appropriations Committee. It remains to be seen if the actions are simply the result of overzealous budget cutters or if the House has proposed cuts even beyond their comfort level in an attempt to force the Senate to cut more in conference. Conference committees typically meet somewhere in between their two chamber’s final numbers. The House, in the past, has not really been very strategic in planning their budgets with Senate negotiations in mind. The Senate, on the other hand, has.

Both Chambers are on the floor today (Monday) through Wednesday this week. Conference committees will start meeting this Thursday and will run through the end of next week heading towards first adjournment which is Saturday April 2.

Meet a Member - Chris Hurst

2011-03-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Meet YPW Member, Chris Hurst. He is the 2011 YPW Board of Trustees secretary and has been a member for 5 years.
Name: Chris Hurst
Age: 36
Occupation: Engineer

YPWHow long have you been involved?: 5 years

Why you are involved?: I joined YPW to discover the city and meet other young professionals. Since I didn’t grow up in Wichita, I didn’t realize all that Wichita and Wichitans had to offer before joining YPW.

Has the organization allowed you particular opportunities?: While YPW has created opportunities both professionally and within the community for me, I would say the greatest opportunity was making some great friends. I’ve been able to meet many new people, often from different walks of life, whose paths would never have crossed without an organization like YPW.

Your personal goals for the organization: That YPW continues to drive positive change in the community and is an advocate of issues that are important to YP’s.

Favorite recent YPW event?: As an avid homebrewer and a movie lover, I would have to go with the Suds and Cinema event. A perfect pairing of Tallgrass Brewing beers with fan favorite short films from the Tallgrass film fest.

Career
How did you get to where you are today?: Persistence and hard work, mostly.

Anything you would do differently?: I ended up where I wanted to be. If anything, I would have liked to have been more involved at WSU while I was getting my MBA. Work plus school didn’t leave much time for anything else.

What inspired you to get into your profession?Or, What is inspiring about your profession?: It’s a bit geeky, but ever since I saw Star Wars for the first time as a little kid, I have been fascinated by aircraft and spacecraft. Plus, I really enjoy building things. There is a real satisfaction when I see one of the airplanes I’ve worked on flying around.

Community
Involved in any way? I’ve been a volunteer with YPW since it launched. Currently I am serving as the Board secretary and I am also a property manager for this year’s Enhance Community Project. In addition, I am an officer for the Cessna YP organization. Outside the YP world, I have been a big proponent of downtown development and I have attended and volunteered at many of the community meetings that occurred over the last couple of years. It is really exciting to see the entertainment, social, and retail options improve in Wichita.

Your favorite thing about Wichita/Most unique thing about Wichita: It’s an easy, comfortable town to live in. It’s not hard to get around and people are friendly. It lacks a lot of the stress that you might see in other places.

Why did you choose Wichita?: I came here mostly because of the job, but I also really liked how affordable it is to live here. I love sports and I also really enjoy travelling. The low cost of living leaves plenty extra in the budget for other things.

Meet a Member - Chad Glenn

2011-03-02T15:27:00.001-06:00

Meet YPW Member, Chad Glenn. He is the 2011 YPW Board of Trustees Chair-Elect, is the Chair of the Enhance CommunitYProject subcommittee of the Community Relations Action Team, and has been a member for 5 years.

Name: Chad Glenn
Age: 35
Occupation: Architect

YPW
How long have you been involved? 5 years

Why you are involved? I got involved to make connections and discover Wichita. It has been successful because I have meet some amazing people and have learned so much about my city. The young professionals of this community are not only the future but the current movers and shakers of Wichita and I enjoy being around such an influential group.

Has the organization allowed you particular opportunities? Wichita has an amazing wealth of individuals with innovative ideas and a passion to make a difference which has inspired me to think differently and challenge myself in new ways.

Your personal goals for the organization? I hope YPW continues to tap into the amazing talent in the community and show others how it's being utilized to make a difference enticing future professionals to call Wichita home.

Favorite recent YPW event? Enhance Community is by far the best YPW event being able to use my talent to give back to the community is enjoyable and rewarding. Bias aside the Holiday PrePairings was a ton fun. Local Chef Jeremy Wade made the interactive cooking event informative and delicious.

Career
How did you get to where you are today? Architecture has been my passion since my first lego set. My 7th grade drafting class was my first step toward becoming an architect. I never looked back or waivered from my dream and 15 years after, received my license.

Anything you would do differently? Looking back on my college experience, the time commitment and drive to accomplish my goal of obtaining an architecture degree I should have taken more time to breath and enjoy my surroundings. I have now learned from that and try to take in as much as I can at every stage of my career and life. My wonderful wife, amazing step-daughter and soon to arrive baby boy has also helped keep my focus grounded. The importance of family and community now surpass my personal career aspirations.

What inspired you to get into your profession? Or, What is inspiring about your profession? Every day I get to not only think about how to make this community better but put pencil to paper (or mouse to screen) and see the physical transformation of my surroundings with each project we complete.

Community
Involved in any way? I like to try different things stopping and getting involved in the ones I really feel passionate about, YPW being one of those. I started as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and continued with being a board member of AIA of Kansas and K-State Architecture studio critic. Currently I am involved in Big Brother's Big Sister's, volunteering for various groups like the American Heart Association, Make-A-Wish, and the American Diabetes Association. This may include anything from standing at an intersection requesting financial support to transferring my hobby of photography for a good cause. I am the Enhance Community Project chair and incoming chair for YPW, and also sit on the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Board.

Your favorite thing about Wichita/Most unique thing about Wichita? The people. Wichita is a very family oriented community which includes friends, business associates and the stranger on the street. There is this great passion from the community for the community, as proven by the downtown master planning and the support shown for it.

Why did you choose Wichita? I was born and raised in Kansas with family still in the area. Growing up in Garden City, Wichita was always seen as the "big city". Wichita has those big city amenities while being small enough to feel a sense of community.

WDDC Annual Lecture with Carol Colletta

2011-02-28T15:29:00.000-06:00

Carol Colletta, president of CEO for Cities, will be in Wichita on March 10th for the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation's 3rd Annual Lecture. She is a highly sought after speaker on the success formula for cities and creative communities and is frequently interviewed as an expert on urban issues by national media.

In 2008 she was named one of the world’s 50 most important urban experts by a leading European think tank. Most recently, she was named the recipient of the Lambda Alpha International 2009 International Journalism Award for her work with CEOs for Cities and Smart City Radio, and as one of the top 50 urban thinkers of all time by readers of PLANetizen.com.

Make plans to join the continued conversation on Project Downtown as Carol Colletta shares how cities transform themselves into places that attract talent, create distinctiveness and spread innovation to benefit the entire region.

The event is on March 10th at the Orpheum Theatre, with the lecture starting at 6:30pm. RSVP at downtownwichita.org.

Vote!

2011-02-24T16:41:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday, March 1st, you will have an opportunity to select the candidates that will run in the general election on April 5th. Voting in these local elections is very important because local elected officials make decisions that have a huge effect on our daily lives. City council and the mayor vote on city ordinances and projects like noise ordinances for live music, TIF funding, even on adopting a downtown master plan. YPW's Political Awareness sub-committee wants to help you make an educated vote so that you are represented in the decisions made in your hometown.

In case you missed our Political Awareness Newsletter, you can click here to view it online!

Some other helpful links are below:

The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce distributed a survey to candidates for the 2011 City Elections. Those responses can be found on this page.

The Wichita Eagle Voters Guide
The Wichita Eagle invited candidates to respond to questions about key issues. This guide allows you to compare candidates and their responses to these questions.

Political Awareness Update

2011-02-21T09:58:00.001-06:00

In 2010, YPW began a series of events that bring awareness to the importance of our local and state government. Our goals are to educate our members on the roles of city, county and state officials, create knowledgeable YPs who will get out and vote, and provide a non-partisan view on local issues that affect YPs and the Wichita community.

Better weather and looming legislative deadlines led to the most active and productive week of the session. This week, statehouse observers and the business community probably got their best insights into how the new Kansas political world would operate and how significant business proposals would look.

What was anticipated to be a much more conservative House proved to be just that. The first major indication of the shift in philosophy and control came with the adoption of the “Paygo” rule. The definition of this new House rule is: any amendment on the floor to increase spending that is not accompanied by an equal to or greater reduction in spending elsewhere is automatically ruled out of order and cannot be considered by the House. House Speaker Mike O’Neal attempted to institute Paygo two years ago, but was defeated by moderate Republicans and Democrats. Immediately after adopting Paygo, the House responded with the passage of a fiscal year 2011 rescission bill with an ending balance of $35M. Finally, House Republicans finished the week with the passage of a constitutional amendment that basically says Kansans do not have to observe the federal healthcare law passed by Congress last year.

Most people had a pretty clear understanding that Governor Brownback and the new House of Representatives would govern with a much more conservative mindset. The big question all along has been how the Kansas Senate would react to last November’s election outcomes and a new conservative Governor. The Senate’s handling of the FY 11 rescission bill, which is really Governor Brownback’s first budget, seems to indicate they are sticking to their traditional moderate mindset. While the House adopted the rescission bill from the governor as is, the Senate adopted very few of the cuts and actually spent money, leaving an ending balance of under $100K. In addition, while the House has been fairly quick to adopt the Governor’s Executive Reorganization Orders (EROs) the Senate has not.

Issues of vital importance to the business community also picked up steam this week. Both Chambers began work on Unemployment Insurance reforms (the fund is bankrupt) as well as Workers Compensation reform. Look for both Chambers to pass their own versions of workcomp and UI reform in the next week.

The upcoming week will see hearings taking place on the Governor’s economic growth and tax plans as well as hearings on improving the Promoting Employment Across Kansas Act, also known as PEAK. The Wichita Metro Chamber has been involved in creating a better business environment by working to make sure the aforementioned initiatives have a positive result for you and your business. We will continue that work in the coming weeks and we will keep you informed. If you have questions or input regarding activities in the Kansas Legislature please feel free to communicate directly with our lobbyist, Jason Watkins. He may be reached at 316-461-8112.

The Primary Election for the Mayor and City Council Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 followed by the General Election on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. You can register to vote online. Questionnaires were sent to the 22 candidates running for office. Questionnaire answers will be posted on the Chamber website.

Meet a Member - Sommer Keplar

2011-02-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

Meet YPW Member, Sommer Keplar. She is the 2011 YPW Board of Trustees Chair, is on the Enhance CommunitYProject subcommittee of the Community Relations Action Team, and has been a member for 5 years.

Name: Sommer Keplar
Age: 29
Occupation: Organizational Effectiveness Specialist for Via Christi Health

YPW
How long have you been involved? Approximately 5 years

Why you are involved? I initially got involved to learn about the community, but quickly realized the value of staying involved and all of the benefits that have come along with being a member.

Has the organization allowed you particular opportunities? I have gotten both personal and professional development from YPW. Additionally, YPW has been a catalyst for getting involved in the community in multiple other ways.

Your personal goals for the organization: As the organization has passed its 5 year anniversary, I know we can keep the momentum going to continue to build upon the mission of the organization to attract and retain talent in the Wichita area. As the Action Teams continue providing great programming for members, it is also exciting to see DestinationICT recommendations come to life. I look forward to seeing further movement in this great city so that it remains a place YPs love to call home.

Favorite recent YPW event? The political awareness this past fall that allowed YPs to meet and hear from Congressional candidates was a great way to hear about candidate stance on particular issues, as well as let candidates know what is important to YPs.

Career
How did you get to where you are today? During my last semester of graduate school, I did an internship at Via Christi. The internship turned into a job after graduation and after more than 5 years at Via Christi, I still look forward to going to work every day. It is great working for an organization that is so strongly rooted in its Mission, and to work for leaders who support my development.

Anything you would do differently? I have been given so many opportunities, and there is not anything I would have done different. It is all about carving your own path and I have no regrets for the path I have carved.

What inspired you to get into your profession? Since high school I described my ideal job as helping employees enjoy their time at work and it is great there is a field that actually allows me to do this. I don’t know “what’s next” for me in life, but I have enjoyed my path thus far.

Community
Involved in any way? There are various ways I have been able to get involved in the community, including: YPW, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce Board, American Red Cross Midway Kansas Chapter Board, Visioneering Wichita, and American Society for Training and Development Board.

Your favorite thing about Wichita/Most unique thing about Wichita: I love all of the opportunities to be involved in the community and make a difference. Our community is great already, but still has a lot of potential and it is up to each of us to make a difference.

Why did you choose Wichita? The original plan was to come to Wichita for 2 years to attend graduate school and then return to somewhere closer to where I am from in South Dakota. By the end of graduate school it was evident I was here to stay because I had a job, had met my now husband, and fell in love with this community.

Political Awareness Update

2011-02-10T15:00:00.000-06:00

What had promised to be the busiest week of the session thus far grinded to a halt due to the worst winter storm to hit the state in some time. Topeka was especially hard hit with significant snow fall, leading to the legislature closing for an unprecedented two days. It is fairly common for governors to keep state employees home during dangerous conditions, but the legislature almost never cancels their sessions. Despite the shortened week, several significant proposals were introduced.

In this update we are including links with expanded information covering the areas of workers compensation, unemployment, and the Employer Safe Harbor Act. You will find the links below and please contact Jason Watkins if you have specific questions.

This week, an agreement was reached between business, labor and the plaintiff’s bar and hearings will be held next week. The link lists the major components of the legislation. While a compromise has been reached, several legislators have indicated they intend to provide additional amendments. This legislation has been in the works a long time and legislators are anxious for a vehicle to address concerns some have had for years.

Click here to view the Work Comp Policy Changes

Anxieties about the business environment and the associated cost of doing business are of major concern as Kansas tries to work out of the worst economic downturn in years. That recovery was threatened last year when employers saw major rate increases for unemployment taxes. Some increases were several hundred percent. The link below details the problem and the proposed solutions from newly appointed Secretary of Labor Karen Brownlee.

Click here to view the 2011 Unemployment Proposal

The Employer Safe Act is proposed legislation that would help lower liability and exposure to frivolous lawsuits for Kansas Employers. The link below is the actual language of the proposed bill. It is an easy read that precisely describes what employers must do in order to be certified as a Safe Harbor Employer and the protections that would be afforded them when certified.

Click here to view the Employer Safe Harbor Act

It really is just like the Saturday morning cartoon you watched as a child. A proposed law starts out as bill and must work its way through both the House and the Senate and then be signed by the governor to become a law. However, the cartoon failed to show a very important part of that process. All bills have hearings where legislators gather information from the public as they decide their position on the bill. This is a critical step in the process and legislators need and want to hear from you!

In this report, we have provided detailed information on three very important pieces of legislation for the business community – Workers Compensation Reform, Unemployment Tax Reform and the Employer Safe Harbor Act. If you believe you could provide useful information about how your business has been affected in any of these areas, we encourage you to provide your input. You can travel to Topeka to testify or you can simply provide written testimony that will be presented to your legislators by our lobbyist. For more information contact Jason Watkins via email or at 316-461-8112.

Bryan Derreberry Named President of Charleston, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

2011-02-07T16:21:00.000-06:00

The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce announced today that Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO, has been named President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in Charleston, South Carolina.

Derreberry was one of six finalists and the Charleston Metro Chamber's Board of Directors approved the Search Committee's selection this week. Derreberry was contacted about the position by a national search firm retained by the Charleston Chamber to conduct their candidate search. “I was not looking for this position, however, when I was contacted, I became interested in investigating further,” said Derreberry.

“The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce opportunity was very attractive to my family and me as each of our parents live within four to six hours of Charleston. It will be a wonderful privilege to be able to spend time with them and be there when they need us. Additionally, Charleston’s natural aesthetic beauty, incredible downtown, strong South Carolina business setting, diverse business clusters, and national brand identification make for a winning economic and community development environment.”

Derreberry continued, “Gail, our children, and I have thoroughly enjoyed our seven years in Wichita. The engaging attitude of the people here has allowed us to develop wonderful professional and personal friendships. The people here are phenomenal and we will carry wonderful memories of our time here with us in the years ahead.”

“It has been a privilege to work with an incredible group of volunteer business leaders, elected officials and professional staff in strengthening and redefining the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce thereby increasing the prosperity prospects of our metro area. Collectively, we have set and achieved new performance levels in community development with Visioneering Wichita; economic development with our Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition (GWEDC); young professional assimilation with Young Professionals of Wichita; small business programming with our business services team; and lobbying success with our government relations effort. Our commitment to generating economic prosperity for the metro area has been realized in each of these delivery platforms,” stated Derreberry.

“Bryan has been an effective leader of the Wichita Metro Chamber for the past seven years,” said 2011 Board Chair Lynn Nichols. “We are sad to lose him, but understand the importance of being close to family and new opportunities. We know Bryan’s high credibility, expertise in business and chamber management, and ability to lead an organization made him a perfect candidate for Charleston.”

Nichols also announced Suzie Ahlstrand will serve as the interim president and CEO of the Chamber. Nichols indicated that a search committee of board members will be formed to find the next chamber president and CEO. The national search will be complete this year. Nichols and the chamber executive committee will also provide input to the national search process. Derreberry will remain CEO and President of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce through the beginning of March.

Nichols stated, “The Chamber’s mission of economic prosperity is important for our community, and the value we deliver to our members through our business services, the success we’ve had in our advocacy and economic development efforts as well as Visioneering Wichita and Young Professionals of Wichita will continue. The Chamber is comprised of an outstanding professional staff, and the board and I look forward to working together to keep our momentum and focus during this transition.”

Wichita Referral Society

2011-02-03T13:50:00.000-06:00

YPW Member, Monica Cameron, of Cameron Law Office has started a YP specific Wichita Referral Society. Their mission is to network with other young professionals and refer business to one another.

The Wichita Referral Society is a new spin on networking. Young (19-39 year old) business professionals meet socially for lunch once a week and make a pact to refer clients to one another. Only one member of each profession can be a member of WRS. Membership is free and the benefits are endless.

They meet on Wednesdays from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.

Visit them on Facebook or view their Meetup page for more information.

Political Awareness Update

2011-02-02T16:53:00.002-06:00

In 2010, YPW began a series of events that bring awareness to the importance of our local and state government. Our goals are to educate our members on the roles of city, county and state officials, create knowledgeable YPs who will get out and vote, and provide a non-partisan view on local issues that affect YPs and the Wichita community.

State Budget

Legislative budget committees, in both the House and Senate, fine-tuned bills dealing with cuts to the fiscal year 2011 budget to be forwarded their respective chambers. In Governor Brownback’s State of the State address, he outlined approximately $52M in cuts to the current year budget. The Governor then requested that the legislature take immediate action and forward a bill to his desk by the end of January – a pretty aggressive target both in terms of dollars and timing.

The House Appropriations Committee acted first and cut an additional $2 million. The Senate followed and dramatically reduced the cuts made by the Governor. Watch for both chambers to change the bills only slightly before sending them across the rotunda to each other. With the House budget cutting more than the Governor and Senate budget cutting less, the likely outcome from a conference committee will be a compromise bill that probably looks an awful lot like what the Governor proposed in the first place. The real question is whether a much more conservative House will sign-off on that type of agreement

Work Comp Reform
Business, labor, and the plaintiff’s bar have come to an agreement – in principle – on work comp reform. Representatives are now conferring with legislative leadership before drafting a final version of the legislation. It is possible that hearings could be held on the bill by the middle of next week. We will share the exact language of the bill when it’s released.

Unemployment Insurance Reform
There was also plenty of talk this week about reforming unemployment. Folks are correctly concerned about significant increases in 2012 if reforms are not put in place. Remember, the fund is insolvent and payments to the unemployed are only taking place because we have borrowed from the federal government. That money has to be paid back and those payments start next year. That will be costly no matter what, but reforms could lessen the impact for business owners. New Labor Secretary, Karen Brownlee, has compiled a set of proposals with the goal of both stabilizing the fund and paying back the federal government. Key among the changes – adding up to six (6) new rate classes based on experience ratings; reinstating the “waiting week”; and eliminating eligibility for a spouse to receive UI benefits when relocating with their spouse. Spouses of military members would still be eligible.

Immigration Reform
Although nothing has been produced yet, it now seems fairly certain that an Arizona-type immigration law will be introduced this session. Most would agree that laws need to be enforced and that immigration is an area that needs to be addressed in some way. The main concern for business is any bill that would require business to perform for “free” the duties that the state or federal governments cannot or will not perform themselves.

Come to our Lunch and Learn with Kevin Hooper

2011-01-28T10:25:00.002-06:00

Join us for an Access Lunch and Learn with Kevin Hooper, the field manager of the Wichita Wingnuts. He will talk about how he has ended up where he is and the road blocks and successes he has had along the way. He will also touch on where the Wingnuts stand and the values that he’s stuck with to turn the organization into such a success. The cost to attend is $10 for YPW Members and $20 for non members. Lunch is included in the price.

As a rookie manager in 2009, Hooper piloted the Wingnuts to the American Association's best record at 58-38 (.604) which included the North Division's first half title. He was honored as the American Association's 2009 Manager of the Year.

Visit ypwichita.org to register!

This Lunch and Learn Hosted by:

Volunteer for the NCAA Tournament

2011-01-27T11:02:00.002-06:00

The NCAA tournament is March 20-22 (with 3 games being played – 2 on Sunday and 1 on Tuesday). Mike Ross with the Department of Sport Management at Wichita State University is coordinating volunteers to help the tournament run smoothly.

They have a variety of games management functions on the media side that they need volunteers for such as: Stewards for photojournalists and teams at the locker room area, volunteers that can type quotes during press conferences, escorts for coaches and players from interviews to the locker rooms, score reporting assistants and more.

Anyone interested can contact Mike directly by calling (316)978.5980 or emailing mike.ross@wichita.edu. Two things to keep in mind: NCAA requires professional dress in backstage areas and they will need some folks in certain positions on the off days as well, Saturday and Monday, if possible.

TKAAM is Launching a New Networking Group

2011-01-26T15:38:00.002-06:00

While you are out and about this Friday for Final Friday, you might want to stop by the Kansas African American Museum for the launch of their new young professional group, T-Net.

T-Net is a vibrant group of adults 21 to 45 who come together for special events & activities that provide an environment to broaden their network of friends while supporting the museum's mission. Every Final Friday is "Young Friend Friday" at the museum where T-Net members enjoy great music, food, and networking.

Join them this month for an evening of Comedy & Culture featuring the exhibit "Not Without Laughter: The History of Black Comedy," hosted by comedian Lamont James.

Prizes include: Kevin Hart tickets, Looney Bin tickets, Music Theatre tickets & Much More!

Free Admission

Attire - Business Casual

WDDC Announces 2011 Annual Lecture

2011-01-26T10:41:00.001-06:00

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is pleased to invite you to the 2011 Annual Lecture. Join them March 10 at the historic Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway, to hear Ms. Carol Coletta. Opening reception will begin at 6:00 pm, lecture immediately follows at 7:00 pm.

Carol Coletta has served as president and CEO of CEOs for Cities since 2005. Previously, she served as president of Coletta & Company in Memphis. In addition, she served as executive director of the Mayors' Institute on City Design, a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Architectural Foundation. For ten years, she was the host and producer of the nationally syndicated public radio show Smart City.

Carol was a Knight Fellow in Community Building for 2003 at the University of Miami School of Architecture. In 2010, she was named Honorary Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council. She is a highly sought after speaker on the success formula for cities and creative communities and is frequently interviewed as an expert on urban issues by national media.

In 2008 she was named one of the world's 50 most important urban experts by a leading European think tank. Most recently, she was named the recipient of the Lambda Alpha International 2009 International Journalism Award for her work with CEOs for Cities and Smart City Radio, and as one of the top 50 urban thinkers of all time by readers of PLANetizen.com.

More information regarding the lecture will be available in the coming weeks at downtownwichita.org

Political Awareness January Update

2011-01-21T12:57:00.004-06:00

In 2010, YPW began a series of events that bring awareness to the importance of our local and state government. Our goals are to educate our members on the roles of city, county and state officials, create knowledgeable YPs who will get out and vote, and provide a non-partisan view on local issues that affect YPs and the Wichita community.

A new political season kicked off last Monday in Topeka. All statewide, state level officers were sworn in as well as all 125 Members of the Kansas House of Representatives and even a few new State Senators. With a new conservative governor and a much more conservative House the political climate has dramatically changed. It’s not just those elected to office that influence state government. Arguably, those appointed to manage state agencies have even more day to day influence on the political atmosphere and those faces were changing fast this week.

The legislature did little more than swear in and start the process of getting acquainted with one another. This is no easy task with the large number of new members. Most committees met briefly for bill introductions and to distribute committee rules. The pace should pick up a bit next week, but look for it to be week three before serious work begins on bills. It takes time to get bills written and formally introduced and the hopper is empty.

The highlight of the week was Wednesday’s State of the State address by Governor Brownback and the formal release of his budget on Thursday morning. The Governor proclaimed several times in his speech that the era of ever expanding government is over and he backed up that proclamation with the release of his budget. Governor Brownback cut $876.4 million from the All Funds Budget and eliminated eight state agencies. He also eliminated 2000 state jobs, although most of these jobs have gone unfilled for years.

Budget and South-Central Kansas
The Governor’s budget does fund critical south-central Kansas programs such as the National Institute for Aviation Research at WSU, the National Center for Aviation Training and the Affordable Airfares Program; all at $5 million per year. The key here is that the Governor included these in the base budget which will help ensure their funding in future years. In addition the Equus Beds ASR will receive $652,141 from the State Water Plan Fund for FY 2012.

The Governor also included savings of $9.2 million by eliminating or consolidating the following state agencies:
• Kansas Inc.
• Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp.
• Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns
• Human Rights Commission
• Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
• Kansas Arts Commission
• Kansas Health Policy Authority
• Kansas Parole Board
• Animal Health Department
• State Conservation Commission

While the All Funds Budget (which includes federal dollars, tax dollars and assessment fees) decreased, the State General Fund (which is the fund the legislature has the most control over and is funded primarily with your tax dollars) increased by $346 million or 6%. Most of the increases are attributed to Medicaid and restoring corrections and public safety budgets.

Adding Value to You and Your Firm

2011-01-14T09:24:00.001-06:00

Join SMPS Wichita for the keynote speech explaining the theories of personal branding and how to use your brand to bring business and value to your firm.
Thank you to our Lunch Sponsor: Terracon

Extended Workshop (1:00pm-4:00pm) Stay for the extended workshop and get details on tactics such as networking, working with the media, writing articles, public speaking, social media, and more!

Objectives
•How to get better results from your networking efforts.
•How to build relationships with prospective clients.
•How to stand out in a loud and crowded marketplace.
•How every employee can use his or her personal brand to help the company do more business.

About the Speaker Jeff Beals, is the author of the award winning book Self Marketing Power: Branding Yourself as a Business of One. www.selfmarketingpower.com

Jeff Beals’ uniquely diverse career makes him the ideal person to reveal and explain the secrets of effective self marketing. As a commercial real estate executive, radio and television talk show host, former newspaper columnist and part-time college professor, Beals understands how to synthesize wide-ranging experiences into one very successful career.

Jeff Beals currently serves as Vice President of Coldwell Banker Commercial World Group, a commercial real estate company, which provides brokerage and property management services to clients in Nebraska and Iowa.

Location
Farm Credit Union Building, 245 N. Waco St (3rd and Waco), Wichita, Kansas 67202

Parking
Please park in the Central Church of Christ parking lot located south of the Farm Credit building using only the parking spaces on the concrete section of the parking lot located behind the church (west end). All asphalted/numbered parking stalls on either the north or south side of the church are assigned and paid for monthly by either church personnel and/or various tenants for businesses within Farm Credit. The same issue applies to parking in the front lot of Farm Credit. Again, these spots are assigned and utilized daily by tenants of Farm Credit businesses.

South of the Central Church of Christ – southwest corner of 1st Street - is a city owned parking lot which offers first come free parking.

Click here to register online!

CareerQuest Expo

2011-01-05T15:18:00.003-06:00

YPW is helping facilitate a networking session at the upcoming CareerQuest Expo. This professional job fair is being held at the Hyatt Regency on January 18th. There are recruiting sessions with more than 40 employers present from 10am to 1pm and then again from 3pm to 6pm. Admission is free and open to anyone, so bring your resume and dress to impress!

There will be a morning session from 8:30am until 10am. YPW staff and volunteers will be facilitating some networking activities and will be available to answer questions about the organization and explain how it can help you build your professional networks. There will also be a keynote speaker present at this session to talk about what recruiters look for in today's job market. We would love for you to join us!

Get 20% off Spring Awakening!

2010-11-12T16:07:00.001-06:00

Scare the Square Zombie Walk

2010-10-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

FOX Kansas, in partnership with NakedCity Magazine and Young Professionals of Wichita, will host its first annual “Scare the Square Zombie Walk and Can Drive” to collect non-perishable food donations for the Kansas Food Bank, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday October 30.

The free activity will gather zombies of all ages and types at NakedCity Gallery at 121 N. Mead in Old Town to donate non-perishable food items. The zombie mob will then walk through Old Town playing a game of “Dead Light, Green Light” in a race to reach Old Town Square at a slow, zombie-like pace. Prizes will be given to those reaching the Square first, and to the most creative zombie costumes.

“Kansas Food Bank is experiencing a 20 to 30 percent increase in requests for emergency food relief and they need all the help they can get. Zombie walks are becoming big all over the country, and we thought this would be a fun, easy way to encourage young people in Wichita to give back to their community,” says Jeff McCausland, Vice President and General Manager at FOX Kansas and myTVwichita. “Besides, who doesn’t want a great excuse to dress like a zombie?”

Following “Scare the Square,” zombies ages 18 and over are invited to walk the “dead carpet” and attend the NakedCity Halloween Party with DJ Carbon at NakedCity Gallery, starting at 9:00 p.m. Entry is $5, but zombies will pay just $3 with their non-perishable food donation.

Be there, or be scared!

Additional event information can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FOXKansas

Tallgrass Film Festival for YPW members

2010-10-04T09:43:00.002-05:00

The 8th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival is scheduled for October 22nd through the 24th. This year, YPW members get a special rate for the VIP Tallpass. The TallPass allows entry to ALL films, galas and VIP events throughout the 3 day festival (many of which include free food, beer/wine/etc!) and is available to YPW members for $120. To purchase your TallPass ticket and receive your special rate click here. When it asks for a discount code, use the special Member Discount Code: 1216

To view the Tallgrass Film Festival schedule or to learn more about it, click here.

YPW Leadership Academy

2010-09-27T16:17:00.003-05:00

YPW Leadership Academy is a leadership development program targeted at YPW members who are interested in growing their leadership capabilities. The course offers both professional development and community connections providing opportunities to advance in your career and in the community. Six bi-weekly sessions feature interactive exercises, issue exploration, self-assessments and in-depth conversations with Wichita’s top community and business leaders.

YPW Leadership Academy will educate YPW members on their personal styles, values and strengths so they can grow as leaders, motivate others and impact change in their organizations and communities. It works to expand your leadership, career and life skills. The program begins with taking a closer look at your personal leadership style and then guides you in how to expand and utilize those skills via techniques to further your career.

If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else for the YPW Leadership Academy, please email the YPW Director, Heather Denker, at hdenker@wichitachamber.org.

Important dates for the 2011 program are:
• Nominations received by – October 15, 2010
• Applications received by – October 29, 2010
• Selection announced by – December 1, 2010

Click here for a more detailed look at the program.

Boo Brew Bash

2010-09-24T12:58:00.002-05:00

This year's Boo Brew Bash is offering discounts to YPW Members! YPW members can reserve a table of 8 for $350-a $170 savings. To receive this special rate, please call the Dress For Success office at 945-8779 before October 8th.

If there are any YPW members interested in volunteering to help with sponsorships, auction items, or event coordination, they can contact Shayla Garibay at sgaribay@valueplace.com.

Boo & Brew Bash 9
Food & Drink ~ Live Band ~ Costume & Dance Contest ~Live & Silent Auction ~ Other Spooktakular Fun

Celebrity Judges for our Dance and Costume Contests will be:
1. Former State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau
2. Carrie Rengers--- Wichita Eagle
3. Lavonta Williams---Wichita City Council
4. Sheryl Nutt--- KCTU-TV Ch. 5 host
5. Rene Steven—Spangles
6. Brett Harris—B98
7. Gail Finney—State Representative
8. Jeff Longwell- Wichita City Council

Emcees for this year’s Boo & Brew are The Buzz’s very own Dusty Hayes and Sunny Wylde!

More event details available on BooandBrew.org

Project Downtown

2010-09-10T15:59:00.001-05:00

Your input has shaped the plan and future of our Downtown. Project Downtown: The Master Plan for Wichita is ready to be presented, and you're invited to this major event. The Project Downtown consulting team led by Goody Clancy will outline the master plan, including feedback from the community meetings this summer. The team will also present recommendations about how to implement the plan to focus on ensuring future economic growth.

Tuesday, September 28
Bank of America
100 N. Broadway
Open House: 4:00-8:00
Presentation at 5:30 and 6:30

Join us as we celebrate this milestone with a sampling of food from around Downtown and visual Downtown art by local artists. While you're enjoying the music, visit booths with more information on three specific areas of Project Downtown: Creating Unique Downtown Places, Expanding Transportation Choices, and Enabling Development. For information on these specific areas, view previous presentations here.

For more information on Project Downtown, visit our website. To RSVP for the event, please email rsvp@downtownwichita.org.

Congratulations to the 2010 Leadership Wichita Class

2010-09-09T15:00:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the following YPW Members that were chosen to participate in the 2010 Leadership Wichita class, a leadership training program presented by the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. Click here to learn more about the program and to see the full class list.

Brandon Baker, Residential Realtor, Director of Sales. The Carnahan Group
Prisca Barnes, Executive Director, The Kansas African American Museum
Lathi De Silva, Vice President - Director Brand Reputation, Sullivan Higdon & Sink, Inc.
Bobby Gandu, Director of Admissions, Wichita State University
Sommer Keplar, Organizational Effectiveness Specialist, Via Christi Health
Tara Shaffer, Marketing Manager, Davis Moore Automotive, Inc.

Calling All Volunteers!

2010-09-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

If you haven't yet heard, there is an exciting website that is being launched soon to help connect Kansans to volunteer opportunities. The launch of volunteerkansas.org will take place this Thursday, Sept. 9th at 5:30pm at Exploration Place. To celebrate the website and volunteerism there will be a chair cleaning to coincide with the launch and press conference and First Lady, Stacy Parkinson will be speaking on volunteerism.

Please visit Volunteerkansas.org, register as a volunteer, search opportunities –“chair cleaning” and sign up today.

Take a look at the article on this event in today's Eagle.

1st Annual Wichita Wine Opener

2010-09-02T14:22:00.000-05:00

The Wichita Wine Opener benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be held on Tuesday, October 19 from 7-9pm at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens. Sip fun wines, savor great cuisine, discover the marketplace and enjoy fun auctions and great entertainment!

From wine novices to wine enthusiasts, the Wine Opener is a casual and fun evening for all experience levels. Standard tickets are $50 and limited VIP tickets are available for $65. Tickets available online at http://heartofamerica.cff.org/wichitawine or call 913.384.8997.

Presented by The LDF Companies, must be 21 to attend.

Museum Day Wichita, September 25th

2010-09-01T15:04:00.002-05:00

Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums across the country offer free admission for one day only.

Wichita began participating in the Smithsonian Museum Day in a concentrated manner in 2008. In the first year alone, 12 local museums participated in the event, drawing an audience of more than 5000 people.

You'll want to mark off the entire day on Saturday, Sept. 25 to give yourself ample time for all of the exciting venues that will be offering FREE admission all day long.

For a list of participating museums or to download your own free admission card visit museumdaywichita.com

Westar Energy is Offering Energy Audit Classes

2010-09-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

The Energy Efficiency department at Westar Energy is offering classes that will teach consumers how to conduct their own home energy audit in order to locate and repair air leaks, and make other minor modifications that can save energy and money. If you’re interested in learning how to asses your home’s energy efficiency, our Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audit class will help you identify problem areas and make changes (even simple, inexpensive ones) that can eliminate energy waste. At these half-day sessions, you’ll learn about:

Heating and cooling equipment
Air sealing (insulation, windows and doors)
Water heating
Lighting
Appliances

In addition, we’ll have hands-on displays to help you learn the basics of weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors, keeping your air conditioner in good working order and choosing the best type of insulation. We’ll even run a report to show you how much money you could potentially save if you choose to upgrade your heating and cooling equipment. Each participant will receive an energy efficient kit valued at more than $25.

If you’ve ever wondered how efficient your home might be but you aren’t quite ready to pay for a professional energy audit, this class will give you a good foundation for conducting your own “audit” and learning more about how your house works as a whole system to keep you comfortable year-round.

The class is $20 per person. Classes are limited to the first 30 paid registrations. Two sessions will be offered in Wichita, morning and afternoon.

Wichita – Saturday, October 9 at Westar Energy, 1900 E. Central
9 a.m. to Noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To register click here: Registration Form

For more information, call 1.888.WORKS-50 (1.888.967.5750).

Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas have a new board for YPs

2010-08-24T14:48:00.003-05:00

The Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas is starting a Young Executive Board and are inviting YPs to be a part of it. The Boys & Girls Clubs Young Executive Board is a chance for younger members of the community to give back and get board experience with a smaller time and monetary commitment. They are excited to have motivated leadership who can be role models for our kids.

Purpose and functions of the Young Executive Board:
• Expand the volunteer base of the Boys & Girls Club.
• Develop a key understanding of the Boys & Girls Club philosophy to future community leaders.
• Groom potential board leadership of the Boys & Girls Club.
• Raise funds for program services of the Boys & Girls Club.

If you are interested in learning more about the Club or the board they will have Ifo lunches on September 8th, 14th & 17th from 12:00 to 1:00 held at the Club (2400 N Opportunity Drive). There will be a Happy Hour at Rock Island live on September 23rd at 5:30pm as well.

For more information or questions or to RSVP for any of the events contact Samantha Alexander, the Development Director of theBoys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas at (316)201-1890 x105 or salexander@begreatwichita.org.

Dress for Success’ Annual Boo and Brew Bash

2010-08-23T13:53:00.002-05:00

Looking for a Halloween Party like none other? Dress for Success' Boo and Brew Bash is a fun holiday time that benefits a great cause. There will be food & drink, a live band, costume & dance contests, and a live & silent Auction.

For the first time in event history, they are offering an even steeper discounted rate available only for YPW members. It is so much fun, it’s not just another stuffy charity event. While partying it up, you can buy great Christmas gifts for family and friends at the unique auction with profits used to help local women gain employment and become self-sufficient. Tickets for this year’s event will be $65/piece with an early bird table special of $400. YPW members can reserve a table of 8 for $350-a $170 savings. To receive this special rate, please call the DFS office at 945-8779 before October 8th.

If there are any YPW members interested in volunteering to help with sponsorships, auction items, or event coordination, they can contact Shayla Garibay at sgaribay@valueplace.com.

Delano Business Association Plans Final Friday Local Buying Awareness Art Event

2010-08-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

The Delano Business Association is sponsoring an event to highlight local art and local buying for this month’s Final Friday. The August 27th event coincides with the Black Top Nationals, which promises to turn Wichita into the ultimate car, truck and motorcycle show venue during the 4 day affair August 26-29. Crowds are expected to be near 100,000 in the downtown/Delano area, and the group wants to encourage them to support local businesses. “We're inviting everyone--locals and visitors-- to come to Delano to shop at the many unique, locally owned stores,” said Jason Dilts, President of the Delano Business Association. “We hope visitors to Wichita will see that this is a city rich in culture and commerce.”

The Delano Business Association also aims to stress the significance of local buying to area consumers. According to statistics from the 3/50 Project, for every $100 spent at a locally owned, independent business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that at a national chain, only $43 stays in Wichita...and if you shop online, none of it does! “As private citizens, we can do our part to turn around the economy by keeping as many of our dollars local as possible. The best way to encourage development is to spend our dollars at the small businesses who have already invested their faith in our community” said Dilts.

Businesses will be open from at least 6-9pm on Friday, August 27th for this event. Art from local artists can be purchased during that time. Participating venues include:

Sew Much, 535 W. Douglas-- Gary Behrens-West Wind Vistas, panoramic photography & Louise Fenn, multi-media

Siva Power Yoga, 535 West Douglas #110--Sophie B, photography

Bohemia Healing Spa & Apothecary, 609 W. Douglas-- artistTBA

The Palette Bistro, 613 W. Douglas—artist TBA

Bungalow 26, 613 W. Douglas-- Emily Ritter, mixed media & Kacy Crider, photography

Melange Jewelry, 718 W. Douglas—works by Nanetta Bananto & Mike Fallier

Savage Threads, 728 W. Douglas—works by Chelsie Christener

Blue Swallowtail Studio, 1712 W. Douglas-- Madison Han, photography and Scott Iwig, paintings

Visioneering City to City Trip to Louisville, KY

2010-07-29T11:23:00.001-05:00

In an effort to reach out to young community leaders, Visioneering Wichita is launching 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. The goal this year is to encourage participation of more young professionals in the City to City visit to Louisville, Kentucky October 10 -13.

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 is being instituted. Two full or partial scholarships are available this year. Applicants are required to fill out a scholarship application form. Forms are available online and the application deadline is September 1. Awards will be announced September 3.

“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.

Visioneering Wichita Receives National Stewardship Award

2010-07-27T11:21:00.002-05:00

Visioneering Wichita has been selected to receive the 2010 Alliance for Regional Stewardship (ARS) Organizational Champion Award presented by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). The ARS is a national, peer-to-peer network of regional leaders working across boundaries to solve tough community problems.

Judges evaluated each entry based on the four principles of regional stewardship: innovative economy, livable communities, social inclusion, and a collaborative style of governance. Scores were awarded based on five criteria: context, innovation and excellence, performance, cohesiveness, and replicability.

"This award is meaningful because it comes from our Chamber professional association and is judged by our peers," said Bryan Derreberry, President and CEO of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates the Visioneering Wichita effort. "The award recognizes our ability to pro-actively target specific results, such as increasing our metro area's per capital income and available job opportunities."

Visioneering Wichita's entry fulfilled all of the criteria because of the strong regional partnerships that have been instrumental in its success over the past six years. Visioneering involves private and public partners and is led by volunteers who work together to implement the vision of more than 16,000 citizens and community leaders.

A steering committee of 50 citizens, demographically representative of the MSA, maps strategy to oversee operations of Visioneering. More than 500 regional volunteers in 15 strategic alliances take action on how to directly affect specific strategies within the plan to benefit the 600,000+ residents of the four-county Wichita MSA.

Visioneering Wichita will be honored during the ACCE Awards show on Thursday, August 5, 2010, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Go Play Kansas Expands!

2010-07-07T15:44:00.002-05:00

Summer is officially here, signaling the time to get outside to hike, bike and play. Launched last year as a go-to-guide for everything outdoors in Wichita, the online resource GoPlayKansas.com has significantly expanded to include all parks and recreation spaces in the state. Now no matter where you live in Kansas, it has never been easier to find new places to “go play.”

Visitors can go to www.GoPlayKansas.com to find interactive maps and more information about how to locate bike paths, parks with playgrounds and a list of park amenities. In addition, visitors can read blogs written by local recreation enthusiasts, post comments and sign up to receive more information.

Designed to promote healthy lifestyles among Kansans, GoPlayKansas.com makes finding parks and recreation options throughout the state easy, so families, friends, groups and individuals can get outside and “go play.”

The site also includes a list of activities that can be used to get kids outside and active. The activities were developed by Rhonda Holt, elementary physical education teacher for 33 years and a National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The plans are endorsed by KAHPERD (Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance), a leader in promoting and advocating for healthy, active Kansans.

Designed and programmed by Wichita interactive agency Howerton+White, the site uses social media technologies to translate GIS (geographic information systems) data about parks, recreation and open spaces, which reside in databases in cities and counties across the state.

To follow GoPlayKansas.com on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook, go to www.GoPlayKansas.com.

Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card

2010-07-07T13:28:00.001-05:00

Win a $50 Amazon.com gift card and help Young Professionals of Wichita earn a $1,000 grant by participating in this short survey about "mentoring"! Take survey now. The survey will be open through the end of July so please take it as soon as possible.

YPW is partnering with Next Generation Consulting (NGC) and the International Mentoring Network Organization (IMNO) to learn what and who young professionals are looking for in a mentor.

NGC is a market research firm specializing in helping clients develop top young talent. IMNO is a nonprofit organization that makes professional mentoring available to everyone.

All survey respondents will be eligible to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card. Take survey now at http://imno.questionpro.com

Wichita Curling

2010-07-06T15:38:00.002-05:00

The Wichita Curling Club brings you the first ever curling event to be held in Wichita! Come to the Wichita Ice Center any time between 1:30 and 4:30 on Saturday, July 10th for their first annual open house. At the event they'll teach you the basics of the sport and then let you out onto the specially prepared ice where you can try your hand at throwing true curling stones! Curling is a fun, social, community centered sport that almost anyone can learn, love, and play for the rest of their lives! Visit their website for full information.

Help Design Your Downtown

2010-06-29T13:58:00.001-05:00

Neighborhood Community Outreach Meetings
During the month of July, join the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, City of Wichita, and Visioneering Wichita as they present the draft Master Plan to communities in and around Wichita. This is an opportunity to provide feedback to the Goody Clancy team as they prepare the final plan to be presented in September. All meetings begin at 7:00 pm

July 7: Atwater Neighborhood City Hall (2755 E. 19th St. N.)

July 8: Evergreen Library (2601 N. Arkansas)

July 12: Haysville Public Library (210 S. Hays)

July 13: Bel Aire City Hall (7651 E. Central Park Ave.)

July 14: Derby City Hall (611 Mulberry)

July 19: 1st United Methodist Church (330 N. Broadway) Meredith Room

July 20: WSU Metroplex (5015 E. 29th St. N.) Entrance C

July 21: Sedgwick County Extension (7001 W. 21st St.)

If you have a group or organization that would like to have their own presentation of the plan, please call Nancy at the WDDC 316-264 6005 to schedule a presentation date

Bags to Riches

2010-06-25T10:46:00.001-05:00

Bags to Riches is a benefit for Catholic Charities Harbor House and St. Anthony Family Shelter. It will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 6-8 p.m at the WaterWalk Plaza Garden Area (515 S Main Ave). There will be a silent auction of bags, purses, accessories, luggage and more! Beer, wine and appetizers will be served

Tickets are $30 and are available now at www.bagstoriches.eventbrite.com

For more information contact Nicole Lloyd at 316-264-8344 ext. 221 or nlloyd@catholiccharitieswichita.org

There are otherways to can help this event!
Donations of new and slightly used bags, purses, luggage, accessories, etc are needed as well. Designer, unique, specialty, or just everyday items are welcome. To donate an item please contact Nicole Lloyd at the above contact information.

Let's Break a Guinness World Record!

2010-06-02T11:39:00.002-05:00

Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park in Derby will be the only Sedgwick County site of the World's Largest Swimming Lesson.

Starting promptly at 9 a.m. on Thursday, children ages 4 and up will participate in a free swimming lesson. The children will take part in a lesson that occurs simultaneously across four continents with the hope of breaking a Guinness World Record. The event was created to demonstrate the importance of teaching children to swim.

Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the water park, 1900 E. James St. in Derby. For more information, contact aquatic director Darcie Parkhurst at Darcie@DerbyRec.com or call 316-788-3781.

Congratulations to the 2010 40 Under 40 Honorees

2010-06-01T11:59:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the YPW members who were selected for Wichita Business Journal's 2010 40 Under 40 class!

Julie Allen, Kennedy & Koe LLC
Prisca Barnes, The Kansas African American Museum
Kim Doze, Martin Pringle Oliver Wallace & Bauer LLP
P. Scott Flemming, Sullivan Higdon & Sink Inc.
Bobby Gandu, Wichita State Unversity
Josh Greenwood, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Tyler Heffron, Triplett, Woolf & Garretson LLC
Ben Hutton, Hutton Construction Corp.
William Matthews, Foulston Siefkin LLP
Brady Miller, Occidental Management Inc.
Noel Sanchez, Wichita Clinic
Debra Teufel, Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition
Kris Wessel, Grubb & Ellis | Martens Commercial
Chris Wolgamott, Meritrust Credit Union

Looking for a Career?

2010-06-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

Visit the JobNewsWichita.com Job Fair.

Wednesday, June 2nd
Hyatt Regency Wichita
10am-2pm
400 W. Waterman

• Meet face-to-face with Wichita area employers hiring now!
• Interview for hundreds of positions in one day!
• Put a face with your resume.
• Dress for success and bring plenty of resumes.

Avoid the lines! Log onto JobNewsWichita.com and click on the Job Fair icon to pre-register.

Do You Have an Interest in Locally Grown Food?

2010-05-17T11:13:00.002-05:00

The Sedgwick County Extension office is exploring opportunities with regard to “local food” in the Wichita area. They are doing a survey to gauge interest in local foods and attitudes toward Kansas agriculture and will be planning some events and programs based on the results of the survey to help strengthen our local food system. Please take the survey and pass it on to anyone in the Wichita area that is interested in local food!

Here’s the link to the survey: http://tinyurl.com/KSLFsurvey

Volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club!

2010-05-13T14:35:00.002-05:00

The Boys and Girls Club has a one-time volunteer opportunity available for 15 YP’s. The Club Launch Job Prep program will take its current participants to JC Penny-Towne East for an exclusive shopping experience on Saturday May 22, 2010 from 8-10am. They would like YP’s who are willing to help each young adult select and outfit (within specified budget) that is appropriate for interviewing. Participating YP’s are invited to join them for a free meal & certificate presentation immediately following.

Email Heather Denker at hdenker@wichitachamber.org if you are interested in helping with this event.

Webster University YP Survey

2010-05-13T10:38:00.000-05:00

Webster University would like to get information from YPs so that they can better meet our needs. Please take a minute or two to complete this very short survey tp share your thoughts. It only takes a minute!

YPW Survey

iSi Environmental Services Makes 2010 Inner City 100 List

2010-05-06T14:23:00.001-05:00

iSi Environmental Services has been selected for the 2010 Inner City 100, a list of the fastest-growing inner city companies in the United States. The list is produced by the Boston-based not-for-profit Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. The Inner City 100 program recognizes successful inner city companies and their CEOs as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices and job creation in America’s urban communities.

They are number 23 on the list. The rankings were announced at the Inner City 100 Awards Dinner on Wednesday in Boston. Be sure to congratulate them!

Wichita Eagle Article

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

What is Arts Partners and What are they doing in Wichita?

2010-04-26T15:09:00.006-05:00

Arts Partners, an affiliate of Young Audiences, Inc., is a comprehensive educational program that integrates visual and performing arts into all areas of the curriculum through the planned use of community cultural resources. They inspire creativity and learning by using the arts to enhance the classroom experience for PreK-12 students in collaboration with teaching artists and community cultural organizations. Arts Partners is designed to create a partnership that includes representatives of school districts, teaching artists, and area arts and cultural organizations.

Arts Partners believes that using the arts for learning allows students to better express themselves, develop higher-order thinking skills, enhance their creativity and strengthen their problem-solving abilities. Arts Partners programs are also designed to promote self-esteem and encourage life-long learning.

Several factors resulted in Wichita being chosen to initiate this comprehensive community partnership to develop an innovative arts-in-education program in the public schools:
The Wichita Public School District’s long-term commitment to arts education.
The capacity of cultural organizations to produce in-depth education programs.
The presence of private sector financial resources to support quality arts education.
The willingness of the Wichita Community Foundation to serve as the new organization's convener until Arts Partners could be established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 1998 was also an important factor.

What makes Wichita’s Arts Partners unique?

Wichita’s Arts Partners is the first affiliate of Young Audiences to be organized as a separate non-profit rather than part of a Young Audiences chapter, the first to be implemented district-wide from the start in a major school district with nearly 49,000 students, and the first to develop with the support of so many major community arts organizations.

You can learn more about them on their website.

Downtown Vision Presentation

2010-04-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

After hearing public input and looking at market research, Goody Clancy will be back in town to present their draft vision and beginning framework of the downtown master plan. The presentation will be held at the Scottish Rite on April 28th from 6-8pm. The public is asked to attend to give feedback and recommendations on the draft presented. It's important that YP's make a showing to ensure our voice is heard.

Downtown Revitalization

2010-04-08T16:34:00.004-05:00

This Tuesday (4/13) Wichita City Council will hold a public hearing on a Real Development request to expand a tax increment financing (TIF) plan for the Exchange Place housing project. While doing the research for the Destination ICT study, we heard time and time again that people wanted our downtown to be more than it currently is - more housing options, more entertainment options, more retail. And there is the always debated question of what needs to come first, the people or the places?

Have an opinion on this matter? Show up for the public hearing on Tuesday (council meetings start at 9:00) and share your opinion. Or simply send a quick email to your Council Member and let them know your thoughts. It DOES make a difference. Make sure your voice is heard.

Read more in the Eagle here and here. Real Development has a blog you can read here. And to see a video of the Exchange Place exterior and high-tech parking garage, click here.

Webster Master of Health Administration Orientation Mixer

2010-04-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

Webster University is pleased to announce an orientation mixer (see attached invitation) for the Master of Health Administration degree. This is an opportunity for faculty, staff, and interested students and alumni to come together to share information and to learn about the MHA and Webster before our scheduled launch date of June 1. You are invited to attend and/or to share the attached invitation with anyone you know who may be interested. If appropriate, please post the attached flyer where others might see it. Please NOTE that all interested individuals need to RSVP to Brandi Miller brandim@webster.edu , or 316.686.6841, no later than Noon this Friday, April 9th.

As a graduate of Webster University, you can pursue the MHA as a sequential degree, which means that you would only need the 27 hours of MHA core courses to complete the degree. We’d love to have you back in our classrooms, so contact us today or attend the orientation on April 13 to learn more.

YPW%20orientation%20invitation.doc

Bike to Work in May!

2010-04-05T11:39:00.001-05:00

May is the perfect time to bike to work. Biking to work builds
moral, encourages camaraderie, and is a great way to get active
in your community. Active employees are more alert, take fewer
sick days and are more productive. Biking also reduces your
carbon footprint, reduces traffic congestion and can save you
money. The Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita is dedicated to
promoting physical activity and good nutrition for every
generation in the greater Wichita area. Plan now to be a part of
Bike Month. Who knows you may enjoy it so much you’ll make it
Bike Year.

Bike to Work Friday(s)

Plan now to have Bike to Work Friday(s) in May. Provide routes or maps highlighting friendly ways to ride to work. Provide a ridematching service so that novice cyclists can commute with the experienced bikers. Sponsor “commuter convoys”. Meet at several suburban locations and ride into the city together.

Provide incentives for your employees to bike to work. Get your Bike to Work Friday(s) campaign going by letting everyone who bikes to work "dress down" for the day. You could also provide a refreshment area upon their arrival. How about allowing those that bike to work to come to work an hour later or leave an hour earlier? Also consider hosting a Smart Cycling Class where a bike professional comes in to talk about commuting safely. E-mail information about your event to the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita (debbie.williams@ymcawichita.org) or call Debbie at 264-4066 ext. 221.

Why Bike to Work ?

May is bike month and bicycle
activities can help promote
individual health and recreation
as well as have positive impacts
on the community and the
environment.

Bike Month helps:

• Get more people riding more often and safely to improve physical activity levels.
• Increase the voice and visibility of the cycling community.
• Lead the way toward improved facilities and the cycling environment.
• Promote cycling as a transportation alternative.

It is a widely held belief that when there are more cyclists on the road, they are more visible, motorists are better prepared to deal with them, and the rate of accidents involving vehicles lowers. We also know that cycling for transportation is better for the environment and individual health. The more cyclists on the road, and the more visible, the more the city and county governments help us to improve facilities and conditions for bicycling. Help bicyclists in the city become more visible by joining us by riding through Bike Month... and beyond.

Kansas YP Summit

2010-03-26T15:13:00.002-05:00

Reno County Young Professionals (Hutchinson, KS) are hosting a Kansas YP Summit on April 15th.

Wednesday, April 14
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Summit reception at The W, a local restaurant and live entertainment venue.
14 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas
Hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine provided.
Attendance is optional, but admission is included with Summit registration; evening attendees can pick up their Summit registration packets at the event.

Thursday, April 15
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Summit check-in and registration
*Registration is $50 thru April 7. Late registrants will pay $65/person.

8:30 a.m. Opening Session

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Participants will have the option to choose one session each period. Sessions offered more than once are indicated with an asterisk.

Session A: What works? What doesn’t? How do things happen in different YP organizations? Ask questions to a panel of your peers leading organizations in Kansas.
Session B: Eco-friendly is good. Learn how you can be more Earth-friendly.
Session C: Concerned about the state of education in Kansas? Take part in a session with statewide leaders making education decisions.
Session D: Make a difference. A session about how you can get involved as a volunteer.
Session E: Start-Up Strategies with Dr. Cecily Drucker (this session spans two breakout session times, lasting from 9:15 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.)

10:10 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Session A: The Nuts and Bolts of Starting an Organization
Session B: Ever thought about a run for a local or state elected position?
Session C: Civic Leadership – How can we foster constructive problem solving through acts of leadership in our communities?
Session D: Diversity - how do we move forward and find consensus when we don’t all share the same views, skin color, age, or otherwise?
Session E: Start-Up Strategies with Dr. Cecily Drucker (Part 2)

11:05 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Session A: Financial Planning for Young Professionals
Session B: Going back to school for those considering an advanced degree or making a career change.
Session C: Your Digital Resume – The power of social media to sell your skills.
Session D: Diversity - how do we move forward and find consensus when we don’t all share the same views, skin color, age, or otherwise?
Session E: Starting your own business? Learn about resources available to entrepreneurial Kansans.

Noon – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon and Keynote Address by Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Session A: Financial Planning for Young Professionals
Session B: Make a difference. A session about how you can get involved as a volunteer.
Session C: Your Digital Resume – The power of social media to sell your skills.
Session D: Why Small Towns Matter
Session E: Start-Up Strategies with Dr. Cecily Drucker (this session spans two breakout session times, lasting from 1:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.)

2:25 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
Session A: A Framework for Understanding Poverty
Session B: Thought about a Century Ride, Triathlon, or Marathon? Find out how to train and eat to compete in a fitness challenge.
Session C: Civic Leadership – How can we foster constructive problem solving through acts of leadership in our communities?
Session D: Power Up for Rural Communities
Session E: Start-Up Strategies with Dr. Cecily Drucker (Part 2)

3:30 p.m. Closing Session

5:00 p.m. Hutchinson’s Third Thursday Events and Taste It Downtown food tour
Taste It Downtown tickets are $15 and available for purchase by attendees at the time of event registration.
There is no charge to attend Third Thursday activities.

2010 KCLI Facilitators Workshop

2010-03-24T13:25:00.000-05:00

The Kansas Leadership Center is offering a unique and exciting opportunity to improve your facilitation skills. The Kansas Community Leadership Initiative (KCLI) Facilitators Workshop has been designed to increase the facilitation effectiveness of community leadership program facilitators. The KCLI Workshop will benefit anyone regardless of his or her facilitation experience and/or his or her exposure to previous Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) Programs. This experience offers an opportunity to fine tune your facilitation skills as well as experiment with new concepts.

WHAT: 2010 KCLI Facilitators Workshop

WHEN: May 10th – 13th, 2010
(Program begins at 1:00 p.m. on May 10; Ends at 1:00 p.m. May 13th)

WHERE: Wichita Hyatt Regency 400 W. Waterman, Wichita, KS

WHO SHOULD APPLY: Community leadership program facilitators

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?: You will practice with both content and process facilitation designed for effective community leadership programs.

HOW TO APPLY: Please visit our website at www.kansasleadershipcenter.org and then click Programs tab to be directed to application page.

PARTICIPATION FEE: $75 (includes lodging and most meals).

DEADLINE: April 1st

WIN Presents: Denise Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson

2010-03-17T10:19:00.001-05:00

WIN, an organization that provides a "hand up" to women who are survivors of domestic abuse, has arranged for Denise Brown, sister of Nicole Simpson Brown (OJ Simpson fame), to come to Wichita to speak about domestic and date violence at the WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex on Tuesday April 20, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. We are very excited to have Ms. Brown share her message with the citizens of Wichita. Tickets are $15.00 adults; $10.00 for students.

Ms. Brown will also be present to mingle with the crowd for a meet and greet on Monday, April 19, 2010, 6:30 p.m., Hotel at Old Town Atrium. Cindy Klose will provide the welcome at this event. This will be an opportunity for guests to interact with Ms. Brown, up close and personal. Guests will also have a one-time opportunity to purchase a distinctive and unique jewelry item made by the women of WIN at this event. Tickets to this event are $75.00.

Ms. Brown will also be present at a luncheon on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. at the Marriott Corporate Hills. Bonnie Bing will provide the welcome at this event and there will be speakers on domestic and date violence as well as speakers from the women of WIN who will tell their personal stories. The cost for this event is $50 per person. Reservations for tables of 8 or 10 are also being accepted.

Please make plans to attend one or more of these events and help WIN continue its efforts to give a "hand up" to women survivors of domestic abuse and help better inform the citizens of Wichita about domestic and date violence.

Cocoa Dolce named Finalist!

2010-03-15T11:40:00.002-05:00

Cocoa Dolce was one of 7 small businesses selected as a finalist for the US Chamber's 2010 Dream Big Small Business of the year award. One finalist will be named the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award on May 18 during America’s Small Business Summit.

Click here for more information or to see the other finalist.

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport Seeks Travel Photos for Its Web site

2010-03-05T10:54:00.002-06:00

Three-week promotion will reward best photo with airline tickets

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport will begin featuring travel photos submitted by passengers on its Website beginning in April. The airport is asking patrons to upload their favorite digital images from vacations, mission trips, sporting events or any adventure that originated from the airport. Photos submitted between March 1 and March 21 will be judged and the person submitting the best photo will be awarded two round-trip airline tickets to any destination in the continental United States. "We know thousands of great adventures begin at the airport," said Valerie Wise, Manager of Air Service and Business Development at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. "We really want to engage our customers so they think of Mid-Continent as their airport."

Anyone wanting to submit a photo should go online to www.adventuresareabreeze.com and follow the simple three-step upload process.Photos should be in a horizontal (landscape orientation) format and saved as a jpeg file type. The best of the photos will be featured on the airport's home page beginning April 5. Others photos can be seen in photo albums on the airport's Facebook fan page.

Assisting in the promotion of the photo contest are KAKE-TV Channel 10 and KFDI-FM Radio. The winner of the contest will be announced on or about April 5, 2010. Complete contest rules can be found at www.adventuresareabreeze.com. "You can see the world from Mid-Continent Airport," added Wise. "We're excited to see photos of our customers experiencing the world and share those experiences through our Web site."

The photo submission tool will be integrated into the airport's Web site after the contest so passengers can continue to share their travel images.

Blue Ribbon Small Business Award

2010-03-01T10:00:00.002-06:00

Two Wichita businesses were included in the list of 75 companies nation wide that won the Blue Ribbon Small Business of the year award from the US Chamber of Commerce; Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates and ISI Environmental Services. This makes both eligible to be one of 7 companies that could win the Dream Big Small Business of the year award and $10,000 cash.

Click here to see the entire list or to cast your vote for the Dream Big Small Business award.

Leadership Elite

2010-02-02T10:15:00.002-06:00

YPW Members are invited to participate in Leadership Elite. Through interactive learning using real-world dilemmas, small group exercises, active discussion and networking, Leadership ELITE emphasizes practical approaches to the key qualities and essential skills for effective leadership.

Leadership ELITE will help you build and maintain a culture that promotes trust,
integrity and high performance. Leadership ELITE will…

• Give you a framework and specific tools to strengthen your existing leadership abilities.

• Build on your current leadership competencies by heightening your awareness of blind spots and behaviors that reduce your effectiveness.

• Increase your flexibility to meet the daily demands of influencing and changing the way people perform.

• Afford you an opportunity to interact with your professional peers to share and learn from one another.

• Provide a risk-free setting to debate, challenge and grow from interaction with a recognized expert.

For more information or how to register use the flyer below.

Leadership%20Elite%20Chamber.pdf

Downtown Market Findings and Upcoming Events

2010-01-22T09:34:00.002-06:00

Downtown Market Findings Event a Success!
On January 13th, over 300 individuals attended Downtown Market Findings: Discoveries. We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. On our website, we have placed copies of the Goody Clancy presentations on the hotel, housing, office, and retail markets, as well as Downtown's walkability. Please take this opportunity to download these presentations. In addition, a summary of the results from the survey can be found here, which also includes two articles from the Wichita Eagle. We hope to see you at the next great event!

Announcing the 2010 Annual Lecture!
Join us February 25th at the Wichita Scottish Rite for an evening with Mr. Jim Cloar. Mr. Cloar is noted for his work in the cities of Tampa, Florida - sports arena development; Dallas, Texas - Arts District Development; and St. Louis, Missouri - downtown residential and retail. The lecture will focus on how to take a master plan from the vision to implementation. Opening reception will start at 5:30 p.m., lecture will follow at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the lecture there will be a question and answer session with Mr. Cloar and the Goody Clancy team.

Then, join us on Saturday, February 27th, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Wichita Art Museum for the Downtown Master Plan Charrette. This is the cornerstone event that will provide key visioning for the new downtown master plan.

To RSVP, please email us at info@downtownwichita.org or call 316.264.6005.

Goody Clancy Presentation Tonight!

2010-01-13T15:05:00.002-06:00

Don't miss your chance to get the latest news on downtown development. Goody Clancy will be presenting their initial analysis on housing, retail and commercial markets as well as the walk-shop images. It's held at the Scottish Rite with a reception starting at 5:30pm and the presentation starting at 6:00pm. Hope to see you there!

Meet Your McConnell Mirror

2010-01-12T11:18:00.000-06:00

Don't miss your chance to meet and mingle on McConnell Air Force Base! You must be pre-registered by today: http://bit.ly/7EtOv1.

Classes Enrolling at the Wichita Center for the Arts

2010-01-11T14:48:00.001-06:00

WCFTA has a diverse selection of art classes and workshops for all ages from preschool to adult. Classes include drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry making, enameling, sculpture, and cooking. For more details or to enroll, call 316-634-2787 ext. 219 or visit www.wcfta.com.

Click here for a list of classes

Free Education Fair for Adult Learners

2010-01-07T15:56:00.002-06:00

Adult Learners: You are invited to a free Education Fair

If you have been thinking about going back to school or taking a class, this event is for you. Local colleges and universities will be on hand to answer all of your questions about going back to school.

When: Wednesday, January 13th, 1:30-7:30pm

Where: The new Derby Library, 1600 E Walnut Grove, Derby KS in the Community Room

Sign in for Door Prizes, including souvenir items from area colleges & universities as well as Wichita State University Basketball Tickets.

LEARN Wichita Members: Baker University, Butler Community College, Central Christian College, Cowley College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Friends University, ITT Technical Institute, Kansas State University, National American University, Newman University, Southwestern College, Tabor College, University of Phoenix, Vatterott College, Webster University, Wichita Area Technical College, Wichita State University, Wichita Technical Institute

For more information, contact Suzanne at 260-0247
Wichita

This free, open-to-the-public event is brought to you by:
www.learnwichita.org

Group Study Exchange Opportunity

2010-01-06T11:57:00.001-06:00

Want an all-expense paid trip to Denmark that will enhance your business prowess and look great on a resume? Apply for the Group Study Exchange (GSE) through Rotary! You’ll travel to Denmark with a five-member team, Aug 20 – Sept 18, 2010, to learn about their business community and teach them about yours.

Rotary is looking for participants who are non-Rotarians, age 25-40, and who are employed full-time. Apply by February 28th by clicking here and click on “Team Member Application.” Contact Steve Woods with questions at GSEWoods@aol.com or 316-683-3561.

Downtown Master Plan Presentation

2010-01-04T15:23:00.002-06:00

The walk-shops were a success and now it's time to see what the information will be used for. The Goody Clancy team will be in Wichita to host a public event "Downtown Market Findings" where they will present the initial analysis on housing, retail and commercial markets as well as the walk-shop images. Here's another opportunity to voice your input to help build a great downtown!

A reception will start at 5:30 pm followed by presentations, panels and a Q & A Session at 6pm. The event will be held at the Scottish Rite at 332 E. 1st St.

Member News!

2009-12-21T15:30:00.000-06:00

Rick Griffin has been voted a partner at MartinPringle Attorneys at Law. He is one of 22 partners at the firm.

Griffin started with MartinPringle in 2002 as a summer law clerk while he was finishing law school at the University of Kansas School of Law. After two summers, Griffin was hired as an associate attorney, focusing primarily in commercial and contract litigation and products liability.
He says making partner was one of his goals when he started his law practice.

“It feels good to have achieved this,” says Griffin, a member of the 2007 Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40 class.

His professional affiliations include work with the Wichita Bar Association’s civil practice, bankruptcy and young lawyers committees.

Griffin also is a member of the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce board and is the 2010 Chair for Young Professionals of Wichita.

Downtown Market Findings

2009-12-16T09:08:00.001-06:00

The public is invited to hear initial findings from the downtown master plan research on housing, retail and overall commercial market opportunities along with input from a panel of business and community leaders.

A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. with presentations starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13th at the Scottish Rite, 332 East 1st Street North. Information and themes from the December “Walk-Shops” will also be presented, and the public will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Downtown Market Findings
5:30 p.m. – Reception
6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Presentations, Panels and Q&A Session
Wednesday, January 13th
Scottish Rite
332 East 1st Street North

Presenters include:

- Laurie Volk from Zimmerman/Volk – Downtown housing market

- Sarah Woodworth from W-ZHA – Downtown commercial market

- Mike Berne from MJB – Downtown retail market

- Ben Carlson from Goody Clancy – Themes heard from the community from the Walk-shops

- Local panelists will be announced in January

RSVP to info@downtownwichita.org or to (316) 264-6005.

The meeting is part of the master planning process for downtown Wichita. Goody Clancy was selected in September to develop a plan for the core area that focuses on connecting and maximizing various downtown areas, utilizing community input to define the vision for downtown and specific implementation strategies, and economic research to maximize private sector investment and return on investment of public dollars. The plan’s funding partners are the City of Wichita, Wichita Transit, WDDC and the private sector.

The WDDC is a non-profit organization focused on stimulating interest and investment in downtown. The organization is governed by its board of directors consisting of property and business owners from the downtown area. The board represents more than 1,400 businesses in the center city and directs and manages the WDDC’s efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

Where to Park

2009-12-15T11:23:00.002-06:00

Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is working with the City of Wichita and Wichita Transit to help you find one of thousands of available parking spaces for INTRUST Bank Arena, Century II, and other downtown events.

WDDC invites you to visit an interactive map of downtown at parkdowntown.org. You'll find a list of all upcoming INTRUST Bank Arena and Century II events with available parking lots and costs for your specific event.

In addition to event parking information, the map shows everything you need to plan your next visit Downtown. Find hotels, restaurants, museums and galleries, shops, theaters, nightclubs, venues and all downtown parking locations.

You'll also notice new wayfinding signs going up around the downtown area. These adobe colored signs are another way to help direct you to the four main INTRUST Bank Arena parking lots. Keep watching as more signs appear around the area, and get information on the full program on the WDDC website.

Take a look for yourself and plan your next trip to Downtown Wichita: Life Happens Here.