Olathe Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

Noble Cause USA Foundation:

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Zoe Herrington, proprietor of Noble House Jewelry has established a foundation called Noble Cause U.S.A, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits our wounded soldiers and their families in the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) at Fort Riley, Kansas.

The mission of this organization is to raise funds to enable the delivery of needed supplementary programs aimed to assist soldiers and their families in the process of transitioning back to productive civilian life. The beneficiaries of our work are the soldiers and families. I’ signed to the Warrior Transition Unit of Fort Riley—the dedicated care facility for wounded Kansans and Midwesterners. While their medical treatment is world-class and comprehensive, the programs needed to help with transitional tasks and increasing capacity of their family members is unfulfilled. While these soldiers do not ask for help—we believe that they deserve every opportunity to prepare for life after their wounds have healed.

Event Highlights:

Types of support we are needing for the following events include: monetary donations, silent auction items and toy donations.

December 4, 2009 from 4:30 - 7:00 – join us for a VIP reception at Noble House Jewelry honoring Sir Gabriel S. Tolkowsky and Overland Park, KS Mayor Carl Gerlach will proclamate Gabi and announce this day as Noble Cause USA Day. Flourish Magazine and M&I Bank along with area members of Olathe and Leawood Chamber of Commerce will also be in attendance. Donations for our soldiers are being accepted in the amount of $10.

December 4, 2009 from 7:30 - Midnight Noble Cause USA will host a fundraising event benefitting our wounded soldiers and their families in the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) at Fort Riley, KS. The event is black tie and will be held at the Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate. Tickets are $250 per person and all proceeds will go directly to WTB. Several local dignitaries and military personnel will be in attendance including Art DeGroat, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) who is supporting this noble cause by ensuring the raised proceeds are delivered to the specific programs needed for the WTB. Art is the Director of Military Affairs at Kansas University; and supports all University relationships with the local regional and nations’ military including military programs, community relations and new partnerships such as his new partnership with Zoe Herrington and Noble Cause USA.

December 5, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Noble House Jewelry will host an Annual Wine Tasting event. Complimentary appetizers and spectacular wine will be served. Proceeds will go directly to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Riley, KS.

December 11, 2009, Hop on the Santa Express to Fort Riley, KS. Noble Cause USA members and sponsors are expected at Fort Riley, KS at 1:00 p.m. to deliver with Santa Claus toys to the children at Fort Riley, KS Warrior Transition Battalion.

Please support Noble Cause USA in these noble efforts and show our soldiers your support for all they do for our country! For more information about the Noble Cause U.S.A. Foundation please feel free to contact me directly Jeannie Isreal at 913-491-4861. Donations can be mailed to Noble Cause U.S.A. Foundation, 11600 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66210, by November 23, 2009

K-State Olathe Innovation Campus Ground Breaking

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University invites you to the groundbreaking for the first building on the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus. The event will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Kansas Bioscience Research Park located east of highway 7 at the intersection of College Boulevard and Valley Road , in Olathe , Kansas .

This first building will be the National Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety. The $28 million facility will house educational and lab spaces to support research, education and technology commercialization in animal health and food safety. The approximately 108,000 square foot building is being designed and built by 360 Architecture and the Weitz Company, and should be complete by early 2011.

Speakers at the ceremony will include Kirk Schulz, K-State President; Michael Copeland, Olathe Mayor; Ed Eilert, Chair of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle Authority; and Jill Docking, Chair of the Kansas Board of Regents.

T he building is part of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle initiative and is financed by a portion of the one-eighth cent sales tax approved by Johnson County voters in November 2008.

Parking for the groundbreaking is across the street from campus and will be marked on Valley Road .

We look forward to seeing you at this historic event. If you have any questions, please contact Terri Bogina at tbogina@kstateoic.ksu.edu or 913-541-1220.

KANSAS CITY’S FAMED “DICKENS’ CAROLERS” PREPARE FOR 26th YEAR OF HOLIDAY CAROLING

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

It’s the 26^th year for Kansas City ’s famed DICKENS’ CAROLERS and they are preparing to add musical sparkle to holiday gatherings all across the Kansas City Metro area. The Dickens’ Carolers are Kansas City ’s original professional Christmas caroling groups.

Brad Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Chestnut Theatre in Olathe , founded the DICKENS’ CAROLERS 26 years ago with only four carolers and one scheduled appearance. Since then, the DICKENS’ CAROLERS have received many rave reviews and are a tradition at many holiday events and celebrations. They have appeared nationally on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” and last season made nearly 300 appearances at major holiday events, parties, luncheons, dinners and family gatherings. They recently appeared as the featured entertainers at the Kansas City stop of the special Disney Train promoting the studio’s holiday motion picture “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Today, more than 50 carolers in groups of four appear all across the Greater Kansas City area costumed in beautiful, colorful, turn-of-the-century holiday attire providing fantastic musical cheer and even short Christmas musical concerts. Member Carolers include, teachers, government officials, Moms, Dads, seniors, students, fire fighters as well as professonal actors and singers.

Zimmerman said: “Each of our appearances is unique and we tailor the music to that specific audience.” For appearance information call 913-764-2121.

The famed DICKENS’ CAROLERS, home-based at the Chestnut Theatre, will also present two Christmas holiday musical concerts at the theatre, 234 North Chestnut in Olathe on Saturday afternoon, December 19^th at 3 p.m. and Monday evening , December 21^st at 7 p.m.; call 913-764-2121 for holiday concert reservations. Seating will be limited. Tickets are $21.00 for adults, discounts for groups, seniors and children.

FARMERS INSURANCE EMPLOYEES TO BUILD HABITAT HOME

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Donations will pay for first year of homeowners insurance as special gift

OLATHE , KS (October 9, 2009) Dozens of Farmers Insurance employees from the Olathe , KS area will lend a hand to help a single mother of two, achieve her life-long dream of owning a home. Beginning Tuesday October 13, 2009, more than 165 employees from the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies® will work with Habitat for Humanity to build a house for Meghan Speak. The group will work on the house, located at 130 South Emma Street in Olathe , until Saturday October 17, 2009. In addition to the thousands of hours in labor, the Farmers employees have also raised $1,000 dollars to purchase a homeowners insurance policy for the first year.

The Farmers employees will present Speak with a check to pay for a one-year homeowners’ insurance policy On Wednesday October 14, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. at the Habitat home.

“At Farmers we are in the business of securing families and helping protect the American Dream,” said Rob Koch Assistant Vice President of Property Claims. “We are honored and humbled to help Meghan Speak achieve her dream of owning a home.”

“We’re eliminating blight, redeveloping community and building a house that will then contribute to the tax base,” said Tom Lally, Executive Director of Heartland Habitat for Humanity. “Heartland Habitat doesn’t solve the problem of affordable housing in Johnson County , but it does fill a specific role for helping low-income families achieve homeownership.”

Potential Habitat for Humanity homeowners will be identified through various informational meetings that will be held throughout Johnson County . To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home, families must go through a comprehensive interview and assessment process, and must meet certain income guidelines. In addition, potential homeowners must contribute 360 hours of “sweat equity” and participate in 50 hours of homeowner classes. In exchange, homeowners are able to purchase their home with a zero interest loan and no down payment.

Farmers employees will be helping build Ms. Speak’s house from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from Tuesday October 13, 2009 until Saturday October 17, 2009.

About Farmers Insurance Group

Farmers Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services, an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Farmers® is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Property and casualty products are underwritten and issued by the Farmers Exchanges and their subsidiaries, which Farmers Group, Inc. manages but does not own. Headquartered in Los Angeles , Farmers insurers provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com

MNU Announces MSN Program for BSN Nurses

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Olathe, Kan. – The Master of Science in Nursing program at MNU offers a new choice for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers. The MSN program offers two distinct tracks, in Health Care Administration and in Nursing Education. The Health Care Administration track prepares nurse leaders to function successfully in administrative positions ranging from nursing manager to CEO within health care organizations. The Nursing Education track prepares nurse leaders to excel as nurse educators in health care facilities or as faculty members in schools of nursing.

The course schedule is based on MNU’s adult education model with courses taught in seven-week modules. Students may start the program with any module and attend class just one day a week. In this manner students are able to complete the master’s degree in one year. Karen Wiegman, PhD, RN, chair of the department of graduate studies in nursing, says the program has been popular with prospective students prior to its official announcement and already has students enrolled for the first class in January 2010.

Requirements for admission to the program include:

BSN from an accredited university.
GPA of 3.0. (some exceptions apply)
Successful completion of undergraduate health assessment, research and statistics course (available on site at MNU).
An active, valid RN license.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, liberal arts university offering more than 40 undergraduate degrees and adult degree completion, as well as five professional graduate degrees in business, education, and counseling. MNU is located on a 105-acre campus in Olathe, Kan., and recently opened a location in Liberty, Mo., for some of its adult and graduate courses. The nursing program began at MNU in 1981 and includes traditional BSN, accelerated BSN and RN to BSN programs.

PTK Communications Changes Name to Sioba Advertising + Public Relations

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

(Bonner Springs, Kan.) - PTK Communications is now known as Sioba Advertising + Public Relations. The name change came about to better reflect the organizations capabilities and direction of growth. Along with the new identity, Sioba moved into its new space at 200 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012.

Sioba – Specialists in Online Brand Advancement – is a full service advertising agency that provides clients with online marketing and message delivery, as well as providing top creatives and strategists in advertising, strategic planning, public relations and shopper marketing.

The new agency name was announced at the Village West WineFest, an annual fund-raising event for KC Cause, on Saturday, September 26th, 2009. The event was held at the Chateau Avalon hotel, a key Sioba client.

Bryan Albers, CEO of Sioba said, “It’s the perfect time and the perfect place to make the change. The direction of our agency has been moving online for some time now. We finally reached a tipping point to where our old identity didn’t sufficiently describe what we do.”

The core business of Sioba is to use creativity, sound marketing strategy, online initiatives and public relations as a catalyst for measurable business growth for its clients. Sioba works with clients in a variety of industries, including business-to-business, retail, professional services, not-for-profits, member associations, utilities, government, education, real estate and development, healthcare, product development and manufacturing.

For more information about Sioba, please contact Quentin Holy at 913.321.8989 or info@sioba.com or visit www.sioba.com.

News Release - Johnson County (Kan.) Sheriff’s Office

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Greater Kansas City Chapter of the of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) presented Sheriff Frank Denning with the Clarence M. Kelley Award on October 06, 2009, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission's 60th annual luncheon. The award, named after former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director and Former Kansas City, Missouri Chief of Police Clarence Kelley - is a prestigious award presented each year to a criminal justice executive who is an excellent administrator, proactive in their approach, and dedicated to improving the criminal justice system.

Sheriff Denning said, “It is a true honor to be in the company of those before me who have received this award.”

His accomplishments leading up to this award include his impeccable integrity and professionalism, the initiating of a Crime Scene Unit, seeking crime lab accreditation, and creating an internet crimes unit who has arrested over 75 individuals with a 100 percent conviction rate. He is also the chair of the Re-entry, 2^nd Chance program in Johnson County , taking the lead in reducing crime and recidivism.

Sheriff Denning has have been serving the law enforcement community for 30 years. He joined the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in 1978 as a Deputy serving in the Adult Detention Center . His assignments included patrol, detective and narcotics before being promoted to sergeant and eventually lieutenant.

In 1996, he was appointed Chief of Police with the City of Roeland Park, Kansas until August 2002 when he was appointed as the Undersheriff at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. He served as Undersheriff until April 2003 and was subsequently elected Sheriff in August 2004 and re-elected in 2008.

Ribbon Cutting Heralds Return Of The Builders’ Association And Kansas City Chapter, AGC To Downtown KCMO

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Kansas City, MO (September 2009) – The Builders’ Association, a nonprofit organization with over 1,000 member companies in the commercial construction industry, and its sister organization, the Kansas City Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America, have formally opened their new Administrative Offices at 720 Oak Street in downtown, Kansas City, Missouri.

The Ribbon-Cutting ceremony was held on September 22 with the participation of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Cutting the ribbon were Don Greenwell, President of The Builders’ Association and Executive Director of the Kansas City Chapter, AGC; James O. Delaney, Chairman of The Builders’ Association and Vice President of Operations for Turner Construction Company; and W. Craig Simon, P.E., President of the Kansas City Chapter, AGC and President/CEO of Professional Contractors and Engineers, Inc. of Columbia, Missouri.

The high-profile location is just northwest of the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse. It is also at the opposite end of the Heart of America Bridge from the Builders’ Association Education and Training Center in North Kansas City.

“The newly-renovated building offers significant advantages for our members,” said Don Greenwell. “When The Builders’ Association moved to 39th Street in midtown more than 40 years ago, we had 12 people on staff in Kansas City. Today, that number has almost doubled to provide greatly-expanded services to far more members. While satisfying critical space needs for our staff, 720 Oak also provides needed meeting space and a dedicated space for Safety and Management training. Our Plan Room is now on the main level. You can access the building from the north loop without a single traffic light. Our members now have twice as many free parking spaces as before.”

A 22,000 square foot, three-story building, 720 Oak opened as Research Downtown Health Care Center in 1982. During renovations, which began in 2008, the interior was completely demolished, except for the lower level. A.L. Huber general contractor was the Construction Manager; The Office of Kenneth O. von Achen Chartered Architects was the Architect of Record; and James L. “Skip” Hutton, Jr., was the Owner’s Representative. They worked with a team of Builders’ Association subcontractors to deliver the project on time and on budget.

For The Builders’ Association, the move represents a return to its downtown roots. The Association has been located downtown throughout its 122-year history, with the exception of its most recent location in midtown Kansas City, Missouri, where it had been since 1966. The Builders’ Association was founded as the Master Builders’ and Traders’ Exchange in 1887. The headquarters they occupied in 1890 is located at 6th and Central, within walking distance to the west of 720 Oak, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Builders’ Association represents general contractor, subcontractor, and supplier members engaged in the commercial, industrial, and municipal utility construction industry throughout most of Missouri and northeastern Kansas. In addition to its Administrative Offices in Kansas City, the Association has offices and plan rooms in Jefferson City, Columbia, and Springfield, as well as their Education and Training Center in North Kansas City.

Symposium to be hosted by Brookdale Senior Living

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Brookdale Senior Living will be hosting a symposium for the purpose of educating the public on current brain related research, therapies, etc. The event will take place Wednesday, October 7 at the Jewish Community Campus from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

Noted speakers for the event are Dr. Kevin O’Neal-National Medical Director-Brookdale Senior Living & Dr. Marilyn Rymer-Director of Mid-America Brain and Stroke Institute (St. Luke’s Medical Center)

The symposium will be an all day event offering two general sessions with different key note speakers, interactive break-out sessions and a vendor/exhibitor fair. A complimentary boxed lunch, beverages and snacks will be provided. Admission is free to the public with the venue offering capacity for 300 people.

Terracon’s New Branding Campaign Wins National SMPS Award

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. --- Terracon received the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) national first place overall award for Corporate Identity as part of the National Marketing Communications Awards (MCA), presented at the annual conference awards gala in Las Vegas, Nev. SMPS is a highly-respected professional association for marketers and business developers in the design and building industry.

“The new branding campaign was the result of the tremendous effort, valuable input and buy-in of many,” said David Gaboury, P.E., president and CEO. “Terracon can truly be proud of this recognition by our peers in the industry.”

Terracon’s award submittal included the research, strategy and development of a Brand Standards Manual and templates for all promotional materials.

The SMPS MCA program is the longest-standing awards competition that recognizes excellence in marketing communications by professional services firms in the design and building industry. Each year, this competitive awards program receives nearly 400 entries from more than 200 firms. Entries are evaluated by 80 jurors representing industry and media leaders, design and graphics professionals and clients.

The Corporate Identity category judged on the consistency of graphic images as they were applied to collateral materials and the objectives, contents and results of the marketing communications effort in the rollout. Trozzolo Communications Group was a key team member in the development of Terracon’s enhanced Corporate Identity.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 2,500 employees providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices in 34 states nationwide. Terracon currently ranks 46th on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com .

Turner Construction Recognized by Building Design + Construction Magazine

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Turner Construction Recognized by Building Design + Construction Magazine

Company Attains More Than 1,000 LEED Accredited Professionals Nationwide;
Local Office Has More Than 30 LEED APs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –Turner Construction Company, the nation’s leading general builder, has achieved a significant milestone as a result of the company’s commitment to Green Building practices. Turner now counts 1,186 LEED Accredited Professionals (APs) on staff. Building Design + Construction has recognized Turner as having more LEED APs than any other firm in the architectural, engineering and construction industry, and with the company’s $3 billion of green construction volume in 2008, Turner was additionally recognized as the leading Green builder in the publication’s 2009 Giants 300 rankings.

Thirty-five percent of the construction staff working in Turner’s Kansas City office is LEED Accredited, allowing the company to be uniquely positioned to meet the green building needs of our clients and the community in the local market.

Turner’s LEED APs have enabled the company to complete 85 projects that have been LEED Certified by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC). An additional 131 Turner projects are LEED Registered. The firm’s sustainable construction work has grown to 40 percent of its backlog. Turner’s green building projects are in wide array of building types, including education, commercial, healthcare and aviation.

Turner’s local office is a Certified LEED Interiors project. The 16,000 sq. ft. space includes bamboo flooring, low VOC paints and adhesives, and carpet made from recycled content. The project involved the re-use of as many existing doors, ceilings and walls as possible, as well as featured many locally-manufactured products.

Turner recently completed the new Upper Elementary School for the Odessa School District. The project implemented numerous green features, such as a ground well heating and cooling system, daylight views in all classrooms, bicycle storage and changing rooms, water efficient landscaping, regional material, and site development that maximized open space. Turner is currently leading the expansion to the Olathe Police Building, which is incorporating several green features, including a geothermal heating/cooling loop, low-emitting materials, a rain garden, and a white roof, which will reflect the sun’s rays, creating a cooler building and reducing energy costs.

Turner’s most recent green project award involves construction management services for the University of Kansas Hospital Medical Office Building, a $55 million project that will seek LEED Certification when it is completed in 2011. Environmentally-friendly features of the building will include water-efficient landscaping, access to public transportation, energy performance optimization, thermal comfort controls and the use of recycled and locally manufactured materials.

Turner opened the Kansas City office in 1988 and is celebrating 20 successful years of building in Kansas City. The office serves the four-state region of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, and has grown to be one of Kansas City’s largest construction companies. Turner has been a part of numerous high-profile area projects including the New Arrowhead Stadium and Training Facility, Kansas Speedway, the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, Overland Park Convention Center, and the Briarcliff Hilltop Office Building.

About Turner

Founded in 1902, Turner Construction Company is the leading general builders in the United States, providing a complete range of construction and program management services. During 2008 Turner completed $10.7 billion of construction. Turner is the only builder offering clients a nationwide network of offices across the U.S. Founded in 1902, the firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF. For more information, visit www.turnerconstruction.com.

Maccallum, Char Real Estate Group Receives 2009 Best of Olathe Award

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Maccallum, Char Real Estate Group has been selected for the 2009 Best of Olathe Award in the Real Estate Agents & Managers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

John Addessi named as new KSBDC consultant at JCCC

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – John Addessi, Merriam, has been named a consultant for the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Johnson County Community College.

Addessi teaches workshops and provides consultation to current or prospective small business owners on topics such as financing, business plans, marketing, international trade, e-commerce and more.

Prior to joining the JCCC KSBDC, Addessi was a consultant with Washburn University’s KSBDC, serving business owners in Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties.

Before joining the KSBDC, Addessi spent 15 years in management in the public and private sectors. He supervised the Language Learning Center at the University of Rhode Island and was sales manager for central Kansas with CellularONE. He received his bachelor’s degree in Russian and his MBA in general management from the University of Rhode Island. Addessi has owned his own e-commerce sites and is familiar with the challenges facing small businesses in a competitive market.

Addessi originally found that he enjoys assisting entrepreneurs when he served as the Westmoreland, Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce president.

The JCCC KSBDC provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting to current and prospective small business owners in Johnson, Miami and Wyandotte counties. In addition to consulting services, the JCCC KSBDC offers low-cost educational seminars and workshops geared to meet the needs and interests of small business owners.

The JCCC KSBDC is part of a statewide network of eight regional centers in Kansas and is a grant-funded program under the U.S. Small Business Administration, Kansas Department of Commerce and JCCC.

For more information on services available from the JCCC KSBDC, contact 913.469.3878 or ksbdc@jccc.edu or visit the Web site, www.jccc.edu/ksbdc.

John Addessi named as new KSBDC consultant at JCCC

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – John Addessi, Merriam, has been named a consultant for the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Johnson County Community College.

Addessi teaches workshops and provides consultation to current or prospective small business owners on topics such as financing, business plans, marketing, international trade, e-commerce and more.

Prior to joining the JCCC KSBDC, Addessi was a consultant with Washburn University’s KSBDC, serving business owners in Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties.

Addessi originally found that he enjoys assisting entrepreneurs when he served as the Westmoreland, Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce president.

The JCCC KSBDC is part of a statewide network of eight regional centers in Kansas and is a grant-funded program under the U.S. Small Business Administration, Kansas Department of Commerce and JCCC.

For more information on services available from the JCCC KSBDC, contact 913.469.3878 or ksbdc@jccc.edu or visit the Web site, www.jccc.edu/ksbdc.

Air Capital Judo Tournament

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Mulvane, Ks.- Four students, from the Olathe After School Judo Academy, medaled in the Air Capital Judo Tournament held Saturday in Mulvane Kansas. Competitors came from Topeka, Western Kansas, Oklahoma and the Kansas City area to compete in this United States Judo Association sanctioned event. Peri Farrar placed 1st in the 5-6 year old girls division; Skyler Farrar placed 1st in the 9-10 year old girls division; Zac Cohen placed 2nd in the 10-12 year old boys division; Anthony Koehler placed 2nd in the 15 year old boys division and he also placed 1st in the senior Light/Heavy weight division.

Don Hinchsliff

Owner/Instructor

After School Judo Academy

Office: (913) 851-2851

don@asjajudo.com

www.asjajudo.com

Operating Sooner Introduces New E-Book, “Operating Updates Through the Ages”

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Olathe, Kansas — July 28, 2009 — A new e-book from Operating Sooner, a sales and marketing resource for small business, is a hand-picked collection of articles that provide insight for entrepreneurs and owners as well as sales and marketing professionals to succeed. The articles first appeared in its Operating Update newsletter and they were written by its founding entrepreneur, Becky Rawls-Riley.

“Over the years, I have sought fresh ideas that could help me in my business and I wrote articles for the newsletter that offered my thoughts on various topics. I wanted this first e-book to include a variety of topics, so it could quickly provide other entrepreneurs a place to rummage through for ideas that they could strike out to incorporate”as is” or refine them to fit the needs of their business. Thus, the odd assortment of topics range from what we can learn from man’s best friend for business growth, to applying closet organization tips to an aging customer and prospect database to revitalize its value, and certainly leadership and teamwork, plus more. I hope those who get a copy will find their imagination nudged and they will noodle on at least one of the ideas and apply it to improve their business,” said Becky Rawls-Riley, President of Operating Sooner.

“Operating Updates Through the Ages” may be downloaded from http://www.operating-sooner.com/newsletter/operating-updates-through-the-ages/. The complete list of topics in the e-book and the form to purchase the $4.99 e-book is there.

About Becky Rawls-Riley

Becky Rawls-Riley founded Operating Sooner, Inc. in 1996. Prior to starting the company, she worked for Black & Veatch, Chicago Aerial Survey, International Harvester, and Bendix just to name a few of the organizations. She earned her Masters in Business Administration in marketing and general business management from the Henry W. Block School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a Bachelor of Science in computer science management from Marycrest College , and Associate degrees from Hamilton Technical College and Indian Hills Community College .

About Operating Sooner

Operating Sooner, Inc. is a sales and marketing resource for early adopters and entrepreneurs, owners, and sales and marketing professionals who seek practical, real-world results proven things they can quickly do to make the necessary changes to reach customers and grow. Operating Sooner is a reseller for many products that maximize sales and marketing efforts and works with micro and small business customers as they build skills and strategically apply software to achieve success. For more information, visit www.operating-sooner.com.

Fight for the Cure of Juvenile Diabetes

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The After School Judo Academy will be hosting the first annual ASJA Judo for Juvenile Diabetes Junior Championships. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Kansas City Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The tournament will be held on Saturday, August 1st at the After School Judo Academy, 15320 S. Cornice St., Olathe, KS 66062. This tournament will be sanctioned by USA Judo, and will consist of Junior Judo players 16 years old and younger. Weigh-ins will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and the matches will begin at 12:00 pm.

The After School Judo Academy is committed to stomping out juvenile diabetes with our programs that are designed to promote health and fitness in our kids. Through donations, like the ones raised from the ASJA Judo for Juvenile Diabetes Junior Championships, the JDRF is able to spend almost as much money on type 1 diabetes research as the National Institutes of Health. Researchers are closer than ever to finding a cure for diabetes, which affects more than 24 million Americans, including more than 15,000 children which are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year.

Come out and help us fight for the cure of Juvenile Diabetes.

Santa Marta Names Hospitality Expert New Executive Director

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Olathe, KS: The leadership of Santa Marta, the premier senior living community in Johnson County, recognizes much of residents’ lives within the community revolves around hospitality. It’s that type of forward thinking that led the Santa Marta board of directors to invest in Chester “Chet” Surmaczewicz as the community’s new executive director. Surmaczewicz brings extensive high-end hospitality management experience to the community, located in Olathe.

Surmaczewicz says having unique experiences is something residents should get used to as part of his goal to offer an enhanced one-of-a-kind lifestyle at Santa Marta. For example, an ice-carving demonstration given by Surmaczewicz on the grounds of the community drew quite a crowd.

“This community is a perfect fit for me with my background in creating a signature experience,” said Surmaczewicz. “Santa Marta is a phenomenal community, not just architecturally, but because of the quality of services and amenities it provides, and its warm, welcoming environment. My job is to help enhance the life experiences of our residents and to treat them in the same manner as you would at a five-star or five-diamond hotel or resort.”

Surmaczewicz most recently served as the general manager at both the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista and the Embassy Suites Orlando Downtown in Orlando, Fla. His more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and hotel industries includes several years with the Procaccanti Corporation, holding the positions of general manager at the Waterford Marriott Hotel in Oklahoma City, Okla., and hotel manager at the InterContinental Kansas City on the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo. Prior to that, Surmaczewicz served as the director of food and beverage at the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra, Fla. He also has extensive experience as a chef and started his career at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago in Chicago, Ill.

Surmaczewicz received an associate of science degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

Because the entire Tuscan-inspired campus was just completed last year, Surmaczewicz says it rivals many of the fantastic settings in which he has previously worked. He would like to offer residents the opportunity to experience such activities as an interactive cooking class, with the end goal of creating a Santa Marta

cookbook, as well as wine-tasting events.

“We hear many of our residents already saying that living at Santa Marta is like being on a cruise ship, because they have so many wonderful things at their fingertips here,” said Surmaczewicz. “My philosophy is that we should be ‘ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.’”

Santa Marta, located at 13800 W. 116th Street in Olathe , Kan. , across from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas . The community’s 45-acre campus provides adults age 62-plus with a unique lifestyle experience and a variety of residential options, including 138 spacious apartment homes and The Villas at Santa Marta , 24 Tuscan-inspired private homes located in an exclusive setting on the grounds of Santa Marta . Residents enjoy a full range of services and amenities, such as maintenance-free living, restaurant-style dining, heated underground parking, a chapel, library, arts and crafts studio, and a fitness and aquatic center.

The Plaza Health Services at Santa Marta provides three levels of care, including 32 assisted living apartments, 16 memory support suites and 32 skilled nursing suites. The Plaza’s services are available both as part of the full continuum of care for Santa Marta’s residents, and also for residents of the community-at-large on a private-pay basis. More information about Santa Marta is available by calling (913) 906-0990 or by visiting www.SantaMartaRetirement.com.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is composed of 21 counties in northeastern Kansas, covering more than 12,500 square miles. The Archdiocese serves more than 180,000 Catholics through its agencies, departments, parishes, schools and institutions.

Premier Bank Hosts Fund Raising Event

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

LENEXA, KS – Premier Bank today announced they will be sponsoring "Cookout for a Cause" which will benefit the American Stroke Foundation. The event will be held on site at Premier Bank’s Fairway branch located at 2701 Shawnee Mission Parkway (Belinder and Shawnee Mission Parkway) on July 31, 2009, from 11am to 2pm.

“Our plan is to regularly pick a charitable organization and sponsor a fund raising event for them. Last month we raised over $200 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This month’s event is a cookout event and we will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, a drink and cookies to everyone who makes a donation. All proceeds will then be donated to our charitable organization of the month” states Jeff Boomgarden, Branch Manager.

Premier Bank is a member of the Sturm Financial Group, consisting of 37 community banks located in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and Wyoming,. The Sturm Financial Group maintains financial strength embodied in approximately $2.1 billion in assets. The Banking Centers proudly offer personalized, quality service to their customers, with local staff and responsive, local decision-making. Premier offers a wide array of financial services for personal and business needs such as Checking and Savings Accounts, BankAtEase Internet Banking, e-Services, Cash Management Services, and Commercial, Consumer, SBA, and Mortgage Loans.

Internal Medicine physician to join Olathe practice

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, KAN – Internal Medicine Associates of Olathe is pleased to announce Faisal Javaid, M.D. will join the practice on July 20.

Dr. Javaid earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from Dow Medical University. He did his residency at Michael Reese Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He also served as Resident Medical Officer at Dr. Kaiser Aziz Hospital.

Dr. Javaid joins Drs. Eldwin Dunn, David Morgan, James Ruhlen, Martin Schermoly, Joyce Schofield, James Sebghati and James Wetzel in caring for area patients at Internal Medicine Associates of Olathe, a service of Olathe Health System, Inc., located in The Doctors Building I at Olathe Medical Center.

To make an appointment at Internal Medicine Associates of Olathe, please call 913-782-8300.

Elecsys will produce electronic assemblies for Reinke Manufacturing

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Elecsys will produce electronic assemblies for Reinke Manufacturing
From the Kansas City Business Journal, July 7, 2009

Elecsys Corp. has entered into an agreement to provide electronic design and manufacturing services for Reinke Manufacturing Co. The deal could add about $1 million to Elecsys’ annual revenue.

The agreement calls for Elecsys (Nasdaq: ESYS) to producr electronics for Reinke’s products. Deschler, Neb.-based Reinke produces equipment such as irrigation systems, intermodal containers, aluminum flatbeds and steel/aluminum drop deck trailers.

Elecsys mainly will focus on producing the electronics that drive Reinke’s irrigation systems, controlling it’s movement across a crop and monitoring to ensure it functions properly. Elecsys also will develop future products that could include items such as ground-moisture monitoring devices that let the irrigation system know what areas require more or less water.

Elecsys said in a release Tuesday that Reinke has bought more than $1 million of electronic assemblies in the past 12 months from a variety of sources and that the agreement with Elecsys enables Reinke to consolidate the production at one source.

“We have already begun the integration of new assemblies into our production system and initiated work on several new design products that should move into production in the near future,” Elecsys CEO Karl Gemperli said in the release. “Adding Reinke as a business partner expands our penetration into the global agricultural market and further diversifies our customer base.”

IT21 purchases ACC Technologies assets

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

IT21, an Olathe-based technology services and consulting business since 1999, has completed an asset purchase of ACC Technologies. The Principal Partners of IT21, Rick Mentel and Chuck Nuffer, have been providing services to the customer base of John Pittman since his death, May 30, 2009. IT21 provides service to customers of all sizes, locally, regionally and nationally. “IT21 is a company that John was proud to know; he felt they are respected peers in the IT industry. Some of you have already experienced their quality service, as we have referred them to those that have reached out with immediate IT needs," says Beth Pittman. For more information visit www.it21.com.

A Joint Statement from The University of Kansas Hospital and Olathe Medical Center

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Two growing hospitals are exploring a joint venture to provide the highest quality heart care.

The concept would have The University of Kansas Hospital’s cardiology team provide the physician component of clinical, diagnostic, intervention and inpatient cardiac care at Olathe Medical Center , Miami County Medical Center , and other area facilities where Olathe Medical Center has established relationships.

The heart programs of The University of Kansas Hospital and Olathe Medical Center are exploring this opportunity in order to continue the quality, patient-focused cardiac care provided to the communities served by Olathe Medical Center , while also establishing the best position for future growth.

“ Olathe Medical Center has a strong dedication to patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. In our talks together to date, we share a vision to do what is best for our patients,” said Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Hospital.

“The University of Kansas Hospital has earned national recognition for the quality of its heart program. The heart program has also scored high in national patient satisfaction surveys,” said Frank H. Devocelle, president and chief executive officer of Olathe Medical Center .

Both hospitals report significant enthusiasm for this vision of a joint venture, but both acknowledge many issues need to be thoroughly explored in order to reach an agreement.

Discussions on this concept could last until the end of the year.

After this announcement, it is the intent of both hospitals not to comment on the status of negotiations until the talks are concluded.

Register now for Green Commute Challenge

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Employer teams will compete to reduce air pollution and save money

This summer employees at Kansas City area companies will "go green and save green" during the annual Green Commute Challenge, a competition that encourages employees of participating organizations to reduce driving alone and save money on their commutes. The challenge is a fun way for employers and commuters to address two serious issues: air quality and rising gas prices.

The Green Commute Challenge will run from July 6 through Aug. 28, and is sponsored by the Mid-America Regional Council's RideShare and Air Quality programs. Organizations can register a team in advance by visiting www.marc.org/rideshare/challenge or calling 816/842-RIDE (7433). They will receive promotional materials to help encourage their employees to join the company team. Participants can begin accruing points starting July 6.

The contest challenges employees to use alternative forms of transportation to get to and from work — carpooling, biking, riding the bus, walking and telecommuting — and to find other ways to reduce their driving, such as staying in for lunch. Commuters will use an online tool to track their miles-reducing activities, and earn points to qualify for weekly and monthly prize drawings. The Green Commute Challenge web site will be updated weekly to track point totals for each participating employer. Employers will compete for most points accrued for alternative transportation trips (in several company size categories).

RideShare Program Manager Marge Gasnick notes that interest in this year’s challenge is strong and that a number of employers are expected to participate for the first time. “Gas prices are starting to creep up again, and there seems to be an overall interest in finding ways to cut costs in this current economic climate,” said Gasnick

On a number of days each summer, Greater Kansas City fails to meet federal air quality standards because of high concentrations of ground-level ozone, a pollutant formed when emissions from manmade sources react in heat and sunlight. Exposure to ozone pollution is linked to a variety of problems even in healthy people, including chest pains, coughing, nausea, throat irritation and difficulty breathing.

“About half of the emissions that cause our ozone problem result from everyday people doing everyday things, so the cumulative effect of challenge participants’ activities will definitely have a positive impact on our region’s air quality,” said Amanda Graor, senior air quality planner.

Last year, 35 companies and more than 1,760 commuters participated in the Green Commute Challenge. They reduced their driving by 1.2 million miles, prevented 934,316 pounds of ozone-forming emissions, and saved $546,489 in fuel costs.

To learn more or register a company team, visit www.marc.org/rideshare/challenge or call 816/842-RIDE (7433).

MARC Air Quality Program: www.marc.org/airQ
MARC RideShare Program: www.marc.org/rideshare

NBRC Building earns top energy designation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The NBRC/AMP building in Corporate Ridge, which houses the National Board for Respiratory Care and Applied Measurement Professionals, is one of only 70 buildings in the state to be awarded an Energy Star Label. The designation is the mark of superior energy performance and identifies the building as one of the most efficient in the nation. Marge Vogt, Olathe City Councilwomen, presented the plaque to Gary Smith, NBRC’s CEO, at a recent staff meeting.

The NBRC/AMP building was designed with energy efficiency in mind and includes a mixture of energy efficient lighting fixtures and natural lighting. The building systems are controlled by an Energy Management System, a direct digital control system that can be accessed through the Internet for off-site monitoring.

With the support of senior management, NBRC continues to improve its energy efficiency in several ways. Every employee is involved in the energy program through a five-year agreement, signed in 2008 with Kansas City Power & Light for its MPower Program. NBRC initiated a company-wide recycling program in 2008, which, in addition to paper, plastic, and aluminum, also includes e-waste. In addition, the staff is rewarded for their participation in a Transportation Program.

NBRC continues to reach out to employees in other ways to spread the word that energy efficiency is good for the bottom line as well as the environment.

Terracon’s Whiteford Achieves Certified Professional Services Marketer Designation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

LENEXA, Kan. --- Amanda M. Whiteford, client development specialist with Terracon’s Lenexa office, earned the designation of Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

Whiteford is among a growing number of professionals to be certified by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), which advocates for, educates and connects leaders in the design and building industry. CPSMs are recognized as having the experience and knowledge to generate profitable business in the architectural, engineering and construction marketplace. To achieve this designation, certification candidates must meet educational and experience requirements, pass a rigorous written examination and pledge to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics. The process validates the individual’s mastery of and ability to apply critical business development knowledge in an industry that values certification.

Whiteford has been with Terracon for more than five years, and actively searches for business opportunities for the firm and assists management in the implementation of business goals, objectives and strategies. She is a member of SMPS, Kansas City Commercial Real Estate Women, Society of American Military Engineers and several area chambers of commerce. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from Kansas State University.

Terracon Adds Construction Materials Engineering and Testing Services

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. --- Terracon Consultants, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc.’s (AMEC) Construction Services Group in Redmond, Wash. The office will operate as part of Terracon, and focus on construction materials engineering and testing, which is one of Terracon’s core service offerings nationwide. Only the Redmond location is now part of Terracon, one of the nation’s largest employee-owned engineering consulting firms with headquarters in Olathe, Kan.

The acquisition allows the company to further expand its services to local and national clients, and increases Terracon’s presence in Washington, which includes offices in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma.

“With more than 30 years of local experience performing Special Inspections and construction materials engineering and testing services, the Redmond office has an excellent regional history and reputation,” said David Gaboury, P.E., Terracon’s president and chief executive officer. “We are excited to offer our clients construction materials engineering and testing services in addition to our geotechnical and environmental expertise.”

Services now offered by Terracon’s Redmond office include construction quality control/quality assurance testing and Special Inspections during construction, construction materials engineering evaluation, design and consulting and condition assessment and forensic investigations of in-place materials and structures. The firm is retaining the employees.

While part of AMEC, the Redmond office was selected to be the Special Inspections agency for a number of the Puget Sound area’s high-profile projects, including The Seattle Sheraton expansion, The Bravern and Washington Square. In addition, laboratory testing and Special Inspection services have been provided for school districts, local and state government, mixed use projects and retail and commercial developments. Redmond’s construction materials testing laboratory is certified by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Tyler McCormick, business unit manager when the group was part of AMEC, will be Terracon’s Redmond office manager. “We will continue to be committed to providing quality-based and timely service to maximize benefits to our clients,” McCormick said. “We are excited to be a part of Terracon.”

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 2,500 employees providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices in 34 states nationwide. Terracon currently ranks 46th on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com.

Drew Dieterich Joins Operating Sooner, Inc. as Account Executive

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Olathe, Kansas — June 13, 2009 — Drew Dieterich has joined Operating Sooner, a sales and marketing resource that helps businesses grow more profitably. As an Account Executive, Mr. Dieterich will be engaged in all aspects of contacting identified businesses to offer Operating Sooner’s specific range of sales and marketing products and services.

Mr. Dieterich is a sales professional with over 20 years of successful experience in Johnson County . In past career positions he has served as business development manager, marketing representative, account executive, and professional recruiter.

He is well known, especially in the Olathe community, due to his extensive involvement with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce where he currently serves on the Membership Council, the Chairman’s Liaison Committee, and the Ambassador’s Club. As a result of outstanding new member selection, Mr. Dieterich earned the prestigious “Bartlett-Olson Award” in 2005 and 2006. He has also been elected as “Volunteer of the Year” for 2006.

Mr. Dieterich will be instrumental in the initial efforts for the Company’s economic development program and will be contacting business and governmental candidates primarily in Kansas and Missouri and will be expanding that nationally. We are pleased to be adding Mr. Dieterich to our staff.

Drew Dieterich Additional Information

Learn more about Drew Dieterich by visiting http://www.operating-sooner.com/about/drew-dieterich/. His contact information: Operating Sooner, Inc., PO Box 2726 , Olathe KS 66063 -2726, P (913) 397-8071, F (913) 390-5547, E drew@operating-sooner.com.

About Operating Sooner

Operating Sooner, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Becky Rawls-Riley and helps entrepreneurs, owners, sales and marketing professionals build skills and strategically apply software to effectively reach customers. Operating Sooner is a reseller for many products that maximize the sales and marketing efforts of micro and small businesses. The company derives 80% of its business from the greater Kansas City metro and is a candidate for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business Celebration. For more information, visit www.operating-sooner.com.

Kansas Lottery $150 Grand Returns October 1 to Kansas Speedway

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY , Kan. (June 8, 2009) – Kansas Speedway announced today that the ARCA RE/MAX Series will return for a ninth season to the facility. The Kansas Lottery $150 Grand will race on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 4 PM.

“I’m looking forward to having the ARCA RE/MAX Series return to Kansas Speedway,” said Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger. “The Kansas Lottery $150 Grand has provided some great racing and last year’s race saw current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Scott Speed visit victory lane for the first time in a stock car and Ryan Newman raced in the Kansas Lottery $150 Grand in 2001.

“This year’s race should prove to be another great race and fans may be seeing some of the future NASCAR stars in this race.”

Tickets for the Kansas Lottery $150 Grand are on sale now and are available by calling 866.460.RACE, online at www.kansasspeedway.com and at the Kansas Speedway ticket office. Advance tickets are $15 for reserved seats and $10 for general admission. Tickets purchased the day of the race are $20 for reserved and $15 for general admission. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more people by calling Doc Shobe at 913.328.3300.

Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2001, plays host each year to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the IndyCar Series and the ARCA RE/MAX Series over two weekends.

Kansas Speedway ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 866.460.RACE or logging on www.kansasspeedway.com. Packages include the Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods, the Kansas Lottery 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series, the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 IndyCar Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Terracon’s Frank Milano Receives CIO Vision Award

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. --- Chief Information Officer Frank Milano and Terracon’s Information Technology Department have been awarded the Midsize Enterprise Summit’s CIO Vision Award for Best Document Management Solution. The Midsize Vision Award honors companies and individuals who demonstrate innovation, excellence and partnership in deploying IT solutions.

The awards were presented at the Midsize Enterprise Summit, the only global event addressing the information technology issues that are unique to midsize organizations. The event brought together senior IT executives from midsized businesses with leading emerging technology providers to enable strategic IT decision making.

The winners were selected for their ability to improve business processes, reduce costs, attract and retain new customers and expand current customer relationships. Terracon competed against 150 entries from midsize companies with revenues between $100 million and $1 billion. Terracon received the award for implementing a system that helped to better deliver large files daily to client Web sites and the more than 100 Terracon offices, saving more than $400,000. Submitted applications were judged by the editorial content team of the Everything Channel, who organized the summit.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices nationwide with more than 2,500 employees. Terracon currently ranks 46th on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com.

Season Tickets Now Available For The Chestnut Theatre’s 2009-2010 Eleventh Season

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Presenting Six Kansas City Area Premiere Musicals and Musical Comedies

Brad Zimmermann, Founder and Executive Director of The Chestnut Fine Arts Theatre, 234 North Chestnut in Olathe, announced that tickets for the theatre’s 11th season and season renewals are available now by calling the theatre box office at 913-764-2121. The 2009-2010 season will feature six musical comedies, each a brand new show and each a Kansas City area stage premiere.

“SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING”, September 24th through October 25, 2009. The Kansas City premiere of this brand new show will open the Chestnut Theatre’s 2009-2010 season. Rated G

“A TAFFETA CHRISTMAS”, November 12th through December 20, 2009; a Kansas City area premiere, it’s the new holiday sequel to the Chestnut’s highly popular “The Taffetas. Rated G.

“MOON RIVER – JOHNNY MERCER’S AMERICAN SONGBOOK”, February 4th through March 7, 2010; a salute to Johnny Mercer and his music; a Kansas City stage premiere. Rated G.

“AIN’T SHE SWEET – DIXIELAND AND RAGTIME”, April 1st though May 2, 2010. A Kansas City premiere with a Dixieland Band and four talented vocalists in this musical extravaganza. Rated G

“LEADING MEN OF BROADWAY”, May 20th through June 20, 2010. This Kansas City premiere presents a musical tribute to Broadway’s greatest leading men and their music”. Rated G.

“LET FREEEDOM RING”, July 8th through August 8, 2010, a Kansas City premiere and a sparkling musical tribute and salute to America! It’s an up-lifting and inspiring show featuring great American music. Rated G

Two shows remain in the current season: “BABES IN HOLLYWOOD - THE MUSIC OF JUDY GARLAND AND MICKEY ROONEY” now playing through June 21 – and “HOW TO EAT LIKE A CHILD” July 9 through August 2; both shows are rated “G”.

Tickets for the 2009-2010 season are: adults $102.00 (discounts for seniors and groups). Season ticket holders can save $24 for the six show season package over the individual ticket price of $21.00, enjoy reserved seating and exchange privileges. Complete 11th Season information is listed on the theatre’s website www.chestnutfinearts.com… for information and/or to purchase tickets call 913-764-2121.

Kansas' new lieutenant governor is Troy Findley

Thu, 14 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mark Parkinson announced at a 2 p.m. press conference yesterday that Troy Findley will serve as Lieutenant Governor of Kansas. Findley is a Democrat who served as both Parkinson’s and former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' chief of staff. Before working for Sebelius at the Capitol, he represented east Lawrence in the House from 1995 through 2002. He is a 1990 graduate of Kansas University.

Spirit to Serve the Community Day - We Need Your Help!!!

Tue, 12 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Residence Inn by Marriott -Olathe, KS is holding a food drive for Harvesters. They are accepting either a cash or food donation. For every 2 items donated, the person donating will have a chance to win several fun things. The top prize is a complimentary night stay at the hotel.

12215 S. Strang Line Rd.
Olathe, KS 66062
913-829-6700 or michelle.gressel@marriott.com

Collection Dates are from May 11- 25, 2009 at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Thank you in advance for participating in a chance to bless our community.

Tom Tivol Jewels Selects BIGSHOT as New Ad Agency of Record

Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

BIGSHOT to Produce a New Web Site as the Corner Stone of a
New Corporate Identity Rebranding Effort

KANSAS CITY, MO – BIGSHOT is pleased to announce its new partnership with Tom Tivol Jewels in their corporate identity and re-branding effort. “Tom Tivol has a long and respected career in the jewelry business and our aim is to produce a corporate identity and web site that matches the caliber of his work,” said BIGSHOT CEO/Founder Jeff Henry.

With nearly 35 years in the diamond business, Tom Tivol founded Tom Tivol Jewels in 2005. “We are very excited to begin work with BIGSHOT on our corporate identity and rebranding effort, “ said Tom Tivol. “We love their work and chose BIGSHOT because their attention to quality and craftsmanship matches our culture and corporate ethos.”

Since Jeff Henry founded BIGSHOT in 1999, it has grown from a one-man design shop to a full-service marketing agency, with nearly $1 million in sales in 2008. BIGSHOT provides superior web-based products, experienced consultation and marketing strategy, with an emphasis on leveraging new and emerging web technologies. To learn more about BIGSHOT, our clients and our expertise, visit www.thinkbigshot.com or contact Liz Gilbert at 415.269.8107 or pr@thinkbigshot.com.

Artist Do Ho Suh to speak at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Do Ho Suh, Korean-born American-based artist, will be the speaker for the second annual Jerome Nerman Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, in the M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Auditorium of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Johnson County Community College. A reception with the artist precedes the lecture at 6 p.m. Both the lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

    Suh’s work, Some/One (2004), exhibited in the second-floor Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Gallery, has become an icon of the Museum’s permanent collection. Donated by Tony and Marti Oppenheimer and the Oppenheimer Brothers Foundation, Some/One is a meticulously crafted sculpture comprised of thousands of stainless steel dog tags pieced together to form a monumental robe with outstretched arms. Like many of Suh’s works, it explores the relations between individuality, collectivity, anonymity, and identity.

     “Some/One is the most popular work of the museum’s renowned Oppenheimer Collection. And, as Do Ho Suh is also a long time friend of Kyu Sung Woo (Nerman Museum architect), it is especially exciting to bring him to the museum,” said Bruce Hartman, director, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

    Born in 1962 in Seoul, Korea, Suh earned his BFA and MFA in oriental painting from Seoul National University (1987); BFA Painting, Rhode Island School of Design (1994); and MFA Sculpture, Yale University (1997).

     Suh’s work is represented in a number of major museum collections, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Whitney Museum of American Art, Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and Brooklyn Museum of Art, all in New York; ArtSonje Center, Seoul; Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and Seattle Art Museum. The artist is the recipient of numerous awards, and he has exhibited in many international exhibitions. He represented Korea in the 49th Venice Biennale. Suh currently lives and works in New York City and Korea.

    The Jerome Nerman Lecture Series is an annual event underwritten by a generous endowment gift to the Nerman Museum from Central Bank of Kansas City. Central Bank and the Tutera Family (owners of the bank) created the Series as a tribute to Jerry Nerman, chair of Central Bank.

    “For more than 30 years, Jerry has given generously of his time and talent to Central Bank of Kansas City. The bank itself and the family ownership group, the Tuteras, owe a large debt of gratitude for Jerry's service through all these years,” said William M. Dana Jr., president and CEO, Central Bank. “Long after all of us are gone, the Jerome Nerman Lecture Series will live on. That is something that Jerry appreciates, and we feel is a lasting contribution to his legacy.”

    Museum director Bruce Hartman said the lecture series not only honors Nerman but also encourages appreciation for and scholarship in contemporary art.

    For more information about Do Ho Suh’s lecture, contact the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, 913-469-3000.

New Entrepreneurs in Action Group

Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lenexa United Methodist Church Launching Group Facilitated by Member and Founder of Operating Sooner

Olathe, Kansas — April 16, 2009 — Startup hopefuls and entrepreneurs unite in new Entrepreneurs in Action Group in old town Lenexa. The Lenexa United Methodist Church members and those in the community it serves have not been immune to the changes that have occurred over the past year. The group is not a job club. It is designed to serve the needs of those who own their own businesses with the desire to grow and thrive in these changing times and those who will start new businesses. The group is open to members of the Church and those in the community.

Becky Rawls-Riley, founder of Operating Sooner and Lenexa UMC member, has worked with Linda Stoker, Director of Children and Family Ministries, to become the first facilitator of the group that is aimed at meeting the needs of Entrepreneurs and those who are seeking to start new businesses in these changing times.

May will be the initial meetings for the new group, so those seeking to establish the frequency and direction of the group are encouraged to attend. These meetings will be held at LUMC on Wed. from 6:30-8:00. Initial meetings will include networking and focus on a topic of interest to the members. Scheduled topics include:

May 6 and 13 will consider the ideas expressed in the book, “Tuned In: uncovering the extraordinary opportunities that lead to business breakthroughs” by Craig Stull.
May 20 and 27 will be explore the ideas expressed in the book, “The Art of Spiritual Leadership in Business: How to Lead with Spiritual Purpose, Values, and Creativity” by William C. Miller.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Becky Rawls-Riley at 913-397-8071 or via email at osbr@operating–sooner.com.

About Lenexa United Methodist Church

The families who founded Lenexa in the late 1800s also founded the congregation of Lenexa United Methodist Church. Its close-knit, family atmosphere has persisted. It becomes a starting Church in the lives of many and holds its members participation even when their work and other family changes take them to other locations within the metro making it a destination Church for old-timers and new alike. The Church is heavily involved in extending their ministry beyond its four walls and members to those in the immediate community and more distant locations through its mission work. www.lenexaumc.org

About Operating Sooner

Operating Sooner, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Becky Rawls-Riley and helps owners, sales and marketing professionals build skills and strategically apply software to effectively reach customers. It provides marketing and small business coaching to those with the desire to grow quickly and profitably. www.operating-sooner.com.

About Member Becky Rawls-Riley

Becky Rawls-Riley’s family started attending Lenexa United Methodist Church back in 1987, when her daughter Beth announced she was going to go to Church that morning. The friendly lady who answered the call about the Church that morning to confirm they still had time to make it was a real gem. The family has continued its membership even after a move from Overland Park to Olathe.

Contact:
Becky Rawls-Riley, President of Operating Sooner, Inc.
(913) 397-8071 or osbr@operating-sooner.com

McCarthy Nissan Teams Up With Harvesters!

Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

McCarthy Olathe Nissan is teaming up with Harvesters - The Community Food Network, and will sponsor a food and fund drive at McCarthy Olathe Nissan beginning April 27th, 2009 and ending May 20th, 2009. Donations received through the drive will help Harvesters' network feed those in need throughout Kansas City.

It is sometimes difficult to believe that hunger exists in Kansas City. Most people think of hunger in terms of famine and mass starvation — terrible tragedies, but not something that affects people every day in our own community.

Hunger in our community is often more subtle. It’s a child who stuffs his pockets during lunch at school so he has food to eat at home in the evening. It’s a parent who is—ironically—overweight, because sugar and carbohydrate-laden foods are often the least expensive at the local store. It’s a senior citizen who goes without food in order to buy medicine, further jeopardizing her already fragile health.

The reality is that there are hungry people in Kansas City. Harvesters’ agencies provide assistance to nearly 60,000 people every week. And fully half of those are children and the elderly.

A contribution on today means much needed help, and hope, will be available to those who need it. As you head out to McCarthy Olathe Nissan, be sure to grab a few items to show your support. Your generosity makes a difference.

Did you know. . .

Harvesters’ network serves nearly 60,000 people in need in Greater Kansas City every week.
43% of the people Harvesters’ network serves are children. That’s more than 25,000 children every week.
A $100 donation will enable Harvesters to provide 500 meals for those in need in Greater Kansas City.
Harvesters distributes an average of 24 million pounds of food to the hungry every year.
Each year, hours spent by volunteers at Harvesters translate into the work of more than 40 full-time employees.
Harvesters distributes food to a network of more than 550 charitable agencies in Greater Kansas City, including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day care centers and senior centers.
Harvesters serves 13 counties in Kansas and Missouri. The food bank’s direct service area covers 7,600 square miles and 1.7 million residents.
Nearly half (48%) of households receiving emergency food assistance include at least one employed adult.
While many people think of the homeless when they think of the hungry, in fact only 6% of those seeking emergency food assistance from Harvesters’ agencies are homeless.
More than one-third (36%) of Harvesters’ clients are served in programs located in rural or suburban areas.
Nearly half (46%) of Harvesters’ clients have had to choose between buying food and paying for utilities or heat.

Your donation makes a difference! (No Glass Please!)

Most Needed Food Items

Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Boxed Meals (Hamburger Helper, Pasta Roni)
Canned Meats / Tuna
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Canned Soup
Hot & Cold Cereal

Most Needed Household Supplies

Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Toilet Paper

Financial Contributions

For every $1 donated, Harvesters can provide five meals!

Firms join forces to serve the CPA profession

Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Star Americas and Mize, Houser & Company. P.A. combine resources to provide a world-class practice management solution for medium – large firms

Star Americas Software Solutions. L.L.C. and Mize, Houser & Company, P.A. have reached an agreement to jointly market a software solution suite known as “Star Global” for use by accounting firms. The package will be marketed in the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Mize, Houser developed a practice management solution – CPA/MIS - over 20 years ago and currently supports an active User Group of 25 firms. Mize Houser will work with Star to transition the CPA/MIS client base to Star Global. Mize Houser’s accounting and information system expertise and unique perspective of the needs of its clients combined with the high quality software products and Big Four accounting deployment expertise provided by Star should provide major benefits to CPA/MIS clients.

In addition, Mize, Houser will represent Star, marketing Star Global to medium sized firms. Star’s main marketing focus will be the Top 100 firms in the United States.

Star and its associated companies have invested in excess of $10 million in overall product development over the last eight years and will continue to develop to reflect “best practice” within the accounting profession.

Mize Houser & Company, P.A. is a regional CPA and information technology firm in the Midwest, founded in 1956. Star Americas Software Solutions, L.L.C. is the Chicago based associated company of Star Computers Limited, founded in the UK in 1973.

Terracon Named #46 on ENR’s 2009 Top 500 Design Firms List

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. Engineering News-Record (ENR) ranked Terracon number 46 on its 2009 Top 500 Design Firms list, showing Terracon’s consistent growth above industry average, as evidenced by a ranking of 65 in 1999.

In addition to the “Top Design Firm” category, ENR ranked Terracon as the 17th largest design firm in the Top 20 "General Building" (commercial) market, 19th in the list of Top 20 “Telecommunications” design firms and 26th in the list of Top 100 "Pure" designers.

ENR annually surveys the construction industry to determine the 500 largest U.S.-based engineering, architectural and environmental design firms. The rankings are based on design-specific revenue generated by each company.

“Currently, we are all acutely aware that we are in the middle of a significant national and global economic recession,” said David Gaboury, P.E., president and CEO. “Despite these conditions, Terracon finished 2008 with revenues equal to 2007 and a strong balance sheet and cash position.

Even as the economy slipped into what has become a deep recession, most of Terracon’s business sectors produced double-digit growth in 2008, with the results for traditional power generation and transmission, renewable energy and the National Accounts Program particularly strong. Terracon also achieved growth in the transportation and infrastructure, telecommunications and sustainability sectors.

Also during 2008, to expand capabilities, geographic coverage and drilling operations, Terracon acquired NTL Engineering & Geoscience in Great Falls, Mont., High Plains Drilling in Denver, Colo., and Aquadrill, Inc., in Swisher, Iowa. The acquisitions help Terracon expand our ability to serve clients more effectively, cover the state of Montana for all service lines and perform large drilling jobs.

“Though 2009 will continue to be a challenging year, I cannot help but be confident that we will work through this, take advantage of the opportunities that emerge and be stronger and better positioned as the economy recovers,” Gaboury said.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices nationwide with more than 2,500 employees. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com.

SAFEHOME Honored by Kansas Attorney General’s Office

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Overland Park, Kan. – SAFEHOME, Johnson County’s only domestic violence agency, has been selected by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office as the Outstanding Victim Service Organization of the Year. This award recognizes a victim service organization for outstanding work in improving lives of victims. The award was presented at the 12th Annual Crime Victims’ Right Conference on Thursday, April 16th in Wichita, KS.

Since its incorporation as a not-for-profit agency in 1980, SAFEHOME has grown from a network of “safe homes” in the community to a 45-bed shelter and comprehensive program of services that not only helps victims escape domestic violence, but also supports them in rebuilding their self-esteem and establishing new, violence-free lives. In addition to safe shelter, SAFEHOME provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, child care, transitional housing, school and community education programs, Johnson County District Court and hospital advocacy, support at our SRS office, and civil legal assistance. In 2008, SAFEHOME assisted over 6,500 victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is being hurt and needs help, call SAFEHOME’s 24-hour hotline at 913-262-2868, or visit our website at www.safehome-ks.org.

Local GBA Engineers Earn PE Status (Licenses)

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lenexa, Kan. – GBA, a leading engineering and architectural firm with headquarters here and offices in the St. Louis and Chicago metro areas, is pleased to announce that four staff members recently earned professional engineering (PE) status. Sarah Smith, Nick Hoyt, Jennifer Gunby, and Julie Peterson have received the PE designation. The requirements to become a professional engineer include four years of professional experience under a licensed professional engineer and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examination.

Smith, who joined GBA’s Stormwater/Environmental Group in 2004, earned an undergraduate degree in architectural engineering and a MS degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on water resources engineering from the University of Kansas. Her experience includes drainage studies, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and storm sewer design.

Hoyt, an engineer with the firm’s Wastewater/Water Group, has provided project engineering for many sanitary sewer projects. He holds a BS degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. Since joining GBA in 2004, Hoyt’s project work has included flow data analysis, modeling, and development of system recommendations, as well as I/I investigations and other field data collection services.

;Gunby, a LEED AP and engineer for the firm’s Civil/Site Development Group, also joined GBA in 2004 after earning BS and BA degrees in civil engineering and business administration, respectively, from the University of Kansas. Gunby’s project experience includes sustainable design solutions for mixed-use, commercial, retail, and office development.

Peterson, LEED AP, joined GBA’s Stormwater/Environmental Group in 2004. Her project experience includes storm drainage studies, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis, BMP design, and lake/dam design. Peterson earned a BS degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University.

GBA, which was founded in 1969, is a full-service engineering and architectural firm with a staff of 230 located in headquarters in Lenexa and in offices in St. Louis, O’Fallon, and Kansas City in Missouri, and in Lisle, Ill.

JCCC receives funds for solar electric photovoltaic project

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.— On March 25, the Kansas Department of Commerce notified Johnson County Community College of an award of $82,000 in Workforce Solutions Funds to assist the college in the implementation of a solar electric photovoltaic training program.
    JCCC will use the funds to support and develop a program over the next two years to train workers to install and service solar panels for electric generation. According to Jay Antle, executive director, JCCC Center for Sustainability, the increasing demand for renewable energy is, in turn, increasing the demand for people with expertise in PV application.
    “As solar technology improves, traditional coal-powered energy prices go up, and state and federal government solar tax credits increase, there will be more and more people required to configure, mount and maintain solar electric systems — from small private homes to large commercial operations,” Antle said.
    The Kansas Department of Commerce administers the Workforce Solutions Fund to help postsecondary workforce training institutions throughout the state respond more effectively to the workforce training needs of critical industries in Kansas. Funds are strategically invested into projects designed to enhance Kansas post-secondary institutions’ training services and/or training capacity for the benefit of Kansas companies.

BIGSHOT Hires New Director of Technology

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, MO – “We knew the minute we began talking to Charles that this was an extraordinary individual,” said BIGSHOT CEO/Founder Jeff Henry. “The technology team here at BIGSHOT has been one of the most creative and forward thinking group of individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with and Charles is the perfect addition.”

Charles Sanders has worked primarily with major telecommunications companies providing global communication services. He has served as a manager and team leader for Sprint Nextel in the PCS Division and for AT&T in the Advanced Solutions division and as a senior technician for MCI where he began his career. Prior to joining BIGSHOT, Mr. Sanders was a Managing-Supervisor for Digital Practices at Fleishman-Hillard and was the lead developer and architect responsible for the delivery of digital media solutions. He also managed a team of 21 IT specialists at Truman Medical Center.

“I am very excited about joining the uniquely creative and technically proficient team at BIGSHOT,” added Charles. “I was extremely impressed with the work that BIGSHOT has done in the past several years and feel confident that together we can continue to build on the growing success of this company.”

Katie Ward Named Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Continued company growth has created demand for new position

(Kansas City, Mo.) – Media Services and ShredTime has named Katie Ward as sales and marketing coordinator for the 13 year old company.

As Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Ward will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the company’s business development strategies, building relationships with more than 150 clients and fielding inbound sales calls.

“Katie is an excellent addition to our already strong sales and marketing team,” said Robert Rippentrop, president of Media Services and Shred Time. “Her talent and experience adds value to our sales and marketing team that will allow us to build a solid foundation for growth in to the future.”

Ward has a strong background in sales and marketing. Prior to joining Media Services she was a branch manager with Vector Marketing in Kansas City, Mo. While at Vector, she received several accolades including Top Sales Woman in her district in 2004 and Top Assistant Manager in her region. She has worked in sales at AT&T and Yellow Book USA.

Ward is a 2008 graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Psychology. While at KU, she was a member of the Public Relations Society of America and KU Students for Life.

About Media Services:

Media Services and ShredTime is Kansas City’s only locally owned record center offering a full range of record management services. This includes record storage, secure shredding, document imaging and off-site data storage. They are also a local distributor for File Bound Software. Media Services is AAA certified by N.A.I.D. and is a member of PRISM International. More information on the company can be found at www.mediaservicesnow.com.

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Editor’s Note: Digital photography available upon request.

Olsson Associates Opens Office in Olathe

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, KANSAS—Olsson opened an office in Olathe, Kansas, marking Olsson's 23rd office location. This office houses Olsson's field services, including geotechnical, special inspections, survey and construction services, 19 employees, and a full service geotechnical and testing lab for the Kansas City metro area.

The office is located at 1802 East 123rd Street, Olathe, Kan., 66061. Staff can be reached by phone at 913.829.0078 or fax at 913.829.0258.

Olsson's other KC metro locations include offices in Overland Park, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri.

Olsson was founded in 1956 and is a successful planning, engineering, and design firm that has been creating public and private projects throughout the United States for more than 50 years. Olsson offers comprehensive design and consulting services in water/wastewater, water resources, land development, landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental sciences, transportation, municipal, geotechnical, and mechanical and electrical.

Premier Bank Continues to Receive Special Recognition for its Strong Financial Condition

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

LENEXA, KS – Now, for two consecutive quarters, Premier Bank has once again received the highest rating as a Blue Ribbon Bank from VERIBANC, Inc., an independent bank rating firm. Based on recent financial data supplied to financial regulators, VERIBANC qualifies banks for the Blue Ribbon Bank status using an eight level rating system based off financial data collected from the Federal Reserve Bank’s Call Report, data maintained at the FDIC, plus satisfying additional safety related criteria.

Qualification for the Blue Ribbon status, bank’s must receive VERIBANC’s highest Green, Three Stars rating, including and evaluation of all six factors Federal regulators utilize in determining the government’s “CAMELS” ratings – Capital strength, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity to market risk. In addition, it must satisfy additional safety related criteria.

This Blue Ribbon Award is reserved for those highly rated financial institutions that demonstrate
exceptional attention to safety, soundness and financial strength, and is the oldest national accolade presented to banks by private sector analysts.

“It’s always good to be recognized by outside financial analysts,” says David Caffrey, bank President and CEO. “We believe this designation reinforces our commitment to our customers and shareholders in maintaining our financial strength.”

Premier Bank is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, with five (5) Kansas City Metro Area banking centers with $235,000 million in assets. Premier Bank is a member of the Sturm Financial Group, Inc. Sturm Financial Group (SFG) consists of 40 community banks located in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Wyoming, and a Loan Production Office in Scottsdale, Arizona. SFG and maintains financial strength embodied in approximately $2.1 billion in assets. The Banking Centers proudly offer personalized, quality service to their customers, with seasoned professionals and responsive, local decision-making. Premier Bank offers a wide array of financial services for personal and business needs such as Checking and Savings Accounts, BankAtEase Internet Banking, e-Services, Cash Management Services, Wealth Management and Commercial, Consumer, SBA, and Mortgage Loans.

Bank of America to open new banking center in Olathe

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Olathe, Kansas – Consumers in Olathe will enjoy the next generation of banking now that Bank of America has opened the doors of its new banking center at the 119th & Blackbob location. The banking center features Bank of America’s new store design and will offer customers exceptional service, access and convenience.

“People are very excited about us being in the community and can’t wait for us to serve them,” said Aimee Starlin, banking center manager of the new office. “There’s been a very positive response in the neighborhood and we believe we are filling a real need here.”

The full-service facility is conveniently located at the cross streets of 119th and Black Bob Rd. The office has 4585 square feet of space and features 8 teller stations, 4 universal conference rooms an engaging media wall. The center also includes two brand new 24 hour deposit image ATM’s; one is inside the building and one is outside in the drive through.

The banking center will hold a grand opening event on Saturday, March 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Many Bank of America market leaders and partners from other lines of business will be in attendance, including: Premier Banking, Investments, Mortgage and Business Banking. Also in attendance will be local business partners featuring fun activities and product displays. There will be an instant win Kiosk for customers to try their chances; the grand prize is a $500 gift check. Everyone who plays, wins! In addition there will be catering by Panera Bread, and fun activities for all ages.

The banking center -- which looks and feels more like a retail establishment than a bank -- follows the design standard for all new Bank of America banking centers. Its open floor plan includes a section where customers can relax in a sitting area that features a media wall with periodicals, financial planning resources and a television.

Upon entering the bank, customers are greeted at the door by a Lobby Leader who determines their needs. They are then guided to the teller line or a glass-enclosed conference room for private financial discussions. Safe deposit boxes are now accessed through an electronic palm reader feature that provides a higher standard of convenience, safety and security.

The banking center is designed to be efficient, functional and more accessible, with plenty of room for parking. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. 4 Drive-ups are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Customers will be able to access their accounts online, by phone, or through a network of more than 18,500 ATMs across the country.

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, nearly 18,700 ATMs and award-winning online banking with nearly 29 million active users. Following the acquisition of Merrill Lynch on January 1, 2009, Bank of America is among the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

www.bankofamerica.com

GBA Employees Earn LEED Accreditation

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lenexa, Kan. – GBA, an engineering and architectural firm headquartered here, announced that four staff members recently achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional accreditation. Wayne Kirchhoff, AICP, ASLA; Gus Lind, P.E., PLS; Sam Wagner, AIA; and Holly Boomsma, EI, have received the LEED AP designation. The LEED Professional Accreditation program is managed by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) under the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED Accredited Professionals pass an exam in which they demonstrate proficiency in green building practices and principles outlined in the LEED Green Building Rating System.

Kirchhoff, an associate with GBA’s Studio 4 design group, has 35 years of experience in land planning and landscape architecture including urban design and planning for mixed-use, retail, and business environments; master-planned communities; traditional neighborhood developments; resorts; streetscapes; and urban park and recreation projects.

Lind, a senior engineer with GBA’s Civil/Site Development Group, has more than 35 years of experience in the planning, design, and construction of industrial, commercial, and residential site development.

Wagner, a project architect for the firm’s BioPharmaceutical Group, has more than 10 years of experience. With GBA since 2007, his work has focused primarily on design for the animal and human health industries.

Boomsma, a structural engineer for the GBA Bridge Group, has participated in the design of a variety of bridge types for municipalities and state DOTs.

Non-Profit or Governmental Agency Grant

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Operating Sooner Seeking Candidates in April to Kick Off Its 13th Anniversary Celebration

Olathe, Kansas — March 19, 2009 — Operating Sooner, a leader in helping micro and small business owners, sales and marketing professions build skills and strategically apply software to effectively reach customers, announced today that it is seeking candidates for its fourth non-profit or governmental agency grant. To help celebrate its 13th anniversary and give back to the community, nominations are to be received by April 30, 2009.

In January, Operating Sooner, made its first award to a governmental recipient – Miami County, KS. The recipient, Economic Development Director Janet McRae, states, “The challenges facing businesses today makes it even more important for me to be organized, responsive and knowledgeable about our region. Becky and her staff have worked with me to help streamline my contact information allowing me to work smarter and more efficiently. The time and resources they have helped me save can now be passed along to our county's businesses.”

In addition to the ACT! by Sage software and related services, this grant included establishing a CAN-SPAM compliant e-mail service at the basic service level making it free. This minimizes the risks and concerns the County has with email communications. By starting the service at its reseller site, http://www.swiftpage.com/partners/partnerall.asp?Partner=OperatingSoonerInc, Operating Sooner conveniently is the reseller and the service may be managed by the County as its needs change.

“It was truly a rewarding experience working with Janet. She is making a positive impact on those she serves. As a result, I will expand the anniversary offering of this award to include governmental agencies,” said Becky Rawls-Riley.

The details for the “Non-Profit or Governmental Agency Grant” include the following and submittals are required by April 30, 2009. The recipient will receive a copy of ACT! by Sage Premium 2009 and related services (a $1200 value). Selection will be made based on the need and impact of the recipient. Nominations must include the following information and self–nominations are welcome:

The agency’s name;
Proof of non–profit status and population served for a non–profit agency, or a statement of the economic impact and population served for a government agency;
The mission or purpose of the agency;
A brief explanation of how they could benefit from using ACT!; and
As the nominating party, your name and your organization’s name along with contact information.

The deadline is Thursday, April 30, 2009. Please, submit all your nominations to osbr@operating–sooner.com, or contact Becky Rawls–Riley at 913–397–8071 for more information.

About Miami County KS

Located to the south west of Kansas City Metropolitan area, Miami County consists of 592 square miles and includes the municipalities of Louisburg, Osawatomie, Paola, Fontana, and a portion of Spring Hill, and the villages of Bucyrus and Hillsdale. Approximately 30,000 people make their homes in Miami County that is located only 45 miles from the heart of Kansas City. It is one of eleven counties comprising the Kansas City metropolitan statistical area and offers the balance of small town living with big city conveniences. www.miamicountyks.org

About Swiftpage

Swiftpage is a subsidiary of Summit 5, a software development company. It created its Swiftpage service to make email marketing easy and cost-effective for individuals and organizations of all types and sizes. It has helped thousands of for-profit and non-profit organizations. Operating Sooner’s reseller site is http://www.swiftpage.com/partners/partnerall.asp?Partner=OperatingSoonerInc and for more information on Swiftpage, visit www.swiftpage.com.

About Operating Sooner

Operating Sooner, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Becky Rawls-Riley and helps owners, sales and marketing professionals build skills and strategically apply software to effectively reach customers. Operating Sooner is a reseller for many products that maximize the sales and marketing efforts of micro and small businesses. It provides marketing and small business coaching to those with the desire to grow quickly and profitably. The company derives 80% of its business from the greater Kansas City metro and is a candidate for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business Celebration. For more information, visit www.operating-sooner.com.

Contact:
Becky Rawls-Riley, President of Operating Sooner, Inc.
(913) 397-8071
osbr@operating-sooner.com

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR PHIL VASSAR COMING TO JCCC

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Cohen Community Series presents An Evening with Phil Vassar at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.

Vassar has produced 16 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including two No. 1s ¬ Just Another Day in Paradise (2000) and In a Real Love (2004). With charisma and GQ-good looks (really, his photo was in the magazine), the baritone, pianist and songwriter will be performing his well-known hits, including those from his newest album, Prayer of a Common Man.

As a songwriter, Vassar scored hits for artists Tim McGraw (For a Little While, My Next Thirty Years), Jo Dee Messina (Bye, Bye, I'm Alright), Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), and Alan Jackson (Right on the Money). In 1999, he was first named by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) as Country Songwriter of the Year.

Tickets for Phil Vassar are $40 and $55. Call the Carlsen Center box office, 913-469-4445, or buy online at www.jccc.edu/philvassar. A limited number of $150 VIP tickets will include the concert and a post-show reception with Vassar, available by contacting Christy McWard, cmcward@jccc.edu. All proceeds go to JCCC scholarships and programs.

The American country music star is the second presenter in the Cohen Community Series, inaugurated last year in honor of the late Barton P. Cohen, president of Metcalf Bancshares, vice chairman and general counsel of Metcalf Bank and an attorney with Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin LLP.

Kim N. Pearse Elected to GBA Board of Directors

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lenexa, Kan. (March 16, 2009) – GBA, a leading engineering and architectural firm with headquarters here and offices in the St. Louis and Chicago metro areas, announced today that Kim N. Pearse, PE, has been elected to the company’s board of directors. Pearse joins the current board of the privately held company that includes Michael L. Smith, PE, President and Chairman of the Board; Daniel L. Abitz, PE, Senior Vice President; Timothy J. Ross, PE, Senior Vice President; Donald L. Horine, PE, Vice President; Roy C. Wilson, PE, Vice President; and Richard D. Monroe, Vice President and Treasurer.

As director of marketing for GBA, Pearse leads efforts to position the firm in key markets, overseeing strategic marketing, business development, and associated branding efforts. Prior to this position he headed up GBA’s Structural Engineering Group for 18 years. Pearse earned a BS degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University in 1979 and joined GBA that same year. He was named an associate of the firm in 1995 and promoted to senior associate earlier this year. Pearse is active in numerous civic and professional organizations in the Kansas City area.

GBA was founded in Kansas City, Mo., in 1969 and today has 230 employees headquartered in five offices in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois. The firm serves eight primary markets including building design, transportation, water environment, land planning, civil/site development, municipal engineering, roof consulting, and surveying. GBA is celebrating 40 years of “creating remarkable solutions for a higher quality of life.” Additional information is available at www.gbateam.com

GBA’s Carpenter Receives CPESC Professional Certification

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lenexa, KS – Doug Carpenter, an environmental scientist with GBA’s Water Environment Group, has received professional certification as a CPESC (Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control). Carpenter, who joined GBA in 2004, is responsible for sediment and erosion control issues associated with a wide range of GBA projects, from new development to rehabilitation of storm and sanitary sewer systems. GBA is a leading engineering and architectural firm headquartered here.

CPESC professionals must pass a written exam designed to determine proficiency in the principles, practices, and legislation of erosion and sediment control.Applicants must also earn a qualifying BS degree with three years of professional experience in the soil erosion and sediment control profession, or complete seven years or more of professional-level experience.

This is especially important today, as Federal environmental regulations such as the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II regulations require erosion and sediment control measures for all construction projects disturbing one acre or more. GBA can assist by navigating the permitting process, designing erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plans that comply with regulations, and helping ensure that these plans are effectively implemented.

Carpenter holds a BA degree in geology from the University of Kansas, including coursework in sedimentology, structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, mineralology, and field mapping. He lives in Overland Park, Kan.

BIGSHOT Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Work with ADDY Wins

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Takes Home Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2009 mADDY! Awards Show

KANSAS CITY, MO – “2008 was an exciting year for BIGSHOT and our team did some of our best work yet,” said Jeff Henry, BIGSHOT President/CEO. “We're honored to be recognized among the amazing talent and work represented at this year's mADDY's.”

BIGSHOT was awarded 3 ADDY's at this year’s show:

Magic Bullet Media site won a gold medal in Website, Consumer Flash
Bulldog Bar & Grill site won a silver in Website, Consumer HTML
BIGSHOT’s invite to last year's annual BIGSHOT Groundhog Day Party won a bronze in Micro or Mini Sites

With more than 60,000 entries annually, the ADDY Awards is one of the biggest advertising competitions in the country, recognizing advertising from media of all types.

Zen Massage is coming to the Midwest!

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, KANSAS – Zen Massage, a revolutionary concept in massage centers is coming to the Midwest. The concept is simple, $39.95 for a one-hour massage session. NO annual contracts, NO gym style memberships or fees and NO automatic monthly charges drawn on your account. You simply get a great spa quality massage, at a great rate; no strings attached.

Zen Massage prides itself in the fact you receive exactly what you want – an affordable massage in an upscale, comfortable spa atmosphere. Why pay $80 when you can get the same or even better bodywork for $39.95? Massages aren’t just great for relaxing; they help muscle fatigue and soreness, provide better circulation and increase your immune system. So while you may have only afforded yourself the luxury of massage a couple of times a year, you can now come as often as you like!

A Zen Massage® franchise center was recently reviewed by the Wall Street Journal. Several journalists had massages in various massage chains throughout the country to see how the discount massages measured up to the more expensive spa massages. Zen Massage® unknowingly rubbed up against five discount massage concepts and came out on top! As the story goes (see Finding a Massage in Lean Times “Wall Street Journal” link: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123560547624276861-lMyQjAxMDI5MzI1NjYyMDY1Wj.html), journalists went to six massage chains to compare the similarities and/or differences between the lower cost centers and a higher cost spa. In the end, they discovered that the less expensive massages were equivalent to those given in the higher cost spas with only one major difference – the cost. Zen Massage® was also noted as having NO membership contracts. Every other massage chain pushes those contracts– except Zen Massage®. The Zen Massage® concept stood alone in offering the same price – every time – without requiring a membership.

Zen Massage will offer a variety of customized massages including hot stone and couples massage. The massage center will open in April at 13628 S. Black Bob Rd. (SW corner of 135th & Black Bob, between Lowe’s and Hen House). Please call 913-764-0000 to set up an appointment.

JOHNSON COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORTS TO HOST PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

JCDS has invited families with children on the developmental disability (DD) waiting list to speak about how their lives have been affected. Also included will be Direct Support Professionals who provide important services to people with developmental disabilities.

Lenexa, KS- Feb. 27: Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) will be hosting a press conference to address the developmental disability (DD) waiting list, how it is affecting local families and impact of inadequate pay on the workers who provide essential direct supports to this population. The conference will be held at 10 a.m. on March 3, 2009 at JCDS, 10501 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS.

Our executive director, Maury Thompson, will speak about House Bill 2094, a multi-year plan to eliminate the waiting list and increase reimbursement rates to providers.

The numbers are about the current waiting list are staggering. There are more than 640 individuals waiting for needed DD services in Johnson County. The number exceeds 3,800 statewide.

This may be news to many in our community, but it is not news to our policymakers. This year, the DD community does not want the waiting list for services and an increase of reimbursement rates for Direct Support Professionals to be ignored by legislators. To read more, please go to www.invisiblekansans.org.

We encourage members of the press to attend this important event!

About JCDS JCDS was established in 1972. Since that time, the agency has grown as a Community Support Provider (CSP) to serve over 500 people daily through a broad array of community-based programs and supports. As Johnson County's Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO), JCDS also offers a single point of entry for those seeking DD services and coordinates a network of over 400 Johnson County agency and individual affiliate providers.

Interiors by Design, Inc Nominated 3rd Consecutive Year as Small Business of the Year By Different Local Organizations

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Kansas City, MO – Interiors by Design, Inc, a local interior design firm was nominated for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce 2009 Small Business of the Year Award. This well known award recognizes the top ten outstanding Kansas City area small businesses out of more than 68,000 small businesses that currently operate in Kansas City.

“I feel so honored to be nominated for the third year in a row as Small Business of the Year, especially in such an economic downturn and hope to share some of what I’ve learned with other new business owners in Kansas City area.” stated Karen Mills, owner of Interiors by Design, Inc.“

Interiors by Design, Inc. a local interior design firm specializes in designing luxurious inviting interiors that are also cost effective for their clients. Besides designing interiors, president, Karen Mills also hosts the Living Large show featuring national television celebrities on Entercom Radio network, Living Green with Karen Mills on the World Goin Green network and is a nationally published writer and columnist.

Schuster joins Zimmer’s Sales & Leasing staff

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) Adding to its Sales & Leasing staff, Zimmer Real Estate Services, L.C. is pleased to announce the hiring of Devin K. Schuster. Schuster will focus on the sales and leasing of office.

Devin is a 2007 graduate of the University of Kansas Business School with a degree in Finance. While at Kansas, he was a member of the Finance Club, was an officer of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and was a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national academic fraternity. Devin previously served an internship at Coldwell Banker Commercial in Wichitia, Kan., primarily focusing on marketing efforts.

Char MacCallum earns prestigious designation to help homeowners in danger of foreclosure

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Char MacCallum of Char MacCallum Real Estate Group, Olathe, Ks has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Olathe area, more than 1000 homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

“This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said MacCallum. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Char MacCallum with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

For more information about what kind of Help is available for you call Char at 913-782-8857.

Olathe Public Library offering help preparing for a job or seeking unemployment

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Recognizing today’s challenging economy, the Olathe Public Library is offering programs to assist customers who have recently lost a job and/or are looking for employment. Two programs are in place and available during library hours at the main downtown library.

Library staff will be available to assist customers who have recently become unemployed by assisting with filing unemployment claims online. Customers are asked to bring dates of last employment and the former employer's address. Those interested are asked to reserve a time (one hour) with staff by calling (913) 971-6888.

The main library will offer an open computer lab for customers interested in finding a job or updating resumes on March 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and April 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staff will be available to provide assistance and answer questions. Customers need to bring employment and other pertinent information as well as a CD or flash drive to save resumes. Customers can register for the lab by calling (913) 971-6888.

Premier Bank Receives Special Recognition

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

LENEXA, KS - Based on recent financial data, Premier Bank has received the highest rating as a Blue Ribbon Bank from VERIBANC, Inc., an independent bank rating firm. This Blue Ribbon Bank designation reflects that the bank is financially sound and safe.

For a bank to qualify for the Blue Ribbon status, it must receive VERIBANC's highest Green, Three Stars rating, including and evaluation of all six factors Federal regulators utilize in determining the government's "CAMELS" ratings - Capital strength, Asset quality, Management, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity to market risk. In addition, it must satisfy additional safety related criteria.

This Blue Ribbon Award is reserved for those highly rated financial institutions that demonstrate exceptional attention to safety, soundness and financial strength, and is the oldest national accolade presented to banks by private sector analysts.

"It's always good to be recognized by outside financial analysts, "says David Caffrey, bank President and CEO of Premier Bank. "We believe this designation reinforces our commitment to our customers and shareholders in maintaining our financial strength."

Disabled Racer’s Car To Be Sold To Help Others In Similar Situations

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Kansas City - This year's "World of Wheels" Show in Kansas City will have something different for one of the participant's there. Local Olathe man, Rick Davidson, will have his 1967 Camaro there for public display, with the car to be auctioned at the end of March. The Camaro is the same car Davidson won the 1987 Summer Nationals at KCIR, just a few short months before a freak motorcycle accident left him paralyzed, on a ventilator and ended his racing career.

Davidson lives in Olathe in the childhood home that he shares with his mother. He has personal care attendants that take care of him now instead of the nurses that his late father's GM health insurance used to provide. Like many others in his situation, he is trying to maintain his independence and live at home with help, but financial circumstances are starting to make that seem an impossible dream. He decided to do the one thing that he never thought he would. He's selling the car that he's had since he was 16. His mother and father put the car into a trust right after Rick's accident "just in case". Now, to continue living at home, he had to make the decision to let it go. "It was one of the hardest things to do," Davidson says, "my Dad and my friends helped me build that car. I won a lot of races with "her", but now it's time for someone else to enjoy it."

22 years later, Davidson still enjoys the smell of the burning rubber and nitro at the track and mingling with his friends that still race. Unable to race his Camaro, he, with the help of some close friends, undertook the adventure of doing a ground up restoration of the racecar. Now many months later, it will make its debut at the "World of Wheels" at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, MO on February 27 - March 1, 2009. The car will then go to auction in late March at Kemper Arena. Davidson, now a volunteer peer counselor for local not-for-profit Positive Changes, Inc. , will use a portion of the auction proceeds to remain in his home. The rest of the monies will be donated to Positive Changes, Inc. to help others in situations similar to his. "Just knowing that someone else will benefit from this makes me smile." Davidson said, as he sat looking at his many pictures of the Camaro and the years he spent with "her".

For more information about Rick Davidson or the Car, please call 913-764-2072. For more information about Positive Changes, Inc., please visit www.Positive-Changes.org

GBA Receives 2009 Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC Missouri - Firm Recognized for Improvements to I-70 / Route 94 Interchange

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Lenexa, Kan. (Feb. 18, 2009) – Improvements to the interchange of Interstate 70 and Route 94 in St. Charles, Mo., have earned a 2009 Engineering Excellence Award for GBA, a leading engineering and architectural firm with headquarters here and offices in O’Fallon, St. Louis, and Kansas City in Missouri. The award was presented to GBA by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri (ACEC MO).

The three-phase, $33 million project, which was dedicated in April of 2008, is providing motorists with a safer, faster, and more efficient route. It replaces an interchange and outer road system originally built in 1956 which, although modified over the years, no longer had the capacity to accommodate increased traffic. According to an editorial that appeared in the St. Charles Journal, “The changes have done exactly what engineers intended – create a smoother flow of traffic and a safer path for motorists.”

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) selected GBA to design the improvements, including preparation of preliminary plans, traffic and alignment studies, bridge analyses, environmental considerations, cost estimates, and final design. “The I-70/Route 94 interchange improvement project has truly made a difference in a highly congested area,” said Project Manager Barry Bergman, P.E., of MoDOT.

GBA teamed with MoDOT to provide innovative and quality solutions throughout each phase of the project. The firm developed a CORSIM traffic computer model that was used in conjunction with traditional capacity analysis to evaluate the corridor and analyze improvement alternatives. The project also involved design of a single-point urban interchange (SPUI), creating a unique outer road system that also incorporates a roundabout to enhance traffic flow, and a complex construction sequencing plan to keep traffic moving and provide access to local businesses throughout construction. GBA also partnered with MoDOT to address community needs and concerns, participating in public information meetings and presentations to neighborhood and service organizations.

The high-profile project was supported by Missouri state legislators, members of Congress, the City of St. Charles, St. Charles County, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, and the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, all of whom helped obtain funding for the project.

GBA, which was founded in 1969, is a full-service engineering and architectural firm with a staff of 230 located in headquarters in Lenexa and in offices in St. Louis, O’Fallon, and Kansas City in Missouri, and in Lisle, Ill.

Johnson County Operation Expands

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Olathe Chamber of Commerce member Fish Window Cleaning of Merriam is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the Kansas City, MO Fish Window Cleaning franchise location. The Johnson County Fish Window Cleaning franchise location has been in business for over five years and is owned and operated by Dave Harrold. With the acquisition of the Missouri operation, Harrold’s operation now services the entire Kansas City area.

“Most people think of window cleaning companies as people with squeegees and buckets dangling from high rises 25 stories in the air, but that’s not Fish Window Cleaning®,” Dave Harrold says. “When it comes to our commercial clients, we think of ourselves as a partner. We help them set an attractive stage to sell goods and services, improving their bottom line. Often, customers make decisions to go inside their retail store or restaurant based on the outside appearance of their building. By creating a clean, attractive exterior, we can turn casual `window shoppers’ into paying customers.”

About Fish Window Cleaning

Fish Window Cleaning® has been helping America see clearly since 1978, and provides service to more than 98,000 commercial and residential clients nationwide. The company specializes in cleaning: ground-level storefronts; one, two, and three story office buildings; restaurants; banks; churches; schools; and homes. The full range of services includes interior and exterior windows of all types, screens, mirrors, chandeliers, ceiling fans, gutters and skylights. Fish Window Cleaning® is fully insured, has a solid reputation for outstanding service and a solid business foundation. Free estimates and customized service plans tailored to each customer’s needs and budget are just a few offered benefits. Since its first franchise opened in 1998, Fish Window Cleaning® has grown to more than 212 franchise territories in 39 states.

Savers national chain to open store in Olathe

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Savers, Inc., a for-profit thrift store chain offering secondhand shopping in 200 stores across the country and in Canada and Australia, is relocating to Olathe. The chain will open shop at Mur-Len and Santa Fe/135th St., in a vacation spot near Home Depot.

With headquarters in Bellevue, Wash., Savers partners with 160 non-profit organizations, purchasing donated clothing and household items from them and reselling them. The store pays the non-profits more than $117 million annually. Among the used items the store sells are collectibles, furniture, clothings, and accessories. New merchandise, including closeout items, is also sold.

Savers was founded by William O. Ellison in 1954 in San Francisco, Calif. By 1970, the San Francisco store became a chain and its headquarters moved north to the Seattle, WA area. The chain employs more than 10,000 people. The company’s recycling program prevented 262 million pounds of unsold merchandise from ending up in landfills last year by reselling it domestically and internationally where the goods could benefit people in need.

JAMES O. DELANEY IS NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Kansas City, MO (February 2009) – James O. Delaney has been named 2009 Chairman of the Board of The Builders’ Association. He has been a member of the Association’s Executive Board since 2005. He succeeds Michael J. Hayes, President of Hayes Drilling, Inc., who remains an officer of the Association.

Mr. Delaney is Vice President of Operations of Turner Construction Company’s Kansas City office. Turner Construction is a commercial general contractor providing construction management, program management, and design-build services from offices throughout the United States. He has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology) in Rolla.

Other officers include Rory O’Connor (OnGoal, LLC), Vice Chairman; Jeff R. Riesberg, P.E. (Ceco Concrete Construction), Assistant Chairman; James W. Carson (Carson-Mitchell, Inc.), Assistant Chairman; and Jerry D. Daugherty (Reinhardt Construction Company), Assistant Chairman.

Directors on The Builders’ Association board include Robert P. Daly, Jr. (Kaw Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.); Earl Washam (E&K of Kansas City, Inc.); Robin Sawyer (Skyline Construction Company, Inc.); Phillip W. Thomas (A.L. Huber general contractor); J. Brett Gordon (McCownGordon Construction, L.L.C.); Scott Kelly (Taylor Kelly); Gregory A. Dunn (Dun-Par Engineered Form Company); Daniel A. Euston (JE Dunn Construction Company); and Arthur Tanner (Tinmaster, Inc.).

Don Greenwell is President of The Builders’ Association, which serves the commercial construction industry. The Association represents more than 1,100 general contractor, subcontractor and supplier members employing over 35,000 people. It has offices and plan rooms in Kansas City, Jefferson City, Columbia, and Springfield, as well as its Education and Training Center in North Kansas City. The Builders’ Association was established in 1887.

Chestnut Theatre in Olathe will offer two Children’s Theatre Workshops This Summer June 13-17 and July 20-24

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The Chestnut Fine Arts Center and Theatre, 234 North Chestnut in Olathe, will hold two very different theatre workshops for children ages 6 to 15 this summer.

Workshop number one titled “KIDS ON BROADWAY” will be June 13-17 with sessions from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon each day and workshop number two titled “HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD” will be held July 20-24, with sessions also from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon each day. Cost for each workshop (per child) is $125.00 and children can register for one or both. Past children’s summer workshops have filled quickly so early reservations are advised.

The workshops will focus on the aspects of theatre and film including scripts, music, songs, dance, preparing sets and performance. Each of the two workshops will conclude with a 30-minute production featuring the students (included in the workshop fee) and open at no charge to friends and family who would like to attend.

Brad Zimmerman, Executive Director and founder of the Chestnut Fine Arts Center and Theatre will conduct the sessions along with guest instructors. Zimmerman added “This summer we are going to have two entirely different children’s theatre workshops, the first about Broadway and stage productions, the second about Hollywood and films.”

For information and/or to register children, call the Chestnut Theatre at 913-764-2121.

Terracon Announces Senior Principal and Principal Promotions

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Terracon Announces Senior Principal and Principal Promotions

OLATHE, Kan. --- Terracon's board of directors recently announced the promotion of seven employees to principal and one employee to senior principal. The Terracon Principals Program provides recognition, rewards and opportunities for employees who have distinguished themselves by their strong leadership and contribution to the continued growth and success of the firm.

The new principals are: Les Banas, P.E., geotechnical department manager, Las Vegas, Nev.; Patrick Beecher, P.E., geotechnical senior project manager, Houston, Texas; Laura Campa, P.E., construction services department manager, San Antonio, Texas; Brad Levich, P.E., office manager, Lincoln, Neb.; Mark McClintock, office manager, Conroe, Texas; Chuck Reynolds, geotechnical senior project manager, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Vanessa Zambo, CPSM, marketing and communications manager, Olathe, Kan.

The new senior principal is Steve Levorson, Ph.D., P.E., senior geotechnical consultant, Lenexa, Kan.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices nationwide with more than 2,500 employees. Terracon currently ranks 41st on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com.

Bob Krause Named Director of Development for K-State Olathe Campus

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State Athletics Director Bob Krause announced his resignation Tuesday to accept the position of Director of Development for the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, effective March 31, 2009.

Krause, who was named the department’s 14^th director of athletics on April 4, 2008, has served Kansas State for 23 years and will continue to do so in his new role, assigned by President Jon Wefald.

“For almost a year now, I have worked with the Athletics Department since this has been a high priority for the University as it makes a transition of leadership in the President’s office,” Krause said.

“I believe the department is in very good shape. We have excellent coaches in place at all levels. The restructuring of administrative responsibilities have our resources aligned with the goals of positioning our teams to compete for championships – the senior staff has a wealth of experience and effective internal and external working relationships. Moreover, the Wildcat Victory campaign has close to $6 million committed and the expansion project is well underway.

The budget is balanced and the three-year financing plan should allow the department to have stability and achieve its goals.”

“Getting the K-State Innovation Campus in Olathe and Johnson County is of the highest priority for the whole University,” Wefald added.

“Now we need to step up our private fundraising efforts. Bob Krause is well known to many people in Johnson County and has worked closely for years with the Mayor of Olathe, its City Manager, City Commissioner and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce.”

In his new role, Krause will spear-head the fundraising efforts for the Olathe Innovation Campus, which has been in the planning and early development stages for 10 years. Krause, prior to his stint as athletics director, served as the school’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement where he focused his attention on ways to improve the attraction and retention of students; means by which the university can better assist Manhattan and the State of Kansas in the area of economic development through cooperative endeavors with local and state agencies; and ways to expand public awareness regarding the value society receives from the teaching, research and service provided by K-State faculty.

“Over the last 10 years we have worked hard to establish a campus in the Kansas City area related to developing food safety and security as the University’s top academic and research priority,” Krause added.

“We now have the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, a leading edge commercialization and economic development arm in NISTAC and NBAF. The Johnson County Educational Research Triangle funding will assure the construction of the first building on the KOIC Campus. There is, however, a gap in securing the private funding and investment by corporate partners in building the rest of the campus, and I enthusiastically look forward to this new assignment.”

Wefald also said that current Deputy Athletics Director Jim Epps will serve as the Interim Athletics Director, beginning March 31, until a new athletics director is chosen by the next Kansas State University President.

Altman-Charter Hires Greg Hensley for its Olathe branch

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Hensley most recently served as vice president of Marketing and Campus Development for Lakeview Village, a 90-acre retirement community in Lenexa. With more than 13 years of experience in design-build, repositioning and marketing of senior living communities, he oversaw the planning and initiation of multi-million dollar building expansions at Lakeview. A Professional Engineer in Kansas and Oklahoma, Hensley holds a bachelor´s degree in Architectural Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He is a Certified Aging Services Professional from the University of North Texas.

Ray Hutsel, a 10-year vice president with Altman-Charter who opened the Olathe, says Hensley will be responsible for establishing strong relationships with Kansas companies looking to build or expand senior care-focused campuses.
_____________

About the Altman-Charter Company Altman-Charter was formed in St. Louis in 1985 by a merger of J.J. Altman contractors in Southern Illinois for 37 years, and Charter Construction, Inc., a St. Louis company. The company has developed more than 7,500 living units serving senior living clients throughout the Midwest, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, independent living apartments and affordable senior housing. The company has also completed more than 60 bank projects in 6 Midwestern states.

Grand Court Overland Park Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Grand Court Overland Park, a Brookdale Senior Living Independent Living community, is pleased to announce the 100th birthday of Ella Ruth, a resident for 20 years, on January 17, 2009.

"Grand Court overflows my needs. I've been here for 20 years, and it's been a great home for me to be able to watch my children and grandchildren to grow up," said Ruth. "I've had many friends come and go, but I've had no friends that move on because they have found a better home than the Grand Court."

"We are honored that Ella has chosen to be with us for 20 years," said Kevin Putman, executive director for Grand Court Overland Park. "We are pleased to provide for her needs, and look forward to celebrating many more milestones with her."

Zimmer brokerage department announces three promotions

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) Recognizing outstanding work by three members of the its sales and leasing division, Zimmer Real Estate Services, L.C. announced three promotions while moving into the new year.

John Green and Susan Smith were promoted to Vice President and Andrew Fischer was promoted to Senior Sales Associate.

“These promotions are a reflection of the exemplary service each of these people provided to our clients,” said Senior Vice President and Director of Sales and Leasing Mark C. Long, CCIM, SIOR, LEED AP. “John, Susan and Andrew have been a part of our team for a number of years and have continually shown they are willing to do whatever it takes to meet each of our clients’ unique needs and requirements.”

Green joined Zimmer in June 2001. His primary responsibilities include the sales and leasing of office, industrial and investment properties throughout the Kansas City area. In 2004, Green was named by CoStar as a Top 20 Power Broker. This award was issued to the top office and industrial brokers who produced the largest leasing transaction volume for the year. In addition to performing landlord and tenant representation, he is currently performing corporate services in markets across the country.

Smith began her real estate career when she joined Zimmer in 1991. Susan currently specializes in office Tenant representation, Landlord representation and acquisition and disposition of investment properties. Her marketing efforts are focused in Northeast Johnson County, Kan. and South Kansas City, Mo.

Fischer joined Zimmer in 2005. Fischer’s primary duties include the sales and leasing of industrial properties in Eastern Jackson County and South Kansas City, Mo. He has been recognized as part of the CoStar “Multi-million Dollar Club” each year he has been at Zimmer. Fischer is responsible for handling key Zimmer client accounts including major investors and Corporate Services accounts.

Also during 2008, Vice President Tracey Mann, CCIM, LEED AP, was named as director of industrial sales and leasing. Mann joined Zimmer in 2002 and was subsequently named the 2003 Rookie of the Year for the Kansas Board of Realtors Commercial division.
“Tracey has proven himself time and again to be an integral part of our industrial brokerage services,” Long said. He is a natural leader and will continue to play a significant role in our Industrial Brokerage Operations.”

National Engineering Firms Change Names to Terracon

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

OLATHE, Kan. --- JGI EASTERN, Inc. (JGI) and Zipper Zeman Associates (ZZA) have officially changed their names to Terracon Consultants, Inc. after operating as wholly-owned Terracon subsidiaries for two and three years respectively.

JGI is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm with headquarters in Manchester, N.H., and offices in
Hartford, Conn., and Portland, Maine. JGI offers a comprehensive range of services in the fields of environmental and geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, and construction materials engineering and testing. The firm’s clients include real estate developers, architectural and engineering firms, retail owners, and public agencies. Larry Dwyer, P.E., continues his role managing Terracon’s Manchester office and Ryan Roy, P.E., will continue his role as manager of the Hartford and Portland, Maine, offices.

ZZA is a leading provider of geotechnical, environmental and construction materials services in the Northwest, with office locations in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, Wash. ZZA was established in 1998 by a group of geotechnical engineers, geologists and environmental specialists with extensive Northwest and national consulting experience. The firm’s clients include real estate developers, architectural and engineering firms, and public sector clients such as municipal and county governments. John Zipper, P.E., will continue in his current role managing Terracon’s Northwest division, which includes Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, in addition to existing Terracon offices in Portland, Ore., and Boise, Idaho.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices nationwide with more than 2,500 employees. Terracon currently ranks 41st on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit www.terracon.com.

J2 Engineering and Environmental Design opens in Olathe

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

J2 Engineering and Environmental Design, based in Phoenix, opened an office at 19980 W. 162nd St. in Olathe on Dec. 15 in Olathe.

Chad Belcher, formerly employed by Johnson County Government, Payne & Brockway, and Phelps Engineering, opened the office, which will focus on storm-water studies, flood plain analyses, road improvements and park planning for government clients, according to an article in the Kansas City Business Journal.

Nationally, J2 has more than 100 employees in several cities. Co-founded in 2001 by Jeff Holzmeister, the firm provides design-build, general construction, construction management, engineering and environmental services.

Garretson, Webb & Toth purchase downtown

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

A law firm, Garretson, Webb & Toth, has purchased a building downtown that used to house the Courthouse Bar & Grill. The company will receive Neighborhood Revitalization Act (NRA) funding for remodeling the 3,600-sq.-ft. building.

For information about NRA monies for downtown commercial and residential rehabilitation projects, contact Brad Cornell, the Chamber’s director of business retention and expansion, (913) 764-1050, bcornell@olathe.org.

After School Judo Academy opens in Olathe

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The After School Judo Academy is proud to announce that our Olathe Academy will be open for business Monday, Jan. 7, 2009. We are accepting enrollments now for our After School Program, evening and Saturday morning classes. Our brand new state-of-the-art facility is located at 15320 S. Cornice St., Olathe, KS 66062. We are approximately one block east of 169 HWY and 153rd Street in Olathe. Please visit our Web site at www.asjajudo.com, call us at 913-851-2851, or just stop on by to find out more details. Class sizes are limited, so sign up now. Be sure to ask us about our family discount programs.

Kids who are enrolled in our After School Program will have the opportunity to learn and practice the art of Judo with former State, Regional, and National Champion, Donald Hinchsliff. Don is a registered Black Belt with over 40 years experience in the martial art of Judo. Students will receive personalized instruction in our brand new dojo, which features a 1,000-square-foot spring-loaded mat.

In addition to the Martial Arts Dojo, the After School Judo Academy features a multimedia learning center and activity room. Students will have access to computers and a quiet study area for homework. We will have tutors on staff to supervise and help with whatever is needed. We also have an activity room, where students can play games and engage in arts and crafts and various other constructive activities.

The ASJA is a proud business partner of the Olathe School District USD 233, and First Student Inc., the bus transportation company for the Olathe School District. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange transportation with First Student Inc. from your child’s school to the After School Judo Academy.

Enroll today. Classes start soon.

Terracon purchases Iowa-based AquaDrill

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Terracon has announced its acquisition of AquaDrill, Inc., a drilling service provider in Swisher, Iowa. Terracon is one of the nation's largest employee-owned engineering consulting firms with headquarters in Olathe, and AquaDrill will operate as a drilling services office, working closely with Terracon's operations across the Midwest as part of Terracon's Northern Division. AquaDrill will retain its name.

"AquaDrill has compiled an excellent record throughout Iowa and the Midwest, and we look forward to serving local and national clients together," said André M. Gallet, P.E., manager of Terracon's Northern Division.

AquaDrill specializes in subsurface environmental soil sampling and monitoring well installation. The company also performs a variety of other environmental drilling services, water well construction and specialty geotechnical drilling services.

Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from nearly 100 offices nationwide with more than 3,000 employees. Terracon currently ranks 41st on Engineering News-Record's List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, visit www.terracon.com.

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