Leawood Chamber of Commerce Member Memo — November 17, 2006

Upcoming events and news from around the Leawood area.

Sponsored by Integrated Systems at http://www.integratedkc.com
Your One Stop Phone Data & Copier Connection

(Sponsor the member memo – Reach nearly 1000 Leawood Chamber members and guests with your message each week.)

Leawood Chamber Events

"The Spirit of Entrepreneurship" 2006 Annual Meeting

Dec. 12, 2006, 11:30am at Ritz Charles, 9000 W. 137th Street, Overland Park, 66221
Contact: Chamber Office – chamber@leawoodchamber.org 913-498-1514
Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members

Event Host Sponsors:

Commerce Bank - M & I Bank - Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Saint Luke's South - CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

Featuring guest speaker Mike Brown, co-founder and CEO of Euronet Worldwide. Euronet's story is one of taking risks and targeting untapped resources to find success.

In 1994, Brown and Dan Henry, a commerical real estate broker, jumped on a plane and headed to Budapest, Hungary to see what kind of business opportunities they could find. They immediately noticed that they did not have some of the convienences we have here at home, such as quick access to cash. Though neither Brown nor Henry had any experience in the electronic transaction industry, they decided to take a chance and build an electronic payments infrastructure in Hungary. They immediately brought the convenience of ATMs to millions who had no access to credit or debit cards.

This journey to Hungary has turned into a billion dollar business venture for Brown and Henry. Euronet Worldwide currently operates the largest independent pan-European ATM network, as well as the largest shared ATM network in India and continues to grow steadily. Mike Brown's story of commitment, risk, and innovation is one we can draw inspiration from and relate to our own business ventures. Euronet Worldwide is a Leawood-based business on the rise, and we are thrilled to have Mike Brown featured as our keynote speaker.

In addition to our speaker, the Leawood Chamber will present awards to outstanding individuals or businesses who have served the community in an extraordinary way. Open to the public, this event provides a way for the Chamber to connect area business and community leaders.

— Register Online

After Hours Networking

Nov. 29, 2006, 5:00pm at The Design Connection, Inc., 14117 Fontana, Leawood, 66224
Contact: Chamber office – chamber@leawoodchamber.org 913-498-1514
Cost: There is no additional cost for Leawood Chamber Members to attend this event. There may be a nominal charge for guests to attend, so please contact Linda for more information at 913-498-1514 or email her at lindam@leawoodchamber.org

You won't want to miss this beautifully decorated designer's home that has been photographed for Kansas City Homes and Gardens Magazine!

Enjoy networking with Leawood Chamber members and 'future' members in a casual, business-card-friendly social environment. We'll have great door prizes, food & beverages, and of course the area's best networking. You'll want to be sure to attend!

Reservations were limited to the first 75 respondents and this event has been filled. If you have any questions please contact the Chamber office at (913) 498-1514.

Quarterly Member Orientation

Dec. 1, 2006, 8:00am at Leawood Chamber of Commerce, 11300 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy Suite 240, Leawood, 66211
Cost: Free for Chamber members.

Once a quarter the Chamber holds an hour long gathering to welcome the newest representatives. This is a chance to meet the staff, representatives from the Board, Ambassador Committee and fellow Chamber members. Bring your business cards and be prepared to introduce yourself. Learn the history of the Chamber, ways to maximize your membership and enjoy continental breakfast, coffee and conversation! This event is open to any representative who plans to attend future Chamber events.

Morning Mingling

Dec. 5, 2006, 8:00am at Blue Valley Recreation Commission, 6545 W. 151st St., Overland Park, 66223
Contact: Chamber office – chamber@leawoodchamber.org 913-498-1514 — Register Online
Cost: There is no cost to attend for Chamber members. Guests $5 at the door or call Chamber for guest pass

Leawood Chamber members, their guests, and 'future' Chamber members are invited to join us and the Blue Valley Recreation Commission for some high-quality networking, breakfast goodies and great door prizes. Come see all the great programs that Blue Valley Recreation provide!

There is no cost to attend this event and the reservation deadline for this event is December 1st.

Chamber Education Program - Lessons from Rebuilding Iraq

Dec. 6, 2006, 8:00am at KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Road, Overland Park, 66213
Contact: Chamber Office – chamber@leawoodchamber.org 913-498-1514 — Register Online
Cost: There is no cost to attend this event; however, reservations are required.

"Change on Any Scale: Concepts and Methods and Tales from the Trenches" - Professor Chick Keller will present the lessons learned in rebuilding Iraq. For seven months in 2004, Keller was Program Management Director for the reconstruction program in Iraq.

The program consisted of 2500 projects spread across various sectors, such as electrical, oil, public works and water, roads, education, health, security and communications. For his efforts in Iraq, Keller was awarded the Joint Civilian Service Commendations Medal.

As most are aware, the rebuilding program did not go as planned. In the presentation, Professor Keller will cover highlights of the original plan, the challenges implementing the plan, as well as lessons learned.

Leawood Community Events

Enchanted Evening of Cocktails & Cuisine

Nov. 17, 2006, 6:30pm at Sprint Festival Plaza at Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, 64108
Cost: $100/person; Sponsorships Still Available Weblink: http://www.marillac.org

On the evening of November 17, 2006, Marillac will host An Enchanted Evening of Cocktails and Cuisine to kick off Marillac's Enchanted Forest. This elegant affair will be held in the Sprint Festival Plaza at Kansas City's historic Union Station.  It will feature an evening of gourmet food, cocktails, desserts, and entertainment with a live and silent auction.

Sponsorships are still available!  This is a great way to promote your business, impress your clients, treat your family and do some holiday shopping.

For more information on table sponsorships, individual tickets, donating an auction item, volunteering or general information on the event, contact the Manager of Special Events & Volunteer Services, Rachel Larsen at rlarsen@marillac.org or 816-508-3308.

Marillac's Enchanted Forest

Nov. 18, 2006 at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, 64108
Contact: Rachel Larsen – rlarsen@marillac.org 816-508-3308
Cost: Free Weblink: http://www.marillac.org

Marillac’s Enchanted Forest; a free public display of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths that will be on display at Union Station during a two-week silent auction, open to the public. All proceeds benefit children in our community with special, emotional and behavioral needs.

Marillac’s Enchanted Forest is open to the public for bidding from November 18th – December 2nd, 2006. Come to Union station this holiday season to buy your tree!

Holiday Traditions at the Historic Oxford School

Dec. 2, 2006, 9:30am at Historic Oxford Schoolhouse, 147th & Mission Road, Leawood, 66224
Contact: April Bishop – aprilb@leawood.org 913-339-6700 x157
Cost: Free Weblink: http://leawood.org

Learn about holiday traditions on the plains at the turn of the 20th century.

Make crafts, decorate a tree, enjoy refreshments and sing songs to old time musician Scott Klamm.

Holiday Shopping Spree

Dec. 5, 2006, 6:30pm at Bath Junkie, 13328-A Metcalf, Overland Park, 66213

Come to Bath Junkie on December 5th and get your favorite bath goodies.  They have many excellent stocking stuffers or items for "Secret Santas" to give!

Other Vendors participating in this event are Beijo Bags, Arbonne, Santas, Silpada, Megan's Coozies, and Private Quarters.

News & Announcements

Leawood Chamber Membership Renewals for October 2006

Be sure to consider these businesses when you are shopping for goods and services.

You can learn more about these businesses by following the provided links, or go to http://www.leawoodchamber.org/member_directory.cfm
for a complete listing of Leawood Chamber member businesses and their contact information.

---

A.B. May www.abmay.com; Accent Sound www.accentsound.com; Almar Printing, Inc. www.almarprinting.com; APAC - Kansas, Inc.  KC Division www.apac.com

Bank Midwest www.bankmw.com; Bank Midwest-OP www.bankmw.com; Bank of Blue Valley www.bankbv.com; Bath Junkie www.bathjunkie.com; Boan & Coneally, CPA's, P.A. www.bandccpa.com ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

Mark Mergen Elected to NRPA Board of Trustees

ASHBURN, Va., - October 19 – The National Recreation and Park Association has elected Mark Mergen to the organization’s Board of Trustees.  The announcement was made last week during NRPA’s 41st Annual Congress & Exposition in Seattle, Washington.

“Mark will be an asset to our Board,” said Ronald Lehman, NRPA Chair.  “He has supported the park and recreation movement and NRPA’s mission on many levels throughout his career.  His expertise and leadership skills will help NRPA achieve its organizational goals and Strategic Plan.”

Mr. Mergen is the owner of Mergen Communications located in Leawood, KS.  He is a member of the City of Leawood Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, as well as the Leawood Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Mergen is a Past President of the Iowa ARC and Board of Directors.  He has also served on the Iowa State Special Olympics Board, and is a former member of the City of Omaha Mayors Committee for Disabled.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance qual ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

Job Posting

SAFEHOME is a non-profit, domestic violence shelter seeking one part-time child care provider.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: providing care for children of all ages, creating educational activities for children, keeping the children's center clean and safe, working with child care volunteers and helping out as needed.

Qualifications include experience with children.  Candidate must not have any unresolved emotional issues regarding his/her own past experience with abuse of any kind. Preferred degrees are Early Childhood Education, Social Welfare, Sociology or Psychology.

Hours will likely be either 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm or 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Availability for a flexible 5 hour shift on Friday. The pay is competitive! Please fax your resume ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

Plaza III, the Steakhouse Opens Location on 135th Street in Leawood

 Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn and Councilman James Azeltine joined Chamber members and staff in welcoming Plaza III, the Steakhouse to their new location in Leawood on 135th Street.

General Manager Shawna Heien, Execuctive Chef Scott Allen, and Wine Steward Sam Ridgeway stand ready to serve their guests some of the areas finest steaks, seafood and wines.

Plaza III's Leawood location offers private dining for parties from 8 to 50, banquest factilities for up to 200 and an outdoor patio.

Open for lunch and dinner, you can reach Plaza III by calling 913-239-8499.  They are located at 5020 W. 137th Street in Leawood. 

Member Profile

UBS Financial Services Inc.