Leawood Chamber of Commerce Member Memo — November 2, 2007

Upcoming events and news from around the Leawood area.

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Leawood Chamber Events

2007 Annual Meeting-The Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Dec. 4, 2007, 11:30am at Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, 66211
Cost: $45 for members, $55 for non-members.

Featuring keynote speaker Dave Kiersznowski, CEO of DEMDACO, Inc. DEMDACO (www.demdaco.com) has quietly become one of the area's fastest growing, entrepreneurial companies, and is ranked as one of the leading companies in high quality home accessories.

Now headquartered in Leawood, DEMDACO was founded in 1997. DEMDACO's mission is "to create beautiful gifts and décor that lift the spirit and enhance the home." Perhaps their best-known product line is the "Willow Tree" hand-carved sculptures.

DEMDACO was recognized in 2005 as one of Kansas City's "Best places to Work." Kiersznowski states "The company aims to foster an environment where employees know the concepts of success and integrity aren't mutually exclusive." DEMDACO has been very successful in recruiting and retaining talented artists that help the company grow and expand their product line. DEMDACO provides an employee-friendly environment that supports creativity. Annette Glary, HR director, was recently quoted stating "He (Dave) recognizes that people have lives outside of work. He doesn't just say it. He lives it and delivers it."

You won't want to miss the inspiring story of this innovative Leawood based employer.

Open to the public, this event provides a way for the Chamber to connect area business and community leaders.

Event Host Sponsors:

Commerce Bank - M & I Bank
Shawnee Mission Medical Center -Town & Country Bank

— Register Online

Morning Mingling

Nov. 6, 2007, 8:00am at Hy-Vee, 12200 State Line Road, Leawood, 66209
Contact: Chamber Staff – 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 for some great Leawood Chamber networking and a continental-style breakfast hosted by the State Line Hy-Vee. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win some great door prizes.

There is no cost to attend this event and the reservation deadline is October 31st.

Chamber Education Program

Nov. 7, 2007, 8:00am at KU Edwards Campus, Regnier Hall Room 163, 12600 Quivira Road, Overland Park, 66213 — Register Online
Cost: There is no cost to attend this event; however, reservations are required.

This presentation by Bob Clark, Vice Chancellor at the KU Edwards Campus, will focus on the slippery slope of leadership decision making and the consequences that result.

Dr. Clark will show participants how trust, integrity and communication can strengthen commitment and improve organizational success when delivered through humility.

The reservation deadline for this event is Monday, November 5th by 5:00 p.m., so make sure you reserve your spot today!

Leawood Community Events

SAFEHOME’s 7th Annual Will Shields Flag Football

Nov. 3, 2007, 7:00am at Mid America Sports Complex, 20000 Johnson Drive, Shawnee,
Contact: Susan Lebovitz – slebovitz@safehome-ks.org 913-432-9300
Cost: For information, call 913-432-9300 Weblink: http://www.safehome-ks.org

Join Will Shields, former offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, at SAFEHOME’s Will Shields “Red Flags of Domestic Violence” Flag Football Tournament. This event raises awareness and funds for SAFEHOME’s services for victims of domestic violence in our community.

Coed check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. and games begin at 8:00 a.m., Open check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and Open games begin at 12:30p.m. All participants receive a tournament shirt and gift bag. 1st and 2nd place teams receive trophies.

The tournament offers two divisions with varying levels of competitiveness, and all teams are guaranteed three games. Will Shields will personally referee the final two games. For more information, or to register your team, please contact SAFEHOME at (913) 378-1518 or visit www.safehome-ks.org.

Start2Finish Information Session

Nov. 8, 2007, 6:30pm at KUEdwards Campus, Regents Center building, 12600 Quivira Road, Overland Park, 66213
Contact: Elaine Warren – elainew@ku.edu 913-897-8411
Cost: Free Weblink: http://istart2finish.org

Make sure you attend the special Start2Finish information session to learn about enrollment and admission procedures, financial aid, tuition and fees and more.

Advisors and staff from both Johnson County Community College and KU Edwards will be available to answer your questions.

Leawood Art Exhibit and Reception

Nov. 9, 2007, 5:30pm at M&I Bank, 11301 Nall Avenue, Leawood, 66211
Contact: The Leawood Arts Council – 913-339-6700 x157

Featuring Cathy Broski, Michael McMullen, Robert Quackenbush, and Ellen Wolf.

Entertainment will be provided and light refreshments will be served.

5th Annual Gift Gallery

Nov. 10, 2007, 9:00am at Cure of Ars School, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, 66206
Contact: Kelly Young – kyoung23@kc.rr.com 913-385-0795
Cost: Admission is $3.

The Gift Gallery is an unique, upscale event sponsored by the Mothers of Young Children organization at Cure of Ars Catholic Church. 35 local artisans come together to sell their beautiful, handcrafted items.

Proceeds from the event is donated to local children's charities. $4500 was donated last year to Camp Tekawitha, Operation Breakthrough, St. Benedict's Special Children Center, and Cure of Ars School combined.

Hillcrest Annual Gala & Auction

Nov. 10, 2007, 7:00pm at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, 66209
Contact: Marilyn Minter – minter@crn.org 816-838-7443
Cost: Contact Marilyn Minter at 816-838-7443 for pricing information. Weblink: http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org

Please be our guest at this exciting dinner and auction event: The 2007 Gala & Auction to benefit Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties.

You can make a significant difference in the lives of homeless families through your involvement in this night of fun, food, and hope. Do not be the one person who misses this big night!

The Silent Auction begins at 7:00 PM, followed by dinner, dessert, and the live auction!

News & Announcements

Assistant Marketing Director Position Available

Fulk Chiropractic is in need of an Assistant Marketing Director to grow the clinic’s patient base through relationship-building, event planning, lectures, and through marketing communications.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1. Performing spinal screenings at various venues and events all the while developing relationships with prospects and scheduling new patients. 2. Networking at various chamber functions. 3. Supervising and setting the schedule for direct marketing associates and discussing events with the doctors to ensure that all hours at events are covered. 4. Providing a single point of contact for logistics (including set-up and tear-down) at all marketing events. 5. Hiring and training new marketing staff.

Employment Standards: College degree with a concentration in Marketing, Business, or Communications preferred but not required.

Required Skills: Good communication skills; Assertive and innovative – able to work without supervision; Needs good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications.

Hours: During probationary training period (first 90 ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

Leawood Chamber Member Recognized in Kansas City Star Article

On October 24th, an article titled Home is where the heartache is, was printed in The Kansas City Star. The writer, Gene Meyer, informed readers of the different resources to use when dealing with the death of a parent and how organization can make things easier.

In the article Leawood Chamber Member Alexandra Bortnick, owner of Alexandra, A Senior Moving Specialists , is mentioned as one of the first in the area to help senior citizens and their families in the process of moving to a smaller home. Alexandra states that "just having a plan is the key thing."

You can find the full News Story on the Kansas City Star Web Site.

Leawood Chamber of Commerce Announces Election of Board Officers for 2008

The following individuals were elected to serve as officers of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2008.

Chair: Tom Robinett, American Academy of Family Physicians
Chair-Elect: Monte Giddings, Gliem & Giddings, LLC
Vice Chair: Connie Aversman, Commerce Bank
Treasurer: Ward Shaw, Walton Construction Company, LLC
Secretary: David Payne, New York Life
Past Chair: Shawna Davidson, Davidson Promotional Products

Other Board Members serving for the 2008 calendar year are:

Marnie Clawson, Clawson Benefit Concepts
Bill Herdegen, Kansas City Power & Light
Dawn Kroeger, Hereford House Restaurant
Rick Mills, CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.
Roger Newth, Discover Vision Centers
Ken Schifman, Sprint
Doug Spear, Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn (Advisory Director)

Thank you to our retiring Board members. The next time you s ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

Hiring for the Holidays

The Harry & David store located at 5244 W. 119th St. (Town Center Plaza) is looking to hire some help for the upcoming Holiday season. For more information contact Diana Dodge at 913-498-0277, or stop by the store to pick up an application.

Member Profile

Johnson County Concierge, LLC

The Johnson County Concierge vision stems from the collaboration of two former Fortune 100 company employees, Debbie Cox & Janice Tetley, who have 29 years combined experience in customer service, relationship management, executive administration, and event planning. It is the company's mission to provide unforgettable service by building relationships on trust and confidentiality. Integrity is what defines them personally and professionally.

Increasing demands on time means a busy lifestyle. Johnson County Concierge is a lifestyle management company offering premier customized concierge services to meet the unique needs of their clients. By letting their to-do lists become the responsibility of Johnson County Concierge, clients are able to live and work more efficiently. Johnson County Concierge does what needs to be done so their clients can focus on what matters most to them! Work on your business instead of on your to-do list, enjoy a guilt-free lunch hour, and get things done even if you are traveling.

If you are overwhelmed by the holiday rush, like to entertain but dread the pr ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for complete profile)

Leawood Chamber of Commerce
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway #240, Leawood, KS 66211
Web: www.leawoodchamber.org
Email: chamber@leawoodchamber.org
Voice: 913-498-1514 Fax: 913-491-0134

Please note: To include your notice in the Leawood Chamber Member Memo, we must receive it before 5:00pm on Wednesday. Thank you!
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