Leawood Chamber of Commerce Member Memo — November 22, 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

Do not 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
Contact: Chamber Staff – chamber@leawoodchamber.org 913-498-1514
Cost: Free for Chamber members.

If you are a new representative for an existing Chamber Member or are a representative for a brand new Member, we welcome you to join us for our informative Member Orientation.

This is your chance to meet the staff, representatives from the Board, representatives from the Ambassador Committee and fellow Chamber members. Learn the history of the Chamber and ways to maximize the value of your membership. Enjoy continental breakfast, coffee and conversation! Please bring your business cards and be prepared to introduce yourself!

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 from Atlanta Bread Company and great door prizes including Blue Valley Rec. apparel and gift certificates. Come see all the great programs that Blue Valley Recreation provides!

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

Mayor's Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Nov. 28, 2006, 6:00pm at City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, 66211

Come see Mayor Dunn light up City Hall for the Holiday Season.  Refreshemts will be provided following the ceremony.

 Caroling will be performed by the Nativity Star Singers, The Leawood Singers and the Prairie Star Elementary School Choir

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.

Leawood Fine Art Holiday Open House

Dec. 6, 2006, 5:00pm at Leawood Fine Art, 11843 Roe Ave, Leawood, 66211
Contact: Karen Albert – kalbert1@kc.rr.com 913-338-4999
Cost: Free Weblink: http://www.leawoodfineart.com

Join us for festivities on Wednesday evening, December 6th for the Leawood Fine Art Holiday Open House!  Refreshments will be served and they will be giving away exciting door prizes!

Enjoy new works of art by the renowned Phoenix Art Group and find unique gifts for holiday giving. Leawood Fine Art specializes in fine art, art glass, unique gifts, and quality custom framing.

News & Announcements

Irish Crystal Company Cuts Ribbon on New Location in Overland Park

 

Leawood Chamber of Commerce staff and Board members joined the Nestel family and friends in dedicating Irish Crystal's new location located at 7108 W. 135th in Overland Park. 

This beautiful new store is located on the northwest corner of 135th & Metcalf.  Irish Crystal Company is a family-owned, and has been in business for 15 years. They offer fine Irish crystal and china, as well as a variety of other quality collectibles. They specialize in corporate gifts, bridal registry and sporting awards.

You can learn more about Irish Crystal company by visiting their web site at http://www.irishcrystal.com/.

SPIDERtel and R&D Technology Join Forces

SPIDERtel, an Overland Park based web solutions firm, announced today that R&D Technology will be merged in with its operations.

Former co-owners Derrick and Cassie Woolworth will become SPIDERtel’s Technology Director and Sales Director, respectively. R&D Technology is an eleven year-old firm that has specialized in emerging web technologies, including high-end web development, mobile applications and internet hosting applications. R&D has been widely acknowledged as an industry expert having produced such products as Cart Factory and Spamwall.net, and supported such clients as Sprint, Siricomm, and Evis. 

R&D’s core competencies compliment SPIDERtel’s current product lines of web design, web marketing and web hosting services. SPIDERtel specializes in custom web design solutions and aggressive search marketing programs. SPIDERtel’s clients include The National Bank Of Kansas City, O’Neill Auto, The University of Pennsylvania, and CST Industries, Inc.

Joe Lieberman, Founder and President of SPIDERtel, said “We are honored and extremely excited to be working together with Derrick and Cassie, two recognized e ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

BVRC Commission Chairman Elected to National Board

ASHBURN, Va., - November 7 - The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has elected Robert Johnson, Jr. to the organization's Board of Trustees.

The announcement was made in October during NRPA's 41st Annual Congress & Exposition in Seattle. "Robert 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."

Johnson is an owner in a local independent insurance agency with offices in Lawrence, Topeka and Overland Park, Kan. He and his wife, Jana, have three grown children and have lived in Leawood, Kan. for 12 years. During that time, Johnson has volunteered eight years as a girls basketball coach and on the Basketball Advisory Committee. He also served on various councils and civic organizations, often as chairman or president. These agencies include: four years with the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisor Committee, six years with the Lawrence Arts Center, and is currently in his second four-year term as a BVRC commissioner wh ... (go to www.leawoodchamber.org for more information)

SAFEHOME's Holiday Store Needs Donations

SAFEHOME is Johnson County’s only provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Services include a 40-bed shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, job and housing advocacy, court advocacy, transitional living assistance, individual and group therapy, and a children’s center. 

Each year SAFEHOME collects new holiday gift items from generous individuals and businesses in the area to provide a Holiday Store for its clients. Clients of SAFEHOME are able to shop in a donated retail storefront located in central Johnson County.  This program is very important because it allows domestic violence survivors the opportunity to choose gifts for their family members when they might not have the means to do so otherwise. In 2005, 191 women and 415 children were assisted by SAFEHOME’s Holiday Store.

Donations are needed by December 2nd.  To make a donation and receive information about the drop-off location, please call Michele at 913-432-9300.  Log on www.safehome-ks.org to download a Holiday Store Wish List.

Member Profile

UBS Financial Services Inc.