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| Member News listed here is often, though not always, written by members themselves and submitted to the Chamber. Click here for information about submitting news of your own. |
Kansas' new lieutenant governor is Troy Findley 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!!! 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. click here for full story |
Artist Do Ho Suh to speak at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art 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. click here for full story |
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. click here for full story |
Firms join forces to serve the CPA profession Star Americas and Mize, Houser & Company. P.A. combine resources to provide a world-class practice management solution for medium - large firms click here for full story |
McCarthy Nissan Teams Up With Harvesters! 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. click here for full story |
Terracon Named #46 on ENR's 2009 Top 500 Design Firms List 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. click here for full story |
Farmers Insurance Group to acquire AIG Personal Auto Group Los Angeles-based the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has announced it will acquire American International Group´s (AIG´s) Personal Auto Group, which includes 21st Century Insurance Co. click here for full story |
SAFEHOME Honored by Kansas Attorney General´s Office 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. click here for full story |
SAFEHOME Announces June Jubilee OVERLAND PARK, Kan. On Sunday, June 14, 2009, SAFEHOME will hold its 17th Annual June Jubilee. The theme for this year´s event is "Joyful Expressions." This year´s event will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel Overland Park, 10100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS from 5:30-9:00 p.m. June Jubilee will feature a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and a short program. Tickets for the event are $125 per person. Lt. Governor Mark and Stacy Parkinson are serving as honorary chairs for this year´s event. For more information, call Susan at (913) 378-1518 or visit our website at www.safehome-ks.org . Located in Johnson County, SAFEHOME has served victims of domestic violence for 28 years. SAFEHOME offers safe shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, child care, school and community education programs, Johnson County District Court and hospital advocacy, and civil legal assistance. All services are free and confidential. |
Local GBA Engineers Earn PE Status (Licenses) 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. click here for full story |
Katie Ward Named Sales & Marketing Coordinator 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. click here for full story |
JCCC receives funds for solar electric photovoltaic project 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. click here for full story |
BIGSHOT Hires New Director of Technology Adding to the Outstanding Technology Team, Charles Sanders Took over as Team Leader- March 30 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." click here for full story |
Olsson Associates Opens Office in Olathe 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. click here for full story |
GBA Employees Earn LEED Accreditation 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. click here for full story |
Bank of America to open new banking center in Olathe 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. click here for full story |
Premier Bank Continues to Receive Special Recognition for its Strong Financial Condition 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. click here for full story |
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. click here for full story |
Kim N. Pearse Elected to GBA Board of Directors 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. click here for full story |
COUNTRY MUSIC STAR PHIL VASSAR COMING TO JCCC 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. click here for full story |
GBA´s Carpenter Receives CPESC Professional Certification 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. click here for full story |
Zen Massage is coming to the Midwest! 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. click here for full story |
BIGSHOT Celebrates a Year of Outstanding Work with ADDY Wins Takes Home Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2009 mADDY! Awards Show click here for full story |
Johnson County Developmental Supports To Host Press Conference About The Developmental Disability Waiting List 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. click here for full story |
Schuster joins Zimmer´s Sales & Leasing staff (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. click here for full story |
Interiors by Design, Inc Nominated 3rd Consecutive Year as Small Business of the Year By Different Local Organizations 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. click here for full story |
Char MacCallum earns prestigious designation to help homeowners in danger of foreclosure 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. click here for full story |
Olathe Public Library offering help preparing for a job or seeking unemployment 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. click here for full story |
GBA Receives 2009 Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC Missouri - Firm Recognized for Improvements to I-70 / Route 94 Interchange 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). click here for full story |
Disabled Racer's Car To Be Sold To Help Others In Similar Situations 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. click here for full story |
OPUS NORTHWEST CHOSEN FOR KANSAS ST. UNIVERSITY PROJECT Kansas State University has chosen Minneapolis, MN-based Opus Northwest to design and build its $11 million School of Leadership Studies facility in Manhattan, KS. click here for full story |
Johnson County Operation Expands 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. click here for full story |
Savers national chain to open store in Olathe 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. click here for full story |
JAMES O. DELANEY IS NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDERS´ ASSOCIATION 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. click here for full story |
Chestnut Theatre in Olathe will offer two Children´s Theatre Workshops This Summer June 13-17 and July 20-24 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. click here for full story |
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. click here for full story |
Bob Krause Named Director of Development for K-State Olathe Campus 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. click here for full story |
Scooter's Coffeehouse "Rookie of the Year 2008" Angie Lickliter, owner and catering manager for Scooter's Coffeehouse, 11106 Antioch Rd. (College & Antioch), won "Rookie of the Year 2008" at Scooter´s Annual Award Ceremony this past weekend. To find out more about the coffee chain, visit www.scooterscoffee.com. |
Altman-Charter Hires Greg Hensley for its Olathe branch Altman-Charter, a one-stop design-build-open commercial construction company headquartered in St. Louis, has hired Greg Hensley as director of Business Development for its Olathe branch. The branch opened at 15748 S. Mahaffie in August 2008. click here for full story |
Grand Court Overland Park Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday 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. click here for full story |
Premier Bank Receives Special Recognition of its Strong Financial Condition 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. click here for full story |
Terracon purchases Iowa-based AquaDrill 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. click here for full story |
Garretson, Webb & Toth purchase downtown 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. click here for full story |
Irick Family Medicine ribbon cutting tonight Irick Family Medicine, P.A., has opened at 15270 W. 119th St. (northwest corner by Dick's Sporting Goods). |
New tenants come to Town Square shopping center Noah's Ark, a card and gift shop, opened in Town Square shopping center, Clairborne and I-35 this week. This will be the second Olathe location for the retailer, which also has a store in the Great Mall. Church's Fried Chicken will move into the former Backyard Burger location on a Town Square pad site. The restaurant is renovating and enlarging the building. |
After School Judo Academy opens in Olathe 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. click here for full story |
J2 Engineering and Environmental Design opens in Olathe J2 Engineering and Environmental Design, based in Phoenix, opened an office at 19980 W. 162nd St. in Olathe on Dec. 15 in Olathe. click here for full story |
National Engineering Firms Change Names to Terracon 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. click here for full story |
Zimmer brokerage department announces three promotions (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. click here for full story |
