High Planes Millwork Receives Chamber Small Business Spotlight Award

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce congratulates High Planes Millwork for receiving the September 2008 Small Business Spotlight Award. High Planes Millwork began on October 16, 1989 with four partners.®®®

The four original partners had experience in the industry prior to starting High Planes Millwork. “We worked for many years in the millwork industry,” said Popp. “We made the decision to try our hand at running our own company.” Two of those partners, Bill Popp and Ralph Janzen, are now co-owners of the company, having purchased the company approximately 14-15 years ago.

Currently, High Planes Millwork employs fourteen full and part time staff members, and is located at 1401 W. 4^th in Hutchinson. “Ralph and I both grew up in Reno County,” said Popp. “We had opportunities to leave the area, but decided to stay in our hometowns.” High Planes Millwork services Reno County and the entire state of Kansas.

High Planes Millwork manufactures architectural woodwork for schools, hospitals, financial institutions and many other facilities. “The majority of our business is commercial,” said Popp. “In fact, Dillon’s was one of our first clients, which allowed us the opportunity to get started and build our business.”

Popp associates their success with their customer service. “We’ve prided ourselves on giving our customers the best products and services at a competitive price.”

High Planes Millwork also believes in giving back to the community and to the industry. They are a member of the Architectural Wood Institute (AWI), and Bill Popp has served as both President and Vice President of the AWI state chapter. Popp has also served on the Quest Center Board of Directors for 8 years, two of them serving as President. In addition, Popp has previously served on the Chamber’s Small Business Council and has served on the Children’s Emergency Shelter Home (CESH) Board of Directors for 11-12 years.

When asked why they became a member of the Chamber, Popp replied, “We initially joined the Chamber to have access to the Plan Room, which allowed us to bid on projects. In addition, it also provided us the opportunity to network with local contractors and keep up-to-date on the economic climate in Hutchinson and Reno County.”

The Small Business Council selected High Planes Millwork from nominations made by Chamber members. The award is given monthly to a Chamber business that exemplifies community spirit and superior business practices. Nominees must be a Chamber member in good standing, been in business for at least three years, and employ fewer than 25 people.

The Small Business Spotlight Award is proudly sponsored by First National Bank of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Credit Union.