Smith's Market Receives Chamber Award

Smith’s Market Receives Chamber Small Business Spotlight Award

Hutchinson, Kansas (April 2, 2008) - A local tradition since 1933, Smith’s Market offers fresh, quality produce in a friendly atmosphere. The company employs 10 full-time and a couple of part-time employees. “We rely on our employees to create the environment to bring people back” said Chris Barnes, Owner. “We greet people when they come in the store and we make it a personable experience.” The business packages over 200 varieties of candy, nuts and snack mixes as well as specialty and health foods, fresh roasted coffee beans, lotions and Circle E candies.

The family business, beginning with Henry Smith, opened as a retail store about half its current size, in the early 30s. In the late 1940s Laverne and Mary Burns, Henry’s daughter, purchased the store. In the early 50s, Henry's other daughter purchased the store; Bill and Emmaday Wright. Earl Barnes joined the staff in 1957 and watched the store double in size in 1961. In 1965, Earl and partner, Layton and June Burns bought the store. Earl Barnes became the sole owner of the store in 1985 after Burns retired. Chris and Gail Barnes, purchased the business in 2005.

In addition to the retail market at 211 S. Main, fifty percent of the business is wholesale. “We supply almost 75% of the restaurants in Hutchinson with fresh produce,” said Barnes. “We also send trucks to Newton and McPherson twice a week to deliver to our customers in those markets.” The wholesale side of the business is what allows Smith’s Market retail store the opportunity to house gourmet and specialty items.

In 2007, Smith’s Market began a expansion and restoration project which resulted in an increase of 1,400 sq. ft. in the retail store. “The expansion has allowed us to expand our current product selection and provided the opportunity to enlarge current displays and bring in more gourmet and specialty items,” said Barnes. The store will continue to have changes made through 2008. The owners plan to remodel the existing interior of the store and renovate the exterior, all of which should be complete by the end of this year.

When asked why they belong to the Chamber, Barnes replied, “We support the initiatives of economic and community development that the Chamber provides for our community. We also appreciate the networking opportunities that are available.”

Smith’s Market has had a presence in Hutchinson/Reno County for many years, Barnes attributes their success to, “quality and taking care of our customers.” He continues, “We want our customers to remember the quality of our products and good service, that is what brings them back. Our goal is to always have them leave happy.”

The Small Business Council selected Smith’s Market 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.

RELEASED BY:
Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events
hollys@hutchchamber.com