Fee Insurance was awarded the Business Excellence Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce. This year, 270 companies were nominated for the Business Achievement and Merit Awards, and forty-eight south central Kansas businesses were recognized for their contributions to their communities and the state economy.

"Fee Insurance is an important and active part of the Hutchinson community," said Dave Kerr, Chamber President. "This company is not only a model of an involved business partner, but is also extremely community conscious. We are truly fortunate to have an organization of this caliber in Hutchinson."

The awards were presented a the Kansas Department of Commerce's annual Kansas Business Appreciation Month (BAM) South Central Regional Awards ceremony in Wichita, on Friday, June 1, 2007.

"We are thrilled to recognize the south central Kansas businesses that make this state strong," said Commerce Secretary Dave Kerr. "By designating June as Business Appreciation Month, we foster a year-long appreciation for the crucial role our Kansas businesses play in the state's prosperity and quality of life."

In response to the recent flooding in Hutchinson and Reno County, the Chamber has posted disaster assistance information at hutchchamber.com. The disaster assistance information is provided by FEMA, Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Register for assistance over the telephone by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number:

1-800-621-3362
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST Monday through Sunday.

Multilingual operators available.

TTY 1-800-462-7585

Register on-line at www.fema.gov

GETTING DISASTER HELP FROM SBA

Continue your workday at the Chamber’s Business After Hours where you can make contacts with fellow business professionals. This is the perfect chance to build new business relationships and strengthen established relationships at a great venue with good food and atmosphere.

Take part in this networking event at Elm Grove Estates, 2416 Brentwood, on Thursday, June 21, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Elm Grove Estates is located on Brentwood between Lorraine and Severance on 23rd.

The cost is $5.00 per person or use your 2007 Flash Pass. For more information or to register contact Belinda McClanahan at 662-3391 or register online.

The Greater Hutchinson Convention/Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the winner of the 2007 Hospitality Award.  Jim Seitnater, Downtown Development Director for the City of Hutchinson was the recipient named at the recent award luncheon held during National Tourism Week. 

Each year, the person who contributes to the impact of tourism in Hutchinson and Reno County is designated with the award.  This was the 3rd annual award luncheon sponsored by the CVB.  

"Jim is a great partner to the CVB, and he certainly exemplifies what this award is all about" stated LeAnn Cox, Director of the CVB. 

Operation Thank You 2007 was a success, thanks to all of the volunteers! We really appreciate your time and dedication.

What is Operation Thank You? It's an effort by over 50 Chamber members to hand deliver the Membership Directory and to thank ALL Chamber members for their support of the Chamber and community. Interested in being part of the 2008 Operation Thank You team? Contact Holly Schmidt or Tom Dooley.

Get your Business in front of Chamber Members! For only $125, the Chamber will mail your promotional flyer to over 1,300 Chamber members. Save...by planning ahead for 2007, you can save by pre-ordering for future quarterly mailings!

1 Quarter - $125

2 Quarters - $240

($10 savings)

Interested? Payment and materials for the mailing are due Monday, July 9th. For more information contact Holly Schmidt or Belinda McClanahan at 662-3391.