Chamber Chat - 10-5-12

Bridal Fair!
The Bridal Fair will take place this Sunday, October 7th from 1pm-4pm with a fashion show at 3pm. Come and stroll through the vendors and then watch the show for all of the newest in bridal gowns, tuxes and bridesmaid dresses. The event will take place at the Municipal Building. Admission will be $5. Thank you to Colleen at the City for all of her hard work in helping us get ready for this event.

Welcome New Chamber Members!
The Chamber would like to welcome Prather Law Office, 106 E Main, 785-534-1370, as a new Chamber Member. Kay Prather is opening the Prather Law Office in Beloit Kansas as a general legal practice. Kay is licensed in Kansas and Nebraska. She has more than 17 years experience as an Attorney. She received her J.D. from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa; and her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she majored in Agricultural Honors and Agricultural Journalism. She moved to North Central Kansas in 2011 after her marriage to Carl Prather, a 4th generation area farmer. Kay had been managing attorney for the Grand Island Office of Legal Aid of Nebraska for more than 9 years, a Staff attorney for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and a prosecutor, prior to her marriage. She has experience in a variety of legal areas. During the past year, she worked in Mankato, Kansas, at the Weltmer Phillips Law Office. Kay is now opening her office in Beloit. Together, Carl and Kay have three children in school in Beloit, and six adult daughters and twelve grandchildren.

Bobby Lee's Pellet Grilles and Accessories
The Chamber would also like to welcome Bobby Lee's Pellet Grilles and Accessories. Bobby Lee's is owned and operated by Allen Kee. They will open the door for business this Friday, October 5th. A grand opening will be announced at a later date, however, take this opportunity to check out the nice selection of grills, pellets and accessories. More products will be brought in as time allows. For now, get your holiday shopping started early. Hey, smoked turkey sounds great for Thanksgiving! Bobby Lee's is located next to American Family Insurance across from the court house. See you there!

Ribbon Cutting
A Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening will be held on Monday, October 8th at 10:45am for Wall to Wall Carpet & Interior, 1201 E 8th. Stay for lunch from 11am-1pm to check out the new place! Please plan to attend and welcome Jason & Kelly Schmitt.

Economic Development Director Hired
Heather D. Hartman has accepted the position of Community Development Director. She will work under the supervision of an advisory committee made up of a Mitchell County Commissioner, the City Administrator of Beloit and President of Solomon Valley Economic Development, Inc. Heather will contribute to the overall mission of the County by facilitating, promoting and ensuring economic development in order to secure opportunities for economic growth, business development, and increase in employment and population county wide.
Heather will serve as the primary area wide resource for development issues including housing, retail base retention and expansion, industrial development, tourism, and economic development programs and projects.
A native of Beloit, Heather has owned her own local business for the past 10 years. As a graduate of Kansas State University, she previously held Sales and Management Positions for several large companies.
Commenting on her new role Heather stated that she believes that the Community Development Director plays a vital role in the growth and development of Beloit and Mitchell County. She feels her background in Sales and Marketing gives her a new approach in the recruitment and retention of businesses.
Regarding the area Heather states, "From the first day I moved back to my hometown of Beloit, I realized that I wanted to do my part to make my community the best in North Central Kansas. I have always been proud of where I came from and I am very vocal about the benefits and privileges of small town living."
In addressing Heather's willingness to serve as the new Community Development Director, Curt Frasier, President of Solomon Valley Development, Inc. states, "We are extremely excited to have Heather as a part of our community team. She is already a great ambassador of our area and her knowledge of our communities will allow her to hit the road running in furthering projects and opportunities of the region. We look forward to her leadership."

Beloit Holiday Fair Vendor Packets
The Beloit Holiday Fair will be compiling vendor packets on October 15th. Businesses wishing to include promotional materials or coupons in the Beloit Holiday Fair vendor packets should contact Katie Cheney at 534-1290 or kjcheney@nckcn.com and Katie will pick up the items. Approximately 70 packets will be prepared. Ideas include: pens, notepads, discount coupons, business cards, etc.

Thank you!
The Chamber would like to thank Michele Heidrick and Glada Cooper for decorating for fall. The decorations are beautiful and add that special touch to welcome everyone to the community. Also thank you to Beth Johnson, Bea Sahlfied, Pat Heidrick, Kelley McPeak for helping. Thanks for the donations of pumpkins from Hoffer Farms, hay bales from Dave Chase, gourds from Margaret Moore, Rod Cooper, Eli Johnson and Max Heidrick. Others came from Creighton Johnson & Beloit Greenhouse.

Membership Marketing Opportunities
Want a new way to market your business to the Chamber membership? Here is one way you can do that!
• feature business of the month Investment $50
As Feature Business of the Month, you will receive a place in the Chamber Office to display your information, products and promotional merchandise. An article will be published on our website, facebook page and emailed to the Chamber members.
Please call the Chamber office at 738-2717 or email beloitchamber@nckcn.com if you are interested or would like more information!


Good luck to the St. John's/Tipton Blue Jays Football as they take on Palco at home at 7pm. The Beloit Trojans Football will travel to Southeast of Saline tonight. Good luck to both schools.


At any time, please feel free to stop by the Chamber office at 123 N Mill St. or call me at 738-2717.