Good luck to the Beloit Trojans and the St. John's/Tipton Blujays on Saturday as they both try to advance to the next round of football playoffs.
Feature Business of the Month
In 1976, through a partnership with Mitchell County ARC, OCCK began providing services in Mitchell, Jewell and Lincoln counties. At that time we were called MJL industries, but the name was changed later to OCCK Beloit Regional Office. OCCK still continues to be an important community partner providing resources and services to the community.
We provide wonderful employment opportunities for people who have a desire to help people with disabilities work and live independently in the community. The Beloit Region employs over 40 people.
OCCK is a valuable workforce for our local business. Not only can we provide a labor pool inside your business but do many subcontracts inside our building. Sunflower Manufacturing, a division of AGCO, has been a partner with OCCK Beloit Region for the past 18 years providing work opportunities. Currently we have a work crew in their plant, and also work on producing Sunflower parts at our work center.
Another service is the operation of the Mitchell County Recycling center which the Beloit region took over in 2001. Monday through Friday a crew of five to six people work at the center from 10:30 to 12:00. The center is also open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 to 12. We work with Sunflower and the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems to recycle all their cardboard. Last year 234,341 lbs of items were recycled, instead of being placed in our landfill. Not only is the recycling center a great asset to the community, it is a wonderful place to develop good work skills.
OCCK continues to focus on individual community placements. We have people who are employed today by local business such as Hilltop, Carrico's, All Things Exterior, and Sunflower.
The Beloit Regional Office has a Computer Lab which is also open to the public. Our assistive technologist can help connect people to the tools they need to live independently. Looking for a piece of equipment, but not sure you want to purchase it? OCCK has its own equipment library where you can try it out. OCCK also participates in the KEE program, which provides recycled durable medical equipment to others. Needing a specialized phone such as Braille phone, amplified phone, text phone? OCCK is a site for the Kansas TAP program, which helps people with disabilities receive phones at no cost if they are eligible.
OCCK provides many living options in the community depending on an individual's needs. People can have staff with them the majority of the day or may only need a staff to stop by one time a day or even once a week depending on their needs.
We have many people who are actively involved in the community doing volunteer work. Some volunteer for their churches, work as a pink lady at the hospital, and help individuals with activities at a local nursing home.
The Beloit region has taken the lead in the local transition council. The council provides education for students, parents, and their support groups, about resources to help with the transition from school to higher education or a career.
We have an agreement with the school district where students have the opportunity to learn work skills at our facility.
We are also starting a new service called Chore Free; an affordable household and personal chore service designed to help people maintain their home and preferred lifestyle.
Welcome New Members!
The Chamber would like to welcome Hope for Healing as the newest member of the Chamber. The Chamber will host a ribbon cutting for Hope for Healing, 710 E South, on Friday, November 15th at 11am. Katrina Jones, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Dorothy Katsiyiannis, Licensed Professional Counselor, provide compassionate, effective and confidential counseling services in a non-judgmental, comfortable environment.
The therapists at Hope for Healing offer help for issues such as:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Marital/Couple Distress
• Parenting Issues & Family Struggles
• Divorce, Separation, Blended Family Struggles
• School Problems (Behavior, Motivation, & Social Skills)
• Grief & Loss
• Anger/Conflict Management
• PTSD/Trauma
• Assertiveness & Self-Esteem
• Spirituality
• Life Transitions
We pledge to take a collaborative treatment approach with you and your family to ensure that you meet your treatment goals. We realize the importance of providing confidential services and ensuring that your private information is secure.
The Chamber would like to welcome Triplex Apartments, Doc Carrico, as a new member of the Chamber. Welcome Doc!
Chamber Office closed
The Chamber office will be closed Monday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.
Veterans Day Parade
The Veteran's Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, November 11th at 11am. For more information on being in the parade, contact Gary Pohlman at 785-738-7188.
Ribbon Cutting
Please mark your calendars to attend a Ribbon Cutting at Hope for Healing, 710 E South, on Friday, November 15th at 11am. Katrina and Dorothy will discuss the services they offer and give a tour of their business.
Gray Drug
During the week of Nov 11th - 15th, Gray Drug & Fountain will be celebrating the United States Marine Corps 238th birthday (Nov 10th) as well as Veteran's Day (Nov 11th) with some delicious cupcakes and cookies! Inside, there will be a display featuring Marine Corps Sergeant Bob Petterson, veteran of the Korean War. Come check out his story and see the display that will feature pictures from the war, a spectacular map of the battle zone as well as his ribbons, awards and more.
We also have the World War 1 display that is up for viewing now through the week of November 11th.
Chamber Coffee!
Members have the opportunity to host a Chamber Coffee, held the first Friday of the month from 9am-10:30am. Reserve your spot on our coffee schedule by calling the office at 738-2717. Chamber coffees are a great opportunity for you to exclusively showcase your business.
Mark your calendars to attend the next Chamber Coffee for
Friday, December 6th at H & R Block.
Chamber Office Closed
The Chamber office will be closed Wednesday, November 13th so I may attend Leadership Mitchell County.
NCK Tech Fall Showcase
NCK Tech hosted the Fall Showcase Event Thursday, November 7th, on campus and had 238 students and 180 guests in Beloit. The Showcase provides the opportunity for prospective high school students and their parents to preview the numerous program offerings at NCK Tech and to participate in hands-on activities with program instructors and current students. In addition, Admissions and Financial Aid counselors were available to answer questions on admission and financial aid requirements. A similar event will be held on the Hays campus on November 14th.
~2014 PHONE DIRECTORY PHOTO CONTEST~
A picture is worth a thousand words....
We are in search of our next Phone Directory cover photo!! Please send us your photos that depict North Central Kansas related scenes, people, places, events, etc. or photos that have been taken in the Cunningham service areas. The photograph needs to be taken in portrait landscape so it will fit proportionally on our cover.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A PHOTO IS NOVEMBER 15, 2013. Submit photos to: megandctc@nckcn.com
THE WINNER OF THE CONTEST WILL RECEIVE $50 AND NAME RECOGNITION ON FRONT OF THE DIRECTORY WITH WINNING PHOTO.
*Must be a Cunningham Telephone and Cable customer. Entries must be color digital images. Black and white images are not eligible.
NCK Tech Alumni Appreciation Luncheon
Whether you graduated from North Central Area Vocational-Technical School, North Central Technical College or NCK Tech, you are a valued alumni and you are invited to join us for lunch at either NCK Tech campus.
Thursday, December 5th (Beloit Campus) at 11:45 am, Severance Student Union Conference Room
Tuesday, December 17th (Hays Campus) at 11:45 am, Dreiling Administration Building
There is no fee to attend the lunch, but registration is required and must be received by November 22, 2013.
Please visit our website: www.ncktc.edu/events/alumni_luncheon.htm to complete the online registration form.
Need further information? Contact Mari Tucker mtucker@ncktc.edu or 785-738-9051.
Chamber Checks
A great way to keep your dollars local is with Chamber Checks! Spendable at over 100 Chamber businesses, Chamber Checks make wonderful gifts and employee incentives. These gift certificates are easy to use, just like checks. Businesses, if you receive Chamber Checks you deposit them with your daily deposits just like a normal check. Chamber Checks are spent exclusively with Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce merchants adding to the local economy.
Have Any Exciting News to Share?
The Chamber wants to help spread the word about your business. "Noteworthy News" is your opportunity to do just that. It's a great way to inform other Chamber members about anything that's new within your organization. Fill us in on what's happening from staff changes to a new product or service. Send it to beloitchamber@nckcn.com by Thursday afternoons and I will include it in Chamber Chat!
Thank You for renewing your Membership
The following businesses have reinvested in the community through the Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Dunstan Trucking
• Geisler Roofing
• Simpson Farm Enterprises
Stay up to date!
Like us on Facebook! Search for Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce or click the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Beloit-Area-Chamber-of-Commerce/314284190327?fref=ts
Follow us on Twitter: @BeloitChamber
Follow our blog on Wordpress..search for Beloitchamber
Calendar of Events
Monday, November 11th - Chamber Office Closed
Monday, November 11th - 11am - Veteran's Day Parade
Monday, November 11th - 7pm - Mitchell County Historical Society - Legion Annex
Tuesday, November 12th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Tuesday, November 12th - 7pm - Cassiopeia
Wednesday, November 13th - Leadership Mitchell County - Ag Day
Wednesday, November 13th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, November 14th - Noon - Chamber Board Meeting
Friday, November 15th - 11am - Ribbon Cutting at Hope for Healing
Tuesday, November 19th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, November 20th - 9:30am - Ministerial Alliance
Wednesday, November 20th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, November 21st - 12:30pm -SVED Board Annual Meeting - NCRP
Tuesday, November 26th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, November 27th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday & Friday, November 28th & 29th - Chamber Office Closed
Monday, December 2nd - 7pm - Mitchell County Fair Board - Guaranty State Bank
Tuesday, December 3rd - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, December 4th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, December 5th - Noon - Mitchell County Tourism & Convention - Courthouse
Friday, December 6th - 9am-10:30am - Chamber Coffee - H & R Block
Monday, December 9th - 7pm - Mitchell County Historical Society - Legion Annex
Tuesday, December 10th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Tuesday, December 10th - 7pm - Cassiopeia
Wednesday, December 11th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, December 12th - 11am-6pm - Blood Drive - NCK Wellness Gym
Thursday, December 12th - Noon - Chamber Board Meeting - Location TBA
Tuesday, December 17th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, December 18th - 9:30am - Ministerial Alliance
Wednesday, December 18th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, December 19th - 12:30pm - SVED Board Meeting - NCRP
At any time, please feel free to stop by the Chamber office at 123 N Mill St. or call me at 738-2717.
www.beloitchamber.com