Chamber Chat - 1-31-14

112th Chamber Annual Banquet
Saturday, February 8th, 2014
Down Under, 121 W. Court ~ Beloit, KS
6:00 p.m. ~ Social
7:00 p.m. ~ Dinner
8:00 p.m. ~ Chamber Program
8:15 p.m. ~ Entertainment

Reservations Are Required.

Entertainment Sponsored by:
Agco, Beloit Auto & Truck Plaza, Mi-Tre Construction

KIER
Comedian & Music Impressionist
This hilarious show will offer a roller coaster
of off-balance, up-tempo changes from standup
comedy to Kier's own brand of dead-on-the
money musical impressions. When Kier steps
on the stage so do U2, Sting, Bruce
Springsteen, Elton John, and others. Kier has
appeared on TNN and numerous other TV
programs. This unique show offers something
for everyone. From audience participation
to hilarious comedy.

Exclusively for Chamber members, tickets are on sale and can be purchased for $30 each by calling the Chamber Office at 785-738-2717, returning your invitation or email beloitchamber@nckcn.com.

This is going to be a great evening you won't want to miss! Get your tickets reserved today!
Must have a reservation to attend.

Feature Business of the Month
H&R Block Designated as QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Call for a free consultation to see how H&R Block can free up your time to do the things you love to do and will help your business grow.

"When you are preparing a business return, bookkeeping and payroll are natural extensions of the conversation on how to help the client save money on their taxes," said Robert Davis, franchise co-owner. "So many people leave money on the table because of poor record keeping. They know they have additional expenses, they just don't know what they are. "

"Our business services offerings include tracking monthly expenses for a business, reconciling accounts, writing checks, preparing payroll, and payroll compliance," said Venette Davis, franchise co-owner. "We support businesses doing as much or as little as they need us to. "

H&R Block Beloit is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Call for a free consultation to see how H&R Block can free up your time to do the things you love to do and will help your business grow.

Chamber Coffee!
Join us for the next Chamber Coffee at Ackerman Supply, 3147 US Hwy 24 on February 14th from 9am-10:30am. Kristi is planning on cinnamon rolls, cappuccinos and flavored coffee! You won't want to miss out on this! Come and check out their new coffee area and all the great merchandise! There's something for everyone!

Unemployment Rates
The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) reported the December seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, down from 5.1 percent in November and down from 5.5 percent in December 2012.

Kansas gained 10,100 seasonally adjusted private sector jobs, an increase of 0.9 percent since last December, and 10,000 nonfarm jobs, a 0.7 percent increase. Since last month, Kansas lost 5,500 private sector jobs and 7,400 nonfarm jobs, both decreasing 0.5 percent..
"The state's unemployment rate continued its descent, dropping below 5 percent for the first time since 2008," said Lana Gordon, Secretary of Labor. "For the second consecutive year, Kansas saw over the year growth of more than 10,000 jobs. This is all good news for Kansans."

Not seasonally adjusted figures show Kansas gained 10,100 private sector and 10,000 nonfarm jobs since December 2012, or 0.9 and 0.7 percent respectively. Since last month, Kansas lost 8,400 nonfarm and 6,300 private sector jobs, both had a decrease of 0.6 percent.

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, up from 4.4 percent in November and down from 5.2 percent in December 2012.

Three of the 11 major industries in Kansas reported improvements over the month. Increases were greatest in trade, transportation and utilities, which added 500 jobs. Financial activities gained 400, all in finance and insurance, and mining and logging increased 100.

Seven major industries reported statewide over the month job losses. These were greatest in construction and leisure and hospitality, both down 2,400 jobs, or 4.3 and 2.0 percent respectively, with both showing losses throughout their sector. Government lost 2,100 jobs which were primarily at the state level.

Nine of the 11 major industries in Kansas reported growth over the last 12 months. Gains were greatest in professional and business services, adding 3,900 jobs mostly in professional, scientific and technical services. Financial activities increased 2,800 jobs with the majority of the increase in finance and insurance. Education and health services increased 1,400 jobs spread throughout the sector.

Two major industries reported statewide over the year job losses. These were in trade, transportation and utilities, losing 800 jobs, and government, down 100 jobs.

"Over the year, professional and business services, financial activities, and the education and health services industries accounted for about 81 percent of the 10,000 nonfarm jobs gained. We observed consistently positive over-the-year gains in nonfarm employment in these industries throughout 2013," said Efua Afful, Labor Economist.

There were 19,749 initial claims for unemployment benefits in December 2013, up from 12,914 initial claims in November 2013 and down from 20,353 one year ago. There were 124,370 continued claims in December 2013, up from 89,654 the previous month and down from 163,201 in December 2012. These numbers include all available programs.

The federally funded Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (EUC) expired after the week ending December 28, 2013.

Mitchell County unemployment for December 2013 was 2.4% compared to November 2013 at 2.4% and December 2012 at 2.8%.

National CTE Month at NCK Tech
Celebrate with us!  Career and Technical Education (CTE) has never been stronger in our communities and our nation, and we want to spread the word.  During National CTE Month in February, NCK Tech will celebrate the exceptional CTE programs we have in our community! CTE exists to provide valuable opportunities to students across the nation, connecting each learner with his or her chosen career path and creating a strong, competitive workforce.  CTE is versatile, hands-on, and built around each student's strengths.   CTE is also affordable and offers a great springboard for further education or immediate earning potential.  NCK Tech couldn't be more excited about the incredible opportunities CTE provides - and we invite you to join us for a CTE Month Luncheon Tuesday, February 4th at 12 pm on the Beloit campus of NCK Tech in the Severance Student Union Conference Room.  NCK Tech President, Eric Burks and Beloit High School CTE Coordinator, Jeff Bates, will share details about the CTE program offerings at NCK Tech and Beloit High School and highlight their collaborative efforts.   In addition, we'll provide information on the training opportunities for your business and discuss how we can assist with meeting your training and employment needs. Across the country, CTE is making a powerful difference.  Come see the difference it is making in our community!  Lunch tickets are $7.50; please RSVP to 785-738-9051 or mtucker@ncktc.edu by February 3, 2014.

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
A ribbon cutting for Hopeful Beginnings, 113 E Main St., will take place at 4:00pm on Thursday, February 6th. Plan to stop for the ribbon cutting and stay for the open house! Open house will be from 4pm-5:30pm. Please welcome Lyda to the Chamber!

NCK Tech
We're pleased to announce a new program offering, beginning in the Fall 2014 semester, at NCK Tech. The New Digital Marketing Program prepares students for a career in the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of social and digital media. Upon completion students will be able to efficiently run several digital media platforms, create digital media marketing plans and analyze the success of each plan. Students receive training in marketing, social media applications, web development, privacy and security issues, ethics, and trends. The second year student will gain practical experience in creating and executing social media campaigns. Students have the option of earning a one-year certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree after successfully completing the program of study.

Relay for Life...Tennis Shoe Tuesday!
Join Mitchell Co. & Osborne Co. Relay for Life in the fight against cancer by wearing tennis shoes with purple laces on TENNIS SHOE TUESDAY - February 4th.
$2.00 purple laces available at: Central National Bank (Glen Elder & Beloit), Cunningham Telephone & Cable (Beloit), Tipton Grocery Store and Mitchell County Hospital.
St. John's-Tipton and Beloit Basketball teams will also be wearing purple laces that same day!
All proceeds will go towards American Cancer Society.

Farmway
Helping Our Owners
Succeed Summit

Beloit Municipal Building, Beloit
February 6, 2014 ~ 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by calling (785) 738-2241

Allen Dutcher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2014 Agricultural Weather Outlook: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Allen will discuss the ongoing drought problems that have persisted across the southern Plains for the better part of the last four years, plus look at areas of the country that could see drought development as we progress through 2014. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of recent atmospheric patterns and how they may impact warm season crops. Excessive Artic intrusions have been very common this winter and the early freeze up of soils across the upper Midwest, Allen will discuss how this may translate into a later than normal dormancy break and interfere with subsoil moisture recharge across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. In addition, an examination of global models will be discussed in regards to the likelihood that an El Nino event will develop during the fall of 2014 and how this may impact the ongoing drought area from California eastward through Texas.

Arlan Suderman, Water Street Solutions
Making Sense of the Markets Build your understanding of what affects the markets in today's environment, and why that's changed from just a few seasons ago. Also, begin to understand what future factors may have significant market impact and how best to plan and partner for success in these trying market conditions.

Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, Kansas State University
The Political Economy for 2014 Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh will discuss the outlook for economic and agricultural policy for 2014. This discussion will include information on the Farm Bill and the Debt Ceiling. Dr. Flinchbaugh will discuss these issues with his usual candor and humor.

Join the Farmway team for an educational event that gives you an insight into today's agricultural industry!

Farm Home & Garden Show
Has your business signed up for the 2014 Beloit Farm, Home & Garden Show? You still have time to take advantage of this great opportunity to showcase your business. Applications are available. The show will take place April 4th-5th at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds. If you were not a vendor last year and would like to become one this year, contact the Chamber office at 738-2717 or by email at beloitchamber@nckcn.com and one will be sent to you. We look for this show to grow so send in your applications early. The applications are attached.

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.

• Solomon Valley Transportation


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Calendar of Events
Monday, February 3rd - 7pm - Mitchell County Fair Board - Guaranty State Bank
Tuesday, February 4th - Noon - CTE Luncheon - NCK Tech
Thursday, February 6th - Noon - Mitchell County Conv & Tourism - Courthouse
Thursday, February 6th - 4:00pm - Ribbon Cutting - Hopeful Beginnings
Thursday, February 6th - 4pm-5:30pm - Grand Opening - Hopeful Beginnings
Saturday, February 8th - 6pm - Chamber Annual Banquet - Down Under
Monday, February 10th - 7pm - Mitchell Country Historical Society - Legion Annex
Tuesday, February 11th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Tuesday, February 11th - 7pm - Cassiopeia
Wednesday, February 12th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, February 13th - Noon - Chamber Board
Friday, February 14th - 9am-10:30am - Chamber Coffee - Ackerman Supply
Tuesday, February 18th -Wednesday, February 19th - Chamber Office Closed for Leadership Mitchell County
Tuesday, February 18th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, February 19th - 9:30am - Ministerial Alliance
Wednesday, February 19th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech
Thursday, February 20th - 12:30pm - SVED Board Meeting - NCRP
Tuesday, February 25th - Noon - Rotary - Porter House
Wednesday, February 26th - Noon - Lions Club - NCK Tech