Among the best-known names on the Law- rence restaurant scene are Pachamamas, Genovese, Local Burger, Marisco’s, Paisano’s Ristorante, 23rd Street Brewery, The Bird Dog, Johnny’s Tavern, Set’em Up Jack’s, TEN / The Jayhawker, Zig & Macs, Biggs BBQ, Buffalo Bob’s Smokehouse, A Slice of History, Wheat State Pizza, Global Café, Bambino’s at the Grove, La Parilla, Five 21 and Zen Zero. Why mention these names? They represent local and independent restaurateurs who call themselves The Lawrence Originals. By com- bining resources, they are able to improve their restaurants in an effort to preserve and promote the culture of cuisine and the unique dining experiences in Lawrence. Many of these restaurants have won various local and regional awards and some have earned na- tional acclaim as well. With menus ranging from burgers and pizzas to pasta and BBQ, from casual to upscale, with some offering lo- cal organic dishes fresh from the farm. The group has grown to 21 members since it was organized in February 2008 by Doug Holiday, founder of the Lawrence Originals and owner of Biggs BBQ. “The main reason for creating The Lawrence Originals is to keep Lawrence unique. We don’t want it to be any–town USA,” Holiday said. “It is also important for us to have a uni- fied voice and help consumers realize why it’s important to support locally-owned and inde- pendent restaurants.” “It’s really a good organization. We share ideas about how we can help each other,” added General Manger of Marisco’s Fee Monshiza- deh. “We also contribute seven percent of our sales to local charities through the GiveBack Program.” The Lawrence Originals restaurant owners hire, buy and spend within the community. There is no doubt that by dining at these plac- es you help the local economy. In 2009, the City of Lawrence estimated that local residents spent up to 30 percent of their income outside of Lawrence. The City’s Economic Development Coordina- tor/Planner Roger Zalneraitis Jr. said that shift- ing 10 percent of the sales that local residents make outside of town back into Lawrence Continued on page 4 Local Restaurants Unite to Preserve Unique and Diverse Flavors of Lawrence by Natasha Buller June 2010
Transcript
Among the best-known names on the Law-rence restaurant scene are Pachamamas, Genovese, Local Burger, Marisco’s, Paisano’s Ristorante, 23rd Street Brewery, The Bird Dog, Johnny’s Tavern, Set’em Up Jack’s, TEN / The Jayhawker, Zig & Macs, Biggs BBQ, Buffalo Bob’s Smokehouse, A Slice of History, Wheat State Pizza, Global Café, Bambino’s at the Grove, La Parilla, Five 21 and Zen Zero.
Why mention these names? They represent local and independent restaurateurs who call themselves The Lawrence Originals. By com-bining resources, they are able to improve their restaurants in an effort to preserve and promote the culture of cuisine and the unique dining experiences in Lawrence. Many of these restaurants have won various local and regional awards and some have earned na-tional acclaim as well. With menus ranging from burgers and pizzas to pasta and BBQ, from casual to upscale, with some offering lo-cal organic dishes fresh from the farm.
The group has grown to 21 members since it was organized in February 2008 by Doug Holiday, founder of the Lawrence Originals and owner of Biggs BBQ.
“The main reason for creating The Lawrence Originals is to keep Lawrence unique. We don’t want it to be any–town USA,” Holiday said. “It is also important for us to have a uni-fied voice and help consumers realize why it’s important to support locally-owned and inde-pendent restaurants.”
“It’s really a good organization. We share ideas about how we can help each other,” added General Manger of Marisco’s Fee Monshiza-deh. “We also contribute seven percent of our sales to local charities through the GiveBack Program.”
The Lawrence Originals restaurant owners hire, buy and spend within the community. There is no doubt that by dining at these plac-es you help the local economy.
In 2009, the City of Lawrence estimated that local residents spent up to 30 percent of their income outside of Lawrence.
The City’s Economic Development Coordina-tor/Planner Roger Zalneraitis Jr. said that shift-ing 10 percent of the sales that local residents make outside of town back into Lawrence
Continued on page 4
Local Restaurants Unite to Preserve Unique and Diverse Flavors of Lawrenceby Natasha Buller
June2010
2
T H E P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
Today it is all about ROI
In today’s world, everything, including your Chamber membership, is all about return on investment (ROI). Companies and individuals are more focused today on how they utilize their resources and want to make sure they are maximizing the effectiveness of their re-sources.
When I look at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce membership investment, I immediately see two things: first is choice through our tiered-dues structure and sec-ond is the variety of programs and services available.
We changed our dues structure in 2008 from an em-ployee-number based system to a tiered-dues system, providing flexibility in the level of membership benefits you desire. You can join at the minimum investment level of $350 and enjoy the benefits of basic member-ship. As you work your way through the dues structure, your benefits and access to programs and services in-crease. Our dues structure today truly reflects the con-cept of “Menu Pricing.”
I often hear members and potential members ask: “What do I get from membership in the Lawrence Chamber?” I would suggest the return on your investment is sub-stantial and the more you engage with the Chamber, the greater the return on your membership.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Business Retention – We meet regularly with Lawrence-based businesses to see how they are doing and to find out what we might be able to do to assist them. I al-ways ask the question: “What limits you from growing your business in Lawrence?” Sometimes, the obstacles to growth are issues beyond our control, while other times, they are issues where we can directly help. In 2009, we made 307 business retention calls, and so far in 2010, we have completed over 80 calls. We use that information to represent the interests of the business community in our discussions with the City. Over 80 percent of new job growth comes from existing busi-nesses, so it is critical that we meet with Lawrence busi-nesses to see what we can do to assist them.
Business Attraction Services - Through April, we have received 14 inquiries and worked with seven prospects interested in locating operations here in Lawrence. Several of these prospects look very promising, and hopefully we will see a new relocation in the next few months. We also continue to work closely with KCADC on marketing our region to the animal science and bio-science communities.
Marketing & Promotion – We are very busy marketing and promoting the new Bioscience Incubator and the Expansion Facility. The Incubator will open in June and we already have one signed tenant and two other solid prospects. The Expansion Facility has its first tenant (Crititech), which is now expanding into additional lab space. We are also working with Topeka and Manhat-tan on the development of an I-70 regional Economic Development Partnership.
Tom Kern President&
CEO
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Business Advocacy – We represent the interests of the Lawrence business community by attending every City and County Commission meeting, often offering input on issues that are important to the business community. We also attend all the Planning Commission meetings and sit in on a number of City and County commit-tees that affect business in Lawrence, including Sustain-ability Task Force, Airport advisory Committee, PERC Committee and more. Being involved at this level al-lows us to provide input early on in the process.
Developer’s Task Force – This group meets monthly and has been instrumental in making revisions to the City’s development code to make it more “business friendly.” We often hear that Lawrence is a difficult community in which to do business because of its high level of lo-cal regulation. This committee is working with the City both to improve our business environment and to en-sure new and existing businesses don’t have that per-ception.
Eggs & Issues/Legislative Series – These programs al-low you, our members, the opportunity to meet with our state and federal officials and let them know your opinions on critical issues that affect business. These programs were especially effective this year as the legis-lature debated the state budget crisis.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Lawrence (LL) – Each year this program provides some 35 individuals the opportunity to im-merse themselves in the issues and programs that af-fect this community. They are also exposed to the latest in leadership trends and techniques through our new curriculum from the Kansas Leadership Center. There are more than 500 LL graduates in our community and over 76 percent actively volunteer for a variety of local non-profit and governmental organizations.
PIECE Program – This program, for ninth graders, uses the concept of the LL curriculum and applies it to a group of young people. Understanding the issues that affect a community at an early age is a critical compo-nent in becoming engaged, effective citizens as adults. In addition, the leadership training gives them the tools to make wise choices as they move into adulthood. As the ninth graders move to the senior high, this will transition into a summer program cosponsored by the Chamber, the Boys & Girls Club and USD 497.
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
Continued on next page
2010
785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
3
NE WS & E VENTSJune
Business After Hours Mixer at Pioneer Ridge Retirement CommunityPioneer Ridge Retirement Community will host the Cham-ber’s Business After Hours Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23. This will be a great time to network with local business leaders and explore the various programs the Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community offers.
Programs such as the Assisted Living, Healthcare, and the new Rapid Recovery therapy are now available at the state-of-the-art inpatient facility. The beautifully furnished rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet connec-tion, mini refrigerators and sitting areas designed to provide rehab services.
Join us for great food, beverages and a chance to learn about the newest rehab setting in town! Pioneer Ridge is located at 4851 Harvard Road in west Law-rence. For more information about Pioneer Ridge, go to www.pioneer-ridge.com.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
In today’s world, it is difficult to accomplish any-thing alone, so the Chamber spends a great deal of time collaborating with other community organiza-tions to make Lawrence a better place in which to do business and to live. A few of those partnerships include:
Regional Economic Development Marketing Part-nership – This project is presently under study and will encompass the development of a regional mar-keting program for the I-70 Corridor between Man-hattan and Lawrence. Within that corridor is over $1 billion in federal/private research into the areas of animal health, food safety, cancer research, drug discovery, biosciences and bioengineering. Potential copartners in this effort include the University of Kansas, Kansas State and Washburn; the Cities of Lawrence, Manhattan and Topeka; the Counties of Douglas, Shawnee and Riley and the Chambers in Lawrence, Manhattan and Topeka.
Community Forum of Job Growth – A community- based input session on what limits our ability to grow jobs in Lawrence/Douglas – cosponsored by the City/County/Chamber/LJW/League of Women Voters.
Kansas Relays/Spring Football Game Promotion – An effort to better market these events and draw more people downtown after the events – cosponsored by the City/Chamber/CVB/DLI and KU Athletics.
LocalLawrence.net – This project is presently under study and will provide a website presence for all our buy-local initiatives – potential cosponsors in-clude the Chamber, Lawrence Originals, Give Back Program, Local Foods Group, The Kern Group and others.
Information Packet for Incoming 2010 KU Fresh-man – We are developing a 48-page information guide for incoming freshmen at KU that provides an overview of Lawrence and a listing of all Cham-ber members and their respective business catego-ries – cosponsored by the Chamber, KU Admissions and Copy Co.
MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
We provide a host of programs and services for members that cover a variety of subjects that range from providing educational seminars on issues that affect small businesses to advertising opportunities for members through our newsletters and mailings. Our events, mixers and guest speaker luncheons also provide members with the opportunity to net-work with representatives from their fellow Cham-ber member businesses.
Overall, when you look at what the Chamber is do-ing, I believe you will agree that your ROI is pretty high. Our plans are to continue to be the communi-ty source for business and to increase the ROI from your Chamber dues each year.
As always, I welcome your comments on how we can better serve you.
Today it is all about ROI Continued from page 2
Young Professionals’ 6th Annual Putt Putt Pub Crawl to Take Place June 4Young professionals, putt putt and pub crawl—three things that seem to go oh-so well together! This Friday, June 4 marks the 6th annual Chamber Young Professionals Net-work (CYPN) Putt Putt Pub Crawl.
Every year, the Putt Putt Pub Crawl brings out CYPN mem-bers and other Chamber members of all ages in full force, as the fun and networking opportunities of this event are uniquely attractive.
The Putt Putt Pub Crawl starts at 5:30 p.m. and kicks off at Fatso’s, located at 1016 Massachusetts Street. Teams of four move on in shot-gun style, rotating through five other down-town establishments to test their putting skills, including The Sandbar, The Barrel House, The Eldridge, The Granada and ending at Johnny’s Tavern for pizza and prizes.
Registration is $15 per person, click here to register online. Sign up your team, or sign up as an individual to be placed on a team. So get out your argyles, knickers and visor and join the CYPN for this year’s Putt Putt Pub Crawl—it prom-ises to be a puttingly good time!
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
4
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
For online reservations, visit www.lawrencechamber.com
06/03 Ribbon Cutting: Abram Brown Financial Consultants, LLC 4:30 p.m., Chamber Office, 734 Vermont St.
06/04 Chamber Young Professionals Network Putt Putt Pub Crawl 5:30 p.m., Fatso’s, 1016 Massachusetts St.
06/15 Ribbon Cutting: Lawrence Real Estate Connections 11:30 a.m., 5040 Bob Billings Pkwy., Ste. A
06/18 Ribbon Cutting: Neuvant House 4:30 p.m., 1216 Biltmore Dr.
06/18 “And What Remains: What defines a father is what he leaves behind,” Homecoming Screening & DVD Release by Resonate Pictures and Lawrence filmmaker Marc Havener The Oread, 1200 Oread Ave., Event is Free of Charge, RSVP to [email protected]
06/19 Van Go’s 7th Annual What Floats Your Boat 6-11 p.m., Clinton Lake Marina, for more information, go to www.van-go.org
06/22 Ribbon Cutting: Kansas Sampler 4:30 p.m., 921 Massachusetts St.
06/23 Business After Hours Mixer Hosted by Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community 5- 7 p.m., 4851 Harvard Road
NE WS & E VENTS
would result in about $16 million in new sales, 155 new jobs and $2.5 million in new wages.
“If you live in Lawrence, it only makes sense to spend your money here,” said Constance Wolfe, co-founder of The Lawrence Originals. “Let’s take care of ourselves here!”
The Lawrence Originals promotes themselves through Lawrence Dining Card, GiveBack Card and community events. Their next big event will be the Independence Day celebration to take place on the 4th of July at Watson Park. They will be selling food and drinks and will provide live bands from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
“It’s a great event, and I encourage everyone to come and have a great time,” Holiday said.
If you are interested in becoming a part of The Lawrence Originals, contact Constance Wolfe at 785-979-8291 or go to their website at www.lawrenceoriginals.com.
Workshop Sponsors: Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, Health Care Access, Douglas County Community Foundation and Leadership Lawrence
Community Workshop – Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities
June 25th at the Community Health Facility 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Help our community build sustainable success! If you are looking to counter poverty in Lawrence and Douglas County and have an impact on people and business, explore the innovative concepts and training found in the Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professional and Communities workshop. This workshop will help you:
• Redesign programs to better serve people in poverty Seating limited, to RSVP e-mail Colleen Hill • Upgrade training for staff at [email protected] by June 15, 2010 • Increase the likelihood of moving from welfare to work
Coach Turner Gill addresses Chamber members at Guest Speaker Luncheon on Tuesday, May 25. More than 100 members came to welcome new Coach to Lawrence.
Lawrence Originals Continued from p. 1
785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
5
2010
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTJune
GOLF TOURNAMENT
FIRST place: Mark Andersen of Barber Emerson, L.C., Kent Beisner of Kansas Chamber of Com-merce, Brad Burnside and Todd York both of U.S. Bank.
SECOND place: Ron Covert, John Flood, Chris Mer-rill and Scott Swedlund, all of Great Plains Media.
The Putting Contest winner––Todd York, the Closest to Pin winner––Kyle Taylor of Golf USA, the Longest Putt winner––Brad Burnside, the Longest Drive Men winner––Kent Beisner, and the Longest Drive Women winner––Deb Renick of Treanor Architects.
2010
Congratulations Winners of the 2010 START HERE Golf Tournament!
Lawrence Kansas Chamber of Commerce • 734 Vermont, Ste. 101 • Lawrence, KS 66044
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RIBBON CUT TINGS
Curves ~ 601 Kasold, Ste. B 102 ~ April 27 Culver’s ~ 2111 W. 33rd St. ~ May 1
Kurt J. Goeser Insurance Agency ~ 1811 Wakarusa, Ste. 100 ~ May 4
Dayton Security ~ May 6
Lawrence SignUp ~ 1717 W. 6th Street ~ May 11 Scrapper’s Paradise ~ 2104 W. 25th St, Ste. C ~ May 13
785.865.4411 • lawrencechamber.com
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2010
MEMBERSHIPJune
As you make strides to grow your busi-ness, you probably realize that growth can only come from three places: you can reach out to new customers;
you can grow the business that you do with your current, existing customers by making them more frequent visitors; or you can re-activate previous customers.
Many times, it seems as though existing businesses want to focus on the growth that comes from reaching out to new customers. It’s tempting to focus your strategies in that area. But make sure you don’t neglect your existing custom-ers and/or the people who used to do business with you who might be looking for a reason to come back. Remember that when you surpass expectations, your dedicated cur-rent customers become advocates for your business. What kind of a dialog do you have with your cur-rent customers? What kind of feed-back are you soliciting from them? What avenues do you have to com-municate directly with them to let them know about new products, special offers, and other things that might interest them?
THE LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • PH (785) 865-4411 • WWW.LAWRENCECHAMBER.COM
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair of the Board Matt Hoy, Stevens & BrandPast Chair Bonnie Lowe, United States Attorney’s OfficeIncoming Chair Cindy Yulich, Emprise BankTreasurer Doug Gaumer, INTRUST Bank
Steve Brown, Berry PlasticsBrad Burnside, U.S Bank Co-Vice Chair of Economic DevelopmentTerry Campbell, Barber Emerson Co-Vice Chair of Communications/ OperationsSheryle D’Amico, Lawrence Memorial HospitalDr. Rick Doll, USD 497 SuperintendentShannon Frost, Hallmark Cards, Inc.Bill Fuerst, KU School of Business Co-Vice Chair of Economic DevelopmentGeorge Grieb, Lynn Electric, Inc. & CommunicationsRodger Henry, Lawrence Medical PlazaTim Herndon, Landplan EngineeringFrank Male, Lawrence LandscapeMike McGrew, McGrew Real EstateJeffrey Morrison, Prairie Asset Management Group
BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Paley, Paley Properties/Caspian Group Delbert Phlipot, Amarr Garage DoorSaralyn Reece Hardy, Spencer Museum of ArtTrudy Rice, Rice EnterprisesLinda Robinson, KU Center for Research on LearningJohn Ross, Laser Logic, Inc. Co-Vice Chair of Communications/ OperationsSteve Schwada, Meadowbrook Apt.Todd Thompson, Thompson, Ramsdell, & Qualseth, P.A.Allison Vance Moore, Grubb & Ellis|The Winbury Group Vice Chair of Membership ServicesDebra Vignatelli Konzem, AT&T Vice Chair of Government and Community AffairsDr. Linda Sue Warner, Haskell Indian Nations University PresidentKeith Yehle, KU Chancellor’s Office
