Businesses
City looking for a slogan
Eudora News and Information – www.eudorareporter.com
For the last year, the City of Eudora and the Eudora Chamber of Commerce have been attempting to get a marketing and branding campaign together to help spur business and tourism to the city. The efforts began back in 2011 with the city approval of funds for a marketing firm to help initiate this campaign. The city was setback in their efforts when Frye Allen Inc., the firm that was chosen originally, went out of business unexpectedly. Now the city has obtained a new marketing firm, New Boston Creative Group from Manahattan, KS to lead this project.
New Boston Creative Group, The city and The Chamber of Commerce are now wanting to hear from both businesses and the public. A public meeting will be held at 6:00 PM Tuesday evening at Eudora City Hall where citizens can offer their thoughts and opinions about Eudora. The group is also holding some private focus group interviews with Chamber of Commerce members in conjunction with the public event Tuesday evening.
“We want to know what citizens think of when they hear Eudora,” Economic Development Director Collin Bielser said. “We want to gauge their feelings about the city and help identify what they see as important factors in helping to promote our city.”
Bielser said that this process will help create a logo, tagline, and solidify the identify of our community. The brand will be used to market the community throughout the region. The campaign is expected to be unveiled in late July.
For those that wish to attend the event on Tuesday, an RSVP is requested so that the Chamber and city staff can make sure to have enough food materials available for all attendees. Food and drinks will also be provided to attendees.
You can RSVP to:
Collin Bielser at Eudora City Hall. The phone number is 785-542-4111. You can also email Collin at cbielser@cityofeudora.com. RSVP’s are requested as soon as possible.
Three local businesses close in the last 30 days
Eudora News and Information – www.eudorareporter.com
One thing holds true with all cities: Businesses open and businesses close. In the last month, three businesses in the City of Eudora have or are about to shut their doors for the final time.
Past and Present Treasures at 729 Main Street downtown closed up a few weeks ago. Kim and Jerry Hunter are moving their shop to 207 W. Dennis Ave. in Olathe. The Hunters will be located at an established business, A Place in Time Antiques and Flea Market.
“We enjoyed meeting and getting to know the wonderful people that have are not only been our customers but turned out to become friends that reside in Eudora and surrounding communities,” Kim Hunter said. “I would like to thank our customers for their support and that we will miss seeing them on a regular basis. Without them, we would not have been as successful as we were this last year we were in Eudora. ”
The Hunters expect to have their section of the store in Olathe fully ready to go by May 1.
Also closing up shop is The Filling Station which was located just up and across from past and Present Treasures on Main Street next door to Cami’s Cake Company.
Anita Mitts, owner of the story recently posted the following on her shop’s Facebook Page:
“Due to changes in our personal and professional lives our family business will end. We have truly enjoyed sharing in the joy and happiness of this community and wish you all the best.”
The last day of operation for the The Filing Station was April 7th.
The third business to close down is Java to Go located in the C & S Market parking lot at 14th and Church Street. Co-Owner Erica Ganson told us the decision to close was based upon income.
“I got a job offer the gives me more income and a little more stability,” Ganson said. “I couldn’t pass it up.”
Ganson added that the clientele for the drive through coffee shop was building steadily, but that the income was just not substantial enough to continue operations.
Java to Go will shut the drive through coffee shop at close of business on Friday morning at 9:30.
Editor’s Note: As a side note, we have received word from the owners of Rebel Roxie Rose that several people have reported to them they thought Rebel Roxie Rose closed up. Sandy Clark, one of the owners, wanted us to assure readers that they are in fact open and should not be confused with The Filling Station. Rebel Roxie Rose is located at 101 W. 10th Street in the location previously occupied by Byrne’s Pharmacy. Rebel Roxie Rose is one of the many fine sponsors of Eudorareporter.com.
2012 Eudora Citizen and Business of the Year
Scott Keltner pcitured with the wind turbine at EHS that he spearheaded (photo courtesy Eudoraschools.org)
Eudora High School Math Teacher and leader of the project to bring a wind turbine to Eudora High School was named Eudora Citizen of the Year at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet Friday evening.
Keltner was responsible for bringing this project to life and spent numerous hours not only getting all the necessary approvals from the city, but coming up with funding sources for the project.
“This whole project was a pretty unique opportunity,” Keltner said. “With as many people involved in the project the recognition about the project in incredible.”
Keltner, who went to the dinner under the guise of giving a presentation about the turbine to the Chamber, was shocked to learn he was named the citizen of the year.
“I cannot thank everyone enough”, Keltner told the Chamber members. “This is truly an honor.”
Debrah Barr of Byrne’s Pharmacy
The Chamber of Commerce also awarded it 2012 Business of the Year Award to Debrah Barr, owner of Byrne’s Pharmacy.
Barr who has owned the Pharmacy since 2007 was also in total shock being named Business of the Year.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Barr stated. “I hope to be able to continue to live up to the really high standards of being named Business of the Year.”
Byrne’s Pharmacy, which last year moved to the Eudora Medical Plaza located just south of K-10, has been a Eudora institution for 41 years.
“We continue to strive every day to do good things for good people,” Barr said. “It’s just truly an honor to be here in Eudora.”
The Chamber of Commerce also held a silent auction in conjunction with the banquet and raised enough to fund the Scholarship the Chamber awards each year to a Eudora High School Student.
Chamber President Susie Pryor also outlined several initiatives the Chamber will be working on during the coming year including a marketing and branding campaign to highlight the City of Eudora to not only new businesses, but to try to attract people to come visit and shop in Eudora.
Need a tax credit?
Eudora News and Information – www.eudorareporter.com
Douglas County has been selected as an Entrepreneurship (E-) Community and has been awarded $125,000 in tax credits, enabling the Douglas County E-Community to raise $166,667 to be loaned to small town local businesses.
These tax credits, which can be bought by individuals or corporations, will allow purchasers to use the tax credit for the 2011 tax year. In addition, if the amount of the tax credit exceeds the contributors liability in the taxable year, then the remaining portion can be carried forward until the total amount of credit is applied. For example, if you have a $1,000 income tax liability and you purchased $10,000 of tax credits. Those tax credits would roll over for 10 years. The minimum amount that can be purchased is $250.00 which would come to a $187.50 tax credit.
Collin Bielser, Management/Economic Analyst for the City of Eudora, assembled a local leadership team of representatives of the small town communities in the county to try to push forward this effort. Included on the team are: Douglas County Commissioner Nancy Thellman, Eudora City Councilman John Fiore, De Soto City Councilwoman Bonnie Plumberg, Deborah Barr (of Byrne’s Pharmacy), Peach Madl, Mark Tunstall, Jimmy Wilkins, and Will Katz, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Kansas University.
The leadership team will determine the strategy and vision for the E-Community. A separate financial review board will evaluate prospective loan applications from local businesses.
“This is a great way to help give back to your local community,” Bielser said. “Not only can you help yourself or your business, you are empowering other businesses to help themselves.”
Only businesses in Eudora, Baldwin City and Lecompton will be able to apply for the matching loans. Due to population size, Lawrence businesses will not be eligible.
“The Douglas County communities of Eudora, Baldwin, and Lecompton are excited to be a part of the E-Community program. The program provides opportunities for aspiring citizens and current local businesses to expand and grow our business base,” said John Fiore of the Eudora City Council.
The sale of the tax credits will go on through mid-December. For those interested in purchasing tax credits, you can contact Collin Bielser at 785-542-4111 or via email at: cbielser@cityofeudora.com
I can see clearly now….
Eudora News and Information – www.eudorareporter.com
Eudora has a new doctor in town. Optometrist Dr. David Barnhart has opened Eudora Eye Care at 101 W. 10th St. This location was half of the space occupied by Byrne’s Pharmacy prior to their move to the Eudora Medical Park, south of K-10.
Barnhart and his family recently moved to Eudora from Ohio where he received his doctorate while attending Ohio State College. Barnhart received his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University.
“Both my wife and I are from Kansas and we have family in Lawrence,” Barnhart said. “This seemed like a pretty good spot to open up a new practice.”
Eudora Eye Care offers routine eye examinations, diagnosis/management of ocular disease, and take care of your glasses and contact lens needs.
Eudora Eye Care is open Monday and Tuesdays from Noon to 5:00 PM, Thursday from 10-5, Friday from 9-1 and Saturdays by appointment.
Barnhart recently completed his residency in Columbus, OH and is adjusting to life back in Kansas.
“I like the small town atmosphere,” Barnhart stated. “Knowing everyone in town is a unique feeling for us.”
You can find out more information by visiting: www.eudoraeyecare.com
