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Emporia Main Street
E-Newsletter
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The weather cleared up for most of the Flatland Cruisers Car Show, area graduates were honored, and now we take one last deep breath before the insanity that is the Dirty Kanza rolls in. Be prepared for bikers everywhere! Please drive carefully, watch for extra training rides on gravel and chain up your dogs if they have a tendency to chase bikes. And, please go out of your way to make all of our guests feel welcome. Hard work and ingenuity are the community's competitive advantages, and you can help Emporia achieve great things by doing your part during big events!
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For more information on the Tallgrass Writing Workshop, CLICK HERE.
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Wild Edibles Trek Stories, local history, plant identification, recipes, and more are all part of our fascinating adventures along the trail. We will cover 2+ miles of trail. You'll learn more than you ever thought possible and get a new perspective on the practical uses of edible and medicinal plants. Fishing plants, fire-starting plants, Kansas bananas, Vitamin C drinks, sweet water from a grape vine, pine needle tea, medicines, poisons, life-saving information, and a visit to an Indian earth lodge are part of the September trek.So, put together a group of family and friends, and let's take a hike! Sponsored by the Emil Babinger Trust. Instructor: John Crisp Cost: $5 Schedule: Saturday, May 30th, 9:00am-12:00pm Location: Shepherd's Valley Farm, 2408 S 100 Rd, Americus, KS 66835
To enroll please visit https://flinthills.augusoft.net/ or call 620-341-1392.
Amy Becker
Director of Sustainability & Community Education
Flint Hills Technical College
620-341-1392
abecker@fhtc.edu
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Learn more about local amenities, organizations, businesses, events and more with the E-Town Mobile App! The ETown App is a joint project among Emporia State University, Flint Hills Technical College, USD 253, The Emporia Gazette, the City of Emporia, the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Emporia Main Street. For IPhone Users, Click Here!
For Android Users, Click Here!
For the iPad Version, Click Here! For the Web Version, click here: www.etownapp.com
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Property Availability Guide
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For property owners with property available for rent or sale, this is a free service to collect information and post it on the Emporia Main Street Web Site. With other market information available, we hope this site makes it easier for potential businesses and property developers to find spaces they need.
CLICK HERE to enter information about your available property and view previously submitted information.
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Business Investment Guide
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Do you know a business that should locate in Emporia? Maybe you know an entrepreneur looking for resources or a business owner looking to expand? The Business Investment Guide is community information designed to help you point your contacts in the right direction!
CLICK HERE for the INVESTMENT GUIDE
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The Invest Kansas Exemption and its role in area crowdfunding
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The word "crowdfunding" has become associated with on-line portals like kickstarter or IndieGoGo which provide people the opportunity to donate to a business start up-sometimes in exchange for basic merchandise. Because these are basically considered donations with a high "buyer beware" threshold, they aren't deemed a security. Those of us that concentrate on funding for small businesses, and the expansion of existing locally owned businesses know that the true power of crowdfunding comes when people consider their funding power as a legitimate investment in their local economy.
The problem with soliciting funds on a mass scale from the general public is that you can inadvertently form a "security" and easily violate securities rules and regulations. These legal standards were set in place to prevent individuals from taking advantage of unsuspecting investors by requiring that solicitors follow a set of guidelines. The Kansas Securities and Exchange Commission found a middle ground between regulated securities and crowdfunding with their IKE fundraising mechanism.
For those of you familiar with the Radius Brewing Company concept, IKE was used to solicit funds from  twenty-two local investors at a maximum $5,000 level (larger investors used a different mechanism). The IKE program resulted in approximately $100,000 raised with the principal paid back after a seven year period and interest paid in the form of $30 monthly gift certificates (this equals approximately a 7% interest rate).
IKE still has a series of rules (CLICK HERE for more information), but it simplifies the investing process. The form is relatively short (CLICK HERE for the link), and the process is fairly straightforward. The major things you want to remember are: 1. File BEFORE you solicit. 2. IKE was meant for in-state investors, and 3. The maximum contribution for non-vested investors is $5,000. There are, of course, other regulations to consider.
More programs exist within the Kansas Securities and Exchange Commission that are designed to help businesses and prospective businesses raise capital. The IKE program has been used a total of eight times in the state of Kansas since its inception, and Radius is generally referred to as the "best example of success" within the program parameters. But, for people looking to raise more extensive funding, there are other programs and assistance within the Kansas Securities and Exchange Commission.
 These programs aren't a good fit for everyone. Typically, crowdfunding requires a business type that the community identifies as a pervasive need that is unique within the market trade area. If you are opening up the fourth version of the same type of business within a market, it may be difficult to garner public investment support. If you have a unique concept, and need capital and the public support that encompasses crowdfunding activities, then IKE (or other programs) may be right for you.
Potential investors need to know that IKE funding, security based funding, or even securities based funding are typically an "at risk" funding type- meaning you can lose some or all of your investment. If you purchase a stock on the stock market for $50, and the company implodes and suddenly the stock is worth 25 cents, you've lost $49.75. All investments carry risk. One of the reasons why we met with Kansas Securities and Exchange officials was to talk about ways to mitigate those risks.
Risk displays elasticity in economic models. By working with the Kansas Securities and Exchange  Commission to create centralized portals, and working with backing agencies to help modify the parameters of principal associated with loans, equity investments or convertible notes, we hope to mitigate risk to an extent where we can encourage involvement in vetted business concepts.
Emporia Main Street researches potential funding avenues for you and other potential entrepreneurs because we understand the importance of full capitalization on the success of a business. While we will admit that delving into the world of securities isn't exactly "fun", all of you are worth the hours of research to promote existing programs and modify market opportunities to fit your needs.
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| Did you know??? |
Last week we took Logan Avenue 5th Graders on a tour of the Howe House, met with some local foundation representatives about community needs, held a Promotions Team  Meeting, hosted a Design Team Meeting, attended a Dirty Kanza meeting, did some individual consulting with a few local businesses, worked with some corporate groups attending the Dirty Kanza, met with the Kansas Securities and Exchange Commission, worked with the folks at the Brickyard 20 Ale House and American Cancer Society to provide fencing for their event, worked with public works to answer some logistical issues for the Flatland Cruisers Car Show, coordinated media for some upcoming events and prepped for a busy end to the month. May is just crazy around Main Street, but all the activity generates some
good questions from all of you
1. "Why were you meeting with the Kansas Securities and Exchange Commission?"- From a local member. Two reasons: First, Radius Brewing Company represents the most successful use of a type of funding called "IKE". For those individuals that were part of the "Founders Club", they were participants in IKE Crowdfunding that allows unique funding without a "securities" classification. The second reason is a little more complex. After Radius opened, we met with a number of individuals that contributed to the project, and some that chose not to contribute. Similar to our after event reporting, when we engage in a new type of project we want to get feedback on how we can improve. We took some of the initial thoughts to the ESU School of Business, and together we set a basis for a new concept in crowdfunded loans, equity purchases and/or convertible notes that have a corresponding risk mitigation system embedded that encourages diverse community financial support for qualifying business start ups and/or expansions. Now, I know that may have sounded like a bunch of goop thrown at a page, but we are trying to find creative ways to implement a sustainable, diverse and growing economy. As the project continues, we will have more community discussions about how the crowd can take ownership of our business future in Emporia. For an article concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission visit to Emporia, CLICK HERE.
2. "Do you need any help during the DK?" From a committee member. Always. The midnight clean up is always the most difficult part of the event, but we have a lot of other volunteer opportunities both Friday and Saturday. If you want to get involved, please contact Emporia Main Street.
3. "Is the Dirty Kanza a rain or shine event?" From a vendor.
Unless we have truly severe weather, yes.
4. "Are all the houses behind the Chelsea project going away?" From a local resident. The structure on the far north side of the 1000 Block of Mechanic Street is staying. All the dilapidated houses to the south of the structure are going away to make room for a public parking lot.
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Happy Hour Specials- 4 to 7 p.m.
Monday- Our Signature Drinks are $1 off
Tuesday- All Draws are $1 off
Wednesday- Dealers Choice (whatever we're in the mood to do!)
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5. "Can I sign up for a Veteran's Banner?" From a ton of people that have stopped by the office. We will release the new application for Veteran's Banners very soon. We confirmed with IM Design that the price of the banners will again be $150. On July 1, at 8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office, we will start accepting fully complete applications (picture, descriptions and payment). The first 55 of those complete applications will receive a banner this year.
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| President's Circle 
Emporia Realty Group www.emporiarealtygroup.com 608 Commercial 620-412-9850 
IM Design Group
www.imdesigngroup.com 17 W. 5th 620-343-3909 |
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Brickyard 20 Ale House 402 Merchant www.brickyard20alehouse.com 
2326 Industrial Road 620-342-0150 |
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Emporia Main Street Calendar of Events
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| May 20 Board of Directors Meeting 8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office May 27 Business Enhancement Meeting 8:00 a.m. in the Emporia Main Street office Mr. Stinky Feet Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library May 30 The Dirty Kanza June 3 Eric Vaughn Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- noon at the Library June 10 Richard Renner - Vodvill Klown Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library June 17 Randy's Music Jam - Randy Sauer Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library
June 24 35th Infantry Division Band Brass Quintet Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library July 1 The Band of Many Colors Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library July 8 Hispanic Roots Folkloric Dance Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library July 15 Drum Safari Emporia Public Library Brown Bag- Noon at the Library July 16 Midnight Madness August 17 Welcome Back Block Party September 12 Great American Market For more community event listings, please visit: www.etownapp.com Do you have an upcoming event for your business or organization? Let Emporia Main Street know and we may include it on our upcoming calendars! |
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| General Level Members AKA Marketing Amish Woodworks Applebees Ash LLC Atherton & Huth Bath Expressions The Beauty Bar Ben Moore Studio Bennett Dental Group BG Consultants BLI Rentals Bluestem Farm and Ranch Brown's Shoe Fit Bruff's Bar and Grill C & J Woodworks
Candlewood Suites
Capitol Federal Cassell Insurance Chester Press Clark Carpet and Tile, Inc. Coffelt Sign Co. Complete Works Country Mart/Price Chopper Dan's Hands Massage Davis Paints DG Wingz Disciple Shoppe Dorsey Eye Care Douglas Chiropractic Dr. Kerri Thompson, DDS Dynamic Discs Eastwood Lake Apartments Eclectic Bikes Ek Real Estate Emporia Construction and Remodeling Emporia Radio Stations: KVOE, 104.9 & 101.7 Emporia State Federal Credit Union E-Town Solutions ESU Memorial Union Evergreen Design-Build Flint Hills Eye Care Flint Hills Mall Association Flint Hills Music Floyd's Automotive Forget Me Not Productions Four Seasons Apartments George Groh and Sons Gerald Schumann Electric Granada Coffee Company Graves Drug Store Haag Management Hair Krafters Heart Center Studio Helbert & Allemang High Gear Java Cat Coffeehouse Jimmy Johns Junque Drawer Emporium Kansas Radio 96.1 The Wave King Liquor L & L Pets Little Red Rooster Lyon County State Bank Lyon County Title Mark II Lumber McDonalds McKinzie Pest Control Midas Touch Tans Mike Alpers Agency Mr. Sisters Sweets Modern Air Conditioning, Inc. Mulready's Pub Navrats Office Supply Papa John's Pizza Paper Moon Antiques Pizza Hut Pizza Ranch Plum Bazaar Poehler Mercantile Pool and Associates Prairie Sage Apartments Pro-Cuts Rand Simmons Law Office Redline Trucking Reflxns Salon Rhinestone Cowgirl Salon Rockin' Accessories Sauder Custom Fabrication Schellers Lawn and Landscape Scott's Lawn and Landscaping Second Love Gifts Stanley Jewelry Studio 11 Studio 50.4 Subway Sunflower Gymnastics Sutherlands Lumber Co. Sweet Granada Textbook Corner Thompson Auto Repair Thrifts and Gifts Toso Appraisal Total Technology Town Crier Bookstore Triad Leasing Uncommon Threads Value-Net LLC Waters True Value Hardware Westar Energy Williams Automotive Wright CPA Group PA Wright's Furniture Xan-A-Do Salon |
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| Non Profit Level Members Big Brothers Big Sisters Cradle to Career Cneter Emporia Eastside Community Group EHS- FBLA Emporia Arts Council Emporia Chamber of Commerce Emporia Farmers Market Emporia Friends of the Zoo Emporia Presbyterian Church Emporia Friends of the Library ESU- Alumni Association ESU- Small Business Development Center ESU- Memorial Union ESU- Theatre Dept. Flint Hills Community Health Center Granada Theatre Alliance National Teachers Hall of Fame Saint Francis Community Services Salvation Army SOS TFI Family Services |
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| Home Based Business Members Avon- Amanda Hopkins Gold Canyon Candles- Stephanie Morgan Green Door Recycling Interdependent Web, LLC Mary Kay- Lori Engle Origami Owl- Angela Dowell Paula's Creations Pampered Chef- Chelsea Gerleman Purse Lady- Nancy Crawford Tastefully Simple- Vanessa Apodaca Thirty One Gifts- Linsey Hopkins |
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| Individual Supporters Amy and Rick Becker Amy Evans Brad Harzman Dale & Carolyn Davis Don Hill Erin and Casey Woods Joyce Zhou Julie Johnson Kayle Oney Kelly Wade Lynn Knechtel Mark and Amy McAnarney Michael and Karen Shonrock Valerie and Matt Zimmerman Roger Heineken Smitty Smith Sue Blechl Tim & Mary Helmer Tyler & Melanie Curtis Yvonne Pool |
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