Volume 25 | November 2023 | |
Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement:
“To improve business opportunity and build a better community”
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Check out our 2023-2024 Chamber Members -
We have a tier for every business! Our "premier" tier is the Platinum tier. At this level a business' information is listed on the Business Directory tab of our Wellsville Chamber website along with a link to their business website. In additional, this tier will receive a customized article about the services their business offers that will reside on the Chamber website as well as being published in the Chamber newsletter and on Facebook. This tier ALSO receives a two-week slot on the Chamber Sign.
At the Gold tier, a business' information is listed on the Business Directory tab of our Wellsville Chamber website along with a link to their business website. In additional, this tier will receive a customized article about the services their business offers that will reside on the Chamber website as well as being published in the Chamber newsletter and on Facebook.
At the Silver tier, a business' information is listed on the Business Directory tab of our Wellsville Chamber website.
We appreciate the support from ALL our members as Wellsville business continues to grow. Together we will partner to improve business opportunity and build a better community. It takes a "Ville!"
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Host a Meeting - Showcase Your Business | |
If you would like to showcase your business by hosting a Chamber meeting and/or luncheon at your location, please let us know. This is a great way to familiarize other business owners with the tools and resources you have to offer the community and show off your physical space. Or you can cater the lunch and hold it at the Wellsville City Library or Wellsville Health and Rehab has also offer their space and can cater on site. | |
Entrepreneurial Services Spotlight | | |
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Drinks 'N Dreams Cantina
Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina is owned by Jeanette Selk and Staci Selk. They explored many options for the name of their business before settling Drinks ‘N Dreams derived from a Waylen Jennings song called Drinking and Dreaming and added “Cantina” to the name because the little trailer looks like a cantina.
We sat down with Jeanette Selk to learn more about the business and services Drinks N’ Dreams Cantina offers. She told us they are considered a mobile bar, which is a concept relatively new to this area. They have a liquor license. Drinks ‘N Dreams can bring their trailer to an outdoor event, or they can serve drinks at an indoor venue. Jeanette tells us, “We need at least 48 hours advance notice because we must notify the state of Kansas of each event we schedule.” Drinks ‘N Dreams employs two full-time and two part-time employees. Anyone over 18 years of age can help.
The target market for Drinks ‘N Dreams are adults who want an alcoholic beverage at an event, but they also can offer non-alcoholic drinks as well. They mostly want to concentrate on weddings, craft fairs and events at remote outdoor locations. However, since they have a liquor license, they can serve at indoor venues as well. They can also provide the alcohol for indoor events, if necessary. “Our goal is to make it easier for the event coordinator by providing our flexible services,” says Selk.
When asked what products and services they offer, Jeanette said, “For each event, we offer three different “themed” drinks – one made with vodka, one with rum and one with tequila. We also offer domestic and craft beers and seltzers. We can sell those products by the drink, provide a cash bar, open bar, or any combination of individualized packages. We price packages by the number of guests and what kind of drinks requested.” Drinks N’ Dreams can also provide ice, cups, napkins, and garnishes. On the horizon, we plan to serve slushies. Our first gig with the slushie machine was at Hallowesta in downtown Wellsville where we offered non-alcoholic drinks to the kids. Soon, we will offer adult slushies served with alcohol,” Selk told us. “Also, we offer 10% of our sales and tips to a charity of the customers choice for each event,” Selk mentioned. She wants to give back to her customers and community.
A company’s core values define its identity, how important decisions are made and what drives it toward success. The best company values are carefully considered and then refined until they meet the overall driving factors, expectations, and culture of the company. Jeanette told us, “Integrity, accountability, honesty, respect and the desire to continue learning are all values that are important to Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina. We want to offer a high-quality drink at a reasonable price.”
Then we talked about the problems she can solve for her customers. She said, “We can fill the requirement to have a licensed bartender/server at an event or venue wanting a mobile bar. We also offer very flexible packages. We can bring a full bar to your event and remove that responsibility from your plate of things to do. We only need 15-30 minutes before and after the event to set up and tear down. We have it down to a science!”
As we talked about the competition in this industry, Jeanette tells us, “Our drinks and packages are all customized to your event. Also, our prices are less than other mobile bars in this area. We have already built a loyal customer base that follows us to different events. And our most successful products are our specialty drinks.” Some of their most popular are their spicy and regular Bloody Mary, Haystack (along the lines of a mimosa), and Cowboy Coffee (Kahlua, caramel vodka, Cool Whip and sprinkles). When asked how she and Staci measure success, Jeanette tells us, “We feel that word-of-mouth advertising, repeat customers and event coordinators contacting us to book events are all great wins for Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina.”
All businesses have challenges, especially new businesses. When asked about the biggest challenges they’ve faced so far, Jeanette told us, “It’s very difficult to estimate the amount of alcohol and different drinks we will sell at events. There are SO many variables. It will come with experience. Also, we’ve found it’s hard to make sure we have enough ice!” She told us that seltzers are their least popular drink. When asked what questions she hears the most, she said, “Where is your next event? And what drinks do you offer?”
The motto of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce is to improve business opportunities and build a better community. We asked Jeanette how we could best serve Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina. She told us that mostly, we can help her spread the word that her business is now available for all your “social” needs. We are hearing that our Facebook promotion program has been reaching many in our community. And we know that everyone loves these articles. She tells us, “The Wellsville community can best support us by asking us to be part of downtown events and telling their friends about our services.”
You can contact Drinks ‘N Dreams Cantina through Facebook, by telephone or text at 785-304-6309 or by email at drinksndreamscantina@gmail.com.com to book your next event or check to see where they will be next. They are currently working on a website and hope to have it up and running soon.
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Landmark National Bank
Landmark National Bank is a full-service community bank serving 24 communities with 31 locations across the state of Kansas. In 2012, Landmark Bank acquired the Wellsville Bank. Janet Sloan, Bank Manager, who has worked here for over 38 years between the two banks sat down with us to learn more about all the products and services Landmark Bank offers our community.
Landmark Bank currently employees 286 associates across the state and has four employees in the Wellsville branch. Janet mentioned, “We offer a full range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, and IRAs for personal and business customers, as well as personal and commercial loans. We have a full-service home loans division, and we offer a wide range of digital banking services that make our products easy to use!”
We wanted to know how Landmark would describe its core values and brand. Janet describes, “Our core values are authenticity, community, family, integrity, and unity. Our Vision Statement is that everyone starts as a customer and leaves as a friend. We don’t think of Landmark as a place that sells loans or accounts. We want to walk along with people in their financial journey, getting to know them, sharing lessons learned and connecting them with resources that fit their needs. We believe helping families and businesses succeed builds stronger communities.”
When asked what problems Landmark Bank solves for its customers, Janet said, “We hire staff from our community. So, each of our employees has their own history, connection, and relationships they bring and acquire at our location.” She also tells us, “Our new digital services make banking with us easier than ever before. Our clients can use all our services without having to rush to get to the bank before it closes. People work all sorts of shifts these days and can’t necessarily get to the bank during our operating hours.” She also mentioned that the questions she hears the most these days are about loan rates and deposit rates.
Competition is fierce in the banking industry. There are so many products and services to choose from as a customer. We asked Janet how Landmark’s products and services compared to their competition. She knowledgeably answered us, “Most banks offer similar products, which makes the competition stiff. Landmark is committed to providing the latest technology and services to allow our customers to access the products anytime, anywhere. We offer a comprehensive online and mobile banking platform, the ability to send money in minutes to friends and family with Zelle®, My Card controls for your debit card, real-time balance and transaction alerts by email, text, or messaging, and the MoneyPass ATM network to withdraw funds at participating ATMs across the country with no surcharge.”
Next, we got personal, asking questions about successes and challenges they have faced over the years along with how they established their loyal customer base. When asked about which products and services are the most successful for Landmark Bank, Janet said, “Free checking has always been popular and continues to benefit those with personal accounts. Our mobile deposit platform and ATM deposit flexibility have really been a hit with our customers.” She goes on to say, “We measure success in our business by the relationships we build and by solving problems for individual customers.” With success always come challenges. So, our next topic was about just that. Janet tells us, “It’s always challenging to make changes to existing products and services. Customers, like most of us, don’t like change. But we are always analyzing the market and our competition to stay current with industry trends. So sometimes that means making a change or two which can be challenging.” Finally, we were interested in how Landmark has built such a loyal customer base. She said, “With the bank being right inside the community for over 100 years, many strong relationships have been built over that large period. We also feel our friendly and individualized service helps meet each customer’s financial needs. Our longevity in Wellsville helps people trust us!”
Marketing and advertising are important aspects of any thriving business. We asked Janet about how Landmark gets the “word out” about their products and services. She said, “We participate in the Wellsville community through events and sponsorships for local organizations. We also use social media for communication. We are a member of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Development Council. We also have a banner out at the WJRC ball fields.” As for the bank’s demographic, Janet told us, “We offer financial solutions that can change and grow with every demographic, from youth savings accounts started when children are born to checking accounts for students to home loans for first-time home buyers and CDs and IRAs as people plan for retirement.”
When asked if there were any new products on the horizon, Janet informed us, “Landmark Bank is always talking about new products and services to enhance our customers’ banking experience. Currently, there is nothing Landmark is ready to disclose.” Then we went on to discuss how Landmark’s products and services can improve the life of their customers. She said, “Providing safe and sound banking practices builds trust and improves customers’ lives. But probably an equally important thing we do is to transform those small-town relationships into friendships. We always strive to sit down with our customers, get to know who they really are and find out what is most important to them.”
Finally, we asked Janet how the Wellsville community can best serve Landmark Bank. She quickly responded, “Existing customers telling their friends and family about their positive experience with us is the best compliment. We always appreciate referrals for home loans and business loans.” Then we asked her how the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce can best serve Landmark. She told us, “We love the Chamber newsletter, the Chamber Sign opportunity, and look forward to holding a Chamber Coffee soon.”
If you’d like to drop by and meet all the wonderful employees at Landmark National Bank in Wellsville, the bank is located at 112 W. 6th Street. The lobby is open Monday through Friday from 9AM until 4PM, and their drive-through lanes are open Monday through Friday from 8AM until 5PM and Saturday from 9AM until noon. You can reach them by telephone at 785-883-2145 or by email at lnbmail@banklandmark.com.
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Wellsville Chamber Sign Advertising program - | |
Have you noticed the beautiful banners displayed every two weeks on the Wellsville Chamber sign sitting on Highway 33 in the field next to Bert's and across from Auburn Pharmacy? If not, take a look next time you are driving by. We have received lots of positive feedback about the program. You can use the sign to celebrate a milestone, award, an employee or anyone or anything about our town. | |
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If you would like to advertise to the thousands of cars passing by our billboard on Highway 33 each day, we can help produce and display a banner designed just for your business. This Chamber sign is especially important to your business if you are a business located somewhere other than on 33 highway. Many people who live outside Wellsville or are coming off the highway to stop at Bert's or Casey's don't know what other businesses Wellsville has to offer. They might make it a point to use your services each time they are in town if they only knew where you were!
We are currently soliciting 2024 Chamber Sign spots. We have a few remaining. Platinum members will get first pick of dates. Please reach out if you would like to book a spot.
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Aurora Coffee and Chill
Join us on Friday, December 8th at 9AM for coffee, a treat and some good old-fashioned networking. You do NOT have to be a Chamber member to attend. All are welcome!
Aurora Coffee and Chill Website
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- City offices will be closed on November 23rd and 24th for Thanksgiving.
- Wellsville Municipal Court has added an online payment options for fines (see below).
- The link is available through the City of Wellsville website.
- NOTE: There are some offenses where court appearance is required.
- Online payment will NOT be available until after a hearing has been held.
- Call 785-883-2296 with questions.
- Trash service will run one day late the week of Thanksgiving for Thursday service ONLY.
- City Council meeting on November 29th at 6PM.
- Wellsville City Court on Tuesday, December 5th.
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Wellsville Police Department | |
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Wellsville Police Notification of New Four-way Stop -
The intersection at 4th and Ash is now a four way stop. Two new stop signs have been placed on 4th at Ash and are marked with an additional red flashing light. Please take note of the new signs.
- The red flashing lights will be removed from the sign after 30 days.
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Chamber Member Help Wanted | |
Please let us know if you have any job opportunities you'd like to share with the Wellsville Chamber members and the Wellsville community. | |
Special Chamber Member Promos | | |
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Wellsville Animal Hospital New Location
Wellsville Animal Hospital is a small animal hospital offering medicine, dentistry, & surgery, including soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries including cruciate repairs. We offer in-house laboratory and digital x-rays. They are now located at the site of the old Casey's location at Main and 4th Streets. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30AM-5:30PM. Call 785-883-4774 to make an appointment.
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Wellsville .
The most recent Industry Luncheon was hosted by the Wellsville School District. This was an opportunity for members to see the improvements and additions recently made to the junior and senior high school in Wellsville. Superintendent Bradbury provided a tour and Hot off the Press provided lunch.
FCDC participated in a strategic planning session with the Wellsville City Commission. FCDC helped introduce the commission, via a zoom link, to the resource available to them to assist with funding from BIL grants and programs. The state of Kansas has contracted with Witt O’Briens to provide support in finding and obtaining grant funding from the BIL program. In addition, the state of Kansas will review applications for consideration of providing any match required by a particular federal grant under the BIL program.
FCDC is partnering with a developer to obtain a Market Study for a potential hotel to be located in Wellsville. FCDC is funding 80% of the cost of this study to support growth in the community.
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Franklin County Optimist Club - | |
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The Franklin County Optimist Club is pleased to recognize following students at Wellsville Middle School as a Student of the Month:
- Kallie Williams 6th Grade
- Tegan Morin 7th Grade
- Kali Johnson 8th Grade.
- Each Student of the Month received a certificate and a gift card donated by Bill Lytle and Hot Off the Press.
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Wellsville School District Projects and Programs - | |
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Numbers to know -
Superintendent Bradbury reflects on the first nine weeks:
- There are currently have 91 students enrolled in our PreK program. This is the largest enrollment number in the history of the program. Investing in Early Learning is critical to our students' long-term academic success.
- 75% of WHS juniors and seniors are enrolled in a dual credit course this year. This is a 40% increase from just a few years ago (see chart below). This means that more students are taking technical college courses or college courses while still in high school. Not only is it more cost-effective for students and their families, but it allows students to begin taking courses aligned with their passion and career while still in high school.
- Wellsville High School's Graduation Rate in 2023 was 100%. This was recently recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education via the Kansas Can Star Awards. The district received a gold star in the category. The district has received a gold star in this category three out of the last four years.
- In addition to their diploma, 94% of 2023 graduates completed one of the district outcomes:
- ACT Score of 21
- 12 or more college hours
- Industry Recognized Certificate
- Workeys Certificate
- Acceptance into the military
This means that not only do students have a high school diploma, but they have completed the training or demonstrated the skill level to be ready to enter the workforce or postsecondary training. When these outcomes were developed just five years ago, only 43% of students were achieving an outcome, so the growth over the past few years is substantial.
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WHS students have access to over 13 different Career Pathways and 25 Certification Programs. If a student has an career interest in a program that is not current offerings, our counseling department and admin work hard to find that program for the student, so they can begin exploring it while in high school. The full list can be found HERE.
The work of our students and staff across all level as well as our board of education have made the above numbers possible.
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Facilities Update -
The USD 289 bond project was celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and facility tour in September! Over the past two months, we have been fortunate to be able to showcase the new facilities to a variety of groups. These events include the following:
- Wellsville Chamber Luncheon - The Wellsville High School FACS class provided the meal
- FCDC Industrial Leaders Luncheon
- Visit and Tour by Wellsville Health and Rehab
- Tours provided to all patrons during a home football and volleyball game.
- Members of Leadership Franklin County are scheduled to visit in November!
At this point, the project is 99% complete. A few punch list items and parts of the project where materials were delayed will be completed this Fall. This includes lights/sounds in the cafeteria. It was the goal of the board of education and committee to ensure local contractors had every opportunity to be involved in the project. To my knowledge, all but one local contractor who submitted a proposal was awarded the bid. This kept local tax dollars in the hands of local businesses as well as all the money the project brought to Wellsville, with the workers eating in town and buying gas in town.
It is important to note that the design and management of this project were key to its successful completion. HTK Architects, Loyd Builders, and the Board of Education did a tremendous job. They shared a common vision but also understood that any remodel can include some unknowns. Contingency funds were allotted in a manner that allowed us to address those unknowns as they arose but also meet the goals of the project. This allowed our project to finish under budget and use the remaining funds to extend the project goals. Additionally, the projected mil levy increase came in under projections. In short, the project was completed with more than promised at a lower cost to taxpayers than projected.
Your support has been instrumental in making today a reality, and your belief in our community's potential is truly inspiring. We genuinely THANK all stakeholders for their support of this project and the new facilities and learning areas it has provided our students, staff, and community! Let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and continue to work together to make our community an even better place for all. It is truly a Great Day to Be an Eagle!
For additional information regarding the bond project visit: www.usd289.org/usdbondinformation
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Monthly Meeting -
- December 12th at noon - meeting will be held at the Wellsville Health and Rehab conference room.
- Lunch will be provided at 11:30AM
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Check out all the Wellsville Recreation Commission has planned for our community kids and seniors this month! | |
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New Director Announced!
The Wellsville City Library has announced that Robin Avers will be the new library director as of December 1, 2023. Robin has been with the library over 15 years.
Becky Dodd was originally hired in January of 1988 as the library assistant, and library director in 1996.
Please welcome Robin to her new position with a warm heart.
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Community Wellsville Events | |
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Holidays in Wellsville -
- Kick off to Christmas: December 1st, starting with the Mayor Tree Lighting at 6PM
- Annual Christmas Drawing: December 2nd, at 6 PM
- If you'd like to donate to drawing, please drop off gifts at City Hall
- Holiday Home Tour: December 9th
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Chamber Member Church Events | |
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At the Movies -
- Services on Saturday at 6PM and on Sunday at 8AM, 9:30AM and 11AM\
- A unique experience - a special series featuring inspiring movie clips that perfectly align with our messages.
- Stop by the concessions stand for popcorn, candy or a drink!
Sunday Service -
- Three identical in-person services at 8:00AM, 9:30AM, and 11AM
- Live online service at 9:30AM
Helping Hands Food Pantry Grocery Distribution -
- Fri November 17th
- Sat November 18th
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GriefShare -
- A faith-based, friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
- How GriefShare works: Support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help.
- You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you cope with your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. Grieving is a process and not meant to last forever.
- Mondays at 7pm at Family Church
- For more info contact Debra McCullough (913) 206-5372
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Celebrate Recovery
- A 12-step program to help you find freedom and healing from hurts, habits, and hang-ups
- Meets weekly at Family Church on Thursdays at 7PM
- For more info contact Mike Holtwick 913-710-6255
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Open Table Community Church | |
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Sunday Service -
- One in-person service 10AM
- Live online service at 10AM
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Wellsville Baptist Church | |
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Sunday Service -
- One in-person service 9AM
- Sunday School for all ages at 10:30AM
- Potluck on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 11:30AM
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Bible Study -
- Wednesday mornings from 9:30-10:30AM
- No matter how little or how much you know about the Bible, we guarantee you’ll learn something new at this study
- All are welcome to join us for an hour of study followed by a visit to Hot Off the Press for snacks
Men’s Bible Study -
Revelation Bible Study -
Youth Group -
Small Groups -
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Wednesdays from 6:30-8PM (starting this summer)
Homeschool Co-op -
Men's Breakfast -
Women's Brunch -
- Every third Saturday from 9AM-12PM
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Wellsville Methodist Church | |
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Sunday Service -
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In person worship and Church@Home - 10:45AM
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Shared Experiences Bereavement Group -
- First and third Tuesdays at 10:30AM
- Open to anyone
- Coffee, tea and refreshments will be provided
Zoom Tuesdays -
- Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30
- Lasts about one hour
- Invitation needed
- Call 785-883-2737 for Zoom link
- Everyone is welcome
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2022/2023 Wellsville Chamber of Commerce Officers | |
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Wellsville Chamber President
Jackson Dwyer
Loan Officer - Wellsville Branch
Mid-America Bank
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Wellsville Chamber Co-Secretary
Sydney Kuhn
Universal Banker
Oak Star Bank
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Wellsville Chamber Vice President
Susan Stueve
Sales Associate
Farm Bureau Financial Services
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Wellsville Chamber Co-Secretary
Sheila Robertson
President
Wellsville Health Coalition
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Treasurer
Ken Larsen
CFO - Retired
Desoto School District
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Wellsville Chamber and Health Coalition Partnership Description | |
Many interested parties have asked for clarification regarding the relationship/partnership between the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce and the Wellsville Health Coalition. In 2021, the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce (WCC) and Wellsville Health Coalition (WHC) embarked on a collaboration to share resources where appropriate in order to boost both organizations’ efforts in areas of overlapping interest. The organizations are separate entities, but they often meet concurrently and share in other ways. The mission of the Chamber of Commerce remains "“To improve business opportunity and build a better community.” The Chamber exists to serve and build business in our community. The Wellsville Health Coalition exists to serve as a local health policy coalition that connects people working on such shared goals, facilitates cooperative and streamlined efforts as appropriate, and ultimately improves all aspects of health, civic engagement, community partnerships, and overall resident and community wellbeing. To accomplish this, the coalition seeks to monitor community-specific data, help prioritize ideas, share resources, promote activities, seek funding, and make a greater impact together. Additionally, the WHC aims to prepare the community for healthy growth through attention to social factors affecting health, to serve as an example for other rural communities, and to coordinate with the Franklin County Health Department on community health assessment and planning.
As always, if you have events or job postings you'd like included, please send the information and any fliers or pictures to wellsvillechamberofcommerce@hotmail.com prior to the beginning of the month of your event. We welcome any feedback and suggestions about what to include and the layout. It's a creative process together. We wish you and your family an amazing 2022! | | | | |
