The Daily Union - Outlook 2014: People - Private Sector

8/13/2019 The Daily Union - Outlook 2014: People - Private Sector

1/8

A Supplement to THEDAILYUNION Saturday, February 8, 2014

ThePeople,Places,and

PossibilitiesforProgre

ss

Junction Citys retailindustry at timesseems like a revolving

door. Many businesses havecome and gone, but manyothers have become main-stays. The success or failureof any given small businessis dependent on many vari-ables, some that are com-pletely out of the entrepre-neurs control.

A change in the way society does its pur-chasing has led to businesses like MaryStockfords Small Engine Repair to seeing adecrease in customers. When she and herhusband Jim bought the shop 14 years ago, ithad been a staple in the community since1989.

Now most of your items, your lawnmow-ers, your trimmers, your blowers, theyvebecome disposable. It is easier to go to Wal-

mart and buy a new lawnmower every twoyears than get one fixed, she said.

She knows that her type of business doesnot have a great future.

Most of her clients are older people whoare more used to fixing something ratherthan buying new more out of habit ratherthan necessity or cost efficiency.

Although the shop has been for sale for

several years, Stockford said if anyone buys itthey will need to take a different approachthan the small engine repair business planthat had been successful in the past.

Starting with a solid business plan is whatRob Dudley, owner of Gatherings on the Prai-rie, says is very important to a successfulbusiness. He left following nearly 20 years

with Walmart to start his own home interiorbusiness in Junction Citys downtown.What he had learned through management

positions in one of the worlds largest retail-ers paid off and continues to pay off daily.

I look at it like I went to college twice. Iwent to college to get my first job, but I waspretty much at Walmart for my entire first joband that was the college for the second jobthat I have now, he said.

The idea of becoming a business ownernever dawned on him until one day when hesimply woke up and realized he wanted achange in his life. He left Walmart and spentsix months trying to decide exactly what thechange would be.

All I knew at that point was that I wanted achange, he said.

Jim and Mary Stockford had a similar expe-rience, but they had originally thought thatbuying the small engine repair business

would be good for Jim, who had become illafter the Gulf War.

We thought it would be a good way forhim to come and go as he pleased then wefound out that being a business owner you

Rob Dudley, owner of Gatherings on the Prairie, helps customer Ellen Westerhaus put together adecorative display for a specific place in her home.Please see Retail, 8A

Coming and going

CADILLAC

LocatedonI-70 betweenexIts295 & 296

2014 CADILLAC CTS

911 GOLDENBELTBLVD JUNCTIONCITY 785.238.3141 CLARKCARS.COM


2/8

2D The Daily Union. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014

When the econo-

my began its

tailspin sever-

al years ago, the nonprof-

it industry was among

the hardest hit.

As the for-profit sectorbegan experiencing eco-

nomic difficulties, non-

profits that depended on

grants, foundations, pri-

vate donations, and pub-

lic funding were on the

front line for decreases

in revenue, and they took

deep hits.

Ailleen Cray, executive director of United

Way of Junction City-Geary County said while

the United Way has remained flat as far as

donations go, she has seen several agencies

struggle.

Many of them have been reliant on grant

resources for many years and have been very

successful in getting those, but those (grants)

keep shrinking up, or getting reduced, or go

away all together, she said. (The United Way)

has been flat as far as our fundraising goes, we

are maintaining, but not gaining.

The reduction in state and federal grants has

translated into a reduction of staff for many

nonprofits, which in turn has resulted in a

reduction of services.

The focus, during a recession for a nonprofitis to protect the organizations core services,

taking on new projects are generally out of the

question.

When you get into grants, the money has a

lot of strings attached to it and you can only use

it for a certain purpose that is fine, when that

fits into your primary mission, but sometimes

you have to let that go and not accept a grant,

Cray said.

Jill Iwen, director of USO Fort Riley, was in

the for-profit sector when recession started and

saw how difficult it was for everyone.

She was right in the middle of it when the

economy tanked.

Working in the finance industry she was in

the thick of it th rough merger and acquisition

and layoffs.

When the economy is flourishing, the non-

profits are flourishing. There are a lot of good

causes to support and of course theres also tax

dollars to it, but when the economy starts going,so do the dollars that are available, she said.

In conjunction with a poor economy, a war-

time environment has played a significant role

in the appeal nonprofits have to the limited

donor dollars.

The USO is gen-

erally going to

flourish in time of

war and time of

conflict because

that is when our

services are needed

most down range to

support the troops

that are in harms

way, she said.

Despite a resur-gence of patriotism,

the dollars have still

been tight and

there are additional

organizations vying

for them.

Theres a lot of

requests for the

same donor dollar,

a lot of great orga-

nizations doing a

lot great things,

Iwen said. The donor dollars are being divided

amongst them.

Its not necessarily a negative situation

though, because it forces the organizations to

perform at the highest level of professionalism.And it requires those who receive the dollars

to ensure they are good stewards of th e dona-

tions and make that one dollar stretch to two

dollars, she said.

As Iwen and Cray look toward the future of

the nonprofit industry, they said a lot of their

speculation is based on what is going on around

them in the community and the nation.

As the conflicts become less intense and

more infrequent, the natural feeling of patrio-

tism is a bit muted, Iwen said. Our challenge

is to reach out further. Instead of (donors) com-ing to us we have to go to them and remind

them we still have these soldiers who are

deploying and redeploying.

The need hasnt gone away, it simply is shift-

ing. Cray has worked with

United Way in Junction City

since 2008, but had been with

the Finney County and the

Riley County United Ways and

has seen the level of giving

shift and said it takes a concerted effort to retain

a level of funding, sometimes that simplymeans backing off a desire to increase funding

goals.

Sometimes it is better, because of the econo-

Road to recovery

Nonprofits hoping donationsimprove as economy improves

By Gail [email protected]

The reductionin state and

federal grantshas

translatedinto a

reduction of

staff formany

nonprofits,which in turnhas resulted

in a reductionof services.

Please seeRoad, 7D

Jill Iwen

in print online

find the

THE DAILY UNION.in print& online785-762-5000

www.yourDU.netSubscribe

today!State of the art care,

state of the heart caring.Mark L. Stenstrom, DVM

106 N. EisenhowerJunction City, Ks. 66441

785-762-5631

we love having you here.

FREEhot breakfast

clean and freshHampton bed

100% satisfactionguarantee

i ilesand redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms

And that is just for starters. At our newly opened hotel you can take advantage

of a host of great amenities to help make your stay more enjoyable. Plus, you

can earn Hilton HHonorspoints and airline miles with every stay. We promise

youll be 100% satisfied. Guaranteed.

another great location.

n St. Junction City, Kansas -579-6950

Now thanking our Hilton Honors members with a nightly reception!

i

i i i il i i

i l l

i i l l l

il i i li il i i

ll i i

2010 Hilton Worldwide

Hilton HHonors membership, earnings of Points & Miles and redemption of points are subjand Conditions.

i . l l

i i l l . l

il i i li il i . i

ll i i . .

Junction City, KS 1039 South Washington St. Junction City, Kansaswww.junctioncity.hamptoninn.com 785-579-6950

il l i

Hilton HHonors membership, earnings of Points & Miles and redemption of

points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.

And that is just for starters. Take advantage of a host of great amenities to

help make your stay more enjoyable. Plus, you can earn Hilton HHonors

points and airline miles with every stay. We promise youll be 100% satisfied.

Guaranteed.

Shuttle service offered upon request!

Animal DoctorVeterinary ClinicDr. Jennifer Arneson, DVM

Dr. Sara Gonzalez, DVMMedical and Surgical services

Climate Controlled Indoor Boarding

Professional Grooming services

PetAdoptions

511 S. Caroline Ave.,Junction City

AnimalDoctorKS.com785.238.1510

Treatment for Exotic Pets

Mon-Fri7:30-6:00Sat8-12:00

QUALITY INN305 EAST CHESTNUT STR

JUNCTION CITY, KS 66441EXIT 298, OFF 1-70

785-784-5106

TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS 1-800-4-CHOICE OR VISIT CHOICEHOTELS.COM

Located near the

Convention Center

Free Hi-Speed Wireless

Internet Access

Complimentary Breakfast

and Newspaper

In-Room Mini-fridge &

Microwave

Outdoor Pool

Exercise Room

Guest Laundry

Business Center

AARP/AAA, Corporate &

Military Discounts

THEDAILYUNION.

I oversee the editorial contentof The Daily Union, YourDU.net,Dazzle Magazine and all specialsections such as this one to ensureour products are the best they canbe.

The past 20 years of my life havebeen spent in the newspaper indus-try. Many changes have occurredand many more will continue in thisbusiness. We certainly are headedin a more digital direction as is ev-erything in life.

We are adjust-ing to that as wellhere at The DailyUnion. In the past

6 months, we have launched a newwebsite and have placed a greateremphasis on updating the site andsocial media.

No matter what happens in thefuture, I love being in this industry.Theres something about providingthe community with the accurateand unbiased information theywant and need. Every day, we tellthe stories that need to be told andby doing that, we help connect thecommunity. I am so proud to be partof that.

Lisa M. Seiser, Managing Editor(785) 762-5000 ext. 121

[email protected]

DU

your

.NET

ABOUT

Lisa SeiserManaging Editor


3/8

The Daily Union. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 3D

With more than 1,100 rooms inmore than 20 hotels in Geary Countythe hospitality industry continues to

thrive, but relies heavily on the mili-tary population.

Our business here is largely basedon what is going on at Fort Riley, saidJessica Miner, director of sales atCourtyard by Marriott. Its hard topredict what is happening there, but

we do rely heavily on the military busi-ness.

For hotels, like the Courtyard, thatrely on conventions and tourism, theycannot count on people stumblingacross them.

Miner says in a typical day she ismaking calls, researching associations,and reaching out to new and existingclients to get business in the hotel andconvention center.

Keeping an eye on the competition

A thrivingbusiness

By Gail [email protected]

In GC, local

hotels relyon FortRiley,

military

Courtyard by Marriott director of sales Jessica Miner (left) goes oversome plans with catering manager Laura Cain. The two work together

to bring conventions to the Courtyard, and then provide the

quality event that will bring guests back.

Please see Thriving, 5D

Stay With SomeoneYou Know

60 Comfortable Rooms King-JacuzziSuites In-Door Room Access & ElectronicKeying For Your Safety Free Local Calls

Data Ports Each Room Has Two Phones,Coffee Maker, Iron/Ironing Board, Micro-wave, Refrigerator, Hair Dryer, Cable TV

32 Color TV 24 Hour Fax & Copy Service Children Under 15 Stay Free

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool Hot Tub Exercise Room

Deluxe Complimentary Hot Breakfast 24 Hour Free Coffee, Tea & Hot Chocolate

Laundry Facilities Meeting Room For Up To 35 People

Handicapped Rooms Available (TTD) Pets Allowed

Spacious Lobby With Business Centerand Fire Place

Free WIFI [Wireless Internet]

Exit 298 off 1-70 across from the Cracker B arrelFax 785-762-4219

www.hiexpress.com/junctioncityksEmail: [email protected]

785-762-4200

Friendly Hospitality, Quality Service

WEDNESDAY

All Beer

1/2 OFF

Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 11am-9pm

503 E. Chestnut, Junction City 785-579-4002

MONDAY

All Margaritas

1/2 OFF

THURSDAYKids meals

1/2 OFF

(9 yrs & under/

Dining only)

Thank you Junction City for givingus the opportunity to serve you!

Thank you for a great 2013!Lets make 2014 a great one as well!

Serving you in 2 Great Locations!

2301 Tuttle Creek, Manhattan

785-587-5258

503 E Chestnut, JC

785-579-4002

Breads Pastries PiesC M

H:

M-F 7:30-5 Sat 8-3

C D

L S

../

105 W. 7th, Junction City --

Chamber of Commerce

Junction City Area

Serving your needs whether you are a resident

of, doing business or visiting Junction City and

Geary County.

Chamber Activitieswww.junctioncitychamber.org

Convention and Visitors Bureauwww.junctioncity.org

Economic Developmentwww.jcgced.com

Military Affairs Councilwww.junctioncitychamber.org

222 W. 6th St. 785-762-2632 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Small business is a big priority for us. So we can give you exactly the

financial tools you need to make the most of your farm or business. From

payroll to accounting to lines of credit. The money your entrust to us is

reinvested in our local economy.

Call or Stop by. We take small business personally.

www.firstnational.cc 785-762-4121

Enjoy largecapacity machines

75 & 80 lb washers

130 Grant Ave., Junction City


4/8


In a strange way technolo-gy has brought the musicindustry full circle from

where it was about 100 years

ago.Before electricity led to

radio, TV, records, 8-tracks,cassettes, CDs, and iPods, amusician earned his waythrough performancebecause that was the onlymethod of delivery.

But as technology provideda means for a musician toshare his music, the industrybecame more lucrative andperformers were makingmoney through the sale oftheir music.

As soon as they had amethod of delivery peoplestarted learning to make

money off it, said SteveFansler, owner of FanslerFamily Music in Chapman.As radio stations becamemore powerful, the methodof delivery of music keptgrowing and growing. As itdid, people figured out howto make money from it.

Eventually the deliverymethods have landed us

where we are today wheremusicians are not able to sellrecords and CDs.

The way an artist makesmoney has changed.

They are returning to thestage, theyre giving their

music away online and plan-ning great world tours andselling related merchandise.

The sale of the hard cop-ies is almost gone, it is deliv-ery on the internet now, hesaid. We are at that samepoint in the cycle, but in a dif-ferent world one thathasnt figured out what thestandards will be.

Major artists are paying fortheir own production, givingit away free and then puttingeverything into the perfor-mances.

Its a move that Fansler saidis an experiment, but as quickas the technology and socialhabits change there are notproven standardsto guide todaysindustry.

It has had anegative impacton some of thebigger names, butFansler said fewpeople really feelsorry for the bigcorporations likeSony and Warner Bros. whohave taken advantage of theartists for decades.

Now, they are almost on anequal playing field with youand I sitting in our homes.

Any more it is too easy forpeople to create their musicand go through companies

who will distribute it and takea much smaller piece of thepie than the record labelsused to.

The record companiesthat used to have a tight grip

on who would besuccessful and who

would not startedlosing their clout.

Back then, youhad to go to wherethe industry was,pound on doors, begand plead, maybeeven hire an attor-ney to represent

you, he said. Now, anybody,anywhere in the world canreach the entire populationonline and bypass that entireindustry,

The difficulty is knowing

whats around the corner.Fansler, who spent several

years as a professional per-former said the industry has

yet to settle down and becomestandardized. As technologyadvances the industry is try-ing to stay ahead of it, hesaid.

The performers and theartists constitute one part of amulti-faceted industry.

After a lifetime of perform-ing and working in the music

world, Fansler returned to hishometown.

He said he grew up east of

Chapman and rememberedevery day going to school,stopping at what had beenthe only stop sign in town,right across from the oldstone bank building that had

been vacant for years.He and his wife Shelly

came back to Chapman

because he wanted his boysto have the high school expe-rience that he had, somethingthey wouldnt have gotten inLas Vegas where he had beenperforming since 1997.

It was never ever on my

A changing industryLife

different formusicians

as internet

takes hold

Story and photo ByGail Parsons

Steve Fansler, owner of Fansler Family Music in Chapman, fixes a guitar.

To abusiness manit defies logic

to put a newbusiness in atown like

Chapman.

Please see Changing, 5D

He and his wife Shelly came back toChapman because he wanted his boys to

have the high school experience that he had,something they wouldnt have gotten in Las

Vegas where he had beenperforming since 1997.

785-579-6050 greatlifegolf.com

Make it a Great day, Make it GreatLife

GreatLife golf // fitness

Unlimited Golf & Fitness with Membership

Junction City Membership includes access to 3 nearby locations in Salina & Abilene

15 weekly Zumba, Aerobics, Yoga & Kick Boxing classes FREE to members

No Green Fees for Members

Military & Corporate discount - $10 One time initiation

fee & 1 month free - Save $119.99

$2999+ tax per month(single, couple or family)

Military

Discount

24/7accesstoFitnessCenter

Serving Farmers and RanchersSince 1884

Money for Life isnt just a tagline.

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of the Geary County economy,

and Central National Bank is proud to have served local farmers and

ranchers for the past 130 years.

We are committed to the business of agriculture, and

we are dedicated to providing the full range of quality financial services

that help our customers be successful in todays capital-intensive,

high-tech agricultural environment.

Please let us know how we can assist you!

Member FDICEqual Housing Lender

Junction City Branch Locations

802 N. Washington Street540 W. 6thStreet116 W. 8thStreet

521 E. Chestnut Street(Walmart Supercenter)

1801 W. Ash Street

(785) 238-4114www.centralnational.com

201 Grant Avenue Junction City, KS 785-238-3196

Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30, Sat 8:00-4:00www.homelumber.doitbest.com

Same Sale DateS Same GraDe of material

Same Payment & Delivery termS

Wematch

PriceS Within40mileS

A Lumber Store and a whole lot more...

Great Service with professional help. Our ooring department will arrange installation of carpet, wood,

laminate, tile, all types of ooring.Deck & Garage PkgsFREE ESTIMATES!

Best Look

Lifetime

Paint


5/8


list of goals to own and operate amusic store.

I liked the industry, I worked in it,I was familiar with it.

I was a professional musician; anaudio engineer that is what my lifespath was, he said.

They arrived back in Chapman 10days after a tornado devastated thetown in 2008.

But they had already made thedecision to stay and when they sawthe corner bank for sale, they decid-ed they would buy it, but didntknow right away what they woulddo with it.

We wanted the building and waslooking for an investment. To a busi-ness man it defies logic to put a new

business in a town like Chapman,he said. We came to the conclu-sions if we were going to own andoperate a business, the only busi-ness that we had any business beingin was the music business.

Fansler returned to the part of themusic industry that he had startedout in back in the 1970s.

I worked in music stores in col-lege and throughout my 20s. I

worked in music stores in Hutchin-son, I worked in music stores inKansas City, and I worked in Los

Angeles in a music store.Coming back into the music retail

business after a time gap he couldsee how the same technology thatinfiltrated the rest of the musicindustry, had left its mark on theretail sector.

The interest in musical instru-ments has really grown, and for a

multitude of reasons, he said. OnAug. 1, 1981, one little event would

forever change the music world Video Killed the Radio Star by TheBuggles appeared on MTV and themusic industry would be changedforever.

When MTV started coming outkids saw the rock stars, the metalbands, the hair bands, that inspiredpeople to want to play guitar, hesaid. Then something very, verydramatic happened the internet.

Just like every other retail indus-try the internet changed the way

that consumers approached pur-chasing musical instruments.

Online shopping delivering prod-uct to the front door with no tax andno shipping has diminished ourprofit margin dramatically, he said.Our profit margin is less than 50percent of what it was in the 70s.

But while the internet may havediminished the retail, it has helpedinspire young people.

No matter how advanced thetechnology gets, it is still the humanaspect that will always keep themusic industry alive.

Fansler pointed to Taylor Swift asa prime example of one person whomade a huge impact on a genera-tion of potential artists.

It wasnt all that uncommon foryoung boys to want to be a rock androll hero, but after Taylor Swift, all ofa sudden young girls saw they could

do it too, he said.Besides the kids, Fansler said the

retail is propelled by the baby boom-ers that have a little more expend-able income.

They always loved music but put

it aside while they pursued theircareers, now they want to comeback to it, he said. Another sce-

nario is the family that comes in and

says they are interested in playingmusic together. They say we used to

have a boat, or we used to have anRV, or we used to take family trips,but now they want to spend the

money on something they can reallydo together.

The way musicians deliver their

service, the way we appreciate themusic will forever change, but themusic industry is one that will neverdie.

CHANGINGContinued from Page 4D

Fansler pointed to TaylorSwift as a prime exampleof one person who made

a huge impact on ageneration of potential

artists.

and never taking for grantedan existing customer arelong-standing business prac-tices that are as relevant todayas they were decades ago.

For the Courtyard, the big-gest competition comes fromout of town.

The best selling point forhaving conventions in Junc-tion City is its easy access offI-70.

Manhattan isnt super dif-ficult to get to but you have toget off the interstate to get toit, she said. Manhattan isdoing a decent job of getting

some local attractions theyare pushing hard; we havetours of Fort Riley, and Mil-ford Lake.

Often groups want activi-ties to participate in off site,

which is very limited in Junc-tion City, especially duringthe winter.

It makes the job of bringingconventions and visitor intothe city more of a challenge.

Despite the challenges, themanner that those in the hos-pitality industry gets theirbusiness into the door hasntchanged much over the yearsbut the expectations of the

guests have and that is whereGeneral Manager Rick Matasaid those in the industryneed to be most cognizant.

We used to order hun-dreds of newspapers, now we

just get a few, leave them atthe desk and we still havethem at the end of the day,he said.

Just because people arentgetting their news from thepaper doesnt mean that theydont want it. Mata said theone of the big things that peo-ple want today in their hotelis complimentary WiFi.

The number one com-

plaint in the industry is why

do I have to pay for it when I

can go across the street (toStarbucks) and get it free, hesaid. And not just fast WiFi,but free and fast.

People also are interestedin a free breakfast, not somuch because its free, butbecause of the atmosphere in

which a free breakfast serviceis delivered over a paid break-fast.

They want and all-inclu-sive stay. Partially for the con-

venience; if they have to payfor it, there is more of a feel-ing of settling in, Miner said.If its something free theycan grab and go.

Once a client has commit-

ted to a property, the catering

manager becomes responsi-ble for ensuring the clientsevent goes as well as theyexpect it to.

The technology availabletoday makes that job a littleeasier, but also a little harder.

At the Courtyard by Marriottthat person in Laura Cain.

Its best if we can meetface to face, she said.

The computers also cangive potential clients a viewinto the facility that theymight not otherwise havehad.

Online reviews can sway aprospective customer. Sites

like Trip Advisor have

become popular forums for

determining ratings Minersaid those kind of reviews canbe helpful, but misleadingbecause of fraud.

If it sounds like a sales

pitch it probably is, she said.Adjusting to the way in

which people get the infor-mation they need to make

educated decisions about

where to hold events, or justspend the night is as impor-tant as keeping on top of theconsumer habits.

THRIVINGContinued from Page 3D

Rick Mata, General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott, checks the computer for updates and e-mails. Convincing the convention and tourism guest to book at his facilityoffers a unique set of challenges, and leads to busy days.

Experience

Newsyour YourDU.net

D.A.V. Pearl Harbor Chapter 16

Let us: Help you attain veterans benefits, including VA compensation, health care,

life insurance, pension, employment rights, and education; Prepare and present benefit claims before government agencies; Provide medical transportation; Keep you informed about your rights and current legislative actions.

DAV is a nonprofit association totally funded by dues and contributions.Please support our veterans!Shopatthe: D.A.V. Thrift Store

1505 N. Washington, J.C.238-1430

DONATIONS ACCEPTED TRUCK AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP

Open Mon.Sat. 9 5:30 pm.

Our National Disabled V

eteran Representatives understand your needs and

concerns!! Free assistance provided to disabled veterans and their familiescan be attained by contacting the VA Hospital in Topeka at 1-800-574-8387.

Santa Fe Pawn

128 W. 18th,Junction City

762-5626Hours: 10-6 M-F, 10-5 Sat.

BUY SELL TRADE PAWN

Over 300 Guns in Stock

785-375-3288 Free EstimatesProud Supporter of

Window Replacement, VinylSiding, Decks, Door Replacement,Wall Paper Removal, Remodeling,

Siding, Drywall, Lead PaintAbatement, Texture, MoldRemediation, Carpet, Sheet Vinyl,Ceramic Tile, VCT, and of course,Interior and Exterior Painting!

than paint!

We do:

Service with a smile!


6/8


The way people shop for

vehicles, the amenities

available in vehicles,

even the manner that vehicles

are treated in the garage has

changed so much in the past

few years that the automotive

industry has little semblance to

the industry of a generation ago.

The information highway

leads right into the showroom

floor and is often traveled long

before a customer enters thebrick and mortar facility.

The transparency of this

business is incredible, said

Willie Thornberg, general

manager at Jim Clark Chevro-

let-Cadillac. Eighty-five per-

cent of the people who pur-

chase a car today will shop

that car on the internet.

Not only are they shopping

online, they also are seeing the

trade in value of their vehicles,

the dealer costs, incentives,

and rebates.

It means that pretty much

everyone will be purchasing

their vehicle for the same price

no matter where they go, he

said.

Because so many people

have already done their home-

work before they walk into a

dealership, the salesmans job

has shifted from selling to

facilitating a sale, and helping

people sort through the infor-

mation have already gathered.

You want to add value to

that, and then offer them some

reason to do business with you

rather than someone else, he

said.

The cars today have ameni-

ties beyond what would have

been imagined even five years

ago, keeping up with the new

amenities and being able to

provide the personal service

today, goes well beyond the

showroom floor.

The sale doesnt end when

the consumer drives off the

lot.

Salesman Ron Johnson hasworked at Jim Clarks for 18

years, and has seen the tech-

nology in todays vehicles is go

from the phenomenal key-less

entry to automatic start and

cars that will warn you if you

cross the yellow line.

In his career he has watched

it go from one computer in the

entire building to WiFi

hotspots in the car.

It never ceases to amaze

me. Five years you could bare-

ly imagine an iPad now the

touching, the swiping its all in

the dash of the car, Johnson

said. Theres software updates

now they are downloading to

your vehicle by satellite. I am

curious to see what is next.

As those in the industry

learn, nearly on a daily basis,

the new amenities, they have

to find ways to pass the infor-

mation on to the consumer.

Thornberg said they now offer

continuing education when

someone purchases a new car.

That continuing education can

last a long time. Theres a lot of

features that people dont even

think about using for several

months after actually purchas-

ing the vehicle, but they can

always head over to the dealer

and have someone show the

how to operate one of the

computerized amenities. Like

Johnson, hes not sure where

the technology will lead.

If the public will accept it I

can see where cars will drive

themselves I see the tech-

nology being available to dothat, he said. I kinda hope

not though I enjoy driving.

No matter how sophisticat-

ed the product is, selling it still

requires adhering to some of

the basic sales rules.

At the end of the day Im of

the Keep It Simple Stupid

mentality. Our role is to help

people get what it is they are

looking for to suit their needs,

Thornberg said. At the end of

the day what they want hasnt

changed a lot.

A typical day for him is

spent walking around talking

to the customers and employ-

ees. Small piles of paper are

scattered about his desk, but

that is not at the top of his pri-

ority list.

He says that none of the

paperwork is important or

would even be there if the pri-

ority wasnt the customer.

None of this other stuff

matters if the customer isnt

happy with their experience,

he said.

For Johnson a typical day

doesnt exist. Theres a big

difference between what hap-

pens and what you plan on

happening, he said. Most of

his customers are customers

with appointments with return

clients and referrals.

One day he may be at a cli-

ent home setting up a garage

door opener, the next he

might be driving them to work

after they drop of a vehicle for

servicing,

With all the advancement in

the vehicles, there is still a

need for servicing, but fewer

people are able to jack up the

car in the backyard and ser-

vice their own vehicle. Down

the street from Jim Clarks is

the new Dick Edwards dealer-

ship where Mike Schultze,

parts and service manager,

dispatches vehicles to the

proper technician to work on

it.

Internet focusfor car dealershipsVehicle purchases much different

now than a generation agoBy Gail [email protected]

Taylor Svitak, a technician at Dick Edwards works on the front brake system of an F150. Gone are thedays that a mechanic can easily jack up a car in the back yard and make what used to be simple repairs.Mechanics have given way to licensed technicians who make necessary vehicle repairs.

The transparency of this business isincredible. Eighty-five percent of the peoplewho purchase a car today will shop that car

on the internet.

WILLIETHORNBERG

Manager at Jim Clark Chevrolet-Cadillac

Please seeAuto, 7D

CITY CYCLE SALES, INC.HARLEY-DAVIDSON

KAWASAKi SUZUKI

Motorcycles WatercraftATVs Utility Vehicles

Scooters

Sales Service Partswww.citycyclesalesinc.com

238-3411TOLL FREE 877-600-1983

1021 Goldenbelt BlvdAlong I-70 betweenExits 295 & 296

CityCyClesalesinC.Com

Building Systems Management

Specializing in Heating & A-C

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

We Service & Warranty PartsFor All Makes

Master Mech.

Licensed

Bonded

Insured

24 HOUR EMERGENCY

SERVICE

785-257-3224

Ask About Our DiscountClub Membership

www.kvkinc.biz

$750

Security Deposit

$125 placed to hold

the apartment

$125 payments for

the first 5 months

of residency

~MOVE IN SPECIALS~

FREE 1STMONTH 3 BEDROOM

OFF 1STMONTH RENT 2 BEDROOM

$

200 O

F

F MOVE IN IF L

E

AS

E I

S SI

GNED

ON T

HE DAY O

F V

I

SI

T

ING QUI

NT

ON P

OI

N

T

~NEWLY CONSTRUCTED~

~PET FRIENDLY~

~APPLIANCES INCLUDED~

~CLOSE TO THE PROXIMITY

OF FT. RILEY~

~WASHER/DRYER

HOOKUPS~

~24 HOUR FITNESS ROOM~

~POOL~

~CLUBHOUSE WITH POOL

TABLE~

~NEW PLAYGROUND~

~MODEL APT ON SITE~

2 BEDROOM 987 SQ FT $875

3 BEDROOM 1170 SQ FT$975

2316 WILDCAT LANE

JUNCTION CITY KS 66441

7855796500

www.quintonpoint.com

WE ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

FROM 9 AM TO 5:30 PM AND SATURDAYS

FROM 9 AM UNTIL 1 PM.

SUNDAY VIEWINGS ARE AVAILABLE UPON

APPOINTMENT.

2316 WILDCAT LANE

JUNCTION CITY KS 66441

7855796500

www.quintonpoint.com

WE ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

FROM 9 AM TO 5:30 PM AND SATURDAYS

FROM 9 AM UNTIL 1 PM.

SUNDAY VIEWINGS ARE AVAILABLE UPON

APPOINTMENT.

CallusforaviewingTODAY!

~NEWLY CONSTRUCTED~

~PET FRIENDLY~

~APPLIANCES INCLUDED~

~CLOSE TO THE PROXIMITY

OF FT. RILEY~

~WASHER/DRYER

HOOKUPS~

~24 HOUR FITNESS ROOM~

~POOL~

~CLUBHOUSE WITH POOL

TABLE~

~NEW PLAYGROUND~

~MODEL APT ON SITE~

$750Security Deposit

$125 placed to hold

the apartment

$125 payments for

the first 5 months

of residency

Call us for Pricing.

Monthly Specials!

Chinese & American Cuisine

801 E Chestnut St(next to Walmart)

785-762-1882

All You Can Eat

Party Available

Banquet Reservation Request

the Largest, Finest Chinese

& buffet in Town

Family

Buffet

FINDING

THE RIGHT

COVERAGE

IS DIFFICULT

LOCATING THE RIGHT AGENT

IS A CINCH

Insurance Group of Junction City

925 S. Washington

Morris M. Mo Greenwood

CPIA LUTCF(785) 762-2121

email:[email protected]

Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Visit us for a unique blendof old & new...

Garden Gate Antiques

826 N. Washington,

Junction City, KS

785-238-4380

Aique, Clcle, Gfs,Cnle n P Pory

www.FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com

I believe fundamental honesty is theKeystone of Business Harvey Firestone, Founder

P:785.238.5111F:785.238.2661

128 West 8th StreetJunction City, KS 66441

THEDAILYUNION.

The Daily Unions Creative

Services department does more than

design ads or our various newspa-

pers we also work on brochures,

fyers, posters, web advertising and

even billboard designs or various

businesses in the Flint Hills region.

As creative services

director, I have had the

opportunity to direct

an award-winning

sta in assisting local

businesses in their

promotional eorts.

Each new project presents us

with new opportunities, serving as

the bridge between companies and

consumers. Our overall goal is to

give our customers more than they

would expect rom a newspaper

production team.

Do you have a message you need

to send to your customers? A grand

opening? A sale? Call The Daily

Union and put my creative team to

work or you.

Jacob Keehn,

Creative Services/Pre-press Director

(785) 762-5000

[email protected]

DU

your

.NET

ABOUT

Jacob KeehnCreative Services Director


7/8


He makes it clear these are not

mechanics that he works with they

are technicians who are educated

and receives continued education to

work on the sophisticated computer-

ized vehicles that roll into the bays.

Theres a lot of continuing educa-tion. The day of the backyard

mechanic is gone, Schultze said.

Some of it is just not do-it-yourself,

there can be danger involved. With

the gas hybrids if someone gets under

the hood of a hybrid and messes with

the wrong connector, its going to kill

them.

He grew up around cars, his father

was a mechanic, and his grandfather

owned a Ford dealership, but the

most significant changes seem to

have come in just the past five to 10

years, he said.

When I was in high school you

drove through the parking lot and

saw old farm trucks, there wasntanything new. I go through the park-

ing lot today and good Lord these

kids have nicer cars than I got, he

said.

Just as the cars have become more

sophisticated, so has the level of edu-

cation and skill level of the techni-

cians who work on the cars.

A potential technician has to have

the right mindset and be ready for a

lot of continuing education and train-

ing.

Just as the work being done on the

vehicles can get complicated, there is

also a system of paperwork that gets

tied up in each repair or work order,

and only certain people can do cer-

tain jobs.

I cannot do any warranty work for

any manufacturer unless I have a

trained technician, he said. When

you run a warranty job it has to be

pre-approved.

There are forms to fill out, pictures

to send and approvals needed before

a technician can work on a vehicle.

With up to 1,000 vehicles going

through the garage each month, a lot

of time can be spent on paperwork,

but seldom can Schultze sit down

and finish one project.

A typical day for him is complete

chaos, he said. I typically get here at

7 a.m. and make sure everything is

open up, my advisors get here at 7:15

and we open for business at 7:30

from then on I am on a dead run

starting with dispatching the (vehi-

cles) to the proper technician.

With every part of the auto indus-

try keeping up with continuous

advancements in technology, the job

of a car salesman or a mechanic has

considerably and those in the indus-

try are along for a ride that has not

roadmap.

Well just wait and see what the

future holds, Schultze said.

Willie Thornberg, general manager; and Ron Johnson, sales and leasing professional, at Jim Clarks Chevrolet-Cadillac, show off one of the new vehicles they haveon the showroom floor. The two have seen tremendous changes in the sophistication of the vehicles they sell from when they started in the industry.

AUTOContinued from Page 6D

my, to just let some things go

and be stable. But I think if we

want to start seeing us turn the

corner we have to start putting

more effort into it, she said.

No matter what is going on

with the revenue, whether the

organization is raising funds

for the arts, soldiers, or the

homeless, the basis of the

organizations are the same

meeting the needs of a specific

group, that requires energizing

the funding base.

It really takes our connect-

ing with internal leadership at

some of our larger employers.

If you dont have the energy

and support at the top level of

leadership, youre not going to

do well, Cray said.

To energize the base, the

leadership of the organization,

the staff, and the volunteers

need to be energized, which

Cray and Iwen are.

Both of them cited a belief

in the missions of their organi-

zation as the key to guiding

and keeping them working in

an industry that requires long

hours and chaotic days.

For me it is the fact that the

work that I do makes a differ-

ence in the lives of the people

I serve, Cray said. I get to

work with people; my board of

directors, the volunteers, the

agency directors, these are

people who are willing to roll

up their sleeves and make

good things happen in our

community.

To be successful, relation-

ships have to be fostered and

the community needs to con-

tinuously be aware of the orga-

nization and what it does,

which can lead to pretty cha-

otic days. A typical day for

Iwen recently started off with

answering phones; responding

to e-mails; getting reports sub-

mitted; finding someone to

pick up chili; and getting vol-

unteers in place for the Royals

Fan Fest fundraiser in Kansas

City, at the new-soldier net-

working function at Rileys

Conference Center, and at the

USO center all before 10

a.m.

Its controlled chaos and

its fun, she said.

But it is also very different

than the for-profit industry

from which she came. A com-

mon misconception that peo-

ple have is that the non-profit

world can and should operate

under the same business mod-

els as a for-profit, if they did

they would be for-profits.

The biggest difference from

the for-profit to the non-profit

is basically doing the same job

without a paid staff that is one

of the biggest difference;

accomplishing a mission with

donor dollars and a volunteer

staff, Iwen said. But it is also

an opportunity to approach

and engage with every walk of

life.

At the end of the day, the

mission of the non-profits is

the guiding force for their

directors.

The most rewarding part is

being able to deliver the mis-

sion to lift the spirits of the

soldiers and their families,

Iwen said. I love to see the

smiles on their faces.

ROADContinued from Page 2D

Ailleen Cray, executive director of the United Way of Junction City and Geary County, works with non-profits in the region that continueto face difficult financial times following years of recession.

Visit us onthe web at

WORKING to keep your business local.

Best Vehicles. Best Prices.

Over 35 Years as your trustedhometown dealer.

DE Lacer has been a resident of JC for 54 years and is a proud supporter of the military.

1737 N. Washington, Junction City 238-5368

C o m i n g S o o n

PASSENGER TERMINAL

EXPANSION

DAILY FLIGHTS TO

CHICAGO O'HARE &

DALLAS FORT WORTH


8/8


have no life of your own ever, she said.

Dudley also learned aboutthe long hours that go intooperating a business.

His day typically starts at 6

a.m. with exercise.Then I go down to the

store, so much is driven inthe day by either what didntget done the day before or

what I have to get donetoday, or what is coming uptomorrow, he said . I amlike most small businessowners. You have to be aJack-of-all-trades. You haveto be the person to clean thebathrooms, you have to bethe person to vacuum thefloor, you are the person tak-ing the trash out, you are theperson helping unload thetruck when 10 palates show

up.Keeping up with the day-to-day work is only onepiece of the puzzle. Thesmall-business owner has toalways be thinking a stepahead.

Dudley said often peoplethink as long as their cus-tomers are satisfied theyredoing their job.

Thats not good enoughanymore. You want yourcustomers to be raving about

your business, he said.For every customer who

walks into the door there is adifferent sales approach.Dudley knows many of his

customers and because ofthat he often has a prettygood idea what they want, or

who might need a little of hiscreative eye to put together acenterpiece, or new displayfor the foyer. Before Gather-ings on the Prairie hadbecome a favorite stop forKansans from as far as Great

Bend and Liberal, Dudleyfaced the question of start-ing a business such as his inJunction City.

There were some naysay-ers, but he had given somereal thought to his marketingplan.

We are really fortunatebeing right on I-70 and soclose to K-State. Wichita has

a large contingent of K-Statesupporters and when theyknow we are five minutes offthe interstate, they can stophere, he said. I knew forthis business to survive wecould not just count on localtraffic. On an average day,about 80 percent of our busi-ness is not local business.

He anticipates that hislong distance customers willcontinue to be the mainstayof his business.

When he opened thedoors in 2003, he enlistedthe help of a few friends

whom he knew liked to shop

to send out about 400 post-cards.That was the start of a

mailing list that has sincegrown so far out of control itmade more sense to dropdirect mail marketing.Today, hes got a website andis on social media, but hasnot delved into online salesthat many industries areturning to.

If someone calls and saysthey were on the websiteand they saw somethingthey like, I will ship it out,but selling online is a com-pletely different kind of busi-ness.

I am still trying to masterthis one and not wanting tostart a new one, he said.

While there will always bemore to learn, Dudley hasclearly put his business onthe right track which is

where it is be cause of a posi-tive attitude that translatesinto personal attention to his

customers. He loves helpingthem find the unique piecesthat are exactly what theyare looking for.

What I enjoy is buyingstuff and then helping peo-

ple find what works forthem, he said. And I reallyenjoy talking to customers.

He would just as soon notworry about t he paperwork,and will walk away from itin a heartbeat if it meanstaking time to spend with acustomer. His office hasended up in a satchel that

goes with him everywhere.My office is in my shoes,

wherever my shoes are atthat is where my office is atbecause usually my satchelis with me, he said. It

scares me sometimes think-ing that is how I run thisbusiness but is very seldomthat I have enough time tosit down and do a task com-pletely.

Spending time with thecustomers is as important asmaking a sale.

It helps keep him in tuned

with what the cus tomerwants, which in turn helpshim, keep the merchandisefresh and interesting.

I think generically whenyour business becomes stag-

nant your customers donthave a reason to come backin, he said.

Down the street andaround the block Stockford

would agree that jus t talkingwith the custo mers makesthe business worth the timeand it is what keeps heropening the door.

I like the people, thereare a lot of people I dontknow their names but Iknow their lawn mower andI know their dogs, she said.People come in and we just

talk if I could I would have alittle potbelly stove, a check-er board, and coffee pot. Ilike the mom and pop feel.

Whether a business owneris selling lawnmower parts,or home interior pieces,Dudley and Stockford agreedthat the focus is always onknowing the customer.

Mary Stockford, owner of Reliable Small Engine Repair, looks over the inventory on hand for sale and for use in repairs.

RETAILContinued from Page 1D

www.DickEdwardsAuto.com

The ALL NEW DICK EDWARDS

AUTO PLAZA At i-70 & 77 HWYRegistertoWinanAlaskan

CruiseGiveaway!IncludesFreeAirFair

Schools:

HeadStart Wee Lads and Lasses PreSchool

Blue Ridge Elementary (K-5)

Enterprise Elementary (K-5)

Rural Center Elementary (K-5)

Chapman Elementary (K-5)

Chapman Middle School (6-8)

Chapman High School (9-12)

Unied School District No. 473Chapman, KS

(10 Miles W. of Junction City on I-70)

USD #473 Vision - Students empowered for life-long learning!

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

Like Us On

-

-- -

-

USD 473 Education Center (785) 922-6521

District Website: http://usd473.net

We Do

Whats Best

For Kids!

All schools Standard of Excellence Award RecipientsAll-day kindergartenNationally recognized music/FFA/business programsCHS and Blue Ridge Elementary are Governors Achievement AwardWinnersCHS FFA two-time recipient of the Triple Crown, the states top FFAhonor!CHS two-time recipient of U.S. News and World Report Bronze Award7-12 Athletic runs provided after practice and in summerChapman High School is a National Blue Ribbon school!Rural Center Elementary 1:1 iPads

-

-- -

-

-

-- -

-

http://www.facebook.com/usd473

Follow us on Twitter

@473irish

The Daily Union - Outlook 2014: People - Private Sector

Documents

Transcript of The Daily Union - Outlook 2014: People - Private Sector