ThinkMHK Podcast
Think MHK Podcast is provided by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and serves to keep the community informed on issues that impact business and quality of life in Manhattan. On each episode hear from members of the community about a timely issue as well as hear insightful interviews with Manhattan business leaders. Topics covered include community and job growth, small business, leadership, public policy, military issues, entrepreneurship, tourism, economic development and general chamber business and programing. New episodes are released every Tuesday. Hosted by Jason Smith, President/CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce at Manhattan.org.
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Season 3
Episode 20 (4/4/23) - For the final episode of season 3, we welcome Brian Peete, Director of the Riley County Police Department. In this episode, Brian shares his story from growing up with two parents in the Chicago Police Department to his time in the Air Force and his past Chief of Police experiences all the way to what attracted him to come to Manhattan. Brian also shares what he views RCPD's role in the community is and what surprised him most about Manhattan.
Episode 19 (6/27/23) - On this episode of the ThinkMHK podcast, Jason is joined by guest Mary Martell, Vice President and Regional Administrator of Stormont Vail. Mary recently moved to Manhattan to run Stormont Vail's new Manhattan location. She shares the history of Stormont Vail, why they decided to invest in Manhattan and details on their new location on N. Manhattan Ave. Mary also shares why she personally decided to move to Manhattan, the excitement she's found in The Little Apple® and why she has chosen to be a part of the Chamber world.
Episode 18 (6/20/23) - This week we hear from the new Director of Visit Manhattan, Marcia Rozell. Marcia has served Visit Manhattan for the last 13 years as the Sports and Leisure Manager and in May of 2023 she was promoted to Director. Listen in as Marcia shares what first brought her to Manhattan, some of her favorite events she's helped bring to Manhattan, her goals for the first year and so much more.
Episode 17 (6/13/23) - In April 2023, we welcomed the new Military Relations Manager, Christian Bishop to the Chamber team. Christian has been at the forefront of engagement between Fort Riley and the Flint Hills community for nearly 15 years as part of the Fort Riley team. Listen to this week's podcast to learn more about Christian's past career working with Fort Riley, how she received the nickname "Ms. Manhattan", the key initiatives for her new position and ways to get involved with the Chamber's Military Relations Committee.
Episode 16 (6/6/23) - This week we welcome Vern Henricks President/CEO of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. Did you know that GMCF is the largest community foundation in the whole state of Kansas?! While on the podcast Vern dives into what the GMCF is, who they serve, their big events like Grow Green Match Day and more.
Episode 15 (5/30/23) - We are excited to welcome our final two 15 Under 40 guests to the ThinkMHK Podcast. This week we feature Sheila Ellis-Glasper, Founder and Marketing Strategist of SEG Media Collective and Marc Kent, Realtor at ERA High Pointe Realty. Listen in to learn more about how they have been involved in the community, the opportunities they have found in Manhattan, advice for young professionals and much more.
Episode 14 (5/23/23) - This week we welcome Dr. Steven Bellinger, CEO of Radiation Detection Technologies, Inc. to the podcast. RDT is a local Manhattan company that recently was recognized by the Kansas Department of Commerce as a statewide winner of the 2022 Business Innovation Award. During this episode you will learn more about what RDT does, the different industries they serve and their recent expansion plans.
Episode 13 (5/16/23) - This week we welcome our 2023 Young Professional of the Year award winner, Stephanie Pierce, back to the ThinkMHK Podcast. Stephanie is the Economic development and entrepreneur relations manager at K-State Innovation Partners. She is also the Chair of the Chamber's young professional program, Hype. Throughout the episode, she shares what her role in economic development looks like, the importance of Hype and entrepreneurship in the community and more.
Episode 12 (5/9/23) - We were honored to award Mary Vanier the Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year award at our 2023 Annual Meeting! Mary has dedicated many years to serving the Manhattan community and we are excited she joined us for episode 12 of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Listen in to hear just how shocked she was to win this award, her long-time connection with Kansas State University and even some timeless advice.
Episode 11: (5/2/23) We are excited to welcome Senator Jerry Moran to the ThinkMHK podcast this week. During this episode, our host Jason Smith dives into getting to know the senator from where he came from, where he grew up to how those experiences shaped who he is today. Senator Moran shares many great stories from his experiences working in the Kansas legislature to now in the U.S. Senate. He shares some of his most proud accomplishments, what inspires him the most, and even some intriguing travel stories. Learn more about your U.S. Senator, Jerry Moran, and listen to this week's episode!
Episode 10: (4/25/23) Halfway through season three, and we continue to celebrate our inaugural 15 Under 40 recipients. This week we have Doug Barrett, Owner of 400 North Creative and Blade Mages, Owner of Middle with us. Doug shares his stories on why his efforts on improving the business climate in Manhattan are important to him as well as his experiences stationed at Fort Riley and why he chose to stay in Manhattan after his service. Blade shares his experiences with the launch of Hype, Manhattan's young professionals program, his work with the Chamber's recruitment campaign called Made for Manhattan and his newest venture of renovating the Wareham Opera House.
Episode 9: (4/18/23) This week we welcome back Matt Crocker, CEO of SPS Companies, Inc. During this year's Annual Meeting Matt was recognized as the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year. As one of just 4 Chamber awardees of the year, Matt shares how he felt receiving this honor during this episode. He also hits on the Chamber initiatives he is most proud to have assisted with and his work with many other community organizations.
Episode 8: (4/11/23) This week we are back with two more 15 under 40 recipients. First, we have Ashley Urban. Ashley is the co-founder and principal at CURA Insurance. Throughout the episode, Ashley shares why she decided to start her own insurance company as well as her experiences being involved in the Manhattan community through many different organizations.
Then we have Rebecca Robinson, the newly appointed CEO of K-State Innovation Partners. Rebecca shares about her background and how she ended up at K-State, as well as the evolution and mission of K-State Innovation Partners. Finally, Rebecca shares her thoughts on being named one of the top young professionals in the region and the importance of recognizing the contributions of young professionals to the community.
Episode 7: (4/4/23) This week we are featuring two more of our 15 Under 40 recipients, Jayme Minton and Summer Ott Dierks. The 15 Under 40 program selects 15 nominees each year to honor and recognize the accomplishments of outstanding young professionals who make a positive impact in the community and excel in their industry.
Jayme is the Support Services Director at Meadowlark providing leadership to the service area of sales, resident services, food and beverage, Home Health Services, and much more. She also has been an essential partner in the Chamber's Classroom to Career program. Summer is the past chair of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and owns her own law firm, Dierks Law Firm. Listen in to hear more about their experiences building their career and families in Manhattan.
Want to hear more from Jayme and Summer? Check out their previous ThinkMHK episodes from season 2, episodes 13 and 17.
Episode 6: (3/28/23) This week we are joined by the 2022 Small Business of the Year award winners, Dan Knight and Tracy Anderson with Anderson Knight Architects. The Small Business of the Year award is awarded to a small business within the Manhattan community that exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Through years of involvement at the Chamber and throughout the community Anderson Knight Architects was more than worthy of this award. Listen in as Dan and Tracy share more about projects AKA is working on, how their business came about, their entrepreneurship advice and so much more.
Episode 5: (3/21/23) The ThinkMHK Podcast is nothing short of boring. We are always learning new things like how Jeff Sackrider brought Air Guitar to Manhattan or how Catherine McKinley can recite all the US English prepositions in alphabetical order! There's never a dull moment.
Listen in to the 5th episode of season three as we hear from two more 15 Under 40 recipients Jeff with WTC Communications and Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Catherine McKinley! During this episode, these award winners share how they have found success in Manhattan, advice for other young professionals and so much more.
Episode 4: (3/14/23) For this week's episode, we have the 2022 Women/Minority Owned Business Award winner, Kasey Wilkinson with MHK Play Studio. Each year this award recognizes a diverse business leader who has a proven track record of excellence in advocating for others within their community and workplace. We were excited to sit down with Kasey to learn more about what MHK Play Studio is, her personal journey of entrepreneurship, the Chamber's Childcare task force and more!
Episode 3: (3/7/23) This episode features two of our 15 Under 40 recipients, Kate Ryan and Katie Seay. The 15 Under 40 program selects 15 nominees each year to honor and recognize the accomplishments of outstanding young professionals who make a positive impact in the community and excel in their industry.
Kate Ryan is the Business Development Manager at McCownGordon. Katie Seay is the Chief Fiduciary Officer at The Trust Company. Listen in as they share their professional accomplishments in Manhattan, why they have stayed in the area and what makes Manhattan such a great place to live, work and play. They also share some noteworthy advice for other young professionals moving forward in their careers.
Episode 2: (2/21/23) For the second episode of season 3, we are joined by Dennis Mullin, Chairman of SPS Companies. SPS Companies was awarded the Cornerstone award at the Chamber's 2022 Business Awards Luncheon.
Would you believe us if we told you that SPS Companies ended up in Manhattan by accident thanks to a broken-down car? Or that SPS Companies keep their headquarters in Manhattan because of the people in this vibrant community. Jason and Dennis discuss all of this and more throughout this episode!
Episode 1: (2/14/23) We are back with season 3 of the Think MHK Podcast! To kick off this season we are joined by the Director of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Karen Hibbard. Karen has worked for Manhattan's CVB since 1997, serving as the director for the last 18 years. At the end of February 2023, Karen plans to retire. During this episode, we highlight some of Karen's biggest accomplishments, her favorite memories, and of course, her best jokes! We even bring in two surprise guests to help us reminisce on Karen's impact on our community over the last two decades.
Season 2
Episode 21: (9/27/22) Learn the facts about the Scorpion Biological Services project! To wrap up season two Jason Smith and Daryn Soldan take over the episode to share an update on the Scorpion Biological Services project. Jason and Daryn dive into the specifics of this project including size, scope, and the details of what exactly Scorpion Biological Services will do here in Manhattan, Kansas.
Episode 20: (9/13/22) On the 20th episode of the ThinkMHK podcast, we are joined by Fort Riley Garrison Commander Colonel Michael J. Foote. COL Foote shares his past experiences with the Army. Jason and COL Foote discuss what the community and region can do to best support the soldiers and families stationed at Fort Riley. They discuss opportunities regarding spouse employment, childcare, schooling and engaging soldiers in the community.
Episode 19: (9/6/22) This week we are joined by one of the Chamber's newest staff members, Mike Matson, Director of External Affairs. Mike joined the Chamber team on August 1 in this newly created position. Our leadership created this position to improve how we engage with our policymakers. Throughout this episode, Mike and Jason discuss their goals and objectives for this position as well as what makes Mike a great fit on our team.
Episode 18: (8/30/22) This week Kansas State University's Vice President of Research, Dr. David Rosowsky joins us on the ThinkMHK Podcast. Dr. Rosowsky, Jason Smith and Daryn Soldan cover a wide range of topics from his career journey, what attracted him to Manhattan and K-State to why economic development is important to our community. They cover the unique town and gown relationship we have here in Manhattan and the benefits we have received from that. As well as other opportunities and challenges our community has.
Episode 17: (8/23/22) In 2022 Board Chair Summer Dierks highlighted Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a main priority of her chairmanship. As a result, the Chamber created its own DEI task force starting in January of 2022. During this episode, we are joined by Summer Dierks, Lisa Sisley, chair of the DEI task force, and Doug Barrett, Chamber Board Member and VP of the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills. During this episode, we cover topics including the current initiatives and specific goals of the task force, how embracing DEI helps our efforts to attract employers and much more.
Episode 16: (8/16/22) Did you know 86% of all Manhattan Area Technical College graduates stay in the Manhattan Service Area? Jim Genandt, President of the Manhattan Area Technical College, joins us on episode 16 of the ThinkMHK podcast. Throughout this episode, we discuss all things MATC like their largest programs, partnerships with USD 383 and K-State, new lab editions, their facility strategies and much more. Jim shares the highlights of his tenure at MATC and the most important things people need to know about MATC.
Episode 15: (8/9/22) Learn more about our local Kansas Senator Tom Hawk on this episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Senator Hawk represents District 22 for the Kansas Senate which includes Clay, Riley, and parts of Geary counties. Throughout this episode he shares his work with many great accomplishments including the State Highway Plan, establishing the 988 hotline and many more. He discusses how politics have changed since he first started serving and the difference between serving with the Kansas Senate vs. House. Plus he shares some interesting fun facts most people don't know about!
Episode 14: (8/2/22) Jack Allston, Director of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation joins season 2 episode 14 of the ThinkMHK podcast. Jack shares his experience in the economic development industry from his first job to his future plans. Plus they discuss the history of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, the importance of the Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership, and much more.
Episode 13: (7/2622) This week on the ThinkMHK podcast we are talking about Classroom to Career, one of our region's economic development programs. We are joined by Kiley Moody and Jayme Minton, co-chairs of the classroom to career program. Classroom to Career was formed as a part of the workforce development initiative and efforts to reinvest in our community schools. Throughout this episode, they share the ins and outs of this program including how businesses can get involved, what the day-to-day activities look like and several success stories.
Episode 12: (7/19/22) This week's episode is all the Hype! We are joined by Hype Chair, Stephanie Pierce, and Hype's Chamber staff liaison, Amber Wilhelm. Throughout this episode, these ladies share what Hype, Manhattan's Young Professional organization, is all about. From their mission and events, to why Hype is critical to the long-term economic success of Manhattan.
Episode 11: (7/12/22) What will Aggieville look like in 10 years? What projects are currently taking place in Aggieville? What makes Aggieville so important to Manhattan? What near death experience confirmed Dennis shouldn't pursue a career in farming? During episode 11 of the ThinkMHK Podcast Dennis Cook, Director of the Aggieville Business Association, Jason Smith and Daryn Soldan discuss the answers to these questions and many more.
Episode 10: (7/5/22) For our 10th episode of season 2 we are joined by Stacy Kohlmeier, Senior Director Customer Experience for Florence Corporation. Throughout this episode, Stacy shares her career experiences including her past stent as the Chamber's Economic Development director when she helped recruit Florence to Manhattan. Stacy also shares the positive elements and challenges of being in Manhattan for a corporation like Florence. Stacy also gives her advice for a young professional getting started, why she joined the Chamber's Executive Committee and more.
Episode 9: (6/28/22) Calling all local entrepreneurs and idea-makers! Listen to this week's podcast and hear from Nadia Arbelo, Business Advisor for the Kansas Small Business Development Center's Manhattan District. Nadia shares some of the many free resources the SBDC provides entrepreneurs in our region including resources on education, business planning, financial forecasting, all the way to business succession plans.
Episode 8: (6/21/22) What would you tell someone who is thinking of joining the Chamber? Jill Sherman, office manager at McCownGordon Construction, answers this question and several more on episode 8 of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Throughout this episode, Jill shares her experiences with the Chamber through serving on the Diplomats committee, Chamber Champions, Young Professionals and the Membership committee. She shares how starting with her early involvement with Young Professionals the Chamber has helped her make lasting relationships and how she and McCownGordon continue to grow through the many connections that have been built because of Chamber opportunities.
Episode 7: (6/14/22) Tori Berard, Bank Manager at ESB Financial, joins Jason and Sharla on Episode 7. Tori shares her experiences with Leadership Manhattan from when she was in the program herself to being board chair in 2021. They also discuss how by getting more involved with the Chamber of Commerce her perceptions and understanding of what the Chamber has to offer have substantially changed. Tori continues to stay involved with the Chamber and is currently serving on our Membership committee.
Episode 6: (6/7/22) C. Clyde Jones fell in love with Manhattan on his first visit in 1960. Since then he has made a substantial impact in our community from being the first Dean of K-State's College of Business to countless hours spent volunteering and in various leadership positions. We were lucky to have C. Clyde join us on the ThinkMHK podcast! Be sure to listen in because this week's episode is packed full of K-State history, entertaining stories, great advice and even 100th birthday party plans!
Episode 5: (5/31/22) On April 18, Governor Laura Kelly and several other partners announced that Scorpion Biological Services, a biological manufacturing company, will be expanding into Pottawatomie County. They will have operations from drug discovery to manufacturing and plan to construct a new 500,000 square foot manufacturing facility that could ultimately employ up to 500 people making a $75,000 average salary. In this week's episode, we invited Rebecca Robinson, Chief Corporate Engagement and Economic Development Officer at K-State Innovation Partners and Daryn Soldan, Director of Economic Development at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce to share some of the behind the scene details on the process of obtaining this project for our region.
Episode 4: (5/24/22) In this episode, we are joined by Brian Rempe, CEO of CivicPlus. Throughout this episode, Brian shares more about what CivicPlus does and his leadership journey. Brian also shares how close ties to K-State, the Chamber and the City have made Manhattan a great home for CivicPlus. Jason and Brian also discuss the importance of creating an entrepreneurship ecosystem in Manhattan.
Episode 3: (5/17/22) On this episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast, we are joined by the current Economic Development Committee Chair and Executive Vice President at KS StateBank Lowell Kohlmeier. During this episode, Lowell dives into the purpose of the Chamber's ED committee, their current top priorities and some of Manhattan's greatest challenges and opportunities. We are also joined by Steve Altobello, CFO of Shilling Construction and current Leadership Manhattan Board Chair. Steve discusses why Shilling Construction has been involved with the Chamber for decades and how Leadership Manhattan helped him gain a deeper perspective of what the Chamber does. Steve, Jason and Sharla also discuss all the positive impacts Leadership Manhattan has on those who have participated in the program.
Episode 2: (5/10/22) From teammates and roommates at Oklahoma State University to local Manhattan Business Owners, Ben Sigle and Trey Vernon join this week's episode of the ThinkMHK podcast. Trey and Ben opened Manhattan Running Company in 2008. Throughout this podcast, they share their stories of entrepreneurship including the rewards and challenges they have faced. They also share the benefits they have found from starting their business in Manhattan, Kansas. Also on this week's episode is Susan Adams Director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This year the Flint Hills Discovery celebrates its 10-year anniversary. In this episode, Susan shares all about what the Discovery Center is, the interactive and immersive exhibits you can experience, and the importance they have within our community.
Episode 1: (5/3/22) We kick off our second season of The ThinkMHK Podcast with past Chamber President/CEO Lyle Bulter. During this episode, Lyle shares his experiences while being President/CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. From projects accomplished like the downtown redevelopment and the recruitment of NBAF to why he decided to retire in The Little Apple®. This episode was brought to you by McCown Gordon.
Season 1
Episode 0: (10/5/21) Guests: Jason Smith, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce; Karen Hibbard, Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Sharla Meisenheimer and Daryn Soldan, both with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Episode 1: (10/12/21) Board of Directors Chair, Mark Bachamp discusses his goals and accomplishments with the Chamber and shares why he thinks the Chamber is important. Plus hear from Small Business of the Year award winner, Alan Parker with Borck Brothers Clothing.
Episode 2: (10/19/21) Board of Directors Chair-Elect, Summer Ott Dierks, shares her story and how she became involved with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Dan Springer and Amber Petty with Wildwood Adventure Park, the 2021 Tourism Development Award winner, join this episode sharing the immense adventure that is waiting for you at this local attraction! Plus hear what they love most about the Manhattan community.
Episode 3: (10/26/21) In this week's episode, we are joined by Mike Matson and Chris Gergeni. Mike Matson shares what the Chamber's Business Advocacy Committee does and his role as Chair. Chris Gergeni, Director of the Midwest Dream Car Collection, describes the ins and outs of the Midwest Dream Car Collection and what makes it a great attraction in Manhattan.
Episode 4: (11/2/21) Economic Development Committee Chair, Matt Crocker, joins this week's episode to share some of the Chamber's economic development priorities and their latest efforts. We are also joined by Aly Swanson with Bockers II, a recent inductee to the Chamber's Legacy Circle. Listen as she shares her favorite stories from growing up working for her father to now owning their family business.
Episode 5: (11/9/21) Hype, Helping Young Professionals Emerge, is the Chamber's young professional program. Tara Grubb, Chair of the Hype Steering Committee, joins this week's episode to share what all Hype does and how you or your employees can get involved. Entrepreneurship award nominee and owner of Therapie, Tiffany Oppelt, is with us this week to share her journey of starting a new business in Manhattan. From how to all started, why she loves pie, to her take on entrepreneurship in Manhattan, don't miss this episode.
Episode 6: (11/16/21) Attracting visitors and fueling growth in Manhattan are just two things the Convention and Visitors Bureau does. This week learn more about what the Convention and Visitors Bureau does and the impact it has on our community from CVB Steering Committee Chair, Bernie Haney. Whoville, Inc is all about togetherness and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with community members and visitors alike. Joey Athon and Belinda Snyder also join this week's episode to share what Whoville and the Festival of Lights are.
Episode 7: (11/23/21) Leadership Manhattan serves to be a continuous source of motivated leaders who are educated about the community, its challenges and opportunities. Kiley Moody, Leadership Manhattan Board Chair, shares the value the Leadership Manhattan course has to all who participate. Bobbi French, Owner of G. Thomas Jewelers, joins this episode 7 to share her journey as a female business owner in Manhattan including how she started, what motivates her, and why she enjoys being a business owner.
Episode 8: (11/30/21) In 2020, following a competitive RFP process, the Chamber approved and entered into an agreement with The Spark, Inc., a local not-for-profit corporation, to provide entrepreneurial ecosystem development services and implementation of the Manhattan entrepreneurship strategy. With the Chamber’s support, Spark-led initiatives deliver value directly to entrepreneurs and continue to grow the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sarah Siders, Executive Director of Spark, joins episode 8 of the ThinkMHK podcast. We are also joined by Adam Krebsbach, Garrett Paulman, and Jake Voegeli, owners of Manhattan Brewing Company. Manhattan Brewing Company was a finalist for the 2021 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Having recently opened their doors in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic these three guys share their experiences as small business owners in Manhattan.
Episode 9: (12/8/21) The Greater Manhattan Economic Partnership is a division of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation. Nancy Burton, GMEP Advisory Board Chair, joins episode 9 to share why this partnership was created and the successes they have created. During this year's annual meeting Jeff Sackrider was recognized as the Young Professional of the Year. Also in this episode, Jeff shares his gratitude for receiving this award and more about his roles with WTC and Incite MHK.
Episode 10: (12/15/21) Jarrod Willich, Membership Committee Chair, joins episode 10 of the ThinkMHK Podcast speaking about his role with the Membership Committee and the Chamber's recent Membership Drive. Manko Windows received The Cornerstone Award during the 2021 Business Awards. This award honors a business that exemplifies what being a "solid pillar of the community" is about. Brett Jones joins this episode to share more about Manko Windows.
Episode 11: (12/22/21) Lucy Willams, C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year recipient, joins this episode of the ThinkMHK podcast. Lucy shares her experiences being engaged with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Sink, Gordon, and Associates recently celebrated 75 years in business. Jim Gordon, co-principal of the firm, joins this episode sharing the keys to their success as a local firm in Manhattan.
Episode 12: (12/28/21) The Chamber's Military Community Liaison Janet Nichols and past Military Relations committee Chair Rich Jankovich join this episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Covering topics like the Military Relations Committee, Little Apple Brigade, monthly events, Fort Riley's economic impact, and much more. Andy Ellis, Partner at Arthur-Green, LLP joins episode 12 of the ThinkMHK podcast. Arthur-Green was a finalist for the small business of the year award during the 2021 Business Awards. On top of sharing what Arthur-Green does during this episode, Andy discusses what makes Manhattan a great place for business and a great place to live.
Episode 13: (1/4/22) Dick Carter, Lobbyist for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce joins episode 13 for both segments of the ThinkMHK Podcast. During this episode, Dick Carter and Jason Smith cover what a lobbyist does and how they engage with legislators and other elected officials. In the second segment, they share the key issues they expect the legislature to take up this year including redistricting, tax cuts, dark store theory and much more. They also dive into what METL is and the Chamber's 2022 legislative agenda.
Episode 14: (1/11/22) Tom Phillips, 2021 recipient of the Lyle Butler Distinguished Leadership Award, joins episode 14. Tom shares his career experiences while being on both the Manhattan City Commission and a member of the Kansas House of Representatives. Tom also dives into his current role within the Chamber's Business Advocacy Committee and the chair as the Growth Task Force. At the young age of 14 years old, Allyn Weddle founded Weddle and Sons, Inc. with his 2 brothers. Weddle and Sons, Inc. was the 2021 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner. During this episode, Allyn shares his experiences as an entrepreneur and what makes Manhattan a great place to start a business.
Episode 15: (1/18/22) Jake Wassenberg with Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan joins this week's episode. Jake joined the Chamber's Executive Committee in 2021 and shares his experiences while being involved with the Chamber and his career with Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan. We also feature Neil Horton on this episode, winner of the 2021 Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year Award. Neil is the Vice President/CEO of Bayer Construction Co and has served the Chamber in many different roles over the years, including being a past Chamber Board Chair and serving on the Business Advocacy and Economic Development Committees. Listen to hear why he has invested his time into this organization.
Episode 16: (1/25/22) City Manager, Ron Fehr, joins the 16th episode of the ThinkMHK Podcast. Listen in as Jason Smith and Ron discuss a wide range of topics including the City's and Business Community's relationship, past and future projects and Ron's career journey.
Episode 17: (2/1/22) This week on the ThinkMHK podcast we are joined by LaFarrris Risby. LaFarris is a local entrepreneur who founded Loving Arms Enterprises and was awarded our Women/Minority Owned Business Award at our 2021 Business Awards. Throughout this episode, LaFarris shares her story on why she became an entrepreneur and the satisfaction that comes with her accomplishments.
Episode 18: (2/8/22) On this week of the ThinkMHK Podcast, we are joined by Wayne Sloan and Patrick Schutter with BHS Construction. Wayne and Patrick share their career journeys and what has made Manhattan a great place to grow both their professional and personal lives. We are also joined by Lisa Sisley. Lisa is one of the co-founders of New Boston Creative Group. During this episode, Lisa shares her journey of entrepreneurship and how she has been involved with the Chamber throughout her career.
Episode 19: (2/15/22) On this week's episode, our hosts are joined by Callie Marks with Charlson & Wilson Bonded Abstracters, Inc. After a couple of years serving on the Membership Committee, Callie transitioned to Membership Committee chair at the beginning of 2022 placing her on the Chamber's Board of Directors as well. Throughout this episode, Callie shares the value she sees in the Chamber and what people may not know about the Chamber.
Episode 20: (2/22/22) In honor of March being Woman's History Month, we are joined by Women in Business committee chair, Kerri Winter, on this episode of The ThinkMHK Podcast. Kerri joins our podcast to discuss the importance of Women in Business, why she got involved and the impact it has on our Chamber members. Kerri has also worked for Florence Corporation here in Manhattan for almost 20 years. Kerri dives into some of her experiences working in Manhattan and how she has found value in the Chamber of Commerce. To close out season one we are also joined by our producer Dave Lewis. Dave and Jason discuss some of their favorite highlights from season one and what they are looking forward to in season two. This episode was brought to you by McCown Gordon.