Starting a Business?!
May 28, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turn on the news, especially television, and most of all you will find is ‘negative” news about the economy. Yes, there are major issues going on right now with the economy at the national level and also the state level. Phillips County, along with other surrounding counties, have been affected; but, there is positive aspects right now to look at for starting a business.
First, living and establishing a business in a rural community, such as Phillips County, allows you to keep your costs at a minimum, while still being able to market your product and service through high speed broadband internet (connecting you to the world). Right now these lower costs-of-living expenses, as compared to more urbanized areas of the state or country, impact both you (as a owner) and your employees in a positive way.
Second, although it may be more challenging to get a loan right now (anywhere), our local and regional rural banks are more understanding your needs and ways to help, than large corporate banks. While speaking on financing a new business, there are MORE (revolving loan funds – RFL’s) in the region than ever before. These specialize in small business development and creation. Some of these RFL’s are provided through utilities or CDC’s (Certified Development Companies); such as, (i.e. Nex-tech, Sunflower Electric, PrairieLand Electric, Midwest Energy, & Pioneer Development). There are also local incentives available at the county level (see local incentives).
So, what is the first step! Think positive… and start planning. Your first step should be putting together a business financial plan. Make an appointment with the PCED staff to go through a how to get started booklet and review the idea with them.
MarketPlace Kansas
May 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Exciting News for Kansas Entrepreneurs! Over a year of planning and collaboration with key designers of the MarketPlace event in Nebraska has resulted in the expansion of this entrepreneurial event in Kansas. Mark your calendars! On November 9 & 10, MarketPlace Kansas will be coming to Hays, Kansas. Normally a one day event, the organization team has decided to put on a day and a half of MarketPlace at the Hays Ramada Inn Convention Center in November to host the hopefully anticipated 500 + participants.
If you are not familiar with MarketPlace, you should look at the Center for Rural Affairs website and review activities and educational opportunities for small and midsize entrepreneurial businesses at the 2009 Nebraska Marketplace. This conference is directed toward small businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as economic development and community leaders. It will be a great learning and networking opportunity for your local businesses and young/developing entrepreneurs. Over 500 people attended the one-day event in North Platte this year, and it is hopeful that the same or more will attend in Kansas; if we start getting the work out!
Mark your calendars. Plan to attend and share your talents/products at the Kansas Market in November!
Renewable Energy Standard
May 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
In the age of higher energy costs and ways to utilize more green energy, Kansas has made the step forward to help renewable businesses consider developing in Kansas. This helps everyone in Kansas, including Phillips County. As stated in a press release from Governor Parkinson’s office,
“Prior to this year, Kansas was falling behind many other states in the production of cleaner energy. More than two-thirds of the country had a Renewable Energy Standard, and Kansas was one of only six states not to allow net metering. With this legislation, we are no longer at the back of the line,” Parkinson said. “The nation’s energy challenge provides the opportunities for a ‘made in America’ energy program, and Kansas is ready to be a leader in that effort. We look forward to the new jobs, more wind power and the stronger economy that will be a result of this legislation.”
Senate Sub. for HB 2369 enacts the Renewable Energy Standards Act, which codifies the goal of major Kansas utilities generating 10 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2011, 15 percent by 2016 and 20 percent by 2020. This legislation also enacts the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, which enables customers to use their own generation and sell back the extra electricity they produce to their utility. Additionally, this legislation enacts new law regarding fuel efficiency for state-owned motor vehicles and energy efficiency of state-owned and leased space and equipment. This legislation goes into effect after its publication in the Kansas Register.
After hearing the questions many times, “Does Kansas have a Renewable Energy Standard?”, at an international energy conference by wind manufacturers and developers; PCED is very happy to see this legistion get passed. With the beginnings of a wind development project in our county, the timing could not be any more perfect.
Olliff-Boeve Furniture Celebrates 50 Years
May 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Phillipsburg, Kansas has been a long-time home for many businesses, among those Olliff-Boeve Furniture and Appliance. Fifty years ago, Darel Olliff and Ron Boeve Sr. entered into the furniture business, purchasing the former McKinley Furniture Store. The purchase of the store from John and Kate McKinely and the upcoming opening was announced in March of 1959. At that time, the store was located in the current Sawyer’s Ace Hardware Building.
Darel and Ron began operating the store with Edith Boeve as the bookeeper and sales person. Later, Larry and Gary Boeve came on board to sell and lay floor covering.
In 1963, Olliff and Boeve opened their new store, the current location on the west edge of Phillipsburg. In 1976, Gary moved to Hays to operate Brock’s North Hill Chapel. And when Darel and Ron, Sr. sold out in 1983, Larry Irvin, an employee at the time, along with Larry Boeve became the new owners. Larry Boeve passed away in 2006.
Terry Frantz joined the partnership eight years ago following the closure of the True Value store and the appliance line was added to the store, making the new name Olliff-Boeve Furniture and Appliance. Charlie Radabaugh joined the busines four years ago, bringing his vast experience with appliance repair and mainitance into the partnership. Jim Tuxhorn was the latest to join the parnership in 2008, specialzing in floor coverings.
Olliff and Boeve Furniture and Appliance has seen many changes in their 50 years of business, and look forward to the future.
Information for this post taken from The Advocate of Phillips County – Thursday, April 2, 2009.
DISCOVER PHILLIPSBURG MAIN STREET PRESENTS WALKING TOUR FOR DOWNTOWN PHILLIPSBURG
May 22, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
With the Class of 1959 from Phillipsburg High School being the honored class at this years Alumni Banquet, Discover Phillipsburg Main Street (DPMS) has developed a walking tour in the downtown designated area. The walking tour begins at the northeast corner of the intersection of 3rd Street & G Street and will end at this same intersection. The committee encourages everyone to park the car and enjoy the walk. DPMS tried to make this a s accurate as possible with the records available. They encourage anyone who remembers differently to let them know. Individual business in the downtown area will have photos of the business from 1959 and/or a copy of an advertisement from the 1959 Phillips County Review. Some of Bill Clark’s photos are on display in the Tri-C Woodworking shop and the building on the west side of the old First National Bank building. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Michelle Jacobs at the Discover Phillipsburg Main Street Office – 540-4284.