Think MHK Podcast

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.

https://www.manhattanrunningco.com/

https://www.flinthillsdiscovery.org/

We kick off our second season of The ThinkMHK Podcast with former 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®.

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.

Episode links:

https://www.florencecorporation.com/

https://manhattan.org/396/Women-in-Business

https://mccowngordon.com/

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.

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 Links:

https://bhsconstruction.net/

https://newbostoncreative.com/

On this week’s podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kevin Roberts, Interim Department Head of the Hospitality Management Program at Kansas State University. Starting in 2022 Kevin became the chair of our CVB Steering Committee and joined our Board of Directors. Throughout this podcast, he shares the importance of tourism in our community and how Visit Manhattan supports tourism growth.

We are also joined by LaFarris 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.

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 links:

https://cityofmhk.com/

This week we are joined by Jake Wassenberg with Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan. 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 Links:

https://www.bayerconst.com/

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 Links:

https://www.manhattan.org/400/Chamber-Legislative-PoliciesPositions

https://www.weddleandsons.com/

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 Links:

https://manhattan.org/400/Chamber-Legislative-PoliciesPositions

https://manhattan.org/420/METL-Coalition