ADVANTAGE NOVEMBER 2025 THE BUSINESS
LOVE LOCAL AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
MEMBER NEWS WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR COMMUNITY
WHO WE ARE
Chairman-Josh Guthrie, Guthrie Floorcovering Vice Chair –John Bogner, Dodge City Days Chairman Past Chairman – Matt Morrison, Oread RX Secretary - Michelle Salinas, RE/MAX Villa Chris Ragland, United Wireless Arena managed by Venue Works Alicia Edwards , Arrowhead West & Helen’s Gifts, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The mission of the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the business climate and improve the quality of life in Dodge City and the surrounding area for our members. OUR VISION Building a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership, enrichment programs, and membership services. OPERATIONAL VALUES Educate – Business owners and managers to operate successful businesses that reinvest in our community. Facilitate – The leadership development for future leaders of our community. Advocate – For initiatives and issues that will improve our community. Celebrate – Our successes and heritage that promote a quality of life in our community. OUR GOALS Membership Services – Educate Chamber members and Dodge City community members about the Chamber’s mission, vision, values and purpose. Multicultural Business Engagement – Increase multicultural business owner and leader engagement in Chamber programs, events, volunteer opportunities and in civic roles throughout the community.
Outdoors & Pawn Sarah Gunkel, Davis & McCann, P.A. Brad Herter, Western State Bank Clinton Conant, Red Beard Coffee Chris Robinson, Mariah Hills Golf Course Silver Ruiz, Truck Center Companies Mary Trent, Fee Insurance Group Mario Rayo, Landmark National Bank Brianna Wissman, Diamond Roofing Dr. Tanya Williams, InnovateMed
Dodge City Days – Define opportunities, revenue enhancements, and long- term priorities in support of the Dodge City Days Festival.
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
John Bogner, Dodge City Days Chairman Dr. Fred Dierksen, Unified School District #443 J.D. Gilbert, Ford County Joann Knight,
Legislative Committee – Identify business leaders that will drive positive dialogue on legislative issues impacting Dodge City with local, state, and federal officials. Operational Priorities – Collaborate with Dodge City/Ford County Economic Development Corporation in conducting community town halls to refresh the Dodge City/Ford County strategic plan.
Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation Dr. Harold Nolte, Dodge City Community College Megan Welsh , Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau Nick Hernandez, City of Dodge City Karla Lees, President/CEO klees@dodgechamber.com Joni Wittman, Events & Marketing Director jwittman@dodgechamber.com CHAMBER STAFF
Workforce Development – Identify the workforce skills and needs desired by Dodge City businesses.
OFFICE INFORMATION Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM Office (620) 227-3119 | (620) 227-2957 (FAX) 101 E. Wyatt Earp | PO Box 939 Dodge City, KS 67801
www.dodgechamber.com www.facebook.com/dcacc e-mail: info@dodgechamber.com
Thank you November membership renewals CHAMBER NEWS Aflac, Morgan Konrade (13 years) Arrowhead Family Chiropractic LLC (5 years) Ashley's Mattress Solutions, Furniture Outlet & Clearance (22 years) Best Cellars, Wine, Books & Gifts (1 years) Central Hotel LLC (1 years) DC Spin Flicks 360 Photo Booth LLC (2 years)
Depot Theater, Inc. (31 years) Dodge City AMBUCS (27 years) Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation (31 years) Edward Jones- Lloyd Davis (24 years) Julie Berries (2 years)
Karen Ackerman, DPM (27 years) L.R. Lee Contracting (20 years) Lineage Logistics,LLC (19 years) New Creation Gift Boutique' (6 years) Northend Disposal Service, Inc (32 years) Quick Draw Oil Change (6 years) Schneweis Business Services Inc (5 years) SKILL LLC (2 years) The Print Source (2 years) United Wireless Communications, Inc. (20 years) Western Hills Apartments (23 years) YMCA,Dodge City Family YMCA (12 years)
CHAMBER NEWS
October 2 | State of the City
October 14 | Chamber Coffee at Soulspring Spa
October 15 | Local Candidate Forum
October 24 | Ribbon Cutting KC Window
October 24 | Ribbon Cutting Firesides
October 24 | Ribbon Cutting Caviler Field
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS CHAMBER NEWS
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LOVE LOCAL
CHAMBER LAUNCHES “LOVE LOCAL” CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of its Love Local Campaign, celebrating and supporting the small businesses that make our community thrive. As the holiday shopping season approaches, the campaign will highlight the importance of shopping, dining, and supporting local — especially on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025. This national event encourages shoppers to put their dollars back into the community by choosing local stores, restaurants, and service providers. “Our local businesses are the heart of Dodge City,” said Chamber President & CEO Karla Lees. “When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product — you’re supporting jobs, families, and the future of our town.” The Chamber’s Love Local Campaign will include special promotions, community spotlights, and events designed to encourage residents to explore and support small businesses throughout the holiday season. The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors to help grow the campaign’s reach and impact. Sponsorships will provide unique opportunities for local companies to be featured in marketing materials, social media promotions, and event-day recognition. Stay tuned for exciting announcements in the coming weeks as the Chamber rolls out new features and activities connected to the campaign — including business spotlights, and ways for the community to get involved.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-227-3119 or email Joni Wittman at jwittman@dodgechamber.com
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LOVE LOCAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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LOVE LOCAL | SMALL BUSINESS STAURDAY CATALOG
CHAMBER CREATING SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY CATALOG FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting local businesses to take part in this year’s Small Business Saturday Catalog, a community-wide effort to highlight shopping, dining, and local events on Saturday, November 29. The catalog will feature special offers, promotions, and events from area businesses and will be distributed both digitally and in print throughout the community. Participation is free for all Chamber members, providing an excellent opportunity to reach customers and encourage residents to shop local during the holiday season.
Businesses interested in being featured are encouraged to submit their flyer or event details to the Chamber by Thursday, November 14.
“Small Business Saturday is one of the most important days of the year for our local retailers and service providers,” said Joni Wittman, Events and Marketing Director at the Chamber. “This catalog is a great way for the community to discover what’s happening locally and support the businesses that make Dodge City thrive.”
For more information or to submit your materials, contact the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 227-3119 or email Joni Wittman at jwittman@dodgechamber.com.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
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CHAMBER NEWS
WELCOMING OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome our newest members to the Board of Directors. These community and business leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to supporting the growth and success of Dodge City and the surrounding area. As advocates for our local business community, our board members help guide the Chamber’s mission — promoting prosperity, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening the economic vitality of our region. Their leadership ensures the Chamber continues to provide valuable programs, events, and opportunities for our members.
Please join us in welcoming our newest Board Members to the Chamber family!
We look forward to their insight, ideas, and enthusiasm as we continue working together to make Dodge City an even greater place to live, work, and do business.
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THE POLICY LEDGER
THE POLICY LEDGER A LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS - NOVEMBER 2025 HOW THE FEDERAL SHUTDOWN IMPACTS LOCAL BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES IN WESTERN KANSAS
Local — City of Dodge City • Common Consumption Areas (CCA) Approved Framework (Ord. 3838): Establishes rules for designated open-container zones where alcohol purchased from licensed vendors can be carried or consumed within a mapped area. Event organizers, bars, and promoters should review permitting rules. • Traffic & Public Offense Code Updates (Ord. 3834 & 3835): The City adopted the 2025 Standard Traffic Ordinance and 2025 Uniform Public Offense Code— affects enforcement around events, signage, parking, and public conduct. What it means for businesses: If you host outdoor events or serve alcohol, the new CCA article may expand opportunities—but adds compliance steps. Coordinate early with the City or ABC for permits. State of Kansas — Taxes & Compliance • Local Sales Tax Rate Updates (Oct 1, 2025): Kansas Department of Revenue posted rate changes for city/county/special districts. Verify your POS systems. • Property Tax Changes: KDOR Property Valuation Division updated summaries effective July 1, 2025, including HB 2125, HB 2231, SB 35, and SB 117. • Corporate/Individual Tax Changes (HB 2231): Signed April 24, 2025, includes corporate apportionment changes and adjustments to individual and property taxes. • Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Updates: Employers with high reserve ratios may qualify for 0.00% rate group; wage reporting remains required. • Federal Overtime Rule Vacated: Threshold remains $684/week ($35,568/yr) after federal court decision. • Minimum Wage: Kansas remains at $7.25/hr.
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Election Coverage — November 2025 (Local & Municipal) • Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Municipal elections occur in odd- numbered years. • Ford County Advance Voting: Weekday hours 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, extended to 7:00 PM on Oct 28 & Oct 30 at Government Center, 100 Gunsmoke, Dodge City. • Key Deadlines & Info: Kansas SOS Important Election Dates page includes 2025 municipal calendar, and Ford County Election Office lists polling locations and sample ballots. • Mail Voting Change (2026): The Legislature removed the 3-day post-election mail-ballot grace period starting 2026; not applicable to 2025.
What to tell members: - Verify staff schedules for Election Day flexibility. - Share voter information links in your e-blasts and social media. - Explore CCA permitting for events to boost attendance.
Federal Government Shutdown Briefing – November 2025 Prepared by the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce Current Status The federal government shutdown began October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations. It has now surpassed 30 days, making it the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Partial operations continue using contingency funds. Key programs like SNAP (food assistance) received temporary emergency funding that will only cover part of November benefits. No full funding vote is currently scheduled in the Senate.
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Key Impacts on Dodge City & Western Kansas 1. Travel & Logistics FAA training, TSA staffing, and air-traffic support are constrained— creating delays nationwide. Agricultural and manufacturing shipments relying on rail and interstate logistics may face slower approvals or processing. 2. Workforce & Families Federal and contract employees in Kansas remain unpaid or furloughed, impacting local consumer spending. Reduced child-care subsidies and food assistance can affect employees’ ability to work consistent hours. 3. Business Operations Federal grant reimbursements, SBA processing, and USDA programs are paused or delayed. New USDA Rural Development loans, economic-development grants, and community projects are on hold until appropriations resume. 4. Tourism & Events National park and monument operations remain limited, which may affect travel traffic to western Kansas destinations. Expect potential cancellations or lower turnout for tourism-driven events. Recommended Business Actions Communicate early: If your business depends on federal reimbursements or contracts, notify partners and vendors about expected delays. Support staff: Offer flexible scheduling for employees affected by loss of childcare, SNAP delays, or federal pay. Review cash flow: Anticipate slower payments from federal agencies or clients tied to them. Monitor updates: Follow Chamber e-blasts for real-time notices on program resumptions. Resources Kansas Department of Commerce – updates on state support for affected workers and small businesses. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – check loan program status once reopened. Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) – local assistance during SNAP delays. Ford County Economic Development Office – for business continuity planning assistance.
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References City of Dodge City Ordinances 3834, 3835, and 3838 — dodgecity.org Kansas Department of Revenue — Local Sales Tax Publication 1700, Property Valuation Summary 2025 Kansas Legislature — HB 2231, HB 2125, SB 35, SB 117 U.S. Department of Labor — Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Overtime Rule Kansas Department of Labor — Minimum Wage & Unemployment Insurance Updates Kansas Secretary of State — Important Election Dates Ford County Election Office — Election Details and Advance Voting Information
Source References: Reuters – Airline passenger impact report Politico – SNAP emergency funding details
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