Leavenworth-Lansing Area

Chamber of Commerce


Dedicated to moving Leavenworth County Forward As One Community.

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Athena Nominations DUE

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We'll see who wins November 12!

Leavenworth-Lansing Area
Chamber of Commerce

Key Event Highlights



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05 Nov, 2024
Gift cards are the ideal gift during the holiday season. They’re a convenient go-to for customers. They always fit, are always in the right color, and they are an ideal gift for people you know well and people you’re just getting to know. Gift cards also make terrific employee gifts, thank yous and bonuses. If you have a small business, you should look at gift cards as a strategic tool—not just for boosting holiday revenue. Gift cards can also help you foster long-term customer relationships and assist you in increasing revenue for today for services rendered or goods purchased in the future. Many businesses discovered the value of offering a gift card program during the pandemic (and at time of natural disasters). During these challenges, gift cards can be a source of revenue even when the business is not open. Why Gift Cards Are a Must for Small Businesses Gift cards are appealing to shoppers, especially for last-minute, hard-to-shop-for, or out-of-town gifts (have you seen the cost of mailing packages these days?!). If you sell online and offer gift cards, you can capture out of town buyers as well. Gift cards don’t have to be an administrative headache. Digital gift cards are becoming the new standard, with over 50% of the market share in the first half of 2024. Check out the merchant options with our community card program . Gift cards can also be a gateway to future sales, new customer acquisition, and increased brand visibility. Creative Gift Card Ideas for the Holidays Boring rectangle cards are out. Instead, create an appealing gift out of them and include some upsells to facilitate purchases by: Bundling Gift Cards with Small Holiday Extras Include a small, festive item (e.g., holiday candle, ornament, or seasonal treat) with each gift card purchase as a value-add or offer a discount on a small item with a gift card purchase, such as buy a $25 gift card, get this ornament for an additional $2. Show them bundled together at the cash register to capture impulse buys. Get creative with your bundle item. For instance, a coffee shop could include a mini bag of holiday coffee beans (a taster) or a boutique could add a scented sachet. It’s a nice touch the recipient will love. It creates a positive impression, encourages impulse purchases, and differentiates your business from all the other rectangle cards. Tiered Gift Card Bonuses for the Holidays Offer bonuses based on gift card spending levels (e.g., “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $5 bonus; Buy a $100 gift card, get a $15 bonus”). Promote these offers on social media, in-store, and on your website to draw in more shoppers. Let us know because we can help you get the word out. Check out our Chamber Connect page on Facebook, or become part of our Go Local eGiftcard program . This type of tiered bonus encourages higher gift card purchase values and attracts customers who might want to gift (or keep) the bonus card. Partner with Other Local Businesses for Joint Gift Card Offers Collaborate with nearby or complementary businesses to create a joint gift card package (e.g., a coffee shop and a bookstore, or a spa and a boutique). Create a gift card deal that adds value and introduces each business to new customers. You could also work together to create a tiered bonus like above. For example, for every $100 purchased at the bookstore, get a free $5 gift card at the coffee shop. You would need to work out payment arrangements with the other business. This type of partnership can also increase foot traffic, foster local exchanges, and offer an exciting, unique gift idea for shoppers. Holiday Gift Card “Mystery Bonus” Include a mystery discount or reward with each gift card purchase valid after the holidays. For example, a restaurant might offer a “mystery envelope” with a surprise discount for January or a “Buy one get one free” offer for a future visit. This encourages repeat visits in the new year, provides post-holiday sales boost, and builds excitement around gift card purchases. Limited-Edition Holiday-Themed Gift Card Designs Offer holiday-specific designs or branded packaging for gift cards that make them more visually appealing and memorable. A limited-edition design can be created affordably, especially if it’s an e-gift card. Promote it on social media and in email campaigns. If you don’t have the time or inclination to do this, add it to a special glitter sleeve or other festive mini container. Leave them wrapped beautifully on a tree or at your register to influence impulse buys. Doing so increases the perceived value of the gift card and encourages more people to choose it as a holiday present. Marketing and Promoting Gift Card Offers While gift cards make ideal gifts, they don’t market themselves. Local shoppers may not realize you have a gift card. Run a social media campaign informing people that you sell gift cards as well as any specials you’re offering. Post stories, photos, and videos to draw attention and drive sales. Get creative with photos of bundled gift cards, reels of mystery bonuses being revealed, or countdowns to encourage last-minute purchases. Use attractive in-store signage and point-of-sale promotions to bring attention to your gift cards. Create holiday-specific displays near the checkout area to capture impulse buys. Don’t forget email campaigns and website mentions. Design festive email campaigns focused on gift card promotions and ensure you can sell gift cards on your website for easy holiday gift purchasing. Bonus Points for Overachievers Gift cards are a great way to assist people in finding easy holiday gifts, but you also want to create a campaign to help convert those gift card recipients into loyal customers. You can do this by offering discounts or exclusive offers for their next visit. Additionally, you can place a message on the gift card about being eligible for a discount if they join your email list. That way you can continue to nurture the relationship even after the gift card is used. Don’t think of gift cards as boring. They are an excellent source of revenue and can provide quick assistance for desperate customers. When implemented strategically, gift cards can provide immediate holiday revenue and long-term customer engagement. Our Go Local eGiftcard program will send you statistics to help measure customer engagement. Whatever you use, Gift Cards can be a valuable tool for reaching customers and increasing your brand awareness!
04 Nov, 2024
Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th, and it is the ideal time to express thanks to those who have protected our freedoms and way of life. While you don’t have much time to pull it all together, honoring Veterans Day in a meaningful, non-commercial way can strengthen connections between your business and the community while showing genuine appreciation for veterans' service. And you don’t have to stop there. You can extend the relationship year-round. Honoring Veterans on Veteran’s Day  Veterans Day is similar to Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day in the way that it serves to remind us to thank those whose efforts go unrecognized. If you remember veterans throughout the year, you may not need the reminder of Veterans Day. But for many of us, it provides time to think about and appreciate their service. Here are a few ways to honor them: 1. Host a Community Event: Organize a gathering at your business exclusively for veterans, such as a coffee hour or small reception. Offer complimentary refreshments and a quiet space for conversation. Create a welcoming environment for veterans and build a sense of community without a sales focus. 2. Share Their Stories: Dedicate a space in your store or on your social media channels to highlight veterans' stories. Encourage local veterans or their families to share their experiences, with permission, or partner with a local veterans' organization to collect inspiring stories. It’s a way to honor their service while educating and inspiring others. 3. Offer a Day of Service: Instead of focusing on promotions, close your business for a day (or a few hours) to volunteer with a local veterans' organization. Invite staff and customers to join you or make it a company-wide service day to give back to the community and show your appreciation in action. 4. Support a Veterans' Cause: Donate a portion of Veterans Day sales, or better yet, directly donate to a local or national veterans' charity without tying it to purchases. Display information about the cause in your store so customers understand why you’re supporting it. 5. Hold a Flag Ceremony or Moment of Silence: Start the day by inviting the community to join you for a flag-raising ceremony or a moment of silence. It’s a respectful way to honor veterans without any commercial agenda. Remember Veterans Day honors the living, while Memorial Day honors those who have passed. 6. Sponsor or Collaborate on a Veteran-Led Workshop or Talk: If you know veterans with skills they’d like to share (like woodworking, cooking, fitness, etc.), invite them to host a workshop at your business. It allows veterans to showcase their expertise and gives the community a chance to learn from them. Make Veterans Day Everyday There are other ways to honor and appreciate veterans year-round such as: · Hiring a vet or a military spouse · Offer flexible work arrangements and work-from-home options (so military spouses can continue to work for you even if their family is relocated) · Providing discounts for veterans and active military · Sponsor a veteran’s family · Highlighting your employees who have served · Support vets in a way that fits in with your business and mission (for instance, if you own a bookstore, carry a vet’s book) · Be open to seeing the correlations between the work they did in the military and how that might fit your employ (for instance, they may not have direct customer service experience, but they’re used to delivering difficult messages) · Partner (or work) with veteran-owned businesses · Welcome new military families into the area; after all, they’ll be veterans someday ------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. Her latest book The Glinda Principle is due out at the end of November. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith
04 Nov, 2024
Invest in mentorship programs to pair less experienced employees with seasoned leaders, enhancing career growth and workplace dynamics. Offer regular skill-building workshops to keep training relevant and adapt to industry changes, boosting innovation and problem-solving. Create clear career pathways that outline growth opportunities, increasing employee engagement and retention. Promote a culture of continuous feedback to foster development, accountability, and trust within teams. Foster employee autonomy by allowing team members to lead projects and make decisions, driving innovation and job satisfaction. 569 words ~ 2.5 min read Nurturing talent through robust professional development programs is more crucial than ever in today’s competitive landscape. Companies investing in these strategies not only boost employee morale but also strengthen their long-term performance and retention rates. Here are five key practices that can help your employees reach new heights: 1. Build Effective Mentorship Programs  Mentorship is more than just an onboarding perk; it’s a transformative tool that catalyzes career growth. Research indicates that mentored employees are five times more likely to advance in their careers. Structured mentorship programs pair less experienced employees with seasoned leaders who offer guidance, impart knowledge, and foster professional confidence. This partnership helps mentees navigate complex workplace dynamics while mentors gain renewed motivation and satisfaction by sharing their expertise. For businesses, this results in a more competent, cohesive, and motivated workforce. 2. Implement Regular Skill-Building Workshops Professional development workshops shouldn’t be static; they need to reflect industry evolution and emerging challenges. Deloitte’s 2023 Global Human Capital Trends report highlights that over 70% of organizations identify the continuous development of new skills as a critical workforce strategy. Offering diverse training, from technical upskilling to leadership development, prepares employees to adapt to new tools, technologies, and methodologies. Companies that prioritize these programs often see enhanced innovation, greater problem-solving capabilities, and a workforce that can pivot with changing market needs. 3. Create Transparent Career Pathways Employees are more engaged when they can envision their future with their current employer. A study by Gallup found that nearly 87% of millennials prioritize growth and development opportunities when choosing a job. To harness this motivation, businesses should outline clear, attainable career paths that define how team members can progress. This includes transparent criteria for promotions and lateral moves, professional benchmarks, and accessible tools for advancement. By investing in visible growth tracks, organizations not only boost productivity but also strengthen retention rates, as employees are more likely to commit to companies that invest in their long-term potential. 4. Promote a Culture of Continuous Feedback Feedback shouldn’t be confined to annual reviews; it should be part of everyday practice. According to Harvard Business Review, organizations that encourage frequent, constructive feedback see lower turnover rates. A feedback-rich culture allows employees to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, creating an ongoing dialogue that spurs development. Managers can facilitate this by incorporating quick, actionable feedback into weekly check-ins and fostering an environment where employees feel safe to share their perspectives. This practice enhances accountability, promotes skill growth, and builds trust within teams. 5. Foster Employee Autonomy Empowerment is a powerful driver of productivity. Granting employees the freedom to lead projects, experiment with solutions, and make decisions not only fuels innovation but also helps workers develop problem-solving skills that are crucial for leadership. Workplace experts emphasize that autonomy in the workplace correlates with higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity. Encouraging autonomy means trusting your team to take initiative and support them when they make mistakes. This approach nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset and fosters a sense of ownership that benefits the entire company. The Takeaway Professional development is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires thoughtful integration into a company’s culture and strategy. By building mentorship programs, offering continual learning opportunities, mapping out career pathways, encouraging feedback, and empowering employees to take charge, organizations can elevate their workforce. These practices create a thriving environment where both employees and businesses can flourish, driving collective success in an ever-evolving market. --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.
29 Oct, 2024
While the twelve days of Christmas are traditionally celebrated between December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 5 (the eve of the Epiphany), consumer businesses often celebrate with the “12 Days of Deals” observance where they offer a new deal every day for twelve days leading up to Christmas Eve (although any 12 consecutive days during Small Business Season works). The discounts can be incredibly effective in generating buzz and drawing crowds. After all, everyone wants to know what tomorrow’s discount will be. In this article, we’ll walk you through how you can capitalize on your own “12 Days of Deals” during Small Business Season. Even if you’re not a traditional retail business, remember all customers enjoy a deal (or, better yet, 12 of them!). How to Run a Successful 12 Days of Deals Campaign The holiday season is the perfect time for small businesses to engage customers and boost sales. A "12 Days of Deals" campaign is an effective way to generate excitement, attract new customers, and encourage repeat purchases. Here’s how your business can make the most of this strategy, regardless of your industry. Step One: Set Goals for Your Campaign This is not a giveaway. For your 12 Days of Deals to have an impact on your bottom line, you should get clear about what you want to achieve with your campaign. Are you looking to: · Increase overall sales? · Clear out old inventory? · Drive foot traffic to a physical location? · Grow your email list or social media followers? · Boost brand awareness? Setting clear goals will help you structure the campaign and measure its success. Step Two: Plan Your 12 Days of Deals Strategically Create a day-by-day plan for your promotions. This is not something you want to do on the fly when you have time to post each day. Consistency is key to this type of campaign. You want to build excitement. Here are some basics to keep in mind: · Offer a Mix of Deals. Rotate discounts, giveaways, and special bundles to keep things fresh and exciting for your customers. · Use Escalating Deals. Start with smaller offers and save the biggest deals for the final days. · Feature Different Products/Services. Highlight various items each day or different aspects of your business, such as services, gift cards, or seasonal products. If you sell to different demographics, keep them all in mind and offer something for everyone during the 12 days. That doesn’t mean offering multiple deals each day. Just make sure you rotate the appeal. For instance, if you sell makeup and you have a youth line and a mature skin line, either create a discount on all makeup or choose a day to offer something special to the youth and something special for the other group. The deals do not have to be the same or equal, but both demographics should be represented so no one feels left out. Step Three: Create a Promotional Calendar Again, consistency is key. Develop a promotional calendar that outlines: · What deal will be offered each day. · How you will communicate the deal (social media, email, in-store signage, etc.). Save yourself some time and craft and schedule the posts ahead of the day. Use AI to draft them for even more time savings. · The time frame for each deal (e.g., 24-hour deals or extending some offers through the weekend). Decide whether you will honor the deals if someone “just misses” one. Step Four: Promote the Campaign in Advance Start spreading the word about your 12 Days of Deals campaign before it begins. Tell your chamber about it. Maybe they will include it in their newsletter, emails, or videos about Small Business Season. Use multiple channels to build anticipation such as: · Email marketing. · Website announcement. · Social media. Post countdowns to the first day “unveiling” of the campaign. · In-Store signage. Put up posters or signs to let customers know that the promotion is coming soon. · Video. On short Reels, TikToks, and Stories, ask customers what they’re hoping to see as part of your 12 Days of Deals promo. Step Five: Keep It Visible Use marketing channels to keep the campaign visible and accessible. You might choose to make the deals announcement every day at the same time. You can roll it out in a live announcement to build buzz and interact with your audience. Don’t forget to: · Send daily deal alerts to your mailing list, including eye-catching visuals and a clear call-to-actions. · Post daily updates about the deal of the day, using engaging images, videos, or stories to grab attention. · Feature a “12 Days of Deals” banner on your homepage and social media profiles. Dedicate a section to showcasing the daily offers. · Promote the deal of the day with in-store announcements or signage to entice walk-in customers. Step “Six”: Use a Sense of Urgency While this isn’t a step in itself (thus the “”), it’s critical that with this type of promotion, it’s all about the ticking clock. The deal is only good for a limited time (establish that ahead of the promotion and communicate it with every deal that is announced). Encourage customers to act quickly by emphasizing limited availability. Use phrases in your marketing and communications such as: · Today only (or whatever hours you’ve established) · Limited quantities available · While supplies last · Sold Out – if you limit quantities of the deal ahead of time and you sell out, make sure you publish that you sold out on your social media and website. You do this for two reasons—you want to minimize the disappointment and don’t want people to make a special trip only to realize it’s no longer available AND people will see you sell out and that will further drive their fear of missing out. When the next deal is announced, they will not hesitate and will buy immediately. Step Seven: Engage Your Audience Run an interactive campaign to boost engagement. You can do this by: · Offering an additional prize for one lucky customer who takes advantage of the daily deal. · Asking customers to share photos of their purchases or tag your business for a chance to win a bonus prize. · Using live-streaming on social media to show people in your business and answering any questions. Step Eight: Monitor and Learn Track the success of each day’s deal to see what resonates most with your customers. Metrics to consider include: · Sales volume · Website traffic · Social media engagement · Email open and click-through rates If a particular type of deal performs well, consider adapting future offers to better match customer interests. Additionally, if the deal is not inspiring action, think about tweaking deals in the future that were like the one that is not performing. Drive Post-Campaign Engagement After the 12 days are over, keep the momentum going. You’re now top of mind for these customers. Don’t waste the momentum. Show appreciation for customers who participated in the campaign by sending a thank you postcard or email. Entice them to return in January with a follow-up promotion. Early Bonus: Reward Your Loyal Customers Reward your loyal customers by allowing them early access to deals or a sneak preview of some of the deals. You can use this tactic to encourage sign-ups for a loyalty program or email list ahead of the holiday season. This also allows them to feel “in the know.” While they may leak some of your deals early, talking about you and your deals is well worth the secret getting out.
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Chamber Member Monthly Spotlight:

Citizens Federal Savings Bank

Citizens Federal Savings Bank is a full-service community bank proudly serving our customers since 1884. We specialize in mortgage and personal loans, consumer, and business banking products and services, anchored with unmatched customer service. Our core values of Care, Commitment and Customer Service are embedded in every facet of our day-to-day operation and remain the foundation our long-standing relationships with our customers and community. We are honored to be a part of the communities we serve and thank the Chamber and its members for the hard work and dedication to promote and grow local business. 


We have three locations to Visit…

5151 S. 4th Street Leavenworth KS 913-727-1040

312 S. 5th Street Leavenworth KS 913-682-3232

15500 State Avenue Basehor KS 913-724-2050

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