Wichita Business Journal (KS) articles from January 2001

Wichita Business Journal (KS) archives from January 2001

Bank of American to add 210 jobs.
January 26, 2001... Atlanta retirement unit relocated to Wichita Bank of America will add 210 new employees to its local work force, company officials say. The new jobs come as the mega-bank closes its Retirement and Investment Services Deposit division...

Journal joins in partnership with Microsoft bCentral.
January 26, 2001... The Wichita Business Journal will be part of a new strategic Web partnership between the Journal's parent company, American City Business Journals Inc., and Microsoft Corp. Company officials said the alliance was put together to enable...

Sonnet hires former Newer engineers for Wichita office.
January 26, 2001... Irvine, Calif.-based Sonnet Technologies Inc. has hired the core engineering staff of Newer Technology Inc. and is planning to open a Wichita office. Sonnet, chief competitor of now defunct Newer, is the No. 1 developer and manufacturer...

Moose on the loose, Northern neighbor employs the big beasts to raise bucks.
January 26, 2001... Everyone in our fair city moans and groans about how we should attract more tourists -- but then quickly adds, "Oh, there's nothing to see hem." Wen, Toronto -- while much larger -- had somewhat of a similar dilemma. Known as the...

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS.
January 26, 2001... Two mechanics liens were incorrect in the Jan, 19, 2000, issue. The items should have read: * Artistic Lawn and Landscaping Inc. v. Janet Barker, on property at 946 N Sagebrush, Wichita, 67207, document # 01 ME 007, 01/08/01. *...

Plaza opens new location, plans additional development.
January 26, 2001... Plaza Real Estate is putting the finishing touches on its new, 17,100-square-foot, three-story building in northeast Wichita. Plaza broker and co-owner John McKenzie says the building is "99.9 percent complete." He is planning to hold a...

Courtroom litigation to be specialty for new Joseph & Hollander firm.
January 26, 2001... Criminal defense attorney Stephen Joseph and civil defense attorney Ross Hollander have formed a new law firm that will specialize in courtroom litigation. Joseph, a former Sedgwick County assistant district attorney, and Hollander, most...

K.C. firm opens shop in Wichita, takes at aircraft interior work.
January 26, 2001... A Kansas City-based industrial design company has branched out to Wichita with a goal to find new business in the field of aircraft interior designs. Infusion Design Inc. has opened a studio at 300 N. Main in the Occidental Plaza and...

After eight years in state senate, Pat Ranson ready for some R & R.
January 26, 2001... Two things contributed to Pat Ranson making the difficult decision to step down this year as state senator from District 25. One was what she calls her firm belief in term limits. She co-sponsored such legislation during her eight years...

R-Con Corp. created by consolidation of Allen's and Ark Valley Concrete.
January 26, 2001... Ritchie Corp. has consolidated its two concrete operations under a new name. The company has placed Allen's Concrete, which it has owned since 1953, and Ark Valley Concrete, which it acquired five years ago, under the name of R-Con...

`Upscale' office park Glen Hills to open Feb. 1 at Rock Road address in Derby.
January 26, 2001... Glen Hills, an office park described by its developer as "upscale," is opening in Derby. The first phase of the park, a 6,400-square-foot, five-suite complex at 1120 N. Rock, has been completed and has three tenants ready to move in,...

Frozen Drinks R-Us adds splash to corporate and private festivities.
January 26, 2001... By day, Lori Ruff and Kim Lawson are employees of Genesis Health Club on east Central. But by night, they load up their 1978 lime-black Volkswagen van and head out to make events special. In the back of their van Ruff and Lawson are...

Kansas Health Foundation launches $2.8M campaign for kid's health.
January 26, 2001... The Kansas Health Foundation has launched a new advertising campaign this week designed, its organizers say, to help the health of children statewide. The $2.8 million campaign, which began Jan. 22 and runs through Oct. 15, has a theme...

Coliseum turns to events promotion to build its business, revenues.
January 26, 2001... To boost attendance at the Shepler's Wrangler Pro Rodeo next month, the Kansas Coliseum is relying on an evolving arm of its operations -- Kansas Coliseum Productions. The in-house promotion arm of the Coliseum, KCP's goal next month is...

Attendance at Thunder games falls, league realignment may be ahead.
January 26, 2001... For the Wichita Thunder, this season is turning out to be a good news/bad news scenario. The bad news is that attendance is down. The good news is that it's not as bad as other teams in the league. For games through Dec. 31,...

Broadcasters: Tax incentives needed to raise minority media ownership.
January 26, 2001... Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, admits he was a vision, admits he was a "strange duck" to be participating in a Commerce Department briefing about the lack of minority ownership of radio and television stations. ...

Glickman leaves office with a record of service to Wichita and the nation.
January 26, 2001... As Dan Glickman himself says, people seem to have an urge to throw things at him. Protesters flung soybeans at him in Rome. Rotting bison tidbits in Montana. A tofu cream pie in Washington. So let's give the man some credit. In 27 years...

More than cookies at stake.
January 26, 2001... The official Girl Scout Web site makes the following surprising claim: "Many successful businesswomen today say they got their start selling Girl Scout cookies." If this is so (mind you, we said the statement comes from the official...

Operation Holiday had support from business.
January 26, 2001... Operation Holiday 2000 was marked by great change and renewal in this, our 40th year. Our first-ever campaign co-chairs, Tom and Jill Docking and Jack and Pat Ranson, took an active role in helping us succeed in our mission to serve others...

Murphy Tractor acquires territories in Missouri, bringing locations to 12.
January 26, 2001... Although Wichita-based Murphy Tractor & Equipment already has four branches in Kansas and five in Nebraska, its most recent acquisition of two territories in Missouri could increase the company's market potential by 60 percent. That,...

Bush may cite ergonomics study as reason to block rule.
January 26, 2001... Opponents of OSHA's ergonomics regulation say a just-released National Academy of Sciences' study of workplace injuries could provide the Bush administration with the justification it needs to delay enforcement of the costly new rule. ...

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE.
January 26, 2001... COMMUNICATIONS: The following have joined VoiceStream Wireless as customer care supervisors: Steph Arrendondo, Mary Beth Blaine, Keenon Brinkley, Stefena Garcia-Patrick, Christopher "Todd" Hicks, Leigh Kincaid, Cindy King, and Linda...

1 - BIDS.
January 26, 2001... The city of Wichita is accepting bids on: Water & Sewer Department/Sewage Treatment Division; Install Wonderware software and new operator stations; For specifics contact the city purchasing manager at 266-4636 or visit...

2 - BUILDING PERMITS.
January 26, 2001... Newly issued building permits are collected from the county and city building inspection departments. The following information is included: contractor/owner, job site address, description, square feet (if available) and estimated value. ...

3 - COURT JUDGMENTS.
January 26, 2001... Judgments filed with the District Clerk. Civil judgments filed against businesses for $5,000 or more are published in the following order: plaintiff name, defendant name, defendant address (if available), amount ofjudgment, prevailing party,...

4 - FEDERAL TAX LIENS.
January 26, 2001... TAX LIENS These are recently filed by the Internal Revenue Service against assets of a business for unpaid income or payroll taxes. They are recorded with the Register of Deeds. Published are liens against businesses for $5,000 or more....

5 - MECHANICS' LIENS.
January 26, 2001... Mechanics' liens are filed with the District Cleric Published are liens against business over $5,000. The data appears in the following order: claimant, contractor, amount of lien, owner of property, property address, document number and date...

6 - NEW CORPORATIONS.
January 26, 2001... New corporations are filed with the state of Kansas. They are listed in ZIP code order and include the following information: business name, address, ZIP code. State of Kansas S&W Construction of Cheney LLC, 300 N. Main Suite 300,...

7 - NEW LAWSUITS.
January 26, 2001... New litigation filed against businesses with the District Clerk; includes plaintiff, defendant, case number and date filed. Sedgwick County Chester A. Spears (individual and representative) v. Gary L Porter MD/Christina Rusfia MD,...

8 - REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.
January 26, 2001... Real estate transactions are recorded with the Register of Deeds. Following are commercial transfers including: seller, buyer, buyer's address, property address and subdivision (if available), book/page number and date recorded. ...

AOPA service tracks plane owners.
January 26, 2001... The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has launched a new service that provides a history of ownership for all U.S.-registered airplanes. Called a "chain of tide" report, it provides the names and addresses of every registered owner...

Fractional comes together.
January 26, 2001... Fractional aircraft ownership continues to be high growth segment, analysts say When James Berkley's western Kansas bank holding company started to do more business outside of the state, the Stockton Bancshares Inc. chairman and private...

Wings Over Wichita owner wants to chart new course for business.
January 26, 2001... As Marian Beck starts her first full year as the new owner of Wings Over Wichita, the former civil engineer turned aviation enthusiast has plans to take the specialty pilot and aviation gift store on several new courses. Beck, a former...

Boeing retirees build working WWII Messerschmitt 262s.
January 26, 2001... In an Everett, Wash., hanger, a half-dozen Boeing retirees are building five working replicas of the first jet-powered fighter ever built: the Messerschmitt 262. Allied forces were fortunate the Germans didn't get the twin-jet fighters...

Aviation association protests FAA's restrictions on ultralights.
January 26, 2001... A Federal Aviation Administration plan that would effectively ban ultralights from any area operating under temporary flight restrictions, known as TRFs, is drawing protest from the Experimental Aircraft Association. The FAA issues such...

Dillons to add two new local stores.
January 26, 2001... Dillon Cos. says it will build two new supermarkets in the Wichita area, one northeast and one west. Plans call for the construction of a Dillons store in Bel Aire at 37th North and Woodlawn. The Hutchinson-based company is also...

Retail sculpture gallery opens in Delano shopping district.
January 26, 2001... Three Wichita sculptors have taken their passion for the art form to the public with the opening of Delano Sculpture Gallery at 617 W. Douglas in the Delano shopping district. Nestled between Jeans Plus and an insurance office, the...

Web site to be complete guide to entertainment in Wichita area.
January 26, 2001... Three local entrepreneurs have developed a new Web site to guide Wichitans in their entertainment choices. Called WichitaNites.com, the site is designed to provide a quick and easy online reference to the city's night life along with its...

THE MONEY PAGE.
January 26, 2001... BORROWING RATES(1) Auto2 Prime Terms Bank of Kansas 9.00 8.49 Sunflower Bank 9.00 8.50 Telephone Credit Union ...

HEALTH CARE.
January 26, 2001... Via Christi names new medical staff chiefs Dr. Stephen Grindel, a family practice specialist, will assume the presidency of Via Christi Regional Medical Center's medical staff at its annual meeting Jan. 29. In addition, Dr. Michael Brown,...

INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
January 26, 2001... Roberts urges more trade with Cuba U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., is offering legislation to ease U.S. restrictions on trade and travel to Cuba. "While I continue to have concerns about past actions of the Cuban government and have...

EDUCATION.
January 26, 2001... Wichita State University receives awards Wichita State University won 29 awards in the eight-state District 6 competition of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. It won eight gold awards, eight silver awards and 13...

SMALL BUSINESS.
January 26, 2001... SBA makes changes to Online Women's Business Center The Small Business Administration has made changes to its Online Women's Business Center. Management of the Web site, previously outsourced, will be taken over by the SBA's Office of...

BANKING.
January 26, 2001... Capitol Federal reports increased income For the quarter ending Dec. 31, Topeka-based Capitol Federal Financial reported net income of 820.4 million compared to $18.1 million for the same period one year ago, an increase of 12.5 percent....

HOTELS.
January 26, 2001... Renovation progressing on new Cambridge Suites Renovation is under way in Tempe, Ariz., for the first Cambridge Suites to be franchised by Wichita-based Candlewood Hotel Co. Cambridge Suites is Candlewood's new upscale hotel concept...

ORGANIZATIONS.
January 26, 2001... The 2001 officers for the Greater Wichita Photography Association are: Jeremy Hilde-brand, president; Steve Stephens, vice president; Edye Wright, secretary/treasurer; Dale Ruff, director; and Karen Waple, director. For information call Edye...

GOVERNMENT.
January 26, 2001... County Extension center becomes a model The Sedgwick County Extension Education Center at 7001 W. 21st received national attention this week. A group of officials from DuPage County, Ill., visited the center. They were met by Sedgwick...

Primerica looks for everyday people to grow its ranks.
January 19, 2001... Darrell Stevens is a full-time engineer at Cessna Aircraft Co. But in his spare time, he works for Primerica, a financial service company, giving clients advice and guidance about their fiscal health. Stevens, who says he hopes to someday...

WorldPages seeking buyer, but local unit probably safe.
January 19, 2001... WorldPages.com, headquartered in metro Dallas, is up for sale. But the company's Internet operation based in Wichita is well-positioned to survive a transition to new ownership, experts say. Company officials -- who say they have been...

Trade experts say area firms in prime position to capture slice of immense Chinese market.
January 19, 2001... When China enters the World Trade Organization later this year it could have a significant impact on the Wichita economy, experts say. "This is a big deal," says Dave Hanna, spokesman for Rep. Todd Tiahrt. "It's a major opportunity at...

Sick? If you're like most employees, you'll try to tough it out at work.
January 19, 2001... OK, the HR department reports that you've got 1,467 days of sick leave, but are you going to take them? No siree. Not if you're like most of us in the salt mine of life. Even though most people will be hit twice a season with cold or flu...

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS.
January 19, 2001... The name of Bill Caffey, senior vice president of Koch Industries, was misspelled in the Jan. 12 publication of Corporate Citizenship. The Business Journal apologizes for any inconvenience caused by errors. Call 266-6184 if you see an...

Redrock Canyon Grill coming to Bradley Fair in summer.
January 19, 2001... Redrock Canyon Grill will be the newest restaurant added to the mix at the upscale Bradley Fair shopping center when the Southwest-style eatery opens its doors sometime this summer. The restaurant will be located just south of the Macaroni...

Chase Manhattan enters market with downtown mortgage office.
January 19, 2001... Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp. made a quiet entry into the Wichita market last month as the city's newest mortgage lender. The company, which set up shop downtown, has hired a starting team of five loan originators to begin marketing its...

Via Christi lobbyist Conlee launches independent consulting business.
January 19, 2001... After years of lobbying on behalf of Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Mary Ellen Conlee has left to start her own business. Conlee Consulting Group Inc., a full-service governmental and public affairs firm, officially opened its doors...

CNH Global growing its work force under the leadership of Fred Ade.
January 19, 2001... Late on a Friday afternoon, when most people are headed home, Fred Ade gets an urgent phone call. He excuses himself from a conversation to take the call. That done, he's off to pack for a flight and a week's worth of meetings on the road....

Report by Grubb & Ellis/Martens forecasts local real estate market.
January 19, 2001... Grubb & Ellis/Martens Commercial Group LLC will release its 2001 Real Estate Forecast for the Wichita area next week, its first report on local market conditions. The information addresses the commercial real estate market in Wichita and...

Protection One to expand in Wichita.
January 19, 2001... Protection One Inc. will move its customer service operation based in Hagerstown, Md., to its larger, centrally-located facility in Wichita by the middle of March. Annette Beck, company president and CEO, said the move was part of a plan...

Management changes at Kreonite will follow Christensen's departure.
January 19, 2001... Carl E. Christensen Jr., president of Kreonite Inc., a Wichita-based manufacturer of photo processing and photo lab sinks and cabinets, is leaving the company today (Jan. 19) to be director of finance for Precision Pattern Inc., an aerospace...

Golden Corral franchise joins city's big inventory of buffet restaurants.
January 19, 2001... A Golden Corral buffet restaurant is scheduled to open Jan. 24 at 616 S. Ridge Road, just east of the Palace Theater. The franchised eatery will be operated by AllWell Ventures, the same entity that runs the nearby IHOP restaurant. ...

Sami Halaseh Salon grows national, international reputation.
January 19, 2001... Sami Halaseh says he has molded his business philosophy to reflect something his father taught him years ago: Always treat people like you would a guest in your home. It's a practice Halaseh uses daily in his hair and beauty salon where...

We've got gift baskets, steaks, a book on CD-ROM -- and a newspaper, too.
January 19, 2001... It's a new year and this is a good time to remind our readers about some of the things we offer. Subscriptions Have you ever considered getting your own subscription to the Business Journal? Think of it! You'll receive the paper...

Set sail Feb. 25 on Harbor House Cruise Night.
January 19, 2001... You're invited to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Shanghai, Sydney, Bora Bora, New Orleans and Cabo San Lucas as the "U.S.S. Harbor House" sets sail for a "South Pacific Cruise" on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wichita...

Wichita's Roto-Rooter gives birth to JaRay Software and global market.
January 19, 2001... For more than four decades Roto-Rooter has been solving Wichitans' problems with sewers, drains and pipes. Nowadays, though, the owners of Wichita's Roto-Rooter do more of their work with a keyboard than with a pipe wrench. Nearly a...

How to influence individuals who are outside your authority.
January 19, 2001... How do you get people to do things when you are not the 800-pound gorilla? For instance, how do you get a crabby employee in another department to cooperate? How do you get an unresponsive peer to get things to you on time? How do you...

1 - BANKRUPTCIES.
January 19, 2001... The following bankruptcies were recently filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District of Kansas, Wichita Division. District of Kansas Wichita Division Chapter 7 Chapter 7 is a "straight" liquidation bankruptcy involving an...

2 - BIDS.
January 19, 2001... The city of Wichita is accepting bids on: Water & Sewer Department/Sewage Treatment Division; Install Wonderware software and new operator stations; For specifics contact the city purchasing manager at 268-4636 or visit www.wichitagov...

3 - BUILDING PERMITS.
January 19, 2001... Newly issued building permits are collected from the county and city building inspection departments. The following information is included: contractor/owner, job site address, description, square feet (if available) and estimated value. ...

4 - COURT JUDGMENTS.
January 19, 2001... Judgments filed with the District Clerk. Civil judgments filed against businesses for $5,000 or more are published in the following order: plaintiff name, defendant name, defendant address (if available), amount of judgment, prevailing party,...

5 - FEDERAL TAX LIENS.
January 19, 2001... Sedgwick County Tech Support Inc., P.O. Box 9603, Wichita 67277, $16,668 (941), document #01 00004, Book/Page 2129/0301, 01/02/01. Beckham Trailers Inc., 2909 W. Pawnee, Wichita 67213, $10,680 (940/941), document #01 00009, Book/Page...

6 - FEDERAL TAX LIENS RELEASED.
January 19, 2001... Sedgwick County Brighter Mondays, P.O. Box 8762, Wichita 67208, $7,342 (941), Book/Page 2129/0306, 01/02/01. Appointment Setters of America, 2252 N. Coolidge, Wichita 67204, $6,973 (940/941), document #01 00008, Book/Page 2129/0309,...

7 - MECHANICS' LIENS.
January 19, 2001... Mechanics' liens are filed with the District Clerk. Published are liens against businesses more than $5,000. The data appears in the following order: claimant, contractor, amount of lien, owner of property, property address, document number...

8 - NEW CORPORATIONS.
January 19, 2001... New corporations are filed with the state of Kansas. They are listed in ZIP code order and include the following information: business name, address, ZIP code. State of Kansas Growth Partners LLC, 150 N. Market, Wichita 67202. ...

9 - NEW LAWSUITS.
January 19, 2001... New litigation filed against businesses with the District Clerk; includes plaintiff, defendant; case number and date filed. Sedgwick County Central Bank & Trust Co. v. Lexie Design Corp. of Doo-Dah, contract, case #01C 00045,...

10 - REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.
January 19, 2001... Real estate transactions are recorded with the Register of Deeds. Following are commercial transfers including: seller, buyer, buyer's address; property address and subdivision (if available), book/page number and date recorded. ...

11 - STATE TAX WARRANTS.
January 19, 2001... New warrants filed by the state and recorded with the District Clerk. Published are warrants against businesses for $5,000 or more. The data appears in the following order: taxpayer's name, address, amount of warrant, type of warrant (if...

Internet retailers see gains in holiday shoppers.
January 19, 2001... Retailers on the Internet saw the number of visitors increase 30 percent in the 2000 holiday shopping season, according to Media Metrix, a New York-based subsidiary of Jupiter Media Metrix. On average, 34.3 million visitors went to retail...

Targeting gender.
January 19, 2001... Tech employers say they are looking for female workers, but are finding few takers The technology industry is struggling to attract female workers. Despite high salaries and lots of open positions, the industry is having trouble...

Atronex's Williamson says he is no techie: He is a businessman.
January 19, 2001... For 20 years David Williamson has been in the thick of technology in Wichita as owner of three computer-related businesses. Long before desktop computers became common, he was selling them. He can look at a computer processor chip no...

Overland Park firm's shopping card uses computer chips, LED display.
January 19, 2001... Imagine picking up your dry cleaning and receiving a 35 percent discount because it's your 35th birthday. Then, upon checking your receipt, you see you can have a free oil change with the purchase of gas at the service station down the...

PRINTING COMPANIES.
January 19, 2001... [TABULAR DATA NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]

Clinton, Gore leave office with generous pensions.
January 19, 2001... Don't feel too bad for Al Gore: He's leaving Washington with a congressional pension of $94,800 a year. National Taxpayers Union estimated Gore's pension based on his 24 years in the House, Senate and vice presidency. Assuming he lives to...

THE MONEY PAGE.
January 19, 2001... * BORROWING RATES(1) SBA Auto(2) Personal Loan Prime Terms Terms Rate Sunflower Bank ...

Dinning-Beard drops Coldwell, joins Prudential.
January 19, 2001... Wichita's second largest residential real estate firm, Coldwell Banker Dinning-Beard Realtors, is breaking off its affiliation with Coldwell Banker, effective Jan. 21. The firm join with Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, creating a new...