Chamber auction raises more than $1000 years ago
Bruce Haertl is guest speaker at annual event
Staff reporter
Eighty people braved the cold weather Monday evening to attend the Marion Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.
Jami Williams was welcomed as the new chamber president for 2004. Jeff Cady, 2003 chamber president, was recognized for his service.
Bruce Haertl, sports director with KWCH Channel 12, was the guest speaker.
Haertl related to the business community the importance of having passion in everything a person does, especially his or her profession.
"There's 168 hours in a week," said Haertl. "We spend 56 hours sleeping, if we're lucky, 112 waking hours, and 40 to 50, sometimes 55 to 60, hours working. That's 35 percent of our time. So, we'd better enjoy it."
A native of Seattle, Wash., Haertl came to Wichita in 1978 to play baseball at Wichita State University. He was sidelined with a shoulder injury. During his college career, he took a broadcast class to fulfill the requirement for his major.
At 21, he worked for the Wichita Wings hockey team and traveled with them for three years.
Haertl was asked to try a position as television sports director for a month. He was told that it was not going to work out but was asked to finish the weekend. The next week, he was offered the job and has been with KWCH for 19 years.
"My energy hasn't changed a bit," said Haertl, "I love it."
Arriving at games two and one-half hours early, Haertl said he watches the teams warm up. As the game progresses, he has in his mind what his story might be.
"A story can change in your mind seven or eight times before the game is over," said Haertl. He said he loves the 'hunt' and the uncertainty of every game.
"Uncertainty drives some people nuts but I love it," Haertl said with a smile.
Haertl fielded questions related to sports. The Ell Roberson and Kansas State University football scandal was the question asked most.
"The police released Roberson's name," said Haertl. "After that, it was a feeding frenzy."
Surprised at Bill Snyder's decision to start the quarterback, Haertl still has the utmost respect for the coach.
"Bill knew he would be criticized," said Haertl. "It was just a shame the police released his (Roberson's) name."
Following the guest speaker, the chamber board members conducted an auction of items donated by chamber members.
Nine different groups of items were auctioned raising more than $1,000 for the chamber.
Businesses and individuals who donated items and money were Ampride, Carlsons' Grocery, Central National Bank, Country Inn Motel, D&J Liquor, Duckwall's, Gambino's, G&J Video, Wanda Hamm, Avon representative, Hannaford Abstract and Title Co., Highway 56 Car/Truck Wash, HRK, Kingfisher's Inn, Leith, Inc., Marion Auto Supply, Marion County Record, Marion Healthmart Pharmacy, Marion National Bank, McGillicuddy's, Eloise Mueller, Pizza Hut, Quik Flick, Seacat True Value Hardware, St. Luke Integrated Health Services, Suffield Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Hardware, Tampa State Bank, The Flower Shoppe, and Western Associates.
