Two businesses in chamber spotlight
A tour of the Marion Historical Museum was the program for Friday's noon meeting of Marion Chamber of Commerce. A Mexican buffet lunch was served at The Big Scoop.
Kathy Hageman, returning to the news staff at the Marion County Record, was introduced as a guest, as was Don Noller, new senior vice president at Marion National Bank.
Les Byer, of Flint Hills Clay Works, and Bob Hartley, of Highway 56 Auto/Truck Wash, were in the chamber members' business spotlight.
Melissa Parmley of the Marion County Record reported for the community awareness committee.
It was announced that people are needed Saturday to serve as pooper scoopers for the Old Settlers' Day Parade. Those willing to volunteer for this job are to bring their own shovels and meet in Jex Addition prior to the parade.
Roger Hannaford III announced that the annual Farm/City Steak Fry will be held Nov. 24.
Marion High School Principal Ken Arnhold said two MHS classes met the State of Kansas' Standard of Excellence in reading. The current senior and freshman classes will be honored at a 10 a.m. reception Oct. 15 in the city auditorium's basement.
The students took the tests last year, when they were 11th- and eighth-graders.
The entire MHS student body will attend the first part of the reception. USD 408 Superintendent Gerald W. Henderson and Marion Mayor Eloise Mueller will be asked to speak to and congratulate the class members, and exhort the current eighth- and 11th-graders to meet the standard again during this school year.
The student body will then return to the school, except for the current seniors and freshmen. They, along with community members who want to congratulate them, will then enjoy cookies and coffee.
The entire class, in both cases, raised its level of achievement to reach the state Standard of Excellence. "It wasn't just the top students," said Arnhold, who raised the class level, it was all of them.
Before the chamber members and guests went across the street to the museum, Chris Costello read an article from The Wichita Eagle that Margo Yates, chamber executive director, asked him to read to the group.
It was about the importance of local museums as cultural and historical record-keepers and as tourist attractions.
When tour groups make plans to come to Marion on buses, their directors usually ask about the museum and make a stop there.
During the business spotlight portion of the meeting, Byer joked that his firm "sells mud." It has an inventory of 30 different raw materials, (clay) it buys from commercial clay mines. These are blended to produce clays of different colors and textures and different temperature ranges.
Flint Hills Clay Works has employed many high school and college students from Marion and the area, Byer said.
The company produces about 1,000 tons per year of materials, or enough to fill a semi-tractor trailer load each week.
Customers are fine-arts individuals and companies.
"We buy the clay at the consistency of flour, then add the right amount of water. When we ship it to customers, it's like thick mud," Byer said.
"We're having fun, playin' in the mud," Byer said. "We're serving the school market right now, so this is our busiest time of the year.
"We are the only company in Kansas that does this on any large scale. I'm kind of proud of that. Most of our competitors are in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, big cities like that," he said.
Hartley said his business now offers full lube service, free pickup and delivery, a heated facility, and detail service for cars, trucks, boats, and motor homes.
His daughter plans to open a beauty shop there, as well, Hartley said. "I'm happy to belong to the chamber," he said.
