Chamber News Line: Halloween Events, Holiday Fair & More!

Halloween Events
Halloween activities begin this weekend. The Post Rock Humane Society is hosting a Parade of Pets costume contest on Saturday, October 23rd from 2:00-4:00 PM.

The Beloit Call will have their Kids' Halloween Costume contest on Saturday, October 30th beginning at 10:00 AM. Line up for the parade at the First National Bank- parking lot. Prizes will be awarded to 3 age groups and their will be a grand prize for the most unique homemade costume.

Zachary's Ace Hardware is hosting a Moonlight Madness Extravaganza on Friday, October 29th from 7 to 9 PM. They will have a kids' costume contest for kids up to 17 years old. They will be divided into 4 age groups. There will be an adult costume contest with prizes for first, second and third place. The top prize is a new Weber LP grill. All customers in costume will receive 10-50% off their purchase and there will be secret ghouls in the store.

Holiday Fair
Add a little flair to your holiday shopping at the Beloit Holiday Fair (formerly the Delphian Arts and Craft Show) on Saturday, October 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The first 50 guests admitted at 9:00 a.m. will receive a free shopping bag. Admission is $2.00 per person at the Beloit Municipal Building.

Proceeds go to support Cassiopeia's philanthropic work in the Beloit Area. For more information e-mail beloitholidayfair@yahoo.com

Preliminary BRES Survey Results
Preliminary results of the Business Retention & Expansion Survey conducted this Summer were discussed at the Solomon Valley Economic Development meeting on Thursday. The survey of about a half dozen big and small businesses in Mitchell County provide a sampling of information on local business and employment trends. The businesses surveyed represent a total of 425 employees, of that amount 33.6% of the employees are commuting from outside Mitchell County.

The survey gathered information on the downsizing the businesses went through over the past couple of years. But it also showed a positive trend towards bringing back at least 25% of the workforce within the next 2 years.

The survey covered information on procurement of products and services; local government; infrastructure and quality of life issues.

All of the businesses surveyed indicated they are very pleased with the local quality of life. Especially the medical services, schools and general family issues.

The one area of concern mentioned was housing, both in terms of the quality of available housing and the availability of housing for our workforce.

Additional surveys will be conducted soon to increase the sampling. As those surveys are finished and follow-up interviews are conducted more details of the report will be released.

Unemployment Rate Improving
The unemployment rate continues to drop in Mitchell County. According to the Kansas Department of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate for Mitchell County was 4.8 % in September. That's down from 5.8% last September. Unemployment in Kansas stood at 6.7% last month.

New Bicycle Racks Installed
Giant sunflowers appeared next to the Perfect Pair building the other day. The three metal sunflowers are just a few of the new bicycle racks that are being installed in Beloit. New racks have also been added on the north side of the Municipal Building and at the Early Learning Center on the North Campus and at the Municipal Swimming Pool.

1-100 Event Taking Shape
Tickets are selling and sponsors have stepped up for the big Chamber of Commerce 1-100 Gala scheduled for November 13th.
Tickets for the fundraiser are selling fast. Only 100 tickets will be sold and one of the Gala attendees will receive a $5,000 grand prize. Of that amount $2,500 will be divided as a donation between the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the North Central Kansas Downs Syndrome Society. The donations will be made in the winners name and $2,500 CASH will go to the winner.
The Gala will be a very special event with prizes given every 15 minutes throughout the evening. The meal will include prime rib, chicken or a vegetarian meal and an open bar.
The event will be November 13th at the VFW in Beloit. For more information contact the Chamber office at 738-2717.

Job Hub
Your next employee or employer is now only a "click" away. KVSV Radio has introduced the "Job Hub" on their website. Go to kvsvradio.com and click on the Job Hub for information on the latest job openings available in our area.

Calendar
Oct. 23-Parade of Pets
Oct. 29-Ace Hardware Moonlight Madness
Oct. 30-Holiday Fair
Nov. 13-1 in 100 Gala