WWW arkcity.net

By SYDNEY BLAND
Traveler Proofreader

It's not the state of the union or even the state of the state. It's the state of the city that has many in Arkansas City spending time and money trying to figure out a solution for overall community growth.

Many have the notion that Arkansas City is on the move, showing signs of improvement; an up-and-coming community. Others believe this town is not what it used to be; a has been.

There are reasons for uncertainty: recent layoffs at the Creekstone packing plant and a flat real estate market.

But there are reasons for optimism, too: several new businesses opening at the north end of town, including a health store, fitness center and video rental.

Encouraging signs are also found in the coming downtown streetscape and mural projects, restoration of the historic Burford Theatre, a successful farm and art market, and the planned renovations of two prominent hotels.

Businesswoman and Chamber of Commerce President Kim Ebert believes Ark City is on the move.

"There is definitely a good feeling in the air," she said.

Many locals agree business in Ark City was great in the '70s. Home-owned business flourished.

Then came the big box stores of the '80s, said Ebert. And the infamous plant closings later.

The businesses that survived were run by the better business minded people; those who knew what they were doing and how to market, Ebert said.

Today, community cooperation, customer service and marketing is high of the agenda of merchants.

"It's all about relationship building," said Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Yazmin Wood.

She believes that Arkansas City is moving to the next level. The new trend is about making sure businesses make themselves a destination for the consumer; where the customer can receive optimal product and service.

It's not just about retail anymore; it's who you are and what you can provide, Wood said.

Having fun

"I don't know why, but this has been a much better year for us than last year," said Bob Foster of Foster's Furniture and Carpet.

Whether it's the downtown revitalization project, plans to expand at Creekstone, or a combination of many things, there seem to be better and more positive feelings around town, said Foster.

Foster said he has seen specific growth in his entertainment center business. Big screen TVs and HD (high definition TV) screens have been moving recently.

"For at least a little while, I've really had fun," joked Foster.

Kristy Crane, manager of Home Town Rental Purchase, said that her business is noticeably better than last year. Many of her customers are getting their merchandise paid off in four months instead of the full term of one to two years.

Her "past dues" have decreased from 8 - 9 percent as opposed to 18 - 20 percent last year.

During tax time this year, 80 percent of her customers paid off their bills with their refund checks, as compared to 40 percent last year.

Crane is not sure of the reason for higher sales, but she hope it lasts.

Danny Thompson of Picture This TV and Audio said business is steady.

"We're doing about the same as we did last year, but I have seen a lot more movement in cell phones now that Sprint has come to town," he said.

Thompson said sales have picked up for dish network TV for the home, and satellite radio for the home and automobiles.

"If these particular sales are any indication of how things are in Ark City, then things are moving."

Not gangbusters

United Agency executive Dan Deener says that the real estate business in Ark City is stable, but flat. Housing last year was average; with total sales equal to about what it was the year before.

"There seems to be quite a lot of building in Wichita, but not here," he said.

With the up and down packing plant activity, there have been a few "blips" on the scale, but overall the market has only seen about a 25 percent rise during these times, he added.

People tend to live where they work; the more industry, the more housing.

People who work at Strother have the choice of living in Winfield or Ark City. Most of them tend to live in Winfield, Deener said.

There is more building in Winfield than in Ark City, he added, especially near the Quail Ridge Golf Course.

County taxpayers may have a new jail to pay off soon, but after that the community can focus on quality of life issues, such as a city softball park complex in the south part of the city and more hike and bike trails, he said.

"In general, I believe Ark City is status quo, but is right on the verge of some really good things," said Deener.

The city government has invested in downtown improvements and granted tax breaks to Creekstone and hotel renovations as part of its efforts to promote growth.

"My sense is that people are hoping for a better economy," he said. "People think things are improving, but still we're not going gang busters."

Regional Approach

Cowley County Administrator Leroy Alsup said he thinks Ark City is becoming more attractive to potential investors.

"I think the right types of investments are being made relative to the improvements needed by the community," he said.

Alsup chairs Cowley First, Cowley County's economic development group, which is funded by the county, two cities and Cowley College.

For Ark City, having Cowley County Community College is a big asset, Alsup said.

"It is an integral part of the community and has huge potential for drawing business and industry," he said.

Cowley along with Southwestern College, said Alsup, are actively working on the advancement of the county in two specific areas: their small business incubator and the entreprenureal business center.

Both areas are in keeping with Cowley First's key priority: to develop business from within the community. Outside business will never be turned away, but the focus of Cowley First is to support the existing citizenry in fostering successful businesses in any way they can, he said.

Another effort to bring growth to Arkansas City and the area is the corridor study of U.S. Highway 77 from the Oklahoma border to Winfield.

The Kansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas City, Winfield and county officials are performing the study to determine the industrial-commercial potential of the corridor as well as private transportation needs.

Using the highway as a development area linked by both Arkansas City and Winfield creates a market of roughly 36,000 people that can be "sold" to prospective industries as opposed to two towns of about 11,000 to 12,000 people each.

"I don't have a crystal ball, but I do know that the collaborative efforts of the community is a must," Alsup said.

SUPER

Andy Martin, manager of the Ark City Wal-Mart, is excited about the upcoming economic changes in the community.

He said that sales for the first three months of this year have far surpassed those of last year and he sees much progress in the community based upon this trend.

His seasonal promotions - Valentine's Day and Easter - have been excellent.

He said he isn't exactly sure why his sales are so much better, but he thinks that his employees have a lot to do with it. He boasted how they keep the store clean, the floors shiny, aisles uncluttered, stock on the shelves and are very friendly people.

"Our associates are our biggest assets," said Martin.

Martin also predicts more business for the community as a whole on weekends. Traditionally, weekends are slow because people go out of town to shop, he said. But due to rising gas prices, people will probably be more apt to shop at home.

He believes this trend will be further enhanced by the Super Wal-Mart, upon which construction began in mid-April.

Martin said that with the Super Wal-Mart, he would still have control of the over $10,000 his store donates yearly to the community.

The new facility will also house a photo shop, vision center, full-service grocery store, Subway -- which will be locally affiliated, a locally run banking branch, a six-bay drive-thru tire and lube express service area. The expanded store will ad 200 new employees to the existing 115 pool.

He also said there may be plans for a gasoline service area in the future if he can obtain access to a Kansas fuel distributor.