Good Energy

Good Energy Solutions is giving away another solar electric energy system to an additional non-profit organization in the Douglas County Community in 2021.

2020 has been a challenging year for many in our community, and Good Energy wants to show their appreciation of your support of their local small business. They want to give back and especially thank those organizations that have given so much to others throughout the year by giving the gift that keeps on giving. By installing a solar energy system Good Energy can lower a non-profit organization’s electric bill so they can use more of their money to help others, and give less to the utility company.

Since 2017 Good Energy Solutions has given away 2 solar energy projects, one to VanGo, Inc and another to Sunrise Project. After the announcement of the gift to Sunrise Project, an anonymous community member donated a solar energy system to Just Food. Good Energy is so grateful that the donor could help Just Food lower their energy costs with the gift of solar. Just Food is helping so many during this unprecedented time of the pandemic.

If your non-profit is interested in earning a solar energy system, please fill out the application at the link below by December 31, 2020. (Entries from 2017 and 2019 are still eligible, however, they are asking that you resubmit to ensure they have your correct address) Considerations of property, building structure, and shading are all important factors that help determine the optimal beneficiary of the solar giveaway. Follow us on Facebook @GoodEnergySolutions and look for the Good Energy Solutions announcement of the selected organization in January of 2021. Good Energy Solutions will install a solar energy system on the organization’s property in the year 2021.

The application is online here: www.goodenergysolutions.com/good-energy-solutions-solar-giveaway

Mike Mendiola

SERC Physical Therapy Welcomes New Clinic Director Mike Mendiola

SERC Physical Therapy is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Mendiola, PT as Lawrence’s Clinic Director. Mike has practiced for 19 years and joined SERC in 2015 most recently working at the Lansing clinic. He attended the University of Kansas for undergrad and completed PT school at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Mike has certifications in Dry Needling and ASTYM, and completed his orthopedic residency with Evidence in Motion. He also has a background in theater and dance, specializing in Performing Arts Physical Therapy.

SERC Physical Therapy opened its Lawrence location in 2016 and has been in the Missouri/Kansas/Arkansas markets for over 20 years. SERC, part of the Upstream Rehabilitation family of clinical care, offers access to care within 24 to 48 hours and works with all insurance types.

Robert Gillespie

Commerce Bank names Robert Gillespie Lawrence Market President

Commerce Bank announced today that Robert Gillespie currently business banking relationship manager has been promoted to president of the Lawrence market effective December 1, 2020, assuming the role currently held by Mark Heider, who will be retiring December 31, 2020, a 40-year veteran of the banking industry and having served Commerce Bank in the role as market president since 2003.

“I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to work with so many talented colleagues,” said Heider. “My job has allowed me the opportunity to interact with many of the terrific business leaders and people in our community and I thank them for allowing me the opportunity to support their projects, needs and priorities.”

With Heider’s retirement on December 31, 2020, Gillespie will be responsible for the overall administration of Commerce Bank’s Lawrence region, overseeing banking operations and continuing business development and relationship management related to Commerce’s full line of banking, borrowing and treasury management solutions for commercial clients.

Gillespie began his career with Commerce Bank in May of 2011 as vice president and business banking relationship manager. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration majoring in finance from Kansas State University in 1994. Gillespie is active in the community, including serving as a board member for the Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lawrence Sertoma Club.

Kent Fisher

Meritrust Credit Union proudly welcomes to its real estate team Kent Fisher as Real Estate Loan Originator

Kent has two decades of experience in financial services, including the auto financing and financial brokerage industries. His well-rounded background provides Lawrence home-seekers with a knowledgeable partner through the home-buying process, from application through closing and beyond. Real estate professionals will appreciate Kent’s dedication to service and making sure their clients find the right solution for their personal situation.

“We’re elated to grow our Lawrence real estate team with the addition of Kent,” says Mitch Crouch, Meritrust Real Estate Sales Manager. “His passion for service and community align with the values we hold closely in our home loans process. We know home-buyers come to us to help make their dream homes a reality, and Kent will be a perfect partner in it.”

He is a life-long Lawrence resident, is married and has two children. He is passionate about serving the people in our community, including involvement in programs that distribute hot meals to those in need and provide shelter for homeless families.

Meritrust is an Equal Housing Lender. Loans are subject to approval. NMLS #2068170

LMH Health earns Commission on Cancer accreditation

LMH Health has earned official accreditation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. This accreditation, which is only awarded to institutions that can demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases, comes after a rigorous, two-year survey process that monitored protocols, treatments and outcomes in LMH Health’s cancer care units.

“There has always been a fantastic team providing care to cancer patients in Lawrence Kansas, but this represents a major milestone for our hospital,” said Dr. Chad Tate, MD, surgeon at LMH Health and chairman of the cancer committee that sought accreditation. “This accreditation provides tremendous resources for our cancer patients and their providers. It also demands that we continue to meet rigorous quality standards for our care.”

The accreditation, which was granted through 2024, requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

Sunflower Bank Donates $3,058 to Schools and Students in Lawrence

Sunflower Bank recently gave a total of $117,835 to schools and students through donations from its ABC Program, including $3,058 given locally in Lawrence. Since Sunflower Bank originated the program in 2001, it has contributed over $1.4 million to support kindergarten through 12th grade education in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. The most recent donations were generated from September 2019 through August 2020.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s ABC Program that provides educational resources that are needed now more than ever. Our communities have embraced the year-round nature of the program, resulting in our donation of $117,835 back to our schools,” said Mollie Carter, Sunflower Bank Chairman. “This year’s enhancements to the ABC Program are just one example of the innovative solutions we bring to our Sunflower Bank and First National 1870 customers every day.”