Stepping Outside the “Girl Box”: National program helps promote strong, confident girls

Around fifth grade, there is a place that many girls go - a place where they stop being the unique and confident individuals that they are.

Instead they become replicas of the latest fads in fashion, speech, and music. This is a place where simply being yourself is not enough. Girls begin to feel that they are never pretty enough, thin enough, smart enough, popular enough. To make up for the feelings of insecurity that come with never being “enough” many girls turn to alcohol, sex, eating disorders and other unhealthy behaviors. This place is the “Girl Box,” according to Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run.

“In the ‘Girl Box’ girls begin to feel more valued for their appearance as opposed to who they really are,” Barker wrote on her web site.

The “Girl Box” is why Barker, a four-time Hawaii Ironman Triathlete, established Girls on the Run. It was in August of 1996 that Girls on the Run was born out of her desire to help girls find strength – strength not just of body but more importantly of mind and spirit.

The mission, according to the organization’s web site, is simple: “To educate and prepare girls for a life time of self-respect and healthy living.”

The need is obvious: negative media bombards girls today. Television tells girls that the “dumb blond” is popular; magazines tell girls that tall and skinny is in; music tells girls that sex, drugs, and alcohol are cool. Now, more than ever before, girls have to fight to stay out of the “Girl Box.”

Through Girls on the Run the “Girl Box” is beginning to shatter.

Each week, twice a week, girls in third through fifth grade in more than 140 locations meet to discuss who they are, the importance of cooperation, and the affects of community on girls. And of course they run.

Raytown Girls on the Run coaches Sabrena Lea, Allison Bruflat and Carla Jenkins are there to encourage and spur the girls on with their enthusiasm and desire to help these young girls.

“I wanted to offer girls options that I never had. I wanted to give girls a voice and to help them make wise choices based on who they are, not on who society says they should be. This program offered that,” Lea said.

Learning about who they are versus who society wants them to be is the message that Girls on the Run is teaching young girls.

“I like that we are learning about ourselves, and to not care about what others think,” Savannah Markaham a Raytown South Middle School sixth grader said. “You are different from people and people are different from you and that is okay.”

Experts say learning this lesson at a young age is key. Studies show that girls ages eight to 12, while starting to become influenced by peer pressure, are still receptive to adult influence. This stage is referred to as the latency period of development. This is where Girls on the Run steps in.

Formed as a preventative program to help girls make healthy decisions, Girls on the Run builds character and self-confidence while encouraging physical fitness.

Allison Bruflat’s desire to team up with Girls on the Run came out of her desire to give girls something that she did not discover until she began running at age 32.

“When I began running it gave me a new respect for my body. I had read about Girls on the Run years ago and thought it was such a great idea to be able to help girls understand their strength and their power,” Bruflat said.

The benefits of a program like Girls on the Run can last a lifetime. Studies suggest that those who develop exercise habits in their youth will be more likely to maintain those habits throughout their lives. In addition to higher self-esteem, young women who are physically active reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes.

“I’m a runner and a Type II Diabetic. I felt that Girls on the Run was a wonderful way to get girls moving,” said Carla Jenkins, Raytown Girls on the Run coach. “You hear of so many children that are developing Type II Diabetes, getting them moving is one way to help them avoid diabetes.”

Cami Oster, a fourth grade home school student said the program helped her change her perspective. “The most important thing that I have learned is to be happy about who I am,”

That is what Girls on Run is all about. Helping young girls break free of the “Girl Box,” and teaching them that who they are outside of that box is pretty special.

Girls on the Run meets twice a week for twelve weeks in the fall and in the spring. This fall, Raytown’s startup year, they have six girls participating. Currently, Girls on the Run is meeting at Spring Valley Elementary, in the spring, they plan to meet at Keneagy Park and the YMCA on rainy days. The $130 fee includes snacks, a water bottle, a t-shirt, and registration for a 5K (scholarships are available). Girls on the Run will wrap up their season with a 5K Family Fun Run/Walk November 10 at Corporate Woods in Overland Park. For more information on Girls on the Run or to signup visit http://www.girlsontherunkc.com

Did you know...

• More than 3 million young Americans considered suicide in 2000 – 1 million actually attempted it – girls were twice as likely as boys to consider suicide.

• 1.6 million girls reported at least one major depressive episode in 2004. That’s more than twice as many as boys.

• Girls as young as five form negative self-images based on their weight.

• In 2004, more girls than boys started using alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana

• 1.5 million girls started using alcohol

• 730,000 girls started smoking

• 675,000 started using marijuana

However…

• Girls who participate in physical activities are 40 percent less likely to smoke, have higher levels of self-esteem, better body

images, and lower levels of depression.

• Girls who participate in physical activities are less likely to

engage in risky sexual behavior during adolescence.

• Girls who participate in physical exercise have better

relationships with parents, get better grades, are less likely to use drugs and are less depressed than girls who don’t.

Sources: http://www.theantidrug.com and http://www.girlsontherun.org

Harvesters fighting childhood hunger: One backpack at a time

Each week 650 children in 22 schools throughout 11 districts are served through Harvesters’ BackSnack program.

The purpose of BackSnack is simple – by providing a bag full of snacks and quick-fix meals, Harvesters helps take a child’s focus off hunger and place it back on their school work.

For most students the weekend is a time free of teachers and homework, but for many it is also a time when their stomachs growl and their parents worry about where their next meal is going to come from. The stress of not knowing if there will be food on the table affects not just the parents, but their children as well. Harvesters refers to it as “weekend hunger.” A problem that seems to

effect not just their nutrition but their behavior, attendance, and overall ability to concentrate on their school work as well.

It is estimated that more than 88,000 children within Harvesters’ 13-county service area receive free or reduced-price school meals. Each week schools work to ensure that their students are receiving a nutritious and well-balanced breakfast and lunch. “While these children get nutritious meals while school is in session, they often do without on the weekends,” says Karen Haren, President and CEO of Harvesters.

This year, Laurel Hills Elementary is joining together with Harvesters to provide backpacks full of weekend snacks and meals to 30 specially selected students. Together with First Baptist Raytown, the school’s community partner, the school is able to provide bags filled with everything from shelf-stable milk and cereal to fruit cups and soup. Beth Dusin, Laurel Hills counselor and BackSnack coordinator, strives to avoid any stigma that the students might feel by explaining that BackSnack is “special” and that students have to be “nominated by teachers” for the program.

BackSnack is not unique to Harvesters, Second Harvest, a national organization that works to fight hunger, has a similar program providing backpacks filled with food to children in 39 states distributing 35,000 backpacks a week.

Harvesters piloted the BackSnack program in 2004. Last year, Harvesters was able to provide 14,675 backpacks full of food through BackSnack. This year that number will most certainly grow as they have added an additional four schools in two more districts. “We base BackSnack on location and logistics,” said Mandy Stark Communications Coordinator for Harvesters. Harvesters look closely at each district, school, and student to determine where the BackSnack program would serve the greatest need.

Laurel Hills is the first school within the Raytown District to be included in the BackSnack program. “We are pleased to be able to have partnerships like the one with Harvesters which benefit our students,” said Cathy Allie Community Relations Coordinator for the district.

Quick Facts on Childhood Hunger

• Nationally, 1 in 6 American children live in homes at risk of hunger. (Share our Strength, 2007)

• According to the USDA, an estimated 12.4 million children lived in food insecure (low food security and very low food security) households in 2005.

• Research indicates that even mild undernutrition experienced by young children during critical periods of growth impacts the

behavior of children, their school performance, and their overall

cognitive development. (Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy, 1998)

Local dentist works with Dental for Kids

Children of low-income families in the Blue Springs School District now have access to free dental care thanks in part to Raytown dentist Dr. Douglas Harshberger.

In July of 2003, Dr. Harshberger, DDS, along with John LaBaraca, DDS, of Independence, and Jerry Ogilvie, DDS, of Blue Springs helped to pilot Dental for Kids, an offshoot of the nonprofit organization, Blue Springs WellLink. Together Doctors Harshberger, LaBaraca, Ogilvie, and WellLink helped build Dental for Kids into a program that, to date, has helped over 400 children receive much needed dental care that they would have otherwise never obtained.

Now in its fourth year, Dental for Kids has twenty local dentists participating, and together they have donated more than $365,000 in dental care to area children.

According to Janet Smith, executive director of WellLink, “Most of the children entering our program have never been to the dentist, and most of them would not go if not for our program.”

In an average week, 3-6 children will be referred to the program and most of the children referred will require more than one visit. Harshberger and his dedicated staff have donated over 52 hours providing care for twenty-one children. “It is great to be able to provide the hope and the help that these children need,” said Dr. Harshberger. “[Dental for Kids] is a very good program that allows students to get involved with dentistry at an early age.”

The Dental for Kids program is about more than simply providing fillings and clean teeth; it is about giving children hope and self-confidence. One of the mothers of a patient that Dr. Harshberger has helped through Dental for Kids said,

“My daughter has been receiving dental services from Dr. Harshberger and the Dental for Kids program since 2003. There are really no words to describe the mental, physical, and spiritual growth she has shown during this time! Before we found out about this program, she was embarrassed about the way her teeth looked, had no self-esteem, and did not want to attend school any longer. Because of Dr. Harshberger’s kindness, my daughter soon had a beautiful smile and became a very confident, emotionally stable young lady who was ready to attend high school. The friendship and trust that Dr. Harshberger has given my daughter could never be replaced. It is a blessing each day to see her smile and the continued growth and self-confidence.”

Currently, the Dental for Kids program is limited to students in the Blue Springs school district who are referred by their teachers and school nurses. However, exceptions are made if a student meets the criteria and goes through the complete screening process.

“I want to help all of the children,” said Dr. Harshberger, “but it can get overwhelming.”

Still the joy from seeing the children’s eyes light up as they say “show me how to brush my teeth. Show me how to take care of my mouth,” is what drives Dr. Harshberger.

Fourth Annual Princess Party to be held Saturday

It is time, once again, to dust off those crowns and tiaras for the Fourth Annual Princess Party hosted by WellLink. Saturday, October 6 princesses from all over the metro will come together at Valley View High School in Blue Springs. Princesses ages two to twelve are invited to attend and join in the royal celebration.

The Princess Party, which began four years ago as a way to raise money for the Dental for Kids program, has been quite the fundraising success raising $15,000 last year. This year their goal is $20,000.

Admission is $10 for each Princess and $5 for each Royal Adult Companion. Included in the admission price are several fun royal activities including: cookie decorating, princess primping, princess stories, princess bingo, a wishing well, a visit with the Tooth Fairy, and a princess concert which features area high school performers including Raytown High School junior, Katie Dingman as the Fairy Godmother.

There will also be a Royal Food Court and Mall of Enchantment where the little princesses can begin their holiday shopping with many items priced from $3 to $10.

For more information about WellLink, Dental for Kids, or to reserve a place at the party for your little princess please visit www.BlueSpringsWellLink.org or call 816-941-3600.

Valley View High School is located at 5000 NW Valley View Road in Blue Springs, MO.

Making your Community a Better Place to Live

In Lee's Summit the Parks and Recreation Department is staffed by many highly valued people who each bring their own unique expertise to their job be it; Administrative Services, Recreation Services, Parks Operations, Park Development, or Park Construction. Each department is staffed by employees who each have their own area of specialization from aquatics to horticulture. It is because of these great city workers that LSPR is able to provide a vast array of services for the Lee's Summit community.

LSPR develops neighborhood parks with playgrounds, walking trails, benches, and shelters. Each of these projects are planned, constructed, and continually maintained by LSPR staff. It is the LSPR that is responsible for placing the holiday lights in downtown Lee's Summit at Christmas time and for planting flowers in beds throughout the city in the spring. The Lee's Summit Pool is also maintained by LSPR.

LSPR provides instructional and athletic programs for all ages and even some for your furry friends. Some of LSPR's offerings include; basketball, volleyball, softball, dog obedience, horsemanship, self-defense, aquatics, and itty bitty activities. They offer a summer, holiday, and spring break day camp for kids ages 5 - 11.

LSPR also plays host to several family focused events throughout the year. There are free music festivals downtown, pool parties in the summer, a Family Adventure Night in the winter, as well as "Legacy Blast," the annual Fourth of July fireworks show that takes place in Legacy Park.

LSPR also designed, constructed, and currently maintains and operates The Legacy Park Community Center. This 58,000-square-foot facility is open seven days a week and offers nearly 80 group exercise classes each week. Some of the most popular class offerings include; Bootcamp, Aqua fit, SET, Turbokick, and Function Fitness. One of the newest features of the Community Center is Legacy Massage. Patrons can schedule an appointment and choose from a menu of over 15 different massages. The Legacy Park Community Center also provides a community room for meetings, events, wedding receptions, birthdays, and other celebrations.

The Future: Lee's Summit citizens can look forward to LSPR continuing its partnership with the R-7 school district and city departments, continuing to grow and develop the community's resources. Some of the projects that LSPR is currently developing are; the new Senior Center, Harris Park (Family Aquatic Center & Lee's Summit Recreation Center Renovation), Legacy Park Phase IV (playgrounds, shelters, trails, and amphitheater), Eagle Creek Park, Pottberg Park, and McKee Park Streamway Trail.

Tom Lovell, Parks and Recreation Administrator says, "One of the most rewarding parts of my job is attending an ongoing program and seeing a patron enjoying something that we've provided." Lovell maintains that the most fulfilling moments of his career have been seeing the dreams of the visionary task force, specifically Legacy Park, the Family Aquatics Center, and the Senior Center, become a reality.

If it is Worth Doing it is Worth Doing Right

Jack Cotton, of Cotton Custom Design, has been in the construction business for over 50 years, working in all types of building trades. Cotton has a strong desire to produce top quality product, whether it be a strong footing to hold up under heavy loads or a supportive roof to keep everything under good cover. He developed his business ethic in boyhood while working with his father. According to Cotton his father's motto was if it is worth doing it was worth doing right. "I still believe that to this day," says Cotton.

Jack understands the principle of everything from point loads to support from roof down to the footings. He has many years of drafting experience using the computer as well as old-fashioned pencil and paper. He also stays informed on new building codes making it easier to receive building permits.

Cotton believes in doing all he can to provide his customers with what they need. It is his access to certified engineers that help him to review plans and make recommendations for all plans that he draws, and his willingness to get into the field to and work with construction crews helping to eliminate delays that ensures that you will receive a quality product.

For the do-it-yourselfers Jack also provides consultant work, helping you take your project from idea to finished product.

Cotton Custom Design is also available for light commercial and tenant finish on existing buildings. All plans are stamped with Engineer S for assured quality and eligibility to pass all codes.

Give Jack Cotton of Cotton Custom Design a call today. He can help turn your dream home into a reality.

Oreck - Total Cleaning Solutions

When David Oreck first introduced the idea of the 8-pound vacuum in 1963 no one would have imagined that the Oreck XL would stand the test of time. Back then vacuum cleaners were heavy, and the idea of a vacuum cleaner being so light that a woman would be able to push it with one finger was unimaginable. The experts assumed a vacuum so light would never sell, but sell it did, and now the Oreck vacuum is more durable, more hypoallergenic, more efficient, and more powerful than ever and is still light as ever.

Today Oreck has extended their product line to include: air purifiers, multi-floor cleaners, compact canisters, as well as their original full size vacuums. These four products make up what Oreck refers to as their "Total Cleaning System." With these four basic essentials you are able to clean everything from your hardwood floors to your curtains, from your carpets to the air you breathe.

With the Oreck Total Cleaning System your home will not only be cleaner, but healthier too, thanks to the multi-layer Celoc Hypo-Allergenic filtration systems in their full size vacuums, the air purifiers that remove smoke, dust, airborne allergens, bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi. The air purifiers are so effective that they are able to trap particles one hundred times smaller than human hair, making the air you and your family breathes cleaner and healthier.

With the Multi-Floor Machine you are able to deep clean your carpets without water, removing up to 70% more mold, mildew, pollen, and pet and dust mite allergens than vacuuming alone. The Multi-Floor Machine allows you to not only deep clean your carpets, but sand, refinish, strip, scrub, wax, polish, and dry-clean your hard surface floors and carpets.

Oreck's Compact Canister options are super light machines, weighing in at only 5-pounds, yet they are strong enough to pick up a 16-pound bowling ball. These Canisters are great for cleaning those hard-to-reach stairs, drapes, ceiling fans, and more. They come with a hypo-allergenic filtration system to reduce allergens making your home a healthier place to live.

All of Oreck's products come standard with warranties ranging from three to twenty-one years. Tony Hubbard, district manager for the Greater Kansas City Oreck stores says, "We are really based upon customer service, before and after the sale...We are there to help you understand the products and to give you the tools you need to use them." To further that end each Oreck store also provides complete service work for their machines.

David Oreck created his vacuum with women in mind, and today Oreck still has women in mind. Oreck has currently teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and has launched "Clean for the Cure." $50 from each sale of the pink Oreck XL Ultra, a special edition of their top model with a pink ribbon, will be donated to the foundation. But hurry in, because this promotion only runs through the end of February 2007.

Oldest KC family restaurant continues 'Famous' tradition

Dixon's "Famous" Chili has been serving up chili with a smile since 1919 when Vergne Dixon took his unique style of chili and opened the first Dixon's Chili Parlor at 15th and Olive in downtown Kansas City. Vergne kept the focus on fast service and high quality food. In fact, Vergne was so proud of his chili recipe that ketchup was banned from the restaurant, along with telephones, newspapers, and cigarettes. Vergne felt that people should be allowed to enjoy their chili without interruption.

That high quality of chili and service drew President Truman into Dixon's, before and during his Presidency. It was in 1952 that President Truman, along with several Secret Service agents, visited Dixon's, putting it in the national spotlight as Life Magazine published a spread on the occasion. It was after this visit by President Truman and Life Magazine, that Dixon's Chili Parlor changed its name to Dixon's "Famous" Chili. In addition, it was the chili and tamale spread that kept President Truman coming back to Dixon's now "Famous" chili the rest of his life.

In the 1960s Dixon's "Famous" Chili opened its doors at their current 40 Highway location, and today it is still a thriving landmark in the community. In addition to the Independence location, Dixon's opened their newest restaurant on 291 Highway in Lee's Summit in 2003. The Lee's Summit location boasts a banquet room that is available for parties of up to 35.

Today, Dixon's is still the place to go for good family-friendly atmosphere, fast service, and the best chili around. At Dixon's you can get chili just about anyway you like it; dry (no broth), soupy (broth off beans), or greasy chili (natural juices from the meat), all-meat or with beans, served over spaghetti, or with tamales the way Truman preferred his. Chili garnishes include ketchup, grated cheese, chili powder, sour cream, onions, pickles, mustard, and vinegar, but be warned you will be fined 10 cents for ketchup, keeping Vergne's "no ketchup" tradition alive.

Dixon's offers All You Can Eat Tacos for $5.99 every day, and every Wednesdays Kids Eat Free [hotdogs, tacos, chili, or chicken tenders served with fries and a drink].

Currently, Dixon's is owned and operated by Terri Totta-Smith the great niece of Vergne Dixon and the fourth generation of her family to run Dixon's. Together with the help of her daughter Julie and her son Stephen, Terri will continue her uncle's traditions of good food and good service as Dixon's "Famous" Chili turns 88 this year.

Dixon's is open seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sundays. For carryout, catering, or questions call (816) 554-0019.

Dr. Sims brings 'A World of Smiles' to children's faces

At A World of Smiles, pediatric dentist, Dr. Sims makes it her mission to provide anticipatory guidance, comprehensive care and a positive dental experience for children and parents alike. The key to good dental habits is extending dental care beyond our clinic through the education of parents and their children. Knowledge of good dental hygiene practices as well as a thorough understanding of all services and options is essential to providing comprehensive care.

By providing a positive dental experience, we hope to instill a feeling of trust in both parent and child, establishing a rapport with each patient and family. We at A World of Smiles fell that it is important that children feel a sense of involvement and enthusiasm in their dental experience. This will help to foster a more enjoyable dental experience and will allow them to feel more at ease as well as assume some responsibility in the maintenance of their own personal dental health.

A World of Smiles is fortunate to have pediatric dentist, Dr. Shera Sims. Dr. Sims received her bachelor's in Biology and in Systemics & Ecology from the University of Kansas and she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Directly following graduation from UMKC, Dr. Sims was recruited by Truman Medical Center to treat individuals with special health care needs. The program is sponsored and partially funded by the Missouri Elk's Philanthropy and provides much need access to care for the special needs population throughout the state of Missouri. Following her work at TMC, Dr Simms was accepted into the General Practice Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital's Trauma One facility in New Haven, Connecticut doing hospital based dentistry and subsequently was honored to be selected as one of the first two residents in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Sims has won several awards during her post-graduate education and has been published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Sims currently holds licenses in both Kansas and Missouri, and is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, the Greater Kansas City Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Missouri Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Board Eligible member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

February is Children's Dental Health Care Month

Make your child an appointment with Dr. Sims and A World of Smiles in February in honor of Children's Dental Health Care Month.

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children's Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. This single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children's Dental Health Month.

The Cass County Conservative introduces its new website

The Cass County Conservative recently launched its new website on the World Wide Web at CassConservative.com.

"This new website will provide our readers a real-time news and information center for Cass County. We can publish all the articles, editorial pieces and photos that are submitted to us on a daily basis but we don't always have the room to print in our paper." said Mark Wilson-Editor in Chief.

You will find all of the same sections and articles on www.cassconservative.com that are available in our print edition as well as:

· Community Calendar - This is a great quick reference guide to what is happening in Cass County. The best part of this feature is that you can submit your important events and have them added to the Calendar (auctions, estate sales, church car washes, etc.)

· Expanded article features - (Photo Galleries, business, profiles, special features, editorials) You can also submit your articles and editorials directly to us via the website.

· Expanded School Sections - School news and photo galleries with lots of information and links to our Cass County schools.

· Cass Photo Galleries - There are several galleries up now, and the list is always expanding. Our photo galleries include photos from many Cass County events & school functions, and they are updated regularly throughout the month.

· Classifieds - Currently, our classifieds are 100% free (this is only for a limited time, so give it a try soon). We have listings for everything from real estate to someone to come in a clean and organize your home. Upload you ad online and Email sales@cassconservative.com if you would like to add a picture to your ad listing.

· Contact Us - In addition to having a comment form with each article there is also a place for you to simply drop us a note. See something you love - let us know. See something you disagree with - we want to hear from you too.

· Testimonials - If you are currently considering advertising in our paper or on our site, check out what others have said about us.

· Advertise - If you do decide you would like more information on advertising with us (including our rates), simply fill out this quick form and we will be able to contact you directly.

· Email Newsletter - Another great feature of CassConservative.com is our Email Newsletter. We are able to send our latest stories straight to your inbox. This is a great way to keep updated on when we post new content.

· XML Feed - Another great way to keep on top of new content is with the XML Feed of our site. Each section has their own XML Feed and is compatible with most RSS readers.

· Searchable Archives - In addition to the latest issue of The Cass County Conservative, you will also be able to find many of our past issues. Looking for something in particular, simply type in a word or phrase in the search box on the right side and see the results.

As we grow and expand, so will the website. We here at The Cass County Conservative are incredibly excited about CassConservative.com, and hope you are too!

Professional System Support is your IT Department

It was while finishing their Bachelors of Science degrees in Information Technology at the University of Phoenix’s Kansas City campus that Michael Carter and Jeff Fairlie had the vision to begin their own Information Technology (IT) Company. It was that vision that lead them to create and found Professional System Support (PSS) in March of 2005. Carter, a Lead Technical Analyst currently working on his Masters in Management Information Systems, and Fairlie, a Systems Engineer Supervisor currently working towards his Masters of Business Administration and Information Technology, took their combined thirty years of experience in information technology and computer mainframes and came together with a simple idea. The two Kansas City natives wanted to reach out to the community that they knew and loved. They wanted to take the knowledge and skills that they had acquired while working for large corporations and through their courses and bring that same level of talent and support to the small businesses in the area.

“Michael and I saw the need those small businesses (mom and pop through 400 employees) were having keeping IT staff. We also saw the larger companies sending IT jobs to India. These small companies either could not leverage that same talent pool or would not,” says company President, Jeff Fairlie. PSS has made it their goal to be the IT department for companies that would otherwise not be able to afford or have the means necessary to have an in-house IT department. Michael Carter, company Secretary/Treasurer and Operations Manager says that what sets them apart from other IT companies is their eagerness to help the small businesses in town. “Our target market is the small company, 400 users or less.” Carter and Fairlie have designed PSS to move alongside businesses in need of a corporate IT department without the IT department expense. This allows a small business’s staff to put their focus and energy back on their own projects, allowing Professional System Support to handle their IT needs.

At Professional System Support, Carter and Fairlie believe in the three P’s: People, Product, and Process. It is PSS’s belief that when these three converge one is able “to create compelling, high value, low-cost solutions in record time.” It is through the basic and proven methods of design, implementation, documentation, testing and communication that PSS works to achieve their goal of being your IT department.

As part of PSS’s continued effort to be a full service Information Technology company, PSS offers many services. A company can call upon PSS for everything from monthly support contracts and on-call support to software and hardware sales and support. PSS also offers server and desktop builds, web development, custom application development, integration services, and extended service warranties.

Right now, PSS is just a two-man show, but Carter and Fairlie hope to see their company grow and flourish to the point that they can’t do it all on their own. Fairlie says, “Our goal for employees is to ‘grow’ talented people into productive enterprise solution practitioners. Seeing people improve themselves as well as have the freedom to innovate solutions, that is our goal.” Smiling, Fairlie continues, “Who knows what employee empowerment can do? The next IT breakthrough could come from a free-thinking PSS employee.” For now, Carter and Fairlie remain encouraged by their company’s future and their continued growth. Their company’s motto is “We are your IT department,” and it is Carter and Fairlie’s hope that this can soon be said for many more Kansas City area businesses.
By: Victoria Hoffman

Visit them online at http://www.psskc.com

Originally Published in the July 2006 Cass County Conservative

PEI Returns to its Roots

Progressive Electronics Inc. is a Commercial Installation and Service Contracting Firm specializing in Audio/Visual, Sound Reinforcement, Fire Alarm, and Card Access. Company President Craig Metzler and Vice-President Kevin Little first established Progressive Electronics Inc. in Raytown in 1978. In 1987, PEI moved its growing business to Grandview, Missouri. Now after 19 successful years in Grandview, PEI has once again returned to its roots in Raytown.

PEI is an authorized dealer for most of the professional & commercial equipment manufactures available today, because of this PEI is able to design to your specific needs and budget. For a comprehensive list of product manufactures, systems provided, and services offered, please visit PEI online at http://www.peikc.com .

Progressive Electronics Inc.’s office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with 24-hour Emergency Service available 7 days a week.