Apex Gym Owners Host Chamber Coffee

Ulysses Chamber of Commerce's weekly Chamber Coffee March 6, at Apex, welcomed community members to learn more about the new business and its vision for family-centered fitness in Ulysses.

Chamber Director Robin Leonard introduced owners Dr. Brayden Bishop and Whitney Bishop, who thanked attendees for coming out to support their new venture.

Dr. Bishop welcomed the group and expressed appreciation for the community’s support as Apex begins operations. Whitney Bishop shared that the idea behind the business was to create a space where families could exercise together while also giving children a place to be active.

“We wanted to create a place where families could work out together and where kids could have room to run around and play while parents exercise,” Whitney said.

Dr. Bishop explained the inspiration behind the name Apex. The word refers to the highest point of a mountain, symbolizing reaching one’s peak. It also carries meaning within the dental field, tying into Dr. Bishop’s professional background.

The Bishops noted that the trampoline portion of the facility is still under construction and is expected to open later this year, with a tentative target date in August.

Gym memberships will cost $45 per month. Members will use a mobile application called GymMaster to access the building. The app will also allow members to track workouts and monitor how often they visit the gym.

Lockers will be available for members, and the facility plans to introduce additional services in the coming months. Whitney Bishop said a daycare area is expected to open soon and will be included with memberships. The childcare area will remain secure, requiring parents to access it through the main entrance.

Apex also plans to offer personal trainers and a variety of fitness classes, with sessions tentatively scheduled between 8 a.m. and noon, and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chamber Announcements

Several upcoming community events were also announced during the Chamber Coffee.

Grace Lutheran Church is collecting blankets during the Lenten season for the Orphan Grain Train. The church is accepting used or gently used blankets through Easter, April 5. Donations can be placed in the tote located outside the church at 205 E. Patterson.

The annual meeting of the Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 3 will be held March 11 at the Grant County Civic Center beginning at 9 a.m., with a catered lunch scheduled for noon.

A Legislative Coffee will take place March 28 at 1 p.m. at the Ulysses Fire Station. Senator Dr. Bill Clifford and Representative Marty Long will provide updates on legislative matters from Topeka. The public is invited to attend.

Spring Fling is scheduled for April 17–18. Vendor contracts are available through the Chamber’s Facebook page, website, or at the Chamber office.

The Chamber is also seeking submissions for the Home Products Dinner Button design contest. This year’s theme is “Harvesting America’s Plains.” Entries may be created using any medium and must be submitted to the Chamber office by April 1.

Next week’s Chamber Coffee will include a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Tortuga Brewing to The Creek at 107 N. Baughman, located at Bear Creek Coffee. The event will take place Friday at 10 a.m.