Corporate East Hotel Has Great Staff

It takes a strong team to make a difference in today's business world and that is just what can be found at Corporate East Hotel in Ulysses.

And longevity goes a long way in keeping a team strong and on track.

"I have been with Corporate East for the past 13 years - a long time," said Hotel Manager Lana Rodriguez at last week's Grant County Chamber of Commerce Coffee. "Most of my staff have been with me for quite some time."

Corporate East played host for the weekly coffee.

"We are glad to have you here," Rodriguez said. "I just wanted to do a little shout out. If you all have events, we do have this room you can rent for parties or other events. We do have discounts we give for family reunions and different events, so feel free to call me and we can help you set up your reunion, wedding, or any kind of event you might have."

Rodriguez is proud of the staff at Corporate East.

"I have a great staff," she said. "They do a great job."

Rodriguez acknowledge her maid staff.

"We get all kinds of reviews on how clean our hotel is," Rodriguez said. "They really do work hard to keep this hotel clean and tidy. Ophelia has been here nine years. Some have been here three to four years and some have been here less time. They do an excellent job here."

Rodriguez went on to introduce some of the other staff at the event.

"This is Cody," she said. "He is our night guy. He works the night audit. He's been here for around six years. He works 11-7.

"He and Jacob look quite a bit a like," Rodriguez continued. "(Guests) always think I'm working these guys too hard. They get told, 'are you still here?'.... Jacob runs the 3-11 shift.  I'm usually here during the day and Chantel works the weekend and fills in for anybody who needs a day off."

The hotel offers a hot breakfast to its guests.

"Dorothy, she's my breakfast lady," Rodriguez said. "She keeps our breakfast going. We do have a hot breakfast every morning and  she does a fantastic job. A lot of people call her little counselor she's good at listening. She lets them come up here and just sit and talk and visit. She's been with me for 12 years. A lot of this group has been here for quite some time. We have a great staff and I appreciate them all."

Grant County Chamber Director Marieta Hauser expressed her appreciation to Corporate East.

"I appreciate the fact we have a first class hotel here in Grant County for people to come have events," she said.  "I  know through social media reviews they are all just really good. It's a tribute to the staff. We appreciate all you do to make this a great place to stay."

In other business:

Grant County Chamber Ambassadors presented the August Business of the Month honors to Grant County Economic Development. Director Bob Dale and members of the economic development board were on hand to accept the award.

Announcements made at the coffee last week by the Chamber were:

Dream First Bank is hosting the third annual #RiseUp4Families Golf Tournament September 13. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. It is a four-person scramble. The cost is $100 per team. A burger and brat lunch is included. Those participating will receive two drink tickets with their registration and two mulligans are included. There is a hole in one chance to win $10,000 sponsored by Western Shelter Insurance. You can contact Dream First or Bentwood Golf Course for more information.

Grant County Home Products Dinner is right around the corner. We (had) a big work day on Monday. That (was) our corn day. Sweet corn is really late this year. Hauser said they were looking for volunteers to help pick, shuck and cut corn off the cob. Buttons are out they are $12 again this year. You can't go out and have a big meal and entertainment and everything else for that. Tickets are available at the Chamber and various other businesses throughout the community. Entertainment that night is by Dennis Gaxiola, a funny, clean comedian. I think you will all enjoy it. I think he will be a lot of fun. Dinner starts at 7 p.m., September 16.

Grant County Tourism is hosting a night out at Good Dogs. We will be having concert with three  Nashville recording artists, Kyle Austin, Leah Crose, and Baker Grissom, August 30, at Good Dogs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Concert starts at 7 p.m. There will be a $10 cover charge. Come out and enjoy music, good food, and drinks.

Grant County Health Department and Grant County Extension is hosting A Matter of Balance class twice a week. The program is free and will be at the Civic Center. Contact Monica Walker at the Extension office for more information or to sign up.

Ulysses News is hosting a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Seasons of Change from September 22-26, from 9 a.m. - 6 pm. Cost is $5 per entry. Cash and Prizes will be awarded. There are five different age groups. Contact Ulysses News for an entry form or for more information.

Ulysses News will be hosting their Treasure Hunt again this fall. Winners have the chance for $100 in Chamber bucks. Be watching the paper or their Facebook page for more information or contact them at their office.

Core Community is hosting graduation in honor of the 2025 graduates, Monday, September 8, 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Christ.

Core Community has job openings for a Community Liaison, a Site Coach and a Childcare Lead. Please contact Sheila Koop if you are interested in any of these positions.

Core Community is hosting award winning singer, comedian and motivational speaker on Saturday, September 20, at 6 p.m., at Kepley Middle School Auditorium. Cost is $20 for an individual, $50 for a family of three and $60 for a family of four or more. Check their Facebook page to find a link to purchase tickets. Timothy Lovelace

There will be a Free Car Seat Check Up at the Grant County Fire Department on Friday, September 19, from 1-4 p.m. When you arrive, please know the weight and height of your child. National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians will perform the check ups. For more information, contact Monica Walker at the Extension office. This is brought to you by the Extension office, Kansas Children’s Service League, Grant County Health Department and Women of Purpose.

Grant County Health Department will be the location for the Help Hub on September 11, from 9 a.m. until noon. It is your one stop support station where families can receive personal assistance with applying for SNAP, MEDICAID benefits, and Marketplace Health Coverage. Their team will be on hand to answer questions, guide you through applications, and ensure you’re connected to the resources you need all in one place, at your own pace.

Grant County Health Department reminds you to schedule your mammogram today because early detection saves lives.

Fall Fest will be October 4. Kicking off with Safety fest at 9 a.m., and lasting the entire day into the evening. We will be having Jimmy Dee and The Fabulous Destinations back again for the evening concert. We are looking for non-profit groups and businesses to be vendors. If you are interested please call the chamber.

Chamber Coffee events take place at 10 a.m., on Fridays. If you would like to host an upcoming Coffee, contact the Chamber today.