Dickinson County CEO

Dickinson County CEO presents the, "I love the 80's to Death" a rocking, radical murder mystery dinner that is taking place at Sand Springs Venue. Tickets are completely sold out and we would like to say thank you to all of our sponsors that have made this event possible!

As the first semester wraps up, our students spent their final official class day reflecting on their progress and celebrating as a team. During quarterly reviews, they evaluated the semester, focusing on the importance of continuous improvement for themselves, their team, and the overall CEO program.

In just four short months, our students have embraced incredible learning opportunities:
✨ Connecting with local professionals
✨ Gaining behind-the-scenes insights into businesses
✨ Tackling activities that push their professional development

We also ended the day with a fun holiday gift exchange, spreading some much-needed cheer as we head into the break! 🎁🎄

While the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, our hope is that they continue to dream big, take calculated risks, and persevere on their path to success.

And though we’re pausing daily class activities for the holiday break, the work doesn’t stop! Students will be busy finalizing their class business plan and ensuring every detail is addressed.

Here’s to a fantastic first semester – and to the exciting opportunities ahead in 2025!

Dickinson County CEO hosted its Annual Investor Breakfast this morning. This event is more than just a gathering – it’s a tradition that brings together students, investors, board members, mentors, and alumni to celebrate the impact of the CEO program and the partnerships that drive its success.

Students had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the CEO community and share their excitement for the year ahead. Guests also enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by Mr. Krenzin and the Abilene High School Culinary Club.

We are incredibly thankful for our CEO community, especially our investors whose support makes this program possible. A special thank-you goes to our CEO alumni who joined us today – your continued involvement is a true testament to the lasting impact of this program!

Today, our CEO students had the opportunity to learn from Jackie Hynes, Director of Marketing at 24/7 Travel Stores. Jackie shared her expertise on what makes a marketing design stand out — and what pitfalls to avoid.

She covered essential tips, including:
✅ Choosing the right colors
✅ Creating a clear hierarchy of text
✅ Striking the perfect balance
✅ Keeping margins clean
✅ Ensuring movement guides the viewer's eye

After the lesson, Jackie rolled up her sleeves and collaborated with our class business marketing team to refine their promotional items. Her hands-on guidance encouraged student to elevate and coordinate their material designs. We look forward to seeing these designs come to life!

Dickinson County CEO students visited Midwest Meats, a family-owned and operated custom meat processing and craft butcher shop in Abilene, Kansas.

Troy Leith welcomed the class and shared the start-up story behind Midwest Meats, a business built on years of planning and hard work. He highlighted their mission to provide high-quality, locally sourced meats—from "Farm to Family"—and offered students valuable insight into what it takes to turn a vision into a thriving enterprise.

Students also learned about the wide range of services Midwest Meats offers and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look with Bryan Leith, further deepening their understanding of the operation Thank you to the Leith family for hosting and sharing your entrepreneurial story.

🎤 December Mentor Day Highlights 🎤

At this month's mentor meeting, students took the stage to practice their public speaking skills. Students had the opportunity practice and hear feedback about how to confidently answer questions in an engaging way.

Afterward, students teamed up with their mentors to tackle challenges in their class business. Through conversations, they identified areas on how they could have improved their initial steps and received practical advice for moving forward.

Thank you to our incredible mentors for sharing their wisdom and supporting our students on this journey.

🚜 Business Visit Spotlight: Abilene Machine 🚜

This week, students had the opportunity to visit Abilene Machine, hosted by Priscilla Abell. Priscilla shared her inspiring professional journey, encouraging students to continually invest in themselves to grow and evolve.

📖 Students also got a glimpse into Abilene Machine’s impressive 40+ year history and its journey of growth. With locations in Kansas, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Montana, the company has expanded its reach while staying rooted in serving its customers.

💼 During the visit, students learned about the variety of departments and roles within Abilene Machine and how these areas operate independently yet collaborate together to achieve organizational success.

Priscilla not only highlighted Abilene Machine's business but also connected with students on a deeper level, reminding them to find a career where they can connect, grow, and achieve. It was a day full of great advice for our next generation of young professionals!

To wrap up badge business, we would like to thank everyone that had sponsored a student within badge business! Thank you so much for your support in CEO!!

The week of Thanksgiving, Dickinson County CEO students were welcomed by Elizabeth Weese at the Community Foundation of Dickinson County. They learned about the foundation's impactful role through out the communities in our county and how how donations are leveraged to support local nonprofits, provide scholarships, fund youth initiative grants and so much more!

Additionally, Kat McKee, Director of the Quality of Life Coalition, joined the conversation to share about her organization’s work and to encourage students to use their voices to influence positive change. The visit underscored the importance of getting involved in the community and how collective efforts create lasting impacts.

On Wednesday, November 20th, Dickinson County CEO students had the opportunity to meet with Kyle Becker of Smart Insurance and Amanda West of State Farm. They explored the dynamics of business competition, learning how two companies in the same field can compete while maintaining mutual respect and support for each other. The insights from this discussion highlighted the importance of integrity and collaboration, even in competitive industries.

On Monday, November 18th, Jessica Goodale, Director of DKEDC, joined our class to discuss the importance of LinkedIn. She guided students in creating their profiles, teaching them how to build a professional network and maintain a digital "rolodex" of the incredible local professionals they meet throughout the year. This tool will help students stay connected and make the most of the relationships they’re building through the CEO program.

Don’s Tire and Supply is a tire shop in Abilene, Kansas, that offers a wide range of tire services, including repairs, rotations, and new tire installations. They are known for their friendly customer service and knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the best tires for your vehicle. Plus, they often have great deals and discounts, making it a popular choice for locals. Thank you, Don’s Tire and Supply, for sponsoring Landon Taplin!

Holm Automotive is a well-known local dealership in Abilene and Salina, Kansas offering a wide range of new and used vehicles. They are known for their excellent customer service and competitive pricing. Additionally, Holm Automotive provides maintenance and repair services to ensure your vehicle stays in top condition. Thank you, Holm, for sponsoring Canyn Taylor!

Walt’s Four Season is a diverse business offering a variety of options such as campgrounds, mini golf, a fishing pond, as well as an outdoor pool. Thank you to Walt’s Four Seasons for sponsoring Nolan!

Chapman, Kansas is home to the Indian Hills Golf Course, a popular spot for both locals and visitors. This 9-hole golf course offers a challenging layout with well-maintained greens and fairways. The scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy a round of golf. It's also known for hosting various tournaments and events throughout the year. Thank you for sponsoring Levi!

Located in Chapman, Kansas, DK Sports is not only a top-notch workout facility but also offers year-round training access for baseball and softball athletes. Their commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment for the entire community is truly appreciated. Thank you, DK Sports, for sponsoring Faith!

Each month, our students have the opportunity to choose a business to visit, exploring industries and careers that personally interest them. Today, Landon led the way with a visit to his selected business, J&A Electric!

At J&A Electric, students got a firsthand look at the ins and outs of a trade-based business. They learned about the paths available to build hands-on skills through trade programs—offering valuable career options outside the traditional college route. A big thank you to J&A Electric for providing insight into the world of skilled trades and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs!

Almost Home Realty located in Abilene, Kansas is known for great customer service and a deep local expertise. They assist clients with both residential and commercial real estate transactions, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Their team is committed to understanding clients' needs and providing valuable insights into the local market. To top it off, Almost Home Realty is actively involved in the community, enhancing their reputation and fostering strong relationships. Thank you Shelly for sponsoring Brooklyn!