The Kansas CW | Program Aims to Make Wichita More Military-Friendly
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(WICHITA, Kan.)
Thousands of people living in and around Wichita have ties to the military. City leaders are working to keep them here.
Wednesday Andover, Derby and Wichita Chambers of Commerce launched the Air Capital Military Medallion program.
Area businesses interested in signing up must agree to offer at least a 10 percent military discount on more than half of all services offered.
Pat Gallagher heads Government Relations for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce.
She says, "It's a two way street in other words, it's an opportunity for the merchants to gain a little recognition for the program and it's an opportunity for the military to have a special benefit."
Participating businesses will get a decal showing they can give active duty military, guard, reserve members, retirees and their families a savings.
McConnell Air force Base and the Wichita Independent Business Association will list the names of participating businesses on their web sites.
Businesses that have offered similar discounts for years know it's well worth it.
Those reaping the benefits say the new program will make it that much easier for them to save.
Tacarra Adams sees about 15 clients a week at Exclusive Hair Etc., 1660 S. Rock Rd. The majority work just up the street at McConnell Air Force Base.
And Adams says she knows what they like and for what price.
"Some people are trying to save that extra ten percent, 15 percent," she said.
Exclusive Hair Etc., etc offers a 10 percent military discount on all of its services.
Adams says, "The military want to find those things - those businesses that offer any type of military discounts to help out."
Adams knows what it's like to be on both sides of the deal. She spent five and a half years serving in the Army. And is happy she can offer the discount and benefit from it.
Adams says, "If there isn't a decal, you never remember to ask. Or like at the mall a lot of places offer a military discount, but you just never remember to ask."
Wednesday Wichita along with several surrounding cities launched the Air Capital Military Medallion program, making it easier for shoppers to spot the discounts.
Exclusive Hair Etc. has offered a military discount going on 15 years. The owner says she does everything she can to get the word out advertising in the military newspaper and now signing up for the program.
Ladonna Odom has worked as a cashier on the base ten years. Odom is eligible for the discount. She says, "It just makes you smile. That's about it. Especially when you can use it."
" I don't think we join the military for a discount. I don't think we shop necessarily looking for a discount, but it's always good and we definitely go back to places that offer a military discounts," Staff Sergeant Cheyenne Jackson said.
And city leaders hope it keeps soldiers like Jackson in the Wichita area.
"To us it says thank you. And a thank you deserves a thank you," she said.
The Wichita Area Technical College was the first business to sign up offering a 20 percent discount on tuition.
