Several local businesses have held Great Bend Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings in November.

Six years ago, Paula Storm first opened the doors of Vines & Designs. "I have always had a love for decorating," she said. "I’ve been in the floral/decor business for about 20 years, so I’m glad to be growing my own business."

As the former Food 4 Less grocery store dwindled, Storm knew that her employment there would soon be ending. "I saw an opportunity to go out on my own and I took it," Storm said. "Vines & Designs has been growing over the last six years, and I only see that continuing in the future."

Vines & Designs is a full-service florist, offering floral arrangements for sympathy, weddings, anniversaries, special events, as well as boutonnieres and corsages. "We also offer balloons and gift baskets, as well as funny arrangements for milestone birthdays."

What sets Vines & Designs apart from other florists is that Paula offers free delivery anywhere in Great Bend, and has no minimum order sizes. "I want people to send flowers for everything, including to thank clients," Storm said. "I can do beautiful arrangements or centerpieces for as little as ten or fifteen dollars. And free delivery saves people five to ten dollars no matter what."

Custom work is the bulk of Vines & Designs’ business, but the retail location also features gift items and rentals as well. The business’ wire service is useful if you need an arrangement with a florist in another community. Storm can take care of all the instructions with the out-of-town florist for you.

For more information or to place an order, contact Paula Storm at 2009 16th Street, 620-793-3122 or flowergb@yahoo.com. Visit its web site at www.vinesanddesigns.net.

TNT Renovations has been in business since 1992. However, their services have expanded greatly over the last 18 years. TNT Renovations offers professional carpet cleaning, emergency water removal, fire damage restoration, remodeling services, painting and wallpapering, texturing, as well as tile and grout cleaning.

"We are known for our disaster and water damage restoration services, which are available on call 24 hours a day," said owner Todd Smith. "Fire or water damage is never expected, so our goal is to get the customer back in their home as soon as possible."

Smith and his crew are certified in mold inspection and restoration. "I went to school for this, so I am confident in guaranteeing all of my crew’s work," Smith said. "If someone is needing a construction or restoration project done, I would encourage them to call and get a free estimate."

In addition to emergency water removal and carpet cleaning, the TNT crew also offers non-emergency carpet cleaning. "Most people recognize our signature green vehicles," Smith said. "We get a lot of our business from people who say they say our green cars driving around. That’s why we recently decided to paint our building that color as well. It sets us apart."

Kitchen and bath remodels are popular services offered by TNT as well. For more information or for a free estimate, contact Todd Smith at 620-793-3450 or 620-793-2882.

EarCare Hearing Aid Centers have been in business for 26 years, with Great Bend’s location opening a little over two years ago. The franchise was given the opportunity to expand to the Great Bend area when a former ear health provider was retiring. "EarCare was delighted with the chance to open a location in this community," said licensed hearing aid dispenser AJ Chrest. "We now have ten locations in Kansas, one in Oklahoma, and three in New York."

EarCare’s primary services involve hearing aids for the hearing impaired. However, they also have a variety of other hearing accessories, such as custom ear protection, hunters’ ears, swimmers’ plugs, custom ear buds for iPods, etc. "Our Battery Club program provides free batteries for anyone with hearing aids, no matter where you got them," said Chrest. "We have also partnered with many businesses in town on our Hearing Health Card as a benefit to employees through work."

For those who are uncertain of their hearing health needs, EarCare provides educational programs to clubs, organizations, and senior centers. They also provide in-home screenings for businesses and organizations looking to provide wellness programs to their employees or members.

"I want the Great Bend business community to know that I am here to serve them five days a week," said Chrest. "Anyone interested in a screening or in scheduling an educational program should contact me at the Great Bend office."

EarCare Hearing Aid Center is located at 1925 Main Street, just south of Brit Spaugh Park, in Great Bend and is open Monday from 9-5 and Tuesday through Friday from 8-5. More information about EarCare’s services can be found by visiting www.myearcare.com, or by calling 620-603-6445.