APRIL 2015 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: SantaCaliGon 3rd Annual Picnic on the Lawn Small Business Spotlight Major Employer Spotlight New Board Members New Chamber Employee 35th Annual Chamber Golf Classic 7: Annual First Responders Breakfast 8: Calendar of Events 9: Calendar of Events 10: March Ribbon Cuttings 11: Member News 12: Anniversaries, New Members April Events Thursday, April 9 Business Leads Exchange Independence Chamber 8:00 - 9:00 am Tuesday, April 14 Tech-Connect Tuesday Independence Chamber 8:00 - 9:00 am Wednesday, April 15 Business After Hours Tax Relief Party! Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 4:30 - 6:30 pm Eastern Jackson County 2015 In This Issue: Business Expo Thousands of attendees 70+ exhibitors Dozens of door prizes and raffles Seven Chambers One Venue Don’t miss the 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo on April 23rd, from 2:00-7:00pm. There will be dozens of door prizes, quality networking, 100+ demonstrations, food samples and free cocktails from 4-7pm! Before the exhibit hall opens, there is an optional luncheon from 12:30 - 2:00 pm with LeAnn Carlson, of Lauren’s Hope, as the speaker. You do not want to miss this opportunity! Join us for lunch or get your tickets to enter the expo later in the day by visiting iChamber.biz! Friday, April 17 Legislative Briefing Independence Chamber Boardroom 8:00 - 9:15 am Thursday, April 23rd Monthly Membership Luncheon Independence Events Center 12:30 - 2:00 pm Our Business is Business Thursday, April 23rd 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo Independence Events Center 2:00 - 7:00 pm Want to exhibit? There are still a limited number of booths spaces available. Conact [email protected]. Save-the-Date! September 4 - 7, 2015 The SCG 5K Run/Walk will be on September 7th, at 8:00am. Registration for the 5k will begin on June 1! Sponsorships are available – contact [email protected] for more info. Reminder: vendor contracts for the 2015 SantaCaliGon Days Festival are now available online at santacaligon.com or at the Chamber office. For information about the festival or a contract, please contact Lois with the Chamber at 816-252-4745 ext. 2 or [email protected]. santacaligon.com April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 2 Save-the-Date! 3rd Annual Picnic on the Lawn The smell of food cooking on the grill, delicious side dishes, cold drinks and refreshments, music, and hundreds of Chamber members will all be on the lawn at 210 W. Truman Road on Thursday, May 28, 2015 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The occasion: the Independence Chamber’s Annual “Picnic On The Lawn” to celebrate member appreciation day! This event is the Chamber’s way of saying thank you to its members for their support and participation during the past year. All Independence Chamber members are invited to join the board and staff for a fun-filled, delicious, and complimentary mid-day experience, “Picnic On The Lawn” 2015. To register for the complimentary event, visit iChamber.biz. Choose ISD Kids! Grow. Maintain. Thrive. The Independence Chamber of Commerce announced on Wednesday, February 11, that it will support the 24-cent ISD Levy increase to be placed on the April 7, 2015 ballot. The Independence Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the levy at the monthly Board of Directors meeting. To read the full press release, go to iChamber.biz. Vote YES on the Independence School District Levy on April 7th! April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 3 Small Business Spotlight: Precision Roofing, LLC Leadership: Rich Hoffman, Owner Location: 11903 E Old Lone Jack LS Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 Years in existence: 28 Years as a Chamber Member: 3 We install high-quality roofing products for residential and commercial buildings in the Greater KC Metro area. Why is your business involved with the Chamber? We find chambers to be great resources for professional contacts and leads in growing our business as well as the business’s of other chamber members through referrals and promotion with our customer base. In your opinion, what is Independence’s greatest asset? Our owner and most of our staff were born and raised in Independence, Missouri. We find the community to be loyal and quality-minded, two things we find paramount in growing our business the right way. REAL PEOPLE. REAL QUESTIONS. REAL ANSWERS… SOMETIMES. Questions your Chamber received this month... – Where is the IRS office? – Is this the health department? – Is this not Commerce Bank? – Could you tell me what St. Patrick’s Day Parades are going on in Kansas City? – Can we enter the 4th of July parade? – I don’t have a question, I just wanted to let you know that “so and so business” was not open yesterday and there was nothing marking it saying it was closed. I just wanted to let you know they are not doing business the way they should be. Thank you. – Are there tennis courts out there off 291? And the winner is... – Hi…my friend’s doctor sent an excuse so she wouldn’t have to serve jury duty. Can you tell me if they got it? April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 4 Major Employer Spotlight: Bayer Leadership: Paul Nagy, Head of Kansas City Site Bayer is an innovation-driven company with a long tradition in Location: 8400 Hawthorn Road, Kansas City, MO world. Our Bayer Group mission “Bayer: Science For A Better Life” Regional Headquarters: Research Triangle Park North Carolina Years in existence: At current location since 1957 Years as a Chamber Member: 3 Total Number of Employees: 800 employees, including 150 contract workers research and development. We leverage our expertise to address global challenges and aim to improve people’s lives around the is the foundation of what we at Bayer CropScience strive to achieve within the agricultural sector. Our contribution to society is based on helping to ensure an ample supply of high-quality food, feed, fiber and renewable raw materials. What is one thing you are currently doing in your business that you want others to know?: Development of employees is an important component to help meet our business goals and become a leader in our industry. Therefore, Bayer and Bayer CropScience offer training and other developmental programs to employees – because our people are our greatest asset. Why is our business involved in the Chamber? Independence is a valued neighbor. Bayer is excited to engage and work with our neighbors to help improve business in the area. April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 5 New Board Members Beth Franklin, Keller Williams Reality Beth Franklin moved to Independence in 2013 after living in Lee’s Summit for 19 years. She is originally from Tulsa, OK. Beth has been an active member in the Chamber, serving on the Santa Cali Gon committee, the marketing committee, and as an Ambassador. Beth is the Broker/Owner of Keller Williams Southland Partners and has a busy real estate business. She is currently serving as the 2015 President of the Heartland MLS. In her spare time, she serves on the Independence Salvation Army Advisory Council, the Independence Housing Authority, and is active in the Rotary Club of Independence. Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Lynette Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer of TMC Lakewood Wheeler received her R.N. Diploma from the Clarkson School of Nursing in 1976 and went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from Clarkson College and her master’s degree in nursing from University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1993. Wheeler began her career as a staff nurse in the Coronary Care Unit at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Prior to coming to TMC in 2011 as chief nursing officer, she served as vice president of Cardiopulmonary Vascular Services at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Wheeler served as TMC Chief Nursing Officer from 2011 to 2015 when she took the position as Chief Operating Officer. Wheeler has more than 30 years of combined clinical and management experience and is currently working toward a doctorate in nursing. She is also a member of the Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Academy of Medical Administrators and the American College of Cardiology Administrators. New Chamber Employee Katrina Anderson, aka Trina, joined the Chamber of Commerce team in March 2015 as the Membership Coordinator and the Academies of ISD liaison. She started her career in banking 16 years ago as a teller at Commerce Bank and worked her way up through the positions to an Assistant Branch Manager of Blue Ridge Bank in Lee’s Summit. For the majority of her life she has lived in Lee’s Summit. Graduating from Lee’s Summit High School with her high school sweetheart Joe. They have been married for 16 years and have two kids, Kaiden 12 and Haven 8. 35th Annual Chamber Golf Classic Friday, June 5, 2015 6:30 - 7:30 am: Registration & Breakfast 8:00 am: Shotgun Start $500/team - $150/individual Save the date for the 35th Annual Chamber Golf Classic! It will be held at Winterstone Golf Course. This is one of the Chamber’s best opportunities to network with business leaders and golf with clients and associates while genuinely having a great time. All this and great food and drink, too. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available at iChamber.biz. Want a fun day in the sun on June 5th? Be a part of the Golf Committee! Contact [email protected] to join! April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 6 Save-the-Date! Nominate a first responder for the Annual First Responders Recognition and Awards Breakfast! Annually, the Independence Chamber and The Examiner join forces to recognize and thank our local first responders for the significant and highly-valued contributions they provide to the businesses and citizens in the City of Independence. This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 beginning at 7:30 am, at the Truman Memorial Building As part of this annual recognition, four awards are bestowed on behalf of the Independence business community to members of the local First Responder family: Heroism, Community Service, Bravery, and Dedication. Representatives from businesses and non-profit organizations with first-hand knowledge of exemplary acts or an extraordinary body of work during the past year by a local First Responder are encouraged to complete and submit the 2014 Nomination Form available in the Chamber offices or via iChamber.biz. Tables for the event are still available and can be secured by contacting [email protected]. L - R: Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Sappendield, Major Edward Turner, Officer Brock Kelley, EMT Jenny Nance Nominations due: May 15th What: Annual First Responders Recognition and Awards Breakfast When: Friday, June 12, 2015 7:30 - 9:00 am Where: Truman Memorial Building 416 W Maple Ave. Independence, MO Cost: $200: Table of 6 (Plus Two Uniformed Responders) $25: Individual Fire Chief, John Green April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 7 Calendar of Events Business Leads Exchange Thursday, April 9 Independence Chamber Boardroom, 8:00 - 9:00 am Walk and talk through issues, accomplishments, endeavors and operations with fellow Chamber members to help improve your business and create valuable relationships you can’t find anywhere else. Thank you to our sponsor: The monthly Business Leads Exchange program was created to help Chamber members create personal, meaningful leads from fellow members through focused networking and structured discussions of issues facing most business enterprises. Come prepared to describe your ideal customer and share your company/ organization’s current priorities. For more information and to register for this event, visit: iChamber.biz. If you are not a Chamber Member, please email [email protected] to register. Tech-Connect Tuesday : “Virtual Assistants” Tuesday, April 14 Independence Chamber Boardroom, 8:00 - 9:00 am Your time is too expensive and precious to be spent on filtering your email and writing all the notes from your meetings. Let us show you how to get those off your plate with an assistant who works from a remote location. Business After Hours – Tax Relief Party! Wednesday, April 15 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Join us for a Tax Relief Party at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. Refreshments and door prizes from several Chamber member businesses will be available. Thank you to our sponsor: Automated Control Systems, for making this workshop free for our members: Thank you to our sponsor: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center Free for Chamber members with a business card as admission. Reservations requested: iChamber.biz FUN INDEPENDENCE FACT Independence was found on March 29, 1827. Between 1848-1868, Independence was known as the “Queen City of the Trails” because it was the point of departure for the three great WestWard Trails: the Santa Fe, Oregon and the California. April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 8 Calendar of Events, Continued Legislative Briefing Friday, April 17 8:00 am - 9:15 am Chamber Boardroom, 210 West Truman Road The monthly report to the membership from the local legislative delegation (senators and representatives) in the Missouri General Assembly will be held on April 17th at 8:00am. The April event will focus on the 2015 Legislative Session and movement to date on identified Public Policy priorities of the Chamber. Free for Chamber. Reservations are requested: iChamber.biz Monthly Membership Luncheon Thursday, April 23 Independence Events Center, 12:30 - 2:00 pm This month’s membership luncheon will be held at the Independence Events Center in conjunction with the 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo. LeAnn Carlson, owner of Lauren’s Hope, will be our speaker. LeAnn will share the inspiring story of her business that began as a result of a teenage girl, who was too shy to wear a medical ID bracelet (for her diabetes), that has now turned into a thriving enterprise helping people with illnesses all over the world. Thank you to our sponsor: Centerpoint Medical Center Your luncheon purchase also gets you into the 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo beginning at 2:00 pm. 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo Thursday, April 23 Independence Events Center, 2:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, April 23, 2015 will find some of the most successful and dynamic companies operating throughout Eastern Jackson County on the main floor of the Independence Events Center for the 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo. With thousands of invitations out, 100+ demonstrations and prizes, almost 100 booths and seven chambers participating, this is sure to be the quality networking opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Get tickets at iChamber.biz or visit ejcexpo.com for more details! Our Business is Business Is it time to have a conversation with your doctor about your heart? To take a FREE heart risk assessment, visit CenterpointMedical.com/heart April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 9 Ribbon Cuttings The Springs at Independence The Springs at Independence, at 19301 E. 50th Terrace, was the location of a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Independence Chamber of Commerce on March 4, 2015, to celebrate the grand opening of the new location. Business owners, chamber leaders, and elected officials gathered to formally celebrate the completion of the project. The Villages of Jackson Creek The Villages at Jackson Creek held its official ribbon cutting with the Independence Chamber of Commerce on March 25th, to celebrate its new ownership, NHC HealthCare Corporation, at 3980 South Jackson Drive. Express Employment Professionals Express Employment Professionals celebrated its one-year anniversary with a joint ribbon cutting ceremony with the Independence, Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit Chambers of Commerce on Monday, March 30, 2015. April 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 10 Member News The NAIA Tournament, hosted at the Independence Events Center, March 18 to 24 has just completed. Cory Day mentioned that all involved were pleased with the City, the arena and the volunteers, as reported in the Independence Examiner. The tournament will come back in 2016 to the Event Center. Independence was spotlighted in an article written by Carla Maria Rupp on www.nebverstoptraveling.com titled “Independence, Missouri – The Trails Start and the Buck Stops.” The Child Abuse Prevention Association held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, with more than 300 in attendance. Dr. Mark Enderle, Superintendent of Schools announced on March 11 that Ms. Kim Hawley will become Principal of Lewis and Clark Academy. Hawley will begin her duties effective July 2015. Hawley replaces Dr. Wendy McChristy who is retiring in June 2015. The Independence School District’s Katie Marquart, fourthgrade teacher at Bryant Elementary, was named its 2015-16 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations are in order for Blue Springs South Jaguars who won the Boys Class 5A State High School Basketball championship, for the school’s first time. Fourteen members of the Independence Police Department received awards during the department’s annual presentation before the City Council on March 9th. The awards went to officers Brian Flavin, Wendi Winans, Jason Smith, Katherine Kelly, James Combs, Kelley Rupert, Travis Gillihan, Harold Echols, Gary Starks, Billy Pope and John Sym and sergeants Vincent Bass and John Howe. After running against 15 other candidates, Bailey Jo Brockmeyer of Fort Osage High School will be the 2015-16 FFA Area VI Parliamentarian. She will join seven other members from our FFA Area to serve members from Independence to Boonville and from Carrollton to Pleasant Hill. William Southern Physical Education Teacher Annie Dudek has been chosen as a contestant on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. The Independence Events Center announced on March 4th that it would be hosting the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships from April 8 through April 12. On March 4, Mayor Eileen Weir signed a proclamation recognizing March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Rhonda Dolan, Chamber Membership Director, traveled to Nashville, Tennessee last week, with Independence School District teachers and staff to view and understand the Ford Foundation, Next Generation Learning program, being implemented as the Academies of ISD in the Independence Schools. Independence EDC has relaunched the Buy iN program in partnership with Save Local Now. Save Local Now (savelocalnow.com) is a website and iPhone and Android app that gives people access to exclusive offers from their favorite businesses. Locals and tourists alike can use Save Local Now to access deals, events and savings where they shop, eat and play from any browser on any device. Saving money and buying local in Independence has never been easier. This page features member news each month. To have your news listed here, contact Alex at [email protected]. INDEPENDENCE, MO MISSOURI Independence Events Center AprilE2015 11 VISITINDEP N ::DTHEECHAMBER N C EVIEW .COM 1-4 years Angie Cakes Cinda Chapman CPA Community Blood Center Goad Company Groves Community Hospice Heart of America Council BSA Blue Elk District Jackson County Joe’s Crab Shack Midwest Foster care & Adoption Midwest Public Risk Monelli’s Salon Palmer Place Pepperwood Apartments Planet Fitness R-G Federal Credit Union Redline Pest Control Town & Country Building Services University of Central Missouri Vivilore Restaurant 5-9 Years Associated Services in Insurance Inc Emerick & Company, CPAs Full Employment Council Inc./ Missouri Career Center Missouri Mavericks Pro Hockey The Rehabilitation Center of Independence 10-25 years Bank Liberty CommunityAmerica Credit Union DNA Services of America McGrath Heating and Cooling LLC Winterstone Golf Course 25 or more years Blue Springs Family YMCA Burns & McDonnell Commerce Bank Community of Christ International Headquarters Discover Vision Centers Humphrey, Farrington, & McClain, PC JE Dunn Construction Co Mansion Apartments Scandinavia Place Space Center Kansas City, Inc New Members CMJ Lawn 623 NW Valley Ridge Circle Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-824-8864 Our Business is Business Culture Index 1007 NW Cedar Ln. Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-547-5899 Members are the greatest asset of the Chamber. Please support the businesses listed on this page because they support and believe in our community. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 1736 NW Chipman Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 816-554-7427 FirstCall HomeCare 14480 E. 42nd St. S. Independence, Missouri 64055 Sandra K Schiess Independence, MO 64050 Eleven:12 Communications Studio Independence, MO 64050 816-255-6278 Newsletter design provided by: Kelly Lightfoot 660.441.4888 [email protected] The mission of the Independence Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and service to promote the economic growth of Independence. ‘‘ ‘‘ Anniversaries 210 West Truman Road Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-252-4745 Fax: 816.252.4917 iCHAMBER.BIZ QUOTE OF THE MONTH “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams Advertise in The Chamber View! Fill a space like this. Monthly, quarterly, and annual rates are available. For more information, contact Alex Colley at [email protected].
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