October 2020
IN THIS ISSUE 2 :: Membership Drive & Gala 3 :: Happy Hour 3 :: Mbr News & New Resident 4 :: Fall BBQ 5 :: Economic Outlook Breakfast 8 :: Member Events 9 :: Member Benefits 11 :: Member Discounts
SAVE THE DATE October 3 :: Saturday Fall BBQ Cotton’s Ace Hardware Parking Lot 10:30 am-5:30 pm October 8 :: Thursday General Membership Meeting LiUNA Event Center 11:15 am October 12 :: Monday Office Closed October 15 :: Thursday New Resident Inserts Due Affton Chamber Office 1:00 pm October 16 :: Friday Virtual Happy Hour Zoom 4:00-5:00 pm October 21 :: Wednesday Economic Development Meeting Zoom 9:00 am October 27 :: Tuesday Ambassador Committee Meeting Affton Chamber Office 10:00 am
Candidates Forum Candidates for these offices have been invited to participate: State Senate, District 1 State Representative, Districts 92, 93 & 94 County Council, District 6
Thursday, October 8 11:15 am Registration - 11:50 am Lunch LiUNA Event Center 4532 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63127 $18 members | $23 non-members
register at afftonchamber.com by October 2 All St. Louis County guidelines for face coverings and social distancing will be followed. MEETING SPONSOR
FLU SHOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE COURTESY OF MEDICINE SHOPPE-AFFTON!
Available with your insurance; bring your insurance cards. Medicine Shoppe will bill private insurances and can give a receipt for members to submit directly to their insurance if they would like.
MISSION STATEMENT The Affton Chamber of Commerce exists to support the business and general interests of the greater Affton area, and to provide opportunities to network, advertise, and educate its member businesses.
IT’S MEMBERSHIP DRIVE TIME! Do you know a business that isn’t a member, but should be? This is a great time to join!
If they join between October 1 and December 31, the rest of 2020 is FREE! Not sure of all the benefits of being a member? Visit afftonchamber.com/ join.html or contact the Chamber office As a member, YOU are our best salesperson because YOU know the value of membership! Recruit a new member & you can choose:
lunch at a member meeting or business card newsletter ad Your name or business must be indicated as referring the new member on their application. The new member cannot have been a member during the past 2 years.
Announcing the Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Theme: Nominations are needed for: Business Person of the Year Citizen of the Year Commercial New Construction Commercial Renovation Residential Renovation Nomination Form is included in this newsletter or can be submitted at afftonchamber.com. Deadline for nominations is November 13. Awards will be presented at Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala on February 6, 2021. 2
Join us on February 6, 2021 at Andre’s South Banquet Center Presenting Sponsor
PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
Join us from your home or office on Friday, October 16 at 4:00 pm for a fun, casual time to connect with other members! All Happy Hour attendees will be entered into a drawing for a prize from our sponsor (headshot session with Cindy's Photo)...but, you must be present to win!
Sponsored by:
WANTED… Sponsors for future Virtual Happy Hours!
Watch for the direct Zoom link or use Meeting ID: 812 4094 4975 Passcode: 886189
Thanks to Gapsch Carstar Collision Center for sponsoring the September happy hour. Congratulations to winner Peggy Keilholz!
Simply provide an attendance prize and you’ll be featured to tell attendees about your business.
Contact the office to reserve your month.
If you have hired someone, received an award, or added to your family, send it to mandy@afftonchamber.com by the 15th of the month for publication in the next month’s newsletter.
Congratulations to Lois Mans Farmers Insurance Agency for being achieving the Commercial Cup, an award created this year for new agents.
Restaurants | Churches | Financial Institutions Service-Based Businesses or any member trying to reach new customers: You provide 200 half-page inserts & $40 and we do the rest! New Resident Mailing is sent quarterly to new homeowners in 63123 welcoming them to our area.
Happy 75th Anniversary to Kenrick’s Meats and Catering!
Drop off 200 half-page* inserts & $40 by 1 pm on Thursday, October 15.
*Have so much to tell new Affton residents that you need a full sheet? Simply double the price ($80) and fold the sheets (in half or tri-fold)!
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank, Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
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AFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BBQ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd 10:30AM - 5:30PM
TICKET SPONSOR:
(or until food runs out)
Cotton’s Ace Hardware Parking Lot 10042 Gravois Road CARRYOUT ONLY
DINNERS: $10.00 INCLUDES (2) SIDES PORK STEAKS | HALF CHICKEN 1/3 SLAB RIBS | (2) BRATWURSTS Sandwiches Also Available: Hamburgers, Brats & Hot Dogs
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PARTNERS Gold…Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent Silver…Affton Veterinary Clinic, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center
Thursday, November 12, 2020, 7:30am – 9:00am
LiUNA Event Center, 4532 South Lindbergh Blvd., 63127
Recognizing the economic significance of the St. Louis Mid-County Region, 10 area Chambers of Commerce have joined to present the 5th Annual Mid-County Region Area Chamber Economic Outlook Breakfast
Keynote Speakers Alex Garza, M.D.
Incident Commander, St. Louis Regional Pandemic Taskforce Dr. Simone Cummings
Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology, Webster University Craig Fehr
CFA Investment Strategist, Edward Jones
Emcee
Carol Daniel KMOX Anchor and Radio Personality
Sponsorship Opportunities Title Sponsor ~ $2,500
Banner with logo prominently displayed at the Event (Company provided) Recognition from Podium Four (4) Tickets at a Prominent Table Logo on all Event Signage Recognition in all printed and digital pre and post Event communications Hyperlinked Business Logo in all digital Event communications Industry Exclusivity
Regional Sponsor ~ $1,000
Four (4) Tickets at a Prominent Table Logo on all Event Signage Recognition from Podium Recognition in all Event printed and digital communications
Development Sponsor ~ $500
Three (3) Guest Tickets Logo on all Event Signage Recognition in all Event printed and digital communications
Friends of Business Sponsor ~ $250
Two (2) Guest Ticket Logo on Event Signage Recognition in all Event printed and digital communications
Registration for Individual Ticket(s) available soon
Register at www.afftonchamber.com or call 314-631-3100 Deadline for Sponsorship Registration is October 16, 2020
PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
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September Membership Meeting September 10, 2020
Thanks...
Royale Orleans Banquet Center for the delicious lunch. Meeting Sponsor: Affton Veterinary Clinic Meeting Speaker: Jeff Arthur, The Values Conversation Greeter Rob Smith, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center Photos provided by Cindy Tiefenbrunn, Cindy’s Photo
Sponsored by:
The 50/50 amount of $46 was won by JC Wheeler, Village of Wilbur Park. He generously donated his winnings to the Helping Hands Fund. Anne Gerding, Safeguard Forms & Systems and Gary Chippendale, All Family Care each won a prize donated by the meeting sponsor Affton Veterinary Clinic. Craig Hebrank, Woodard Cleaning & Restoration won a prize donated by the meeting speaker The Values Conversation. Mike Detrick, Great Southern Bank won a prize donated by Gapsch Carstar Collision Center. Want to see your name mentioned here? Attend a meeting, buy 50/50 tickets & win OR donate an item for the 50/50 drawing.
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PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
Ribbon Cutting at Hillsboro Title Company September 24, 2020
New Member Lucy Feicht Lou Realty Group
Thanks to Ambassador Cindy Tiefenbrunn, Cindy’s Photo for delivering their plaque!
AFFTON CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY Pantry Requests: Canned Vegetables especially peas, mixed, carrots, yams & potatoes
Laundry Detergent Toilet Tissue Peanut Butter Pasta Sauce Meal Helpers Rice, pasta & potato mixes, Hamburger Helper
Canned Entrees chili, chicken, beef stew, Vienna sausages, chicken & dumplings
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank, Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
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SUBMIT YOUR EVENT TO OUR CALENDAR! If it is posted by the 15th of the month, it will be published in the next month’s newsletter.
Did you know the Calendar is one of the most visited pages on our website?
Need help posting? Contact mandy@afftonchamber.com.
Flea Market October 17 | 8:30 am-1:00 pm Affton Community Center (9801 Mackenzie, 63123) Here is your opportunity to clean out your clutter as a vendor or to collect a rare treasure as a buyer. Advance registration for vendors is required as limited space is available. Admission is free. $25/vendor table. For more information or to register call (314) 615-8822.
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Blood Drive October 7 | 12:00-6:00 pm Mercy Hospital South, cafeteria atrium (10010 Kennerly, 63128) All presenting donors will receive a free t-shirt. To ensure social distancing, please make an appointment at bit.ly/3i420mI or call 314-251-4483. Your safety is our first priority. We ask that donors come alone with no visitors, and masks must be worn at all times by everyone entering the building. Please provide your own mask. All donors will be required to bring a state-issued form of ID. All donors must: • Be healthy • Have not been diagnosed with or suspected of having 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the last 28 days. • Have not lived with an ind ividual diagnosed with or suspected of having 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the last 14 days.
PARTNERS Gold…Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent Silver…Affton Veterinary Clinic, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center
Whether you’ve just joined the Affton Chamber, you’re a long-time member, or anything in between...we want to remind you about ALL the benefits of membership. Over the next few months, we’ll highlight one or two “gears” so you can make the most of your membership!
NETWORK CREDIBILITY Your reputation matters! Chamber membership is respected by the community.
It’s NOT just who you know, it’s who others know! Networking is powerful!
STAND OUT and get noticed as an active member of your community!
DISCOUNTS
GROWTH Quality speakers at meetings & opportunities to promote the economic growth in the area.
VISIBILITY
VOICE We are your advocate giving you a say in local government.
Member to Member Discounts increase your exposure and buying power by keeping business local.
NETWORK Probably the most well-known member benefit! Networking is THE BEST WAY to increase your exposure! People are more likely to use or refer your business if they know you. Several events include neighboring chambers. You could make dozens of new connections.
But, did you know that there are more networking opportunities than attending monthly membership luncheons? You can also: • ATTEND a ribbon cutting, virtual happy hour, or special seminar. • JOIN a committee to plan an event. This is a great way to get to know fellow members even better. • VOLUNTEER at an event. Perfect if you don’t have time to commit to a committee. Network with other volunteers and attendees while helping the Chamber.
PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
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You can request reviews from customers through a short URL that’s specific to your business. To get reviews on Google, encourage your customers to spread the word about your business by following these best practices: • Remind your customers to leave reviews. Let them know that it’s quick and easy to leave business reviews on mobile devices or desktop computers. Learn how to leave Google reviews • Reply to reviews to build your customers' trust. Your customers will notice that your business values their input, and possibly leave more reviews in the future. You can also create and share a link that customers can click to leave a review. Learn how to read and reply to reviews • Verify your business so your information is eligible to appear on Maps, Search, and other Google services. Only verified businesses can respond to reviews. Reviews are only valuable when they are honest and unbiased. (For example, business owners shouldn't offer incentives to customers in exchange for reviews.)
Credit: www.support.google.com
When you do business with other Affton Chamber members… give them a Google review! We’d love a review, too! https://g.page/afftonchamber?gm
What’s the value of a Google review to you? It may not seem like much, but a simple review on the world’s top search engine site can be the difference on if you’re at the top of a search engine page or the bottom when internet goers are searching for companies in your vertical. Continuously gaining new reviews is a proven way to not only increase your visibility, but also your ROI. Here are five reasons why Google reviews should be a priority for you and your business. 1. Helps your search engine optimization and visibility. Google tracks the activity of ratings and boosts the businesses who have a large quantity of high ratings, as well as ones who have a high number of ratings because it recognizes those businesses that try to engage with their customers. A good review rating can push your business to the Google Local Pack, which lists the first three businesses near the top of the search page based on location. 2. Good reviews can influence potential customers Did you know that 91% of consumers regularly or occasionally read online customer reviews to determine whether a local business is good or bad? Did you also know that 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation, and 74% of consumers say that positive reviews make them trust a local business more? 3. It helps you interact with customers Being timely with responding to reviews shows that you care about the opinions of your customers, both good and bad. Google recognizes active responders to their reviews and propels them up the rankings. 4. Improve click-through rates with your website If your business has a high review rating, internet goers are naturally more likely to click your website and see what your operations are about, making your product more aware to them. 5. Google rules the search engine world 70% of online searches go through Google, so chances are high someone is going to find you and your business through the world’s most prominent search engine.
Credit: www.devdigital.com
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PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
A message from... Shop Chamber Members! See more offers and details at afftonchamber.com Add your offer to this list by emailing mandy@afftonchamber.com
St. Louis County Police Department Affton Southwest Precinct Neighborhood Policing Unit There is a new type of "Older Adult Money Scam" taking place in the area we want you to be aware of.
Ad Source One—10% discount. Crown Optical—10% off all eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses & accessories. Not valid with insurance or other discount plans. The E & A CFO Group—One month free payroll or other accounting service with 1 year commitment. Call for free quote.
F2 Garage Door Solutions—Free safety inspection for garage door and garage door opener!
Elderly victims will receive a call from their "grandchild" claiming they had been arrested for a DWI or other traffic violation. Their "attorney" will then get on the phone and tell the victims they need to pay a large sum of cash to get the grandchild out of trouble. The elderly victims will go to their bank, withdraw thousands of dollars in cash, and re-contact the "attorney".
Fran Ann Engraving—10% off purchase from store.
In the past, the suspect would have the victim wire the cash to a location. However, two recent cases (South County Precinct and Lakeshire) involved "couriers" actually responding to the victim's residence and picking up the money in person. This is what is meant by a new type of Older Adult Money Scam.
MB Health—$50 discount on Business Consultations
John G’Sell DDS—10% discount off services. Gateway Alarm, Inc.—Receive 3 months free monitoring with a new system. Gateway Tree Care—10% off services. Insite Advice—Free Extended Internet Marketing Analysis ($300 value)
Precision Garage Door of St. Louis—Free tube and tune-up with any repair service. St. Louis Bone and Joint Center—FREE Consultation/Exam and Report of Findings.
A Ring Camera photo of the incident in the South County Precinct shows an Asian male picking up the money from the victim. He was a passenger in a white in color Kia Sol parked at the end of the driveway. The other incident in Lakeshire involved a black male suspect picking up the money, but he was also a passenger in a white in color Kia Sol. There have been no reported incidents in the Affton Southwest Precinct. But, as you know, Lakeshire is very close. Please be aware of this new type of theft and know the suspect vehicle has twice been a Kia Sol. If you notice anything suspicious please call the police at 636-529-8210.
Thanks to Nancy Luechtefeld, Unique Journeys, for donating two planter boxes (made by fellow member Ferguson Reclaimed Woodworks) to beautify the Affton Chamber entry!
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank, Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
AFFTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.afftonchamber.com 9815 Mackenzie Road Affton, MO 63123-5424
P AID
ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT No. 3156
TIME-DATED MATERIAL
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President President-Elect
AUGUST 2020
Vice-President
• New Members: LindCrest Property Management, Scott
Secretary
Credit Union.
• Held August General Membership Meeting • Held Virtual Happy Hour • Monthly Board of Directors Meeting • Planned & held Annual Golf Tournament • Attended Sedara Food Truck at Affton Veterinary Clinic event.
• Committee Meetings: Ambassadors, Golf Tournament, Economic Development
• Member Communication: 2 E-Blasts (3 members participated) and 1 E-News • Website: 1,034 page views (520 unique visits); top visited pages: Member Directory, History of Affton, Calendar; 7,263 impressions of banner ads on website & member’s area with 112 click-thrus
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Treasurer
Carrie Carrigan Great Southern Bank Marty Carr Deca Realty Co. Inc. Cindy Tiefenbrunn Cindy’s Photo Lois Mans Farmers Insurance Agency Dane Huxel State Farm Insurance
Directors Michael Bamvakais Jake Baretich Dr. Tara Brooks Alex Knebel Yvonne Merlotti Charlie Merx Angie Muegge Gerard Schmidt Rob Smith Rich Whited
Affton Plaza Merx Flooring Sharpshooters Pit & Grill ServPro Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center PenTech Computer Services
Ex-Officio Chief Nick Fahs Capt. Melissa Webb
Affton Fire Protection District St. Louis County Police-Affton
Lisa Rackley Mandy Montgomery
Dill, Bamvakais & O’Keefe, PC J & J Construction & Remodeling Affton Veterinary Clinic
Executive Director Office Assistant
Annual Awards Nomination Form Please check one. You may duplicate this form to nominate in more than one category. Deadline is November 13, 2020.
Form must be completed in its entirety to be a valid nomination _______ I want to nominate an individual for Business Person of the Year. Recognition of a successful business leader in the Affton community; someone who has demonstrated ethical business practices, distinguished herself/himself with their dedicated & energetic leadership. This person has given her/his services to enhance the quality of business life & embodies community leadership through the combination of business, civic, & community activities. Cannot nominate individuals that have received this award in the past. _______ I want to nominate an individual for Citizen of the Year. Recognition of an individual who has made substantial volunteer contributions with dedicated service in the interest of the Affton community. Cannot nominate individuals that have received this award in the past. _______ I want to nominate a business for Commercial New Construction. New construction of commercial project in 63123 & is completed during 2020; must include photos and be current member of the Affton Chamber of Commerce. _______ I want to nominate a business for Commercial Renovation. Renovation project in 63123 & is completed during 2020; must include photos and be current member of the Affton Chamber of Commerce. _______ I want to nominate an individual for Residential Renovation. Renovation project in 63123 & is completed during 2020, must include photos.
Nominee’s Name ___________________________________________________________ Street Address______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Please tell us why the nominee deserves this award. List any accomplishments, awards, or honors the nominee has received. This section will be used to determine who receives this award. Please attach additional pages if necessary.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Nomination submitted by:
Phone:
Submit Online: afftonchamber.com | Mail: 9815 Mackenzie Road, Affton, MO 63123|Scan & Email: Lisa@afftonchamber.com
Saturday, February 6, 2021 5:30-10:30 pm Andre’s Banquet Center Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala
Presenting Sponsorship
$1,000
Exclusive Sponsorship
- (8) Tickets to Auction, Seating at Reserved Table premium location - Inside Front Cover Ad (7½” w x 9¾” h black & white) in Auction Program - Logo on Invitation and all promotional material - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media (newsletter, website, etc.)
Major Sponsorship
$500
- (4) Tickets to Auction - Half-Page Ad (7½” w x 5” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media
$350
Exclusive Sponsorship
- (2) Tickets to Auction - Quarter-Page Ad (3½”w x 5” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media
First Responder Sponsorship
$350
- Full-Page Ad (7½” w x 9¾” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media (newsletter, website, etc.) Designed for company desiring to support but unable to attend
Volunteer Table Sponsorship
$300
- Half-Page Ad (7½” w x 5” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media (newsletter, website, etc.) Designed for company desiring to support but unable to attend
$250
Limited Sponsorship - (2) Tickets to Auction - Business Card Ad (3½” w x 2” h black & white)
in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media (newsletter, website, etc.)
Supporter Sponsorship
$100
- Signage at Event, Recognition in Media
(newsletter, website, etc.)
Wall of Wine Sponsorship
Presenting Sponsor
Section Sponsorship
(newsletter, website, etc.)
Jewelry Raffle Sponsorship
4254 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63129
$350
Exclusive Sponsorship
- (2) Tickets to Auction - Quarter-Page Ad (3½”w x 5” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media
(newsletter, website, etc.) Designed for company desiring to support but unable to attend
In-Kind Resource Sponsorship
- Quarter-Page Ad (3½”w x 5” h black & white) in Auction Program - Signage at Event, Recognition in Media
(newsletter, website, etc.) Designed for company offering their resources for: Printing (Auction Invitations & Programs, Awards Programs), Flowers
(newsletter, website, etc.)
Deadline for inclusion in Auction program is Friday, January 22, 2021 ** Ads for Program will appear in Black and White. Please email ad in a JPEG or image file **
Name____________________________________________ Business Name_________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________
State ______
Zip ________
Phone _______________________________________
MC, Visa, Discover, AmEx # _____________________________________________Exp. _____________ V-Code_______
Send completed form and payment to: Affton Chamber of Commerce, 9815 Mackenzie Road - Affton, MO 63123
Saturday, February 6, 2021 5:30-10:30 pm Andre’s Banquet Center 4254 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63129
Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Presenting Sponsor
Affton Chamber of Commerce
2021 Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Program Advertising Form
By placing an ad in the Affton Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala program you can: • Reach potential buyers for your product and/or service • Enhance your image and promote good community/business relations • Help the Chamber continue its mission to promote the business and general interests of the greater Affton community, and to provide opportunities to network, advertise and educate its member businesses.
PLEASE REVIEW OPTIONS BELOW AND INDICATE SELECTED AD SIZE Deadline for inclusion is Friday, January 22, 2021.
** Ads for Program will appear in Black and White. Please email ad in a PNG or JPEG image file **
Ad Size □ Full Page Ad
□ Half Page Ad □ Quarter Page Ad □ Business Card Ad
Dimensions (w x h) 7½” x 9¾”
Cost $100
7½” x 5”
$ 75
3½” x 5”
$ 50
3½” x 2”
$ 25
Name_________________________________________ Business Name_________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________
State ______
Zip ________
Phone _____________________________________
MC, Visa, Discover, AmEx# _____________________________________________Exp. _____________ V-Code _________
Send completed form and payment to: Affton Chamber of Commerce, 9815 Mackenzie Road - Affton, MO 63123