January 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 2 :: New Members 3 :: Virtual Happy Hour 4 :: Annual Gala 5 :: Renewing Members 8 :: Member Events 9 :: Spire Assistance Program 10 :: Welcome Plaques 11 :: Member Discounts
SAVE THE DATE
YOUR BUSINESS
YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMER
January 1 :: Friday Office Closed January 15 :: Friday New Resident Mailing Inserts Due Affton Chamber Office 1:00 pm January 15 :: Friday Virtual Happy Hour Zoom 4:00 pm January 18 :: Monday Office Closed
January 20 :: Wednesday Economic Development Meeting Zoom 9:00 am January 26 :: Tuesday Ambassador Committee Meeting Affton Chamber Office 10:00 am May 1 :: Saturday Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Andre’s South Banquet Center
The New Resident Mailing is sent quarterly to new homeowners in 63123 welcoming them to our area. This is a great way to put YOUR BUSINESS in THEIR HOME! This is for any member that is trying to reach new customers. You provide 200 half-page inserts & $40 and we do the rest! Drop off 200 half-page* inserts & $40 by 1 pm on Friday, January 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)!
Has designing and printing an insert been the reason you haven’t participated in the New Resident Mailing? NEW IN 2021: Our staff will design your insert and print it! For an additional $15, we will use your guidance to design & print a one-sided, half-page, color insert on white paper with your logo, services, discounts, contact information, etc.
A proof will be provided for your approval. Deadline for this service is Monday, January 11
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.
AUTOMATIC ICE SYSTEMS, INC.
Kevin Becker 12976 Maurer Industrial Dr. (63127) 314.849.4411 www.automaticice.com Automatic Ice Systems offer industrial ice users total package solutions. Everything from fully integrated high capacity ice making, processing, packaging, and automated product palletizing to specialty packaging products and in-store merchandising, they have your solution.
CLAYMORE CONSULTING, INC.
Donald McNees 402 West Argonne Drive (63122) 314.378.1898 Since 1998, Claymore Consulting Inc. has been providing strategic management consulting services - domestically and internationally - to a broad healthcare client base: providers, payors/insurers, vendors/suppliers/distributors, medical device, pharma, lab, and consumer products companies in commercial, private, public, academic and corporate sectors.
CLEAR PATH PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
Tyler Mahley 3405 Pestalozzi St. (63108) 314.329.5754 www.clearpathinspect.com Clear Path Property Inspections provides residential home inspections, infrared imaging, termite inspections, radon testing, sewer scope inspections, gas inspections, chimney and drone inspections, well & septic inspections, walk & talks for buyers and sellers & commercial inspections for the Greater Saint Louis Area and surrounding areas. Their business is built on trust, integrity and ensuring you have the information you need, with one of the largest investments you’ll make. Choosing the right home inspector can help ease your stress and give you peace of mind. 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 them on the application. The new member cannot have been a member during the past 2 years.
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CREDIT UNION LENDING SYSTEMS
Angela Anderson 6685 Telegraph Road, Suite A (63129) 314.229.2653 www.culendingsystems.com Established in 2000, Credit Union Lending Systems (CULS) is a service offered exclusively to credit unions and their members. Their unique partnerships with hundreds of auto, boat, motorcycle and RV dealers allow buyers to secure convenient credit union financing right at the dealership. Members simply make their best deal and save money with a low-cost credit union loan! Union Lending Systems doesn’t work for shareholders or bigwigs – they work for the credit unions and communities they serve. Through our exclusive alliances, credit unions are able to provide convenient lending services to a broader community, and dealerships enjoy more referrals and greater financing options.
LA COSECHA COFFEE ROASTERS
Jamie Jeschke 7360 Manchester Road (63143) 314.458.8048 www.lacosechacoffee.com La Cosecha Coffee Roasters is a family & your neighbor. We strive to connect with our community & coffee farmers by serving everyone. Coffee is important to us, but relationships are paramount. We began roasting in 2006 as home roasters on hot air popcorn poppers and have grown into a Coffee Bar & Roastery in downtown Maplewood, MO, since 2013. We’re dedicated to connecting people together by offering fresh-roasted coffee grown in a sustainable manner where the farmer is given a fair price.
THE HILLS DENTAL CARE
Dr. Erin Scimone 4607 Hampton Ave. (63109) 314.481.3369 www.thehillsdentist.com If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality dental clinic in the St. Louis Hills area, The Hills Dental Care is there to meet all your needs! Dr. Erin Scimone and her capable team consistently deliver friendly care, safe and comfortable treatment, and a wide variety of dental services for the whole family. Visit them next time you need dental work done!
PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
Join us from your home or office on Friday, January 15 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 ...but, you must be present to win! Watch for the direct Zoom link or use Meeting ID: 823 0567 9925 Passcode: 424553 Congratulations to the Christmas Movie & Song Game winner: Lanette Gerau from State Farm-Glenn Eckert Agency!
WANTED…Sponsors for future Virtual Happy Hours! Simply provide an attendance prize and you’ll be featured to tell attendees about your business.
Contact the office to reserve your month.
2021 MEETING SPONSORHIPS AVAILABLE ... $100 one luncheon attendee | 3-5 minute “commercial” at meeting exclusive rights to place materials on tables | recognition on all promotional materials Call the Chamber office if you're interested!
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank, Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
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Ribbon Cutting at State Bank December 16, 2020
6969 S. Lindbergh Blvd. (at Union Road)
Nancy Luechtefeld, Unique Journeys for the sending the staff luggage tags for when we can travel again!
J & J Construction & Remodeling for hanging the Christmas lights on the office building. Everyone that sent the office a holiday card!
Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021 4
Our Condolences to Rob & Lisa Smith, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center for the sudden passing of Lisa’s brother. Michael Bamvakais of Dill, Bamvakais & O’Keefe, PC for the passing of his father-in-law.
PARTNERS Gold…Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent Silver…Affton Veterinary Clinic, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center
Thanks to the following businesses and organizations for renewing their memberships. Year joined is in parentheses. Listed renewals are November 21-December 17.
Affton Athletic Association (1977) Affton Fire Protection District (1984) Affton School District (1973) All Family Care (2009) Bayless School District (1995) Beishir Landscape Maintenance, Inc. (2012) C.E.S. Pest & Termite Control, Inc. (2000) Carol House Quick Fix Pet Clinic (2018) Church of the Reformation-Lutheran (2003) Commerce Bank (1972) Cor Jesu Academy (2003) Crawford-Butz Insurance Agency (1975) Desktop Graphics (2015) Terri Ems (1993) Enterprise Bank & Trust (2005) Fortel's Pizza Den (1983) Gateway Accounting Solutions LLC (2018) Holy Cross Academy (2016) Imo's Pizza (2019) Indox Services (2018) John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes-Gravois (1973) John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Homes-Lemay Ferry (2007) Peggy Keilholz (2015) Kenrick's Meats & Catering (1982)
Lindbergh Schools (2007) M Ehrlich, LLC (2019) Marlborough Trails Apartments (2004) Marty's Auto Shop (1989) Merx Flooring, LLC (2003) More for Less Remodeling, LLC (2018) O'Connor Insurance (2011) Oasis Digital Solutions, Inc. (2015) Parker Insurance Group (2006) Pasta House Co. (1983) Precision Garage Door of St. Louis (2017) Reuter Merkle Law Firm, LLC (2001) Royale Orleans Banquet Center (2012) Simon Says Early Childhood Center (1999) Sonus Benefits (2018) St. Louis BBQ Store (2018) State Representative Doug Beck, 92nd District (2017) State Representative Bob Burns, 93rd District (2013) STL TAX (2019) The Housing Partnership, Inc. (2019) Town of Grantwood Village (2001) Village at Mackenzie Place (2011) WealthPlan Advisors Group LLC (2019) Will Electronics, Inc. (2004)
Make sure you know what’s going on in AFFTON… To advertise in this newsletter, contact or submit your camera-ready artwork to:
Affton Chamber of Commerce 314.631.3100 info@afftonchamber.com 9815 Mackenzie Road Affton, MO 63123 Business Card - starting at $30 Quarter Page - starting at $50 Half Page - starting at $75 Full Page - starting at $450 Flyer Insert - $100/month PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
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PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank, Harster Heating & Air Conditioning
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Virtual Trivia Night - 60's, 70's & 80's Saturday, January 16 Log in at 6:30 pm | Trivia starts at 7:00 pm Calling all Greasers, Rockers, Hippies and Disco Divas! Join them for a "groovy" game of Virtual Trivia as they raise money for their neighbors in need. Dress your table and table mates to have even more FUN! They'll ZOOM through the Decades with brain teasing questions sure to stretch your memory and bring tears of laughter. For more information contact Jane at 314631-4900 or visit www.feed-my-people.org/virtual-trivia -nights
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT TO OUR CALENDAR! If it is submitted 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.
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Did you know over 2,000 people follow us on Facebook? We want to get your message to them! Contact us and we'll visit to take a video or picture to share. Let us (& all our followers) know how you're doing business now.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT This is another benefit of membership! Thanks to Ambassador Rob Smith, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center for Social Spotlight video production.
PARTNERS Gold…Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent Silver…Affton Veterinary Clinic, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center
Spire creates new assistance program for Missouri small businesses impacted by coronavirus pandemic With 98% of small businesses impacted financially, the natural gas provider offers up to $500 in assistance Spire is offering a new financial assistance option of up to $500 for active, Missouri small businesses struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Spire will begin accepting applications for the new Small Business Pandemic Relief Program the week of Dec. 14. The assistance is crucial as a recent study conducted by Spire of small business customers found 98% have been impacted financially by coronavirus. Many of these small businesses are restaurants working through public health precautions and social distancing practices related to the pandemic. “Small businesses are an important part of our community, making up almost half of Missouri’s private sector jobs and playing a significant role in the state’s economy,” said Scott Carter, president of Spire Missouri. “We want to do our part to help.” To be eligible for the program, a business must be an active, Missouri customer in the small general services rate class, be a locally owned business or franchise, and complete an online application. If accepted into the program, small businesses can receive $100 per month for up to five months. The program runs through Sept. 30, 2021, or until funds are exhausted. Approved Dec. 2 by the Missouri Public Service Commission, the Small Business Pandemic Relief Program is part of the company’s comprehensive approach to provide relief for customers who are experiencing hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. In November, the natural gas provider began offering up to $400 in assistance for Missouri residential customers who have been furloughed or experienced job or income loss and have an outstanding balance on their Spire account. Additionally, Spire previously launched one-time credit assistance programs for both Missouri residential and small business customers. “From the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been committed to ensuring our community maintains access to affordable, reliable, clean natural gas,” said Carter. “We encourage customers who are struggling to call us. We are here to help.” To apply or learn more about the new program or other ways Spire is helping customers impacted by the pandemic, visit SpireEnergy.com/relief.
PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
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Thanks to Ambassadors Rob Smith, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center & Cindy Tiefenbrunn, Cindy’s Photo for delivering plaques to new members during the pandemic when we can’t meet in person!
Scott Credit Union 9100 Gravois Road (at Weber Road) Smoothie King 9301 Gravois Road (in Affton Plaza)
RJ Contracting 3023 Watson Rd (63139)
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STL LED 10258 Manchester Road (63122)
PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling Platinum...9 Mile Garden, Affton Plaza
CHAMBER BENEFIT PLAN Looking for health insurance options for 2020? There’s Strength in Numbers! We are proud to offer a medical plan that lets small businesses join together for more plan options and lower rates. Say hello to the Chamber Benefit Plan. A multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) designed for small businesses who are members of a qualified Chamber of Commerce, like ours. Powered by the Missouri Chamber Federation and administered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Chamber Benefit Plan is available to small group employers in Missouri who have 2 to 50 eligible employees. To find out if you qualify, contact one of our members that are Chamber Benefit Plan Certified Brokers: MB Health 314.544.5400 Sonus Benefits 314.677.2550
Shop Chamber Members!
See more offers and details at afftonchamber.com
Add your offer to this list by emailing mandy@afftonchamber.com Ad Source One—10% discount. Crown Optical—10% off all eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses & accessories. Not valid with insurance or other discount plans. F2 Garage Door Solutions—Free safety inspection for garage door and garage door opener! Fran Ann Engraving—10% off purchase from store. 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) MB Health—$50 discount on Business Consultations 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.
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING CO.
Family Owned & Operated since 1950 Send an E-Blast (only $25) E-Blasts are a weekly email of member-submitted ads, offers, events and/or coupons. Multiple members can participate. TO PARTICIPATE: Submit a full page (png or pdf) to the Chamber office along with $25 payment. Subject line of email will include names of participating members on Thursday each week.
Contact the Chamber Office today!
Residential & Commercial Sales & Service on All Major Brands Free Estimates on New Equipment Financing Available Maintenance Agreements 24 Hour Emergency Service
314-631-5300 636-464-7837
9900 Gravois Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63123
www.harsterheating.com
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
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NOVEMBER 2020 • New Members: Automatic Ice Systems, Inc.; Lake Front Flips LLC; The Hills Dental Care; Uplift Marketing LLC • Participated in the Economic Outlook Breakfast
• Held Virtual Happy Hour • Ribbon Cutting at Hillsboro Title Company • Annual Board of Directors Planning Session • Committee Meetings: Ambassadors, Annual Gala, Economic Development, Economic Outlook Breakfast • Member Communication: 4 E-Blasts (5 members participated) and 1 E-News • Website: 917 page views (453 unique visits); top visited pages: History of Affton, Member Directory, Calendar; 8,828 impressions of banner ads on website & member’s area with 183 click-thrus
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Officers President
Cindy Tiefenbrunn
President-Elect
Jake Baretich
Vice-President Secretary Treasurer
Cindy’s Photo
J & J Construction & Remodeling Dr. Tara Brooks
Affton Veterinary Clinic Rob Smith
Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center Alex Knebel
Directors Michael Bamvakais Dill, Bamvakais & O’Keefe, PC Michael Butz MB Insurance Consulting LLC dba MBhealth Dane Huxel State Farm Insurance Yvonne Merlotti Affton Plaza Charlie Merx Merx Flooring Angie Muegge Sharpshooters Pit & Grill Dr. Abigail Overby Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Gerard Schmidt ServPro Rich Whited PenTech Computer Services Ex-Officio Chief Nick Fahs Capt. Guy Means Lisa Rackley Mandy Montgomery
Affton Fire Protection District St. Louis County Police-Affton Executive Director Office Assistant