March 2021
IN THIS ISSUE 2 :: New Members, Renewing Mbrs 3 :: Key to the 123 4 :: New Resident Mailing 4 :: Ambassador Spotlight 5 :: Welcome Plaques 6 :: Member Events 8 :: Auction Item Preview 9 :: Annual Gala 10 :: VRT Proposed Legislation 11 :: Member Discounts
SAVE THE DATE March 3 :: Wednesday Key to the 123 Zoom 8:00-9:00 am March 11 :: Thursday General Membership Meeting Orlando’s Event Center 11:15 am March 17 :: Wednesday Economic Development Meeting Zoom 9:00 am
March 30 :: Tuesday Ambassador Committee Meeting Affton Chamber Office 10:00 am
Speaker: Katrina Utz, MPPA Policy Advisor St. Louis County Department of Public Health Thursday, March 11 11:15 am Registration - 11:50 am Lunch Orlando’s Event Center 4300 Hoffmeister, 63125 $15 members | $20 non-members register at afftonchamber.com by March 5 All St. Louis County guidelines for gatherings including face coverings and social distancing will be followed. Meeting Sponsor:
April 15 :: Thursday New Resident Mailing Inserts Due Affton Chamber Office 1:00 pm May 1 :: Saturday Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Andre’s South Banquet Center
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.
EMPOWERED CENTER
Nicholas Maio-Aether 2815 Shenandoah Ave. 1F (63104) 314.808.8168 www.empoweredcenter.com At Empowered: A Center for Sexuality, LLC, the mission is to provide the utmost in socially-valid, comprehensive sexuality education and therapy, support, and sexual behavior interventions for individuals with and without disabilities, so all may lead healthy, safe, fulfilling lives, empowered by the knowledge that we are all, as human beings, capable of intimacy alone or with a willing and educated partner.
MID AMERICA TESTING LABORATORY
Rick Heitmann 10525 Signal Hill Dr. (63015) 636.257.4722 www.midamlab.com Operating for 30 years, Mid America Testing Laboratory has over 60 years of combined personnel experience, and a reputation for quality testing with a personal touch. They perform AAMA, seismic, and weather testing for the construction industry.
ZENBUSINESS
Matt Buhrdoft 5900 Balcones Dr., Ste. 5000 (78731) 844.493.6249 www.zenbusiness.com/missouri-llc ZenBusiness offers an online platform that makes it easy to create, manage and grow a small business. Built for the new generation, the company pulls everything together for the business owner with mobile and web-based products, support, services and 24x7 business protection. ZenBusiness is a Public Benefit Corporation based in Austin, Texas.
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.
2
Thanks to the following businesses and organizations for renewing their memberships. Year joined is in parentheses. Listed renewals are January 22-February 18.
2 Bros. That Mow- Lawn & Landscape, LLC (2019) Affton Christian Church (2010) Affton Plaza JV, LLC (2009) Affton School Parents Club (1974) Amanda Willis Real Estate (2018) Anserphone (2018) Concord Hills Capital LLC (2020) County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, District 5 (2019) County Councilman Ernie Trakas, District 6 (2016) Ferguson Reclaimed Woodworks (2020) Gapsch Carstar Collision Center (1991) Gravois Kiwanis Club (2002) Great Southern Bank (2011) Lodge at Grant's Trail (2000) Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (1991) Neighbors Credit Union (1995) Orlando's Event Center (1993) Re/max Results-Kelly Carbery (2020) Saint Louis County Police - Affton (1979) Sharpshooters Pit & Grill (2014) Southside Jewelry & Pawn (1998) Unique Journeys, LLC (2009) Webb Insurance Services Inc (2018) Woodard Cleaning & Restoration Inc. (2016)
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 Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling
POST CLASSIFIED ADS & HELP WANTED
Unlock your Membership! Wednesday, March 3 8:00 am -9:00 am Watch for direct Zoom link or use Meeting ID: : 879 1520 1266 Passcode: 129935 Can’t make it? Contact us to set up a 1-on-1 in person or over Zoom! Learn how to make the most of your Affton Chamber membership by taking advantage of opportunities to network, market your business, use online tools, and more!
New Members, New Representatives, and Prospective Members Welcome
Complimentary Please RSVP at afftonchamber.com.
Did you know that Affton Chamber members can post classified ads on our website? It is included in your membership! Visit the Classified Ads or Help Wanted pages at afftonchamber.com to submit yours. We also share listings here in the newsletter and on our social media accounts.
CURRENT LISTINGS HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER The job is helping people find the best Health Insurance Plan among all the different plans that are offered in the ACA & Medicare Marketplace. If you have Sales and/or Health Insurance experience & enjoy helping people in a meaningful way, this is a great position. We are a small company, with a focus on giving our Agents flexibility and treating our employees well. Contact: Charles Carey MB Insurance Consulting (MBhealth) 9700 Mackenzie, Suite 101 St. Louis, MO 63123 (314) 544-5400 ccarey@mbhealth.com
LEARN HOW TO USE THIS FEATURE @ Key to the 123 Seminar!
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank
3
We asked our newest Ambassador to answer a few questions so we can get to know her better. Photo provided by Cindy’s Photo.
Safeguard Forms & Systems
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!
I was born and raised in St. Louis and currently living in Festus, MO. I have been married to my husband for 27 years and we have 3 beautiful daughters.
This is for any member that is trying to reach new customers.
I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I am always trying to see what we can turn into an adventure.
You provide 200 half-page inserts & $40 and we do the rest! Drop off 200 half-page* inserts & $40 by 1 pm on Thursday, April 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?
Life is the sum of all your choices. Anywhere I can pack a bag and go!
NEW IN 2021: Our staff will design your insert and print it!
I enjoy getting involved in the community, meeting and helping others though the Chamber.
A proof will be provided for your approval. Deadline for this service is Friday, April 9
Getting more people involved and to show how the Chamber can benefit their business.
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.
2021 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP 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!
4
PARTNERS Gold…Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center, Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent
Thanks to Ambassadors Rob Smith, Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center & Cindy Tiefenbrunn, Cindy’s Photo for delivering plaques to new members!
American Shaman of Fenton 468 Old Smizer Mill Road
La Cosecha Coffee Roasters 7360 Manchester Road
PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Crawford-Butz Insurance Agency, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
5
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.
The Ladies of Oakland present Cafe du Matin Saturday, March 6 10:00-11:30 am Oakland House (7801 Genesta) A Covid-19 Style Morning Coffee. Enjoy coffee, tea, les patisseries, and good company while you delight in our informative program - Eliza Haycraft, St. Louis' Notorious Victorian Madam...and more! Reservations are required and limited. $15.00 per person. Contact Pam Danklef at 314.842.0149 for more info. Oakland House Bunny Hutch March 20 & 21, 27 & 28: 11:00 am-3:00 pm March 29-31: 9:00 am-1:00 pm Oakland House (7801 Genesta) Story time with the Story Lady, chance to visit the Easter Bunny and pet a live rabbit. Each child will have an opportunity to make a "bunny bag" and enjoy a treat. Reservations will be limited and activities will take place outside. Visits will be during 30 minute time slots starting on the hour and 1/2 hour each day. Cost $6:00 per person. Digital online payment preferred Payment at the door with cash, check, or credit. Contact Joan Komlos at 314.496.6225 for more info.
Flea Market Saturday, March 20 8:30 am-1:00 pm Affton Community Center (9801 Mackenzie) 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. Bingo! Wednesday, March 17 12:00-1:30 pm Affton Community Center (9801 Mackenzie) Get your game face on and join us at Affton Community Center for a fun afternoon of Bingo! Play up to 6 rounds for prizes. Pre-registration is required online, over the phone or in person. Call (314) 6158822 for more information or to register.
Make sure you know what’s going on in AFFTON… Joe’s Soup & Sando’s Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 4:00-8:00 pm Orlando’s Event Center (4300 Hoffmeister) “Pop up” restaurant of unique soups and sandwiches for pickup & delivery in Affton/Lemay area. Each weekend is a limited menu. Check out @joessoupandsandos on Facebook for specials. Call 314-649-7786 for more information or to order.
6
PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling
February Membership Meeting February 11, 2021
Thanks...
Genesis Banquet Center for the delicious lunch. Servpro of Affton/Webster Groves for sponsoring the meeting. Greeters Dr. Tara Brooks, Affton Veterinary Clinic and Rob Smith,
Gapsch Carstar Collision Center. Katie Walsh, Excel Sports & Physical Therapy for speaking about common workplace injuries & prevention. Members of the Lemay Chamber for attending. Photos provided by Cindy’s Photo
The 50/50 amount of $54 was won by Theresa Fox, The Values Conversation. Want to see your name mentioned here? Attend a meeting, buy 50/50 tickets & win OR donate an item for the 50/50 drawing.
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank
7
Auction Item Preview Thanks to Kami Kimes & Hillsboro Title Company for providing basket-arranging supplies and making baskets of donated items.
8
All About a Girl Basket donated by Hillsboro Title Company Value $100
Kate Spade Medium Satchel, Riverblue donated by Affton Chamber of Commerce Value $359
Llama Llama Red Pajama Basket donated by Affton Chamber of Commerce Value $25
St. Louis Cardinals & Stan Musial Box donated by ABC Animal & Insect Innovations Value $135
Vera Bradley Iconic Campus Backpack, Superbloom donated by Cindy’s Photo Value $108
Cabernet Wine Basket donated by Great Southern Bank Value $40
Retro Cardinals Basket donated by The Values Conversation Value $185
Black & White Framed Photo of Bald Eagle donated by Cindy’s Photo Value $30
Military Basket donated by Joan Krueger Hypnosis Value $230
PARTNERS Gold…Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center, Mercy Hospital South, Tammy Luechtefeld - State Farm Agent
Affton Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala Presented by:
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Sponsor Advertise Attend Donate Volunteer
Andre’s Banquet Center 4254 Telegraph Road
Maximize your exposure! Sponsorships begin at $100 Reach potential buyers! Ads begin at $25 $40 per person includes dinner, open bar & bid number Donate a product or gift certificate to find new customers!
$40 per ticket tables of 8 available Doors Open & Silent Auction 6:00 pm Open Bar begins at 6:30 pm Buffet Dinner Served 7:00-8:00 pm Live Auction begins at 8:15 pm Awards Ceremony following Auction
Help us make this night special by volunteering!
~see newsletter insert for more details~
Major Sponsors
First Responder Sponsors
Wall of Wine Sponsor
Jewelry Raffle Sponsor
Volunteer Table Sponsor
Section Sponsors Tammy Luechtefeld
Design & Print Sponsor Farmers Insurance-Lois Mans Agency Invitation & Program Sponsor Indox Services Official Photographer Cindy’s Photo PARTNERS Bronze...Affton Christian Food Pantry, Cindy’s Photo, Commerce Bank, Crawford-Butz Insurance Agency, Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
9
VLT PROPOSED LEGISLATION
The Affton Chamber wishes to exercise its civic duty by advising Chamber members of current legislation in Jefferson City regarding Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). VLTs are digital gambling devices that allow players to bet on the outcome of randomized computer games. The Missouri Legislature is considering legalizing and expanding these illegal slot machines so that they can be placed just about anywhere – including malls, rest stops, and other places of business across the state. This will create makeshift mini-casinos, complete with flashing lights and automated sounds, part of everyday life in Missouri. VLTs are a material expansion of gaming in Missouri that was not approved by voters. The approval of VLTs will allow for the proliferation of slot machines throughout our communities, at the expense of existing voter approved casinos.
The introduction of these slot machines at convenience stores and gas stations throughout the communities will come without the similar protections that casinos have for managing underage gambling, underage alcohol service and confirming a person is not on the Disassociated Persons List. The introduction of these slot machines could also impact reinvestment in the existing casinos, due to the revenue shift away from the brick-and-mortar casinos.
Mark your calendars for 2021:
May 1 Annual Awards & Dinner Auction Gala May 8 Spring BBQ June 2 Key to the 123 Seminar July 13 Annual Golf Tournament July 15 New Resident Mailing Inserts Due September 1 Key to the 123 Seminar September 18 Affton Community Days Parade October 2 Fall BBQ October 15 New Resident Inserts Due November 27 Small Business Saturday December 1 Key to the 123 Seminar
While the Affton Chamber is not taking a position on this issue, i.e. the Chamber cannot by its By-Laws support or not support a referenda without the vote of its members, the Chamber’s Board of Directors believes Chamber members should be aware of this legislation which may affect our community. You can visit https://nomoslots.com/ for more information.
10
PARTNERS Diamond...J & J Construction & Remodeling
2021 PARTNERS Diamond
J & J Construction & Remodeling
Platinum
Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent Great Southern Bank
Gold
Gapsch Carstar Collision Center Mercy Hospital South Tammy Luechtefeld-State Farm Agent
Bronze
Affton Christian Food Pantry Cindy’s Photo Commerce Bank Crawford-Butz Insurance Agency Syberg’s: An Eating & Drinking Company
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.
CHAMBER BENEFIT PLAN
St. Louis Bone and Joint Center—FREE Consultation/Exam and Report of Findings.
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
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!
PARTNERS Platinum...Dane Huxel-State Farm Agent, Great Southern Bank
11
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 MEMBERS: If your address label is yellow, we have not received your 2021 dues.
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers President
Cindy Tiefenbrunn
President-Elect
Jake Baretich
JANUARY 2021
Vice-President
Dr. Tara Brooks
• New Members: Donahue Chiropractic LLC; Full
Secretary
Rob Smith
Treasurer
Alex Knebel
Cindy’s Photo
J & J Construction & Remodeling
Service Automotive; John C. Schleiffarth PC dba JCS Law; Keefe & Griffiths PC; St. Louis Air Conditioning • Held Virtual Happy Hour
• Ribbon Cutting at Scott Credit Union • Monthly Board of Directors Meeting • Committee Meetings: Ambassadors, Annual Gala, Economic Development • Member Communication: 4 E-Blasts (2 members participated)
• Website: 571 page views (1,104 unique visits); top visited pages: History of Affton, Member Directory, Elected Officials; 5,990 impressions of banner ads on website & member’s area with 293 click-thrus
Affton Veterinary Clinic Gapsch CARSTAR Collision Center Knebel Realty 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
12
Affton Fire Protection District St. Louis County Police-Affton Executive Director Office Assistant
Saturday, May 1, 2021 6:00-10:30 pm Andre’s Banquet Center 4254 Telegraph Road St. Louis, MO 63129
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
$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
First Responder Sponsorship
Section Sponsorship
(newsletter, website, etc.)
Jewelry Raffle Sponsorship
Presenting Sponsor
$350
(newsletter, website, etc.) Designed for company desiring to support but unable to attend
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
For a complete list of sponsors, visit
www.afftonchamber.com
(newsletter, website, etc.) Deadline for inclusion in Auction program is Friday, April 16, 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
Affton Chamber of Commerce 28th Auction & Awards Dinner Gala
Saturday, May 1, 2021 6:00 pm Doors Open / 7:00 pm Dinner Buffet
Andre’s South Banquet Center 4254 Telegraph Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63129 Presenting Sponsor Kindly Respond by April 16, 2021 Name(s):
Tables of 8 or 10 available.
_______Reservations at $40 each = $________ Credit Card Number Exp Date____________________ Name on Card Billing Address & Zip Signature
Security Code____________________
Check Enclosed