2023 Blue Springs Community Profile

FROM THE CHAMBER

Welcome to the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce! It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the Board for 2023.

I was given the opportunity to start working in Blue Springs in 2013. I am fortunate enough that Central Bank is a strong supporter of the community and the Chamber. I’m very grateful for the relationships and opportunities that have come from being involved in the Chamber.

One of the benefits is seeing firsthand what an amazing community we have. From the education resources available through the local school district and colleges to our city leadership as well as the Police and Fire Departments. These aspects of our community will continue to make Blue Springs an award-winning city to live and work in.

Speaking of award winning, the Blue Springs Chamber continues to represent the community by being a leader throughout the state. The Chamber recently received an Award of Excellence in Electronic Communication from the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri. Lara Vermillion and her staff are always working hard to support and grow local businesses and are a great resource for all members.

As we head into 2023 with some uncertainty related to inflation and other issues, we need to continue to shop locally and support our area businesses. There are many volunteering, networking, and business resource opportunities provided by the Chamber that will help the community prosper. I encourage you to look for ways to get involved. We are stronger as a community when we work together.

I look forward to seeing Blue Springs flourish in 2023!

Cody Raithel, Central Bank of the Midwest

Cover

Band student at Fall Fun Festival parade and 2022

Year

Custom Jewelers photographed by Anthem Photography. Curling team photographed by Kansas City Curling Club, Road Bikes photographed by Brent Kahler, Downtown Blue Springs photo provided by Downtown Alive!

QUICK RESOURCES

Abuse/Neglect

Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

(800) 392-3738

Hope House

(816) 461-4673

National Child Abuse

(800) 422-4453

Children/Youth

Newborns in Need

(417) 881-2229

Youth Outreach

(816) 228-0178

Community Services

Better Business Bureau

(816) 421-7800

Community Services League

(816) 229-0033

Community Blood Center

(816) 224-0728

Salvation Army

(816) 252-3200

United Way

(816) 472-4289

Crisis Intervention

Boy’s Town

(800) 448-300

Center for Disease Control

(800) 282-4636

Child Find of America

(800) 426-5678

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

(800) 843-5678

National Human Trafficking

(888) 373-7888

National Immunization Information

(800) 232-4636

National Runaway Safeline

(800) 786-2929

HISTORY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

Blue Springs’ history is tied to the migration of settlers on their westward journey. Pioneers found the area to be an ideal stopover due to the abundance of cool, clean water from a spring of the Little Blue River—hence the name Blue Springs. The presence of water and a need for pioneer supplies led to the construction of a grist mill and permanent settlement at the current site of the City’s Burrus Old Mill Park on Woods Chapel Road.

The Jackson County Court granted the incorporation of Blue Springs on September 7, 1880, making the

City the fourth settlement in the county to be incorporated.

Today, Blue Springs is a progressive, business-friendly community in which to grow your ideas and your business. We are well known for our favorable housing market, award-winning schools, and our designation as a preferred place to live, work and play.

View the City of Blue Springs Resident Guide at www.bluespringsgov.com.

MO Regional Poison Control

(800) 222-1222

Senior Citizens Resources

AARP

(800) 687-2277

OATS, Inc.

(816) 380-7433

Vesper Hall

(816) 228-0181

Elder Abuse Hotline

(800) 222-8000

Health & Information Services

Alzheimer’s Disease

(800) 272-3900

Medicaid Recipient Services

(800) 392-2161

Medicare Information

(800) 633-4227

Social Security Administration

(800) 772-1213

Veterans Administration

(800) 827-1000

CITY GOVERNMENT

The City of Blue Springs has a Mayor-CouncilAdministrator form of government as set forth in the Home Rule City Charter. The City Council is the governing body of the City, elected by the public.

The City of Blue Springs employs a talented and dynamic workforce of more than 300 employees who serve the City and its residents under the leadership and direction of the City Administrator. The City Administrator is appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council and is responsible for the implementation of policies and decisions made by the Mayor and City Council.

To contact the City, call 816-228-0110 or go to www. bluespringsgov.com.

(816) 228-0110

MAYOR & COUNCIL

The Mayor is elected at large for a four-year term. The responsibilities of the Mayor include service as the Chief Executive Officer of the City, attending, voting, and presiding over City Council Meetings, and appointing members of the community to various Boards and Commissions.

City Council members are elected by district and serve three-year terms.

The blue springs city council meets at 6 p.m. On the first and third Mondays of each month at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building. Blue springs City Council meetings are streamed live online at www.bluespringsgov.com/citymeetingslive and on www.youtube. com/cityofbluesprings. City Council meetings are also re-broadcast on City Cable Channel 7 (Comcast) and 99 (AT&T).

District

Councilmember Galen Ericson gericson@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 210-8293

District

Councilmember Jerry Kaylor jkaylor@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 220-0599

District

Councilmember Kent Edmondson kedmondson@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 215-8175

clievsay@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 674-5108

Councilmember Susan Culpepper sculpepper@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 916-5696

Councilmember Ron Fowler rfowler@bluespringsgov.com

(816) 228-1568

1

1

2

District 2

Councilmember Chris Lievsay

District 3

District 3

Mayor Carson Ross cross@bluespringsgov.com

State of Missouri: 4.22%

State (Prop C): 1 %

City of Blue Springs: 1%

City Public Safety: .5%

City Transportation: .5%

City Parks Maintenance: .5%

CJCFPD: .5%

Conservation: .125%

Soil Conservation: .1%

Kansas City Zoo: .125%

Jackson County Stadium: .375%

Jackson County: .5%

County Drug Task Force: .25%

Children’s Services Fund: .125%

PROPERTY TAX

Blue Springs School District: 62.64%

CJCFPD: 12.6%

City of Blue Springs: 7.85%

Jackson County: 7.67%

Mid Continent Public Library: 4.33%

Metropolitan Comm. College: 2.52%

Mental Health: 1.28%

Board of Disabled Services: .79%

Blind Pension Fund: .33%

TAX DISTRICTS

Oaks at Woods Chapel CID*: 9.6%

White Oak CID*: 9.6%

Sunset Plaza CID*: 9.6%

North Blue Springs CID*: 9.6%

Downtown Blue Springs CID*: 9.6%

Fall Creek CID*: 9.6%

Adams Farm Development:Transportation 9.6%

Coronado Drive Transporation

Development: 8.6%

I-70 & Adams Dairy Parkway

Transportation Development: 9.1%

*CID- Community Improvement District

BLUE SPRINGS

BY THE NUMBERS

POPULATION ................................ 59,430

Median Age..........................................35.4

RACE/ETHNICITY

White ..................................................83.9%

Black/African American .....................7.9%

Hispanic/Latino ...................................7.2%

Two or more races .................................5%

Asian ......................................................1.4%

American Indian/Alaska Native ...... 0.3%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander ....0.2%

HOUSEHOLD

Housing Units....................................22,687

Average Household Size......................2.71

EDUCATION

High School Graduate or Higher......................................................96%

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher...........33.5%

HEALTH

With a Disability Under 65 .........7.4%

Without Health Ins, Under 65 ....6.2%

EMPLOYMENT (As of Nov. 2022)

Total Employment.......................70.8%

Total Labor Force ......................30,274

Unemployment Rate.....................2.4%

BUSINESSES

Male Owned Firms ......................2,063

Female Owned Firms ..................1,674

Minority Owned Firms ...................564

Veteran Owned Firms ....................433

Approx. Size: 22 Sq/Mi.

Mean Temp: 55 Degrees

Avg. Precipitation: 42”

Avg. Snowfall: 16”

Avg. Winter Temp: 36°

Avg. Summer Temp: 86°

Data collected from the 2020 Census.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

BLUE SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Blue Springs Police Department has an authorized strength of 102 sworn officers, 40 civilian employees, and 6 part-time employees. The mission of the Blue Springs Police Department is to provide the highest quality of police services to the Blue Springs community, by promoting a safe environment through police and citizen interaction, with emphasis on integrity, fairness and professionalism.

Online crime mapping helps residents form a better understanding of the crime activity in their area so they can make more informed decisions. To view crime mapping in Blue Springs, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/crimemap

“Text-A-Tip” allows users to anonymously report suspected criminal activity to the police department. Text “BSPD plus your message”, to Crimes (274637).

Contact the Blue Springs Police Department:

Emergency - 911

Non-Emergency - (816) 228-0150

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) provides public education, regional EMS education and all hazards response including Fire, Emergency Medical, Community Paramedicine, Heavy Rescue and Hazardous Materials to Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and some unincorporated areas of Jackson County.

CJCFPD employs 134 command, operations and support staff trained and equipped to carry out the mission of the District. CJCFPD staffs and operates a full-time, front-line fleet of four fire engines, one ladder truck, one Command vehicle, and five paramedic ambulances from five stations.

CJCFPD is one of only 280 fire departments worldwide and one of only 7 in the state of Missouri accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. They are also one of only 102 having been awarded a Class 1 Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office. For more information please call 816-229-2522.

CJCARES

CJCares is a Community Paramedic/Mobile Integrated Health Program focused on reducing frequent emergency service usage by connecting high utilizers with appropriate care services. For more information call (816) 229-9118

SOUTHERN JACKSON COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

The Southern Jackson County Fire Protection District (SJCFPD) currently provides the following services Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Rescue, Hazmat Operations, and all other hazards coverage. SJCFPD response starts at an area in the North of the district approximately 900 feet south of Liggett Road, covering part of southern Blue Springs, and then southward on MO 7 Highway south, then stopping at County Line Road, western boundary goes to the city limits of Lee’s Summit, and the eastward boundary goes to the Lone Jack FPD boundary and includes Tarsney Lakes Subdivision.

SJCFPD provides the same service for the City of Lake Lotawana, City of Blues Springs (southern area), City of Greenwood (eastern area), City of Pleasant Hill (northern area) and Unincorporated Jackson County, including Lake Jacomo, James A. Reed Wildlife Conservation Area, and both Tarsney Lakes and Lake Lotawana.

SJCFPD currently has two fire stations, Station-1 located at 11010 Milton Thompson Road (Lee’s Summit), and Station-2 located at 101 Lotawana Drive (Lake Lotawana). Station-3 located at 1101 SW Wyatt Road will be opening December 2023.

SJCFPD currently has 45 employees, 3 fire engines, 3 ALS ambulances, 2 brush trucks, 2 tanker trucks, 4 staff vehicles, and 1 ladder truck being built for delivery this year. They respond to an average of 1,000 calls for service annually and provide mutual aid support to neighboring departments as requested. For more information please call 816-525-4200.

DISCOVER BLUE SPRINGS

You wouldn’t think of Blue Springs, Missouri as a traditional tourist vacation spot but; we are happy to welcome visitors to the area for a variety of reasons. Whether you are in the area for youth sports tournaments, to visit friends and family, or on a day trip to Kansas City, you are a valued visitor to Blue Springs.

We know that once you have been here, you will want to come back. Located on I-70 just 20 miles east of downtown Kansas City, Blue Springs offers visitors an easy and convenient commute to nearby attractions and all parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area, while offering a quiet, suburban setting with an excellent selection of lodging, eating establishments, retail stores and recreational activities.

There are 19 public parks, numerous shelters and playgrounds, a disc

golf course, dog park, an 18 hole golf course and two skate parks in Blue Springs. There is an extensive recreation program with a wide variety of leisure opportunities and over 200 activities and events offered annually.

In addition, there are many exciting community events planned in Blue Springs that also draw visitors to our area. In the winter we have the Mayor’s Holiday tree lighting and free concerts are available in Rotary Park every Sunday evening in the summer. We also host the Fall Fun Festival on the third weekend in September, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.

Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, we are glad you are here and hope you will return often. We welcome you to our community and would like to make your stay entertaining and enjoyable.

The City of Blue Springs, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Continent Public Library and Downtown Alive! work together to serve the business community.

We encourage you to take advantage of free or reduced priced training and counseling services available here in Blue Springs. Visit www. bluespringschamber.com / start-a-business or Click here to download the Business Resource Index (PDF) featuring resources to help prepare a business plan, secure financing, pair you with a business coach and connect you to fellow entrepreneurs in our community.

DOWNTOWN ALIVE!

Downtown Alive! is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization dedicated to creating a positive image of our downtown district, strengthening the economic base and creating a great place in which to live, work, shop and play. Services are developed based on needs identified in four focus areas; Design, Promotions, Organization and Economic Restructuring.

Downtown Alive! business owners and volunteers work to encourage appropriate aesthetics in the downtown area through building rehabs, infill development and downtown design unification. They capitalize on downtown assets, such as historic buildings, and creates an inviting atmosphere through window displays, parking areas, signage, sidewalks, street lights and landscaping. Contact Executive Director, Pam Buck at 816-645-0287 to get involved!

“Blue Springs is an attractive residential area and a hub for commerce.”

BLUE SPRINGS

SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Blue Springs School District covers 58 square miles and includes students from the communities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Independence, Lake Tapawingo, and Lee’s Summit. Enrollment in the district for the 2022-2023 school year currently stands at 14,884 students. Blue Springs is the 10th largest city in the state, with a population of 59,403 and more than 80,000 residents within its school district boundaries.

BSSD was named the Best District in the Kansas City, Missouri area by Niche for the fifth year running and was recognized as a 2023 Best Place to Teach in the entire Kansas City metro area. In addition, BSSD is proud to have the 2022-2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalist, Mrs. Lindsey Watson as a fourth grade teacher at Sunny Pointe Elementary. Student accomplishments during the 2022-2023 school year include six National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, two perfect ACT scores, and two state championships.

Thanks to the ongoing support of the community BSSD continues to upgrade and maintain facilities to provide the best learning experience possible. As a result of the 2021 no tax rate increase bond issue, many schools opened for the school year with classroom additions, new carpet, new HVAC systems, expanded entryways, and more efficient traffic patterns. The Blue Springs High School Freshman addition and Wildcat Way are scheduled to open in August of 2023.

BSSD is truly a great place to learn, grow, and work. #WeAreBSSD

BLUE RIBBON EFFORT

Chapel Lakes Elementary became the Blue Springs School District’s newest National Blue Ribbon School, earning the honor for the second time in the school’s history. Only eight schools earn Gold Star status each year from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Gold Star school honorees are then able to apply for Blue Ribbon Status.

Chapel Lakes is a 2022 Blue Ribbon School and has joined eight other BSSD schools to be chosen in the past seven years. National Blue Ribbon Schools are recognized for their overall academic performance or success in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Principal Liz White said CLE celebrates its community every day. “Chapel Lakes Elementary has a long-standing tradition of excellence,” she said. “Our outstanding teachers work tirelessly for our students each day. We are grateful for the support of our PTA and community and proud of the academic achievements of our students.”

BOARD MEMBERS

Kay Coen

Kurt Swanson

Steve Westermann

April Agate

CENTRAL OFFICE

Bartow Administrative Center: 816-874-3200

Rhonda Gilstrap - President

Bobby Hawk - Vice President

Jeff Siems - Fiscal Vice President

ADMINISTRATION

Superintendent – Dr. Bob Jerome

Asst. Superintendent Human Resources – Dr. Leslie Evans

Asst. Superintendent Business Services – Kirk Sampson

Asst. Superintendent Administration – Jason Woolf

Asst. Superintendent Special Services – Dr. Jill Brown

Asst. Superintendent Operations – Dr. Charlie Belt

Asst. Superintendent Curriculum & Instruction – Dr. Bryce Johnson

Secretary, Board of Education – Karin Keener

Director of Public Relations & Education Foundation – Katie Woolf

Executive Director of Student Safety – Sam Gilkey

Director of Student & Diversity Services – Dr. Danica Fuimaono

Director of Elementary Education – Liz Talamantez

Director of Secondary Education – Steve Cook

Director of Technology – Dr. Brandon Martin

Director of Human Resources & Benefits – Shawn Roderick

Coordinator of Employee Benefits – Tyler Freeman

Director of Buildings & Grounds – Seth Shippy

Director of Transportation – Jeremy Morgan

Director of Student Wellness & Nutritional Services – Brian Harris

Director of Special Services – Beth Fuller

Director of Early Childhood/Special Services – Dr. Greg Johnson

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Blue Springs High School...................

Blue Springs South High School.......

Blue Springs Freshman Center..........

Brittany Hill Middle School................

Delta Woods Middle School.............

Moreland Ridge Middle School........

Paul Kinder Middle School................

Chapel Lakes Elementary...................

Cordill-Mason Elementary.................

Daniel Young Elementary...................

Franklin Smith Elementary.................

James Lewis Elementary....................

James Walker Elementary..................

John Nowlin Elementary....................

Liggett Trail Education Center...........

Lucy Franklin Elementary...................

Sunny Pointe Elementary...................

Thomas Ultican Elementary..............

Valley View High School.....................

Voy Spears Jr. Elementary..................

William Bryant Elementary................

“We are dedicated to providing our students the greatest educational opportunities.”

BLUE SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce celebrated it’s 60th anniversary in October 2022. We have proudly served the Blue Springs business community since 1962, but a lot has changed since then, and we decided it was time to update our mission and vision statements to better reflect the work we do to support our businesses today.

The mission of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is to be the leading resource for business and an effective influential community partner. Our vision is a strong and prosperous economy that celebrates diversity, champions equity, and cultivates inclusion.

To help our members grow, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce has developed four pathways that help every business accomplish their goals: Learn, Strengthen the Community, Connect and Promote. By offering educational programs, community partnerships, several networking events and promotion opportunities, Chamber membership offers numerous benefits and keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community and local marketplace.

In 2022 the Chamber hosted it’s 53rd annual Fall Fun Festival on Main Street in Downtown Blue Springs. It was a wonderful event, and we were excited to get back to tradition as our community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic.

In December, the Chamber held its annual Buy Blue Springs Receipt Rewards contest encouraging residents to shop local during the holiday season. Participants earned one drawing entry for every $10 spent at a Blue Springs business, and the lucky winner took home $500 cash!

The Chamber was also proud to partner with the Blue Springs School District to help connect businesses with the Real World Learning Program, as well as the City of Blue Springs, Downtown Alive! and the Mid-Continent Public Library by co-hosting a How to Start a Business Expo last fall.

No matter which path your business takes, let the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce guide you on your journey!

CHAMBER STAFF

Rose Hall Events Coordinator

Trish Totta, IOM Vice President

Lara Vermillion, IOM President

Becca Blake Communications Specialist

Mikayla Lavelle Administrative Assistant

CHAMBER BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Chad Smith Past Chairperson of the Board Chad Smith Insurance Agency

Cody Raithel Chairperson of the Board Central Bank of the Midwest

Dr. Thomas Meyer Metropolitan Community College - Blue River

Lorne Meinershagen Meinershagen & Co.

Bobby Olm-Shipman Saint Luke’s East Hospital

Jeff Carpenter Membership Events & Services Job One

Carman Booker Leadership & Comm. Dev. Bank 21

Katie Woolf Blue Springs R-IV School District

Kirk Lair Central Jackson County Fire Protection District

Michael Scott Chair Elect The Table

Travis Hunt New York Life Insurance

Lisa LaCombe United Real Estate

Venessa Starke Starke Law Offices

Jason Norbury City of Blue Springs

Ashish Patel Business Support & Promotion Hampton Inn Kansas City/Blue Springs

Melodie Chrisman Community Services League Blue Springs

Warren Goessling Kohl’s Distribution Center

Jenny Callagan

Erika Lucas Secretary/Treasurer Sandy’s Restaurant

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce represents a partnership of over 500 member businesses and professionals committed to making a difference in the Blue Springs community. By supporting businesses and helping them grow, we strengthen the community.

The Blue Springs Chamber of commerce is a not for profit membership organization whose members are local businesses invested in developing their business and its people, growing our local economy and strengthening our community. We work with our members to invest in a broad range of initiatives that support Blue Springs in being the best place to live , work, play and do business.

bsinfo@bluespringschamber.com

CHAMBER COMMITTEES

& INITIATIVES

// Buy Blue Springs

The Buy Blue Springs / Visitor’s Task Force program is an education and outreach plan designed to encourage residents to consider Blue Springs first when making purchases. The Discover Blue Springs program leads efforts in promoting Blue Springs as a visitor destination. The goal is to encourage visitors to Discover Blue Springs and to shop, dine, stay and play in Blue Springs.

// LEADership

LEADership Blue Springs is aimed at developing a leadership pool for the present and future of our community. LEADership participants develop skills and knowledge of the community through nine full day sessions concerning topics such as government, economic development, law enforcement and quality of life.

// Business of the Year

The purpose of the Business of the Year committee is to recognize and celebrate excellence in business. This is implemented through strict guidelines and a selection committee.

// Not-for-Profit of the Year

The purpose of the Not-for-Profit of the Year committee is to recognize and celebrate the outstanding accomplishments by non-profit organizations dedicated to the business of doing good in our community. This is implemented through strict guidelines and a selection committee.

LEADership Class of 2022-2023

Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers 2022 Business of the Year

Photo by Anthem Photography

Job One

2022 Not for Profit of the Year

Photo by Anthem Photography

// Chamber Champions

The Blue Springs Chamber Champion Program exists to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all current and potential Chamber members. They serve as a Chamber representatives at Chamber functions and out in the community, and they help members get the most out of their membership & benefits.

This committee reviews the Chamber’s finances monthly and reports to the Board of Directors. This is a sub-committee of the Board and is by appointment only.

// Golf Committee

This committee plans and promotes a successful annual golf tournament that encourages interaction within the business community. The 2023 tournament takes place May 19 at Winterstone Golf Course.

// Financial Oversight // Fall Fun Festival

This committee plans and promotes a successful Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival on September 15, 16 & 17, 2023 for the Chamber of Commerce and community of Blue Springs.

// Legislative Affairs

The purpose of the Legislative Affairs Task Force is to study local, state and federal legislative issues of interest to business & encourage information sharing among the membership.

2022 Golf Tournament

Photo by Anthem Photography

2022 Fall Fun Festival

Photo by Anthem Photography

Legislative Affairs Task Force

FROM OUR MEMBERS

Ijoined the chamber just under a year ago. I immediately asked to be involved and was welcomed with open arms. The relationships I have built have led to growing my own business, but also increasing my network resulting in many referrals.

- Tara Lavelle, Gallagher Benefit Services

The Chamber has been a great asset to us, from opening our doors to everyday operations. We’ve made connections in the community and with other chamber members that we would wouldn’t have come into contact with otherwise. We have formed great relationships with other businesses/organizations through our membership.

- David Mann, East Forty Brewing

We have been members of the Blue Springs Chamber for many years but really in name only. After reaching out and getting help and support on our recent remodel I was reminded of just how valuable they can be. The support on marketing, and the help we have received on cutting through some red tape to help us get information we needed with the city was amazing. They have an energy and commitment to serve. It feels like the entire staff is on your team. So glad to feel the support and encouragement of all in the Blue Springs Chamber.

- Terry Hyer, Zarda Bar-B-Q

JOIN THE CHAMBER

To become a member, click here to view the current Investment Schedule, or visit BlueSpringsChamber.com. Next, click here to complete your member application online. For questions, contact Trish at ttotta@bluespringschamber.com