April 2024 Chamber Connection

THE CHAMBER CONNECTION

April 2024

March Membership Madness

A Successful Campaign for Chamber Growth

In March, the Blue Springs Chamber hosted an exciting Membership Madness campaign aimed at showcasing the benefits of Chamber membership to the wider business community. A key aspect of the campaign was the inclusion of non-members in our events, allowing them to experience firsthand the valuable networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy efforts that define our Chamber.

As a result of our collective efforts, we are thrilled to welcome six new members to the Chamber family. Additionally, we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with several other individuals who have expressed interest in joining in the near future. This influx of new members not only strengthens our community but also enriches the diversity of perspectives within our organization.

To express our appreciation for their commitment to Chamber growth, all new members enrolled during Membership Madness will receive special perks tailored to enhance their membership experience. These incentives serve as a token of gratitude for their decision to invest in the Chamber and its mission.

Thank you to everyone who participated in March Membership Madness, whether by attending events, inviting new members, or expressing interest in joining our Chamber. Your enthusiasm and support are truly appreciated and are instrumental in shaping the success of our organization!

Farewell to Mayor Carson Ross: A Legacy of Progress and Dedication

As Mayor Carson Ross wraps up his impressive 16-year run serving the City of Blue Springs, we can’t help but express our deep appreciation for his outstanding contributions. Mayor Ross’ deeprooted commitment to the betterment of Blue Springs, evident in his four consecutive terms since April 2008, speaks volumes about his leadership and the trust bestowed upon him by the community. As the first African American Mayor of Blue Springs, Mayor Ross not only shattered barriers but also paved the way for inclusivity and representation in public office.

With a genuine passion for progress, Mayor Ross’s steadfast support of the Chamber of Commerce and the local business community has truly shaped the city’s economic trajectory. His commitment to moving things forward has made a lasting impact on Blue Springs.

New Members

Prime Taekwondo

(816) 246-0141

prime.tkd@outlook.com

primetaekwondo.com

Rhodes Lawn and Landscape LLC

(816) 434-0566

rhodeslawnandlandscape@gmail.com

Cuddle Up Pup

(816) 427-4253

Bluesprings@Cuddleuppup.com

cuddleuppup.com

Tacos El Sombrero LLC

(816) 695-6480

tacoselsombrero_bs@icloud.com

facebook.com/tacos3Lsombrero

Dragonfly Mechanical

(816) 377-1400

info@dragonflymech.com

dragonflymech.com

A&B Home Improvement LLC

(660) 351-0245

abhi.burks@gmail.com

facebook.com/abhi.burks

2 Twenty 2, LLC

Adams Pointe Conference Center

Bill & Pam Wrisinger

Bird Automotive

Blue Springs Golf Club

Blue Springs Pediatrics

BSAA Basketball

Country Financial

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care

Diamond Contractors, Inc

First American Title

Full Employment Council

GAGE Center

Kohls Distrubution Center

Mantra

Midwest Auto Services

Mr Electric

Once Upon a Smile

Rick’s Blinds

Rink Ratz

Rockhill Orthopedic Specialists

Spire

Stewardship Capital Ltd

The Millay Group

Wes Condren

Zucca Daughters & Sons Roofing Co.

April Events

7:30

Did you know the Blue Springs Chamber offers an array of cost-effective and complimentary programs designed for learning and networking? Among these offerings are the Lunch & Learns, Meet Me for Lunch gatherings, Ribbon Cuttings, and Chamber 101 sessions.

Lunch & Learns represent a quarterly educational series focused on business and professional development. Hosted at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Training Facility, these sessions feature panels of local business and community leaders discussing topics ranging from relationship building to leadership skills.

Complemented by lunch provided by Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, these events provide valuable insights in a casual setting.

The Meet Me for Lunch program offers a relaxed atmosphere for networking over meals at local restaurants, with no formal agenda. This initiative supports local businesses while fostering connections within the community.

Ribbon Cuttings, a staple of Chamber events, provide opportunities for networking and business support. Often, these events include guided tours of the newly opened or renovated establishment, providing insights into its offerings and operations.

Lastly, Chamber 101 serves as an essential orientation for new members, offering comprehensive insights into how Chamber membership can directly support business growth and foster valuable connections within the community. These sessions are invaluable for both new and existing members seeking to maximize the benefits of Chamber engagement.

Stay informed about these events through our Monday Morning Coffee email and text reminders.

Member News

St. Mary’s Medical Center Receives Healthgrades Award

Congratulations to St. Mary’s Medical Center on receiving the Excellence Award for Patient Safety from Healthgrades once again. This makes them top in the nation for providing excellence in patient safety by preventing infections, medical errors, and other preventable complications. Learn more about St. Mary’s Medical Center at stmaryskc.com

Benton House of Blue Springs Receives Pinnacle Award

Congratulations to Benton House of Blue Springs on being recognized with a Pinnacle Customer Experience Award for 2024 and named a top national 50 in Aging Services by Fortune Magazine. Benton House provides Assisted Living, Memory Care and Adult Day Care services. Learn more at bentonhouse.com/senior-living-blue-springs-mo

Direct Primary Care with Gen 3 IV Hydration & Wellness

Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness now offers direct primary care services focused on quality care, longer appointment times, and functional medicine practices. Enjoy personalized care, including urgent care visits, same day appointments, autoimmune care, pediatric care, women’s care, well visits, lab work, physicals, and more at an affordable cost. For more information visit gen3primary.com

Ribbon Cuttings

Meet A Member

Ali Collins, Meyers Funeral Chapel

I am Ali Collins, Social Media Specialist and Community Liaison at Meyers Funeral Chapel.

Meyers is a first-generation, family-owned, and operated business. With two locations, Meyers has become one of the premier funeral providers and one of the few family-owned left in the Kansas City area. We do not believe in checklist services. Being family-owned means we can make immediate decisions, handle personal service requests, and serve the needs of our clients without delay or approval from a corporate entity. We are proud of the communities we serve and value not only your business but also your trust. We build relationships across generations.

I have lived in Blue Springs since I was 2, graduating from BSHS. I am now raising my children, Olivia (3) and Cav (1), in this same community alongside my husband, Shane. My favorite hobbies include anything outdoors, live music, traveling, and family time.

Ali Collins ali@meyersfuneralchapel.com

My favorite quote is “Live life to the fullest.” My brother passed away from cancer at the young age of 22, and in those 22 years, he sure lived his life to the fullest. Now, we honor him through the Jake Cavanaugh Foundation where we provide funding for support to children and families affected by cancer.

“Live

Life To the Fullest”

2024 Partners

TIER ONE

Jackson County Tow Service

Saint Luke’s East Hospital

St. Mary’s Medical Center

TIER TWO

Santa Fe Tow Service

Santa Fe Outside Storage

TIER THREE

Anthem Photography

Apple Roofing Bank 21

Central Bank

Cosentino’s Price Chopper

CPro’s, Inc.

Evergy

Equity Bank

TIER FOUR

Abundant Life

Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.

Christian Brothers Automotive

Community America Credit Union

Kansas City Cannabis

Lighthouse Legal

Meyers Funeral Chapel

TIER FIVE

Greco Insurance

Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina

Molle Chevrolet

Chamber Staff

Lara Vermillion, IOM - President lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com

Trish Totta, IOM - Vice President ttotta@bluespringschamber.com

Rose Hall - Events Coordinator rhall@bluespringschamber.com

Becca Blake - Communications Specialist bblake@bluespringschamber.com

2024 Board of Directors

Michael Scott, Chairman of the Board

The Table

Cody Raithel - Chair Elect

Central Bank of the Midwest

Jeff Carpenter - Secretary/Treasurer Job One

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

Travis Hunt - Membership Events & Services New York Life Insurance

Carman Booker - Leadership & Community Development , Bank 21

Bobby Olm-Shipman

Saint Luke’s East Hospital

Christine Cates City of Blue Springs

David Mann

East Forty Brewing

Katie Woolf

Blue Springs School District

Kirk Lair

Central Jackson County Fire Protection District

Lisa LaCombe

United Real Estate

Lorne Meinershagen Meinershagen & Co.

Phill King

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Independence

Suzanne Gochis

Metropolitan Community College Blue River

Tim Porter

Christian Brothers Automotive

Vanessa Starke

Starke Law Offices, LLC

Warren Goessling

Kohl’s Distribution Center