The 56th Annual Fall Fun Festival is back September 19-21, and this year we’re taking you Around the World. Whether you’re here for the shopping, the eats, the entertainment, or just to soak up the festive vibes — there’s something for everyone at this can’t-miss community tradition.
Kick off the weekend with the carnival from 5–10 PM and enjoy live entertainment on the Community Stage starting at 6 PM. The Parkville Alley Cats take the Main Stage in the Beer Garden at 7 PM, followed by legendary rockers Head East at 9 PM.
The festivities start strong with the parade at 10 AM, followed by the Youth Market from 12–8 PM, carnival rides from 12–10 PM, and vibrant cultural performances throughout the day. The Community Stage will feature entertainment from 12–10 PM, and the Main Stage comes alive at 7 PM with Sworn to Secrecy, followed by country artist David Nail at 9 PM.
Wrap up the weekend with something for everyone! Pups take the spotlight at the Dog Garden from 11 AM–2 PM, while the carnival runs from 12–4 PM. Enjoy local talent on the Community Stage from 10 AM–4 PM, and don’t miss the classic Car Show from 11 AM–3 PM. It’s the perfect way to close out the festival!
Events Calendar
RIBBON CUTTING
8:00 am @ Heartland Fence & Concrete Register here
RIBBON CUTTING
2:00 pm @ Elevation Fitness Register here
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 4:00 pm @ Chicago & Alton Train Depot Register here
MONTHLY BREAKFAST
Bridging the Workforce Generational Gap
7:00 am @ Adams Pointe Conference Center Register here
Sponsored by Blue Springs City Theatre
RIBBON CUTTING
3:00 pm @ Lara’s Cakes and Bakes Register here
CHAMBER COMPASS
9:30 am @ Chamber Office Register here THE IDEA EXCHANGE
12:00 pm @ Chamber Office Register here
MEET ME FOR CUSTARD 11:00 am @ Custard’s Last Stand Register here
VIRTUAL POWER HOUR: “Increase Your SalesPrepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup” 10:00 am via Zoom Register here
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS TASK FORCE
7:30 am @ Sandy’s Restaurant Register here
Sponsored by BV Contracting Solutions
MEET ME
11:30 am @ Johnny’s
15
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
4:00 pm @ Blue Surf Bay Register here
RIBBON CUTTING
11:00 am @ Greco Agency Farmer’s Insurance Register here
STOP THE BLEED TRAINING
10:00 am @ CJCFPD Training Facility Register here MON 18
MONTHLY LUNCHEON + NEW MEMBER SHOWCASE
Tech Tools for Success: Discover Your New Favorite Apps 11:15 am @ Adams Pointe Conference Center Register here
Sponsored by America’s Community Bank
GENBLUESPRINGS
10:00 am @ Chamber Office Register here TUE 26
September
LABOR DAY Chamber Office Closed
VIRTUAL POWER HOUR
ADA Reasonable Accomodations 10:00 am via Zoom Register here TUE 02
THU 04
CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
8:30 am @ Chamber Office Call the Chamber to register
FALL FUN FESTIVAL
Sponsored by Saint Luke’s East Hospital
Festival Hours - 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Parkville Alley Cats - 7:00 pm (Main Stage)
Head East -9:00 pm (Main Stage)
Festival Hours - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Dog Garden - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Car Show - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm FRI 19 SAT 20 SUN 21
Festival Hours - 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Parade - 10:00 am
Youth Market - 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sworn to Secrecy - 7:00 pm (Main Stage)
David Nail - 9:00 pm (Main Stage)
Summer Series
We’re mixing things up this summer! Instead of our usual Monthly Luncheons, the Chamber will be hosting a Summer Series of Monthly Breakfasts in May, June, and July. These morning events will offer the same great networking and programming you’ve come to expect—just with coffee and a fresh start to your day. We’ll return to our traditional lunchtime schedule in August.
A Conversation: Bridging the Workforce
Generational Gap
Thursday, July 17 @ 7:00 am Adams Pointe Conference Center Register here
This will be a panel discussion of those who just recently entered the workforce or will be entering it soon. We will explore what motivates them, what they are looking for in a place to build a career and what is important to them. This panel will be moderated by Rebeca Swank, Job One.
genbluesprings
We’re bringing back our young professionals group — and you’re invited to help shape its future!
If you’re a professional under 40 and looking to connect with others in your age group, this is your chance to be part of something from the ground up. Join us for an informal gathering where you can share your ideas, provide input on the purpose and goals of the group, and help lay the foundation for what’s to come.
This meeting (along with a follow-up on October 28) will help guide the official launch of genbluesprings in 2026. Bring your voice, your vision, and your curiosity!
Tuesday, August 26 @ 10:00 am Chamber Office Register here
50 Years
Blue Springs Rotary Club Bank 21 20 Years Durvet, Inc.
Chad Smith Insurance Agency
15 Years
Blue Springs Siding and Windows
Friendship Manor
Blue Springs First Church of the Nazarene Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Woods Chapel Lodge
Davis Auto Wrecking & Sales, LLC
10 Years
Sandy’s Restaurant
Rothwell Construction, Inc
Leadership Innovations
Staybridge Suites Independence
Morgan Painting
Senior Benefit Services
Lighthouse Legal, LLC
StorTropolis Self Storage 5 Years
New Day Massage, LLC
Smoothie King
Member Resources
Square One Small Business Program
As an Mid-Continent Public Library cardholder, you gain access to Square One, a powerful suite of free tools and expert support designed just for local entrepreneurs like you.
What Square One Offers
1. One-on-one business specialists
Get personalized help crafting business plans, tackling marketing, navigating finances, and more through dedicated sessions with MCPL’s knowledgeable specialists.
2. Free expert‑led classes & bootcamps
Stay ahead of the curve with seminars on financing, marketing, customer service, food-business essentials, and demographic analysis. All sessions are locally led and at no cost.
3. Library database access
Your MCPL card unlocks top-tier business tools, including:
• ReferenceUSA – Explore company info, contact lists, consumer behaviors
• DemographicsNow / Statista – Build maps, charts, and reports for smarter planning
• Kansas City Business Journal – Stay informed on regional trends
• Lynda.com / Safari Business Books / Small Business Resource Center – Access courses, sample plans, e-books, and more
4. Career & workforce development support
Square One also assists with job seeker resources and career-path insights, helping guide your future in business development.
How to Get Started
Visit MCPL’s Square One page (mymcpl.org/square-one) to see upcoming classes.
1. Register online for your preferred sessions.
2. Meet one-on-one with a specialist to create your action plan.
3. All services are completely free for MCPL cardholders.
All services are completely free for MCPL cardholders. Learn more at www.mymcpl.org/square-one
ADA Website Compliance Resources
Since August 2024, as many as 75 Missouri businesses — including several in Blue Springs and the Kansas City area — have been sued for alleged website noncompliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These costly “sue and settle” lawsuits, all filed by the same plaintiff, are a growing concern for small businesses. In response to similar issues, Kansas passed the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation, which protects businesses from predatory ADA lawsuits while still supporting accessibility.
The Missouri Chamber and state legislators are reviewing this law as a potential model for our state. In the meantime, our partner Ironwood Business Consulting has provided a short video and fact sheet to help you understand website compliance.
Please reach out to Chamber staff with any questions.
Members of the Month
May: DocuLock
Owned by Spencer Engelman and Ariana Napier, DocuLock helps both residents and businesses protect what matters most through customized document scanning, digitizing, and secure shredding services. From preserving family photos and VHS tapes to helping businesses stay compliant and organized, DocuLock delivers peace of mind with every project.
The story behind the business is just as unique—Spencer earned the franchise while still in college through a special opportunity with DocuLock and Northwest Missouri State University. Today, he and Ariana are proud to serve the Kansas City metro area and are grateful for the connections they’ve made through the Chamber. Learn more at doculockllc. com/bluesprings.
June: PMI KC Metro
PMI KC Metro owner Dan Hilgedick brings a unique mix of hands-on experience and tech-driven insight to the property management world. From his early start managing investment properties with his mother to years spent as a carpenter and in the software industry, Dan’s diverse background allows him to offer smart, efficient solutions to both residential and commercial clients.
Locally owned and operated, PMI KC Metro is part of a nationally recognized franchise with nearly 20 years of experience in modernizing the property management industry. Dan credits his Chamber membership for helping him connect with the community, build valuable relationships, and grow his business. We’re proud to spotlight PMI KC Metro and thank them for being an active and engaged Chamber member!
July: Assisting Hands Home Care - Lee’s Summit
Assisting Hands Home Care – Lee’s Summit is a locally owned, family-operated business providing compassionate, non-medical in-home care for individuals who wish to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes. Their services include personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, meal prep, and more—customized to each client’s unique needs and preferences. What truly sets them apart is their family-first approach and team of trained, background-checked caregivers who treat every client with the same dignity and respect they would give their own loved ones.
As a proud Chamber member, Assisting Hands Home Care values the opportunity to connect with other local businesses and share their mission with the community. They believe quality care starts with how you treat your team—and it shows in the thoughtful, reliable support they provide each day.
FRIDAY 12 PM - 10 PM
carnival - parade - vendor booths - food trucks - l ive music beer garden - car show - youth market -dog garden presented by saint luke’s east hospital
10 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 10 AM - 4 PM
Sponsorship Opportunities
Be a Partner of the 56th Annual Fall Fun Festival
We’re excited to share that select sponsorship opportunities still available for the 2025 Fall Fun Festival – and we’d love to have your business be part of the magic!
With more than 70,000 visitors expected, this is one of the largest and most beloved events in Eastern Jackson County. Sponsoring the festival is a great way to:
• Boost your brand visibility
• Connect with thousands of potential customers
• Show your support for the Blue Springs community
• Be part of a weekend full of music, food, shopping, and fun!
We offer a wide variety of sponsorship levels to fit any budget — whether you’re a small business or a large organization, there’s a way for you to get involved.
Give us a call at (816) 229-8558 to find the perfect fit for your business.
SEPTEMBER 19, 20 & 21, 2025
Friday - 12 pm - 10 pm
Saturday - 10 am-10 pm
Sunday - 10 am - 4 pm www.bluespringsfallfestival.com
Member News
Kansas City Cannabis Crew Sails to First Place at 2025 KC Pride Parade
Congratulations to KC Cannabis for winning First Place in the 2025 Kansas City Pride Parade float contest! Out of approximately 100 floats, KCC stood out with their creative take on this year’s theme, “Bold and Gold: 50 Years of Pride.” Their concept, “Pirate’s Gold,” featured a hand-built pirate ship float brought to life by employees from all five locations. The team went all in with decorations and costumes, showcasing incredible creativity, teamwork, and pride. Way to go, KCC! AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
10th Annual Women of Distinction Awards
Nominations are now open for the 10th Annual Women of Distinction Awards - a decade of celebrating inspiring women in our community!
Know someone who leads with heart, serves with passion, or has made a lasting impact? Nominate her today! The deadline is Friday, July 25. https://womenofdistinctionejc. com/nominate
Case Studios Photography Exculta Health and Wellness
Unlimited, Inc.
UPS Store #4375
Power Hour: Virtual Learning Sessions
Tune in to our monthly Power Hour Virtual Learning Series on the first Tuesday of each month via Zoom. These sessions are designed to offer quick, impactful seminars to equip you with tools for success - all from the convenience of your office or home.
Increase Your Sales - Prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Tuesday, August 5 @ 10 am Register here
Get your business digitally ready for the 2026 World Cup. Attend this session to learn how to update your Google listing and use WhatsApp. This session will be presented by Phil Andreas. Phil is the Mayor of Lone Jack, Missouri, and a dedicated community leader with a strong background in both governance and business. As an owner of ClickIt Social, a digital marketing agency, Phil specializes in leveraging modern tools like artificial intelligence to optimize daily business operations, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
ADA Reasonable Accomodations
Tuesday, Sept. 2 @ 10 am Register here
Gain a clear understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and your responsibilities as an employer in this focused, one-hour course. Learn what constitutes reasonable accommodations. This course provides practical guidance to help you comply with ADA requirements while fostering a supportive and equitable environment for all employees. This session will be presented by Ironwood Business Consulting.
How to Spend Money Wisely with Social Media Advertising
Tuesday, Oct 7 @ 10 am Register here
Attend this session for a comprehensive introduction to creating, running, and optimizing social media ads for businesses. Attendees will leave with the knowledge needed to create, manage, and optimize social media ad campaigns to generate leads or sales. This session will be presented by Becca Blake, Director of Communications at the Blue Springs Chamber.
Power Hour: Replays
Missed a previous Power Hour session? You can watch the recordings anytime on the Chamber Channel or in the Resource Center of your Member Information Center (MIC). It’s a great way to stay up to speed and revisit valuable insights at your convenience.
May 6, 2025
Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
Watch the Replay
June 3, 2025
Emergency Planning for Your Business
Watch the Replay
July 1, 2025
Ways to Improve Workplace Culture
Watch the Replay
Pop-Up Series: Excel Essentials
June 10, 2025
Getting Started with Excel
Watch the Replay
June 17, 2025
Shortcuts, Formulas & Functions
Watch the Replay
June 24, 2025
Graphs, Data & Business Use
Watch the Replay
At Optimum Visuals, we specialize in crafting cinematic, story-driven video content that captivates, connects, and converts.
Whether you're showcasing your company culture, launching a new product, or building brand trust, our team brings the vision, experience, and execution to make it happen.
We serve ambitious brands across industries, with a deep focus on service-based companies, manufacturers, construction, restoration, and corporate organizations.
Brand Videos
Social Media Content
Recruitment & Culture Videos
Testimonial/Case Study Videos
Commercial Campaigns
Event Recaps & Highlights
(816) 803-3910 facebook.com/funice
(816) 224-6299 theupsstore.com/4375
(816) 622-1015 timhortons.com
birdiesindoorgolf.com
Game Plan
FIFA World Cup 26™ Prep for Your Business
As the global spotlight turns to our region for the FIFA World Cup 26™, businesses across Blue Springs have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shine. Whether you’re looking to boost visibility, prepare your staff, or stay ahead of changing regulations, this series will help you stay informed and ready.
Each month, we’ll share tips, tools, and timely updates to support your planning and keep your business running smoothly during this major international event. Let’s make sure we’re not just watching from the sidelines—we’re ready to win.
Emergency Planning for Your Business: Are You Ready for World Cup?
As our region gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local businesses have an exciting opportunity to welcome a global audience—and with that comes the responsibility to ensure your operations are safe, prepared, and ready to respond to unexpected situations.
• Is your emergency plan current?
• Has your team been trained?
• How will you communicate with customers that don’t speak English?
Read more on the Chamber Blog
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Strengthening Your Digital Foundation for World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to bring a global audience to our region, your business’s digital infrastructure needs to be just as ready as your front line. From accepting international payments to protecting customer data, now’s the time to make sure your systems are secure, efficient, and able to handle the increased demand.
• Payment & security options
• Cybersecurity threats
• Privacy & compliance
Read more on the Chamber Blog
World Cup Task Force: Breakout Groups
From August-October, 2025, we plan to meet with members in person in breakout groups based on industry. Proposed groups are food/catering, retail, health/wellness, entertainement/ recreation, etc. These meetings will be a roundtable discussion where members are encouraged to share their tentative thoughts and plans for FIFA World Cup 26™, and to discuss potential issues they may see in their industry during this time. To be notified about future World Cup Task Force breakout sessions, text WORLDCUP to 855-931-0402.
In the News
Stay Up To Date On the Latest News
Kansas City Kickoff Recap Video
New Opportunities for FIFA World Cup 26™ Vendors
KC2026 has announced an update to their procurement process—Requests for Information (RFIs) for goods and services will now be posted publicly on the KC2026 website every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. CT. We encourage our members to regularly visit the KC2026 Business Opportunities page to stay informed about sourcing events. While new opportunities may not appear every week, checking in often will ensure you don’t miss a chance to get involved.
Volunteer for FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City
FIFA World Cup 26™ volunteers will be the heartbeat of the tournament, venues and events across 16 Host Cities in North America. Here in Kansas City, our community has an opportunity to leave a lasting impression in the summer of 2026 and even after the conclusion of the games. The FIFA volunteer journey is a memorable experience, and Kansas City will need many qualified individuals to make this a safe and seamless event for our region. Learn more and register to be a volunteer
Enter to win exclusive KC2026 and Purina gear!
Purina and KC2026 are going to give one lucky fan the ultimate pet-friendly giveaway to celebrate our city’s World Cup momentum. Don’t miss your chance to score exclusive KC2026 and Purina gear by showing off your love for your pet and the game.
What you can win:
• KC2026 Summer Scarf
• KC2026 Pet Bandana
• KC2026 Rally Towel
• KC2026 Sticker Pack
How to enter:
• Purina Premium water Bowl
• Purina Treat Vouchers
• Purina branded Owala Water Bottle
Post a photo with your pet on Instagram, Facebook, or X and tag @fwc26kansascity and @ purina. Your profile must be set to public to be eligible. Already shared your pet pic? As long as it’s within the entry window and meets the rules, you’re good to go! Get key dates and details here.
2025 Investors
TIER ONE
Asphaltic Surfaces
Jackson County Tow Service
Mr. Electric
Saint Luke’s East Hospital
Sam’s Club
Santa Fe Tow Service
Santa Fe Outside Storage
St. Mary’s Medical Center
TIER THREE
Apple Roofing
Bank 21
BV Contracting Solutions
Central Bank
Cosentino’s Price Chopper
Diamond Electric
Equity Bank
Evergy
Kohl’s Distribution Center
Molle Chevrolet
Raising Cane’s
Chamber Staff
TIER FOUR
Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.
Christian Brothers Automotive
Community America Credit Union
Crosslin Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
First American Title
Greco Agency Farmers Insurance
Hy-Vee
Kansas City Cannabis
MCC - Blue River
Meyers Funeral Chapel
Zarda Bar-B-Q
TIER FIVE
5-Star Garage
All In Physical Therapy
East 40 Brewing
Job One
Kona Ice
Lighthouse Legal
Lara Vermillion, IOM - President lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com
Trish Totta, IOM - Vice President ttotta@bluespringschamber.com
Becca Blake - Director of Communications bblake@bluespringschamber.com
