FEBRUARY 2020
THE CHAMBER CONNECTION
Colonial Gardens
2019 Business of the Year
Learn
Photo by Anthem Photography
Community
Connect
Promote
February The Blue Springs Chamber is proud to offer several ways for you to learn & grow your business.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
POWER HOUR
“CHAMBER 101”
Each year, the Blue Springs Chamber of
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 8:30 AM CHAMBER OFFICE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 3:30 PM CHAMBER OFFICE
“Ways to Reduce Your Taxable Income”
Join us for an opportunity for you to
Presented by Eric Sporing, ECS Capital
learn how your Chamber of Commerce
Investments and Lorne Meinershagen,
can help you and your business/
Meinershagen & Co.
organization. All members (especially
Attend this presentation in preparation
new
for the 2020 tax year. Learn ways
welcome to attend.
Commerce awards four $500 academic scholarships
to
college
bound
graduating seniors in each of the three Blue Springs high schools and one from another area school district. This year, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce will also award a 5th Scholarship, the First American Title Eagle Sponsorship. The First American Title Eagle Scholarship will be $1000. Applicants for all scholarships must be employed by a member of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce or have at least one parent or guardian who is employed by a Blue Springs Chamber of
Commerce
member
business.
These are one-time scholarships to be paid upon receipt of required documentation. For more information please contact: Blue Springs Education Foundation Katie Woolf 1801 NW Vesper Blue Springs, MO 64015
and
renewed
members)
are
to reduce your taxable income and put more money in your pocket and financial planning options for small businesses.
DONT FORGET TO VOTE FEB 4TH! NO TAX INCREASE The Central Jackson County Fire Protection District is asking for support from voters for the issuance of $7.5 million dollars in general obligation bonds for the purchase of mission critical equipment. The CJCFPD has the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors support.
REPLACE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE FIREFIGHTING GEAR REPLACE TWO AGING FIRE ENGINES & A LADDER TRUCK UPDATE 34 DISTRICT OUTDOOR STORM WARNING SIRENS REPAIR & REMODEL FACILITIES AND HVAC UPDATES
Lyle Shaver Spring Oak Property Management
Kelly O’Reilly Looks of Shear Elegance
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
CONNECTOR OF THE YEAR
Photos by Anthem Photography
REPLACE EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
CG Wedding Entertainment
THANK YOU TO OUR 58TH ANNUAL BANQUET SPONSORS Sponsors: Centerpoint Medical Center Sandy’s Restaurant St. Mary’s Medical Center Side Pockets Kona Ice Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina Blue Springs 8-Miller Theater Drone Zone USA Salon Bellezzio Dynamic Chiropractic Minsky’s Zarda Bar-B-Q Anthem Photography Job One genbluesprings Volunteers: Kelley Knust - St. John LaLande Tracy Flanagan - Go2 Partners Barb Bush - BSSD Pam Bartow - Print Graphics BSSD Hospitality & Tourism Class BSSD Animation Class Ashley Lang - Kansas City Managed IT
LEARN
Table Sponsors: Blue Springs Marine Bank 21 Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Blue Springs R-IV School District Blue Springs Rotary Club Central Bank of the Midwest CJCFPD City of Blue Springs Colonial Gardens Community America Credit Union Equity Bank Evergy Fullerton CPA’s MCC - Blue River Meyers Funeral Chapel Oswald Roam & Rew Print Graphics RE/MAX Heritage St. Mary’s Medical Center The Examiner Friends of the Chamber: A-Ok Inspections All Saints Lutheran Church Starke Law Offices, LLC Photos by Anthem Photography
NEW MEMBERS KC Floorworx / Homeworx 12012 E US Hwy 40 Independence, MO 64055 (913) 904-6497 Sponsored by: Tim Truesdale - Ecologix
1 Better 919 W. St. Germain Street St. Cloud, MN 56301 (515) 681-5473 www.1better.net Sponsored by: Blue Springs 8 Miller Theaters
Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation 2200 South Broadway Oak Grove, MO 64075 (800) 495-8403
MEMBER RENEWALS 1030 AM-KCWJ 1st MidAmerica Credit Union Captures in Time Photography Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Cowell James Forge Insurance Group, LLC Foster Dental Care Graceland University Hero Fund USA Hope House Hy-Vee Food & Drug Store Indian Mix Grill Jackson County Tow Service Lunar Bowl Paradise Park The Salvation Army Tip Top Kettle Town Home Improvements Wesley L. Christian, D.D.S, P.C
Pro Roofers LLC
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to Donna Best for starting a new position as Regional Area Manager Director (KS, MO, OK) at First American Title!
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of chamber member Bill Keith, owner of the Eastern Jackson Money Mailer. Our thoughts
605 SW US HWY 40, #243
and prayers are with Bill’s family &
Blue Springs, MO 64014
friends.
(816) 499-2676
Puppy Passport
Vanik Media Solutions
Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with D.O.G.
1200 SW Arawak Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 663-9035
Obedience Group by participating in the Puppy Passport program. As a part of this program, we will permit puppy owners the opportunity to socialize their puppies in the Chamber office and enhance the dog-human bond.
Sponsored by: Rebeca Swank - Job One
When puppies & their owners visit the Chamber, they will get a stamp in their
Clancy’s Cafe and Pub
other participating locations, please contact Meggin at (816) 228-4567.
passport. For more information about participating in Puppy Passport &
800 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-2233
RIBBON CUTTING
The Emerald Event Space 800 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 656-1490
www.facebook.com/ BlueSpringsChamberOfCommerce
DESSERT POCKET BAKERY
Wednesday, January 20
3100 SW 7 Hwy, Suite D , Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 295-5573 | mallory@dessertpocketbakery.com
COMMUNITY
MEET A MEMBER SARALEE RHOADS - FREELANCE WRITER Saralee Rhoads has been a freelance writer for eight years and loves the flexibility of working with so many different clients. She is a ghostwriter (just finishing her sixth book), blogger, newsletter publisher and novelist (of four books) for youth. Her work is defined by a love of words, a willingness to beat deadlines, and flexibility in creating the client’s voice. Her job is to make others look good, helping them grow their businesses. Her presence in the Chamber proves that no company is too small to offer service. Saralee is the author of our new blog series called Chamber Quick Reads by Saralee. Follow the weekly blog on our website!
I still believe in the power of telling stories, sharing tips, and making friends through words. I’m living proof that no business is too small to offer service. - Saralee Rhoads
BUY BLUE SPRINGS FIELD TRIP: RAVELLO MEDICAL SPA & WELLNESS Friday, February 14 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MEET ME FOR LUNCH CLANCY’S CAFE & PUB Thursday, February 27 11:00 AM Clancy’s Cafe & Pub
1900 NW Copper Oaks Circle Blue Springs, MO 64015 Have you ever wondered how some of our local businesses & organizations work behind the scenes? The Buy Blue Springs Committee is hosting tours of local businesses so we have a chance to see what goes on to keep the business running. This month we will be taking a Blue Springs Chamber Field Trip to Ravello Medical Spa & Wellness. Please join us as we talk with the local owners, hear more about their professional background, what they offer and where their passion for their business comes from. All members welcome!
AFTER HOURS NETWORKING Tuesday, February 18 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Lunar Bowl Event supported by genbluesprings
CONNECT
CHAMBER FEUD “Survey Says: ‘We Want YOU!’” Thursday, April 16 Entry Fee: $125 Per Person One Hundred dollars of the proceeds raised with participant entry fees will go toward the Blue Springs Chamber Scholarship Fund, and twenty-five dollars of each entry will go towards lunch during the April Luncheon. The person with the highest points gets scholarship naming rights!
Register to Play! Email: jwillingham@bluespringschamber.com
Monthly Luncheon State of the City Thursday, February 20 11:15 AM Adams Pointe Conference Center Presented by: Mayor Carson Ross Sponsored by: Blue Springs Rotary New Member Showcase at 11:15 am Networking starts at 11:30 am Buffet opens at 11:45 am Program starts at Noon Photo by Anthem Photography
Regional Day at the Capital Tuesday, February 25 Jefferson City
Contact Lara Vermillion at lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com for more details or if you are interested in attending.
Join members of the Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Independence, South Kansas City, Grandview and Raytown Chambers of Commerce in Jefferson City. Group members will carpool to Jefferson City, leaving around 7:00 AM. Expenses will be the cost of lunch ($20) and gas (TBD). The agenda is in progress. Meetings are being planned with elected officials to focus on the economic development, health care, transportation and education to name a few. At this time, we are planning to leave Jefferson City around 5:00 PM.
PROMOTE
LEADership Spring Fling Mart SATURDAY, MARCH 28 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Blue Springs South High School The 2019-2020 Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce LEADership group is bringing together carefully selected merchants and community members offering products that range from apparel and accessories to food and housewares. This non-profit event is the class’s project for the year and raises money and collects donations for Blue Springs Community Services League.
Legislative Breakfast Friday, February 7 7:30 AM Adams Pointe Golf Club Attend to hear updates provided by state elected officials. Attendees are able to ask questions of legislators. Legislators invited to attend include: Senator Mike Cierpiot and Representatives Jeff Coleman, Jon Patterson, Dan Stacy and Donna Pfautsch.
Looking Ahead First Responders Awards Luncheon Thursday, March 19 11:30 AM Adams Pointe Conference Center Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Friday, May 8 9:00 AM Start Adams Pointe Golf Course
CALENDAR
BUY BLUE SPRINGS - SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
February 3 @ 6:00 PM Buy Blue Springs Presentation to City Council & LEADership Introduction. February 4 @ 8:30 AM Connectors’ Meeting February 5 @ 8:30 AM Executive Committee Meeting February 6 @ 8:00 AM Leadership Class - Jackson County Day February 7 @ 7:30 AM Legislative Breakfast February 7 @ 12:00 PM genbluesprings Planning February 12 @ 8:30 AM Board of Directors Meeting
48%
OF REVENUE FROM LOCAL RETAILERS RECIRCULATES WITHIN THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
When you shop local you benefit from expertise, connect with your community, and strengthen your local economy. Find a list of local Blue Springs businesses at www.buybluesprings.com
February 12 @ 4:30 PM Ribbon Cutting - Bridge Space February 14 @ 11:30 AM Field Trip - Ravello Med Spa February 18 @ 8:30 AM Power Hour February 18 @ 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM After Hours Networking February 19 @ 3:30 PM Chamber 101 February 20 @ 11:00 AM State of the City Luncheon & New Member Showcase February 25 @ 7:00 AM Chamber Day in Jefferson City February 26 @ 8:00 AM Financial Oversight Committee February 27 @ 9:30 AM Ribbon Cutting - Dreamland Daycare February 27 @ 11:00 AM Meet Me for Lunch - Clancy’s
Chamber Benefit Plan The Chamber Benefit Plan is a simple and affordable medical plan alternative. Powered by the Missouri Chamber Federation, administered by The Health Plan (THP) with network access from HealthLink and Freedom Network select, the Chamber Benefit Plan is available to small group employers in Missouri who have 2 to 50 eligible employees. Advantages that make a real difference: • Shared overall claims risk across a large pool • Competitive, medically underwritten rates •Fixed, predictable monthly payments • Choose from a variety of plan designs, including 10 PPO and 3 HSA options •Minimize the impact of ACA mandates while offering coverage to all eligible applicants, regardless of health status •Access to HealthLink/Freedom Network Select network •Coverage for claims run-out/terminal liability coverage • Simple, streamlined administration Learn more by contacting one of our participating chamber members: Cowell, James, Forge (816) 471-4245 Employee Benefit Design (417) 343-0164
2020 CONNECTORS Blue Springs Chamber Connectors help new and existing members get the best value from their membership. Feel free to reach out to these people if you have questions.
Cheryl Bollinger Dynamic Chiropractic LLC dynamicchiropracticllc@gmail.com
Angela Leakey AML Insurance Services, LLC angela@amlinsuranceservices.com
Loretta Polzin AFS Insurance afsinslp@gmail.com
Joey Zarrillo RE/MAX Heritage jzarrillo@remax.net
Rebecca Knepper Edward Jones - Financial Advisor rebecca.knepper@edwardjones.com
Mike Leathers Zucca & Daughters & Sons Roofing Co., Inc. Mike@zuccaroofing.com
Tim Truesdale Ecologix ttruesdale@ecologixglobal.com
Brad Draper Watchdog Advisory brad.draper@watchdogadvisory.com
Carman Booker Bank 21 cbooker@bank21.com
Jayme Prenger Integrity Home Care + Hospice jayme.prenger@integrityhc.com
Saralee Rhoads Freelance Writer & Author saraleerhoadswriter@gmail.com
Vanessa Starke Starke Law Offices, LLC vstarke@starkelawoffices.com
Jeff Carpenter Job One jcarpenter@job1one.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ErIc Sporing - Chairman of the Board ECS Capital Investments David Sutphin - Chair Elect Evergy Chad Smith - Secretary/Treasurer Chad Smith Insurance Agency Kelly Chamberlain Business Support & Promotion Cody Raithel - Leadership & Community Development Central Bank of the Midwest Dr. Jon Burke - Membership Events & Services MCC - Blue River Jacqueline Reed - Past Chairman Mid-Continent Public Library Jodi Bowers Encore Web Works Inc. Dr. Annette Seago Blue Springs R-IV School District Kyle Caswell Print Graphics
Mission Statement To promote, develop and facilitate a strong economic environment in which the business community can grow and prosper.
Business of the Year: Colonial Gardens Citizen of the Year: Lyle Shaver, Spring Oak Property Management Connector of the Year: Kelly O’Reilly, Looks of Shear Elegance
2020 PARTNERSHIPS
TIER ONE CPros, Inc. St. Luke’s East Hospital
TIER TWO
TIER THREE Bank 21 Centerpoint Medical Center Central Bank of the Midwest Hy-Vee Food & Drug Store
Christine Cates City of Blue Springs
Cosentino’s Price Chopper
Zachary Goff Oswald Roam & Rew LLC Cindy Miller Columbia College - Kansas City Michael Scott Woods Chapel Church Blue Springs Jaime Russell Anthem Photography Clarissa Murray Fike Corporation
Trish Totta Director of Membership ttotta@bluespringschamber.com Jeri Willingham Director of Special Events jwillingham@bluespringschamber.com
Evergy
TIER FOUR
Rena Lopez Kohl’s Distribution Center
Lara Vermillion President lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com
St. Mary’s Medical Center
Marty Meyers Meyers Funeral Chapel
Kirk Lair Central Jackson County Fire Protection District
CHAMBER STAFF
Becca Blake Communications Specialist bblake@bluespringschamber.com Michael Zarrillo Operations Administrator mzarrillo@bluespringschamber.com
Blue Ridge Bank & Trust First American Title Kohl’s Distribution Center New Age Graphics Print Graphics Zarda Bar-B-Q TIER FIVE Blue Springs Ford Jackson County Tow RE/MAX Heritage
2020 Sponsorship spots still available. Contact Jeri at jwillingham@bluespringschamber.com for more information.
Building Business. Growing Community. Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce 1000 W Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015
Phone : (816) 229-8558 Fax : (816) 229-1244 www.bluespringschamber.com