July 2021 Newsletter

July 2021

THE CHAMBER CONNECTION

rs u o H After ls Roya ty r a P h Watc Cabos @ Los

Learn

Community

Connect

Promote

July

The Blue Springs Chamber is proud to offer several ways for you to learn & grow your business.

TUESDAY, JULY 13 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CHAMBER OFFICE

FRIDAY, JULY 16 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM SANDY’S RESTAURANT

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CHAMBER OFFICE

REGISTER HERE

REGISTER HERE

REGISTER HERE

“Building Diverse Teams”

We’ll hear from Dr. Charlie Belt regarding the No Tax Rate Increase Bond Issue and No Tax Rate Increase Levy Fund Transfer for the Blue Springs School District on the August 3, 2021 Ballot.

Join us for an hour long opportunity for you to learn how Your Chamber of Commerce can help You and Your business/organization. All members (especially renewed and new members) are welcome to attend.

Sponsored by RE/MAX Heritage - Z Team Realty.

This session will be presented

by Corey Martin, the Director of Communications and Human Relations of Kansas City Cannabis Co., LLC. Corey has been with this company since 2019 as an Advisory Board Member. Prior to that, he served 20 years in the United States Army, retiring from a career with a wide expanse of experiences and knowledge.

July Monthly Luncheon Program: Re-Integration Into the Workforce: Bringing Workers Off the Sidelines Thursday, July 15 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 18011 Bass Pro Drive Independence, MO 64055

Formerly incarcerated individuals represent an underutilized source of talent. Each year, 19,000 ex-offenders are released in Missouri looking for jobs and second chances. This luncheon will feature a panel of experts who have utilized the Missouri Department of Corrections re-entry program and will help you identify ways you can tap into this labor pool.

REGISTER HERE

Sponsored by:

Thank You

Disc Golf Tournament Sponsors!

NEW MEMBERS

MEMBER NEWS

Diamond Contractors 4224 NE Port Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 650-9200 diamondcontractors.com

Blue Springs School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Kinder has retired from his second term as BSSD Superintendent. Kinder devoted 40 years to education and has led the district to some of the highest student test scores in the state. Dr. Bob Jerome will assume the lead role for the 2021-2022 school year.

Summers Compounding Pharmacy 2422 SW State Route 7 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 339-9880 summerspharmacy.com

The Blue Springs Education Foundation awarded the Spotlight on Giving award to BSSD Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Annette Seago earlier this year. Dr. Seago is also retiring after serving the district since 2002.

Quality Service of Kansas City LLC 2817 SE 4th Blue Springs , MO 64014 (816) 210-4218 Whataburger Coming Soon! whataburger.com

MEMBER RENEWALS New Age Graphics Courtyard by Marriott Lead Bank Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care Belfonte’s Mirror Image Express Car Wash Outdoor Restrooms Inc Rockhill Orthopedic Specialists, Inc

Word of Mouth Marketing & Business Development LLC has published a new ebook titled “The Word Is...You’re Ready To Start Your Business!”. This ebook is geared towards individuals looking to start a successful business from step one. Visit wordofmouthmarketingandbusinessdevelopment.net for more information.

Community Services League - Blue Springs Office is collecting school supplies to serve students in need in our community. Your support will help ensure students have a successful start to the school year. Each student receives a backpack filled with school supplies appropriate for their grade level AND a new pair of shoes. Contact Melodie for more information.

Congratulations to Lead Bank, Vest Professional Services, Platinum Realty & Evergy on being recognized among Ingram’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies 2021.

NO TAX RATE INCREASE Bond and Levy Fund Transfer

Paulette Crawford, Small Business Specialist

At the June 9, 2021 Board meeting, the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce

Raising Cane’s

Board of Directors issued a resolution in support of the No Tax Rate Increase

COUNTRY Financial

Bond & Levy Fund Transfer for the Blue Springs R-IV School Dsitrict on the

Wes Condron

August 3, 2021 ballot.

Royal Signs & Graphics Inc

This no tax rate increase bond will allow the Blue Springs School District to add

Advanced Surgical Associates

a freshman addition to the campus at Blue Springs High School and create

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

a career and innovation center through the renovation of the former Blue

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Springs High School Freshman campus.

Decaf Tees Custom Screen Printing

It will also help to address current and future community growth issues at

Core Medical Center

several buildings including James Lewis Elementary, William Bryant Elementary

5 Star Garage Door Sales & Service

and Chapel Lakes Elementary, and allow construction of a multipurpose room

Lakeview Crossing

at Franklin Smith Elementary which will be able to withstand an EF5 tornado.

Oswald Roam & Rew LLC

In addition, it will upgrade the kitchens at five elementary schools to provide

Meyer Music

better food options for students and staff.

Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.

This no tax rate increase levy fund transfer of ($.06) will move approximately

Meinershagen & Co.

$3.5 million dollars from debt service to the District’s operational fund; and

Stone Canyon Golf Club

will allow the District to hire additional mental health support by hiring

Help! HR

licensed professional counselors and increase support in health clinics by

TRIAD Properties

hiring registered nurses. It will also help to reduce class sizes, and continue to

Harvest Baptist Church Blue Springs

recruit and retain quality staff.

KC Roofing and Renovation Solutions

Please vote Yes for both the No Tax Rate Increase Bond Issue & the No Tax

StorTropolis Self Storage

Rate Increase Levy Fund Transfer on August 3, 2021.

MEET A MEMBER Dawn Eblen, Community Blood Center My name is Dawn Eblen. I am an Account Manager with Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City and I cover East & Southeast Missouri.

My mission is to help provide and maintain the blood supply our organization needs to support our community hospitals. My role includes managing existing blood drive accounts in my region while also building relationships geared toward starting more blood drives. Our hospitals need nearly 600 donors each day in order for us to keep

Dawn Eblen deblen@cbckc.org

up with the blood supply needs of our hospitals such as Children’s Mercy, Saint Luke’s Medical, KU Med, Truman Medical and so on. We are their sole provider of blood that is needed for patients that are afflicted with cancer, heart & blood disease and emergency & trauma situations.

I was born out East, but grew up in the Midwest. I moved to Kansas City over 25 years ago to be near family that already lived here.

I am the oldest of two brothers & a sister. I have been married for almost 6 years (anniversary coming up on July 3rd) and we have one wonderful, miracle son, named T.J. (short for Thomas) who is almost 5 years old. I love football and the Chiefs. I enjoy traveling when I can especially to the Mountains as I love to hike. Anything outdoors is where I like to be! My husband and I have a love for supporting non-profits & support several children overseas through giving as well as through our church.

“I care about people because it’s in my BLOOD!” - Dawn Eblen

MEET A CONNECTOR Candace Haltom, Word of Mouth Marketing & Business Development What motivated you join the chamber?

I joined the chamber because I wanted to learn more about my community as well as the businesses and leaders who made my community the way it is today.

What’s the single best thing you’ve experienced as a business person in this community because of the efforts of the chamber?

I was motivated by the referrals from the Chamber and chamber members to continue to build new connections and grow my business.

What problem did the chamber help you solve in your own business?

I used to be afraid to promote myself at networking events but the Chamber has given many plenty of opportunities and encouragement over the years to push that fear aside and put myself out there.

What have you learned from Chamber membership that you applied to your professional life?

Candace Haltom 2expandyourbrand@gmail.com

I went through the Leadership program and learning who I am as a leader and how to turn my opportunities into wins has allowed me to be a better leader for my staff.

What aspect/part of the community are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for the great Blue Springs School District. school and of course meeting new friends.

My daughter loves the curriculum, the teachers and leaders in her

CALENDAR July 2 @ 12:00 pm genbluesprings Meeting Sinclair’s Restaurant July 5 - Chamber Closed July 7 @ 8:15 am Executive Committee Meeting Chamber Office July 8 @ 12:00 pm Fall Fun Festival Meeting Chamber Office July 13 @ 8:00 am Power Hour Chamber Office July 14 @ 8:15 am Board of Directors Meeting Stoney Creek Conference Center July 15 @ 11:30 am Monthly Luncheon Stoney Creek Conference Center

CONGRATULATIONS! 2020-2021 LEADERSHIP CLASS GRADUATES Angie Martin, First American Title Debbie Leone, City of Blue Springs Melissa Waters, Oswald Roam & Rew LLC Sgt. David Brotherton, Blue Springs Police Department Eileen Cooper, Blue Springs Police Department Kristen Crosslin, City of Blue Springs Devin Ceperley, Blue Springs School District Sarah McInerny, Blue Springs School District Shelly Xiong, Nelson Atkins Art Museum Staci Parker, Community America Credit Union Sophie Johnson, Centerpoint Medical Center The Chamber is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 LEADership class. Participants develop skills and knowledge of our community through a series of workshops focusing on business, government, quality of life, and volunteer services.

Click here to apply.

July 16 @ 7:00 am Legislative Affairs Task Force Sandy’s Restaurant

AFTER HOURS NETWORKING

July 20 @ 3:00 pm Ribbon Cutting - Word of Mouth Marketing Chamber Office

Thursday, July 22 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Rink Ratz

July 21 @ 3:00 pm Chamber 101 Chamber Office July 22 @ 4:30 pm After Hours Networking Rink Ratz July 27 @ 11:30 am Meet Me For Lunch Custard’s Last Stand July 28 @ 8:30 am Financial Oversight Chamber Office July 29 @ 4:00 pm Ribbon Cutting Novel Place

Rink Ratz

513 SW Keystone Drive Blue Springs, MO 64014 REGISTER HERE Bring your family and skate free!

Food and drinks available for purchase at the concession stand.

LOOKING AHEAD First Responders Awards Luncheon - Thursday, August 19 Fall Fun Festival - September 17, 18 & 19 Cornhole Tournament - Saturday, October 2

PROMOTE

PROMOTE

SEPTEMBER 17 - 19, 2021 FESTIVAL . PARADE . LIVE MUSIC . & MORE!

UNDER THE

BI G T O P Featuring: Ryan Daniel Disco Dick & The Mirror Balls The Rock Gods

Be A Vendor or Sponsor 816-229-8558 Vendor Booths Parade Car Show Beer Garden Contests & More!

bluespringsfallfestival.com

Apply Today!

1000 W. Main Street 816.229.8558 The Program Leadership Blue Springs was established in 1991 by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce to develop a community leadership pool. Participants will develop skills and knowledge of our community through a series of workshops focusing on business, government, quality of life, and volunteer services.

The Commitment Participation in the Leadership Blue Springs program involves a substantial personal commitment of time and energy from each class member. Attendance is required at all sessions including the one-day retreat.

All sessions will run from 8am to 4:30pm. Class members are required to participate in a class project and to attend a specific City Council meeting in order to graduate.

The Selection Criteria Anyone may apply. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a commitment, motivation, and interest to service in Blue Springs and have the full support of the corporation or organization they represent.

The Cost, Schedule, and How to Apply Tuition for Leadership Blue Springs is $475 for members and $575 for non-members. Applications are available at the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce office or on-line at www.bluespringschamber.com. Deadline to apply for Leadership Blue Springs is July 23, 2021.

APPLICANT

Candidate agrees to attend every session of the program. Emergency circumstances will be considered with notice to Madi Fritts. The Steering committee reserves the right to accept or reject any or all candidates without cause. Unless otherwise requested, your email address will be added to our member distribution list for member news, updates, and events.

Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce 1000 W Main, Blue Springs, MO 64015 (816) 229-8558

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mission Statement To promote, develop and facilitate a strong economic environment in which the business community can grow and prosper.

David Sutphin - Chairman of the Board Evergy Chad Smith - Chair Elect Chad Smith Insurance Agency Cody Raithel - Secretary/Treasurer Central Bank of the Midwest Eric Sporing - Past Chairman ECS Capital Investments Clarissa Murray - Business Support and Promotion Fike Corporation Zach Goff - Membership Events & Services Oswald Roam & Rew, LLC Michael Scott - Leadership & Community Development Woods Chapel Church Blue Springs Ashish Patel Hampton Inn Blue Springs/Kansas City Brandon Keller City of Blue Springs Cindy Miller Columbia College - Kansas City Dr. Annette Seago Blue Springs R-IV School District Dr. Thomas Meyer MCC - Blue River Erika Lucas Sandy’s Restaurant Jeff Carpenter Job One Kirk Lair Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Kyle Caswell Print Graphics Laura Sipes Help!HR Melodie Chrisman Community Services League Blue Springs

2020 Business of the Year: Sandy’s Restaurant 2020 Citizen of the Year: Chuck Zuvers, Zuvers Real Estate 2020 Connector of the Year: Carman Booker, Bank 21

2021 PARTNERSHIPS TIER ONE Saint Luke’s East Hospital

CHAMBER STAFF

Lara Vermillion President lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com

TIER TWO St. Mary’s Medical Center TIER THREE Bank 21 Central Bank of the Midwest Chad Smith Insurance Agency Colonial Gardens Community America Credit Union Indigo Jackson County Tow Kohl’s Distribution Center Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina Oswald Roam & Rew LLC

Trish Totta Director of Membership ttotta@bluespringschamber.com Madi Fritts Special Events Coordinator mfritts@bluespringschamber.com Becca Blake Communications Specialist bblake@bluespringschamber.com Rose Hall Administrative Assistant rhall@bluespringschamber.com

TIER FOUR Jeri Willingham Hy-Vee Queen of Fest MCC - Blue River jwillingham@bluespringschamber.com Print Graphics RE/MAX Heritage - Z Team Realty Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue Rehab.

Zarda Bar-B-Q TIER FIVE Greco Agency Farmers Insurance Plowboys Barbeque

2021 Sponsorships are now available. Contact Becca at bblake@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