THE CHAMBER CONNECTION
July 2024
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS
As an advocate for business, the Blue Springs Chamber supports initiatives that strengthen the climate for small business growth and development and opposes initiatives that unnecessarily burden small businesses. Our role is to unite the business community and bring Blue Springs Chamber members to the table during important policy discussions.
One way we do this is by hosting Legislative Breakfasts. Held on the first Friday of the months when the Missouri House is in session (February, March, April, and June), these breakfasts feature updates from Senator Mike Cierpiot and Representatives Jeff Coleman, Dan Stacy, and Chris Sander.
Attending our Legislative Breakfasts provides a unique opportunity for members to stay informed about key legislative updates that impact local businesses. It’s a chance to engage directly with our state legislators, ask questions, and voice concerns. Your participation helps ensure that the business community’s perspectives are heard and considered in policy discussions.
To learn more about the Blue Springs Chamber’s Legislative Priorities, click here. Mark your calendar now to attend the 2025 Legislative Breakfasts on February 7, March, 7, April 4 and June 6, 2025.
July Luncheon
The Impact of Micro Messaging in the Workplace
Negative micro-messages (or microaggressions) are defined as brief and commonplace daily, verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults toward members of oppressed groups”.
During the July luncheon, Gabriela (Gaby) Flores, MSM, Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for Metropolitan Community College will discuss how to recognize negative micro-messages in the workplace and how to develop strategies for reducing them to create an environment of respect and inclusion for all.
Register here for the July Luncheon.
Gaby Flores, MSM
Photos by Anthem Photography
New Members
Olin Winchester, LLC
(816) 683-0575
kchristianson@olinlc.com
Misty Jo Dogwatch
(816) 490-2716
obermeyertiffany@gmail.com
DLBTTO LP
(816) 800-1559
dlbtto2022@gmail.com www.dlbtto.com
KC Credit Card Guy, LLC
(816) 286-0636
kccreditcardguy@gmail.com
PMI KC Metro
(816) 359-0330
dan@pmikcmetro.com pmikcmetro.com
Kiyle Kakes
(816) 839-3443
kiyleekakes@gmail.com
Apple Roofing, LLC
Associated Services in Insurance
Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co.
Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Co. North
Blue Springs Baseball Association
Blue Springs Ford Sales
Blue Springs R-IV School District
Central Bank of the Midwest
Doculock
Ignite Medical Resorts St. Mary’s
Joey Zarrillo, Z Team at RE/MAX Heritage
Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers
Molle Chevrolet
Oswald Rew LLC
Pro Roofers, LLC
Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders
Realty Professionals Heartland-Thompson
Summit Strength Physical Therapy LLC
The Arc of the Ozarks
The Groom Gallery
Truman Heartland Community Foundation
Woods Chapel Lodge
“Being a member of the Chamber has been a great experience. Not only have the staff members sent a number of clients our way, but consistent
participation in Chamber-sponsored
events has helped grow our networking
circle organically.” - Whitney Bobbit, Northern Pine Design
July Events
Did you know know that you can post a special or coupon for your business on the Chamber’s website? It’s called a Hot Deal and it’s free to you as a member!
To add a Hot Deal, visit BlueSpringsChamber.com and login to your member portal. Once you’re logged in, click the Hot Deals Tab on the left side menu. From there, you’ll click the blue “Add Hot Deal” button, then simply add in the details of your deal and choose your offer start and end dates.
When you are finished, click “Submit for Approval”. A Chamber staff member will then review your deal and post it to the Chamber website.
You can also post Member to Member deals valid only to fellow Chamber members. The process is the same: login to your member portal, click the Member to Member Deals tab on the left side menu, then click the blue “Add Member to Member Deal”.
Check out our current Member To Member Deals going on now!
Member News
Genevieve’s Home & Handmade Welcomes New Owner
After twelve years of owning Genevieve’s Home & Handmade, Pam Wheeler has retired and sold the Main street boutique to Samantha (Sammy) Schreckenghaust. Sammy brings creative plans for future classes and workshops, and looks forward to keeping the spirit of Genevieve’ s alive! Visit www. genevieveshome.com to stay up to date on new product launches and upcoming classes.
GAGE Center athlete headed to Olympic Trials
After a breakthrough performance at the U.S. National gymnastics meet, Blue Springs High School junior Evey Lowe has been selected to compete at the Olympic Trials with a goal of earning a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is GAGE’s 7th straight Olympic Trials.
Sandy’s Restaurant Summer Lunch Program
Sandy’s Restaurant is working hard to provide 5,000 lunches to school aged children this summer. They are in need of items that can be purchased in bulk such as chips, fruit snacks, and granola bars. When you bring in a donation to Sandy’s, let your server know to receive 10% off your meal.
Women of Distinction - The Examiner
Nominations are open for the 9th annual Women of Distinction. Celebrate the incredible women helping to make our communities a better place to live, work and play. Nominations are due no later than July 26, 2024. This year’s luncheon and award ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 26 at Adams Pointe Conference Center.
Meet A Member
Jennifer
Bishop, Retail Bins
I’m Jennifer Bishop, owner of Retail Bins. Our mission is two fold: Reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills, and bring a fun, new shopping experience to Blue Springs.
On average, 30% of products that are purchased get returned. In 2022 alone, Americans returned more than $800 billion worth of merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation. If these items are not resold through the original retailer or sold through liquidation; they end up in our landfills. In fact, returns in the United States generate 16m metric tons of carbon emissions during their reverse journey and up to 9.5 billion pounds of landfill waste each year.
At Retail Bins, our commitment lies in contributing to the reduction of landfill waste. We achieve this by acquiring returned, overstock, and shelved items, offering them to the public at significantly reduced rates. By
diverting these items from ending up in the trash, we ensure they find new homes with those who shop our store.
Every Saturday our store is filled with new items, from Amazon returns, overstock items, and inventory from other big box retailers. As the days pass, the inventory and prices reduce; until we close on Thursday & Friday to restock the bins with all new items for the next Saturday!! Given the soaring popularity of these stores, our commitment to maintaining a dynamic shopping experience involves a constant rotation of inventory and the continuous replenishment of bins with an enticing array of exceptional deals.
I have always been an entrepreneur at heart and I love immersing myself into the community. In fact, my kiddos have all grown up the same way, volunteering time within the community. Regardless of the new business venture I am involved in, I am always finding ways to
Jennifer Bishop retailbins@gmail.com
give back. Through Retail Bins, we are supporting the Police Athletic League (PAL) by donating school supplies to kids in Kansas City. And near and dear to my heart is Bra Couture KC, who provides support to uninsured and underinsured cancer patients in Kansas City. As a two-time cancer survivor, it’s important that we are supporting Bra Couture KC’s cause, therefore we will have several weekends where a portion of all proceeds will go to Bra Couture KC.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” - Unknown
Unlock Your Potential: Apply Now for the LEADership Blue Springs Class!
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Do you want to connect with top business, civic, and community leaders in our region? Then don't miss the opportunity to join the LEADership Blue Springs class!
Participating in the LEADership Blue Springs program offers a unique and enriching experience. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Exclusive Access to Leaders
Gain unparalleled access to top business, civic, and community leaders who play vital roles in our region. This is your chance to learn from the best and understand what makes our community thrive.
Behind-the-Scenes
Insights
Get an insider’s view of the processes, programs, opportunities, and challenges that impact our city, county, and state. Understand how decisions are made and see firsthand what it takes to make our community better.
Networking
Opportunities
Meet and exchange ideas with fellow participants and current community leaders. Forge meaningful connections that can help you in your personal and professional life.
From September through May, class members will engage in educational sessions, tours, and candid conversations with community and area leaders. Each month, the LEADership Blue Springs program covers a different topic critical to our community, including: education, big business, small business, non-profit organizations, city government, county government, and state government.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and make a lasting impact on our community. Join us and become a leader who makes a difference. Apply today for the 2024-2025 LEADership Blue Springs class! The deadline to apply is July 19.
2024 Partners
TIER ONE
Jackson County Tow Service
Saint Luke’s East Hospital
St. Mary’s Medical Center
TIER THREE
Anthem Photography
Apple Roofing Bank 21
Central Bank
Cosentino’s Price Chopper
CPro’s, Inc.
Evergy Equity Bank
Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina
Molle Chevrolet
Chamber Staff
TIER TWO
Santa Fe Tow Service
Santa Fe Outside Storage
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
Mr. Electric of Blue Springs
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
Kim McConnell - Administrative Assistant kmcconnell@bluespringschamber.com
Tiffany Obermeyer - Membership Support Specialist tobermeyer@bluespringschamber.com
Contact Us
1000 W Main Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-229-8558
www.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
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
Tara Lavelle Vaughan Fire Solutions
Tim Porter Christian Brothers Automotive
Vanessa Starke Starke Law Offices, LLC
Warren Goessling Kohl’s Distribution Center