March 2021 Newsletter

March 2021

THE CHAMBER CONNECTION

After Hours Networking Supported by genbluesprings

Learn

Community

Blue 8 s g n i Spr r e l l i M e r t a e Th

Connect

Promote

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM ADAMS POINTE GOLF COURSE

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Virtual Zoom Event

TUESDAY, MARCH 26 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CHAMBER OFFICE

REGISTER HERE

REGISTER HERE

REGISTER HERE

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 Chris Sander.

“Vaccine Distribution and Vaccine Benefits” Dr. Williams, MO Director of the Division of Health & Senior Services, will speak about the state of Missouri’s vaccine distribution plan and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pack your lunch and 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.

Y O U

A R E

I N V I T E D

Under the BIG TOP Annual Awards Banquet

APR

9

2021

Adams Pointe Conference Center

REGISTER NOW

FRI

6

PM

Socially Distanced Cocktails 5:30 p.m.

Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Program 7:00 p.m.

Dessert & Coffee 7:40 p.m.

Socially Distanced Trivia 8:00 p.m.

Awards to be Presented: Business of the Year Connector of the Year 2021 Outstanding Citizen

NEW MEMBERS

MEMBER NEWS

Moxie Pest Control 1251 NW Pamela Blvd, Suite A Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 591-0185 killbugsfast.com

Hometown News is hosting a Trade Show on March 20 & 21 and a Wedding Expo on March 27 & 28. Booth space is still available for both events. Contact Tina Wyatt for more infrmation. Call (620) 717-3565 or email hometownnewskc@gmail.com

Delux Home Health Care 605 SW US Hwy 40, Suite 320 Blue Springs, MO 64014 (816) 298-5666 deluxhomehealthcare.com Tidal Wave Spa of Blue Springs 727 SW Westbound US 40 Hwy Blue Springs, MO 64015 (706) 938 - 0991 tidalwaveautospa.com KC RVs & Motorsports 148 NE McQuerry Rd Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 800-6100 kcrvs.com

MEMBER RENEWALS Blue Springs Botanicals Side Pockets Hy-Vee Food & Drug Store, Inc H&R Block Exclusively Dogs KC First Church of the Nazarene ASI J&S Lawn, Irrigation & Maintenance, Inc 1st Alliance Garage Door Dynamic Chiropractic Rink Ratz Jackson County Hampton Inn Kansas City/Blue Springs Abundant Life Guier Fence Wesley Christian DDS Healthy Smiles Office Products Alliance Alicia Allen – State Farm Centerpoint Medical Center Sonic A-Okay Inspections Tip Top Kettle Corn Once Upon a Smile East Forty Brewing Midwest Auto Service Colonial Gardens CCR Roofing ABWA Dynamic Connections Dave’s Service Center Lunar Bowl Novel Place Fort Osage CTC Fike Corporation Business Assistance

Congratulations to Bliss Chocolatier on being featured in the Washington Post, Kansas City Magazine, Feast Magazine - Midwest and Startland News! Bliss Chocolatier is owned by chocolate-maker Jessica Washburn and her mom, Pat Jarstad. Check out all their delicious chocolates at http://www.blisschocolatier.com Congratulations to Erin Logan, Norwex, on being #4 in the US in leadership Business Builder Bonuses for 2020! This awards represents her hard work in the growth and sucess of her team. Visit http://www. wexitup.com/

GET TO KNOW GENBLUESPRINGS Ashley Lang, KC Managed IT I’m Ashley Lang, Director of Sales & Marketing for Kansas City Managed IT. We provide small and mid-sized firms with a reliable, cost-effective way to manage their IT infrastructure.

I was initially invited to join the Chamber by Jeff Carpenter, Job One, and I have been a Chamber member for 3 years. I love that the Blue Springs Chamber is unique in its ability to make everyone feel welcome. They offer a variety of Ashley Lang events for members to participate alang@kansascityit.com in, allowing there to literally be something for everyone.

There are always new people to meet and new businesses and organizations to learn about.

What I enjoy most about the genbluesprings committee is the opportunity to meet other young professionals in the same position and build working relationships as well as friendships with them. I have also enjoyed the After Hours Networking events and being able to give back by taking part in community service events sponsored by the Chamber.

Being a member of genbluesprings has helped me grow as a business professional through networking, leading events and now as the Chair of the genbluesprings committee. It has helped to get our business’s name out in the community and we are seeing a significant positive impact in our growth.

Currently my life outside of work mostly consists of fixing up the house we bought a year ago. When not in the middle of a pandemic, I travel as much as possible, going on numerous trips every year. Traveling and the outdoors are my biggest passions.

CONNECT

MEET A MEMBER Derrick Jennings, Big Brothers Big Sisters KC Hi! I’m Derrick and I’m a Brand Ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City. In a world of causes, Big Brother Big Sisters makes a difference by creating professionally supported, one-to-one matches for kids who want to realize their full potential. My part in that is to help get people connected with our mission. Whether that’s becoming a Big or helping a business make an impact in our community!

My area of focus includes Blue Springs. We have Littles in your community that are waiting for a Big and we are trying to end their wait! That’s what I love most about working with BBBS, is that when it all boils down, we are helping kids. I can’t imagine many other better reasons to get up in the morning and give my all.

Derrick Jennings derrick@bbbskc.org

I’m the oldest of 6. I was raised in Lees Summit and went to school in Blue Springs. I’m fascinated by developing and learning about human-centered/servicing technology. In my free time, I like reading about cultural anthropology, philosophy, and sci-fi. I have also enjoyed building computers since I was 14. I love wrestling with ideas and challenges.

For more information about getting involved with or donating to the Big Brothers Big Sisters cause call 816.561.5269.

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

MEET A BOARD MEMBER Laura Sipes, Help!HR My company is Help!HR, an outsourced HR function for small businesses. I provide administration, management, consulting, and compliance for small businesses in the HR arena. My company’s mission is “Helping Business for Today and Tomorrow”. I became involved in the Chamber shortly after I moved to Blue Springs. I am an introvert by nature and so the Chamber provided me an avenue to start to get to know local businesses in a smaller setting.

While I don’t have any active local clients, I have volunteered my time to help chamber members with any HR needs/questions they have. I really enjoy that part of my involvement in the chamber. I am also Chairperson of the Power Hour committtee. Helping others gain the knowledge they need to make the HR related decisions for their companies.

Laura Sipes laura@landmconsultingllc.com

This is my first term serving on the Chamber Board. The Chamber has helped me as I started my small business to be able to jump out there and meet people. Its also helped me with my interest in giving back to the community where I live. My husband is a retired disabled veteran. He spent many years on submarines and ships and deployments. I am very thankful he is retired and able to be home with us. We have two rowdy boys, Benjamin and Austin. Benjamin is in the Blue Springs Virtual School program and Austin is a 5th grader at Sunny Pointe Elementary. We also have 2 poodle-mix dogs and two cats, my co-workers! I like reading, watching movies with my family, relaxing outside, and I enjoy my work.

CONNECT

CALENDAR

Legislative Affairs Task Force

March 2 @ 8:30 AM Connectors Meeting Chamber Office

Friday, March 12 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Virtual Zoom Meeting

March 3 @ 8:00 AM Executive Committee Chamber Office March 5 @ 7:30 AM Legislative Breakfast Adams Pointe Golf Club March 5 @ 12:00 PM genbluesprings Planning Virtual Zoom Meeting March 9 @ 8:30 AM Power Hour Virtual Zoom Event March 10 @ 8:00 AM Board of Directors Chamber Office March 12 @ 7:30 AM Legislative Affairs Task Force Virtual Zoom Meeting March 18 @ 11:30 AM State of the City Luncheon Adams Pointe Conference Center March 18 @ 4:30 PM After Hours Event Side Pockets Blue Springs March 24 @ 9:00 AM MO Chamber Federation Legislative Impact Webinar Virtual Zoom Meeting March 25 @ 11:00 AM Meet Me For Lunch Plowboys Barbeque

Register Here This meeting will cover two issues that will appear on the April 6 ballot.

On April 6, Blue Springs voters will decide whether or not to renew the half-cent sales parks tax, with no sunset. In addition to park maintenance, funds would be for one and eventually two new parks on the city’s south edge as well as a new aquatic center adjacent to the Fieldhouse.

Director of Blue Springs Parks & Recreation, Dennis Dovel, will present information about the proposed tax renewal at this meeting. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions.

On April 6, voters will also decide whether or not to approve a $.30 levy to help cover the cost for personnel and operating expenses for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District stations. Voters will also decide whether to approve the issuance of $10 million dollars in general obligation bonds to acquire land for, and construct, furnish and equip a new fire station, acquire fire trucks and other fire/rescue or emergency equipment or apparatus that is mission critical.

Central Jackson County Fire District Chief Jeff Grote will provide information about the bond and levy. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions.

RIBBON CUTTING

March 26 @ 12:00 PM Chamber 101 Chamber Office March 31 @ 8:30 AM Financial Oversight Chamber Office

LOOKING AHEAD Annual Banquet - Friday, April 9 Blood Drive - Friday, April 16 Virtual Escape Room - April 19 - 24 Golf Tournament - Friday, May 14

ABBA Wholeness Center 1209 NW North Ridge Drive, Suite C Blue Springs, MO 64015

February 4, 2021 (816) 988-8379

CONNECT

Mayor’s State of the City Luncheon Mayor Carson Ross will present his annual State of the City Address.

Thursday, March 18 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Adams Pointe Conference Center

Sponsored by Blue Springs Rotary

Lunch served at 11:45 am Program starts at Noon Members $23 | Non-Members $28 Register Here

New Benefit for Members Partnership with Columbia College KC We are excited to share news about a partnership that Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce and Columbia College have launched this year to provide Chamber member companies, and employees of those companies, increased exposure to advanced educational opportunities. Hopefully this new opportunity, a 10% tuition discount, will provide an additional tool to help you retain existing employees and/or find new ones.

Columbia College Kansas City has been an active member of the Blue Springs Chamber for well over 10 years. Columbia College has been regionally accredited for more than 100 years and offers multiple associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in addition to short-term certificate programs. Courses are offered six times a year in an accelerated format to fast track students to their graduation goals. For more information visit BSCOC.CCIS.edu.

April 19-24, 2021 Virtual

Escape Room

Challenge

Help the Blue Springs Chamber support Local Businesses

G

r

a

V

n

a

Test your knowledge of the city, history and businesses of Blue Springs!

$50 Per Team

Includes over $50 worth of Coupons!

Choose the day/time you want to play!

The team with the fastest time wins!

Register at bluespringschamber.com or call 816-229-8558 Hosted by Blue Springs School District & Chamber of Commerce

l

d

u

P

e

r

o

iz

v

e

e

r

!

0 0 5 $

Employees of Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce member businesses Save thousands at Columbia College

FIND SAVINGS 40+ Degree Programs

8 Week Classes

Apply your tuition discount.

Truition: Your education at one low cost. ®

No fees. No book costs. No surprises.

GO FASTER Take 8-week classes 6 times a year.

Transfer previous college credit, licensure and military training Reach your goals sooner.

6 Class Sessions a Year

3.5 Years to a Bachelor’s Degree

SET YOUR SCHEDULE Take classes online and study where and when you want.

Mix and match online and in-seat classes at one of 30+ locations.

Earn your degree. Your way.

BE CONFIDENT $0 Fees or Book Costs

Relax knowing we’ve been accredited for 100+ years.

Earn a high-quality private degree respected by employers.

91,000+ CC Alumni Worldwide

Undergraduate

Join our alumni network 91,000+ strong.

Graduate

$375

$490

$337.50

$441

Discount for Chamber members only <<Document name>>

BSCOC.CCIS.edu (833) 844-3328 v

Discounted tuition rate per credit hour

Learn more at

* Truition® prices are established exclusively for undergraduate and graduate students taking classes online or at one of our adult higher education venues across the nation. Other exclusive programs are in place for students taking classes during the day on campus in Columbia, Missouri.

BIZ60.20

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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 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 Ashish Patel Hampton Inn Blue Springs/Kansas City Jeff Carpenter Job One Kirk Lair Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Kyle Caswell Print Graphics Laura Sipes Help!HR Rena Lopez Kohl’s Distribution Center Tami Courtney Republic Services of Kansas City

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

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 Becca Blake Communications Specialist bblake@bluespringschamber.com Michael Zarrillo Operations Administrator mzarrillo@bluespringschamber.com

TIER FOUR Hy-Vee MCC - Blue River 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