THE CHAMBER
CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2023
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Tourism Development Survey
The Chamber is working with Destination Services to create a strategic plan for tourism in Blue Springs. As a valued stakeholder in our community, your input is crucial in shaping the future of tourism development in Blue Springs. We invite you to participate in a brief survey that will help us understand your thoughts and preferences regarding a tourism plan that benefits our visitors, residents, local businesses and overall community. Click here to take the survey, or scan the QR code to the right. If you are a business that welcomes and serves visitors to Blue Springs, please consider sharing our Visitor Survey with your email list. The more feedback we can collect the better! Click here for the Visitor Survey Email.
TRICK OR TREAT MAIN STREET Kids braved the cold for candy Downtown Alive! hosted their annual Trick-or-Treat Main Street event on Saturday, October 28. Despite frigid temperatures, families bundled up and enjoyed safe trick-or-treating along Main Street in downtown Blue Springs. Lil’ Blue was thrilled to celebrate the spooky season with fellow costumed characters!
HAPPY CHAMBERVERSARY! Assured Partners of Missouri, LLC Benton House Blue Springs Family Eye Care Cable Dahmer Arena CJ Real Estate, Inc Dental Depot Fish Window Cleaning Huttinger Construction Co. RE/MAX Heritage David Wiesemann
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Blue Springs Travel (816) 988-7100 bluespringstravel.com Center for Developmentally Disabled (816) 531-0045 cddkc.org Core Medical Center (816) 229-7561 coremedcenter.com
Reece Nichols Sage Door Group Scout Coffee Smedly, LLC The Examiner TruMark Custom Homes LLC Turner, Matthew A. D.D.S., P.C.
Culver’s (816) 220-8700 Culvers.com Edward Jones (816) 781-1612 edwardjones.com
Virtuous Insurance Planning Winterstone Golf Course Zarda Bar-B-Q
Indiveri Orthodontics (816) 229-1245 indiveriortho.com Silver Heart Inn (816) 838-9508 silverheartinn.com Skintimate Vogue, LLC (816) 398-9809 Mieisha.musawwir@gmail.com Summit Lawn & Landscape (816) 966-9434 summitlawn.com Tiffany Taylor CPA (816) 868-3105 tiffanytaylorcpa.online Ward Development (816) 229-8115 Lathan@valley-oaks.com
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CAR WON'T GO?
UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 15
Chamber Champions Meeting 8:30 am @ Chamber Office
After Hours Networking FROM Global Entrepreneurship WeekANY 4:00 pm @ MOBILE East Forty Brewing DEVICE REGISTER HERE
NOVEMBER 7 Financial Oversight 8:00 am @ Chamber Office
NOVEMBER 9 Legislative Affairs Task Force 7:30 am @ Sandy’s Restaurant REGISTER HERE Sponsored by BV Contracting Solutions
NOVEMBER 10 Chamber Office Closed In recognition of Veteran’s Day
NOVEMBER 14 Business Before Hours 7:30 am @ Sandy’s Restaurant REGISTER HERE Ribbon Cutting 10:30 am @ Meyer Music REGISTER HERE
NOVEMBER 16 Monthly Luncheon State of the School District ** TOW or 816.524.9688 SANTAFETOWSERVICE.COM 11:30 am @ Adams Pointe Conference Center REGISTER HERE Sponsored by Central Bank of the Midwest
CAR WON'T GO?
NOVEMBER 17 Board of Directors Annual Retreat 8:15 am @ The Table Event Space
NOVEMBER 21 Meet Me For Lunch 11:30 am @ Culver’s REGISTER HERE Ribbon Cutting 4:00 pm @ Lighthouse Legal REGISTER HERE
FROM ANY MOBILE DEVICE
NOVEMBER 23 Thanksgiving Day Chamber Closed
NOVEMBER 24 Chamber Closed
** TOW or 816.524.9688 SANTAFETOWSERVICE.COM
Chamber Connection 3
2023 Nominees Business of the Year Anthem Photography Bank 21 Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. BV Contracting Solutions East Forty Brewing Kansas City Cannabis Nothing Bundt Cakes Smedley, LLC Tuscany’s Fine Italian Dining
Not for Profit of the Year Center for Developmentally Disabled Citizen’s Police Academy Hero Fund USA Hillcrest Transitional Housing Purple Peace Foundation
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Nominee Recognition Luncheon THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ADAMS POINTE CONFERENCE CENTER
RSVP
Annual Awards Banquet FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM ADAMS POINTE CONFERENCE CENTER
RSVP https://business.bluespringschamber.com/events/details/annual-banquet-23594
Chamber Connection 5
MEMBER NEWS The City of Blue Springs appointed Christine Cates as the new City Administrator in October. Christine joined the City in July 2002 as the Director of Finance, and was promoted to Assistant City Administrator Finance and Administrative Services in June 2011. Genevieve’s is hosting a Holiday Open House on November 3-5. Enjoy free gifts, in-store specials and lots of great holiday gifts and decor! You can also shop Geneveive’s online at genevieveshome.com and enjoy free delivery within a 20 mile radius. Christine Cates
KARMA Community Market is hosting a Holiday Mart Pop Up on Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. KARMA features over 30 local artisans, makers and small business owners in their newly renovated historic downtown Blue Springs space. Check out their extensive lineup of community friendly events and workshops at karmacommunitymarket. com/events New member Silver Heart Inn is celebrating their newly acquired Historic Designation from the City of Independence with an open house and cake reception on November 15 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Learn more about Silver Heart Inn and it’s rich history at silverheartinn.com. Aleuro Bakery is offering macaron Thanksgiving Boxes full of mouth-watering fall flavors. They will begin taking pre-orders on November 11, and will have a few boxes available for purachase at their November 18 pop-up at KARMA Community Market. For more details visit them at facebook.com/aleuro.bakery. Downtown Alive! is hosting it’s second annual Christmas on Main in Downtown Blue Springs on December 9th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Enjoy multiple vendors, food trucks, mobile boutiques, Santa Claus, cookie decorating & crafts. Click here for more information. Kansas City Zoo & Acquarium has brought back their popular lantern festival GloWild which runs through December30. This year’s theme is “Around the World”, which features gorgeous handcrafted lanterns celebrating the iconic landmarks and animals of the seven continents. Get full festival details and purchase tickets at kansascityzoo.org. Congratulations to the Saint Luke’s East Hospital team for receiving the Get with the Guidelines® Gold Plus Award for providing excellent stroke care! The Get with the Guidelines® recognition from the American Heart Association honors hospitals for their work and achievements in improving patient outcomes in cardiovascular and stroke focus areas. The award recognizes hospitals for providing the latest scientifically-based treatments with adherence to industry guidelines in patient care. On October 13th, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. celebrated 65 years of community banking, partnerships, community development, friendships and so much more!
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Hi, I’m Lil’ Blue!
BUY
BLUE SPRINGS
Passport CHALLENGE 2023
Next Door Means More
Blue Springs businesses have teamed up to make holiday shopping even more rewarding this year with a Buy Blue Springs Passport Challenge. Support small businesses, shop local, and check in to win prizes!
Follow These Easy Steps
The Passport Challenge Nov 10 - Dec 14
Scan the QR Code For contest rules and how to enter Join the Challenge Register with your name and email address to start playing Check in at Passport Stops Visit the business passport stops on the map, find Lil’ Blue and check in to win an exclusive Blue Springs tote bag and entries into the $400 Grand Prize drawing! Bonus Entries Make a purchase at a passport stop and text a photo of your receipt to (855) 931-0402. One bonus entry per location.
The Buy Blue Springs Passport Challenge starts on Nov. 10, 2023 and runs through Dec. 14, 2023. The Grand Prize drawing will take place on Dec. 15, 2023.
Prizes Check-in at 10 or more passport stops to win a FREE Blue Springs tote bag! Each check-in is worth points too! For every 25 points you earn, you’ll automatically get one entry into the Grand Prize drawing! For details, visit
https://www.bluespringschamber.com /passport-challenge
Scan the QR code with your camera to Sign Up for the Contest!
Chamber Connection 7
MEET A MEMBER Jaime Gehly, United Laser Engraving In our Member Spotlight this month, we proudly feature Jaime Gehly, the creative force behind United Laser Engraving. Having returned to our town from the bustling city of Los Angeles, Jaime brings a unique blend of passion and craftsmanship to his work. United Laser Engraving specializes in crafting personalized edge-lit signs, distinctive sports memorabilia, fashionable sports apparel, and exquisite event decor. Our selection of top-selling items is fully customizable, available in wholesale quantities, and ready to enhance your brand. Discover the artistry of United Laser Engraving at unitedlaserengraving.com or get in touch at 816-296-9595. Let Jaime and his team illuminate your space, events, and retail offerings with their exceptional creations.
jaime@unitedlaserengraving.com
(816) 296-9595
“Every engraving tells a tale, adding a touch of uniqueness to the world, one design at a time.” - Jaime Gehly
Did You Know? Value of Sponsorships Did you know, Chamber sponsorship is a robust strategy for elevating your company’s profile, credibility, and relationship-building capabilities within the local business community. When you align your business with the Chamber, you gain prominent recognition in print and digital marketing materials, on the chamber’s website, and across our social media platforms. This extended reach not only bolsters your brand image but also extends your visibility to a broader audience. Sponsorship also provides unique opportunities for businesses to forge and strengthen relationships through face-to-face marketing at various Chamber events, further enhancing networking and growth prospects. 2024 Sponsorship opportunities are now available to 2023 Sponsors for first right of refusal. They will then open up to all members on November 15. Contact Trish at ttotta@bluespringschamber.com or call (816) 229-8558 if you would like to discuss the most impactful sponsorship opportunities for your business.
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BLOG ROUNDUP Catch up on October’s Blog Posts Why Understanding Workplace Personality Boosts Company Culture What’s motivating your employees? It turns out that workers want a lot more than a paycheck and job flexibility. In fact, some of what they want is rooted in personality and workplace psychology. Read more.
Achieve Big Things When You Think Small For those managing lean start-ups or small ventures, adopting a “think small” mentality has significant advantages. Here are three ways focusing on the little things makes a big difference. Read more.
Making Changes in Your Organization Starts with You In every organization, change is inevitable. It’s the leaders who play a pivotal role in navigating these shifts, adapting priorities, and reimagining team engagement. However, when leaders are not aware of personal development gaps they inadvertently sabotage change initiatives. Read more.
Regain Control Over Your Calendar with the ‘4 Buckets’ Trick In the dynamic world of running a business, where each day brings a cascade of seemingly urgent tasks, it’s easy to pack your calendar to the brim. How do you ensure that your days are productive and contribute to your overall goals? Read more.
October Small Business News You Can Use This month’s articles include need-to-know information for small businesses, including information about small business banking, holiday market trends, and more. Read more.
Chamber Connection 9
2023 BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
The mission of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is to be the leading resource for business and an effective influential community partner.
Cody Raithel- Chairman of the Board Central Bank of the Midwest
2022 Business of the Year: Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers 2022 Not For Profit of the Year: Job One
Michael Scott - Chair Elect The Table Erika Lucas - Secretary/Treasurer Sandy’s Restaurant Chad Smith - Past Chairman Chad Smith State Farm Insurance Ashish Patel - Business Support and Promotion Hampton Inn Kansas City/Blue Springs Jeff Carpenter - Membership Events & Services Job One Carman Booker - Leadership & Community Development Bank 21 Bobby Olm-Shipman Saint Luke’s East Hospital Jason Norbury City of Blue Springs Katie Woolf Blue Springs R-IV School District Kirk Lair Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Lisa LaCombe United Real Estate Lorne Meinershagen Meinershagen & Co. Melodie Chrisman Meyers Funeral Chapel Phill King Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Indep. Suzanne Gochis MCC - Blue River Travis Hunt New York Life Insurance Vanessa Starke Starke Law Offices, LLC Warren Goessling Kohl’s Distribution Center
2022 Citizen of the Year: Debbi Riess-Roam
2023 PARTNERS
CHAMBER STAFF
TIER ONE Jackson County Tow Service Saint Luke’s East Hospital St. Mary’s Medical Center
Lara Vermillion President lvermillion@bluespringschamber.com Trish Totta Vice President ttotta@bluespringschamber.com
TIER TWO Evergy Santa Fe Tow Service TIER THREE Abundant Life Anthem Photography Bank 21 Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co. Central Bank of the Midwest Chad Smith State Farm Insurance Cosentinos Price Chopper Kohl’s Distribution Center Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina McCarthy Blue Springs Hyundai MCC - Blue River Zarda Bar-B-Q
Rose Hall Events Coordinator rhall@bluespringschamber.com Becca Blake Communications Specialist bblake@bluespringschamber.com Mikayla Lavelle Administrative Assistant mlavelle@bluespringschamber.com
TIER FOUR CPro’s, Inc. Equity Bank First American Title GM Peters Agency Greco Agency Farmers Insurance Hy-Vee Food & Drug Kansas City Cannabis Miller 8 Theatres Print Graphics Sandy’s Restaurant Smedley, LLC TIER FIVE Job One Lies Trash
2024 Sponsorships are now available. Contact Rose @ rhall@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