Business Outlook January 2019

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JANUARY 2019 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PAGE 3

GOODBYE & THANK YOU, GINGER LaMAR PAGE 4

BUSINESS EXPO PAGE 4

TLT GOVERNMENT SESSION PAGE 6

…more announcements and opportunities inside!

PHOTO COURTESY PATRICK TUTTLE

N E W S L E T T E R

P R E S E N T E D

B Y :

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2018-2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Brandon Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman of the Board Jerrod Hogan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman Elect of the Board Kelli Perigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Clive Veri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Chairman of the Board Louise Secker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chairman Membership/ Community Development Services Brent Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Co-Vice Chairman Membership/ Community Development Services Betsy Kissel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Co-Vice Chairman Economic/ Workforce Development Services

DIRECTORS Gina Atteberry Todd Chenault Jeremy Drinkwitz Donovan Edwards Chad Greer

Rick Grise Jacqueline Hackett Mark Johnson Julie Larson Dr. Alan Marble

5 LEVEL SPONSORS S T A R

PARTNERSHIP PLATINUM LEVEL

City of Joplin Crossland Construction Company Downstream Casino Resort Liberty Utilities – Empire KOAM-TV/FOX 14 - KFJX SNC Squared Stronghold Data LLC

CHAIRMAN LEVEL

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Sam Anselm Dr. Brad Hodson John Bartosh Dr. Melinda Moss Dr. Glenn Colthorp Sergio Rizo Shawn Daniel Marilyn Ruestman Mike Gray Gary Shaw

CHAMBER STAFF EXECUTIVE Toby Teeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Tonya Sprenkle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chief Financial Officer/Vice President Lisa Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Assistant

FINANCE & MARKETING Samantha Doubledee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Finance Manager Erin Slifka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marketing & Public Information Manager

MEMBER SERVICES Ginger LaMar, IOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Member Services & Development Stephanie McGrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Events Manager Reggie Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership Sales Strategist

Commerce Bank EaglePicher Technologies, LLC Freeman Health System General Mills H.E. Williams, Inc. Joplin Floor Designs Joplin Globe Publishing Company Joplin Supply Company KODE-TV/KSNF-TV Lamar Outdoor Advertising Lancaster Signs Mercy Hospital Joplin Missouri Southern State University Results Radio, AMI Radio Group Southwest Missouri Bank US Bank, N.A.

PRESIDENT LEVEL Arvest Bank BKD, LLP Community Bank & Trust (CBT) Lakeland Office Systems, Inc. Roper Honda Show Me The Ozarks Magazine Weed Whackers, Inc.

ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Kevin Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Business Attraction & Retention Loni Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Small Business Incubation

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Lea Schroer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant Debra Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Program Services Assistant

FIND US AT:

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce 320 E. 4th Street, Joplin, MO 64801 (P) 417.624.4150 (F) 417.624.4303

www.joplincc.com /joplinchamber /joplinchamber

DIRECTOR LEVEL Cable ONE Business Choice Marketing Connell Insurance, Inc. Joplin ProPrint Motive Matters Storm Cloud Marketing

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I’m honored to serve our business community as the new President of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Our amazing, Chamber team is re-energized and ready to serve our membership in new, innovative ways in 2019.

Before I give you a taste of what’s to come, I want to recognize Ginger LaMar’s nearly 20 years of public service as the Chamber member services leader. Ginger has been instrumental in the growth and success of numerous programs under her leadership, including Leadership Joplin, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, the Business EXPO, and the establishment of the Leads groups program. Ginger will be leaving us and moving to Northwest Arkansas to be closer to Toby Teeter her family as she ventures into the next chapter of her President Joplin Area Chamber career. The Chamber family supports her 100% in those of Commerce endeavors. Thank you and we wish you well, Ginger!

Also, I want to recognize both Terry Wachter and Rob O’Brian. As Interim President, Terry has done an outstanding job leading our team through this transition, and Rob has spent much of his time in recent weeks helping me get situated and up to speed. I can’t thank these two individuals enough for their service and assistance.

Moving forward, we will be modernizing how we communicate with our membership and how we deliver new and existing Chamber services. We are going to build a culture of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. We are going to take a strategic approach to economic development, utilizing new marketing technologies to tell Joplin’s story to the world, including lifting Joplin’s online presence and utilizing inbound marketing best practices. We are going to collaborate with other community organizations, acting as a catalyst, and put community outcomes before personal or even organizational goals. We are going to educate our local retailers about omnichannel sales and marketing of their products. We are going to actively advocate on behalf of our business community before state, county, and municipal governments.

And for this organization to be relevant in the 21st century, this Chamber will be inclusive and welcoming to our diverse business community.

And lastly, your Chamber will be coming to you. Our team will be meeting with each and every one of you to discuss how we can help you achieve your organization’s highest aspirations.

I look forward to serving you.

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

“

Ginger will be leaving us and moving to Northwest Arkansas to be closer to her family as she ventures into the next chapter of her career. The Chamber family supports her 100% in those endeavors.

“

STATE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: A REPORT FROM YOUR CHAMBER METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA Employment Rates (Non-Seasonally Adjusted)

SEPTEMBER 2018 AREA

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT

JOPLIN, MO METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA

84,385

82,359

2,026

JOPLIN-MIAMI COMBINED STATISTICAL AREA

98,852

96,359

2,493

AUGUST 2018 RATE

LABOR FORCE

SEPTEMBER 2017

EMPLOYMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT

2.4% 83,032

80,307

2,725

2.5% 97,464

94,207

3,257

RATE

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT

RATE

3.3% 84,342

81,750

2,592

3.1%

3.3% 98,744

95,531

3,213

3.3%

MSA is comprised of Jasper and Newton Counties. Information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ottawa County, OK (Miami) was added to the two-county Joplin Metropolitan Statistical Area after the last census due to communting patterns.

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 “I think you would really enjoy working with this program.” The famous words out of the mouth of Ginger Lamar accompanied by her beautiful smile. How could I say no? So I have been very blessed to have had the opportunity to work closely with Ginger on many events over the past 15 years… and I am truly grateful!

As you walk through the door to a new venture, remember the legacy you have left behind! You are amazing and will always be remembered!

I wish you the very best, Ginger!

SHELLY KRAFT Kraft Insurance

GINGER LAMAR

June 14, 1999

19 years | 6 months | 20 days

Ginger has been my main contact at the Chamber for many years. I have chaired committees with her and worked on special projects and she has always been pro chamber and community. Ginger is a “giving person “ and always goes beyond the call of duty. When I think of the Chamber of Commerce it’s always Ginger first. Ginger is a very upbeat and cheerful person to talk with. I will miss Ginger at the Chamber. I wish her good luck and I know she will be successful because she is a “go getter” and gives 100 plus percent.

MORRIS GLAZE

Joplin Workshop Ginger, You have always strived to make the Joplin Area Chamber an excellent promoter of local small businesses. I appreciate the enthusiasm you have brought to each area of the Chamber where you were involved. Your hard work in programs like Leadership Joplin and others will be incredibly missed. I wish you much success in your next venture and enjoy those grand babies!

Thank You,

JAMES RICHARDS

Stronghold Data

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Ginger, You will be greatly missed here in Joplin! You have been a great supporter of small business and non-profits in this community.

I have served on chamber committees for 20 years and I have had nothing but fun and professionalism when it comes to you and the programs you run.

I consider you a great friend and wish you the best in your new position. I know you will love being closer to family, good luck in all you do.

Keep in touch,

RHONDA GORHAM

Boys & Girls Club

of Southwest MO Ginger, I have always appreciated your organizational skills and calm demeanor…. sometimes against all odds. If you can coordinate the bunch of misfits on the Leadership Joplin Committee and seamlessly pull off every Leadership Joplin session without a hitch, or even minor hiccups, you have my RESPECT AND ADMIRATION!!! (even though you may be sweating like bullets behind the scenes…)

I wish you the best and YOU WILL BE MISSED!

RICK KELLER

Wells Fargo Advisors

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

Government & Law Session The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2019 participated in the Government and Law session on December 5th. The class experienced a mock trial where they all were a part of the jury, police, defense and prosecuting attorneys and even the perpetrators. They heard from community leaders including Mayor Gary Shaw, City Manager Sam Anselm, Senator Ron Richard and the Honorable Dan Scott. After the trial, they learned about the SWAT team, saw a K9 demonstration and participated in the police simulator.

The Presenting Sponsor of the TLT Program is‌

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Welcome Class

of 2019

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Kelli Bigando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercy Hospital Kyle Doss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stronghold Data Russell Harbaugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Arc of the Ozarks Tera Lankard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freeman Health System Amanda Lansford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guaranty Bank Aaron Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercy Hospital Courtney Maresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JOMO Moving Archie McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guaranty Bank Brandy Miller-Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercy Hospital Elsie Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franklin Technology Center Bryan Napier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SNC Squared Technology Group Paul Neace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KOAM TV Jared Oakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modine Manufacturing Rose Peacock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mercy Hospital Justin Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guaranty Bank Thomas Sears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arvest Bank Bob Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allgeier Martin Kendra Tilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KCU Medicine & Biosciences Kathy Vanwey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anderson Engineering, Inc. Christina Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corner Greer Architects

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ELECTIONS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

BillTrack 50 Widget

Your Chamber strives to keep you informed about elections and to help you keep track of legislation important to our region and allows you to easily see what is happening in state and federal politics. Our BillTrack 50 widget below highlights the legislation we think is of interest to our members and small business.

Are you looking for legislation not featured on the website widget? Just create a free account on BillTrack50.com and you’ll be able to search for bills covering any topic that interests you.

To see the widget, go to Joplincc.com/government-and-regulations/

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YPN Gives Back will be volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters for the 23rd Annual Levi Englert Basketball Tournament on January 11th. Please come help us support a local charity that betters the lives of children in our area!

We will assist with admissions, concessions, scoreboards, books, game clock, and other duties as needed.

Shift 1: 4:00 – 6:30 pm | Shift 2: 6:30 – 9:00 pm Please sign up through SignUp Genius by Friday, January 4th. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0A4EAEA922A1FF2-23rd

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Members of Arkansas & Missouri Congressional Delegations Announce $25 Million Grant for Critical Segment of I-49 U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), along with U.S. Representatives Billy Long (MO-07) and Steve Womack (AR-03), announced that $25 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has been awarded to complete work on a critical segment of Interstate 49 that will connect Arkansas and Missouri.

The Arkansas/Missouri connector, often referred to as the Bella Vista Bypass, is the only portion of the more than 290-mile route between Kansas City, Missouri and Fort Smith, Arkansas that is not interstate quality. Traffic signals in Bella Vista and just across the state line in Missouri cause major traffic congestion and dramatically slow travel time.

The states have worked to complete this 18.9-mile section of I-49 at the Missouri-Arkansas line for more than 25 years.

Funding for the project is being awarded from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program which is allocated for nationally and regionally significant projects.

“Completion of the critical stretch of the I-49 Arkansas-Missouri Connector is 25 years in the making and I’m thrilled we’re one step closer to getting it done,” said Blunt. “Completing this project will increase safety, improve the quality of life, and strengthen local economies in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Missouri’s transportation networks are our greatest competitive advantage, and I appreciate the partnership of our Arkansas colleagues in moving this project forward.”

“This is exciting news for Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Securing these funds for this shovel-ready project has taken years of vigorous and persistent advocating from my team. Our hard work has finally resulted in funding for a project that will yield dividends when it comes to economic growth and quality of life in the region,” Boozman said. “I appreciate Secretary Chao’s leadership in recognizing the importance of a project that I have championed throughout my time in Congress.”

“Interstate access heralds the continued economic growth of any area, which is why completing the Bella Vista bypass is vital for Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Many businesses and future infrastructure projects depend on its finalization, and this funding will allow that project’s construction finally to move forward. I am grateful to Secretary Chao and the Trump Administration for their dedication to improving Arkansas infrastructure,” said Cotton.

“The completion of the I-49 corridor is long overdue,” Long said. “Today’s announcement is great news for individuals and businesses in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas who have been waiting for this for more than 25 years. I am incredibly thankful for my colleagues in both Missouri and Arkansas who have long been strong advocates of I-49’s completion, and their understanding of the numerous benefits it will bring to local economies in both states.”

“Today’s funding announcement is a game changer that will do more than just upgrade the I-49 corridor – it will transform and modernize our local transportation system to support Arkansas families and the growth of our state. This investment, which I have tirelessly advocated for, will increase travel safety, decrease congestion, create jobs, and enhance the economic vitality of our region. I am grateful to Secretary Chao for listening to the concerns I brought to USDOT, and for moving this important and long overdue project forward,” said Womack.

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

The Alliance of Southwest Missouri Jen Black, Executive Director 1027 South Main Street, Suite 7 20 Year Birthday Bash

PRESENTED BY…

RIBBON CUTTINGS Ribbon provided by COUNTRYSIDE IN THE CITY

Sound Advice Hearing Doctors, LLC Dr. Dave Anthony and Dr. Kimberly Brauer 1531 West 32nd Street, Sutie 208 New Member, New Business

Precision Events Allie Hickam, Event Planner 2707 East 32nd Street New Member, New Business

Jenny Craig Weight Management Jennifer Thorn, Consultant 2401 East 32nd Street, Suite 11 Relaunch

Gusano’s Pizzeria John Hunter, Owner 3829 East 7th Street, Suite E New Local Ownership

LET US HELP YOU CELEBRATE! To schedule a ribbon cutting or inquire about becoming an Ambassador, please call or email Stephanie, 417.624.4150 or stephanie@joplincc.com.

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JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

WE NEED YOUR PROFESSIONAL CLOTHES! Missouri Southern State University and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce are once again partnering together in collecting lightly used professional clothing for Dress to Impress. This event is designed to prepare students for their careers by helping them build a professional wardrobe Dress to Impress has equipped over 800 students and alumni with professional clothing over the past three years! That is why we need your PROFESSIONAL CLOTHES! Please bring your donations to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce or Missouri Southern State University Career Services office (Spiva Library – Suite 207). Deadline is ­­­­March 1, 2019.

Active Lifestyle Events (ALE), a 501(c)3 organization devoted to promoting health and fitness in our community, recently presented a check to representatives of the Joplin Family YMCA. The donation was funded by proceeds from the 2018 Joplin Memorial Runs held on May 19 and will be used to fund an 8-week summer running program for youth ages 5-12, culminating in a one-mile fun run. The purpose of the program is to 1) introduce youth to running and 2) instruct youth on the benefits of being active through this lifetime sport. Attention will be focused on proper technique, stretching, hydration and nutrition. The program will follow the “Kids Run the Nation” curriculum set forth by Road Runners Club of America. The Joplin Memorial Run’s tag line is “Run, Remember, Rebuild.” The race is dedicated to remembering those lost in the EF-5 tornado that hit Joplin on May 22, 2011 and to supporting rebuilding efforts. Through the event, ALE has given over $170,000 toward rebuilding to organizations such as Bright Futures, The United Way of SWMO, Rebuild Joplin, the Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism and Stained Glass Theatre.

In the fourth concert of their chamber series, Pro Musica is pleased to present the Van Kuijk (string) Quartet on Friday, January 25, at College Heights Christian Church, 4311 Newman Road, Joplin. After being selected as BBC New Generation Artists for the 2015-17 term, the Van Kuijk Quartet (pronounced Van Kweek) joined the ECHO Rising Star roster for the 2017-18 Season. Since their formation in 2012, the ensemble has established a presence in major international venues including Wigmore Hall in London and Auditorium du Louvre in Paris. The quartet, comprised of Nicholas Van Kuijk (violin), Sylvain Favre-Bulle (violin), Emmanuel Francois (viola), and Francois Robin (cello), is in residence at ProQuartet, an incubator for artists of excellence in Paris. The quartet records exclusively for Alpha Classics. Their debut recording, simply titled Mozart, was released to outstanding critical acclaim in Autumn 2016 and was followed by a disc of French music in late 2017. The concert, which starts at 7:00 pm, is open to the public at no charge with donations appreciated. The quartet’s appearance in Joplin is sponsored, in part, by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Arts Education Events are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Joplin Community Fund.

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OUR MEMBERS ANNOUNCE PRESENTED BY…

Join Mercy Hospital Joplin on Saturday, January 5 at 9:00 am for their monthly Walk with a Doc, a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle.

What better way to start your weekend/year than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! While you walk at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to have questions answered by a Mercy physician. Dr. Laxmi Kokatnur with Mercy Clinic Neurology is this month’s featured Doc! Meet in the Butterfly Garden north of the hospital entrance sliding doors. Walk with a Doc meets the first Saturday of every month.

Employer Advantage, known for more than 25 years as the trusted Professional Employer Organization (PEO), announces that the company’s COO and corporate counsel, Jared Young, has been named the company’s new president by the Board of Directors and assumed day-to-day management responsibilities at the company. Lee Allphin, the company’s founder and former president and CEO, will maintain an active role as Chairman of the Board. “As an organization dedicated to unparalleled client service, our focus and mission is to always provide strong service teams that are continuously improving,” said Allphin. “Jared has been a tremendous asset to our company and our clients over the past several years, and I am confident that placing him in this new role will enhance Employer Advantage’s ability to serve our clients for years to come.” Young has been with Employer Advantage since 2015 and has spearheaded several major initiatives at the company, including the company’s first-ever acquisition and a conversion to a new core software platform.

Prior to joining Employer Advantage, Young was a corporate attorney at a prominent law firm in Washington, DC. He has a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Brigham Young University. “I am excited and humbled to be taking on this role,” Young said. “Lee and the team have built a terrific company, and I hope I can continue to help us become even better.” Allphin founded Employer Advantage in 1989, with the first clients coming on board in early 1990. The company

now serves more than 400 companies and 10,000 worksite employees throughout the country.

representative directly by referencing the contact information on the list of non-profits.

This January, the Wildcat Glades Friends Group along with other partners will be hosting Preschool Nature Connections programs, Yoga in Nature for Kids, Adult Yoga, and Pollinator Bomb Seed Workshop at Empire Market. Joplin Empire Market is located at 931 East 4th Street, Joplin. All programs are free of charge, but registration is requested. To register, please email robin@wildcatglades.org or visit their Facebook page for online registration options. Classes are limited to the first 20 students registered for preschool and yoga classes.

Suffy Transport is proud to announce Nikki Ward joined their staff on December 12. She is primarily responsible for accounts receivable and helping fleet drivers efficiently transport vehicles across the United States. Welcome aboard Nikki! Suffy is happy to have you join the Suffy family, where “We are Driven to Serve.”

The Carver Birthplace Association is hosting the annual Carver Commemorative event on the 76th anniversary of Carver’s death on January 5, at the Neosho/Newton County Public Library at 12:00 pm. For more information please see the Carver Birthplace Association’s Facebook page. It promises to be a wonderful day, and they hope to see you there! The park will again feature the excellent Iowa Public Television film, George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life on January 5-6 at 11:00 am. A Park Ranger will facilitate a discussion following the film. Come out and honor the Carver legacy.

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast and Day of Service will be held Monday, January 21, at Missouri Southern State University. The breakfast will be held from 8:00 to 9:30 am in Billingsly Student Center’s Connor Ballroom. The cost is $10 per person and free for Missouri Southern students and children under the age of 5. The theme for the 19th annual event will be “Protect the Dream: The Fierce Urgency of Now.” The guest speaker will be Lyle Foster, assistant professor of sociology at Missouri State University. Foster is passionate about community, inclusion and empowerment. In 2015, he began the “Tough Talks” initiative at Missouri State to provide dialogue on issues of diversity and inclusion for students and staff. “Tough Talks” has been presented at other universities and even expanded to Community Dialogues in Springfield. He writes columns for numerous local newspapers, and conducts workshops on issues of diversity and inclusion. He was honored by the NAACP in 2013 by receiving its “Drum Major” award.

Doors will open for the breakfast at 7:30 am. Tickets may be purchased online or at the campus ticket office by 5:00 pm Tuesday, January 15. The Day of Service will be offered from 10:00 am to noon, 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Participants can choose an organization from a list of non-profits in need of volunteer service, available at www.mssu.edu/mlk. Specific times and services needed vary by organization, and the list notes which locations welcome children as volunteers. Contact the organization’s

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The Walmart Supercenter at 2623 West 7th Street will be undergoing a remodel beginning January.

They are looking for hard-working people who are comfortable working in a fast-paced and physically demanding job. While the store undergoes a remodel, they need associates to help customers find what they need and guide them to the items on their shopping lists that may not be in the usual places. You will also assist firsthand with the upgrades being made while making sure shelves are stocked and inventory is moved to the appropriate places.

As a member of the Walmart seasonal remodel team, you will be an important part of the new state-of-the-art Walmart.

Interested individuals should apply on the Walmart Careers website for the following requisition numbers: Day: 27022674 Overnight: 27022676 2019 is a big year for Joplin Supply Company as they celebrate 120 years in business! Keep on the lookout for events this year as they celebrate and honor the City of Joplin. Also, don’t forget to stop by their renovated showroom to see the changes they’ve made!

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences announces the appointment of Laura M. Rosch, DO, CS, MS, FACOI to the position of campus dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine at its KCU-Joplin site. Rosch has amassed a distinguished career working as a practicing physician, medical educator, wellness advocate and community leader. She previously served as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Midwestern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois. In addition, Rosch was a hospitalist in Winfield, Illinois. She also served as a program director at both Mt. Sinai Hospital and Medical Center, and Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois. Rosch earned a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She holds a master’s degree in nutritional science and has served as a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois Department of Nutritional Sciences. Rosch’s primary responsibilities at KCU-Joplin include managing and directing the daily operations of the Joplin medical school campus as well as ensuring students’ wellbeing and academic success.

Please submit your “Our Members Announce” items by the fifteenth of the month to info@joplincc.com.

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 14

6 Tips for Increasing Profitablity in 2019

by KAREN BRADSHAW, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Southern State University

“Profitability comes from loyalty, productivity, and having a character base from which to work.”

–ZIG ZIGLAR

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

If you want your organization to succeed and be profitable, try implementing some viable cost saving methods. Being able to plan for changes in your industry and environment may help your company grow by expanding its operations. Following are some tips that could help increase your firm’s profitability.

1. Research new opportunities for growth in your industry. What are the latest trends? What type of new products and services are your customers going to be seeking during the next several years? Many trade associations publish industry trend reports that estimate future growth in their areas of business.

2. Plan for profitability. Taking the time to plan will help to increase your chances of being cost-effective. For example, you could plan to negotiate better deals with existing or new suppliers, or you could plan to train your employees and provide them with better equipment so they could be more productive.

3. Study your target market segments to determine how you can improve your profitability. Your target markets usually account for 20 percent of your customers and 80 percent of your sales revenue. These people are familiar with your firm and already purchase your products and services. Consider how your firm can best meet their wants and needs, and get them to purchase complementary products or services.

Develop a good customer database that tracks customer purchases. Implement methods that will encourage customers to pay early such as offering trade discounts, making it easier to pay (i.e., accepting on-line payments), or requiring down payments for service work.

4. Examine each category of products and services to determine their level of profitability. Review your pricing strategy on a regular basis. Compete on your exceptional level of quality, uniqueness, or expertise, not just on low prices. You may need to increase your prices, or quit selling unprofitable products and services. For example, restaurants should review each menu item annually to identify profitable items, and either raise the price or eliminate unprofitable items.

5. Review your operating expenses and business costs on a regular basis. Examine areas of waste and potential improvements. Could you implement an energy saving policy by installing new lighting, or investing in more energy efficient equipment? Even after paying for the upgrades, the energy cost savings should increase your profitability, as well as allow you to be a more environmentally conscious firm.

6. Analyze your firm’s financial statements and compare them to key performance indicators and industry standards. This will provide you with a benchmark by allowing you to compare your expenses, revenue and level of profitability with other companies in your industry. You can use statistics from organizations like RMA or BizMiner for industry standard comparisons. Following is a training event that may be useful.

INCREASING PROFITABILITY THROUGH DATA ANALYSIS USING BIZMINER BizMiner is a database that provides industry financial ratios, detailed balance sheet and profit and loss data for a variety of industries. Participants will learn how to use a BizMiner report to help them analyze their business to make better business decisions.

Date: January 18 (Friday) @ 3:00-4:00pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 108 n Cost: $29

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019 16

SMALL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER MISSOURI SOUTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY THE ROBERT W. PLASTER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 3950 Newman Road Joplin, MO 64801-1512 Phone: 417.625.3128 Fax: 417.625.9782

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

JANUARY TRAINING EVENTS Register at: www.mssu.edu

QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP: UTILIZATION, TIPS, AND TRICKS

This training will be a demonstration of QuickBooks and how to best utilize the program and its features.

Date: January 8 (Tuesday) @ 1:30-4:30 pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 107 n Cost: $79

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS: THE FIRST STEPS

Before you start a business, be certain to attend this seminar. Participants will have an opportunity to assess their business idea, learn about the importance of planning, discuss legal and regulatory requirements, learn about marketing strategies, and identify sources of financing. Each participant will receive a Start-up Manual.

Date: January 10 (Thursday) @ 1:30-4:30pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 108 n Cost: $29/business (up to 2 attendees)

LISTENING TO YOUR BUSINESS

This extremely hands-on interactive training event will help you identify where your business is at today and develop your vision for where you want your business to be in three years. Special attention is placed on: Management, Marketing, Finance, Technology, and Operations. Participants will leave this training with a better understanding of what needs to be done now in order to reach their three-year goals. A participant workbook will be provided.

Date: January 15 (Tuesday) @ 1:30-4:30pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 108 n Cost: $49/person

LIVEPLAN: BUILDING A BUSINESS PLAN

Whether you are starting a business, trying to obtain financing from lenders or investors, or expanding your company, you should consider writing a business plan. Live Plan is an online business planning software that works on any type of computer with an Internet connection. You can construct a business plan and financial statements, which can be accessed by multiple users. This workshop will introduce you to the Live Plan software and provide tips on writing a successful business plan. Each participant, who are MSSU SBTDC clients, will receive 90-day access to Live Plan.

Date: January 17 (Thursday) @ 2:00-3:30pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 108 n Cost: $39

INCREASING PROFITABILITY THROUGH DATA ANALYSIS USING BIZMINER

BizMiner is a database that provides industry financial ratios, detailed balance sheet and profit and loss data for a variety of industries. Participants will learn how to use a BizMiner report to help them analyze their business to make better business decisions.

Date: January 18 (Friday) @ 3:00-4:00pm n Location: MSSU, Plaster Hall, Room 108 n Cost: $29

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

The Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff are pleased to welcome our newest Chamber Members.

Please keep these and all Members in mind when looking for goods and services.

JOY HOME CARE MISSOURI

Home Healthcare Providers 122 West 4th Street Carthage, MO 64836 417.310.1661 www.joyhomecaremo.com Kelly Hook, Owner Sponsors: J.D. Buckridge, Higher Vision Coaching.

Training. Consulting; Reggie Powers, JACC

AMERICAN RAMP COMPANY

Manufacturing 601 South McKinley Avenue Joplin, MO 64801 417.206.6816 www.americanrampcompany.com John Hunter, Executive Vice President Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

GUSANO’S PIZZERIA

Restaurant/Bar 3929 East 7th Street, Suite E Joplin, MO 64801 417.623.9090 https://gusanos.pizza/joplin John Hunter, Owner Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

SKINSCULPTING SWEET SERENITY SPA Medical Spa 454 Redings Mill Road Joplin, MO 64804 417.529.3273 Stacia Elliott, Owner Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 32nd STREET SURGERY CENTER, LLC Physicians & Surgeons 1531 East 32nd Street, Suite 6 Joplin, MO 64804 417.627.9699 www.32ndstreetsurgery.com Debbie Scroggs, Administrator Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

RUNAROUND RUNNING & LIFESTYLE CO. Retail-Specialty 422 South Main Street Joplin, MO 64801 417.627.0057 www.runaroundrunning.com Erik and Catharine Bartlett, Owners Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

PREMIER AESTHETICS AND LUXURY SPA

Medical Spa 1603 K66 Galena, KS 66739-4306 800.285.0732 www.premierluxuryspa.com Britney Cook, Esthetics and Cosmetology Sponsor: Reggie Powers, Ginger Lamar JACC

V’S BARBERSHOP

Barber Shop 2917 South Main Street Joplin, MO 64804 417.621.0901 www.vbarbershop.com/location/joplin Lucia Crawford, Owner Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

HEAVENLY SENT PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC Photography/Studio 2034 Connecticut Avenue, Apt. 25 Joplin, MO 64804 417.680.6578 Nicole Petersen, Owner Sponsor: Reggie Powers, JACC

Invite your clients or vendors to join the Chamber.

Contact Reggie Powers at 417.624.4150 or reggie@joplincc.com.

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For this month I am deviating from Monday Morning Leadership to share something different.

In March of 2018, after 23 years of serving the Joplin Community, Rob O’Brian made the decision to step down as the President and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Rob and his family brought their passion, time, and talent which will leave an imprint on many lives for years to come.

While we are all grateful for the past, as it provides us a foundation, we must constantly be forward looking. After Rob’s announcement, the search began for the next President and CEO. The Chamber Board hired Waverly Partners, LLC a firm specializing in executive recruitment. This firm conducted a nationwide search that spanned the course of five months and reviewed several candidates.

Waverly Partners, LLC and a search committee made up of Chamber stakeholders identified key characteristics and qualifications that the next leader of the Chamber would possess. More importantly, the Search Committee wanted to find an individual who has a strong vision for the future and can take us there.

In the end, Waverly Partners, LLC selected nine candidates to present to the Chamber President Search Committee which included a native of the greater Joplin area. Toby Teeter was officially announced as the next Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President on November 29, 2018.

Teeter has been active in the Joplin community for many years serving on the Workforce Investment Board, Carl Junction Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, Spiva Center for the Arts Board, and many others. He has also owned and operated several startup businesses. He will bring his experience as a business owner, attorney, entrepreneur, former lobbyist, and his involvement in our community.

Teeter’s community involvement also includes something we all should be proud of. He is a former member of the Young Professionals Network.

The Joplin Area Young Professionals Network looks forward to working with Toby and is excited to see what we can create together.

Thank you to our YPN program sponsor…

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

2018-2019 YPN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Shawn Daniel Chairman

Jennifer Little Co-Chairman

Ryan Melton Past Chairman

Joe Malin Hayley Sirmon Whitney Warren Dale Clark Alex Gandy Amanda Mitchell Christina Williams Sergio Rizo Ray Moore Heidi Smorstad

“Young professionals are people who care enough to take on the responsibility of the current needs and future desires of the community. People who want to improve the lives of those around them and seek to better themselves along the way.”

– Brent Baker —Shawn Daniel YPN Chair 2018-2019

Business Banking Relationship Manager, Commerce Bank

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BUSINESS OUTLOOK JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 1 Happy New Year Chamber Office Closed JANUARY 2 8:00 am YPN Gives Back Sami’s Family Restaurant 12:00 pm YPN HYPE Lunch Club 1201 4:00 pm YPN Community Impact Social BTB JANUARY 7 11:00 am Business EXPO Committee Downstream Casino Resort JANUARY 8 8:00 am YPN Professional Development Joplin Avenue Coffee Company

4:00 pm YPN Gives Back Boys and Girls Club of SWMO ADD TO MY CALENDAR CLICK TO VOLUNTEER

JANUARY 14 12:00 pm Leadership Joplin Steering Committee JACC JANUARY 15 9:00 am Leads Group One Signature Interior Expressions 1001 South Range Line Road 10:00 am Chamber Foundation Board Meeting JACC 12:00 pm YPN Connections Joplin Avenue Coffee

JANUARY 9 8:00 am Tomorrow’s Leaders Today JACC

JANUARY 16 9:00 am Leads Group Three JACC

8:00 am YPN Building Future Leaders Panera Bread

12:00 pm YPN HYPE Lunch Club 1201

12:00 pm YPN HYPE Lunch Club 1201 JANUARY 10 8:30 am Leadership Joplin Class of 2019 Welcome JACC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ADD TO MY CALENDAR

4:00 pm Military Recruiting Meeting JACC

9:00 am Leads Group Two JACC

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JANUARY 11 7:30 am JACC Morning Brew JACC Advanced Training & Technology Center

JANUARY 17 8:30 am Leadership Joplin 2019 Communications and Media Zimmer Radio, Inc. 4:00 pm YPN Community Impact Social BTB

JANUARY 21 10:00 am Business EXPO Exhibitor Set Up Downstream Casino Resort’s Grand Pavilion JANUARY 22 7:00–11:30 am Expo Setup Continues Downstream Casino Resort’s Grand Pavilion 12:00 pm Business EXPO 2019 Business Day Downstream Casino Resort’s Grand Pavilion ADD TO MY CALENDAR

4:30 pm Business EXPO After Hours Downstream Casino Resort’s Grand Pavilion ADD TO MY CALENDAR

JANUARY 23 10:00 am Business EXPO 2019 Public Day Downstream Casino Resort’s Grand Pavilion ADD TO MY CALENDAR

12:00 pm YPN HYPE Lunch Club 1201 JANUARY 25 8:00 am YPN Executive Committee JACC JANUARY 28 11:30 am JACC Board Meeting JACC JANUARY 30 12:00 pm YPN HYPE Lunch Club 1201

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING… AAA Auto Club of Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993

Residence Inn by Marriott-Joplin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014

All Seasons Signs and Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017

Storm Cloud Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014

Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Missouri Chapter . . . . 2016

Tactical Marketing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017

Arvada Technologies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012

Town Square Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017

Atlas Safe Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012

Wilder’s Steakhouse/Wilder’s Event Center . . . . . . . . . 1987

JANUARY 2019

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Big John’s Heavy Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 Bug Zero Pest Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 CB Title . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 Charlotte’s Angels Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 Fred & Red’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 Goodwill Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996 J.D. Byrider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 Joplin Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 KAB Electric, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012 Lancaster Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 The Lettershop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 LocalRaces.com, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 Murphy Business & Financial LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 New Horizons Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 Pioneer Warehouse & Logistics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 Refresco North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994

When coming to the Joplin area for work I had high expectations for myself. However, some might have said that I was jumping into a “no-win situation”. After all, I was in sales, and people buy from people they know. I did not know anyone that lived within 80 miles, but that changed rather quickly. The company I was with was a member of a 5 Star Chamber that goes by the acronym of J.A.C.C. I became involved with several different aspects of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and tried to take full advantage of the benefits that were offered. Some of those were After Hours, the JACC Morning Brew, and Leads Group One. They all helped me to accomplish my goals, and attain the expectations that I had placed seemingly out of reach.

One of my first encounters with the Chamber was with the Young Professionals Network. Within this network, I was able to make friends in the community, and build my network of professional contacts. My most memorable aspect of chamber involvement was with Leadership Joplin.

Within this program, I forged bonds that will last a lifetime as well as refined my leadership skills to catapult me into my newest chapter.

RAY MOORE

The Alliance of

Southwest Missouri

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KEEP UP WITH ALL OF OUR EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AT JOPLINCC.COM, OR SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS AND RECEIVE REMINDERS FOR THE EVENTS YOU CHOOSE.

jacc MORNING BREW sponsored by OZARKS ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

located at 420 Grand Avenue

Friday, January 11, 2019 @ 7:30-8:30 am RSVP online at www.joplincc.com –OR– by calling 417.624.1996

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAIRMAN LEVEL SPONSOR FOR HELPING US COMMUNICATE WITH OUR MEMBERS…

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