June 2016 Business Outlook

JUN

Business outlook 2016

June 2016

Business Outlook

epic ribbon cutting held may 20 Page 7

our members announce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE More People, More Income

p. 3

INSIDE

researching business trends Page 14 PRESENTED BY Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce | 320 East 4th Street | Joplin, MO 64801 | 417.624.4150 WWW.JOPLINCC.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/JOPLINCHAMBER | TWITTER.COM/JOPLINCHAMBER

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Board of Directors 2016-2017 Executive Committee Karen Plott

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Clive Veri

CHAIRMAN ELECT OF THE BOARD

David Glenn

PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

James Richards

TREASURER

Louise Secker VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP/ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Kim Woodard CO-VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Lori Scott Dreiling VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Brad Beecher CO-VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Directors Ex-Officio Directors Gina Atteberry Sam Anselm Michael Beatty John Bartosh

Brandon Davis Dr. Nicole Brown

Donovan Edwards Mike Gray

Jacqueline Hackett Dr. Alan Marble

Rodney Haynes Dr. Jennifer Methvin Holly Hukill Matt Proctor John Karry Dr. Norm Ridder Randy Moore Marilyn Ruestman Kelli Perigo Michael Seibert Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Staff Executive Rob O’Brian, CEcD PRESIDENT Tonya Sprenkle VICE PRESIDENT Lisa Kelly EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Member Services Ginger LaMar, IOM Stephanie McGrew

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT MEMBER EVENTS PRODUCER

Communications Kirstie Smith COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Wendy Brunner-Lewis COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Martha Getz YPN/COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Finance Samantha Doubledee FINANCE DIRECTOR Melany Frederick FINANCE COORDINATOR INTERN Economic & Workforce Development Steve Russell NEWMAN INNOVATION CENTER DIRECTOR Kevin Welch

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ATTRACTION Cary Beasley, IOM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Mark Turnbull DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL STRATEGIES Administrative Support Lea Schroer NEWMAN INNOVATION CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 2 Melissa Winslow ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

5-Star Partnership Level Sponsors Platinum Level

City of Joplin Downstream Casino Resort The Empire District Electric Company KOAM-TV/FOX 14 – KFJX Stronghold Data LLC

Chairman Level

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

President Level

Arvest Bank BKD, LLP Community Bank & Trust (CBT) Roper Honda Show Me The Ozarks Magazine

Director Level

Choice Marketing Connell Insurance, Inc. Joplin ProPrint Lakeland Office Systems, Inc. Motive Matters Storm Stanley Weed Whackers, Inc.

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce 320 East 4th Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Phone: 417.624.4150 Fax: 417.624.4303 www.joplincc.com /joplinchamber /joplinchamber

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

June 2016

Business Outlook

More People, More Income In the wake of the 2011 tornado, there was a great deal of concern about population loss in the Joplin region. While largely unspoken initially, city, school and chamber leaders were all aware that many other places had lost population following large-scale disasters and that our area could suffer the same fate. That concern was a key factor in many of the immediate and interim decisions made across our community; decisions aimed at a fast, positive approach to getting back on our collective feet.

Five years later, two reports that came out in mid-May indicate the Joplin area has seen both a recovering population and an increase in household income, even as metro areas nationally have seen a decline in income.

First, the U.S. Census Bureau released its July 2015 census estimates for cities and towns in mid-May. This estimate indicated the City of Joplin with a population of 51,818. The 2010 census put Joplin’s population Rob O’Brian, President at 50,150. The number was up in 2011, but fell in the post-tornado count in 2012. While the overall growth from 2010 may seem a bit soft compared to years before the tornado, it is a significant jump considering the city fell back and than gained in the next three years (2013-2015).

Also in mid-May, the Pew Research Center released a lengthy report on “America’s Shrinking Middle Class.” The report was driven by ongoing reports that the middle-income section of the country’s population was shrinking, with the shift going to the low-income and high-income groups due to the direct and lingering impacts of the long recession as well as the uneven economic recovery since 2011.

Pew looked at 229 of the country’s 381 metropolitan statistical areas, a number based on the availability of consistent data for the 2000 and 2010 censuses as well as the July 2014 interim census count. Altogether, these 229 MSAs comprised three-quarters of the U.S. population. The Pew report adjusted incomes for the local cost of living and then scaled all incomes to a family of three persons to create an even comparison across the various metro areas.

Overall, the Pew study found incomes, in every sector, had not kept up with inflation from 2000 to 2014. More to the point of the study, the share of adults living in middle-income households fell in 203 of the 229 MSAs. But the shift out of the middle did not necessarily mean a shift to lower incomes. The report showed the lower income sector increased in 160 metro areas, while 172 saw an increase in the upper income levels. As the report noted, it was not “an either/or proposition.” There was a shift from the middle to both lower and higher income levels in 108 of the metro areas.

Our Joplin MSA remained solidly in the middle income bracket, although the population in that bracket fell from nearly 60 percent to 57 percent. The good news is that the lower-income population also decreased a small amount, while the upper-income level rose nearly 3.5 points to 13 percent. So how does this look compared to the nation? The Joplin MSA is close to the U.S. on percentage of adults in the low-income level, higher on the middle and lower on the upper in 2014 as the table indicates.

Of more interest may be that Joplin is the only Missouri MSA in this study that showed an overall net gain. Several MSAs showed a loss in the middle income that went into the lower-income area rather than moving upward. Some showed losses in the upper-income level as well.

As you can see, the upper-income metro areas of the state are St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia, although none are as high as the U.S. average in 2014. Joplin’s gain in the upper-income sector puts us in a similar position to Springfield. Joplin remains, from 2000 to 2014, the most middle-income metro area of the state but was the only one of the five that did not see an increase in low-income population percentages.

Increasing population and a positive trend in income levels is good news for the Joplin area. The numbers support the efforts made by so many, especially in the past five years, to raise the bar for our community. But the work is not done. We know there are issues with low income and outright poverty that we can do more to address. We want to make sure that as we trend, we trend to bringing in more population and higher paying jobs; increasing the upper income sector because that helps grow the base of support for government, socials services and faith-based organizations. But finally, the Joplin area has benefitted from having a strong middleincome sector for decades. We need to ensure we do all we can to retain and strengthen that sector with good jobs, good education, good housing and a good quality of living. We need to stay Joplin Strong, because the numbers show us why we are Joplin Proud.

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Coming soon: Smaller, less expensive butterflies perfect for residential gardens or home decor. Watch for more details on the Monday and Mid-week Memos, and on the JACC website!

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2016-2017 Executive Committee

Presented by

Message to the Network from Chairman Brent Baker We heard you!

One of my favorite things to do is to find solutions to problems. It is always rewarding be a part of making things better. Recently, we (YPN) spent an hour together discussing what we are doing well and what we can improve. What we heard was encouraging, even in the areas needing improvement.

Some of the good we heard was that we are approachable, welcoming and are respected at the Chamber and in the community.

We were impressed to hear from so many of you that want us to be a part of making Joplin a great place to live, work and play. Specifically, you hope we will be a bigger part of encouraging more companies to bring high-quality jobs to the area and connecting young professionals to those jobs.

Additionally, you are all willing to get involved in supporting a positive image and promoting the fun already available in our region. We know it is our role to bring awareness of existing opportunities and to be at the table to discuss new opportunities when they arise.

We were impressed by the number of passionate young professionals who showed up willing to make a difference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for helping us make YPN the best!

Brent Baker, Chairman Ryan Melton, Co-Chairman Dr. Nicole Brown, Past Chairman Shawn Daniel Jennifer Little Stephanie Onstot Dustin Parker Greg Sutton Megan Tyler Whitney Warren Christina Williams

June 2016

Business Outlook

YPN New Members Caroline Adams MSSU Super Leaders Chelsey Caballero MSSU Super Leaders Joshua Foster MSSU Super Leaders Jayse Henderson MSSU Super Leaders Kacie Hulse MSSU Super Leaders Olivia Massey MSSU Super Leaders Marshall McCord MSSU Super Leaders Megan Neely MSSU Super Leaders Danae Randol MSSU Super Leaders Emmalee Smith MSSU Super Leaders Yeng Zong Yang MSSU Super Leaders

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Ribbon Cuttings

Mercy Hospital Joplin

Gary Pulsipher, President 100 Mercy Way Ground Breaking of Mercy Clinic Family Medicine

Presented by

Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity Scott Clayton, Executive Director 2106 Virginia Avenue Ground Breaking

Ribbon provided by Countryside in the City

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Badge Window Clings Sent to Rebuilt Businesses; Hundreds Help Us Celebrate Business' Resiliency

June 2016

Business Outlook

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

Cupcakes by Liz

Brothers, Bezo ld & Associates

The ribbon stretched from Pennsylvania to Virginia avenues.

JACC President Rob O'Brian and Joplin Mayor Mike Seibert congratulated Joplin business owners on staying strong.

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Our Members Announce presented by The 2016 Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation’s RACE4HOPE is excited to announce a new location this year! The RACE4HOPE 5k/1 mile walk will take place June 4 at the Missouri Southern State University Cross Country Course.

A special survivor ceremony begins at 7:30 am with the race starting at 8 am. This is HOPE 4 YOU’s largest fundraiser. All money raised stays local to help provide mammograms for those in need. Please join us and help “Put Breast Cancer ON THE RUN!” Register today at www.hope4youbcf.org.

The Mercy Health Foundation Joplin recently received a $5,000 check from HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation.

Funds donated by HOPE 4 You are used through Mercy Health Foundation to provide free and low-cost mammograms to women who cannot afford one. For more information, go to www.mercy.net.

Mercy Hospital Joplin will hold an open house for RN, LPN, CNA and medical assistants June 9, 4-7 pm, at Mercy Hospital Joplin. Hospital and clinic positions are available, as are sign-on bonuses for applicable positions. Learn more or apply at www. mercy.net/careers or call 417.556.6782.

All City of Joplin citizens, regardless of residency, have the option to dispose of unused, unwanted, surplus, orphaned and expired medicines by depositing them in the permanent drug drop-off boxes located at both Joplin police stations.

These boxes are available year round from 8 am-5 pm MondayFriday. The pills must be taken out of their bottles, placed in a sealed plastic bag and dropped off. For more information, call 417.623.3131, ext. 643.

The Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2017 Event & Attraction Marketing Grant through June 23 by 5 pm. This grant is designed to enrich the marketing reach of local events and attractions with the intention of increasing the number of guests visiting Joplin. Eligibility requirements, guidelines and application are available at www.visitjoplinmo.com, at the JCVB office at 602 S. Main Street or by calling 417.625.4789.

Foxberry Terrace, assisted living by Americare, recently received an award for resident services during the company’s annual meeting. Foxberry Terrace was selected from Americare’s 76 assisted living facilities to receive the award based on exemplary quality in the area of resident services. The recognition is one of four philosophy awards, which reflect the four priorities of the company: service to residents, service to the employees, service to the community and fiscal responsibility. For more information, call 417.625.1000.

Club 1201’s Uncorked is the perfect place for an epic girls’ 8 night on a Friday or Saturday night. Uncorked hours are 3-10 pm. For more information, call 417.626.0032.

Dr. Tia Strait will return to Missouri Southern State University’s Dental Hygiene Department as a faculty member this fall after serving 15 years as dean of the School of Health Sciences. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu.

Alex Bryant, a Missouri Southern State University junior mass communications major from Joplin, will receive scholarships from the Missouri Broadcasters Association and the MBA Foundation. The $1,250 MBA Foundation Scholarship will be presented during the organization’s annual convention, set for June 10-11. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Joplin announces Jina Scott was named Service Team Member of the Year 2015 for the TownePlace Suites brand. Jina’s commitment to excellent guest service, participation in the community outreach committee and dedication to helping her teammates earned her this honor. Visit www.marriott.com/jlnts.

Oasis Salon & Day Spa is celebrating 15 years with a White Party! Come decked out in your best white attire June 4 from 6:30-10 pm at Oasis. They will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres, a dessert buffet and cash bar. Rock out with live music by the Mixtapes, plus they will give away FREE swag bags! Like them at www.facebook.com/oasissalonanddayspa.

National Association of Insurance and Financial AdvisorsSouthwest Missouri recently presented $1,750 to Community Support Services of Southwest Missouri, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri, Medicine H.A.T., Inc. and one local family of a child with medical needs. For more information, call 417.347.5848.

The Kiwanis Club of Joplin recently presented bookcases to top readers at an awards assembly at West Central Elementary School. Twenty-five students were presented with bookcases for improving their reading skills throughout the year. For more information, go to www.joplinkiwanis.org.

Jeff Miller was recently promoted to plant manager at ModineJoplin. Jeff joined the Modine Joplin team in August 2010 as a production supervisor. He became plant superintendent in June 2012 and was named production manager in June 2015.

For more information, call 417.781.9783.

Summer is a time for vacation and new adventures, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to reach a person at your orthodontist’s office! Did you know Uncommon Orthodontics provides after-hours services? Want to know more about this UNCOMMON service? Read their blog post (http://uncommonortho.com/2015/05/after-hoursservices) to find out more. Or call Ashley, after-hours representative, at 417.625.1114 and let her know how she can assist you today. Summer is a great time to start a new smile; call to make your appointment today!

Spiva Center for the Arts announces a partnership with Priceline through travelforjoplin.com. Bookings through this site earn up to a 6 percent donation back to Spiva, as well as several other nonprofit partners. Take your dream vacation, and help support the arts in Joplin! For more information, call 417.623.0183.

Join Spiva Center for the Arts June 21 at Civil War Ranch in Carthage for their first farm-to-table fundraising dinner. The entire meal will be sourced from local farmers and cooked at the venue. For $85 per ticket, you will enjoy an entrée choice of vegetarian, chicken or goat, delicious fresh veggies, salads and dessert. Beverages will be available from Missouri Eagle, and a silent auction will add to the fun! Seating is limited.

To receive an invitation or to attend, please contact Kerstin Landwer at 417.623.0183.

Applications for the 2016 Maple Leaf Parade are now available.

Go to www.CarthageMapleLeaf.com or call the Carthage Chamber of Commerce at 417.358.2373.

Premier Surgical Institute inpatient and outpatient hospital has acquired the latest in real-time surgical imaging technology and is currently the only hospital in the region with an O-arm® 2 by Medtronic. The O-arm® 2 provides surgeons with unprecedented real-time high-quality multidimensional intraoperative images of the anatomy during surgery. For more information, go to www.PremierSurgicalInstitute.com.

Community Support Services of Missouri will host Rhythm & Brews June 17 at The Bypass at Wilder’s Event Center, 1212 South Main Street. The event features live music and brew tasting, courtesy of Missouri Eagle, LLC. Event proceeds benefit programs for local children and adults with developmental disabilities. Music lineup features Julian Davis & The HayBurners, WALRUS, Dance Monkey Dance, and Stowaway Gypsy.

A dinner buffet is included from 6-8 pm only. Purchase your tickets at www.cssmo.org or at the CSS offices at 2312 Annie Baxter in Joplin. Call 417.624.4515 for more details.

Ozark Center recently launched Help Kids Cope, an app for Apple devices. Developed in direct response to the May 22, 2011, tornado, the app provides guidance on age-appropriate communications about natural disasters with preschool, school-aged and adolescent children. For more information, call 417.434.3458.

Tri-State Area Contractors Association is hosting St. Bernard Project Disaster Training June 2 at 11:30 am at Club 1201, 1201

Business Outlook

East 32nd Street. St. Bernard Parish is a resilience initiative for communities vulnerable to disaster. The training is free and lasts an hour. Email info@tristatecontractors.net to RSVP.

June 2016

Pro Musica presents the 36th Joplin PoPs with the Warrensburg Community Band June 24 at 8 pm on the Oval at Missouri Southern State University. Enjoy an evening of light classics, show tunes and patriotic numbers under the stars. Bring your own seating. Tickets: $10 adults, children 12 and under free.

For more information: 417.625.1822 or www.promusicajoplin. org.

Tri-State Area Contractors Association’s Summer Golf Tournament is June 10 at Briarbrook Golf Course. Registration starts at 12 pm; shotgun start is 1 pm. Cost is $90/player or $360/four-man team. Enjoy a complete program of special events, 18 holes of golf (including cart), roasted pig dinner, prizes for closest to the pin, long drive and $10,000 hole-inone. Email marlo@tristatecontractors.net to register or for more information.

“Spotter,” an online media placement platform for local advertising, is a project Storm Stanley has been developing for the past year, and they were approved by Kickstarter to begin a crowdfunding campaign on May 20. Spotter connects advertisers and media at a central point and simplifies the buying process. For more information, go to www. stormstanley.com.

Owens Corning is looking for three production shift supervisors and two maintenance supervisors emphasizing in either electrical or mechanical. Interested candidates may apply at https://jobs.owenscorningcareers.com.

Arvest Bank announced in early April the beginning of its sixth annual 1 Million Meals initiative, which challenges bank associates, customers and community members to fight hunger by providing meals to those in need. The bank recently announced the campaign exceeded one million meals. A total of 1,175,751 meals were raised. For more information, go to www.arvest.com/millionmeals.

The Law Store™, a U.S. law firm focused on innovating new concepts for access and delivery of legal services, will launch its two initial stores June 1 in Wal-mart stores in Joplin and Neosho. The Law Store model unites on-site attorney guidance in a friendly location with state-of-the-art technology and affordability. The new stores will feature accessible attorneys offering free first advice™ and menu board-style pricing. For more information, go to www.thelawstore.com.

Payroll Vault of the Fourstates is proud to be a member of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and would like to offer a special for any Chamber member that includes the following: 1 FREE payroll run, 1 FREE payroll audit and assessment, and 1 FREE HR audit and assessment. For more information on how to receive this offer, call 417.623.0941 or go to www. payrollvault.com.

The Chamber is interested in your business. If you won an award, opened another office or are planning an event, let us know. We want to share your accomplishments and events with your fellow members! For our next issue, submit your announcement to wendy@joplincc.com by June 10. Please include “Our Members Announce” in the email subject line. Find all our members in our online Membership Directory.

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Welcome New Members Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Restaurant 2130 South Range Line Road Joplin, MO 64804 417.206.0427 www.popeyes.com Michael Jarman, General Manager Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow

Dooley Roofing Company Roofing 504 Coach Way Drive Joplin, MO 64801 417.673.1439 www.dooleyroofing.com Jim Dooley, Owner Sponsor: Chuck Killinger, Dalton-Killinger Construction Co., Inc. Gatehouse Media dba The Big Nickel Publishing 2918 East 20th Street P.O. Box 1567 Joplin, MO 64802-1567 417.624.4100 www.thebignickel.com Stephanie Elswick, Ad Director Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow

Experimac Joplin Computers-Computer Products 420 North Range Line Road, Suite 14 Joplin, MO 64801 417.622.4662 www.experimac.com/joplin-mo Tim Holder, Owner Sponsor: Ginger LaMar, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce 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. Visit the Chamber’s online member directory at cca.joplincc.com/businesssearch.aspx.

Invite your clients or vendors to join your 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Contact Director of Member Services & Development Ginger LaMar at 417.624.4150 or glamar@ joplincc.com.

Fill out the member application to join the Chamber at http://cca.joplincc.com/newmemapp.aspx?dbid2=mojop.

Top 5 Reasons to Outsource Payroll

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Even the most meticulous and experienced professionals find that payroll can be a headache. Add a stiff penalty for a tax filing omission, and now we are talking about a full-blown financial migraine for your company. For many businesses, payroll services offer an attractive and valuable alternative to in-house processing.

Choosing Payroll Vault will provide a less expensive, simpler means to paying your employees, filing your taxes and performing many other duties. While the majority of U.S. businesses process paychecks internally, this is not always cost-effective. At minimum, internal processing requires the purchase of an accounting program and extensive training to use it. In addition, businesses need to keep up to date on changes in personnel, deadlines and tax requirements.

Using a payroll service generally makes sense if your payroll changes every pay period. If your company has employees working varying amounts of hours each week or has a significant turnover rate, a payroll service can be a time-saving and cost-effective alternative to internal processing. Using a payroll service can also be helpful if you have to pay payroll taxes for multiple states. Our payroll services include calculating payroll and tax obligations for each employee, providing management reports, new hire reporting and many other services. Processing payroll involves much more than simply handing out regular paychecks. There are taxes, deductions, payroll law changes and yearend documentation. We can take care of all these things for you and remove the headache associated with payroll processing.

For more information about payroll services, contact J.D. Buckridge, Payroll Vault of the Fourstates, 417.623.0941: office; 417.438.4428: mobile; j.d.buckridge@payrollvault.com; www.payrollvault.com.

June 2016

Business Outlook

Calendar of Events for June 2016 June 1 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office June 2 8:30 am Leadership Joplin 2016 Local Government Session City Hall, 5th Floor June 3 7:30 am First Friday Coffee The Employer Advantage June 7 9 am Leads Group One Joplin Schools Memorial Education Center June 8 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office

June 15 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office 11:30 am Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Chamber Office June 16 8:30 am Leadership Joplin 2016 Motive Matters Teambuilding Session Hideout Harley-Davidson June 20 12 pm Leadership Joplin Steering Committee Meeting (Brown Bag) Chamber Office June 21 9 am Leads Group One Chamber Office

June 21 5:30 pm Business After Hours Redwood Garden Estates June 22 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office 4-6 pm Steve Russell Retirement Reception Chamber Office June 23 6 pm Leadership Joplin 2016 Class Graduation Downstream Casino Resort June 27 11 am Chamber Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Office

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June 2016

Business Outlook

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING Abundant Shine, Inc..................................................... 2014

Missouri Gas Energy..................................................... 1984

Alert One Pest Control, Inc........................................ 2008

Missouri Work Assistance, City of Springfield..... 2013

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

Modine Manufacturing Company........................... 1978

Beverly's Traffic Control and Safety, Inc................ 2011

My Destiny Home Care................................................ 2014

Boyd Metals of Joplin................................................... 1995

N2 Publishing.................................................................. 2014

Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Missouri ....... 2004

Neal Group Construction, LLC.................................. 2004

Butcher's Block Event Center & Catering.............. 2013

Outback Archery & Tackle.......................................... 2014

Catholic Charities of Southwest Missouri............. 2013

Oxford HealthCare........................................................ 1978

Children's Haven of Southwest Missouri, Inc....... 2005

Ozark Gatweay Association of Realtors................. 2000

Content Creative, LLC.................................................. 2014

People Link Staffing Solutions................................... 2006

Deck the Walls................................................................ 2005

Realty Executives Tri-States....................................... 2012

Don's Cold Storage & Transportation, LLC............ 2015

Regal Car Sales and Credit......................................... 2008

Farmers Insurance - Andy Queen Agency........... 2012

Royal Orleans Apartments.......................................... 2009

Fleischaker and Williams............................................. 1960

S & S Computers............................................................. 2011

The Flip Shop.................................................................. 2014

John P. Shoenberger, CPA.......................................... 2002

FOX 14-KFJX ................................................................... 2004

R.E. Smith Construction Company.......................... 1959

General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical SystemsMunition........................................................................... 1995

Spring River Christian Village.................................... 1988

HealthCare Solutions Group, Inc............................. 2010 Heartland Pet Food Manufacturing......................... 2014 Home Builders Association of SW Missouri......... 1995 Joplin Workshops, Inc.................................................. 1978 KSNF-TV............................................................................ 1967 Leggett & Platt, Inc........................................................ 1987 Missouri Enterprise, LLC.............................................. 1955

The Touch Up Shop...................................................... 2008 UniFirst Corporation..................................................... 2004 US Kustoms Collision Center..................................... 2014 Victory Ministry & Sports Complex......................... 2013 Volk's Avanti Insurance Agency, Inc....................... 1986 Watered Gardens Gospel Rescue Mission............. 2008 The Whitlock Company.............................................. 2008 Wyandotte Nation Casino.......................................... 2007

STATE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: A REPORT FROM YOUR CHAMBER

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MSA is comprised of Jasper and Newton counties.

Information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Small Business & Technology Development Center Missouri Southern State University The Robert W. Plaster School of Business

June 2016

Business Outlook

3950 Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1512 Phone: 417.625.3128 Fax: 417.625.9782

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS: THE FIRST STEPS June 9 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $29 per business INTENTIONAL LIVING Join us for a 5-week mastermind group on how to live an intentional life June 14 (Tuesday), 7:30-8:30 am Location: Plaster Hall, Room 107D, MSSU Cost: $199 per participant (5 weeks)/includes book and workbook

LET'S PUT OUR CITIES #OnTheMap Together, we can help put Southwest Missouri #OnTheMap! June 21 (Tuesday), 3-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: No fee *Attendees will need to provide their own laptop with Wi-Fi capabilities.

UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 23 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $49 per person

MICROSOFT EXCEL LEVEL 1: 2-DAY TRAINING June 28 (Tuesday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 1) June 30 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 2) Location: Plaster Hall, Room 303, MSSU Cost: $124/person Find the full schedule of workshops at www.mssutraining.com.

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June 2016

Business Outlook

Researching Business Trends

By Karen Bradshaw, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Southern State University “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -Benjamin Franklin An important part of business planning is researching the marketplace and becoming aware of trends that may provide insights into actions you can take to help your business be successful. Trying to predict consumer behavior and the preferences of your target market can be daunting. What was popular or accepted last year may not be prevalent this year.

How can you keep up with market trends that may be important to your industry and your business? Checking out some key websites that provide you with business trends can be very useful. Consider accessing the following websites for key indicators and forces of change in your industry. https://www.google.com/trends/ Google trends allows you to view what is trending online through online searches. This site has data available back to 2004 and allows users to research which topics, products or industries have been searched for over time. The tool allows users to examine key topics on various search levels. http://www.trendhunter.com/ Trend Hunter will provide you with information and visuals of the latest trends in technology, culture, design, advertising, business, eco architecture, retail and social media. This site surveys groups to find innovative ideas and trends. http://www.smallbizdaily.com/ Small Biz Daily provides a wealth of information on a variety of subjects. Whether you need information about management issues, sales and marketing or technology issues, this website is a place to learn more. Startup companies can learn ways to find new customers as well as examine trends facing their businesses. http://www.smallbiztrends.com Small Business Trends provides a variety of information, breaking news and advice covering issues of key importance to small businesses. The website has a staff of over 400 experts who volunteer their knowledge, insights, successes and failures. Small Business Trends is focused on providing tips and suggestions on how small businesses can expand their companies. http://www.esri.com/data/esri_data/ziptapestry ESRI allows you to look up a zip code and view demographic

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and psychographic information about the people residing in the geographic zip code. This tool allows you to investigate various target markets and their characteristics. The website helps you understand and visualize data to make decisions based on the best information. http://www.bizstats.com/ This website provides instant access to useful financial ratios, business statistics and benchmarks. You can find out what the average firm in your industry earns and spends.

The site also provides for effective and understandable analysis of businesses and industries. http://www.nfib.com National Federation of Independent Businesses provides a useful website with tips, resources, trends, industry topics and real-world examples of best business practices. This organization strives to promote independent business operations and to provide them with research tools to make their company profitable. http://www.bls.gov/bls/newsrels.htm Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a wealth of major economic indicators such as the consumer price index, employment cost index, employment situation, producer price index, productivity and costs, real earnings, and U.S. import and export price indices. http://www.weddles.com/ associations/ Weddles provides links to trade associations and associations dealing with a wide range of industries including telecommunications, transportation and travel. Trade associations provide information on trends, new laws, opportunities and best practices. http://valuationresources.com/IndustryReport.htm Industry Information Resources is a resource guide to industry resources and data for over 400 industries in the U.S. This website provides lists of trade associations, industry publications and research firms. Included are industry overviews; industry issues, trends and outlooks; industry financial information and financial ratios; compensation and salary surveys; and business valuation resources.

Access these websites to research your environment and keep up on the latest trends in the market place. Remember the old proverb, “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.�

2016-2017 Five Star Partnership Program The important work accomplished by the Chamber each year would not happen without the additional financial investments made by some of the area’s leading businesses. Our member organizations are partners in the Chamber’s mission to strengthen our local businesses and stimulate regional prosperity.

Our Five Star Partnership Program offers opportunities for volunteer, event and program sponsorships, which allow them to extend their core values throughout our community.

We thank you for all you do!

June 2016

Business Outlook

Platinum Level City of Joplin Downstream Casino Resort The Empire District Electric Company KOAM-TV/FOX 14 – KFJX Stronghold Data Chairman Level Commerce Bank EaglePicher Technologies, LLC Freeman Health System General Mills Joplin Floor Designs Joplin Globe Publishing Company Joplin Regional Business Journal Joplin Supply Company KODE-TV/KSNF-TV Lamar Outdoor Advertising Lancaster Signs Mercy Hospital Joplin Missouri Southern State University Results Radio, AMI Radio Group SNC Squared Southwest Missouri Bank US Bank, N.A. President Level Arvest Bank BKD, LLP Community Bank & Trust (CBT) Roper Honda Show Me The Ozarks Magazine Director Level Choice Marketing Connell Insurance, Inc. Joplin ProPrint Lakeland Office Systems, Inc. Director Level, cont.

Motive Matters Storm Stanley Weed Whackers, Inc.

5-Star Partnership: Forged Waterjet Fabrications & Pro Print

It was our pleasure to partner with Joplin ProPrint on the Chamber star. The project was a perfect example of partnership between Chamber businesses: Each business doing their part to create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that neither could have done alone. From design through fabrication, this project required a multitude of talents, and it showcases the variety of services available to the Joplin area. The star symbolizes the vital role the Chamber and business partnerships play in the success of Forged Waterjet Fabrications and all local businesses. We hope the star serves as a reminder to everyone of the wonderful work the Chamber does on the behalf of our businesses every day.

--Forged Waterjet Fabrications, 2016 JACC Small Industry of the Year Recipient

The Sponsor Star Project was a wonderful opportunity for Joplin Pro Print for several reasons. We were able to partner with Forged Waterjet Fabrication to create a completely custom work of art that highlights both of our companies' expanding capabilities and brings attention to the dynamic manufacturing base in Joplin. The project also shows how hard JACC and its team work to create opportunities for collaboration for its members. The last reason we were honored to participate in this project is because the star itself will serve as a perpetual “thank you” for all the businesses that support the Chamber and will showcase those sponsors for every visitor who sees it. Our participation with the Chamber plays a key role in our success now and in the future.

--Pro Print – Joplin & Pittsburg 15

June 2016

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Business Outlook

Insurance you can design to meet your ever-changing needs.

June 2016

Business Outlook • Business or Commercial • Call for a Farmers Friendly Review® • Evening Appointments

LINDA TEETER, LUTCF www.farmersagent.com/lteeter 1321 ILLINOIS AVE • JOPLIN, MO 64801

Call 417-781-4820 today for Auto, Home, Life and Business.

Audio / Video Systems Pro Audio Equipment Camera Systems Healthcare Communications

Elite Commercial Audio/Video Sales & Service Toll Free: 800-621-5256 Local: 417-869-0770 aaius.com proaudiosuperstore.com 2120 S. Roosevelt Suite 3 Joplin, MO 64804

LABOR LAW POSTERS

FREE to Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Members Labor Law Postings are a mandatory requirement for businesses. Avoid hefty fines by obtaining your Free All-In-One State and Federal Labor Law Poster from the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

To order your Free Labor Law Poster, please call or email to schedule a time to deliver: Wendy Mashburn

(417) 623-0941 Email: wendy.mashburn@payrollvault.com

Attorney-Approved All-In-One State and Federal Labor Law Poster meeting labor law postings requirements (at time of purchase) Fully Laminated and Attorney-Approved

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June 2016

Business Outlook

First Friday Coffee

Friday, June 3 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Hire Advantage and located at The Employer Advantage 1027 South Main Street, Suite 401, in the Gryphon Building RSVP by June 1 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.

Presented by

Business After Hours

THANK YOU!

Presenting Sponsor

Tuesday, June 21 5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored by and located at Redwood Garden Estates 1431 South Rex Avenue

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RSVP by June 17 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.

US Bank, N.A., Chairman Sponsor, for helping us communicate with our members!