March 2016 Business Outlook

MAR

Business outlook 2016

March 2016

Business Outlook

advanced training & technology center tours Page 13

our members announce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Connecting the Dots

p. 3

INSIDE

83 educators nominated for Golden apple Page 11

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce | 320 East 4th Street | Joplin, MO 64801 | 417.624.4150 WWW.JOPLINCC.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/JOPLINCHAMBER | TWITTER.COM/JOPLINCHAMBER

PRESENTED BY

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March 2016

Business Outlook

Board of Directors 2015-2016 Executive Committee David Glenn

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Karen Plott

CHAIRMAN ELECT OF THE BOARD

Randy Moore

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 Clive Veri VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Lori Scott Dreiling CO-VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Directors Ex-Officio Directors Gina Atteberry Sam Anselm Michael Beatty John Bartosh Brad Beecher Mike Gray Brandon Davis Lindsey Hayes

Donovan Edwards Dr. Alan Marble

Jacqueline Hackett Dr. Jennifer Methvin Holly Hukill Matt Proctor Charles Keeter Dr. Norm Ridder Kelli Perigo Marilyn Ruestman Gary Pulsipher 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 Cynthia Marlow

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT MEMBER EVENTS PRODUCER MEMBER SUCCESS STRATEGIST

Communications & Finance Kirstie Smith COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Wendy Brunner-Lewis COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Martha Getz YPN/COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR 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

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Administrative Support Lea Schroer NEWMAN INNOVATION CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Melissa Winslow ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sponsors Platinum Level

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

Chairman Level

AMI Radio Group 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 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. Innovative Objects Lakeland Office Systems, Inc. Motive Matters 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

March 2016

Business Outlook

Connecting the Dots While the presidential primaries create a daily dose of politics on nearly every media outlet, there hasn’t been much out there yet on the races for Joplin’s City Council and School Board.

I expect that to change over the next 30 days or so leading up to the April 5 election, and it is very important for anyone interested in continuing the progress being made in our community.

Rob O’Brian, President

Past House Speaker Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” And “local” is where we see the most direct outcomes of the people we elect to office. Some of those outcomes are immediate, but for the most part, they are long-term based on a series of decisions over time. And those decisions are based on the total elected body having a vision or at least an idea of where they want to go.

For example, the Joplin schools are finally back in new facilities. The disruptions around last spring’s elections that led to the County Commission appointing three people to fill out the board have quieted down. The interim superintendent has been looking at opportunities to move the district in a positive direction. All is well. But, with the election just a month away, there is the potential that new board members could push the board in a different direction, rather than staying the course that has been carefully laid out. And, even if the new board is fine, what if a permanent superintendent is hired a year or so from now by that board who wants to go in a different direction? So there is the potential, not a given, but the potential, for the school district to continue to have disruptions at the top that will impact how the district performs overall.

Now, at this very moment, we have Kansas City University planning on opening its medical school in the fall of 2017.

And this is an absolutely game-changing event for our community and area. It offers the potential for any area high school student to go on to MSSU and, with good grades, have a guaranteed slot at KCU. The Joplin School District has the opportunity to be the “home team” in encouraging students to get a high-performance education that takes them through to one of the top medical schools in the U.S., and right in their own back yard. But the impact could and should go farther than that.

Right now, as I write this, KCU is beginning to hire the staff and faculty for this new facility. That effort will gain momentum over the next year, and people will begin moving here to be employed by KCU. In addition, KCU first-year students will begin looking for their housing a little over a year from now. In a typical KCU class of 150, half will be married and half of the half will have a child, so about 37 or 38 potential new students for our schools. Since there is no campus housing, students will live anywhere. It would be nice if they, like the faculty and staff, would consider living in Joplin. They all bring retail dollars, they bring investment in more housing and they put students in the schools. But will those with children opt to live in Joplin if the school district still appears to be in change?

The City Council election is no less important. A lot of private sector effort went into bringing KCU to Joplin. But part of the attraction is that Joplin has made progress since the tornado. Parks continue to get upgraded, walking trails are going in, streets are getting improved, public safety is enhanced and all of the other things that a city is supposed to do are taking place. Again, the momentum is there but it needs to continue so those students who graduate from KCU want to remain here and work at our hospitals.

Now, the above is just one example of how the dots connect. But having good positive elected leadership is critical to the success of a community. The school district does not exist in a vacuum. The success of the schools is a key to continuing the growth of Joplin. Likewise, though, the schools can’t be successful without the rest of the community being a place that people want to live, with good parks, good safety and infrastructure that works. They go hand in hand. But they don’t go unless we go elect people who want to work together within their own organizations and with others.

Take the time to learn about the candidates. Take the time to vote April 5. Filling in the dot on the ballot is your chance to connect the dots to paint a larger, better picture for Joplin.

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March 2016

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Business Outlook

DE A FO DLIN RA E PR IS M IL 1 D ARC H EL IVE 15 RY !

2015-2016 Executive Committee Presented by

Message to the Network from Chairman Dr. Nicole Brown In case you have not heard, curbside recycling will soon be available in the Joplin community, thanks, in part, to the tireless efforts of the YPN Recycle Joplin workgroup. This team is living proof of the 2015 YPN theme, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has,� as stated by Margaret Mead.

This workgroup has led efforts to educate the community, supported a ballot issue and written grants.

By mobilizing concerned citizens, this group tackled an issue head-on, and their work will be evident for years to come. This is just one example of YPs making a difference in the Joplin community.

There are many opportunities to get involved in YPN. Apply for a workgroup, attend a professional development workshop, volunteer at a Gives Back event or attend a social mixer. I look forward to seeing what YPN members accomplish next!

March 2016

Business Outlook

Nicole Brown, Chairman Brent Baker, Co-Chairman Lindsey Hayes, Past Chairman Shawn Daniel Jake Heisten Jennifer Little Ryan Melton Stephanie Onstot Greg Sutton Megan Tyler Christina Williams

YPN New Members Jessica Benford, Freeman Health System Stephen Grindle, City of Joplin Betsy Kissel, Onin Staffing Josh Wimpey, Hometown Bank Lalbiakngheta "Biaka" Zaidarhzauva, Rapha House International

An Outreach Service of

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March 2016

Business Outlook

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING Adelmo Family Care, LLC............................................ 2009

Jasper County Univ. of Missouri Extension.......... 2011

AdornAble, Inc................................................................ 2000

Joplin Regional Business Journal............................ 2006

Air Service Plus, Inc....................................................... 2013

Jordan Mechanical and Technical Corporation.2006

Braeckel's Development Corporation..................... 2001

The Juno Group............................................................. 2011

Buildling & Construction Trades Council of

Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery, LLC............................ 2009

Joplin, MO........................................................................ 2015

Mitchell Mill Systems USA, Inc.................................. 2011

Candlewood Suites/Elliott Lodging......................... 2006

Oral and Facial Surgery Center of Joplin.............. 2002

Children's Center of SW Missouri............................. 2012

RealPro.............................................................................. 2013

Christ In Youth................................................................ 2015

Residence Inn by Mariott - Joplin........................... 2014

Cocos................................................................................. 2012

Salon 529.......................................................................... 2006

DoubleTree by Hilton - Joplin................................... 1979

Sidecars, Inc..................................................................... 2011

Four State Office Products.......................................... 2010

Southtown Cleaners..................................................... 2012

Golden Corral.................................................................. 2003

Southwest Audio Visual, Inc...................................... 1997

Hedman Chiropractic, LLC......................................... 2011

State Farm Insurance - Kyle Hickam Agency....... 2002

The Herrod Financial Group...................................... 1985

Tint 'N More..................................................................... 1995

Indigo Sky Casino.......................................................... 2013

Wildwood Ranch Development............................... 2005

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

PREDICTING CASH NEEDS March 3 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $69/person

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS: THE FIRST STEPS March 11 (Friday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $29/person

HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PLAN March 4 (Friday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $39/person

MICROSOFT EXCEL LEVEL 2 - 2-DAY TRAINING March 29 (Tuesday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 1) March 31 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 2) Location: Plaster Hall, Room 320, MSSU Cost: $124/person

LET'S PUT OUR CITIES #ONTHEMAP March 8 (Tuesday), 3-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: No Fee

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WHERE WILL YOUR BUSINESS BE IN 2019?

March 30 (Wednesday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 107, MSSU Cost: $59/person

Find the full schedule of workshops at www.mssutraining.com.

Tabitha Smith Accounting & Tax Services Tabitha Smith, Owner 705 Illinois Avenue, Suite 6A New Location

Arvest Bank

March 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

Business Outlook Presented by

Liberty Tax Service

Shannon Startin, Community Outreach Director 3120 South Main Street New Ownership

H&R Block

Jason Poe, Branch Manager 402 South Range Line Road New Remodel

Melinda Milligan, Office Manager 732 South Range Line Road, Suite A Grand Opening, New Membership

Z's Drive Thru

LifeChoices

Paul Zerkel, Owner 1620 South Main Street Grand Opening, New Membership

Rita Lawson 531 East 7th Street New Mobile Medical Unit

Ribbon provided by Countryside in the City

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March 2016

Business Outlook

Our Members Announce presented by Low-interest federal disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to Missouri businesses and residents as a result of President Obama’s major disaster declaration. The declaration covers the Barry, Barton, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Cole, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Maries, McDonald, Morgan, Newton, Osage, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Scott, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright counties as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred December 23, 2015-January 9, 2016. For more information, call FEMA at 1.800.621.3362.

Two new physicians recently joined Mercy Hospital Joplin. Krishna Kosuru, MD, pediatrician, is accepting new patients at his clinic located at 3126 South Jackson, Suite 100. His office number is 417.556.3416.

Michael Selby, MD, nephrologist, is accepting new patients at his clinic located at 100 Mercy Way, Suite 520. His office number is 417.556.6877.

Joplin Family Y Running Coach Bobby Ballard was named a 2016 Pathfinder by the Joplin Globe. Ballard was recognized as one of 10 community leaders for his dedication in helping others achieve health and wellness. Ballard is currently helping local runners train for the Joplin Memorial Marathon through a series of classes offered by the Joplin Family Y. For more information, call 417.781.9622.

The January 2016 JoMo Restaurant Week benefitting Crosslines Ministries donated 5,959 pounds of food to the ministry. JoMo Restaurant Week happens twice a year, with the next one scheduled for August 22-28. The August 2015 event collected just over 3,600 pounds of food. For more information, call 417.629.4914.

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Arvest Bank reported a spike in Small Business Administration (SBA) loan activity for the second consecutive year in 2015, with a 23 percent increase in loan approvals and a 45 percent jump in loan volume.

Arvest’s 7(a) loan approvals for the SBA fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, was 187. That’s up from 152 in 2014. These loans are the SBA’s primary means for helping startup and existing small businesses deal

with a variety of general business purposes. For more information, go to www.arvest.com.

Get your picture taken with a live Easter bunny at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center March 19 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. All ages are welcome. Cost is $5 per person for Wildcat Glades members and $10 per person for non-Wildcat Glades members. Photographer Russ Kinerson will take the pictures, which will be mailed to you the following week. To register, call 417.781.6287 or email wildcatglades@audubon.org.

Need a fun activity with the kids over spring break?

Join Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center March 25 from 10 am-12 pm for a moderate First Day of Spring hike to look for some signs of spring. Cost is $5 per person for Wildcat Glades members and $10 per person for non-Wildcat Glades members. Age: 6+ accompanied by adult. To register, call 417.781.6287 or email wildcatglades@audubon.org.

Five students were recently inducted into the newly formed Sigma Pi Sigma chapter at Missouri Southern State University. An organization of the American Institute of Physics, Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship and encourage interest in physics. The students inducted were Theresa Botzow, Marissa Gard, Phillip Kovach, Kristine Pritchard and Benjamin Starkey. For more information, go to www. mssu.edu.

Eleven students were accepted into the Super Leaders program at Missouri Southern State University. Now in its fourth year, the program is a joint effort between MSSU and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network to identify, cultivate and motivate future community leaders currently enrolled in college. The students are Caroline Adams, Chelsey Caballero, Josh Foster, Jayse Henderson, Kacie Hulse, Olivia Massey, Marshall McCord, Megan Neely, Danae Randol, Emmalee Smith and YengZong Yang. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu.

City of Joplin City Manager Sam Anselm announced Joplin’s new police chief is Assistant Chief of Police Matthew Stewart effective March 2. Stewart started with the Joplin Police Department in 2000. For more information, go to www.joplinmo.org.

Pro Musica presents the Tesla String Quartet March 17 at 7 pm at the First Community Church, 2007 East 15th Street. The Tesla Quartet was formed at The Juilliard School in 2008 and quickly established itself as one of the most promising young ensembles in New York, winning second prize at the J.C. Arriaga Chamber Music Competition only a few months after its inception. The concert is open to the public at no admission charge; donations appreciated. For more information, call 417.625.1822 or visit www.promusicajoplin.org.

Joplin Demize has launched its new website, www. joplindemize.com. The 2016 schedule is available to the public and will be distributed by mid-March. Open tryouts will take place during spring break. Contact recruiting@joplindemize.com for more information about playing for the Demize.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Southwest Missouri (NAIFA-SW) invites you to Train Your Brain for Success through a special workshop offered by renowned author/speaker Roger Seip. Condition your mind for success with greater memory power, increased reading speed and comprehension. Join NAIFA-SW April 20 at 11:30 am at the Freeman Business Center Conference Room, 3220 McClelland. Lunch is provided. RSVP to Karen Rutledge at karen@karenrutledge.com by April 13.

The Joplin Schools FFA organization will host its second annual Ag Expo at Franklin Technology Center from 10 am to 6 pm April 7. Area agricultural businesses that are interested in a free booth at the event should contact Laura Hensley at 417.625.5260, ext. 3226 or laurahensley@joplinschools.org to reserve a space by April 1. Space is limited.

Jason Cravens has been named the new Joplin Schools East Middle School principal. He will begin

Business Outlook

that position in August 2016. In 2004, he became an assistant principal at Joplin High School and served in that capacity for six years. In 2010, he moved to administration as director of instructional services and currently serves as executive director of secondary education for Joplin Schools. For more information, go to www.joplinschools.org.

March 2016

Employer Advantage, LLC has acquired Cobalt Astra from Cobalt Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. Employer Advantage is a Missouri-based professional employer organization providing payroll, benefits administration, risk management, safety training and other human resource services to employers throughout the Midwest. It provides services to nearly 400 clients with roughly 10,000 employees and has been in business for more than 20 years. For more information, call 417.782.3909.

Tri-State Area Contractors Association members and their children can apply for the TSACA scholarship. Preference will be given to a construction management-related field. Application deadline is March 31. For more information, contact heather@ tristatecontractors.net or 417.627.9392.

The Flip Shop cheerleaders have qualified for the D2 Summit, the highest level of competition for athletes at this level, in late April in Tampa, Florida. Worden’s Meat in Webb City is holding a fundraiser March 19 to help with the travel expense for 33 Flip Shop athletes. The teams will be on hand for demonstrations and to assist customers with their purchases. Worden’s Meat in Webb City is located at 1500 South Madison Street and will be open 9 am-5 pm that day. For more information, call 417.624.2652.

The Crowder College Foundation is hosting the Roughrider Car Show April 30 from 10 am to 3 pm at Crowder College, 601 Laclede, Neosho. All cars and trucks are welcome. Free admission to spectators; car and truck entries are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate.

Features trophies, live music, great food, raffle, 50/50 pot. For more information, call 417.455.5646 or email foundation@crowder.edu.

Try something new this year at Club 1201! Enjoy Wine Dinner @1201 for an amazing selection of new wines, combined with Joplin’s most unique dining experience.

March 31 is A Taste of Napa Valley and April 28 is Kentucky Derby Elegance. $75 per person includes six food courses and six accompanying wines by reservation only. For reservations, call 417.626.0032.

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 March 15. Please include “Our Members Announce” in the email subject line. Find all our members in our online Membership Directory.

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March 2016

Business Outlook

Welcome New Members

Blue Gavel Auctions Auctions 2722 North Lincoln Avenue, Joplin, MO 64801 417.310.6486 www.bluegavelauctions.com Col. Kalan Hubbard, Lead Auctioneer Jessica Hubbard, Auction Manager Sponsor: Stephanie McGrew, JACC Bug Zero Pest Control Pest Control Services 311 North Waverly Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 417.831.7378 www.bugzero.com Chris McCoy, Sales Consultant Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow, JACC H&R Block Tax Preparation and Bookkeeping 732 South Range Line Road, Suite A, Joplin, MO 64801 417.624.3545 1901 East 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804 417.624.3547 1651 West 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801 417.624.8448 www.hrblock.com Melinda Milligan, Office Manager Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow, JACC Z's Drive Thru Convenience/Liquor Store 1620 South Main Street, Joplin, MO 64804 417.726.5051 Paul Zerkel, Owner Sponsor: Rob O'Brian, JACC Bott Radio Network - KSCV 100.5 FM Radio Station 1111 South Glenstone Avenue, Suite 3-102 Springfield, MO 65804 417.864.0901 Monna Stafford, Regional Manager Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow, JACC

AdvoCare - Amy Marie Fitness Nutritional Systems/Weight Control Systems 19060 Jolley Lane, Carthage, MO 64836 425.231.4881 www.amymariefit.com Amy Sallee, Independent Distributor Sponsors: Andy Queen, Farmers Insurance - Andy 10 Queen Agency; Cynthia Marlow, JACC

Gammon Equipment Company, Inc. Equipment Rental and Sales 601 South Kenser Lane, Joplin, MO 64801 417.781.2101 www.gammoneq.com Jeff Landskroner Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow, JACC Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Colleges & Universities 2817 St. John's Blvd., Joplin, MO 64804 417.208.0630 www.joplin.kcumb.edu Jamie Hirshey, Human Resources Manager - Joplin Sponsor: Rob O'Brian, JACC D.L. Janssen Co., Inc. Consultant P.O. Box 2582, Joplin, MO 64803-2582 417.782.1475 Dale Janssen, Owner Sponsor: Rob O'Brian, JACC Simpson Funeral Home Funeral Homes 400 West Daugherty Street Webb City, MO 64870 417.673.2411 101 North Main Street Carl Junction, MO 64834 417.649.7201 www.simpsonfh.com Austin Simpson, Director of Technology Sponsor: Bill Tandy, Countryside in the City Warner-Williams Investments Real Estate Sales/Development/Investors/Management 2903 Military Avenue, Baxter Springs, KS 66713 620.856.3906 Kyle Roblyer, Associate Sponsor: Cynthia Marlow, JACC 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 the Chamber. Contact Cynthia Marlow at 417.624.4150 or cynthia@joplincc.com.

Business Outlook

Eighty-three Joplin Educators Nominated for 31st Annual Golden Apple Awards

March 2016

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce 83 Joplin educators were nominated for the 31st Annual Golden Apple Awards. For 30 years, the Golden Apple Awards have recognized excellence in the teaching profession in the Joplin community. These individuals were nominated by students, parents and peers in the Joplin public and private schools. All nominees and the individuals who nominated them will be honored at a reception March 1, sponsored by EaglePicher Technologies, LLC. Judging will take place over the next two months and the awardees in each of the four categories will be announced at the JACC Annual Banquet April 21. The nominees are: Kindergarten-2nd Grade Julie Anderegg, College Heights Christian School Heather Anderson, Cecil Floyd Elementary School Monica Bay, Jefferson Elementary School Leah Blankenship, College Heights Christian School Shannon Brower, St. Mary's Elementary School Anne Compton, Irving Elementary School Kyleigh Garrett, Eastmorland Elementary School Beth Haubein, Martin Luther School Carmi Hinman, Royal Heights Elementary School Desiree Limkeman, College Heights Christian School Joanne Lown, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Margot Patterson, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Stephanie Reither, Cecil Floyd Elementary School Michelle Silvey, College Heights Christian School Mary Sloan, Royal Heights Elementary School Erin Snodgrass, Cecil Floyd Elementary School Elysha Thomas, Soaring Heights Elementary School Stacey Thomas, College Heights Christian School Nicole Thorn, Jefferson Elementary School Katie Tupper, Royal Heights Elementary School Mary Ann Turk, St. Mary's Elementary School Amy Tynon, Eastmorland Elementary School Jessica Vaughn, Irving Elementary School Elaina Watkins, Stapleton Elementary School Kim Wood, Jefferson Elementary School 3rd-5th Grade Margie Black, St. Mary's Elementary School Jan Bradshaw, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Heather Brodrick, Stapleton Elementary School Matt Crane, Royal Heights Elementary School Caryn Deckard, Stapleton Elementary School Abbie Durr, Columbia Elementary School Kyle Graves, Eastmorland Elementary School Kim Grigery, Jefferson Elementary School Emily Heard, Royal Heights Elementary School Kim Hosp, St. Mary's Elementary School Tera Turner Krantz, Eastmorland Elementary School Julie Leone, St. Mary's Elementary School Martha Maples, Irving Elementary School Katie Moore, Royal Heights Elementary School Teresa Morris, Irving Elementary School Kathy Nicodemus, Irving Elementary School Karen Robertson, Stapleton Elementary School

James Spencer, Jefferson Elementary School Sally Spieckermann, Eastmorland Elementary School Debi Staton, St. Mary's Elementary School Jinger Thomas, Eastmorland Elementary School Kelsea Whitten, Stapleton Elementary School Shannon Woolridge, College Heights Christian School 6th-8th Grade Shannon Bickford, St. Peter's Middle School Rhonda Briley, South Middle School Amanda Christy, East Middle School Justina Clopton, East Middle School Kris Dishman, North Middle School Heidi Gardner, St. Peter's Middle School Joyce Hale, East Middle School Marcia Himes, North Middle School Amanda Kent, East Middle School Ginger Lewis, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Zena Lewis, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Angela Mense, East Middle School Linda Patten, East Middle School Kasey Pliler, East Middle School Lacy Rice, East Middle School Kathleen Schrader, South Middle School Melissa Shrimplin, North Middle School Lara Stamper, East Middle School Brandon Teal, East Middle School Mary Yeoman, North Middle School 9th-12th Grade Amber Cooney, Joplin High School Brendan Cooney, Joplin High School LaHeather Fisher, Joplin High School Pam Green, College Heights Christian School Kim Hamilton, College Heights Christian School Fang Martin, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Chris Nash, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Jay Reed, Joplin High School Josiah Roelfsema, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Kaara Schrader, McAuley High School Charmagne Stanley, College Heights Christian School Cody VanVactor, Joplin High School Amanda Walker, McAuley High School Brooke White, Joplin High School Christopher Young, Joplin High School

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New Member Spotlight

March 2016

Business Outlook

SAVE THE DATE – Small Business Seminar

May 10, 8:30-11 am Cornell Auditorium, Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center, Missouri Southern State University

"HOW LEADERS BECOME SUPER HEROES BUT THEIR CAPES ARE INVISIBLE" JACK SMALLEY, DIRECTOR OF HR LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT, EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS Over 100 competencies and behaviors define great leadership. We will identify the five that propel leaders to the Super Hero status. During this interactive session we will:

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Presenting Sponsor

--Discuss the disciplines that strengthen leadership credibility --Identify the qualities we all look for and admire in leaders --List the five characteristics of today’s most admired leaders --Follow the blueprint of how Super Heroes transition vision into reality

Davis CPA Group, LLC 3111 Arizona, Suite B Joplin, MO 64804 417.717.1715 Davis CPA Group, LLC, is a tax and consulting firm focusing on tax compliance and planning, business consulting and accounting assistance for small- and mediumsized businesses.

Owner Brandon Davis has 10 years of experience in public accounting.

The firm caters to busy business owners and professionals, with an emphasis on timely and accurate service.

The firm, which opened October 15, 2015, is located at 3111 Arizona, Suite B, Joplin. Office hours are 8 am-5 pm Monday through Friday, or by appointment.

CROWDER COLLEGE AND THE JOPLIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION WILL HOST THE CCTEC SPRING ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016

March 2016

Business Outlook

At the proposed Foundation’s Advanced Training and Technology Center, 420 South Grand Avenue, Joplin Enter through the south door (5th Street side). Tours of the proposed new facility begin at 5:30 pm.

We will transition to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce building at 6:30 pm for dinner and breakout sessions.

Focus groups will be held related to training for jobs in information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! RSVP to lisa@joplincc.com Note CCTEC Meeting in subject line, please.

CROWDER COLLEGE AND THE JOPLIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION WILL HOST FIRST FRIDAY COFFEE, APRIL 1, 2016, 7:30 TO 8:30 am At the Foundation’s proposed Advanced Training and Technology Center, 420 South Grand Avenue, Joplin Enter through the south door (5th Street side).

Tours of the proposed new facility from 7:45 am until 9:00 am.

RSVP at www.joplincc.com or by calling 417.624.1996.

Presented by

Sponsored by

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March 2016

Business Outlook

Dress

for Success

2nd Annual

Are you up for a challenge?

Host a clot hing collection today!

Challenge your coworkers or civic groups to see who can donate the most professional clothing by March 10! Drop off your donations at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce at 320 E. 4th Street.

All sizes of gently used men’s and women’s professional clothing and accessories are needed.

Ready for the super challenge?

Volunteer to help students select clothing on Thursday, March 31, 2016!

Brought to you by: 14

brown-n@mssu.edu

martha@joplincc.com

STATE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: A REPORT FROM YOUR CHAMBER

March 2016

Business Outlook

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

Calendar of Events for March 2016 March 1 9 am Leads Group One Chamber Office 6 pm Golden Apple Nominee Reception Missouri Southern State University Billingsly Student Center March 2 8 am Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Healthcare Session TBD 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office March 4 7:30 am First Friday Coffee Joplin Workshops March 9 7:15 am Good Morning Joplin Missouri Southern State University North End Zone Facility 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office March 10 8:30 am Leadership Joplin Communications/Media Session The Joplin Globe March 15 9 am Leads Group One Memorial Education Center - Joplin Schools

March 15 5:30 pm Business After Hours Community Bank and Trust (32nd Street Location) March 16 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office 11:30 am Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Chamber Office March 21 12 pm Leadership Joplin Steering Committee Meeting Chamber Office March 23 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office March 25 Good Friday Office Closed March 28 11:30 am Chamber Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Office March 30 2 pm Launch Pad Member Orientation Chamber Office March 31 8:30 am Leadership Joplin/Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Collaboration Session Freeman Corporate Center

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March 2016

Business Outlook The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the

2016

Eggs & Issues Legislative Brunch

Friday, April 22 10:15-11:45 am Continental Banquet & Catering 2728 North Range Line Road Doors open at 10 am Cost: $10 if paid online $12 at the door RSVP to lisa@joplincc.com or 417.624.1996 by April 15.

Presented by

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March 2016

Business Outlook

The Future of Your Business

By Karen Bradshaw, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Southern State University “Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffett Have you ever thought about where your company will be three years, five years or 10 years from now? Will your current customers still want to buy your products and services? What about your competition? Will you have reliable sources of energy? Will the cost of your raw materials greatly increase or decline? Will technology in your industry advance quickly? What other challenges will your business face?

Every company should take a realistic look at the internal and external environmental factors that will impact their firm. Is your business prepared for a natural disaster (i.e. floods, wind storms, etc.)? How will the results of the elections this year affect the future of your business? Will the United States experience strong economic growth this year, continue at the same growth rate, or will there be another recession?

It may be hard, or next to impossible, to predict the future; however, you still need to think about working on a contingency plan to help your company deal with whatever the future may hold. Ask yourself, does my company have a strategic plan? Have we done any contingency planning?

Being prepared for the future is a big part of success in business. By the way, a strategic plan is not just a document you pay a consultant to write and then place on your book shelf to gather dust. Successful planning is a continual process that allows for reasonable and achievable goals, and methods to accomplish those goals. It means you review, revise and change your plans in order to meet competitive and environmental forces facing your business.

So, how do you deal with the uncertainty of the future?

You start planning! The process of planning forces you to think about options for improving your business. As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

Consider these tips when developing your strategic planning initiative.

1. Assess your company’s external environmental situation by carefully examining threats that face your business and opportunities your firm may take advantage of now and in the future. Are there new regulations and competitors that may be harmful to your firm? Can you capitalize on new technologies in order to increase profits? Remember to keep listening to your customers by regularly surveying their opinions.

2. Examine your company’s internal environment by focusing on your firm’s strengths and weaknesses.

In what area can your company improve? What new products or services can you produce? Do you have great customer service and satisfied customers, or do you need to train your employees?

3. Identify your company’s mission and goals. What is your firm trying to accomplish in your community, and why are you in business? What kind of sales, profits, growth and community-involvement goals has your business set?

4. Write a detailed action plan. Refer to your company mission and the goals you developed. Devise policies, strategies and procedures that you can put in place to help you achieve your goals. Examine what human resources and monetary resources you will need to accomplish these plans.

5. Set dates to complete steps in your action plans.

Don’t write plans for the sake of writing plans that are never implemented. In order to succeed, you need to put your plans into action.

6. Review your strategic plan at least once a quarter.

Adjust or pivot your plans as needed to meet competitive and environmental conditions.

7. Develop a company contingency plan. There will be natural disasters, economic crises and difficulties in the future. Are you and your company prepared to deal with these adverse events? If you want to continue to positively transform your business into a continually successful venture, you must be prepared to deal with adversity.

Remember, as Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Plan for your company’s future in order to ensure your firm’s survival and success.

Consider a training event that could assist you in planning for your company’s future.

Where Will Your Business Be In 2019?

This extremely hands-on interactive training event will help you identify where your business is 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: March 30 (Wednesday), 1:30pm - 4:30pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 107, MSSU Cost: $59/person

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March 2016

Business Outlook

We Have Something NEW For You! We know you will love this Members Only program that takes potential customers from our website straight to your place of business!

Serve on a City of Joplin Board or Commission Whatever your interest, the City probably has a place for you to serve. Boards and commissions range from the City Tree Board and Conventions & Visitors Advisory Board to Historic Preservation and Traffic Commission. You must be a registered Missouri voter to apply. Find the complete list of boards and commissions, and the online application form, at www.joplinmo.org under the “Government� tab.

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

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

March 2016

Business Outlook

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

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

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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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March 2016

Business Outlook

First Friday Coffee

Friday, March 4 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Good Morning Joplin Wednesday, March 9 7:15-9 a.m.

Presented by

Sponsored by and located at Joplin Workshops 501 School Avenue

RSVP by March 2 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.

Sponsored by

7:15 a.m. - Breakfast | $14 at the door or if invoiced 7:30 a.m. - Program | $12 if prepaid online only Located at Missouri Southern State University End Zone Facility 3950 East Newman Road

Presented by RSVP by March 4 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996

Business After Hours

THANK YOU!

Presenting Sponsor

Tuesday, March 15 5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored by and located at Community Bank and Trust 414 East 32nd Street

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RSVP by March 10 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.

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