September 2017 Business Outlook

2016

SEPTEMBER 2017

business outlook

SEPT. 2017

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE pg. 3

Transforming the Heart of the City

HOT LINKS 2017 WINNERS pg. 11

OUR MEMBERS ANNOUNCE pg. 8-9

Awards, announcements and opportunities inside!

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SEPTEMBER 2017

business outlook BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2018 Executive Committee Clive Veri Chairman of the Board

Brandon Davis

Chairman Elect of the Board

Karen Plott

Past Chairman of the Board

Jerrod Hogan Treasurer

Louise Secker

Vice Chairman Membership/ Community Development Services

Brent Baker

Co-Vice Chairman Membership/ Community Development Services

Lori Scott Dreiling

Vice Chairman Economic/Workforce Development Services

Betsy Kissel

Co-Vice Chairman Economic/ Workforce Development Services

Directors Gina Atteberry Michael Beatty Todd Chenault Jeremy Drinkwitz Donovan Edwards David Glenn Jacqueline Hackett Holly Hukill Dr. Alan Marble Randy Moore Kelli Perigo Ex-Officio Directors Sam Anselm John Bartosh Mike Gray Dr. Brad Hodson Ryan Melton Dr. Jennifer Methvin Dr. Melinda Moss Sergio Rizo Marilyn Ruestman Michael Seibert

CHAMBER STAFF Executive

Rob O’Brian, CEcD President Tonya Sprenkle Vice President Lisa Kelly Executive Assistant

Member Services

Ginger LaMar, IOM Director of Member Services & Development Stephanie McGrew Member Events Producer Jim Kesler Membership Sales Strategist

Finance

Navon Cook Finance Director Samantha Doubledee Finance Coordinator

FIND US AT: 2

Communications

Kirstie Smith Communications Director Wendy Brunner-Lewis Communications Coordinator

Economic & Workforce Development

Mark Turnbull Director of Regional Strategies Kevin Welch Director of Business Attraction Brian Kelly Director of Entrepreneurship & Technology Strategies

Administrative Support Lea Schroer Administrative Assistant

5 LEVEL SPONSORS S T A R

PARTNERSHIP

PLATINUM LEVEL

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

CHAIRMAN LEVEL 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 SNC Squared 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.

DIRECTOR LEVEL Choice Marketing Connell Insurance, Inc. Joplin ProPrint Motive Matters Storm Stanley

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

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Transforming the Heart of the City

In the past few weeks, the City Council has heard presentations on two projects that have the opportunity to not just add more life to Joplin’s downtown, but spur a complete transformation. The projects were brought forward by Missouri Southern State University for the former library and by Connect2Culture for a new Arts and Entertainment Center on 7th Street in front of Memorial Hall.

Together, these projects bring millions of dollars in new investment and new life to the heart of the community.

Stepping back for a moment, the first question may be why even consider these in the first place. The ROB O’BRIAN, City and private investment have already brought more life back to downtown, with nicer sidewalks, more PRESIDENT plantings, more restaurants and more diverse retail. The First Thursday, Third Thursday and now First Friday events bring people downtown from spring through fall. But we also know keeping downtown thriving is an ongoing effort that always has the potential for setbacks. The most recent example is the Joplin Family Y finally making the difficult decision to give up its nearly 100-year-old downtown location because of the expense of operating an historic building. The two projects now before our community offer an opportunity to bring excitement and momentum, but more importantly, greater economic stability, to the downtown.

Let’s start with the MSSU proposal to take the former library and move an entire academic department to the downtown. Fifty years ago this year was when the new Missouri Southern State College opened its doors at what had been Mission Hills Ranch on the northeast side of town. The leadership of the community worked hard to make Joplin Junior College a four-year institution, and the 400acre ranch offered a wonderful opportunity for growth that continues to this day. At that time, downtown was still the hot bed of retail, and most of the streets were lined with buildings, offering little opportunity for acquisition of property for the college. If anyone could have clearly foreseen the trend toward malls and strip centers that would hollow out downtowns across the country, including here, maybe MSSC would have stayed closer to the core of the city and the dynamics for downtown would have been different for the past 30 years.

Regardless, having MSSU take a major building, in the very heart of downtown, and bring a department with hundreds of students, creates positive dynamics now and for the future. It brings a tighter relationship between the university and the city. It supports the existing businesses and will spawn new ones. It creates the opportunity for more housing needs. In fact, MSSU has indicated a nearly immediate Phase Two, which would be university-provided housing downtown. But once there are more students, there will be private organizations interested in providing housing, as well. In fact, the downtown is an ideal housing location for both MSSU and KCU students, in my opinion.

The Connect2Culture project is still pending that first step with the Council, primarily because it would be on the current parking lot for Memorial Hall. (Full disclosure: I am a member of the C2C board, which has had Chamber representation since its beginning.) The new center, estimated at $15 million (and which already has private commitments well underway) would provide a new, large home for the Spiva Arts Center, a 500-seat performance hall, community meeting space, and outdoor area for concerts and arts. The center is designed so its outdoor area ties into the front of Memorial Hall. This facility would create a visual presence on 7th Street (Route 66), and be an easy walk from most of the downtown restaurants, creating the opportunity for them to do more business before and after events.

But, there are two big items to be addressed. First, the parking. When Memorial Hall was opened in 1925 and for most of its life until the mid-1970s, it was surrounded by other buildings. Parking was on the street and people often walked blocks to events. We don’t (won’t) do that today. C2C has identified about 1,000 parking spaces in city lots and private business. It has letters of commitment for use by the businesses. Parking is really now a non-issue, especially in comparison to entertainment and conference venues in other communities.

Next, Memorial Hall. The building was the idea of the American Legion to create a community facility that also recognized the sacrifice made by local soldiers in World War I. Over the years, plaques in the lobby and monuments on the grounds have been put in to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice in other conflicts. In conversations over the years, a number of the Legion leaders have told me they want people today, and future generations, to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have gone before. They have more concern about that recognition and appreciation than the building itself. In fact, at one time not long ago, the Legion leadership had a new drawing made of Memorial Hall that, in essence, only kept the front lobby and had an entirely new building behind it to accommodate more people and events. C2C is very interested in working with the City on a reuse of Memorial Hall, but it also has great interest in ensuring the original intent of recognizing those who gave their lives for this country is not just continued but enhanced.

Both of these projects have been in the works for a long time. There has been a lot of thought, effort, conceptualizing and input.

While they recently reached the point of going to City Council, they are not just “springing up.” Best of all, they are both private sector investments that only need the City’s support to use the properties. Together, these two projects have the potential to not just continue the positive trend of the past decade, but truly make downtown the vibrant center of Joplin and the region for decades to come.

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Your Chamber, Then and Now Follow us on our journey through time as we celebrate how your Chamber shaped the area from its inception in 1917 to today. This article, written by Joplin historian Brad Belk, first appeared in the November 2012 Business Outlook.

On April Fools’ Day 1980, voters in Jasper and Newton counties repealed the Blue Laws, which prohibited the sale of many items on Sundays. In December 1979, The Joplin Globe reported Jasper County prosecutors had won injunctions against some Joplin merchants for opening on Sundays. Following the repeal of the Blue Law, Four States residents flooded the mall and stores in Joplin, purchasing an assortment of goods and services on the Sabbath.

On August 24, 1980, the first open-heart surgery was performed in the Four States at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. A new $30-million, nine-story patient tower was dedicated January 30, 1984. Before the 1980s concluded, the hospitals in Joplin were offering a variety of specialized care procedures; local residents no longer had to drive great distances for medical treatment.

During the spring of 1981, the Joplin Public Library relocated to a new $1.6 million building at Third and Main streets.

By 1982, The Empire District Electric Company’s operating revenues exceeded $100 million for the first time. Three years later, Empire was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the top 200 best small companies in the United States. In 1985, Empire officials agreed to keep the home office in downtown Joplin. The interior of the building was gutted, renovated and enlarged. The $7-million corporate headquarters makeover showcased an atrium that spanned four floors, a 100-seat auditorium and an enclosed bi-level parking garage.

Joplin Business and Industrial Development Corporation (JBIDC) was formed with an agreement between the City of Joplin and the Joplin Chamber of Commerce in 1986. The organization was funded by government and general public dollars. Today, the former JBIDC, now the Joplin Regional Economic Development Alliance (JREDA), through a private-public partnership, continues to implement innovative business principles by creating shell building programs, which then lead to the creation of high-paying jobs and millions of dollars in capital investments in the Joplin region.

A $12.5 million expansion to Freeman Hospital was also completed in 1986. The two-story, 47,000-square-foot addition increased the hospital capacity to a 175-bed facility.

On January 9, 1987, the John Q. Hammons Trade and Convention Center opened north of the Holiday Inn on South Range Line. The 30,000-square-foot convention center became the largest event facility in Joplin.

In August 1987, more than 1,000 Missouri Southern State College students and faculty waved to the camera, while standing in the oval for the “Good Morning America” ABC television program. The Southern greeting to America signaled a year of celebration for the college’s 50th anniversary. One year later, Republican presidential candidate George Bush and vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle each made speeches on the campus.

During the 1980s, 50 stores were added to Northpark Mall, which included the Famous Barr department store. Part of the expansion involved a newly designed food court, which offered a variety of dining experiences.

During the decade, the fastest-growing street in Joplin was 32nd Street. When 32nd Street was a two-lane road, traffic count was 3,500 to 4,000 vehicles a day. By 1989, the traffic count had expanded to 20,000. The 32nd Street corridor had much to offer. The underdeveloped land was cheaper than real estate on Range Line Road, and its proximity to Interstate 44, accessibility to Main Street and Range Line Road and being a major arterial street for Joplin’s hospitals made it a good investment.

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2017-2018 Executive Committee

Presented by

Message to the Network from Chairman Ryan S. Melton The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. On March 4, 1921, Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I in the plaza of the new Memorial Amphitheater. The white marble sarcophagus has a flat-faced form and is relieved at the corners and along the sides by neo-classic pilasters, or columns, set into the surface. Sculpted into the east panel, which faces Washington, D.C., are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. The six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, represent the six major campaigns of World War I. Inscribed on the back of the tomb are the words: "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has long been one of my favorite landmarks. I can never fully describe my feelings when I see it or read about it, but I know it always comes with a lump in my throat as I think about the sacrifice made by the "unknown" soldiers.

The Unknown Soldier to me is a symbol of heroism, giving of oneself for the betterment of a bigger cause.

Heroism is alive and well in our world today, but unfortunately, you have to look for it yourself because in many ways, we have become enamored as a society not with heroism but with fame. Heroes are members of our military, EMS and first responders, teachers, civil servants and many more that I would certainly miss if I tried to name them all. Please thank the heroes in your life.

As young professionals, many of us who are building our careers, we face the great dilemma of working to be famous instead of being heroes. Much of what we have been taught as a society is tied to being noticed. Noticed for the project you lead or the sale you close or the client you win. These are all tremendous accomplishments but the risk involved is that we fall in love with the praise that is accompanied with the accomplishments. We become almost addicted to the pat on the back or the "Atta Boy" from our boss. However, what if we decided to trade fame for heroism? What if we spent the next year doing what was right, noble and part of a bigger cause without seeking fame? What if, as members of YPN, we pursued heroism individually and as a network?

Just like the Unknown Soldier, pursue the bigger cause, and in the end, they might still memorialize you.

Ryan S. Melton, Director of Service Excellence Freeman Health System

Ryan Melton, Chairman Shawn Daniel, Co-Chairman Brent Baker, Past Chairman Courtney Barnard Drew Kimble Jennifer Little Emily Marion Stephanie Onstot Tyler Overstreet Megan Tyler Whitney Warren

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business outlook

New YPN Members Jessica Currier Connections Case Management Kelci Jones Integrity Home Care + Hospice Chris Tucker H&R Block

Young Professionals Network New Member Orientation Thursday, September 28 4-5 pm Chamber OfďŹ ce Enjoy a social mixer following at Infuxion Vodka Bar 530 S. Main Street 5

business outlook

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

Shirley's Tavern

Lucas Gordon, Director of Operations 1525 South Range Line Road Grand Opening

Ashley Wise, Owner 321 West Main Street, Carterville New Membership

M&M Bistro

Wildcat Glades and Empire District

Jef Alvandimehr, Owner 612 South Main Street Grand Opening of New Location

JACC Advanced Training & Technology Center Rob O'Brian, President 420 South Grand Avenue Grand Opening

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Presented by

Robin Standridge, Wildcat Glades, and Brent Baker, Empire District 201 West Riviera Drive, Suite A Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Ribbon provided by Countryside in the City

SEPTEMBER 2017

Ribbon Cuttings

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING ABC of Joplin, Inc................................................... 1992

Mid-America Media, Inc......................................... 1992

Advance Family EyeCare........................................ 2003

Millennium Family Fitness....................................... 1999

The Alliance of Southwest Missouri........................ 1999

Missouri Center for Advanced Power Systems

Aspire Scholarship Program.................................... 2010

Research.................................................................. 2014

Atlas Risk Management, LLC.................................. 2005

Missouri Southern State University......................... 1986

Baskin Robbins........................................................ 2014

Missouri Southern State University Foundation..... 2016

Binky Guy Custom T's............................................. 2011

Mystique Boutique.................................................. 2016

Cable ONE.............................................................. 1967

Sara Newman.......................................................... 2007

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

Oasis Salon & Day Spa........................................... 2001

CLEAN, The Uniform Company............................. 2015

Pittsburg State University-University

Commerce Bank..................................................... 1957

Advancement.......................................................... 2007

Community Clinic.................................................... 2005

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.......................... 2014

Cox Health Plans..................................................... 2016

Red Onion CafĂŠ...................................................... 1995

Domino's Pizza #1542............................................. 2016

Redico Industrial Supply, Inc.................................. 2008

Embassy Embroidery, LLC...................................... 2005

RKS Development LLC........................................... 2014

Farrell Construction, Inc.......................................... 1999

S&S Security Systems.............................................. 2001

Federal Protection, Inc............................................ 1999

Schlotzsky's Deli...................................................... 1995

First Financial Wealth Management....................... 2013

St. Mary's Catholic Church...................................... 2014

Freeman Liquidators............................................... 2016

Star Mechanical/Wholesale Supply........................ 2012

Fresh Ideas @ Missouri Southern State University.. 2016

The Stevenson Law Office, P.C............................... 2013

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland..................... 1990

Steve's Trading Post................................................ 2016

Henkle's Ace Hardware........................................... 2010

SWMO Vape Shop.................................................. 2016

Hunter & Millard Architects, Inc.............................. 2014

The Titanic Museum Attraction.............................. 2010

J.E. Dunn Construction Company.......................... 2011

Uncommon Orthodontics....................................... 2014

Joplin Fire Protection Company, Inc...................... 1979

The UPS Store......................................................... 2007

Joplin Industrial Electric, Inc................................... 1986

Vaughn Companies, LLC........................................ 2014

Joplin Pediatric Dentistry........................................ 2013

Viking Line, Inc., dba Viking Trailways.................... 1989

Joplin ProPrint......................................................... 1992

Warten, Fisher, Lee & Brown, LLC.......................... 1962

Joplin Schools......................................................... 1979

Weed Whackers, Inc............................................... 2001

KOA Kampground.................................................. 2004

Westside Collision Tire & Auto LLC........................ 2010

LaFerla Ortho.......................................................... 1999

Yates Trackside Furniture........................................ 1979

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Mid-America Environmental Solutions................... 1997

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Our Members Announce presented by

Be a part of the 5th Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States Big Red Shoe 15k, 5m, 5k and Kid’s Fun Run September 9, presented by TAMKO Building Products. Help RMHC reach their goal of 500 runners! Go to www.localraces. com or call 417.624.2273 for more information.

Register for the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Low and Slow Barbecue Cook Off September 23 from 10 am-2 pm at the Elks Bingo Hall & VC Fairgrounds.

Entry fee: brisket, chicken, pork spare ribs - $200; people’s choice - $25. $3,000 total in cash prize awards for 1st-3rd meats.

For more information or to register, email chamber1@nevadamo.com or call 417.667.5300.

The Crowder College Foundation Roughrider Car Show is September 9 from 10 am-3 pm at Crowder College, 601 Laclede, in Neosho. Registration is 9 am; awards are 2:30 pm.

All cars and trucks welcome. Free admission to spectators; car show entries are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. For more information, call 417.455.5646.

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is hosting Spiva Afternoon Tea September 22 at 3 pm at Spiva Center for the Arts Main Gallery, 222 West 3rd. $15 per person. Register at www. spivaarts.org/events.

Thomas McGee, L.C., a leading Midwest risk management company, is establishing its first presence in the St. Louis market. Founded in Kansas City more than 100 years ago as an independent insurance agency, the company now handles third-party claims administration as well as commercial, surety, employee benefits and personal risk for the country’s leading insurance carriers. For more information, call 816.398.2233.

City of Joplin Parks & Recreation will close Cunningham Aquatic Center after Labor Day, September 4. Pool hours are 1-6 pm. For more information, go to www.joplinparks.org.

Arvest Bank recently hired Carolyn Kennedy as executive director of its Treasury Management division. Kennedy will manage sales, product management and client support.

She will be based in Rogers but will work with local teams throughout Arvest’s four-state footprint. For more information, go to www.arvest.com.

Introducing the KM Guru Marketing Social Media Marketing Fancy Package! Guru will post to your various social media profiles once daily Monday through Saturday at various times.

Includes one Facebook Live at your business location, and four custom videos created to use for social profiles each month, and one boosted Facebook ad per week. For more information, go to http://kmguru.com/social-media-marketing-posting/.

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Would you like to help deserving families experience the gift of health, wellness and community at Joplin Family YMCA? A donation of any amount goes directly to scholarships for

deserving individuals and families. Make a difference for someone in need and consider giving today! You can give in person or online.

Click here to give online!

Keeping up with tax code changes can be a daunting task. For those who want to know how these changes impact their lives and the lives of others, annual enrollment for H&R Block’s Income Tax Course is now open. The course is conducted at multiple locations at different times throughout the day. There is no tuition fee, but students may need to buy their printed course materials. For more information, visit http://www.hrblock.com/class. To enroll in H&R Block’s Income Tax Course, call 417.204.9563 or enroll online.

Join Beimdiek Insurance Agency, Inc., for the Great HR Program LIVE, Thursday, September 28, in the Freeman Business Center, 3220 McClelland Blvd. Guest speaker Don Phin will walk you through a unique, fast-paced program designed to re-ignite your HR career! Attendees will receive 7 HRCI/SHRM credits. $45 registration fee goes directly to Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, or to register, call 417.358.4007.

Freeman OccuMed welcomes certified family nurse practitioner Michelle Harris to the Freeman OccuMed team! She performs physicals, treats injuries and orders lab tests for patients. Michelle began working for Freeman Health System 11 years ago as a registered nurse while completing her Master of Science in nursing at Saint Louis University. For more information, go to www. freemanhealth.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its 7th Annual Beerfest November 11 at 5 pm at Memorial Hall. There will be lots of great food, craft beers, a silent auction and lots of fun. If you are a business owner and want to be a sponsor, or donate an item for the silent auction, or you just need more information, email greg@joplinbigbro.org or call 417.626.9244, ext. 1000.

Ryan Puckett, breeder relations specialist, is a huge asset to the team at My Little Puppy. His daily duties include direct breeder contact, breeder listings and applications, and all-around jack of all trades. Contact him at 417.627.9041 about listing your puppies, and visit www.mylittlepuppy.com to find more information.

God’s Resort hosted a tour of the ministry’s campus, including some of its 28 rental units and the building sites for 11 new units, the last weekend in August. The relational, transitional housing community was formerly referred to as “the last resort,” but is now a place of personal transformation for many doing the tough work of transitioning from life in poverty. For more information, call 417.553.4080.

The Team at Higher Vision is offering professional advice to all Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce members, and as a Chamber member, is offering 90 minutes of complimentary business assessments. For more information, log on to www.timeforvision. net or call JD Buckridge at 417.438.4428.

V’s Barbershop had added two new barbers to their team. Please

help them in welcoming Cindy Smith and Cindy Cope by scheduling your appointment today by calling 417.621.0901 or by downloading their free smart phone app.

R&D Lawn & Landscape offers complimentary estimates on custom outdoor fire pits, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls. Go to www. randdlawncare.com or call 417.483.6590.

Joplin ProPrint, home of the Print Heroes and with more than 25 years’ experience, is gearing up for fall by offering all of the latest fan gear from custom apparel, gift items and accessories, and stadium seats. Go to www.theprintheroes.com or call 417.624.3744 today to place your custom order, and be sure to like and follow them on Facebook for more great deals.

Mystique Boutique is ready for fall with new colors and fashion to enhance your wardrobe. For a sneak peek of everything new, log onto www.mystiquebtq.com or like and follow them on Facebook for more special deals.

Now is a great time to review your payroll journal reports to see which employees may not have had withholding taken. It’s not a requirement, rather a gesture to check in with them to ensure they realize the calculation of their pay. Learn more about Payroll Vault at www.payrollvault.com or call them for a complimentary business checkup at 417.623.0941.

ADC Dental Group announces the addition of their new hygienist, Bayley Strella. Bayley graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Health Science, Associates of Dental Hygiene and a minor in Biology. And ADC now has Friday appointments available. For more information, call 417.782.5005.

Mike’s Electrical Contracting is helping Chamber members get ready for the changing of seasons as it becomes darker earlier. Call for a complimentary outdoor lighting evaluation at 417.499.1000 to secure what is most precious to you.

Did you know the UPS Store is the leading provider of custom business cards in the nation? At the UPS Store located at 2401 East 32nd Street near Panera Bread, they offer quick-turn business card runs sure to turn heads. Call today for your estimate at 417.626.7555.

Lafayette House recently welcomed two new members to its board of directors: Jennifer Dennis, assistant professor of anatomy, KCUJoplin, and Jessica Schaer, news anchor for KSN. The board oversees the operations of Lafayette House, a non-profit organization serving individuals and families experiencing problems related to domestic violence, sexual assault or substance use. The organization serves 1,300 people each year. For more information, call 417.782.1772.

Pro Musica launches its 37th season with the Verona (string) Quartet in concert at 7 pm Thursday, September 21, at First Community Church, 2007 East 15th Street. The concert is open to the public at no charge with donations appreciated. For more information, call 417.625.1822 or visit www.promusicajoplin.org.

It’s time for those delicious Pink Ribbon Bagels! October 1-31,

September is National Life Insurance Month, and the Southwest Missouri NAIFA chapter would like to invite all insurance professionals to a special meeting at Mythos Euro Greek Kuzina September 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available. For more information, call 417.624.6565.

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Panera Bread will donate 25 cents for every Pink Ribbon Bagel sold to Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation. Friday, October 13, Panera will donate 100 percent of bagel sales to Hope! To order, call Panera at 417.626.2300 or download a form on www.hope4youbcf.org. Plan to attend the Pink Ribbon bagel Kickoff at Panera September 28 at 10 am where HOPE will present checks to help provide women in the area with mammograms.

Active Lifestyle Events, a 501(c)3 organization, is taking applications for grants for 2018 from area organizations to help assist in their endeavors. ALE’s primary event is the Joplin Memorial Marathon that takes place each May to honor the 161 people lost in the Joplin tornado. The grants are intended to help support events which fulfill the Active Lifestyle Events mission of promoting healthy and active lifestyles in Joplin and surrounding communities. Applications accepted through September 30, and recipients will be announced in December.

To receive an application or for more information, e-mail adennisccl@yahoo.com or call 417.825.2710.

The Joplin History & Mineral Museum is hosting the 2017 Chautauqua: Thomas Hart Benton October 13-14. Attendees will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view rarely seen sketches from Thomas Hart Benton, spend an evening with Benton, and take a trolley mural or historic building walking tour. For more information, go to www.joplin-museum.org/ copy-of-special-events.

Joplin Public Library is hosting a Titanic Event Friday, September 15. Characters from the Branson Titanic Museum will walk the halls of Joplin Public Library from 4 to 5 pm, educating children in 1st through 5th grade about their adventures on the fated voyage. For more information, call 417.623.2184 or visit www.joplinpubliclibrary.org.

Tri-State Area Contractors Association’s 16th Annual Pig Roast is September 28, 6-10 pm, at Wilson’s Place in Carthage.

Tickets are $25 for TSACA members. Register here.

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina offers Give Back Events as a fundraiser for your non-profit organization.

Twenty percent of the proceeds is donated to your organization. For more information, call 417.622.5725.

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 September 10. Please include “Our Members Announce” in the email subject line. Find all our members in our online Membership Directory.

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business outlook SEPTEMBER 2017

Calendar of Events for Sept. 2017 September 4 Labor Day Office Closed September 5 3:30 pm Tomorrow's Leaders Today Committee Meeting Chamber Office September 6 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office September 8 7:30 am First Friday Coffee ADC Dental Group

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September 11 12 pm Business EXPO Committee Meeting Chamber Office September 13 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office September 19 9 am Leads Group One MJ Surveying LLC 5:30 pm Business After Hours Mercy Hospital Joplin September 20 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office

September 25 11:45 am Chamber Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Office 3:30 pm Tomorrow's Leaders Today Committee Meeting Chamber Office September 27 9 am Leads Group Two Watered Gardens September 28 7:15 am Good Morning Joplin Missouri Southern State University End Zone Facility

August 24

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Championship Flight 1st Place PRO 100 JC Burd Paul Ashe Derrick Ashe Dana Meadows

A Flight 1st Place Roper Honda Rick Brown Ryan Ritter George Butler Kevin Heatherly

Closest to the Pin Bryce Benson Longest Drive Bryce Benson

August 25

Championship Flight B Flight A Flight 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place Closest to the Pin Toner Connection Downstream Casino Resort FOX 14 Aaron Borland Skyler Powers Ernie Caruthers Mike Olmstead Tim Powers Alan Bouschor Steve Hollinsworth Longest Drive Craig Powers Greg Helms Joe Craigmile Jared Pyatt Todd Scacewater Brock Moorehouse Jacob Lenard

PRO 100

Toner Connection 11

business outlook SEPTEMBER 2017

Welcome New Members

Innovative Processing Solution, LLC Credit Card Processing/Payment Processing 212 1/2 West 5th Street Joplin, MO 64801 417.291.7987 www.innovativeprocessingsolution.com Deblois Bryan, Director Sponsor: Jim Kesler, JACC

Prime Golf, LLC Golf & Golf Equipment/Marketing 407 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 204 Joplin, MO 64801 914.260.9045 www.primegolfllc.com Todd Greene, Owner Sponsor: Brian Kelly, JACC

Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant/Bar 1525 South Range Line Road Joplin, MO 64804 417.206.9464 www.buffalowildwings.com Lucas Gordon, Director of Operations Sponsor: Jim Kesler, JACC

Baker Color Warehouse Wholesale Automotive Paint & Body Shop Supplies 401 East 7th Street Joplin, MO 64801 417.623.1300 Randy Slaughter, General Manager Sponsor: Todd Chenault, Steve's Frame & Body Shop

MacCheesy Deluxe Mac & Cheese Restaurant/Bar 116 North Range Line Road, Suite 101 Joplin, MO 64801 417.459.5377 www.mymaccheesy.com Sherif A. Magd, Owner Sponsor: Jim Kesler, JACC

Eyemart Express Optical, Optometrists, Opticians & Optical Labs 1602 South Range Line Road Joplin, MO 64804-3231 417.385.1955 www.eyemartexpress.com Arlen Miller, Director/Store Marketing Sponsor: Jim Kesler, JACC

Adevsco LLC Computer-Services/Software/Products 1007 West Hill Street Neosho, MO 64850 417.622.5741 www.adevsco.com Kristen Fecke, Director of Project Management Sponsor: Brian Kelly, JACC

All Star Electric, N.A., LLC Electrical Contractors 407 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 203 Joplin, MO 64801 918.787.5370 www.allstar-electric.net Christina & Lloyd Messimore, Owners Sponsor: Brian Kelly, JACC

Brotherhood of Warriors Retail-Specialty 430 South Grand Avenue, Suite G Joplin, MO 64801 417.629.7982 www.brotherhoodofwarriors.com Geoffrey Ward, President Sponsor: Brian Kelly, 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.

Ultimate Career Resume Writing/Professional Development P.O. Box 147 Saginaw, MO 64864 361.401.0346 MeLisa Rogers, Owner 12 Sponsors: Navon Cook, JACC; Jim Kesler, JACC

Invite your clients or vendors to join your 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Contact Membership Sales Strategist Jim Kesler at 417.624.4150 or jkesler@ joplincc.com.

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

By Karen Bradshaw, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Southern State University

Following are some useful websites for business owners that offer a wide range of information and resources in articles, videos, newsletters and blogs. https://business.mo.gov/ - The Missouri Business Portal website is a single point of entry for business registration, filings, licenses and permits for doing business in the State of Missouri. You can research how to start and operate a business in Missouri and what resources are available to support your business. http://www.sba.gov - The Small Business Administration provides information on starting and expanding your business. The site has information on counseling, training, capital, contracting, disaster assistance, business advocacy, local directories and more. http://www.mssutraining.com - The Missouri Southern State University Small Business & Technology Development Center website contains a listing of local low-cost workshops offered to assist small businesses in the area. https://www.ted.com/ TED Talks offers a variety of videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, technology and creativity. https://www.allbusiness. com/ - All Business provides an array of information and resources on technology, marketing, finance, operations and other topics for small business owners to help them manage and grow their firms. https://startupnation.com/ - Startup Nation offers entrepreneurial advice from a variety of people who are experienced business owners. The site has advice on marketing, management, finance and operations. https://www.bloomberg.com/leaders/ Bloomberg’s “Leaders” section offers great insights and pertinent stories for leaders at all levels. The site also provides advice on technology, markets and operations. http://www.designsponge.com/category/lifebusiness - Design Sponge Life and Business offers advice for female entrepreneurs to overcome business challenges. The site also has information on health, wellness and fashion.

https://www.entrepreneurship.org/ - The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that aims to foster economic independence by advancing educational achievement. It provides global resources for entrepreneurs. https://www.census.gov/ - The U.S. Census Bureau’s website provides online access to U.S. demographic data, publications and other products.

The Census Bureau provides maps, digital files for use in a Geographic Information System (GIS)and interactive mapping capabilities in order to visualize census data. https://missouribusiness.net/ptac/ - The Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC) assist businesses (including small, disadvantaged and women-owned firms) in obtaining federal, state and local government contracts.

http://www. bizstats.com - BizStats provides access to useful financial ratios, business statistics and benchmarks.

It also provides for effective analysis of businesses and industries. https://business. microsoft.com/en-us Microsoft’s small- and medium-sized business hub is stocked with learning resources, videos, newsletters and a blog that contains useful information for entrepreneurs. http://www.noobpreneur.com/ - Noobpreneur is a site offering tips, ideas and trends for small business owners and those who want to enter entrepreneurship. http://www.nase.org/ - National Association for the Self Employed provides day-to-day support, including direct access to experts, benefits and consolidated buying power. It represents hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and micro-businesses. http://www.missouribusiness.net - The Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers and the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension sponsor a website to provide Missouri businesses with information resources. The website contains information on business development, finance, marketing, and legal/regulatory issues.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Informative Websites for Business Owners

business outlook

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business outlook SEPTEMBER 2017

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

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS: THE FIRST STEPS

QUICKBOOKS DESKTOP: UTILIZATION, TIPS AND TRICKS

Before you start a business, be certain to attend this

This training is a demonstration of QuickBooks and how to

training. Participants will have an opportunity to assess

best use the program and its features.

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.

September 14 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, MSSU (yellow signs at entrance will list room information) Cost: $29 per business

September 26 (Tuesday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster School, MSSU (yellow signs at entrance will list room information) Cost: $79 per attendee

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

STATE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: A REPORT FROM YOUR CHAMBER

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017

business outlook

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business outlook SEPTEMBER 2017

Advanced Training Centers Attract New Industries, Support Existing Industries “It’s not your granddad’s workplace anymore,” said Andy Wilson, Advanced Manufacturing Technology instructor for Crowder College in Neosho. “Technology is vital in workplaces; it’s necessary and a fact of life.”

That vital technology is making advanced training centers important to the future of manufacturers, employees and communities. These training centers are a new concept in Missouri, and a fairly new concept across the nation.

Advanced Training Centers Train Needed Employees “Companies have technology they don’t understand,” Wilson said, “and they’re desperate to employ maintenance technicians to keep that technology up and running.”

Thousands of workers are needed to fill high-tech, high-paying jobs across the country, and advanced training centers can remedy the lack of qualified workers.

“A technician who can maintain a programmable logic controller, which is a common piece of equipment in a lot of plants, can make $120,000 a year in the Joplin area,” Wilson said.

These future technicians can now be trained in Joplin at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Advanced Training & Technology Center (ATTC).

“Crowder College is excited to be partnering with the Joplin Chamber Foundation, City of Joplin and Workforce Innovation Board to bring high-demand technical programs to Joplin,” said Crowder College Director of Concurrent Enrollment & Regional Centers Melissa J. Smith. “The following programs are offered by Crowder College at the new ATTC: Pipe, Plate and Fabrication Welding; Information Technology; Computer Aided Drafting & Design; Community Health; and Advanced Manufacturing: Programmable Logic Controller. Each program will have the capacity to serve 20-30 students each semester. Certificates are designed to be completed in one semester (4 months) with the exception of welding. It is designed to be completed in 2 semesters (8 months).”

Advanced Training Centers Attract, Maintain Industries Cities where advanced training centers are located attract industries because industries don’t move where there aren’t qualified workers. In addition to attracting industries, advanced training centers also support and maintain existing industries by customizing training specific to an industry’s or business’ needs.

“Years ago, manufacturers got a bad name because they outsourced most of their technical jobs,” Wilson said. “People thought the companies were being greedy, but that wasn’t really true. Those jobs were outsourced because those companies couldn’t hire qualified workers for that particular technology.

We’re looking to change that now. Crowder College has a 100 percent placement rate for students who receive degrees or certificates for these highly sought after jobs.”

The Advanced Training & Technology Center in Joplin also houses the Workforce Innovation Board, makerspace, innovation center and an industrial kitchen for startup culinary businesses. For more information on the ATTC, call the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce at 417.624.4150.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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