January 2016 "Fenton Focus" Newsletter

FENTON FOCUS PRESENTED BY: FENTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WWW.FENTONMOCHAMBER.COM

JANUARY 2016

Thank you to all of the first-responders who served our community during the recent flooding that affected so many… Fenton Fire Protection District, Fenton & West County Precincts of St. Louis County Police, MoDOT, and City of Fenton Public Works!

Thank you to everyone who generously contributed to the flood relief efforts of the Fenton Chamber!

 ROUTE 141 AT I-44 IMPROVEMENT…………. 2

 FENTON FIRE EARNS CLASS 1 ISO RATING….. 8

 NEW FACES OF THE FENTON CHAMBER…. 16

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Route 141 at I-44 Improvement

Design-Build Project What is the problem?

The interchange of I-44 & Route 141 is exceptionally crowded during morning and evening commutes. With several major arterials, including Vance Road, leading to Route 141 near I-44, the roadway remains exceptionally congested.

What is the current situation?

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has selected Pace Construction and partners as the team with the project which provides the best apparent value for this project.

One of the major goals of the project is to improve the daily flow of traffic between I-44 & Route 141. In addition, the department is looking to improve the flow of traffic in the area through to Vance Road.

The project selected as the apparent best value constructs a flyover ramp from southbound Route 141 to eastbound I-44 and makes significant improvements for both northbound and southbound Route 141 to westbound I-44. There will also be improved drainage to reduce flash flooding.

In addition, the project will improve left turns to Marshall and Vance Road using signalized through-turns. In a through turn, drivers pass the roadway and loop to an outside lane at the signal to make the turn onto the roadway. This means less time waiting at a signal during peak traffic periods and improves the flow of traffic. According to Federal Highway studies, this type of intersection reduces crashes by nearly 40 percent, making it much safer in the process.

Most of the construction will take place during non-peak traffic hours, so it should not impact rush hours through the area significantly. There are no long-term closures scheduled for either Route 141 or I-44.

The next step in the project is for Pace Construction to finetune its design plans. When those are complete, MoDOT will hold a public meeting to discuss the overall project and the impacts to commuters and residents of Valley Park/Fenton.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, and will be complete by mid-2018.

What are the goals for the project?       Pinnacle Partnership

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital

Deliver project within the program budget of $25 million Maximize mobility on Route 141 and improve efficiency at the I-44 interchange and Vance Road intersection Deliver the project in a manner which demonstrates the importance of safety Provide a quality project which results in a long-lasting transportation facility that minimizes future maintenance Deliver the project using a diverse workforce Complete the project by July 15, 2018

St. Anthony’s Medical Center & Fenton Urgent Care

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in this issue …

2016 Board of Directors OFFICERS

2

Route 141 at I-44 Improvement Project

5

FACC Joins Missouri Chamber Federation

7

“Boots, Burlap & Bandanas” Dinner Auction

PRESIDENT Lori St. Clair - On Target For Profitable Growth 1st Vice President Paul Carcagno - Fortune Insurance 2nd Vice President SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin Secretary Karen Fox - Karen THE Connector Treasurer Scott Borlinghaus - Fabick CAT

DIRECTORS Greg Bresler - Andre’s Banquets & Catering

11

Important Tax Issues in 2016

13

Thank You, Renewing Partners (so far)!

15

Good News & Thank You’s

17

Upcoming Chamber Events

18

Welcome our Newest Members!

Joe Fischer, Jr. - Fischer, Christoff, Bartmess Dr. Nathan Free - Freedom Chiropractic Deb Fruend - Team Activities for Special Kids Ginny Goede - The Jewelry Connection Ellis Hawkins - SSM Health St. Clare Hospital Mary Jauer - Realtor, EXIT Elite Realty Dale E. Roethemeyer - Edward Jones Laura Roth - UniGroup Chuck Winkle - Maritz Immediate Past President Greg Bresler

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS St. Louis County Police Liaison Captain John Wheeler City of Fenton Liaisons Nikki Finkbiner Mayor Mike Polizzi Chamber Attorney David Davis, Davis Law LLC

OFFICE STAFF Executive Director Director of Communications Events Coordinator Administrative Assistant

Jeannie Braun Kelly O’Daniel Angie Kavanaugh

Y’all better get involved in this year’s dinner auction, ya hear?

Betty Rottler

Pinnacle Partnership

Grand Rental Station

JANUARY 2016

Pinnacle Partnership

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Fabick CAT

Pinnacle Partnership

Maritz

Prestige Partnership

Drury Hotels

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FACC Joins Missouri Chamber Federation 75 Chambers… 50,000 employers… 1 new, powerful voice in the Missouri Capitol!

As 2015 came to a close, Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry celebrated its largest-ever year of expansion. By year’s end, the Missouri Chamber’s pro-business coalition grew to include more than 75 local chambers and 50,000 Missouri employers in communities across the state.

For the first time in 2016, this new Missouri Chamber-led business alliance will set its focus on enacting critically-needed pro-business legislation intended to move Missouri into a leadership position in both the national and global economies.

“Less than a year ago, the Missouri Chamber announced our groundbreaking, research-driven strategic plan—Missouri 2030: An Agenda to Lead. According to our strategy, one of Missouri’s most important drivers to economic success in 2030 is a united voice for business,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President/CEO. “Since then, we have been asking local chambers of commerce and their members to look beyond their regional economies and to join us in working for a stronger Missouri through our Missouri Chamber Federation. Already, 75 local chambers representing tens of thousands of MO employers have joined our federation and coalesced around a set of shared legislative priorities for the 2016 year. Never before has such a broad, powerful pro-business coalition focused its attention on the state capitol. With this united voice, we eagerly await the beginning of the 2016 Legislative Session.”

Prestige Partnership

Jim Butler Chevrolet

A stronger voice in Jefferson City on what matters to you as a business. The Chamber Office will receive updates from the Missouri Chamber Federation on business-related legislation. These legislative issues will be forwarded on to you, our members, to review and to share your input. For the most part, the FACC as an organization will not take a stand on any particular issues, however we will now have the tools to communicate these issues to you. This way, you will be able to voice your concerns to your local legislatures.

Watch for updates in e-newsletters and the “Fenton Focus” newsletter. Also, any Chamber member with 10 or less employees can get a complimentary membership in the Missouri Chamber due to our Federation membership.

Prestige Partnership

UniGroup

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hosts annual tree lighting ceremony, receives special donation from the Fenton Fire Department Each year, the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary hosts their annual "Lights of Love" tree lighting. This ceremony is an opportunity for staff and members of the community to honor loved ones, both living and deceased, with special recognition on the official SSM Health St. Clare Christmas tree via an ornament, lights, angel or a dove.

Also at this ceremony, the SSM St. Clare Auxiliary presents their annual donation to the hospital of money raised throughout the year to go towards purchasing new equipment and filling various needs of the hospital.

This year, the Auxiliary generously donated $20,000.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Fenton Fire Dept. also made a special donation to SSM St. Clare to support the breast care program and its patients. Each year, the FFD sells pink t-shirts and holds a softball tournament in order to raise money for breast cancer awareness. This year they donated $1,500 to support SSM Health Breast Care patients.

"It is because of the support, generosity and hard work of our staff, physicians, volunteers, Auxiliary members and community partners that make SSM St. Clare a truly special hospital," explains Ellis Hawkins, SSM St. Clare president. "I especially want to thank our friends with Fenton Fire for their support of our breast cancer patients over the years to help provide them with important services that they may otherwise not be able to access."

Pacesetter Partnership

Express Employment Professionals—St. Louis South

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7 HELP US ACHIEVE 100% PARTICIPATION AMONG ACTIVE MEMBERS!

FRIDAY, MARCH 4TH @ Andre’s South Banquet Center 4254 Telegraph Rd - St. Louis MO 63129

6:30-10:30PM | 6PM Doors Open ► DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM

on your Ribbon Cutting!

St. Louis College of Health Careers 1297 N. Highway Drive | Fenton, MO Ph: 636-529-0000 | Contact: Jim Bell St. Louis College of Health Careers introduced the newest addition to their offered programs, a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy!

Administration, staff and Chamber Members were on hand to celebrate this exciting step in the growth of SLCHC here in the Fenton area!

(think of an item you would want to bid on… then donate!)

► SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE (there are still sponsorships left, starting at just $100!)

► PURCHASE TICKETS TO ATTEND Early-Bird Pricing: $50/Person; $450/Table of 10 (early-bird pricing for tickets ends on February 15th!)

► PLACE AN AD IN EVENT CATALOG (advertising opportunities starting at just $25!)

► VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT (it takes many volunteers to put on a successful event!)

Call us at 636-717-0200!

Pacesetter Partnership

Clayton Corporation

Pacesetter Partnership

Fortune

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Fenton Fire Protection District Earns Class 1 ISO Rating!

FROM THE EDITOR: In the November/December “Fenton Focus”, I included information on Sunnyhill’s F.R.I.E.N.D.S. program, located on page 9 and titled “Helping Families Navigate the World of Disabilities”. What I neglected to include was contact information to learn more about this wonderful new program.

Website: sunnyhillinc.org St. Louis County - (314) 487-2545

1140 S. Towne Sq. Ste. 105, St. Louis MO

Jefferson County - (314) 586-2188 3343 Armbruster Road, DeSoto MO

The Fenton Fire Protection District is proud to announce that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) has awarded the district a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating, effective April 1st of this year.

The Fenton Fire District is currently the ONLY AGENCY IN THE STATE of Missouri to enjoy this extraordinary rating for fire protection. The Class 1 rating is the highest score awarded to fire protection agencies in the United States and represents the best possible fire protection services. Less than 160 of the 48,000 fire protection agencies in the United States are rated as Class 1.

ISO ratings are used by insurance companies in the establishment of commercial and residential insurance rates. The rating is based on a detailed evaluation of the operations, water supplies, emergency communications center and community risk reduction.

Thank you to the dedicated efforts of the firefighters, paramedics, chief officers, and staff of the Fenton Fire Protection District, Missouri American Water Company, and Central County Emergency 911.

Pacesetter Partnership

State Farm Insurance/Marty Wilder Agency

Pacesetter Partnership

Jefferson College

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New Year Means New Year’s Resolutions… Yes, Even For Social Media!

1. EXPLORE A NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM Has your business been successful on those social media platforms that you have already been using?

Fantastic! Now try out a new one. Does your business have a visual aspect (i.e., products/design)? Then try out live-streaming apps like Periscope or Meerkat.

There are so many options out there for you to choose from - just make it your mission to learn the front and back of a brand new social platform!

2. ENGAGE MORE One of the biggest perks of social media marketing is how easy it is to interact with those who are buying what you have to sell. This puts you in a position to really find out how they feel, perhaps what they would like better, and what you’re already doing well. Talk to your customers on social media, put them in Twitter lists, create customer surveys, and ultimately show that you genuinely care about them.

3. RUN AN AWESOME CAMPAIGN Although the largest appeal of social media marketing lies in its power for generating organic traffic, social advertising is the next big thing. Paying for ads through available social platforms allows your content to reach new highs by engaging in some of the most specific targeting that advertising has ever seen. Get creative this year and run a campaign that really shows off your brand or business.

Pacesetter Partnership

Edward Jones—Sean C. King

4. FOCUS ON VISUALS If there is one thing that becomes more and more important on the Internet each year, it’s visuals. People want to see what you do/create, how you do/create it, and what exactly they can do with what you do/create.

Take advantage of this and take quality photos of your products in order to create visually-appealing graphics to share across social media platforms.

Brands will need an image strategy that works across their primary platforms, tailored for Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Online tools such as Canva for Work and Relay allow brands to quickly and easily create a suite of images. (For more information on this, contact Kelly at the Chamber Office - 636.717.0200)

5. TEST OUT VIDEO Extend out your visuals even more by creating video tours of your product, tutorials for why they need it, and behind-the-scenes of what goes into creating it. Be personable and create videos of yourself speaking to your customer base. Create funny office spoofs (think of BuzzFeed and how successful they have been with humorous videos). Video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are increasingly popular and it’s worth giving this avenue a go. Aside from your typical video, you may venture into live-streaming which started this past year in 2015 with the introduction of new technology such as Periscope, Facebook Live and Blab.

Pacesetter Partnership

Westside Personnel Services

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Organize Throughout the Day Remember this rule: Tuck it, Transfer it or Trash it. Quickly glance over every piece of mail and every memo or e-mail message you get. If it looks as if it’s potentially important, file it right away in a folder marked “pending” or delegate it to someone else to take care of. If it’s not relevant or it’s something you’ll never look at again, trash it. Handle your delivered mail the same way at home.

Pacesetter Partnership

Edward Jones-Dale E. Roethemeyer Partner Club

Vogel Heating & Cooling

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∙ IMPORTANT TAX ISSUES IN 2016 ∙ ► TARGETING OF IDENTITY THIEVES In response to the inroads that identity thieves have made into the U.S. tax system, the IRS convened a Security Summit in March 2015 to brainstorm ways to stop the crooks.

Specifically, 20 new pieces of data will be used to validate tax returns in 2016. This should help validate authenticity of taxpayers and the entries on tax returns in their names.

This statement, which is sent by schools to students and copied to the IRS, verifies that you paid "qualified educational expenses" in the preceding tax year. These include tuition, any fees that are required for enrollment and required course materials.

The change won't affect education claims made on 2015 returns filed in 2016, but if you're planning to claim them on the 2016 return you'll file in 2017, make sure you get your 1098-T first.

► NEW TAX DEADLINES. MARK YOUR CALENDARS The way the days fall in April 2016 means that the usual mid-month tax-filing deadline is a bit later. This year, the Washington, D.C. holiday Emancipation Day is celebrated on April 15, pushing due date for annual 1040 filings to Monday, April 18th.

► TAX PREPARER REGULATION EFFORTS In 2015, the IRS revived and revised its efforts to regulate tax preparers. After the courts threw out the agency's plans to require certain tax preparers to take classes and pass tests, the IRS set up a voluntary continuing education program for tax pros.

► OBAMACARE TAX PENALITES, CREDITS Have health insurance or be prepared to pay at tax-filing time as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The individual responsibility payment penalty for not having minimal essential medical coverage is based each month on the number of uninsured members of your family and your household income.

The good news… In June 2015, U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal premium tax credit is available to eligible taxpayers, whether they bought their coverage on the federal exchange or through state marketplaces. This government subsidy is available to eligible insurance exchange policy buyers to help them pay for coverage.

► MyRAs & ABLE ACCOUNTS OPEN Taxpayers in 2015 were introduced to two new tax-favored savings accounts designed for individuals who don't make a lot of money.

The myRA is aimed at lower-income earners, allowing them to open a retirement savings plan with minimal contributions and no fees.

Patterned after Roth IRAs, there's no immediate tax benefit, but the account grows tax-free.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, account option resembles state-run 529 college savings plans and is designed to help people with disabilities and their families save and pay for disability-related expenses. Though these contributions are not taxdeductible, withdrawals for qualified expenses are free from tax.

► SAME-SEX STATE TAX FILING In June 2015, U.S. Supreme Court approved same-sex marriage.

On the tax front, this means that gay and lesbian married couples now can file joint tax returns on the state level, just as they already were required to do with their federal taxes . ► HARDER TO HIDE INTERNATIONAL MONEY FATCA requires foreign financial firms to report account data for their U.S. account owners or face penalties. The IRS recommends you come clean through its offshore voluntary disclosure program.

Here, you can pay what you owe on your overseas money, and the IRS will back off on some of the potential penalties. ► PROVING EDUCATION TAX BREAK ELIGIBILITY Do you depend on federal tax breaks to help pay for higher education? Starting this year, you'll have to prove you're actually in class. A provision in trade legislation requires taxpayers to have in hand Form 1098-T to claim any educational tax benefits.

Partner Club

American Eagle Credit Union

► FANTASY SPORTS FALLOUT From a fantasy sports player's perspective, the IRS now considers the money made on fantasy sports as taxable hobby income. If the games are deemed gambling, that won't change the taxability of winnings. However, it will change how players are able to deduct any of their costs and losses against their winnings. ► PERSISTENT TAX SCAMS The IRS' expanded efforts to stem tax identity theft and related false refunds are just part of the fraud fight, reminding taxpayers that they have a critical role in staying alert for possible identity theft scams.

The IRS continues to issue warnings about tax scams, including fake IRS agent phone calls, email phishing and other attempts. With that being said, please remain diligent when protecting tax data.

Partner Club

Coughlin, Donovan, Niehaus & Scherle, P.C.

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2015 Ambassador of the Year (#1) Tracy Dickey of American Eagle Credit Union 2015 Ambassador of the Year (#2) Karen Fox, a.k.a. Karen THE Connector FACC “Rising Star” Award Kristie Gabel of Elite Cuisine, LLC Chamber Spirit Award Thad James of SAMMY J Balloon Creations

Board Member of the Year Greg Bresler of Andre’s Banquets & Catering 2015 Norma Radeackar “Lifetime Achievement” Award Diane Bade of UniQue Ideas ‘N More Thank you, Jim Berberich, for your many years of service to the FACC Board of Directors. Jim recently announced that, after 34 years of business, he and his wife Diane are retiring and that Al’s Automotive & Tire has been sold to Telle Tire & Auto Service.

Congratulations to our newest 5-Star Ambassadors!

Betty Glidewell of Siebert Agency Ltd - Bill Siebert, Russ Ahlheim of Ad Source One, Jan Mullaney of SERVPRO and Lauren Scherer of Aberdeen Heights

Partner Club

SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin

Partner Club

Martin-Jetco Heating & Air Conditioning

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THANK YOU

to the following Partnership Members for renewing your commitment to the FACC! American Eagle Credit Union Carrollton Bank Clayton Corporation Drury Inn & Suites - Fenton Drury Inn & Suites - Southwest St. Louis Edward Jones - Sean C. King Express Employment Professionals - St. Louis Southwest Fabick CAT Hampton Inn - St. Louis Southwest Jefferson College Mary Jauer - EXIT Elite Realty Pear Tree Inn - Fenton SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin St. Anthony’s Charitable Foundation St. Anthony’s Fenton Urgent Care St. Anthony’s Medical Center UniGroup, Inc. UniQue Ideas ‘N More Verve Design Studio Westside Personnel Services

Should your business become a Partnership Member?

Contact the Chamber Office today at 636-717-0200!

Committed Member

The Gary Sinise Foundation recently adapted and modified the home of local U.S. Army Veteran SPC. Chris Sanna in order to meet his needs following life-altering injuries which left him paralyzed; those injuries were suffered after being shot as he left a St. Louis Cardinals game last September. Through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) program, and with the support of many donors, construction contractors, vendors and volunteers, Sanna’s home was transformed to being wheelchair accessible.

Pictured standing at the podium in the photo above is Chris Kuban, owner of FACC Member Chemistry Multimedia, a media relations firm that works with the Gary Sinise Foundation nationally.

Chemistry Multimedia, LLC

Committed Member

UniQue Ideas ‘N More

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A great crowd on hand at the January Luncheon!

January Luncheon Sponsor: Sky Zone - Fenton

FACC Members catching up at December Luncheon!

Full engaged in Judy Ryan’s communications seminar

Auction Chairs at December Luncheon

Guilded Crafts @ December Luncheon

#Back2Business Enjoying some great networking at December Luncheon!

Touring St. Louis College of Health Careers

Committed Member

Edward Jones—Tim Weber

Learning about SLCHC’s new Respiratory Therapy program!

Committed Member

SAMMY J Balloon Creations

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Good News

Thank You...

Russell Ping of Russell’s Café and Bakery and his wife recently welcomed the newest member of the Russell’s team into the world, Lola Jean Ping! They say she’ll be icing cakes in no time. Congrats!!!

Thank you to all of the Chamber Members who dropped off holiday goodies/gifts to the Chamber Office Staff: Siebert Agency-Bill Seibert, Edward Jones-Dale E. Roethemeyer, Bethesda Health Group, Express Employment Pros, Fischer Christoff Bartmess Advisors, Bender Inc., Sherman Auto Sales Inc., Organization In Bloom, Z Total Body and Ageless Design by Deb Bokamper.

Congratulations to Blue Chip Pest Services for being awarded a 2015 Angie’s List “Super Service Award”!

John Judson, franchisee of the St. Louis area TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, was recently recognized by 1851 Magazine as one of the top franchisees of 2015… a well-deserve accolade!

Mike Eveler has been named the new president of Kadean Construction Co.; he has been with the company for 12 years. Mike will succeed Gary Frossard, who will continue as CEO of the firm.

St. Luke’s Hospital announced an affiliation with Cleveland Clinic’s Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute. The affiliation combines the academic, clinical and research components of Cleveland Clinic with St. Luke’s, one of the St. Louis area’s leading providers of heart care.

Thank you to Sky Zone - Fenton for sponsoring the first luncheon of 2016… your support is appreciated!

Thank you to our guest speaker at the January luncheon, and now new member of the Fenton Chamber, Judy Ryan with LifeWork Systems!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Ribbon Cutting of St. Louis College of Health Careers - Fenton Campus!

Thank you to everyone who donated or contributed in any way to our #Back2Business flood relief efforts! The showing of support was overwhelmingly positive and the recipients of these care packages were extremely appreciative.

A special thank you to Betty Glidewell with Siebert Agency Bill Siebert & Deb Bokamper with Ageless Design who spent two whole days helping to sort items at the Chamber Office.

Thank you to all of our Chamber Members who are currently serving on any of our Committees - your dedication to this Chamber, it’s mission and our program is appreciated.

Thinking of You City of Fenton Mayor Mike Polizzi and his family as they navigate this difficult time with the recent passing of Mike’s mother.

Jim Nottelmann, of Citizens National Bank, and family with the passing of his uncle who was a resident at Delmar Gardens-Meramec Valley.

David & Marianne Burlis, of Express Employment Professionals, and the family as they mourn the loss of David’s mother.

Scott Phillips, of Blue Chip Pest Services, and family with the recent passing of his dear wife.

Committed Member

On Target For Profitable Growth

Committed Member

Carrollton Bank

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NEW FACES

2016 FACC

Scholarship Applications Applications for 2016 FACC Scholarships are now available at the Fenton Chamber Office.

To be considered, scholarship applicants must be graduating seniors and plan to attend a college, university, technical, or trade school.

Applicants must reside in the 63026 zip code (including City of Fenton and Unincorporated St. Louis & Jefferson Counties).

The following list includes new contacts or new faces of existing Fenton Chamber businesses:

     

Laura Nienhaus - Express Employment Professionals Nichole Scalfano - Furniture Marketplace Katie Tichacek - Great Clips at Gravois Bluffs Kurt Reinheimer - SnapShot Interactive Don Smith - Missouri Dept. of Economic Development Sarah Hunt - Mercy Clinic Women’s Health

Copies of the application will be sent to area high schools, available for pickup via college counselors/guidance departments. Interested students may also acquire applications from the Chamber Office during the week.

Are you a new contact for your business or organization? Submit “New Faces” to Kelly via e-mail: kellyo@fentonmochamber.com!

For more information, contact the Chamber Office at any time during normal office hours, Monday-Friday / 9am-4pm, at 636-717-0200.

Be sure to welcome these individuals next time you see them at an event!

Committed Member

Mary Jauer - EXIT Elite Realty

DID WE MISS ANYONE???

Committed Member

Junk King - St. Louis

JANUARY 2016

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* Upcoming

FENTON FOCUS

Chamber Events *

► Thursday, February 11th—CHAMBER 101: Get the Most Out of Membership at Chamber Office—8:00AM-9:00AM

Are you a new member of the Fenton Chamber? A new contact for an existing member? Not yet a member and wanting to learn more? Find out all that the Fenton Chamber has to offer its members, including programs, opportunities and events for 2016. Think you know all that the Chamber has to offer? THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU!!! There is no charge to attend! Coffee, pastries provided.

► Saturday, February 13th—Ribbon Cutting at We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym —12:00PM-1:00PM

Join us as we celebrate the opening of a new business in Fenton, We Rock the Spectrum! This facility will surely have much to offer the community so don’t miss your opportunity to find out what they are all about! A great way to show support for a new member!

► Monday, February 15th—Chamber Office Closed All Day Due to Holiday ► Friday, February 19th—Ribbon Cutting at St. Luke’s Urgent Care- Gravois Bluffs (New Location)—2:00PM-3:00PM

Celebrate the relocation of fellow Chamber Member, St. Luke’s Urgent Care! The Ribbon Cutting will take place at 2:00pm, but the Open House will continue until 3:00pm if you can stop by. Come check out this new location and all that their new facility has to offer!

► Tuesday, February 23rd—Seminar: Shortcuts & Time-Saving Tips to Higher Website Rankings—8:45AM-11:00AM

This two-hour seminar led by Will Hanke of Red Canoe Media will start with an interactive group session auditing some of our own websites. The second half of the seminar include Will sharing the tools that he personally uses to promote his website as well as those of his clients. You will leave with a better understanding of how your website communicates with search engines and some of the simple actions you can take to enhance your SEO and web rankings. Cost: $27 for Members; $37 for Non-Members. MUST RSVP.

► Friday, February 26th—4th Annual Pancake Breakfast at Culver’s of Fenton—8:00AM-9:15AM

Join us as Culver's in Fenton opens its doors early exclusively for what has come to be an annual Pancake Breakfast event! You will enjoy pancakes while networking with fellow Chamber members and guests. Cost: $10 Members; $15 Non-Members. MUST RSVP!!!

► Wednesday, March 2nd—NO MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON THIS MONTH DUE TO DINNER AUCTION!

Committed Members

AUTCOhome Appliances

Committed Members

Stems by Stacy

JANUARY 2016

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FENTON FOCUS

Join us in welcoming our newest Chamber members by patronizing their businesses. Chamber membership reflects business integrity and demonstrates commitment to the community.

3 Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

LifeWork Systems, LLC

River City Casino & Hotel - St. Louis

69 Fenton Plaza Fenton, MO 63026 Phone: 636-326-4006 Contact: Jose Sorio threemargaritasfenton.com

Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Phone: 314-239-4727 Contact: Judy Ryan Lifeworksystems.com Training & Consulting, Business Management Coaching

777 River City Casino Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63125 Phone: 314-388-7818 Contact: Leah Bronstein www.rivercity.com

American National Insurance - Theresa Clark

Mary Kay Cosmetics Mary Tinsley

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

3636 S. Geyer Road, #100 Sunset Hills, MO 63127 Phone: 314-800-3039 agent.anpac.com/saint_louis/ theresa_clark/

Washington, MO 63090 Phone: 314-537-5001 marykay.com/mtinsley18 Cosmetics / Skin Care, Health & Beauty, Spa Products

Barnes LTD Support Services, LLC

Pillar To Post The Scott Frederick Team

DeSoto, MO 63020 Phone: 314-307-0417 barnesltdsupportservices.com Visit website for a list of all “Virtual Services� offered!

900 S. Highway Drive, Ste. 302 Fenton, MO 63026 Phone: 314-571-9824 Contact: Megan Frederick pillartopost.com/scottfrederick

January 2016

Pictured (left to right): Jeannie Braun - FACC Exec. Director; Mary Jauer - EXIT Elite Realty, Membership Committee; Adrienne Davis & Kate Hermann - FirstLight HomeCare of South County; Suzie Smith - Suzie Paints LLC; Jason Archer - St. Louis Economic Dev. Partnership; Kathy Barnes - Barnes LTD Support Services; Kelly Guenther - American Eagle Credit Union, Membership Committee; Lori St. Clair - On Target For Profitable Growth, FACC Board President

Committed Member

Nolan Office Interiors

Committed Member

7733 Forsyth Blvd., Ste. 2300 St. Louis, MO 63105 Phone: 314-761-9732 Contact: Jason Archer stlpartnership.com

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym - Fenton 2075 Bentley Plaza Drive Fenton, MO 63026 Phone: 636-529-8282 Contact: Tom Tipton werockthespectrumfentonmo.com

December 2015

Pictured (left to right): Mary Jauer - EXIT Elite Realty, Membership Committee; Mart Tinsley - Mary Kay Cosmetics; Jim Bell - St. Louis College of Health Careers; Kelly Guenther - American Eagle C.U.; Lori St. Clair - On Target For Profitable Growth, FACC Board President

Verve Design Studio (formerly Rataj-Krueger)

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Thank You for Renewing!

ABF Security ∙ Advance Mailing Services ∙ Advanced Pool & Spa ∙ Affton Youth Hockey ∙ Aschinger Electric Co. Bentley Animal Hospital ∙ Biermann Accounting Services ∙ Brookwood Dental Center ∙ Brown Mackie College Central States Bus Sales ∙ Chiropractic Accident & Family Wellness Center ∙ Christian Environmental Services Control Devices ∙ Debra Weber Realty ∙ Dental Recruiters ∙ Edward Jones - Matt Thomason ∙ Electrical Connection Elite Cuisine ∙ Fenton Auto Body ∙ Fenton Family Medicine ∙ Fenton Family Practice ∙ Fenton Fire Protection District Fenton Historical Society & Museum ∙ Fenton Lions Club ∙ Fenton Masonic Temple ∙ Fenton Pediatrics Fieldstone Products & Masonry ∙ Fieser Funeral Home ∙ First Community Credit Union ∙ Gravois Ridge Townhomes Great Clips - Dierberg’s Crossing ∙ Greenmar Apartments ∙ Hely Heating & Cooling ∙ Jilly’s Café & Steakhouse K & K Supply, Inc. ∙ KFTN 92.7 FM ∙ Krispy Kreme - Bowles Ave. ∙ Lindbergh Schools ∙ Luby Equipment Services M. Carder Industries ∙ Mercy Urgent Care ∙ MO Div. of Workforce Development ∙ MO State Senate - Eric Schmitt National Laser & Inkjet Cartridge Service ∙ NextStep For Life, Employment Services ∙ Nooter/Eriksen, Inc. Northwest School District ∙ P.M. Leach Painting Company ∙ Partners Financial Services ∙ PC Tech ∙ Pony Bird ProSource Wholesale Flooring ∙ Rapp Payroll Solutions, LLC ∙ Realty Executives of St. Louis - Ken Winston Red Robin - Fenton ∙ Rieger Landscaping & Gardening ∙ Save-A-Lot - Fenton ∙ Schaefer Autobody Centers Scrubby Dutch Cleaning ∙ The Shade Tree Service ∙ Shelter Insurance - Mike Finney ∙ Sherwin-Williams - Fenton Speed-E-Way Printing ∙ SPS Promotional ∙ St. Louis Bread Company ∙ St. Louis CyberKnife at SSM Cancer Care St. Luke’s Hospital ∙ St. Luke’s Urgent Care ∙ Stengel Signs, Inc. ∙ Steve Smith Studios, Inc. ∙ Sunnyhill, Inc. Sylvan Learning Center - Fenton ∙ Telle Tire & Auto Service ∙ Thirty-One Gifts - Misty Townsend Thomas F. Kemlage, DDS, PC ∙ Tuff Shed Storage Buildings & Garages ∙ The UPS Store ∙ Valley Park Dental Care Weir Minerals - Lewis Pumps ∙ Wermke Spring Mfg. Company ∙ Xtreme Krav Maga & Fitness ∙ Zipp Express

Committed Members

AXIUS Financial

HealthMarkets Insurance - Jeffrey Wolf

Arch Audio Visual

FENTONFOCUS Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce 1400 South Highway Drive, Suite 99 Fenton MO 63099

Pre-sort standard auto US Postage

PAID Fenton MO Permit No. 119

(636) 717-0200 (636) 717-0214 Fax www.fentonmochamber.com

2016 Membership Luncheon Dates

Join Us For Pancakes!

No March Luncheon Due to Auction Wednesday, April 6th Wednesday, May 4th Wednesday, June 8th*

Friday, February 26th 8:00am—9:15am

Wednesday, July 6th - Scholarship Wednesday, August 3rd Wednesday, September 7th Wednesday, October 5th Wednesday, November 2nd Wednesday, December 7th - Awards

1024 Bowles Avenue; Fenton, MO Join us as Culver's opens its doors early exclusively for the Fenton Chamber’s 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast event! Enjoy pancakes while networking with fellow Chamber members and guests in attendance. Last year we had 40+ in attendance - you won’t want to miss it!

Cost: $20 members; 25 guests

Cost: $10 members; 15 guests

Please RSVP for all luncheons by the Friday prior to the scheduled date.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 24th online or contact the Chamber Office

second Wed. of month

at Culver’s - Fenton