APRIL 2020
LET’S GET VIRTUAL
In response to COVID-19, the Chamber is adapting to virtual programming. PAGE 6
What’s Inside...
A Message from the President Business Resources Moving Forward Together Members Make a Difference Renewals and Partners Committees & Task Forces Virtual Events
The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to bringing businesses together for over 50 years. During these difficult times for businesses in our area, and around the country, our mission is no different.
Yours Truly,
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2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Trisha Goodale, Chair Midwest Property Resources Tim Denker, Chair-Elect Denker Law Firm
A Message from the President: We Will Move Forward Together
Carson Graff, Treasurer Bank Midwest
Today, and everyday, we thank you for your membership. We look forward to being able to see you at ribbon cuttings, networking events and luncheons, but unfortunately those activities can’t happen right now. I want you to know that the Lee’s Summit Chamber is here, doing all we can to ensure you have all the resources you need to persevere during this challenging time. We know this pandemic has impacted you and your business and we are here to help.
Jon Garlow, Chair Emeritus StrongBox Wealth VICE CHAIRS Kristi Johnson-Ware, Community Development Central Bank of the Midwest Debbie Stoddard, Membership Development Budget Blinds of Lee’s Summit Tim Van Zandt, Economic Development Saint Luke’s Health System BOARD MEMBERS Kirby Asplund The Asplund Group, LLC Brian Barton MC Power Companies, Inc. John Beaudoin KC Communications & Media Matters Jennifer Craig ReDiscover Chrissy Graheck Paychex, Inc. Candace Jennings Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile Laurie Johnson John Knox Village Brian King Mid USA Insurance Agency, Inc. Laura Maxwell R-7 School District Cara McElhaney Ascentist Ear, Nose & Throat Elaine Metcalf Pro Deo Youth Center Robyn Miller Woods Chapel United Methodist Church Lauren Moxley-Johnson Tingle Flooring Joel Wilson Edward Jones - Office of Joel Wilson EX-OFFICIO Steve Arbo City of Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird City of Lee’s Summit Dr. David Buck R-7 School District Carl Chinnery, Legal Counsel Chinnery Evans & Nail, P.C. CHAMBER STAFF Matt Baird, IOM, President Cathy Young, IOM, Director of Member Services Megan Gray, Director of Special Events Taylor Smith, Director of Communications Heather Thompson, Advertising Manager Jordan Straits, Creative Coordinator Vanessa King, Bookkeeper Marilyn Pemberton, Part-time Assistant
The Chamber has put together a number of resources for members to take advantage of, now, and into the future. The Chamber’s Business Resource Page was created and is now a vital part of how we distribute information to members. The page is located on the Chamber’s website and is loaded with links, documents and training guides to help businesses navigate during this time. Our ever evolving Facebook page provides daily updates and reminders to all members. The Moving Forward Together Facebook group has become a page for members and non-members to ask questions, find best practices and share ideas. Our weekly emails are loaded with the latest updates from the Chamber, as well as, information our members need to know about. In addition, we have launched a series of virtual networking events such as Five at Five and Chamber Chat, both fun ways to educate members and keep everyone engaged. When I was on active duty in the US Army during 9-11 the one thing that sticks with me to this day was how people reached out and asked how I was doing and what could they do to help. It was a small gesture, but greatly appreciated, partly because I didn’t even know what to expect. Going through this crisis, one that’s having a much greater impact than 9-11 and one no one has ever experienced before, it’s you, the business community, that is in need of that support. You’re the ones fighting the battle and it’s our job as a Chamber of Commerce, to reach out and ask, “how can we help?” You’ve done your part by allowing us to represent your business needs, now we will follow through with that commitment.
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In Response to COVID-19
The Chamber is Providing Valuable Resources from Local, State and Federal Representatives In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have shifted our focus to provide the most valuable resources for businesses in need. Since its conception, the Chamber has been a conduit to local, state and federal representatives for business owners. Our staff has kept an open line of communication with local leaders, the office of Governor Mike Parson and Missouri state Senators to both represent our members and be one of the first to report on aid for an impacted economy. To help organize the volume of information we have received, and streamline access for our members, we have created a page on our website that is dedicated to resources related to the impact of COVID-19. The page is being updated daily and contains communications from the following: • Center for Disease Control (CDC) • Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services • U.S. Senate • U.S. Department of Labor
Visit our Business Resources page at lschamber.com/businessresources
• Jackson County • Small Business Administration Two of the most important tabs on our business resource page address financial aid and unemployment resources. These are two areas that we are placing a lot of focus on as we help members brace for the economic impact of COVID-19. Included in the financial aid resources, the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan is one of the most valuable assets for business owners. This loan was specifically designed to provide aid for small businesses in distress as a result of nationwide closures. Our webpage provides a step-by-step guide to apply for the loan and the a breakdown of the process that follows your submission. We have also provided downloadable links to each component necessary to complete the application, trying to make this daunting process as easy and approachable as possible. In addition to seeing so many businesses face the strain of diminished sales, we have seen many employers making the painful decision to relieve or furlough employees. While the Chamber is often focused on businesses as a whole, we are also passionate about the passionate individuals that make a business operational. We want to provide resources for any employee that has faced a layoff during this difficult time or any employer forced to make that impossible decision. Included in our business resources, we have included information on the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and links to help the unemployed individual receive the benefits they are owed by the United States Government. Specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program will help any employer try to maintain their staff. Information to apply and instructions for next steps are provided on our webpage. If there is anything the season of spring tells us, it is that the sun will shine again. Even amid the dark cloud of a global pandemic, we have seen beautiful weather and new life blooming throughout the Lee’s Summit landscape. Much like the resilience of nature, we know our community will survive this cold blow to business and return triumphant. The Chamber hopes to help our members weather this storm and then offer our hands to help rebuild when the sun shines again.
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Moving Forward Together Initiative Provides Outlet for Business Promotions and Communications The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to bringing businesses together for over 50 years. During these tough times for businesses in our area, and around the country, our mission is no different. We have launched an initiative called Moving Forward Together to support our members as Lee’s Summit obliges by area protocal to “stay at home.” These times are unlike any recent living generation has seen in their professional career, making communications related to business operations and offerings crucial to maintain your bottom line. As a result, we are promoting spaces where businesses can communicate with each other, their customers and fellow members. While we are a membership based organization, we are shifting our focus to the community as a whole because we know it will take all of us to move forward together.
The Facebook Group The Chamber has created a Moving Forward Together Business Community Group on Facebook. This group is directly linked to our main Facebook page where we are posting critical resources and information, for all businesses, related to COVID-19. This special group provides a place for, you, the business owner who is looking for answers, guidance or a platform to get pertinent communications out about your business. Maybe you can also offer insight to those looking for advice during these challenging times? No matter what you have to say, join the group on our Facebook page and let’s get the conversation started!
Member News As we head into a month of state-enforced isolation, and an unsure date for getting back to business, consider utilizing the Chamber’s Member News portal to communicate pertinent information to the public. This portal is accessible to every member by way of their member login credentials and provides a user-friendly platform for sharing updates about your business. Consider the Member News portal as an effective tool to reach your customers, fellow members and local media outlets. While we are trying to streamline our communications to ensure the most crucial information reaches our members, we are still trying to share positive messaging. For instance, we have been sharing acts of kindness in a series called Members Make a Difference. We have seen an outpouring of goodwill during this difficult time and Member News is a great way to share such information. The Chamber will be actively promoting the Member News page during this “stay at home” order and beyond.
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Job Opportunities Due to the global pandemic crisis, many hard-working Americans are losing their jobs. This is devastating for both the individuals impacted and the businesses forced to take such drastic measures. However, there are still many employers looking to hire at this time. In particular, businesses deemed essential by the government. Are you a business looking to hire or an individual looking for employment? Utilize our Job Opportunities Portal to post open positions and look for available work. This is another one of the great resources available to our members, year round. Post jobs at any time with your member login credentials. Additionally, see our business resource page for information related to unemployment and paycheck protection opportunities. Under the unemployment resources tab, you will find information on how to apply for unemployment in the state of Missouri. Under the financial aid tab, you will find information about how to apply for paycheck protection as an employer. The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program is a loan oriented outlet for supplementing payroll during economic disaster. Learn more at lschamber.com/businessresources
Restaurants and Bars: Communicate Your Availability through Curbside KC In response to the news that restaurants and bars must limit their offerings to delivery, takeout or curbside service, we want to provide a resource for our members to communicate their availability. A local database website, called Curbside KC, was created to help local restaurants and bars communicate what they can offer customers during this time. Simply submit your establishment’s information and edit it at any time, should further restrictions go into place. We have chosen to utilize Curbside KC, rather than our own list, becuase Curbside KC has been promoted across the city and surrounding areas with over 500,000 impressions. It is a source that will get visibility for your business and communicate your offerings in the most effective way. The Chamber will be actively promoting Curbside KC until these restrictions are lifted. Submit your restaurant information at CurbsideKC.com.
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Members Make A
Difference
Despite the difficult times we are faced with in our community and around the world, our Chamber members are banding together and serving each other when it really counts. We have been touched by so many stories of service, giving and selflessness that it has started a movement within our membership. Take a look to see how people are coming together as our members make a difference!
Yard deSIGNS & Lee’s Summit Medical Center Yard deSIGNS posted this uplifting message in front of Lee's Summit Medical Center, a fellow member. We love seeing our members use their work to encourage and inspire during this difficult time. That's what community is all about!
Door Systems of Lee's Summit Committed to giving back to the community, Door Systems of Lee's Summit was quick to act when things escalated as a result of COVID-19. Dispersing funds raised through their "Have a Heart" fundraising campaign, they we able to serve a number of non-profits with checks. Beneficiaries included Coldwater, Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Lee's Summit Social Services, Lee's Summit Public Safety and One Good Meal. page 6
Jack Stack Barbecue & Lee’s Summit Social Services When Jack Stack Barbecue saw a surplus of fresh food in their supply, they were quick to donate it to Lee's Summit Social Services to help the hungry in our community.
Neighborhood Café In response to schools closing, and many students left without their primary source for meals, Neighborhood Cafe is stepping up to feed their community. This is what they had to say: “There is nothing more important to us than family. Starting today, any family looking for breakfast/lunch for their child or children can come by Neighborhood Cafe. Call in for carry out or curbside delivery and mention “School1” for your free kid’s meal. You can order anything on the menu to help during this time, and no other purchase is necessary.”
Paths Elder Law When local nursing homes went on lockdown, Paths Elder Law was ready to take action and ensure seniors stay connected to their community. Through their program, Paths Pen to Pal, you can send caring correspondence to any of their participating seniors in many quarantined facilities around the area. Consider having your child craft a card or send a heartwarming note yourself. Not only are seniors at high risk during this time, they are also experiencing painful isolation.
Marquee Event Rental Longtime member, Marquee Event Rentals, is literally putting a roof over the head of those working diligently to protect our community. Whether supplying the tents to shelter medical professionals at mobile testing sites, local school staff distributing lunches to homebound students or restaurants striving to provide their customers with comfortable curbside pickup—Marquee is making a difference!
#membersmakeadifference Know of a fellow member making a difference in the community? Reach out to Director of Communications, Taylor Smith, via email at tsmith@lschamber.com to share their story or tag us in your posts. page 7
Member Renewals The following are this month’s renewals and the number of years they’ve been members: Foot & Ankle Clinic 36 Discover Vision Centers-Lee’s Summit 35 The Historic Longview Mansion 31 Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street 30 Lee’s Summit Masonic Hall 18 Longhorn Steakhouse 18 Bacon Financial Advisors 17 Heartland Tanning, Inc. 17 Lakeview Nursery & Stone 16 Marshall’s Lawn Service, Inc. 16 Bott Radio Network 16 Jefferson Health Care 14 Big Creek Outdoors 13 American Waste Systems, Inc. 12 Summit Pointe Financial Group, LLC 11 World Finance 11 State Senator Mike Cierpiot 10 Langsford House: Group Home for Boys 10 GracePointe Community Church 9 Developing Potential, Inc. 8 Mashburn Law Office, LLC 8 Olive Garden 8 One Stop Decorating 7 Foundation Recovery Systems 6 Precision Dental 6 Select Physical Therapy - Melody Lane 6 Charlie’s Car Wash 5 Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic 5 Lee’s Summit Fire Department-Jim Eden 5 JCI Industries, Inc. 4 Summit Crossing Apartments and Townhomes 4 James M. Tobin 4 Lee’s Summit Family and Cosmetic Dental Care 3 Preferred Pediatrics, affiliate of Children’s Mercy 3 Orangetheory Fitness Lee’s Summit 2 Pearl Tavern 2 Resilience Builders, LLC 2 Watchmen Security 2 Cupcake a La Mode 1 FosterAdopt Connect 1
Thank you to our 2020 Partners! PLATINUM
Saint Luke’s Health Systems
GOLD
Evergy(KCP&L) Great Southern Bank Reinhart Foodservice Security Bank SERVPRO of Lee’s Summit Tingle Flooring
SILVER
BerganKDV, Inc Central Bank of the Midwest Citizens Bank & Trust CommunityAmerica Credit Union Ascentist Ear, Nose & Throat Farmers Insurance - Jason Langston Agency John Knox Village Lee’s Summit Medical Center Midwest Property Resources Paradise Park StrongBox Wealth St. Mary’s Medical Center University of Central Missouri-Lee’s Summit
BRONZE
B Positively Promoting U, Inc. Budget Blinds of Lee’s Summit Chinnery Evans & Nail, P.C. Clark Properties Diffactory Door Systems, Inc Lead Bank Jackson Insurance Group,Inc Johnny’s Tavern Lee’s Summit Julia Hampton CPA, PC KC Dumpster Company Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery Mazuma Credit Union MO Association of Trial Attorneys Missouri Central Credit Union Parker Swearngin LLP Life Goals/ Rodney Loesch CFP-Waddell & Reed Simmons Bank Republic Services Spilker McKeone & Nelson PC TPC Interiors , Inc. Weed Man Where Your Money Went
Welcome to Our Newest Chamber Members A&J Foundation Repair & More LLC Alonso & Erin Chicho 10414 EAST 51ST STREET KANSAS CITY, MO 64133 (816) 916-0429 ADT Timothy Thoren 7707 NW 97TH TERRACE KANSAS CITY, MO 64153 (816) 728-6020 Betty Simmons Team/RE/MAX Best Associates Mary Beth LaCroix 7200 COLLEGE BOULEVARD OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210 (913) 563-9887 bettysimmonsteam.com Brillient Corporation Gerald Boer 1244 NE DOUGLAS STREET LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086 (816) 350-5603 brillient.net CycleBar Lee’s Summit Rachel Hilton 910 NW BLUE PARKWAY LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086 (816) 874-0555 The Donovan Brittany Taylor, CAM 837 NW DONOVAN ROAD LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086 (816) 541-2880 donovankc.com
Thomas R Dowd, MD 4811 SOUTH ARROWHEAD DR INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055 (816) 356-5000 F: (913) 495-3740 E: tdowd1231@gmail.com encompassmed.com
Northwestern Mutual-Driskell Financial Services Group Chuck Driskell 3600 NE RALPH POWELL ROAD, SUITE C LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64064 (816) 612-8813 chuckdriskell.nm.com
Empower Your Pelvis-Physical Therapy Amanda Fisher, DPT 668 SE BAYBERRY LANE, SUITE 105 LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64063 (816) 434-5180 empoweryourpelvis.com
PureBarre Lee’s Summit Rachel Hilton 910 NW BLUE PARKWAY LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086 (816) 874-0550
Five in a Row Publishing Steve Lambert 100 SW COLE YOUNGER CIR. LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64082 (816) 866-8500 fiveinarow.com Lone Summit Ranch Events, LLC Linda Sallee 28701 E OLD US 50 HIGHWAY LAKE LOTAWANA, MO 64086 (816) 582-8013 LoneSummitRanchEvents.com Martin City Brewery Lee’s Summit Matt Moore 354 SW BLUE PARKWAY LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64063 (816) 434-5100 martincitybrewingcompany.com
Raintree Pediatrics Jody Brown 995 SW 34TH STREET LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64082 (816) 525-4700 raintree-pediatrics.com RPS Benefits by Design - Nate Tate Nate Tate 6800 COLLEGE BOULEVARD SUITE 500 OVERLAND PARK, KS 66061 (913) 353-1351 Yard deSIGNS, LLC Tracey Wiley 204 SAPONI LANE LAKE WINNEBAGO, MO 64034 (816) 289-7242 theyarddesigns.com
We thank our new members for committing to the Chamber during this difficult time!
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Committees and Task Forces Go Virtual Our committees are the backbone of our organization and we need your voices more than ever, especially as we work through the impact of COVID-19. Starting April 1, all previously scheduled committee meetings will be moving to a virtual platform. Your Chamber staff liaison will reach out to you, if they have not already, to provide you with instructions on how your committee meetings will take place. Ambassador Committee Chair: John Beaudoin Objective: lead efforts to increase membership by recruiting new members; foster participation by mentoring the new members Business Development Council Chair: Jeremy Springer Objective: identify and deliver educational and training opportunities for Chamber businesses Education Committee Chair: Charles Brooks Objective: promote business partnerships with the education community and host programs including scholarships, teacher breakfast, Ready to Read, etc.
Annual Gala Task Force Chair: Candace Jennings Objective: organize theme, entertainment and auction for the Annual Gala held in January
Military Affairs Committee Chair: Joey Zarrillo Objective: disseminate valuable information to community members so they can better understand the impact of the base – both economically and emotionally
Golf Task Force Chair: Drew Reynolds Objective: coordinate the annual Chamber Golf Classic tournament held each year during the summer
Oktoberfest Committee Chair: Lynn Hinkle Objective: plan the annual festival & fundraiser, scheduled for the last full weekend in September
Governmental Relations Committee Chair: Drew Reynolds Objective: study legislative issues of state and local interest to business and prepare legislative priorities annually
Visitors Council Chair: Liesl Hays Objective: identify and develop Lee’s Summit’s unique features for tourism development and marketing
Health & Human Services Committee Chair: Jeffrey Williams Objective: create opportunities to support health care services and provide educational health care programming
Young Professionals Committee Chair: Tricia Sims Objective: plan events and activities for Chamber members ages 21 to 35 focusing on professional development, networking and community involvement
Faster than a Magic turbo rocket
re for All Ages
Fast Emergency Ca
Lee’s Summit Medical Center 220201_MID_LSMC_ER: 11/2019: CQ
Membership Committee Chair: Sidra Connell Objective: lead retention efforts and increase member involvement; make contact calls to existing members
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2100 SE Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 LeesSummitMedicalCenter.com/ER
Holiday Reception Task Force Chair: Shirley Boyer Objective: organize the annual Holiday Reception held the first Wednesday in December
For more information or to join a committee, contact Cathy Young, Director of Member Services, at cyoung@lschamber.com or 816.524.2424.
Virtual Recess for Success Tuesday, April 7, 4-5:15 p.m. Hosted on Zoom Topic: Insights to Promote Well-Being In light of all we are going through and experiencing this session is designed to support our members overall well being (mentally, emotionally, and physically) as they navigate these challenging times. This will be an interactive event, so please feel free to ask questions. Chamber Chat Thursday, April 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Hosted on Zoom Join us as we chat with Lauren Sobaski an Associate with Fisher Phillips LLP. She will educate us on the current Hot Topics in HR due to the Covid-19 Virus. Her primary focus will be on “interplay of the SBA, paycheck loans, unemployment, and FFCRA.” She will also be available for general questions.
Register for all virtual events on the Chamber’s calendar at lschamber.com
Chamber Chat will be hosted every Thursday at 11 a.m., with a new topic and speaker(s). Any differing times will be communicated be email.
Collision Repair and Painting 816.524.8484 Chamber Members receive 20% off collision repair & 10% off painting services
Since 1965
505 NW Blue Parkway | Lee’s Summit, MO
We Repair All Makes/Models Tires Competitively Priced Free Body Repair Estimates Free Pick Up/Delivery Senior Citizen Discounts
donkahan.com
Chamber Members receive 20% off labor! Service: 524.8585 | Parts: 524.6900
donkahan.com
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Together again soon.
In Lee’s Summit, it’s the spirit of community that bonds us together. While distant in reality, we stay united in spirit until the day comes that we are together again. Stay positive Lee’s Summit - we’re in this together.
LStourism.com