THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
MIXING UP SUCCESS Local entrepreneur mixes business with pleasure in local retail shop • page 18
4TH QTR 2017
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Paranormal Investigations at Missouri Town 1855
HOLIDAY CATERING Tips and tools to help you serve up the best this holiday season
Smart... The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council takes pride in being known as one of the most responsive, resourceful, innovative and collaborative business environments in the Kansas City metro area. Our entire business community shares an enthusiastic and forward-thinking spirit. It is our pleasure to serve all those with a sincere interest in investing, relocating and expanding their business in Lee’s Summit. We invite you to visit us online to see what we can do for you and your business.
Yours Truly, LEESSUMMIT.ORG | 816.525.6617
Balancing Act As we head into the home stretch of 2017, it’s important to find a balance between your work schedule and holiday traditions. Finish the year strong within your business and make time for your family, friends and neighbors. Lee’s Summit has seen a number of recent improvements, from the airport’s latest ribbon cutting celebration to new road and infrastructure improvements. Construction projects and new entrepreneurship programs such as Velocity continue to evolve our community into a competitive business landscape in the Kansas City area. I encourage you to keep the upcoming 2018 elections in mind and how the open seats provide opportunity for new leadership in our city. Be conscious about how you can make an impact on Lee’s Summit, whether it be big or small. Use your talents and connections to bring new ideas and opportunities to the table and give back to the community. As always, use the Chamber as a resource for professional development, referrals, networking and leadership. While you plan holiday events for your office or your home, use Chamber members to help you each step of the way. Check out a list of holiday catering options on page 28 to give you an idea of what’s available locally (and also get your stomach growling). My year as chair is beginning to wind down, and I would like to say a huge thank you to the members, volunteers and staff who have put so much time and energy into helping our organization thrive. It’s because of the Chamber, our partners, volunteers and residents that Lee’s Summit has become such a great place to call home.
Yours Truly,
TYLER MOREHEAD, MOREHEAD AGENCY, LLC 2017 Chamber Chair of the Board CHAMBER STAFF Tim Arbeiter, CEcD, President Matt Baird, Director of Business & Governmental Relations Stephanie Kusek, Director of Communications Stacy Needels, Director of Special Events Cathy Young, IOM, Director of Member Services Heather Thompson, Advertising Manager Sami Dupuis, Creative Coordinator Anne Aubuchon, Administrative Assistant Vanessa King, Bookkeeper Marilyn Pemberton, Part-time Assistant 4 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
4TH QTR 2017
PUBLISHER Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce CHAMBER PRESIDENT Tim Arbeiter, CEcD ADVERTISING MANAGER Heather Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Taylor Roehr _______________________________ EDITORIAL STAFF Heather Thompson Tim Arbeiter _______________________________ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Beaudoin, Trisha Drape, Rick McDowell, Kirk Nooks _______________________________ ADVERTISING For advertising information, contact Heather Thompson at hthompson@lschamber.com or 816.524.2424 _______________________________ PRESS RELEASES Send to sdupuis@lschamber.com _______________________________
220 SE MAIN STREET LEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64063 816.524.2424 • LSCHAMBER.COM
Speed up the planning process, cut the red tape and jump-start your business with the help of the Lee’s Summit Development Center. Our environment defies the concept of “business as usual” with a first-of-its-kind concierge service to guide and assist you through the development process from start to finish. Let’s put our heads together and see how our team can put our resources to work for you. Whether you’re looking to relocate, expand or tap into your entrepreneurial spirit, our collaborative community approach will help your business take root and prosper.
Building Permits Inspections Engineering Review Special Use & Events Contractor Licensing Sign Permits Planning & Zoning Development Incentives Business Licensing
LSmeansbusiness.net | 816.969.1200
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LOCAL DESTINATION • pg. 20 Paranormal Activity at Missouri Town
SURVEY SAYS • pg. 28 Tackle holiday parties and events with Chamber member caterers
FEATURE STORY - MIXOLOGY FOR THE MASSES • pg. 16 Local entrepreneur mixes business and pleasure
LEADERSHIP LESSONS A New Age of Lessons LOOKING AHEAD Ready For Take Off SOCIAL BUZZ Businesses Doubling Down on Social Media PERSON TO PERSON Meet Dr. Kirk Nooks FEATURE STORY Mixology for the Masses LOCAL DESTINATION Paranormal Activity MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Spoiling Man's Best Friend ECONOMIC UPDATE New Business & Retention Program SURVEY SAYS Holiday Parties & Catering CHAMBER UPDATE Invest Locally
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Big Picture Advice
Is your money invested purposefully? Do you seek clarity in your retirement or business transition plan? Is your future being guided by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional?
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3171 NE Carnegie Dr, Suite B Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-554-5470
www.cooperwealthmanagementgroup.com Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC CAR 0917-00820
LeadershipLessons
For those who have been around Lee’s Summit, you more than likely have experienced the many talents and strengths of Keith Stidham, owner of New Age Graphics. Stidham recently sat down with small business members at the Lee’s Summit Chamber’s Lunch with Leaders program, a quarterly event designed to provide insight on business and lessons learned from those who have experienced almost everything there is in business development and community involvement. Stidham began his first venture in 1986 in the lawn business, beginning with a $1,200 truck and a shovel. Early on in business, Stidham quickly learned that you have to be willing to work when you don’t want to. So often, getting going is the last thing you want to do, but you must persevere and look for ways to win the day. This resolve can really help you, considering you never know when the next client might come your way. After building his lawn business to encompass over a dozen employees, Stidham decided on a new direction and spent a year as a traveling sales manager keeping him active and busy. During this time, he came to realize the importance of family;
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so much time can be spent working at your job that it’s easy to forget to put your family first. Stidham encouraged lunch participants to keep their priorities front and center and set realistic goals for both home and work, while striving not to spread oneself too thin. Understanding these concepts can have a significant impact on your happiness as an individual. Stidham started New Age Graphics 20 years ago when very few web development companies were in operation. In fact, the Chamber’s initial website needed a bit of help, and Stidham volunteered to take on the task. Back then, there was no such thing as Facebook or wireless internet, which shows exactly how versatile and dynamic New Age Graphics has proven to be in the ever-changing technology industry. Today, the competition is steep, but Stidham remains committed to providing his clients the best possible internet presence and search engine marketing. What the company offers today differs slightly from what was launched in 1997. With new platforms, hosting services, e-commerce, search engine optimization, etc., Stidham has been able to excel in the industry by treating clients as he’d want to be treated, and giving them more than what they expect. Part of the foundation for the business has been embracing opportunities in a creative manner while daring to be different and stand out. Every business is bound to face setbacks from time to time, but the best way to push through is to make sure your clients are happy, and do your best to be prepared for what’s next. “The best barometer of how you're doing is the satisfaction of your clients,” Stidham said. New Age Graphics’ longevity can be traced to the many networks of referrals. “Eighty-five percent of business comes from people skills,” he said. Stidham’s availability
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featuring Keith Stidham
and responsiveness give him a competitive advantage over competitors, as well as his humor and positive demeanor while working through difficult projects. In addition to the Chamber, Stidham can be found participating in other local organizations including Downtown Rotary Club, Friends of Langsford House and more. He is the organizer of the Smokin’ on the Summit BBQ competition held annually in June, benefiting various nonprofits in Lee’s Summit. When he’s not behind a computer screen or volunteering his time, he can be found watching his 14-year-old son on the football field or spending time with his wife in Branson.
NOTEWORTHY TIPS •
Under promise and over deliver
•
Be willing to go the extra mile
•
Find little things to make people feel comfortable and seek commonalities
•
Tell people what they want to hear and give them more than what they expect
•
Self-regulate and separate professionalism and emotions
•
Be resourceful
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Be thankful and give back
4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 9
If you’ve ever seen the joy of a child as he or she watches an airplane gliding through the sky, jumping and pointing with wonderment, then you can just about imagine the joy longtime Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport Manager John Ohrazda is experiencing right now as major improvements are wrapping up at the Airport. When you ask John about the Airport, and especially all of the construction that has taken place over the past few years, he gets a wide grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He is downright giddy with excitement about what the improvements mean for the Airport and the community. In what feels like a serendipitous turn, the improvements were complete just as the Airport celebrated its 40th anniversary in September 2017. “That
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old adage ‘you’ve come a long way, baby’, perfectly describes where the Airport is today,” says Ohrazda with that tell-tale grin, as he reflects on all of the changes he has seen at the Airport. “There’s never a dull moment.” Among the recent improvements are: a 5,500-foot grooved concrete runway with 60,000 pound aircraft capacity and a 4,000-foot crosswind runway; improved airfield lighting; and a 40,000-square-foot heated hangar space now available for rent for business and corporate aircraft or itinerant stays. The Airport can now accommodate corporate aircraft that require a longer runway, which has long been seen as an essential tool for attracting businesses to the Lee’s Summit area.
The Airport has been preparing for this moment for decades, and it can’t help but feel like everything is finally coming together. It’s a testament to community leaders through the years who recognized the Airport’s potential, adopted a plan, and were doggedly determined to stick with it to the end. In the 1960s, several plans identified Lee’s Summit as an ideal location for an airport. With this in mind, and recognizing that an airport would be a valuable asset to the growing community, the City purchased the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport in 1977 from resident Bill McComas, who had developed a small private airport on land he owned in northern Lee’s Summit. Since that time, the Airport grew steadily, both in land area and customers as several runway extensions took place. In 1996, the City began exploring the possibility of improving the Airport’s north/ south runway by extending it from 4,014 feet to 5,500 feet to accommodate more corporate traffic. In 2015, the City received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fund the earthwork for the runway improvements, and in 2016, the City received an additional FAA grant to complete the paving necessary for the runway improvements. With its convenient location near downtown Kansas City, as well as major highways, the Airport is just right for corporate
professionals who need to quickly fly in and out of the metropolitan Kansas City area. To be clear, that doesn’t mean commercial airliners can fly in. The typical commercial airliner can weigh more than 200,000 pounds; the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport can now accommodate corporate jets weighing in at no more than 60,000 pounds. Approximately 50,000 take-offs and landings occur annually at the Airport, which is the equivalent of about 137 operations daily, and those numbers are expected to increase due to the recent runway improvements. Impressively, even more changes line the horizon. Additional FAA grants have been received to complete taxiway improvements and relocate hangars, and with recent positive signs such as an increase in businesses interested in developing hangars at the Airport, it would seem the sky's the limit. If you haven’t visited the Airport recently, now’s a great time. Sit for a few minutes and you’ll probably see a plane gliding down out of the clouds. We’ll bet you’ll feel a little of that joy, too. The Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport is located at 2751 NE Douglas St. in Lee’s Summit. For more information, visit LSAirport.net or call 969-1800.
When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first. To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.
Brian Sandy
Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com
Member SIPC
FAP-1966C-A
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200 S.E. Douglas Ste 105 Lees Summit, MO 64063 816-272-5650
4TH 4THQUARTER QUARTER--2017 2017||11 11
SocialBuzz
Businesses doubling down on social media marketing this holiday season By John Beaudoin The savvy, social-media-minded business owner is likely already putting their holiday plans into place. How often will we post to Facebook? What will we promote on Instagram? What specials will we push? How do we compete for those holiday dollars? These are questions business owners large to small are asking now as we count down the weekends until Christmas. And while those holiday plans for retail, restaurants and service-oriented businesses previously had a much different look, how you plot out your strategy on social media is possibly the most important decision a business can make ahead of the holiday rush. At Libations & Company in downtown Lee’s Summit, owner Seth Allen said he is going heavy on Facebook and Instagram this holiday season in order to push for more bundled sales – spirits, stemware and the tools needed to craft that perfect cocktail – through events and other declarations. “As I increase the number of announcements on Facebook and Instagram, I plan to incorporate sales specials,” said Allen, who is plotting his first holiday season of sales as a business owner. “For instance, if a follower likes, shares and comments on a specific post, I will offer giveaways and specific discounts."
“As we approach the holiday season, I will shift to creating kits to simplify the shopping experience for my customers. By grouping products together, I hope to give customers the ability to streamline their shopping experience and also sell more products to each customer.” Andy Lock’s holiday plans are in full force as well. As the owner of not only Summit Grill and Third Street Social, but the newly opened Lakewood Local and Summit Cellar – both of which debuted in June – Lock and his team will not only be planning for restaurant bookings and private parties, but focusing on a retail angle as well. “We will treat the liquor store like we treat the restaurants, as far as dollar amount and number of posts on social media,” Lock said, noting, like all his social media planning, they will evaluate the first year and see how those plans formulate and come into focus. “Every year, we feel like we are out ahead of the holidays a little more and you have to be with menu planning, private rooms, that kind of stuff. It’s always challenging.” Lock said gift card sales will always be a focus of holiday advertising, but social media may not be as big a driver. Rather, marketing within “our four walls” will likely be the biggest motivation for those sales. On the service industry side, Summit Video Services owner Chad Godfrey said consumer-related projects will vastly pick up for his business around the holidays in the fourth quarter.
Facebook Marketing Best Practices • Know your audience • Post your best content • Make the most of pinned posts 12 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
• Post at optimal times • Don't forget to respond Courtesy of Hootsuite
“We do more marketing toward the type of work we do for consumers in the fourth quarter than we do at any other point in the year,” Godfrey said. Godfrey said he will continue to use Google Adwords (pay per click, cost per click) in the fourth quarter and will change ads specifically around the holidays to promote consumer services like video transfers to DVD, film transfers, audio, photos and slides. His demographic being all over the social media sector, Godfrey said he plans more paid advertising on Facebook to reach his audience. “Our target market isn’t necessarily millennials,” he said. “Some is organic, some due to videos we produce. All of it helps build that following. It has to be the right kind of advertisement. I have done several ads with the exact same message and different photos, experimenting that way, some photos will do better than others. There’s definitely not a science to it.” Shrewd business owners know that social media should be part of a larger marketing plan, one that Allen says includes a unique experience inside the store and a goal to reach outside of Lee’s Summit through not only social media but with exclusive products – in his case, spirits from around Kansas City. Godfrey said watching the social media trends of competitors and non-competitors during the holiday season is vital as well. “Take some of those ideas and tailor it to your industry,” Godfrey noted.
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Person toPerson
DR. KIRK NOOKS PRESIDENT MCC-LONGVIEW
How did you get started? I was bit by the “higher education bug” while an undergraduate at Mercer University. In my sophomore year, I started as a Resident Assistant and later became the Hall Director. Upon graduating from Mercer with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management, I became an engineer. I then left a full-time engineering position to pursue my Doctorate in higher education at The George Washington University. Describe yourself in one word: Consistent GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS What made you decide to do this for a living? I have the desire to shape and mold future generations. There were several role models at my alma mater who helped to demonstrate the power of the collegiate experience. I also wanted to give these future leaders the ability to connect their dreams and passions to their surrounding community. This is something I could commit to for a lifetime.
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What has surprised you most about this industry? The diverse set of opportunities to respond to needs at the national and local levels. These are ever changing and evolving. There is a new challenge every day. What is the most important issue facing education today? The uncertain nature of the value of education. The concept of education has shifted over recent decades with regard to delivery, type and provider. This change has caused the value of education to be assigned to the provider and method that yields the highest return on investment. While that may be working for some types of degrees, other education credentials may be devalued. This could cause us to overvalue one type of education over another. The truth is we need all types to sustain a well-rounded citizenry and economy. What’s the one thing you wish people knew about MCCLongview? We are a comprehensive community college, meaning students come with many dreams and hopes (e.g., use A+ dollars before transferring, participate in athletics at
the junior college level, obtain retooling in specific industries, or take a class to continue life-long learning). We do this and more with ten buildings on 146 acres with well over 4,000 students each semester. What is your vision for MCC-Longview over the next five years? We will be a key component and collaborator within the Lee’s Summit education system by expanding services, programs, and our reach throughout our entire service area which extends as far south as Bates County. What is the best way for Chamber members to engage and get involved with MCC-Longview? I encourage members to serve on Academic Advisory Boards, join us for the Community-wide Common Read and attend events on campus. How does MCC-Longview’s collaboration with the Missouri Innovation Campus affect workforce development in Lee’s Summit? The Metropolitan Community College provides early college credit to students enrolled in the Missouri Innovation Campus program. This allows students to accelerate their time to a degree and reduce the cost of education. This also allows us to get them in the workforce faster and ultimately keep our talent local. The Kansas City region is an exporter of higher education and the Missouri Innovation Campus gives talent a reason to stay local. JUST FOR FUN Tell us about your family: I have been married for 19 years to my amazing, loving and caring wife, Alison. We have three beautiful children who I believe have my wife’s charm and looks, and hold my wit. Our oldest, Anniston is a junior at North and our twins, Kaydence and Konnor are kindergarteners attending Highland Park. What was your first job? This is interesting! At the age of 14 my first job was off the books. I was a young man who opened and cleaned a hair
salon. Looking back, I have no idea why I was trusted with the master key. While there, it taught me how to clean up hair and it also turned me on to soap operas. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? I love being with my family and getting the opportunity to slow down. What would you be doing if money were no object? Honestly, I would be doing what I’m doing now with extra vacation days. If not this, then I would not mind traveling the world and helping others along the way. Favorite motivational quote: “That’s the question before you tonight. Not, ‘If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to my job?’ Not, ‘If I stop to help the sanitation workers what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?’ The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?’ The question is, ‘If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?’ That’s the question.” – Martin Luther King Jr. Morning or evening person? Morning Coffee or cocktails? I don’t drink either. I’ll take lemonade. What’s your favorite thing about Lee’s Summit? The spirit of collaboration.
4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 15
DowntownScoop
Mixology for the Masses By Trisha Drape
H
igh-end cocktails are all the rage and old favorites have taken on new twists as mixologists throughout the area become ever more clever, but most of us would never attempt to create these concoctions at home.
Seth and Andrea Allen, who opened Libations & Company in April, in downtown Lee’s Summit, want you to know there is no need to be intimidated when it comes to mixing creative cocktails at home. You simply need the tools of the trade, a few pointers, and quality ingredients and spirits. “We want to take the intimidation factor out of the equation and reassure people they can do this at home,” Seth said. “If you can cook a meal, you can make a cocktail.” Fortunately, Seth is available to guide you through the how-tos when you visit the 1880s-inspired, lounge-style Libations store, or you can book a private mixology class for five to 10 people. Libations also can be booked for private events for up to 40 people, such as holiday parties. In addition, Libations offers special mixology classes throughout the year, where participants can watch celebrated mixologists from the area work their magic, as well as where they can ask questions, get advice and, best of all, taste the results. During Libation’s recent Mixology III class, participants were soon at ease as guest mixologist Jill Cockson, owner and proprietor of Swordfish Tom’s, a cocktail bar in the Crossroads Arts District, and developer of Colonel Jesse’s Small Batch Tonics, demonstrated
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how to make a delicious cocktail using one of her tonics and simply adding a favorite spirit and splash of club soda. Cockson’s tonics are available at Libations, and include CucumberGinger, Hop-Chamomile-Grapefruit, Lime-Lemongrass, and Orange-Cinnamon-Clove. When stopping into Libations, you’ll not only glean cocktail knowledge from Seth and other industry professionals, you’ll also find all of the items you need to master mixology at home. Among the top-of-the-line barware and glassware to choose from at Libations, Seth said to get started at home everyone should have a jigger (a measuring device for cocktails), shaker, mixing glass with spoon, and strainer. “You should use precise measurements; don’t try to freehand,” Seth said. “Classic cocktails, like an old-fashioned, which was created more than 100 years ago, have already been perfected.” He said the difference today is what types of high-quality ingredients and flavor variations you choose to use based on your tastes.
The finest, all-natural ingredients and alluring flavors of bitters and tonics are offered at Libations. “You can experiment with ingredients. Bitters enhance and change the flavor of a drink,” Seth said. “They’re like what salt and pepper are to a chef.” Libations also is known for carrying select spirits, including those from the seven local distilling companies: J. Rieger & Co., Lifted Spirits, Mean Mule, Restless Spirits, S.D. Strong, Tom’s Town and Union Horse. Seth said a true cocktail has five basic ingredients: a spirit, bitter, citrus, sugar and water. The spirit can be anything from whiskey, bourbon or scotch to gin, vodka or tequila. The bitter is a concentration of a type of flavor. Citrus, such as lemons, limes or oranges offer aroma and a subtle flavor. Combining sugar and water makes simple syrup. When Seth explains it like this, it certainly sounds simple enough to make cocktails at home. Libations will host at least one more mixology class this year, as well as an absinthe class and barrel aging class. When scheduled, these classes will be posted on Libations’ website and Facebook page. During the holidays, Libations also will feature cocktail gift kits. Libations & Company, 23 SE Third St., downtown Lee’s Summit, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Happy Hour, during which visitors can enjoy the “Drink of the Week” for purchase, is from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. For more information, visit givedrink.com.
b inging
Award Winning Professionalism.
one party
Chosen as top 3 business by our peers 4 of the last 5 years!
the bar
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Reserve a spot on our calendar for your holiday events today. Contact Embrace the Grape! 816.600.5292 www.embracecatering.com 4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 17
NetworkingPhotos
NetworkingPhotos
LEADERSHIP LEE'S SUMMIT The Leadership Lee's Summit class of 2018 kicked off its first class of the 9-month program with some team building at Paradise Park. The activities were led by Todd Long with Leadership Innovations.
OKTOBERFEST Chamber Young Professionals worked in the Biergarten during the 2017 Oktoberfest Festival on September 23 in downtown Lee's Summit. The event is the Chamber's largest fundraiser.
RIBBON CUTTING Matthew Shull and Leon Schumacher posed for a photo at Capital Investment Management's ribbon cutting at its new location on September 19. 18 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Carl Chinnery and his wife Jean chatted with Rick Viar at the August Membership Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the brand new Missouri Innovation Campus.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Rebecca Case and Linda Burgess stopped for a quick photo at the Monthly Membership Luncheon at Powell Gardens. The event featured Union Station CEO George Guastello.
816.525.4555 CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Young Professionals held a networking event and solar eclipse watch party out at Powell Gardens in August. 4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 19
LocalDestination
Infrared image of one of the buildings being investigated at Missouri Town 1855 on October 21. 20 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY AT Missouri Town 1855
Participate in hands-on investigation alongside the investigators By Trisha Drape
Nestled in Jackson County Parks + Rec’s Fleming Park, Missouri Town 1855, a living history museum of more than 25 original buildings from Missouri dating from 1820 to 1860, transports visitors back in time to experience what it might have been like to live in a progressive farming community in the mid-1800s, which also saw the Civil War and Border Wars in Missouri. Apparently a few of those farmers, as well as Civil War soldiers, are as curious about what Missouri is like today as we are about what it was like back then. During the past few years, employees working at Missouri Town 1855 have experienced some strange occurrences in a few of the town’s buildings, saying sometimes they feel as if they are not alone. Paranormal occurrences have been reported regularly at other historic sites Jackson County Parks + Rec operates, including Fort Osage and the Lone Jack Battlefield. Windows have been known to shut on their own at Fort Osage, and numerous accounts have been reported at the Lone Jack historic site. To investigate these “hot spots,” the 10th Dimension Paranormal Group came to those sites in the past, and now will turn its attention to Missouri Town 1855. Hector and Pam Lugo co-founded the group, which offers its services at no charge to those needing assistance with ghosts. From the initial reports and findings at Missouri Town 1855, Hector Lugo said he expects to find paranormal activity at Missouri Town 1855 when his group and other volunteer investigators take visitors with them on an investigation of the town and buildings on Saturday, Oct. 21. Those interested in participating in the “Paranormal Investigation at Missouri Town 1855” event can sign up while spots last. One investigation will begin at 5:30 p.m., the other at 8:30 p.m. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Hector said the investigations are hands-on for participants and they are welcome to take photographs. The group will explore several of the buildings using various investigative equipment, from infrared cameras to
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LocalDestination
advanced audio recorders. The equipment will be explained to participants and will be part of the investigation at Missouri Town 1855.
Reports from others of not feeling alone in otherwise empty buildings and spaces have led to the belief that there might be spirits about.
Jonathan Klusmeyer, superintendent of historic sites for Jackson County Parks + Rec, said several staff members have reported odd occurrences in some of the houses at Missouri Town 1855 — occurrences that could be tied to their previous owners and their history.
“The Luttrell Cabin has an interesting Civil War history. The Luttrells were Southern sympathizers who had many friends and family join Quantrill. They were hosted at the house following the war,” Klusmeyer said.
“(In one of the houses), an employee has experienced a cloth on a table being moved several times after she repositioned it,” Klusmeyer said. “She has also experienced a cabinet door opening several times after she had shut it.” Klusmeyer said another employee has felt as though someone has been in the Luttrell Cabin with her, blocking her in the house.
Another building, which is called the “Summer Kitchen,” was built by Joshua Dillingham, who fought with Confederate forces in the Battle of Lone Jack and Westport. His son left home to fight with Quantrill. The Adams house was built by the commander of Jackson County Confederate volunteers, and Klusmeyer said the front of the house was said to have been struck by a bullet during a battle fought near the house. All of these locations and others at Missouri Town 1855 will be explored during the paranormal investigation on Oct. 21. “Though this event is taking place in October, it is not meant to scare. It is meant to demonstrate how investigations are done professionally, and provide visitors with a great experience,” Klusmeyer said. Hector also said paranormal investigations are not meant to be scary, and that 10th Dimension Paranormal Group was created to share the group’s knowledge and to research and seek answers. “We’re not just helping people; we’re also helping spirits. I’ve had incredible experiences with spirits in the past, as have others from our group,” Hector said. When Hector was 7-years-old, he had his first encounter with a spirit in his family home; he also had a near-death experience. Throughout the years, Hector said, “spirits come up to me and touch me.” He currently is writing a book about his experiences. Since 10th Dimension Paranormal Group’s founding, Hector and the volunteer group made up of individuals from all walks of life have had hundreds of experiences with spirits at various locations throughout the United States. Many of their investigations have received national attention, including a two-year investigation at a home in Kingsville, Mo., which was featured on the TV show “My Ghost Story Caught on Camera.”
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Hector has one request from those who participate in the paranormal investigation at Missouri Town 1855: “We do not provoke a spirit under any circumstances. Be nice to the spirits." Paranormal Investigation at Missouri Town 1855 Visitors will participate in a search for paranormal activity with trained ghost hunters! Observe the tools the professionals use to interact and detect spirits that inhabit this historical site. Visitors will search for spirits throughout the village, including several of Missouri Town’s historic homes. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up straight. Advanced reservations are required for two time slots on Saturday, Oct. 21–5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person (ages 12 and older only). Register online at makeyourdayhere.com. For more information about 10th Dimension Paranormal Group, visit 10thdimensionparanormalgroup.com.
SERVING THE LEE’S SUMMIT COMMUNITY Do you wish coming to work was the highlight of all your employees’ day? DPI’s Employment Connections program offers customized employment in the community for individuals with disabilities, helping them contribute to the community in positive ways. S U P P O R T I N G E M P L O Y M E N T F O R I N D I V I D UA L S W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S, B EC A U S E I T M A K E S G O O D B U S I N E S S S E N S E
251 Executive Way, Ste. 200 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816.525.6000 | developingpotential.org
4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 23
MemberSpotlight
Pampered Pets
Spoiling man's best friend boosts pet industry as well as human health Just within the past decade, the pet industry has grown significantly nationwide and Lee’s Summit is no exception with a variety of businesses expanding or emerging. People are making it a top priority to ensure their four-legged friends are well taken care of, whether it is health care, toys and clothes, or daycare. As a result, new
National consumer expenditures within the pet industry in 2016 were almost $67 billion dollars, up from $38.5 billion in 2006.
stores, and thus jobs, have emerged to help our companions live long and comfortably. National consumer expenditures within the pet industry in 2016 were almost $67 billion dollars, up from $38.5 billion in 2006. The growth of the pet industry can be attributed to the success of the pet health sector. Most early veterinarian offices only had a vet, one nurse and someone to answer the phones. Today, veterinarians, or in some cases animal hospitals, offer a full suite of services to handle any sort of medical issue. Chamber members Lakewood Animal Health Center and Summit Pet Care have evolved their services to now offer grooming, daycare and pet supplies. The ultimate goal was to make it even more convenient for the human clients to have a one-stop shop. Beyond the veterinarian office, there are also many specialty groomers such as Doggy Stylz, which has two locations in Lee’s Summit, that continue to expand
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amenities around hair and nail care for pets. Regular hair, ear and nail care is critical for pets and can give owners the heads up they need for any potential medical concerns. Neglect and irregular care can drastically affect a pet’s life expectancy. Owners are encouraged to consult with their pet’s stylist or health care provider to see how often hair, ears and nails need cleaning. Pet daycare emerged onto the scene just a few years ago and Lee’s Summit is fortunate to now have multiple companies focusing on the care of dogs during the day and even expanded boarding options. Camp Bow Wow, and recently new to the market Cuddle Up Pup, provide an extended menu of options for the canine community, working to provide a comfortable and yet playful stay for their furry guests. A new addition to the pet industry and a spin-off from the daycare sector, is pet sitting. The concierge services such as Fidos and Felines or Latchkey Pets offer pet care at your home. Services can
range from a few visits as needed to daily walks for your pets. In addition to the many services offered in the Lee’s Summit community, let’s not forget the enormous amount of retail now accessible for pets. Visit either of the two Walmarts in town and one will find an astonishing amount of items available for their pets. A long list of items continue to grow in selections like orthopedic beds, tailored sweaters and apparel, and sophisticated pet technology. Of course,
what visit to the store wouldn’t be complete without buying food, a new toy or treats. Embracing pets has also made an impact on the community. Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation has been a leader in creating pet-friendly environments, giving citizens the option to utilize the dog parks around town for some fun and exercise. Dog parks and trail expansions are wonderful assets Lee’s Summit is able to boast.
The industry continues to evolve. One creative way businesses are capitalizing on the love affair with pets is offering pet-related events, giving them an opportunity to build brand awareness and give back to non-profits. Pets are very important to many families and by many accounts, a part of the family. Caring and pampering for them can easily be achieved within the Lee’s Summit business community.
The Sandler Selling System® relies heavily on the 3 Rs. Reinforcement, Reinforcement and Reinforcement. Sandler Training™ utilizes continual reinforcement through ongoing training and individual coaching sessions. The combination helps you learn more quickly and ensures your success. With a training center in Lee’s Summit to provide support, you won’t fail…we won’t let you.
Jeff Driskill Driskill Business Development Group, Inc. An Authorized Sandler Training™ Licensee 816-591-4438 / jeff.driskill@sandler.com www.driskill.sandler.com
Sandler Sales Institute and S Sandler Sales Institute (with design) are registered service marks of Sandler Systems, Inc. S Sandler Sales Institute Finding Power in Reinforcement (with design) and Finding Power in Reinforcement are service marks of Sandler System, Inc. ©2007 Sandler Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
4TH QUARTER QUARTER -- 2017 2017 || 25 25 4TH
EconomicExpansion
LSEDC Launches Business Retention & Expansion Program While new business attraction is important to any economic development organization’s overall mission, research shows that more than 50 percent of new jobs are created by existing businesses rather than new businesses in a community. That’s one reason the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council (LSEDC) launched a comprehensive and coordinated Business Retention and Expansion program this year, with a particular focus on larger employers with 50 or more full-time employees that are on a demonstrated growth path. LSEDC recognizes that helping existing businesses to survive and grow is a vital economic development strategy, and our BRE program is designed to assist existing local businesses in targeted industries to thrive and expand operations. LSEDC’s Director of Community and Investor Relations Jessica Hamilton conducted a total of 24 BRE visits to companies in a variety of industries in the first eight months of the year, including advanced manufacturing, warehouse/distribution, health care, data centers/IT, finance, insurance, real estate and headquarters operations. Perhaps more significant than the number of on-site visits is the 127 “assists” provided by LSEDC to local businesses so far in 2017. Assists are characterized as anything that helps improve a company’s experience while doing
RICK MCDOWELL President & CEO Lee’s Summit Economic Dev. Council
Fun Fact Rick once was on the same hot air balloon ride as John Mayer.
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business in Lee’s Summit; and encompass a broad range of issues such as export/import assistance, troubleshooting utility issues, workforce networking and workforce attraction. Besides visiting current businesses to hear concerns, LSEDC’s BRE program also builds awareness of issues facing businesses and builds capacity for the business community to proactively address potential problems by working together on solutions. Our BRE outreach program informed us that the top issue facing businesses in our community is workforce accessibility and readiness. To that end, LSEDC launched a website landing page in April to connect potential employees with Lee’s Summit employers who are hiring. After just four months, the portal has job postings with 34 companies and continues to be shared on social media to boost candidate interest and activity. In addition, LSEDC launched the HR Roundtable, enabling human resource leaders in the community to share best practices and collaborate on workforce issues. The HR Roundtable meets quarterly and currently has 13 companies represented, with an additional 15 employers invited to the table. Conversation topics include wage data comparisons, benefits packages, new hiring strategies, and veteran sourcing for employment opportunities. In summary, LSEDC’s BRE program is designed to demonstrate support for local businesses by helping solve immediate business concerns and helping local businesses compete in the global economy. If you know of a business that is in expansion mode and would benefit from LSEDC’s BRE program, be sure to email Jessica Hamilton at jhamilton@leessummit.org, and she will plug them into everything LSEDC has to offer growing companies.
YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR LIFE, YOUR LEGACY • Business Sales • Mergers & Acquisitions • Exit Strategy Consulting • Business Valuations
Business Valuation
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816.892.0055 Missouri 913.257.3885 Kansas scott.swim@legacymergers.com
Holiday Catering and Parties
Holiday entertaining can be stressful. Luckily, Chamber member caterers and restaurants have tips and tricks to help you serve up the best this year.
SurveySays
Who’s ready for juicy turkey and ham, crunchy-topped sweet potato brulee, sweet cranberry orange relish, roasted Brussel sprouts, apple crumble and pumpkin pie? During the holidays, we all have to decide the best way to get everyone together – family and business – and it always includes food. Do you prepare all the meals yourself? Do you work with a catering company to bring all the fixings to you? Or do you reserve tables at a restaurant that will take care of food and clean-up? No matter your preference to tackle all the gatherings, here are some members who can help you with it all.
Affordable Elegance affordableelegancecatering.com Affordable Elegance Catering is uniquely qualified to serve your company. Their mission is in name, Affordable Elegance, offering the perfect combination of high quality food, affordable prices and outstanding service. Whether your business catering plan is formal or informal, large or small, calls for “Brown Bag” or “Black Tie”, they can help. The recipe for a successful event consists of great food and presentation with
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outstanding service by a dedicated and professional staff. They have a combined experience of over 40 years in the food service and catering industry.
Hy-Vee Catering kchy-veecatering.com Whether you are hosting an hors d’oeuvre happy hour, a simple lunch menu in the office, or a sit-down feast with the family, Hy-Vee Catering has you covered with a wide variety of menu options. The Lee’s Summit Hy-Vees offer full-service catering and delivery services with only the highest-quality food and services. Hy-Vee Catering serves event needs with every detail carefully executed with your menu, location and budget limits in mind. If you’re unable to find that special menu within the Catering Guide, their culinary chefs will work to create a custom menu for you.
Summit Grill 4835 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit summitgrillkc.com At Summit Grill you’ll find traditional dishes like chicken-fried chicken, black
angus ribeye and traditional pot roast, or choose some local favorite varieties like seafood mac ‘n’ cheese or pot roast nachos. Summit Grill in Lee’s Summit offers two private event spaces within the restaurant. The Back Bar, which accommodates groups up to 125, features a private cocktail bar, dining area and patio. The second, more intimate group dining space seats up to 30 people. Select a classic American fare menu fitting for family or business gatherings.
Summit Hickory Pit BBQ 1012 SE Blue Pkwy, Lee’s Summit thesummithickorypitbbq.com October marks the 25th anniversary for Summit Hickory Pit BBQ in Lee’s Summit. Since 1992, Summit Hickory Pit BBQ has been celebrating many milestone celebrations with Lee’s Summit businesses, families and BBQ fans. Their goal is to make your event memorable, flawless and scrumptious. After all, they are known for that warm hospitality, attention to detail and amazing slowsmoked BBQ that comes right from the authentic brick pits. Not to mention their own signature sauce.
Restaurants with Private Room: • Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bra • Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue • Henry's Tea Room • Johnny’s Tavern • Minsky’s Pizza • Summit Bar and Grill • Summit Hickory Pit BBQ With multiple in-house gathering rooms that can hold up to 75 people, you can invite great company for a full meal. They also cater for groups of 20 or more at your location of choice. Summit Hickory Pit BBQ has you covered and makes sure you and your guests have an experience exceeding everyone’s expectations.
The Portable Chef portablechefkc.com The Portable Chef is a true custom catering company. They emphasize
exceptional customer service, flavorful foods and unique table design. In their 21 years of business, they have never offered pre-set options because the possibilities are endless. Their approach to entertainment is to create new menus to suit a guest's event, style, theme, budget and time frame. Visit their website for sample menus including sit-down dinners, heavy hors d’oeuvres or any combination that you like. Unique menu items to consider include salmon cheesecake bites, crisp asparagus and orange chop salad, spicy scallop jambalaya, and savory rosemary and feta mashed potatoes.
Catering Restaurants: • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit • Habanero’s Mexican • Jason’s Deli • Jazzy B’s • McAlister's Deli • Neighborhood Café • Olive Garden • Panera Bread • Schlotzky’s/Cinnabon • T-Bones Deli & Meat Market • Ted’s Café Escondido
Tips from Affordable Elegance: •
A growing trend for corporate holiday parties is in-house luncheons. It’s a great way to treat employees without breaking the budget – no hall rental, alcohol or spouses involved. Cater a delicious traditional holiday meal with whole roasted turkeys, dressings and all the trimmings.
•
Book early – December dates always sell out!
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Hosting family and friends holiday celebrations at another location, such as Gregory’s Sunday Brunch, is a great way to enjoy your company without all the stress. Large dining rooms can easily accommodate groups of all sizes. They provide delicious, homemade selections and you don’t have to cook or clean.
Catering Companies: • Affordable Elegance • Cosentino’s Price Chopper Catering • Embrace the Grape Beverage Catering • Hy-Vee Catering & Marketplace Grille • Nadler’s • The Portable Chef 4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 31
ChamberUpdate
INVEST LOCALLY A few weeks ago, downtown Lee’s Summit’s streets were packed with tens of thousands of festival-goers celebrating another fantastic Oktoberfest. The Chamber hosts this great event, which would not be possible without a wonderful group of volunteers who serve on the Oktoberfest Committee and the 400+ who helped during the event. We also are thankful for our generous sponsors who support Oktoberfest, which is the largest fundraiser for the organization. The revenue and resources gained from this event assist our efforts in providing the most relevant and timely programming for our members. The Chamber is bustling with activity as we recently kicked off Leadership Lee’s Summit with 30 new leaders committed to learning more about Lee’s Summit while building their leadership capacity. Attendance at all networking events
and business trainings has been high, thus providing attendees with productive business to business connections. Planning has already begun for 2018, including setting the organization’s new legislative priorities and updating the Chamber’s annual plan of work. In the last 90 days, the Chamber facilitated 23 ribbon cuttings. Area businesses are breaking ground, opening their doors for the first time or reinvesting in new or renovated spaces. All of this is in addition to the many wonderful announcements coming out of the Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council. The Chamber is proud to be a part of each one of these celebrations and wishes the members who choose Lee’s Summit all the success possible. As we approach the busy time of the year for area retailers, I’d like to encourage residents and businesses to shop local. Consumers who make the commitment to shop, dine and invest dollars right here can have a profound effect on our business community and local economy. Area businesses should consider reviewing their vendor lists to determine if any needs can be met by local businesses. Simply moving 10-15 percent of your vendors to local suppliers can have a significant impact. Supporting area businesses affords them the ability to continue investing in Lee’s Summit, including employing our neighbors. A bi-product of local sales is the
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Independence, MO • Lee’s Summit, MO Liberty, MO • Olathe, KS • Overland Park, KS St. Peters, MO • Wichita, KS
FUNDRAISING PROGRAM
tax revenue necessary to support the public servants who keep us safe, as well as updated infrastructure and amenities we have come to enjoy over the years. Visit the online directory at LSchamber.com to quickly find members in a wide variety of business categories, all ready and willing to serve you.
Choose a week and we’ll donate a portion of the sales! Sign up at your local Green Lantern Car Wash or online at greenlanterncarwash.com/fundraising.
Speaking of membership, are you currently not a member? October is a great month to join, it’s our membership drive month. For more information or to learn more about the benefits of membership, please reach out to Cathy Young from our office.
Join the Chamber in October and receive special perks: • • • • • •
$25 enrollment fee waived Free monthly membership luncheon–$20 value Free set of member mailing labels–$100 value Immediate inclusion in online directory Entered into $100 drawing Entered into a drawing to receive free two weeks of digital outdoor advertising–$750 value
View the online application and rates at LSchamber.com or contact Cathy Young at 816.524.2424 with any questions
4TH QUARTER - 2017 | 33
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS CHAMBER AFTER HOURS 4:30–6 p.m. Thursday, October 12 Alissa’s Flowers & Interiors 19321 E. 40 Hwy., Ste. H, Independence CHAMBER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, October 19 Grains & Taps, 10 SW 3rd Street Sponsor: Ears of Experience MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday, October 20 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 18011 Bass Pro Drive, Independence Sponsor: Saint Luke’s East Hospital Reservations required CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS 7:30–8:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 24 Location & Sponsor: Budget Blinds of Lee’s Summit, 230 SE Main Street MEGA CHAMBER OFFICE PARTY 4:30–7 p.m. Thursday, October 26 Avila University, Mabee Fieldhouse 11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas City Reservations required RIBBON CUTTING – BRAIN BALANCE 10 a.m. Friday, October 27 413 NW Murray Road RIBBON CUTTING – GOIN’ POSTAL LEE’S SUMMIT 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 31 Gamber Center, 4 SE Independence Ave. 196A NW Oldham Parkway
CHAMBER 101: GET PLUGGED IN 3:30–5 p.m. Thursday, November 2 Paradise Park, 1021 NE Colbern Road RIBBON CUTTING – COMMUNITY AMERICA CREDIT UNION 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 7 825 NE Rice Road RECESS FOR SUCCESS 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 7 John Knox Village-Manhattan Room, 1001 NW Chipman Rd. Topic: Selling Yourself & Your Business Sponsor: N2 Publishing BUSINESS FIELD TRIPS...WHO KNEW? 3:30–5 p.m. Wednesday, November 8 Faulkner’s Ranch 10600 Raytown Rd., Kansas City Reservations required CHAMBER AFTER HOURS 4:30–6 p.m. Thursday, November 9 Location & Sponsor: Henry’s Antiques, Collectibles & Tea Room, 401 SE Douglas St. BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS 7:30–9 a.m. Tuesday, November 14 The Aspen Room at The Stanley 308 SE Douglas St. Keynote speaker: Matt Shatto, Shatto Milk Reservations required RIBBON CUTTING – UNITY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 14 1901 NW Blue Parkway
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday, November 17 Gamber Center, 4 SE Independence Ave. Sponsor: Truman Heartland Community Foundation Reservations required CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS 7:30–8:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 28 Location & Sponsor: Great American Bank, 12418 S, 7 Hwy., Lake Lotawana RECESS FOR SUCCESS 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 5 John Knox Village -Manhattan Room, 1001 NW Chipman Rd. Topic: Respect in the Workplace Sponsor: Revibe Yoga CHAMBER ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION 5–7 p.m. Wednesday, December 6 Historic Longview Mansion, 1200 SW Longview Park Drive CHAMBER AFTER HOURS 4:30–6 p.m. Thursday, December 14 Location & Sponsor: Integrity Group Real Estate, 304 SE 3rd Street CHAMBER ANNUAL GALA 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 The Pavilion at John Knox Village, 400 NW Murray Road Reservations Required
Registering for events is easy at lschamber.com! Choose an event and log in with your member ID. Don’t know your password or aren’t a member? Call 816.524.2424 for help. 34 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE
(816)558-6700 | WWW.CABLEDAHMERKIA.COM
220 SE Main Street • Lee’s Summit, MO 64063