February 10, 2016
Shaking up the chamber Around Town
3
Wentzville Citizen of the Year
Around Town 4 Best of Western EagleCharles project improves fishing St.
Submitted photo The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce first Fuse event, featuring presentations from chamber members, was held in January with over 200 participants.
Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce’s new programs focus on sharing and collaboration
School
8
St. Charles schools recognized
By Brett Auten Scott Tate and the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce were looking to shake things up a bit. When it came to the same ol, same ol of monthly meetings, Tate and company felt that there was a better way to serve its members so for 2016 they got creative when it comes to its informational programs. Previously, there were a healthy amount of monthly meetings spread throughout the course of four weeks. Now the focus has been honed and a theme of engagement, sharing and collaboration has been embraced. “We are doing away with the monthly membership meetings, the business after hours, and the morning network coffee meetings,” Tate, the GSTCCC President said. “We had kinda gotten away from networking specific events and at the same time we are going to still provide engaging topics that will be a value to our members.” One of the additions has been the Speaker Series. The GSTCCC has at least three speakers on the docket for 2016. “We are going to provide speakers who inspire, motivate and educate,” Tate said. “We wanted these speakers to
be ones who historically would be outside the chamber circuit.” First up in the Speaker Series will be James Cunningham. Cunningham is best known as the host of Food Network Canada’s and Cooking Channel US’s Eat St., a TV show about North American street food and food trucks. Food trucks have become a popular feature as of late in the county, springing up all over from schools to down at the riverfront. “Essentially, a food truck is a small business,” Tate said. “We feel that some of the same aspects apply to brick and mortar businesses.” Another new aspect of the GSTCCC will be the Summit Series. At these programs a specific topic will be put under the microscope, probed and prodded. Come March will be the Healthcare Summit, in May will be the Economic Development Summit, and come fall will be a Transportation Summit. Maybe the most exciting addition to all of these adventures will be the Fuse events. The name of which is meant to ignite discussions, ideas, and solutions. Look for Fuse events to happen once a quarter and will be held at the Foundry Art Centre.
“We want these to be fun and not feel like it’s a banquet atmosphere,” Tate said. “The focus will really be on networking with some breakout discussions.” The first Fuse was held in January with over 200 participants. “The feedback has been positive,” Tate said. “Like any new format, it will See Chamber on page 2
Recipe
Hearty heart healthy dishes
Movie: “The 88th Academy Awards”
FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com
11
9