Shop Local

Job creat ion: It just makes sense that supporting local small businesses brings more jobs in your community. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ 59 million people, or almost half of the private workforce. And smaller local businesses have the largest share of small business employment. Com m unit y invest m ent : Shopping at local small businesses results in community investment. Almost half of tax dollars spent at local independent businesses are returned to the community, benefiting public services, schools and libraries, according to Civic Economics, an independent research firm. Studies show only around 14 percent of tax dollars from chain stores are returned to the local economy. Com m unit y support : From coffee shops and bistros to bars and bookstores, locally owned small businesses are both a conduit and supporter of the communities they serve. They often help out in ways large, chain companies do not. They are community hubs that often offer their goods and services in support of a community, and employees are often enthusiastic volunteers.

Chain effect : Small local businesses are often located adjacent to others, fostering a chain of mutual support. If your community has developed an arts district, you? re likely to find locally owned cafes, gift shops, restaurants and bars interspersed between the galleries. That ripple effect benefits consumers, owners and the local economy.

To p Rea so n s t o sh o p l o c a l

If you need a reason to shop local, chances are you haven? t shopped local lately. The reasons and benefits are myriad, to both the business owners and consumers. Here are just a few of the top reasons shopping local can benefit you and your community.

Unique offerings: Last but not least, small, locally owned businesses exist to offer goods and services that can? t be found in chain stores. Whether it?s artisan bread, handmade gifts or craft beer or cocktails, you? re likely to experience a wealth of talent, experience, passion and pride on exhibit when you shop these businesses. You? re also likely to meet others who appreciate the same qualities you admire, creating a base of support while fostering ? and, in some cases, building ? a community.

Even tPlanne r-Sa rahandNa teBittne r

Sarah and Nate met when they were 13 years old. After life took them their separate ways, they were reunited at 19 and the rest is history. Now, they will be celebrating their 3-year wedding anniversary September 3, 2019. Sarah started as an event planner with dreams of owning a venue. When the opportunity came up a little sooner than planned, Sarah and Nate were quick to jump at it. The Atrium Event Center in Branson, Mo is closing out its 2nd year and is currently constructing a brand-new building opening August 2019. The Atrium is a wedding and event center that specializes in personalized customer service. Nate and Sarah developed the business model of trying to never say no, but offer alternative solutions and suggestions to make the client?s day less stressful. They also have a well-stocked room full of various items so if someone asks if they have something, they? re proud to be able to say, ?yes.?Being with their couples during a stressful time in their lives has taught Nate and Sarah several ways to make the event planning process easier. From online booking and client portals, to fully stocked decor room and affordable packages, the client is sure to leave happy and less stressed about their big day. The couple is always available for emails, calls and texts whenever a planning worry comes up. When it comes to running their business, the team tackles things together and separately. Sarah handles marketing, appointment scheduling, and design. Nate manages the books, design aspects, and finding ways to make Sarah?s vision a reality. As with any relationship, communication is the key factor in making their business run. Since they both have separate jobs outside of venue life, they rely heavily on Alexa reminders and their ?to do list?board. Outside of their business, Sarah and Nate have a house full of furry kids. 3 dogs: Octave, Milo, and Mia, and one 15lb ?boss?cat: Murray. They enjoy spending their free time with their animals both at home and at their new venue location. It is because of their dogs that their new location features a ?puppy suite?so that the bride and groom can have their furry friends with them on their big day. The couple dreams of new and exciting adventures in their business every day. New additions, new ideas and new ventures are always a conversation in the Bittner house, and they wouldn? t have it any other way. For more information on The Atrium Wedding and Event Center visit their website at www.eventsattheatrium.com

C iv il/Pub licSe rv ice -MeganPage

Born and raised in small town Missouri, Megan, the youngest of three, learned from her father that hard work and dedication were important. A 2005 graduate of Marshall High School, Megan began her career in banking at 19 as a part-time teller, taking opportunities as they came and proving along the way that she wanted to learn and grow in her career. After 13 years in the banking/finance world, Megan has worked her way up to becoming a Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer for a mortgage company, helping people fulfill their dreams of becoming homeowners.

Megan married her husband, Jeff, in 2007; they have two children, Jonah (8) and Jude (5). In January of this year, Megan and her husband purchased Heckart Funeral Home, a century-old funeral home in Sedalia that has a long legacy of service and giving back to the community. As the new owners of the funeral home, Jeff and Megan are committed to continuing the legacy of giving back to the community which has entrusted them with the care of their loved ones.

In 2016, after hearing a speaker talk about Christians becoming leaders in government, Megan was led to run for Sedalia City Council. In April 2017, beating the incumbent with 63%of the votes, Megan jumped in with both feet and began her journey in politics. Not long after elected, Megan became even more passionate about public safety. Her biggest achievement on the council to date is being a part of the five-person 911 committee that successfully passed the 911 initiative in Pettis County to develop a central dispatch. Megan is very involved in different organizations and clubs in Sedalia including: current board secretary for the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri, current president of Pettis County Pachyderm, current treasurer for Sedalia Young Professionals, member of Sedalia Business Women, member of Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, worship leader at First United Methodist Church, and board member of University of Missouri Extension Council-Pettis County. Megan?s love and passion for people is her driving force in everything she does. Leaving the world, a better place, one person at a time, one heart at a time. Listening to understand, not listening to respond, being better than you were yesterday and taking ownership when you?ve done wrong. It?s the little things in life that make the biggest difference.

Educa tion-LenaMenn ing

My name is Lena Menning, but you may find that I am so much more than my name. I pride myself in being a supportive wife for 14 years and mother of two, alongside following my passion of educating young minds. My interest in education started as a child. I had amazing teachers growing up, but the best would have been my mother. She managed an in-home daycare and cared for many children throughout my raising. Prior to beginning college, I worked in a public daycare setting, and it sparked the interest even more.

I became a mother in 2005, and knew that I wanted to be able to be involved in my children?s education somehow. Shortly after my first child, I started classes and obtained my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education in 2011 from Central Methodist University. I started my journey at Morgan County R-1 school as a first-grade teacher for four years, and another four years as a kindergarten teacher. I am excited to be making the move to second grade in the 2019-2020 school year. In 2015 I obtained my Masters of Education with emphasis in Online Learning from Concordia University, and hope to use this in the future as education is heading towards more online platforms.

I have extended my passion out to the younger children and families in the community as an educator with the Parents as Teachers program. With this program I can be a part of making sure the parent?s questions are met, and help in making sure the children are on target with their growth and development needs. I have a strong love of reading and also hold certification as a Library Media Specialist as I hope to instill a passion for reading.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy watching my children in their sports and other activities. I am fun loving and enjoy traveling with my family, and attending live concerts, especially the New Kids on the Block. My classroom theme is even ?Mrs. Menning?s New Kids on the Block,?and I plan to keep this tradition as long as I can. I do not collect a lot of things, but I am known for my wacky socks. I have socks from many different states, themes, and venues, and frequently wear them to coordinate with lesson plans or daily themes in the classroom. I enjoy making people smile, and see the smiles frequently when wearing my wacky socks. I enjoy bringing my love of these things into my lesson plans, and feel it makes the learning environment more exciting.

My students have become my extended family, and I enjoy being witness to their successes through the education we provide at Morgan County R-1. I have had an incredible journey, and look forward to educating for several years to come in #BulldogNation.

Questions for Entrepreneurs

There?s never been a better time to join the small business revolution. The economy is booming after recovering from the biggest recession in decades and the government?s tax cut represents clear opportunities for business owners. In addition, the thirst for locally owned small businesses has never been more evident. Part of the so-called American dream has always been being your own boss. And because a career today doesn? t mean a lifelong relationship with a single company, the opportunities and resources to turn your talents, skills and passions into a viable business are more easily achieved. But there are still some critical elements to examine before you exit your job and follow your dream. Some are tried and-true facts; others have sprung up in the wake of internet. Here?s a list of things to consider adapted from a recent issue of Forbes magazine: Are you ready? While making the leap from working for someone to working for yourself has obvious appeal, it doesn? t mean it?s easy. Startups ? both the online or the brickand-mortar variety ? require even more effort and stamina than your current position. While the payoff might be huge ? in both financial and personal results ? so are the obstacles. Ensure you understand that long-term effort before you make the leap. Does your business have an audience? There?s nothing quite as painful in the business world than finding out your passion is not shared by a wide enough audience. Or are you duplicating an existing idea in a saturated market?Due diligence ? studying the market and finding a clear niche for which there is a market ? is key. Can you build and m ot ivat e a t eam ? While you may have supreme confidence in your own skill set and a marketable business niche, you can? t act alone. Hiring, training and motivating a team that shares your dream and energy requires special skills in itself. Do you have realist ic expect at ions? Starting your own business requires long-term strategy. Do you have the resources and capital to survive the long stretch before you become profitable?Developing a realistic business plan and understanding the risks involved is a necessary reality check. If you can put a check mark beside all of these questions, there are plenty of resources available to help you turn your dream into a reality. Obviously, you? ll want to do detective work. Visit local small businesses and cultivate relationships with them. You? ll likely find many owners who are willing to share both their highs and lows to help you along. Research is valuable and it pays off. And don? t forget to access the many tools and resources available for the U.S. Small Business Administration. They offer a wealth of information ? and routes to accessible loans ? to budding entrepreneurs, in addition to SCORE, an organization of retired business executives who offer free advice and guidance.

En trepreneuria l-Be thanyKay

With the rise of online shopping, many brick & mortars have been forced to close their doors. Spending the last 18 years in retail, I wanted to offer something unique and the first of its kind in the Mid-Missouri area. I remember coming home from work and discussing crazy business ideas with my husband who would just grin, proceeded by his encouraging words ?go for it honey?! After months of brainstorming, inspired by my daughter?s name I started Hello Belle on my Mother?s birthday in 2014. Word spread so quickly, that within the first year I traveled to over 75 residences! Not too bad considering I was currently working full time and pursing my dream on the side! The concept was simple, I set up a boutique in their home & they got to party with their friends. However, the wear and tear on my vehicle was taking its toll, and thus the 22ft fashion truck was born in 2017! After months of searching for a used Fedex truck, we found the perfect one! Before we drove away from the dealership they muttered ? it?s a rattle trap, good luck?. Those words really stuck. Well, challenge accepted! With the help of my talented husband, family and friends ? the once used & abused truck was renovated into a rolling beauty!

It is now 2019, I was able to quit my job and give the boutique my undivided attention. We recently broke ground in New Bloomfield where we will build a 4,800 square foot warehouse and I?m excited for the future of Hello Belle. The fashion truck can be found popping up in Missouri at local festivals, businesses & even on Food Truck Friday. It can also be booked for a fun girl?s night! Online live shopping is also offered in the Facebook VIPgroup.

I am thankful for the beautiful women inside and out that I get to meet on this journey. I love being able to play a role in their lives: whether it be pairing an outfit for family pictures that will forever be cherished, finding that perfect dress for their first date, or simply empowering women one outfit at a time. Hello Belle, gets to be a part of those small or big milestones. How cool is that?I truly am blessed beyond measure!

Bus inessDeve lopmen t andSa les Milita ry-JosephMcDev itt

Joseph E. McDevitt (Owner/President and CEO) of Black & White Roofing. Joseph has lived in the Lake of the Ozark Area his entire life (31 years) and plans on being a lifelong resident. He has been married now for 6 years to his beautiful wife Zhengjia C. McDevitt (Owner/Vice President and CFO) who came here from Shenyang, China as an International College student and is now a naturalize citizen of the United States.

They have two children together a 5-year-old son Eli K. McDevitt and a 3-year-old daughter Iris M. McDevitt. Joseph graduated from Eldon High School in 2005 and received a B.S. Degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 2011. He is a 10-year Missouri Army National Guard Veteran and former Apache Attack Helicopter Pilot/Gunner.

Joseph dream has always been to own his own business and to offer fellow Veterans a good career path. Being an entrepreneur is in his blood and his pursuit of success is always growing.

?I believe my skill sets are proving to transition perfectly into the business world especially the roofing industry. Currently these skills our Vets possess have put us a stride ahead of every one of our competitors and due to our strong work ethic and ability to win, and never give up attitude, we will be tough to beat.?said, oseph McDevitt.