July Business Outlook by Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

JUL

Business outlook 2016

July 2016

Business Outlook

chamber night at the blasters Page 7

our members announce

PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSAGE More People, More Income

p. 3

INSIDE

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Board of Directors 2016-2017 Executive Committee Karen Plott

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Clive Veri

CHAIRMAN ELECT OF THE BOARD

David Glenn

PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

James Richards

TREASURER

Louise Secker VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP/ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Kim Woodard CO-VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Lori Scott Dreiling VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Brad Beecher CO-VICE CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Directors Ex-Officio Directors Gina Atteberry Sam Anselm Michael Beatty John Bartosh Brandon Davis Dr. Nicole Brown Donovan Edwards Mike Gray Jacqueline Hackett Dr. Alan Marble Rodney Haynes Dr. Jennifer Methvin Holly Hukill Matt Proctor John Karry Dr. Norm Ridder Randy Moore Marilyn Ruestman Kelli Perigo Michael Seibert Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Staff Executive Rob O’Brian, CEcD PRESIDENT Tonya Sprenkle VICE PRESIDENT Lisa Kelly EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Member Services Ginger LaMar, IOM Stephanie McGrew

DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT MEMBER EVENTS PRODUCER

Communications Kirstie Smith COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Wendy Brunner-Lewis COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Martha Getz YPN/COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Finance Samantha Doubledee FINANCE DIRECTOR Melany Frederick FINANCE COORDINATOR INTERN Economic & Workforce Development Steve Russell NEWMAN INNOVATION CENTER DIRECTOR Kevin Welch DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ATTRACTION Cary Beasley, IOM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Mark Turnbull DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL STRATEGIES Administrative Support Lea Schroer NEWMAN INNOVATION CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 2 Melissa Winslow ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

5-Star Partnership Level Sponsors Platinum Level

City of Joplin Downstream Casino Resort The Empire District Electric Company KOAM-TV/FOX 14 – KFJX Stronghold Data LLC

Chairman Level

Commerce Bank EaglePicher Technologies, LLC Freeman Health System General Mills Joplin Floor Designs Joplin Globe Publishing Company Joplin Regional Business Journal Joplin Supply Company KODE-TV/KSNF-TV Lamar Outdoor Advertising Lancaster Signs Mercy Hospital Joplin Missouri Southern State University Results Radio, AMI Radio Group SNC Squared Southwest Missouri Bank US Bank, N.A.

President Level

Arvest Bank BKD, LLP Community Bank & Trust (CBT) Roper Honda Show Me The Ozarks Magazine

Director Level

Choice Marketing Connell Insurance, Inc. Joplin ProPrint Lakeland Office Systems, Inc. Motive Matters Storm Stanley Weed Whackers, Inc.

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce 320 East 4th Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Phone: 417.624.4150 Fax: 417.624.4303 www.joplincc.com /joplinchamber /joplinchamber

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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Vote NO From time to time your Chamber looks at local and state issues that require a public vote. On those issues that appear to provide a solid benefit or, in the case of a new tax, a significant return on investment for the community or state, your Chamber will support that issue. Typically, such support means we encourage a “Yes” vote on the issue. But this August, Proposition A will be on the Joplin city ballot and your Chamber Board strongly encourages a resounding “NO” vote on this issue. As background, Proposition A calls for ending the city sales tax on titled property such as cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats that are purchased out of state. Currently, residents pay state and local sales tax on those titled items whether they purchase locally or out of state. They do NOT pay the out-of-state sales tax; they pay the Missouri and Joplin sales tax when they bring their purchase back and title their Rob O’Brian, President ownership. In essence, this tax structure creates a level playing field where the local and out-of-state dealers’ ability to negotiate a good deal and create customer loyalty become the key drivers of where the sale takes place. However, Proposition A will create an unfair competitive advantage for out of state dealers against those who have made an investment and employ people here in Joplin. Now note that the state sales (or use) tax on out of state titled property is an “automatic.” The State of Missouri gets its sales tax every time. But if the out-of-state tax on title property ends locally, it places an unfair burden on local dealers. In essence, if you buy in Joplin and title your property in Joplin, you will pay the state AND the local sales tax. If you buy out of state and title in Joplin, you only pay the state sales tax, not Joplin’s sales tax. Local dealers are at an immediate disadvantage, a disadvantage that can cost our community new investment, jobs and choice of products. More concerning is that Proposition A, if passed, will also result in a loss of sales tax revenue for the City of Joplin, which means less money for police and fire protection, for street maintenance, for operating parks and recreational venues and even for just the dayto-day operations of the City. The City projects the impact of Proposition A to reduce funding by $400,000 to $500,000, which means EVERY resident of Joplin will see a negative impact. The trail that led to Proposition A began a few years ago when the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a local property tax on titled property was not legal until specifically authorized by a local vote. Up until that time, the local title tax was considered to be the same as the state use tax; if the state taxed it then the local community could as well. The legislature provided a temporary fix to keep the local tax in place, but set a timeline for each community to authorize such a tax. However, the legislation also specified the ballot language for such a local vote, language which basically requires a “Yes” vote to end the tax and a “No” vote to keep it in place. To be clear, the local sales tax on title property purchased out of state is NOT an internet sales tax. It is not a tax on furniture you buy at IKEA in Dallas and bring home. It is a local sales tax on cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats that is currently in place. A “NO” vote on Proposition A means that nothing changes. There is no new tax; there is no increase in tax; there is absolutely no change. However, a “NO” vote on Proposition A means local businesses have a level playing field with out-of-state competitors. A “NO” vote keeps current jobs at those businesses in place and encourages continued investment and employment. A “NO” vote means the City of Joplin continues to keep current revenue to support police and fire services, quality parks with swimming pools and sports fields, good streets, and other key infrastructure. Your Chamber’s Public Policy Committee reviewed the issue and determined that a “NO” vote is the right vote on Proposition A. The Committee recommended that position to the Chamber’s Board of Directors, which agreed with the Committee’s assessment. Your Chamber Board opposes Proposition A. It encourages all members to vote “NO” on this issue in August. Keep local businesses strong employers; keep city services in place and keep a strong fiscal foundation for the community’s continued growth. Vote “NO” on Proposition A on August 2.

July 2016

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Coming soon: Smaller, less expensive butterflies perfect for residential gardens or home decor. Watch for more details on the Monday and Mid-week Memos, and on the JACC website!

2016-2017 Executive Committee

Presented by

Message to the Network from Chairman Brent Baker Big Ideas We are making a difference in our community! I know many of you are aware curbside recycling is now available to Joplin residents. In June, Joplin residents received their recycling bins. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget what a success this is and how this came from a big idea and hard work. So, do we have any other big ideas? We would like to hear your ideas. Please make a point to attend the YPN Town Hall meeting Tuesday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. at Hackett Hot Wings to share your ideas. There are many great things happening in the Joplin region, and we have been a big part in making a difference. As we continue to offer leadership in our community, we are receiving more

Brent Baker, Chairman Ryan Melton, Co-Chairman Dr. Nicole Brown, Past Chairman Shawn Daniel Jennifer Little Stephanie Onstot Dustin Parker Greg Sutton Megan Tyler Whitney Warren Christina Williams

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and more opportunities to assist. As I am writing this, today is day 166 of 2016 and there are only 200 days left. The year is 45 percent over. We do not have to wait until the end of the year or the end of a month to recommit to our ideas or to develop new ones. The same goes for you. You can start today! We look forward to seeing you at Hackett Hot Wings!

July 2016

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Ribbon Cuttings

Crosslines Ministries

Presented by

Joplin Museum Complex

Kathy Lewis, Executive Director 320 South School Street Grand Opening

Brad Belk, Executive Director 504 South Schifferdecker Avenue 85th Anniversary

Joplin Blasters Professional Baseball Team

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

Gabriel Suarez, President and CEO 131 South High Avenue Opening of Second Season

Rob O'Brian, President 320 East 4th Street Five-Year Business Recovery Anniversary

Ribbon provided by Countryside in the City

The Law Store, LLC

Ed Hershewe, Attorney 2623 West 7th Street New Business Inside Walmart 6

July 2016

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July 2016

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Our Members Announce presented by The City of Joplin Parks and Recreation Department recently received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence for Cunningham Park. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. For more information, call 417.627.8879. The City of Joplin’s Schifferdecker Golf Course is offering Family Fun Nights July 16 and August 20, with tee times starting at 5 p.m. Price for one adult and child with cart is $10, and two adults and two children with two carts is $20. Price includes a 9-hole round, putting course and junior tees. The Clubhouse will offer snow cones and $1 hot dogs. For more information or to register, call 417.624.3533. The City of Joplin Parks and Recreation Department is offering Family Swim Nights at the Schifferdecker Family Aquatic Center on Friday evenings this summer. Family Swim Nights are held from 6-8 p.m., and pool admission is 50 percent off. July 15 is excluded from this promotion because the center is closed to the public that day. For more information, call 417.625.4750. Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation made a generous donation of $5,000 to Freeman Health System’s Helping Friends Mammogram Fund. The funds assist uninsured or underinsured patients in receiving mammogram screenings and provides assistance in different stages of breast cancer. For more information, go to www. freemanhealth.com. Freeman Health System and Seneca R-7 School District have partnered to provide a school-based health program for students and staff. The partnership includes services for telehealth and priority scheduling at Freeman Seneca Family Medicine. The goal is to increase the health of students and staff, and decrease time lost in the classroom and at work for both staff and parents. For more information, go to www.freemanhealth.com.

The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with Missouri Hospital Association (MHA), announced Paula F. Baker, Freeman Health System president and chief executive officer, will receive the Grassroots Champions Award. One hospital leader from each state is honored for his or her work during the previous year in effectively educating elected officials on how major 8 issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community. For more information, go to www.freemanhealth.com.

The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) recently named Dr. Larry McIntire, Freeman Health System Ear, Nose and Throat program director, Physician of the Year at the MAOPS President’s Banquet. The award was given for his outstanding career accomplishments and for being a driving force behind the development of a Joplin campus for Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. For more information, go to www.freemanhealth.com. A new Joplin Regional Artist’s Coalition show featuring artwork by Steve and Cindy Head and the jewelry of Kristin Girard is on display at the Chamber office through August 31 during normal work hours. For more information, go to www.joplinrac.org. The Law Store™, a U.S. law firm focused on innovating new concepts for access and delivery of legal services, launched its two initial stores June 1. The Law Store model unites on-site attorney guidance with state-ofthe-art technology and affordability. The new stores— one in the 7 th Street Walmart in Joplin and one in the Neosho Walmart—feature accessible attorneys offering free first advice™ and menu-style pricing. For more information, call 417.201.4912. George Washington Carver National Monument’s annual Carver Day celebration is July 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day commemorates the life of George Washington Carver and the establishment of the national monument in his honor. The event is free of charge. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. For more information, call 417.325.4151. Paula M. Gregory, DO, began as dean of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences’ (KCU) new College of Osteopathic Medicine in Joplin on June 1. As dean, Dr. Gregory will lead the academic, research and clinical services of the University at the Joplin campus. KCU has been a leader in new and innovative methods of medical education, and Dr. Gregory will be instrumental in delivering this pioneering work at the new medical school in Joplin. In addition, she will engage in ongoing outreach with the community and enhance the relationships with local hospitals and physicians. For more information, call 816.654.7032.

Missouri Southern State University invites area employers and organizations to register for the annual Welcome Week Community Day, Wednesday, August 24. Offered as a “thank you” for your continued support of Missouri Southern, Community Day is a grand opportunity for your business or organization to engage with the campus community of over 5,000 students and hundreds of faculty and staff. Reserve your space today for the chance to introduce the products, services and job opportunities you have to offer. Space is limited. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu/career or email hirealion@mssu.edu. KGCS, the television station at Missouri Southern State University, received recognition during the Missouri Broadcasters Association’s 2016 annual media awards. The station received a Certificate of Merit in the “Station Sponsored Community Event” category for Class 3 (small market) television stations in the state. The award was for work the station does each year for the annual Southern Media Showcase program at Missouri Southern. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu. Sliding Patio Doors from Marvin set the industry benchmark for effortless and graceful operation with styles to complement any room or design. Stop by the Distinctive Home Products showroom at 2211 East 7th Street to select your next sliding patio door. For more information, go to www.distinctivehomeproducts.com. Stephanie Brady was recently appointed the new executive director of the Community Clinic of Joplin. Most recently, she was the assistant executive director of The Independent Living Center. The Community Clinic, which was established in 1993, serves uninsured individuals in Southwest Missouri. In 2015, the clinic cared for 1,500 individuals with over 6,000 medical and/or dental appointments. For more information, call 417.624.5500, ext. 117. Joplin Little Theatre will host Todd Oliver and Friends July 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. Todd, a comedian and ventriloquist, and his canine friends, Irving and Lucy, create a magical family chemistry, guaranteed to entertain all ages. Tickets are $30 for general

Business Outlook

admission and $18 for children 12 and under. For more information, go to www.JLTplay.com.

July 2016

Dr. Richard Schooler will serve as the new dean of the Missouri Southern State University School of Health Sciences. Schooler will oversee the school, which includes nursing, radiology, respiratory care, dental hygiene and the EMT and paramedic programs. For more information, go to www.mssu.edu.

Joplin Blasters pitcher Evan Bell has been signed by the Chicago White Sox organization, marking the third former Blaster to be signed into affiliated baseball. For more information, email joplinblastersradio@gmail.com. Winston Abreu, the closer for the Joplin Blasters for the team’s entire existence, is heading to Mexico. Abreu has been signed by the Mexico City Red Devils, a team he previously played for in 2012. For more information, email joplinblastersradio@gmail.com. Crowder College is hosting a naming ceremony for The Maddox Hill Behavior Support Center July 8 at 2 p.m., at 180 Cemetery Road in Neosho. For more information, go to www.crowder.edu. The Joplin Area Catholic School Board hired Georgiana McGriff as the new director of schools. McGriff began this newly developed position July 1. McGriff comes to this position with 30 years of educational experience including high-school level teaching, building administration and central office administration. For more information, call 417.624.9320. The Tri-State Area Contractors Association is hosting plan room training July 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at its office at 1216 South Illinois Avenue. Laptops welcome but not required, and feel free to bring your lunch. Email info@tristatecontractors.net to reserve your spot. Two months ago, Arvest Bank launched its annual 1 Million Meals initiative to fight hunger in the four-state region the bank serves. With the help of customers and community members, the bank exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,712,601 meals in the fight against hunger. Launched in 2011, Arvest’s 1 Million Meals campaigns have raised a six-year total of 9,604,185 meals, which includes more than $1.6 million in funds given directly to the bank’s more than 60 local food partners. For more information, go to www.arvest. com.

The Chamber is interested in your business. If you won an award, opened another office or are planning an event, let us know. We want to share your accomplishments and events with your fellow members! For our next issue, submit your announcement to wendy@joplincc.com by July 10. Please include “Our Members Announce” in the email subject line. Find all our members in our online Membership Directory.

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Congratulations to the 2016 Graduating Class of Leadership Joplin Don Allen Mercy Hospital Joplin, Class Speaker

Jeff Miller Modine Manufacturing

Dorothy Alsenz Joplin Schools

Rebecca Moore Stronghold Data

Carrie Ball The Joplin Globe

Patsy Mulvaney Empire District Electric Company

Courtney Barnard Ozark Center Carla Bond Joplin Parks and Recreation Nathan Bramwell Missouri Southern State University Angel Brown US Bank Wendy Brunner-Lewis Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Trish Burmeister Premier Surgical Institute Meghan Burnett Arvest Bank Dustin Conard Steve's Frame and Body Taylor Cunningham City of Joplin Jonathan Dawson Southwest Missouri Bank Rachel Dobbs Downstream Casino Resort Jennifer Doshier Joplin Schools Mackenzie Garst 10 Children's Haven of Southwest Missouri

Travis Gaston The Arc of the Ozarks

Katy Myers Arvest Bank

Matthew Gibson State Farm Insurance Matthew Gibson

Kelli Norris Mercy Hospital Joplin

Barbara Gollhofer City of Joplin

Alexandra O'Dell The Independent Living Center

Bob Higginbotham Joplin Police Department

Tyler Overstreet City of Joplin

Rebecca Hutchison Jasper County Juvenile Court

Dustin Parker Mercy Hospital Joplin

Suzanne Kelly Hideout Harley Davidson

Sloan Rowland Joplin Police Department

Drew Kimble 12Eighty-One Photography

DeAnna Simon Southwest Missouri Bank

Kay Kleeman Community Bank & Trust

Aaron Smith UMB Bank

Jacqueline Lea-Speller AT&T Mobility

Tracy Tune Joplin Workshops

Kayla Luton Community Bank & Trust

Kerri Williams Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States, LLC

Sara McCleary Mercy Hospital Joplin

Jared Young The Employer Advantage

Curt McLaughlin Mercy Hospital Joplin Stephanie Meek Lovin Grace

Presented by

July 2016

Leadership Joplin 2016 FUN!

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July 2016

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Welcome New Members

College View Manor Senior Living Retirement Community 3828 College View Drive Joplin, MO 64801 417.206.7575 www.collegeviewmanor.com Brad Eldridge, Executive Director Sponsors: Joe Craigmile, Southwest Missouri Bank; Cynthia Marlow Harry S Truman Coordinating Council Economic Development 800 East Pennell Carl Junction, MO 64834 417.649.6400 www.hstcc.org Jill Cornett, Executive Director Sponsor: Caley Hedman, Mense, Churchwell & Mense

Douglas A. Doll Individual 5838 Ridge Trail Joplin, MO 64804 417.850.4974 Sponsor: Randy Evans, U S Bank, N.A. The Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff are pleased to welcome our newest Chamber members. Please keep these and all members in mind when looking for goods and services. Visit the Chamber’s online member directory at cca.joplincc.com/businesssearch.aspx. Invite your clients or vendors to join your 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Contact Director of Member Services & Development Ginger LaMar at 417.624.4150 or glamar@ joplincc.com. Fill out the member application to join the Chamber at http://cca.joplincc.com/newmemapp.aspx?dbid2=mojop.

The Benefits of Payroll Services In today’s hectic environment, it is a challenge to juggle all the daily tasks that keep your business running efficiently. There are many benefits of hiring payroll services: •

Free Up Your Time: Payroll processing by hand is a timeconsuming process. Outsourcing payroll can free up staff time to pursue more important value-added and revenuegenerating tasks.

•

Reduce Costs: The direct costs of processing payroll can be greatly reduced by working with a payroll provider. Research indicates that a small business with 10 employees will typically spend $2,600 per year in direct labor costs associated with payroll.

•

Avoid IRS Penalties: According to the IRS, 40 percent of small businesses pay an average penalty of $845 per year for late or incorrect filings and payments. Most national payroll services provide a tax guarantee, ensuring that customers will incur no penalties because they take responsibility for penalties when they do occur.

•

Alleviate Headaches: Manual payroll is a headache in the best case scenario and nightmare in the worst case scenario. Business owners who outsource payroll eliminate a tiresome source of personal pain.

•

Leverage Outside Payroll Expertise: Most business owners and controllers don’t have time to keep up with constantly changing regulations, withholding rates and government forms. By outsourcing payroll, a small business can take advantage of expertise that was previously available only to big companies.

All Payroll Vault clients work directly with a dedicated payroll specialist so you can rest assured you will also receive personalized, expert customer service and support. Call us today for information.

For more information, contact J.D. Buckridge, Payroll Vault of the Fourstates, 417.623.0941: office; 417.438.4428: mobile; j.d.buckridge@payrollvault.com; www.payrollvault.com.

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Calendar of Events for July 2016 July 4 Office Closed Independence Day July 6 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office July 8 7:30 am First (Second) Friday Coffee The Empire District Electric Company July 13 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office July 15 7:05 pm Chamber Night at the Joplin Blasters Historic Joe Becker Stadium

July 18 12 pm Leadership Joplin Steering Committee Meeting Chamber Office July 19 9 am Leads Group One Top Seal Packaging 5:30 pm Business After Hours Fletcher Superstore July 20 9 am Leads Group Three Chamber Office 11:30 am Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Chamber Office July 27 9 am Leads Group Two Chamber Office

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THANK YOU FOR RENEWING

Joplin Family Dental - Michael E. Fitterling,

Allstate - Loretta Bailey Agency.............................................. 2005

D.D.S................................................................................................... 2014

Andy's Frozen Custard................................................................ 2012

Joplin Health and Rehabilitation Center............................. 2013

Area Hearing and Speech Clinic............................................. 2013

Manpower, Inc............................................................................... 1978

Baskin Robbins.............................................................................. 2014

Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory....................... 1963

City Pointe Beauty Academy................................................... 2009

Mense, Churchwell and Mense, P.C....................................... 1980

Contractors Portables, Inc......................................................... 2014

Mid America RV............................................................................. 2014

Crossland Construction Company........................................ 1987

Midwest Airend and Pump....................................................... 2003

Crossroads Warehouse............................................................... 2014

Missouri Center for Advanced Power Systems

Dalton-Killinger Construction Co., Inc.................................. 1961

Research........................................................................................... 2014

Dolence Law Office, LLC............................................................ 2014

Mortgage House........................................................................... 2014

Double K & Associates................................................................ 2014

Price Cutter Plus............................................................................ 2010

Downstream Casino Resort...................................................... 2007

RKS Develoment, LLC.................................................................. 2014

Eagle Eye Printing......................................................................... 1987

Steve Robbins Construction.................................................... 2014

Embassy Embroidery, LLC......................................................... 2005

Rosetta Construction.................................................................. 2014

First Home Mortgage.................................................................. 2002

RWI Benefits, LLC.......................................................................... 2011

Frank Fletcher Mercedes........................................................... 2014

Sami's Family Restaurant........................................................... 2015

Four State Homes, LLC................................................................ 2000

Scott Electronic Systems, Inc................................................... 1996

Gilmore & Bell, P.C......................................................................... 2014

St. Mary's Catholic Church........................................................ 2014

Dr. James Goff, O.D....................................................................... 2014

Stronghold Data........................................................................... 2007

Great Southern Bank................................................................... 1989

Sweet Caroline's Cream and Coffee...................................... 2014

Herrman Lumber Company..................................................... 2011

TalentForce...................................................................................... 2014

Hogan Agency - Farmers Insurance...................................... 2014

Toner Connection, LLC............................................................... 2014

Doug Hunt Consulting............................................................... 2013

Tri-State Engineering, Inc.......................................................... 1991

HVW Specialists............................................................................. 2014

Visiting Angels............................................................................... 2014

Indian Creek Surveying, LLC.................................................... 2014

Weiser Tent Service...................................................................... 2014

Jasper County Sheltered Facilities Board............................ 2014

Wilhite Sign Company Division of CDL Electric,

Jenny Craig Weight Management......................................... 2014

Inc....................................................................................................... 2011

Joplin Area Ministerial Alliance............................................... 2011

Wireless Connections................................................................. 2000 XPO Logistics Truckload............................................................. 1952

STATE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY: A REPORT FROM YOUR CHAMBER

MSA is comprised of Jasper and Newton counties. Information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Small Business & Technology Development Center Missouri Southern State University The Robert W. Plaster School of Business

July 2016

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3950 Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1512 Phone: 417.625.3128 Fax: 417.625.9782

ANALYZING & MANAGING CASH FLOW The second in a series of three, this training is designed for those who want to know how to turn financial statements into useful management tools. Participants will take a close look at where cash comes from, where it's used in day-to-day business, and learn to identify and correct cash flow problems. July 14 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm Location: Plaster Hall, Room 108, MSSU Cost: $59 per person

MICROSOFT EXCEL LEVEL 2: 2-DAY TRAINING This training covers the new intermediate features of Microsoft Excel. Participants will learn about advanced functions, solving formula errors and about how to apply absolute and relative cell references. In addition, they will learn to link cells between multiple worksheets, sort and filter data, and use goal seek. Find out about creating pivot tables and charts. Participants will learn how to apply advanced chart features and use SmartArt and objects. Each participant will receive a manual and completion certificate. July 19 (Tuesday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 1) July 21 (Thursday), 1:30-4:30 pm (Day 2) Location: Plaster Hall, Room 303, MSSU Cost: $124 per person

Find the full schedule of workshops at www.mssutraining.com.

July 2016

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Creative Customer Service

By Karen Bradshaw, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Missouri Southern State University

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Well done is better than well said.” You may have heard it said that customer service is not a department, it’s everyone’s job. If you want to have repeat customers, your business needs not just you, but all of your employees to be truly interested in your customers’ needs. Hire employees with positive, cooperative attitudes. Then, train your employees about superior customer service and how your company will implement your strategy. You must have all your employees understand and be dedicated to this approach. Don’t assume employees understand your commitment to great customer service. You will need to implement customer service training that is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing strategy for improvement. Be professional. Teach your employees how to be professionals. You need to have policies and procedures in place. This will help prevent negative customer service issues from occurring, since employees will know how to treat customers in the first place. Following are some concepts you may want to teach your employees and integrate into your customer service strategy. Take the time to listen to your customers to hear what they really need. It’s easy to assume you know what they want or if they have a problem they need resolved. If there is a problem, get all the facts and work to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Reoccurring customer service problems will only work to the detriment of your company and irritate many customers. Be accessible to customers so they can communicate with your company. Use your email system to communicate with customers. Think of ways customers may want to contact you via Facebook, online chat, phone, email, etc. Which are the most effective tools for your business to communicate with your customers? Have a good website that can serve as a 24/7 connection with customers. You can have answers to frequently asked questions and YouTube videos with information that customers are most often seeking.

Would a software application help you better communicate with customers? There are a multitude of apps that can be used effectively with customers. Some of these include Zendesk, Freshdesk, Brandify, Live Agent and Desk.com. These can be adapted to meet the needs of small businesses. Treat customers with respect and kindness, even if they aren’t kind to you. Everyone has bad days, and you may just be on the receiving end of a problem created by someone else. Be considerate of what is most important to your customers. Their time is valuable. Waiting in long lines and waiting days for returned emails or phone calls is probably not on their list of fun things to do. Don’t spend your time making excuses to your customers. If you need to special order a part, then take the time to do so. If your company doesn’t have what they need, then work to find a solution, but be careful not to promise more than is possible. Remember, there are times when customers do expect the impossible. If someone in your company has made a mistake, offer an apology and work to make it right. Don’t try to blame the customer. They will only become angrier when you tell them to go stand in another line, or call another number or wait another day to get their problem resolved. Prompt attention is what customers expect. Consider ways that will enhance your customer’s experience like offering loyalty programs and various types of upgrades. You will need to excel at customer service each day. Finally, contact customers and ask them how pleased they were with the level of service they received, what they liked about your company or how you could improve. This will help you and your company improve your level of customer service. Remember, your customers want to feel appreciated. You need to send your customers away happy so they will want to come back. According to Peter Drucker, “The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.”

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After almost 20 years with the Chamber, Steve Russell, the director of the Joseph Newman Innovation Center, retired July 1. We'll miss you, Steve, and we wish you the best!

Meet Our Newest Staff Member! Please join us in welcoming Jim Kesler, the Chamber's new membership sales strategist. He will start his new job July 5. Jim will solicit members for the Chamber to ensure and increase the Chamber's membership and sell the 5-Star Partnership as a resource to our membership and financial support for JACC programming.

July 2016

Enjoy Your Retirement, Steve!

Did You Miss the ONE JOPLIN Community Involvement Meeting? The ONE JOPLIN steering team committee held a community involvement meeting June 7 to identify the top issues in our community, determine how progress can be made on those issues and increase involvement and results on current issues of poverty, human services and health. Details, summaries and notes from that meeting can be found at www.onejoplin.com/recent-news. If ONE JOPLIN sounds like something you would like to be more involved in, provide your email address at www. onejoplin.com/get-involved.

Franklin Technology Center SkillsUSA Chapter Named National Model of Excellence The SkillsUSA chapter at Franklin Technology Center has been named among the top 24 SkillsUSA chapters nationally as a Model of Excellence recipient. Representatives from the FTC chapter were recognized, along with other Models of Excellence chapters, at the National Leadership and Skills Conference June 20-24 in Louisville, Kentucky. The FTC chapter will receive a $2,000 grant from Lowe's, the Model of Excellence program sponsor. This grant will help to fund the trip to the national conference and competition. “The Models of Excellence program represents the very best in chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Timothy W. Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “The Franklin Technology Center chapter defines excellence across the board, serving as a model for other chapters to emulate in strengthening their local programs. Students impacted by a quality chapter represent our future workforce and reflect the future of the communities in which they reside. What a tremendous honor that validates this outstanding SkillsUSA program in your local community.”

July 2016

Business Outlook Insurance you can design to meet your ever-changing needs. • Business or Commercial • Call for a Farmers Friendly Review® • Evening Appointments

LINDA TEETER, LUTCF www.farmersagent.com/lteeter 1321 ILLINOIS AVE • JOPLIN, MO 64801

Call 417-781-4820 today for Auto, Home, Life and Business.

Audio / Video Systems Pro Audio Equipment Camera Systems Healthcare Communications

Elite Commercial Audio/Video Sales & Service Toll Free: 800-621-5256 Local: 417-869-0770 aaius.com proaudiosuperstore.com 2120 S. Roosevelt Suite 3 Joplin, MO 64804

LABOR LAW POSTERS

FREE to Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Members Labor Law Postings are a mandatory requirement for businesses. Avoid hefty fines by obtaining your Free All-In-One State and Federal Labor Law Poster from the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

To order your Free Labor Law Poster, please call or email to schedule a time to deliver: Wendy Mashburn

(417) 623-0941 Email: wendy.mashburn@payrollvault.com

Attorney-Approved All-In-One State and Federal Labor Law Poster meeting labor law postings requirements (at time of purchase) Fully Laminated and Attorney-Approved

July 2016

Business Outlook

First (Second) Friday Coffee

Friday, July 8 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Sponsored by and located at The Empire District Electric Company new parking lot at 7th and Wall

(if raining, in parking garage at 602 South Joplin Avenue)

Go Green. Save Green. Get Green. Wear Green. RSVP by July 6 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.

Presented by

Business After Hours Presenting Sponsor

Tuesday, July 19 5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored By: A Division of CDL Electric Co., Inc.

Located at: The Butcher's Block Event Center and Catering, 499 W. Fountain Road

THANK YOU! US Bank, N.A., Chairman Sponsor, for helping us communicate with our members!

Sponsored by and located at Frank Fletcher Super Center 3111 East 32nd Street

RSVP by July 17 at www.joplincc.com or 417.624.1996.