2020 Annual Report

ANNUAL Report 2020

220 SE Main Street | Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816.524.2424 | LSchamber.com

1 • Lee’s Summit Chamber

Chamber

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Update

As the year progressed, we continued to find new hurdles to jump and problems to solve. Our events staff and volunteers were quick on their feet to adjust to a digital world and turned member favorites into virtual fun. When we had to make the difficult decision to cancel Oktoberfest, our biggest event of the year, our event committee immediately pivoted to develop safe events for members to enjoy through the remainder of the year.

While it is easy to focus on the negative aspects of 2020, and there were plenty, I want to focus on the growth and success I saw in our organization and our members over the past year. I could not be prouder to call Lee’s Summit home and have served as the Chair of the Board of Directors during these difficult times.

As 2020 came to a close, the Chamber was able to remain a valuable resource through continued economic upset. In October, the Chamber was able to join forces with Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council, Downtown Lee’s Summit and Velocity to help distribute $250,000 in CARES Act funding in the form of $5,000 grants to 65 local businesses. Chamber staff was also able to create a robust advertising campaign that flooded the city with a message to shop local. Despite a national rise in online sales, Lee’s Summit business owners saw an increase in foot traffic and sales during the holidays.

From the very first day the pandemic began to impact our city, the Chamber of Commerce was working tirelessly to support our members. Within hours of news that Jackson County would experience a shelter in place order and businesses would be classified as “essential” and “non-essential,” with the latter shuttered, Chamber staff and board members were on the phone making contact with members. Just days ahead of a complete shutdown, the Chamber completely adapted its business model to shift from a focus on events and programming to advocacy and assistance. Staff spent countless hours working independently with members to answer questions about financial assistance and connecting them with fellow member banks that could facilitate CARES Act funding. I’m proud that when the proverbial fire started, the Chamber was one of the first on the scene to help put it out.

No matter the challenge, the Chamber was able to succeed with the help of our incredible community. In a year of such division, I am grateful to be a part of a city that is unified and will always answer the call in a time of need.

Yours Truly, Trisha Goodale, Midwest Property Resources 2020 Chair of the Board

Executive Committee

Tim Denker

Carson Graff

Chair-Elect Denker Law Firm

Jon Garlow

Treasurer Central Bank of the Midwest

Chair Emeritus StrongBox Wealth

Debbie Stoddard

Kristi Johnson-Ware

Tim Van Zandt

Vice Chair of Vice Chair of Vice Chair of Membership Development Community Development Economic Development Budget Blinds of Central Bank of the Midwest Saint Luke’s Health System Lee’s Summit

Board Members Kirby Asplund

Jennifer Craig

Laurie Johnson

Cara McElhaney

Lauren Moxley-Johnson

Brian Barton

Chrissy Graheck

Brian King

Elaine Metcalf

Joel Wilson

John Beaudoin

Candace Jennings

Laura Maxwell

Robyn Miller

The Asplund Group, LLC MC Power Companies, Inc. KC Communications & Media Matters

ReDiscover

John Knox Village

Paychex, Inc.

Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile

Ascentist Ear, Nose & Throat

Mid USA Insurance Agency, Inc. R-7 School District

Pro Deo Youth Center

Tingle Flooring

Edward Jones - Office of Joel Wilson, Financial Advisor

Woods Chapel United Methodist Church

Ex-Officio Members Steve Arbo

City of Lee's Summit

Carl Chinnery

Chinnery Evans & Nail, P.C.

Dr. David Buck R-7 School District

Mayor Bill Baird City of Lee's Summit

OUR MISSION The Lee’s Summit Chamber serves its members by creating a dynamic business environment founded on leadership, advocacy, collaboration and success in the Lee’s Summit community

2020 AT A GLANCE

117

EVENTS

We got creative!

911

MEMBERS

97 NEW MEMBERS 83.7% RETENTION

65 GRANTS

Distributed to local businesses in partnership with LS Economic Development Council, Downtown Lee’s Summit and Velocity at $5K apiece.

Largest Business Sectors 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Health Care Banking/Financial Retail Restaurants Insurance

6,116

likes on the Chamber’s Facebook page

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Real Estate Non-Profits Construction Home Services Attorneys

75,000+

views on LSchamber.com in the past year

36 | CATALYST - THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

COUNTLESS crucial connections made. Each

leading to financial aid, investment, support and patronage.

1 million+

earned media impressions promoting the support of local businesses

300+

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Shared with members!

Chamber

2020 HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2

1

1. MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE The moment the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic took hold in Lee’s Summit, member businesses immediately stepped up to help their neighbor. Through donated food, essential goods, time and money, our members showed the true meaning of community spirit.

2. BOB GLASER HONORED Chamber legend, Bob Glaser, received the Missouri State Senior Service Award from Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe. Lt. Governor Kehoe presented Glaser with the award at the Chamber offices alongside Missouri State Senator Mike Cierpot.

3

3. TIED TOGETHER In response to many member businesses being shuttered and deemed “non-essential” in the early stages of the pandemic, the Chamber developed a program called Tied Together to unify our community. The program garnered over 100 participants that showed strength and solidarity in reopening stronger than ever.

4

4. NEW STAFF Lisa Frogge joined the Chamber staff as the new Director of Membership and Ad Sales.

5. ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC With a great deal of help from volunteers and our Golf Task Force, the Chamber was able to host a successful, safe and soldout Golf Classic.

6. SO GLAD WE HAD THIS TIME TOGETHER Little did we know, early on in 2020, that our Good News Breakfast would be the last time we were all together in a large group. It’s only fitting that we were celebrating our city and the Kansas City Chiefs!

4 • Lee’s Summit Chamber

6

5

Update

Chamber

Update

2020 PARTNERSHIPS Thank you to the following businesses who invested in the Chamber through the partnership program.

PLATINUM

St. Luke’s Health System

GOLD

TRULY THE BEST BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WINNERS Truly the Best Not for Profit – Pro Deo Youth Center is a teen development center that has existed for over ten years because of their culture of honesty and openness where teens are not afraid to ask for help. Pro Deo provides an environment where teens feel valued. A big part of the culture is teaching teens the importance of giving back through service. For the future, Pro Deo plans to increase the capacity of teens served by building their donor base, increasing communication with constituents and being transparent to the stakeholders.

Truly the Best 5 or Less Employees – BPM Dance Complex is an educational performance facility for the dancer that wants to take their dancing to the next level. BPM Dance Studio is all about what is called the 4 Carat Diamond Values. Within a short time, they’ve been asked to participate in the World of Dance TV show for two seasons, won numerous national and international championships and always maintained a goal of helping their kids learn and dance no matter the career path. BPM is like a family and each year they celebrate the staff by having teacher appreciation week, holiday parties and other staff outings thanking them for their dedication.

Truly the Best 6-20 Employees – KC Dumpster Company

is the fastest growing sanitation and roll-off service provider in the Kansas City metro area. KC Dumpster is dedicated to giving back to the community they service. They donate containers to a number of charitable organizations including Project Hope, Fellowship Greenwood’s Live to Bless weekend and Little Sisters of the Poor.

Employee satisfaction and recognition is a huge part of the culture with KC Dumpster. The employees receive a number of benefits to include “Franklin Friday” where employees are surprised with $100 bills to start their day! KC Dumpster strongly believes in grace. Many of their employees come to the company looking for a second chance and find their new “work home.”

Truly the Best 20+ Employees – Simmons Bank was founded in 1903 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. For more than 100 years, they have worked hard to make customers’ dreams come true.

Simmons Bank has a culture and mission that reflects in their commitment to culture cornerstones. All five cornerstones are reflected in everything they do – how we interact with each other, our customers and our vendors and business partners. The bank donates more than a million dollars annually through time, talent and treasure to the communities they serve. Employees at Simmons Bank receives additional PTO hours for volunteering and the bank observes a companywide giving month by encouraging the staff to get out of the office and into the community.

Evergy(KCP&L) Great Southern Bank Reinhart Foodservice Security Bank SERVPRO of Lee’s Summit Tingle Flooring

SILVER

BerganKDV, Inc Central Bank of the Midwest Citizens Bank & Trust CommunityAmerica Credit Union Ascentist Ear, Nose & Throat Farmers Insurance - Jason Langston Agency John Knox Village Lee’s Summit Medical Center Midwest Property Resources Paradise Park StrongBox Wealth St. Mary’s Medical Center University of Central Missouri-Lee’s Summit

BRONZE

B Positively Promoting U, Inc. Budget Blinds of Lee’s Summit Chinnery Evans & Nail, P.C. Diffactory Door Systems, Inc Lead Bank Jackson Insurance Group,Inc Johnny’s Tavern Lee’s Summit Julia Hampton CPA, PC KC Dumpster Company Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery Mazuma Credit Union MO Association of Trial Attorneys Missouri Central Credit Union Parker Swearngin LLP Life Goals/ Rodney Loesch CFP-Waddell & Reed Simmons Bank Republic Services Spilker McKeone & Nelson PC TPC Interiors , Inc. Weed Man Where Your Money Went

Chamber

Update

For over 50 years, the Lee’s Summit Chamber has welcomed new businesses with the time-honored tradition of a ribbon cutting. A ribbon cutting symbolizes new beginnings, a fresh start or even a dream come true. So, when businesses were temporarily closed as a result of the pandemic, we decided to call upon the concept of this beloved tradition to do what we do best: bring people together. These members were able to use this program to host a virtual re-opening ceremony, show they were open for business and express solidarity in the strength of the Lee’s Summit business community: Midwest Property Resources

Kidz First Therapy

Chinnery Evans & Nail PC

Edward Jones-Office of Joel

Cinematic Visions

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Wilson, Financial Advisor

Transformations

Weed Man

KC Communications & Media

B&L Plumbing Service, Inc.

Cookie Jar Bakery Southeast Enterprises

Matters

Sandler Training

Zen Massage & Facials

The Hunter Group

Igniting Business

Mindful Momentum Residential Engineering Services In Harmony Therapeutic Massage, LLC St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School Retirement Plan Advisors Dyer Oil Graphics Budget Blinds Lees Summit Turf Etc. LLC, DBA SYNLawn Salvus TG, LLC Denker Law Firm LLC Great Southern Bank Paths Elder Law Capital Investment Management Door Systems, Inc. Where Your Money Went Central Bank of the Midwest Rejuvenate Mind-Body Wellness Center Cartridge World-Lee’s Summit Summit Square Apartments 6 • Lee’s Summit Chamber

Shining Light Music The Historic Browning Guest House Developing Potential, Inc. Home Instead Senior Care Pro Deo Youth Center Bombshell Studio ReDiscover Farmers Insurance - Jason Langston Agency Orchid Aesthetics & Wellness Press Monkey Studio LSR7 School District Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council Cynda Sells Realty Groups, LLC Unity Village Dean’s Trophies Cremation Society of KS & MO Beyond Wealth Advisors Security Bank Moyer & Moyer Insurance Agency, Inc. Flavor Spice Shop & Specialty Food Market

Mr. Handyman of Lee’s Summit

Whistle Stop Coffee and Mercantile Mid USA Insurance Agency, Inc. Mike Keith Insurance, Inc. Summit Theatre Group

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

BerganKDV, LTD

All A’ Bloom Flower & Gifts

Element Medical Imaging

Llywelyn’s Pub

Parker Swearngin, LLP

Kansas City Foot and Ankle

Terri Diehl Agent

Country Club Bank

American Family Insurance

HyVee, Inc.

Pure Barre Lee’s Summit

B & T Specialties

CycleBar Lee’s Summit

LeaderOne Financial

CommCARE Behavioral

FASTSIGNS of Lee’s Summit

Health

Woods Chapel UMC

Great Southern Bank

Real Country 1030AM KCWJ

Diffactory

Julia E. Hampton, CPA, PC

Hampton Inn Lee’s Summit

Real Property Management

Longview Funeral Home &

Consultants Code Ninjas Camp Quality Greater Kansas City Rachel House Pregnancy Resource Centers

Cemetery Summit Strength Physical Therapy Coldwater Raytown-Lee’s Summit CCU Betty Simmons Team/RE/

RE/MAX Heritage

MAX Best Associates

John Knox Village

The Love Law Group LLC

Tingle Flooring

Heritage Companies

A Thyme For Everything

Mokan Photo Booths

Lee’s Summit CARES

Downtown Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit Medical Center

Main Street

Chamber

Update

Making your membership count...

A LOOK BACK AT THE CHAMBER'S RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC M AR C H

A P RIL

March 20

Cares Act

• A shelter in place order is announced for Jackson County. The Chamber personally contacts all members to identify their immediate needs.

• Staff works daily with businesses to answer questions about PPE and PPP, refer businesses to member banks equipped to distribute CARES Act financial assistance.

• An official crisis plan is put in place for the Chamber, outlining a shift in focus from events and programming to advocacy and individual member assistance.

• Shelter in place order officially takes effect. A survey is distributed to all members to identify their immediate needs from local, state and national levels.

March 30 • An official plan to assist each member in need of financial aid is put into place, a hotline is developed for specific member needs and member banks are contacted to open the lines of communication in preparation for member referrals.

MAY

• Partnered with local financial leaders to provide members with educational seminars through virtual platforms. Taped events were then released for the public on social media.

• Submitted two formal letters to local state representatives/ senators and to our US Congressmen and Senators asking that they pass the first round of the stimulus recovery act.

April 1 • Marketing staff reconfigures marketing efforts to reflect advocacy, assistance and resources. Staff makes contacts at local, state and national levels to bring weekly resources to members in the form of a new email series called Valuable Resources.

Business Resource Page March 24

APR IL

• Marketing staff develops a robust resource page that includes exclusive business resources from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, U.S. Department of Labor, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Small Business Administration, Jackson County and much more. This site was updated daily.

Virtual Events • Chamber event model shifts from in-person to virtual.

Chamber event staff and related volunteer committees develop new, engaging events for members.

• Assisted businesses designated “nonessential” in advocating for amended designations.

Saw success with businesses like Cuddle Up Pup by meeting with Jackson County Legislators Theresa Galvin and Tony Miller to request that all pet grooming facilities be considered essential.

The Jackson County Health Department changed their position and included pet grooming as an essential business.

• Submitted a letter of recommendation to the Jackson County Health Dept and the County Executive asking that they keep indoor facilities at 50% occupancy and to not lower it any further.

The county responded and said they would remain at 50%.

• Regional Chambers, including the LS Chamber, hosted two economic recovery virtual meetings with their members to help answer questions and provide guidance.

Tied Together • In response to an inability to host ribbon cuttings as usual, and businesses deemed non-essential seeing shutdowns the month prior, the Chamber develops a new program called Tied Together. This allowed businesses to host a virtual re-opening ceremony, show their customers and clients they were open for business and show unity in the Lee’s Summit business community.

Over 100 member businesses participated.

JU NE

June 25 Regional Chambers host an exclusive, virtual meeting with Governor Mike Parson to discuss the impact of the pandemic on our local economy and the business community.

• The Chamber Board of Directors and staff make the difficult decision to cancel Oktoberfest. Yet, the Oktoberfest planning committee and staff step up to get creative and develop a series of safe and acceptable ways for members to engage through the remainder of the year.

These events included a virtual 5k/10k run and a line of exclusive merchandise sold to replace funds lost by the cancellation of Oktoberfest.

Chamber

AUGUST

S EP T EMB ER

O CTO BER Cares Act Funding

Ribbon Cuttings

• The county sees a window of relief from the pandemic and the Chamber is able to host weekly ribbon cuttings to celebrate the businesses that opened (and thrived!) in 2020.

• Members are able to enjoy some in-person events and a return such favorites as ribbon cuttings and Business Field Trips.

• The Lee’s Summit Chamber, along with the LSEDC, Downtown LS Main Street and Velocity received $250,000 in Cares Act Funding from the City of LS and was able to provide grants up to $5,000 to 65 local businesses.

• The Chamber prepares for election season by shifting from typical, inperson forums and produces individual candidate interviews that are moderated by member business leaders. The Chamber marketing staff develops an online voter resource center, exclusive to members, that provides business-specific information related to everything on the 2020 ballot.

Channel the Flannel • The Chamber hosts a successful virtual 5k/10k run called Channel the Flannel.

• The Chamber is able to host a safe and sold out golf tournament with the help of a large group of dedicated volunteers.

Members note this as one of the biggest highlights of their year.

NOVEMBER

Update

D ECEM B ER

• The Chamber continues to host a myriad of in-person and virtual events to keep members connected and informed. Annual strategic planning sessions are held to discuss the upcoming year and a creative approach to recovery.

Advocacy • With new rounds of pandemic relief funding on the way, the Chamber shifts back to a primary focus on advocacy and assistance.

Individual members are provided guidance and connections related to financial needs.

Shop Local Campaign • The Chamber launches an advertising campaign that encourages shopping local for the holidays. The campaign, with the tagline “Support Your Home for the Holidays,” includes print, digital and billboard advertising.

• Educational events are hosted with topics related to tax preparation, legal expectations and vaccine rollout to prepare members for the year ahead.

LEADERSHIP LEE’S SUMMIT Developing and enhancing leadership skills in individuals who will generate positive actions in the community and help resolve future challenges.

CLASS OF 2020 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Joel Arrington, City of Lee’s Summit Christine Atkinson, MCC-Longview Sarah Barnaby, Country Club Bank Aaron Bushell, Commerce Bank Andy Carr, Lee’s Summit Parks & Rec John Coleman, Coleman Equipment Anthony Columbatto, John Knox Village Jennifer Damiano, Truman Medical Center Lakewood Kelly Elliot, City of Lee’s Summit Laura Emery, University of Cnetral Missouri Troy Fletcher, Lee’s Summit Medical Center Michell Hansen, Fullerton CPAs Dan Harper, City of Lee’s Summit Janelle Holland, Community America Credit Union Alyssa Lally, Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jason Langston, Farmers Insurance - Jason Langston Cortnee Mcllwee, Dean’s Trophies Patrick Medley, Lead Bank Andy Sauer, Burns & McDonnell Tricia Sims, Security Bank Brityn Summers, Diffactory Rody Taylor, KC Dumpster Company Arby Todd, Lee’s Summit Fire Department Charles Touzinsky, Garver Tina Walcutt, Door Systems Taylor Warwick, Saint Luke’s East Karla Williams, Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary James Wright, Rotary Club of Lee’s Summit

Stay Connected with the Chamber on Social /lsummitchamber

@leessummitchamber

Lee’s Summit Chamber

/leessummitchamber

Chamber

2020 FINANCIALS Revenue 11%

Expenses

6%

3% 41%

25%

Update

8%

$1,064,490

47%

826,640 20%

17%

Membership

21%

Programs & Events

Community Marketing & Tourism

Publications

Miscellaneous

Administrative

Programs & Events

Community Marketing & Tourism

Operating Expenses

CHAMBER STAFF

Matt Baird, IOM President

Lisa Frogge

Megan Gray

Director of Membership and Ad Sales

Director of Special Events

Jordan Straits

Cathy Young, IOM

Creative Coordinator

Director of Operations

Publications

Taylor Smith

Director of Marketing & Communications