Our Town: May 2012 by Community News

May/June 2012

www.everydayvictories.biz

ssmdrs.com

May/June 2012

Our Town CONTENTS NORTH COUNTY INCORPORATED

8 NCI Prepares to Celebrate 35 Years 8 NCI Encourages use of ExploreNorthStLouisCounty.com 8 NCI Names 2012’s Award Recipients to be Honored at the 35th Annual Breakfast 9 NCI’s 35th Annual Breakfast Invitation

GREATER NORTH COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 10 11 11 11

GNCC Installs 2012-13 Officers, Board of Directors GNCC Biz Expo 2012 GNCC Awards 2012 Scholarships Residents Mingle with Local Business Representatives at 24th Annual Business Showcase 11 GNCC 2012 Golf Tournament

NORTHWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12 12 13 13 13

NWCC Hires New President/CEO NWCC 26th Annual Chamber Golf Classic Large Crowd Attends NWCC Spring Business Showcase New NWCC Members NWCC 2012 Casino Night

MARYLAND HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

14 Page-Olive Connector Moving Forward; Expected to Open this Summer 14 Health & Performance Ribbon Cutting 15 Phil Boxes, Etc. Ribbon Cutting 15 MHCC Executive Director Kim Braddy Named One of 100 St. Louisans You Should Know 15 MHCC to Award $9500 in Scholarships

VOL 3 / NO 3

Our Town is a Community News

publication. It is published every other month and direct mailed to 7,000 business executives in North and Northwest St. Louis county, plus online circulation. Online subscriptions are FREE and available at www.mycnews.com For advertising information please contact: COMMUNITY NEWS 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 636.379.1775 www.mycnews.com Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Shelly Schneider

Staff Writer DeAnna Massie

by DeAnna Massie

Photographer Ray Rockwell

6 Small Businesses Continue to Sustain North St. Louis County’s Economy

16 Bring Attention to what Separates You from Your Competition by Mark Bretz

Art Director/Creative Design Terrie Dehn, TJD Design Studio Copyright 2012 Huneke Publications, Inc. No part of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the publisher.

18 Calendar of Events

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Small Businesses Continue to Sustain North St. Louis County’s Economy by DeAnna Massie According to a 2012 report by Kiplinger, a Washington, D.C.- based publisher of business news and information, St. Louis is “one of the ten greatest cities in the country to start a business.” The nationwide survey looked for four characteristics: high concentrations of small businesses with a history of successful start-ups, patent issue rates near or above the national average, healthy amounts of available venture

capital, and a low cost-of-living score as determined by Council for Community and Economic Research. St. Louis measured up on all counts. The city’s self-employed cost-of-living score comes in at 92.3. (A score below 100 indicates a lower-than-average cost for entrepreneurs.) St. Louisans file 2.5 patents per 10,000 residents, which is impressive compared to the 1.8 national average. In summary, Kiplinger described our city as “a small pond . . . but [one that] gives local start-ups enough tax breaks and incentive programs to make it big. Living costs are dirtcheap, and the corporate franchise tax maxes out at a mere 0.03%.” The report also highlights the St. Louis Development Corporation, which supplies low-interest loans to small businesses, and Capital Innovators,

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an incubator and support network for tech start-ups. For local business owners, the results of this survey come as no surprise. Native and relocating small business owners have made St. Louis their home base for many reasons, and the community continues to grow at a quick pace. Nowhere is this growth more evident than in North St. Louis County. The area boasts enough businesses to serve more than 400,000 citizens and supports a long list of associations, most notably Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce and North County Incorporated. While North St. Louis County is a magnet for small business, business owners still struggle with the same challenges faced by business owners in every other American community. Not surprisingly, starting and/or operating a small business can be very expensive. Before it can make money, a business has to part with some of its own. For a small business with limited capital, this is especially difficult. Initial and ongoing costs can drain bank accounts quickly, and owners must have a solid financial plan in place to stay afloat.

Few owners can support their business with personal funds, and must rely on investors and/or loans. During the recent economic slump, small businesses struggled to get financial assistance; but in February, the St. Louis County Economic Council announced it would make millions of dollars available in fixed rate loans to sustain and grow small businesses and promote job creation. In April, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that Missouri banks would increase their smallbusiness lending by $66.8 million. The boost in loan funds comes from capital provided by the Small Business Lending Fund. The climate appears to be shifting, and savvy business owners can benefit if they stay on top of developments. In addition to loans and investors, some local businesses have the benefit of a parent company. Jim Fulkrod, owner of Minuteman Press in Bridgeton, said buying a franchise made perfect financial sense. “Because we are part of Minuteman, we get incredible discounts from suppliers—contracts with Xerox, for example, that we could never get on our own,” Fulkrod said. Handyman True Value President Dave Otto agreed. “As members of a buying cooperative, we can compete with the prices of our [big box] competitors,” he said. Chris Hamilton is an agent with Shelter Insurance. As the operator of a new agency, Hamilton had the support of a unique program offered by Shelter. “At first you are a salaried agent,” Hamilton said. “Eventually you are able to cross over to be a contractor, but you work as a company employee in the beginning to help you get off and running.” Besides financial support, parent companies and franchisors offer support in many other ways. Business owners have the benefit of working under an established brand that consumers know and trust. In many cases, signage and marketing materials are provided for

minimal costs, and the home office may handle customer and website support. “We also benefit from an entire research and development division that we don’t have to fund all by ourselves,” Fulkrod said. Creating and managing a business plan is just one piece of a very complicated puzzle. Small business owners do not have the luxury of performing a single assigned duty. “We have to have expertise all areas. I wear a lot of different hats,” Otto said. Otto’s parents started Handyman True Value hardware in 1967. With three locations and 130 employees, Otto (with co-owner and brother Glen Otto) has his hands full. Besides managing employees, I.T., customer service and accounting, Otto keeps on top of marketing. “Advertising adds a whole new level,” he said. “And in about six months, we will have a much larger Internet presence.”

www.furcentre.com

Administrative duties are diverse and difficult. Taxes and accounting, compliance with city/county/ state/federal laws and licensing and more require extensive research and knowledge. However, growing up with a family business or having previous experience can dramatically reduce the learning curve. Fulkrod moved back to St. Louis for family reasons, but took with him an MBA in finance and years of experience as the owner of a bulk mailing business. (He continues to offer this service in addition to printing.) Otto watched his parents start and grow a successful company, and Hamilton started working for his uncle in sales when he was only 18. If succeeding with experience is tough, what can new business owners and entrepreneurs do to prosper? Success is more easily attained with help. There are countless resources available to support and guide both new and veteran business owners. Locally, business owners can get information, news and advice from the St. Louis Business Journal, St. Louis Small Business Monthly, the St. Louis County Business Assistance Center, and others. Through these organizations, business owners can connect with the United States Small Business Association and SCORE- Counselors to America’s Small 7

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www.gibsonprinting.com

Rebecca Zoll, NCI President & CEO Photo by Kent Miller Photography

NCI Prepares to Celebrate 35 Years This year, North County Incorporated (NCI) will celebrate its 35th anniversary of

service

community.

the

North

County

To mark this significant

occasion, the organization will host a

special

Fundraiser

Anniversary Dinner

Celebration July

elegant

five-course

dinner

continue its service and promote the organization’s

Hendel’s Market Café and Piano Bar. The

Funds raised will be used to help NCI

culinary expert Chef Nathan Bennett and wine pairing with a wine educator will begin at 5:30 p.m.

mission

advocate

economic and community development for

North

St.

Louis

County.

North County Incorporated (NCI) is

details will follow. For information,

pleased to announce that our annual

contact NCI at 314.895.6241.

Business

Award recipients have been chosen. The 2012 award recipients will be honored at NCI’s 35th Annual Breakfast. The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May

arcades, golf courses, festivals and much

(NCI) launched a new tourism website

more. Even long-time residents will

marketing all of the things to do and

be surprised to discover the variety of

places to go in North County.

entertainment opportunities available

The

site caters to locals and visitors alike, highlighting the entire area’s parks and opportunities,

museums

and historical sites, entertainment, art, festivals and much more.

and

planning

summer

Community

Public Service and Special Recognition

Late last year, North County Incorporated

B e fo re

Development,

Development, Elmer Belsha Leadership,

NCI Encourages Use of ExploreNorthStLouisCounty.com

recreational

NCI Names 2012’s Award Recipients to be Honored at the 35th Annual Breakfast

yo u r

activities,

in the area.

visit

This year’s presenting sponsors are HDR Engineering and SSM DePaul Health Center. NCI’s

Business

Development

Awards

are presented to those whose efforts

This beautiful website will not only

positively

keep locals up to date on the latest

development and business climate of

happenings;

the North County area. On Friday, May

the spring

18, 2012, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott.

local

will

economy

contribute by

marketing

North St. Louis County as a fun and family-friendly

destination.

Visit

ExploreNorthStLouisCounty.com. In

www.ExploreNorthStLouisCounty.com

addition to a comprehensive list of area

and “like” the site on Facebook under

parks, you will find information about

North County Incorporated Attractions.

community centers, walking tours,

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affect

the

economic

18, 2012 NCI will honor the Corporate College - St. Louis Community College; Express

Scripts

and

the

Northwest

HealthCare Expansion with Business Development Awards. NCI’s Community Development Awards are presented to those whose efforts

will be this year’s Public Service Award

News;

organizations, or others through selfless

recipients.

Firestone; Johnny Londoff Chevrolet;

acts.

Jennings Do-Dads; Ken Smith,

former president of the Old Jamestown Association;

Kim

Braddy,

director

the

Maryland

executive Heights

Chamber of Commerce were chosen for this award. Lillie

Special Recognition Awards will be presented to outstanding individuals who

through

their

business

and

volunteer services exemplify leadership and

service

the

North

County

community, are dedicated to helping

Dumas,

vice

others, and improving the business

Commerce Bank and past chairman of

environment and/or lives of those they

NCI will receive the prestigious Elmer

serve. Hubert H. Hoosman, Jr., president

Belsha

Leadership

president

and CEO of Vantage Credit Union

presented annually to an individual

Award,

which

and Jerrilyn Eberhart, administrative

whose long-term commitment to NCI

secretary with the city of Berkeley

and the North County region has had a

Fire Department are this year’s Special

positive impact on the community and/

Recognition Award recipients.

or public body that they serve.

NCI’s 35th Annual Breakfast is made

Public Service Awards will be presented to

outstanding

individuals,

elected,

appointed, or employed by a public body whose long-time service has had a positive impact on the community and/ or public body they serve. Ann Gibbons, board member of the Hazelwood School District; Brian Fletcher, former mayor of the city of Ferguson; Dr. Cheryl Compton,

superintendent

with

the

Ritenour School District; and Mayor Monica Huddleston, city of Greendale

possible by these generous sponsors: Presenting

Sponsors

Hospital, Garden Villas North & Delmar Gardens North and Schnucks Markets. Booth Sponsors were Handyman True Value Hardware and Crystal Creek Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute staff members offered free diabetes

Dr. Barb Eichler and staff members from Community Animal Hospital

screenings to residents at the chamber’s Business Showcase March 31 at

in Hazelwood man a booth at the Greater North County Chamber 24th

Jamestown Mall.

Annual Business Showcase.

2012 Golf Tournament

Greater North County Chamber Awards 2012 Scholarships The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce awarded six $1,000 scholarships at its April Membership Luncheon. The scholarships were awarded to high school seniors who reside in the Greater North County Chamber service area, which includes Bellefontaine Neighbors, Black Jack, Ferguson, Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Spanish Lake, Old Jamestown and surrounding unincorporated St. Louis County. The scholarship recipients were Carolina Cruz, Hazelwood West High School; Lia Hanenburg, Hazelwood West High School; Travis Johnson, McCluer South-Berkeley High School; Nicholas Nemerguth, Trinity Catholic High School; Ennis Randle, Riverview Gardens Senior High School; and

Mia Watkins, Crossroads Preparatory School.

College

The scholarships may be used for post high school continuing education expenses, which include college tuition, room and board, books, fees or for expenses associated with a trade or technical school program. The scholarship fund was established with donations from chamber members and an annual bowl-a-thon. The chamber has awarded $35,000 in scholarships to date. The 2012 Scholarship Bowl-A-Thon will be on August 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., at AMF Dick Weber Lanes. For more information, call the chamber office at 314.831.3500.

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The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce will host its 2012 Golf Tournament on Friday, June 8, at the Golf Club of Florissant. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at noon. The $99 per person entry fee includes 18 holes with a cart, a golf towel, lunch, dinner

and

beverages.

Sponsorships

are available. To register to golf or to be a sponsor, call the chamber office at 314.831.3500 or visit greaternorthcountychamber.com.

Greater North County Chamber of Commerce | greaternorthcountychamber.com | 314.831.3500

Residents Mingle with Local Business Representatives at 24th Annual Business Showcase

Northwest Chamber of Commerce Hires New President/CEO

NWCC 26th Annual Chamber Golf Classic The Northwest Chamber of Commerce 26th Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for June 18 at beautiful Innsbrook Resort Golf Course. The Chamber Golf

The Board of Directors for the Northwest

When asked why this position was

Chamber of Commerce is proud to

of interest to him, Goldman said, “To

announce Brian Goldman as its new

have an opportunity to help take an

President/CEO. Goldman is a familiar

organization that I love so much to the

face to many of the chamber associates

next level is truly a dream come true.

because he has been a member since

This chamber has so much to offer to its

1999. During that time he served on the

members and its communities, that the

NWCC Board of Directors for nine years,

possibilities are endless.”

the Executive Board of Directors for five of those years, and is a Past Chairman of the Board. He has been on the committee for or chaired every special event that the chamber has hosted, including: Chamber Golf Classic, Chili Dog Golf Tournament, Mingle at the Mills, Casino Night, Bowl-a-Thon and Mouse Races. Goldman is an active member of the Northwest business community and was previously named Business Person of the Year for both the Northwest and the Maryland Heights Chambers of Commerce, the YMCA Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year and was recognized as one of North County Incorporated’s 30 Leaders in Their 30’s.

Jerry Hart, chairman of the Board, is very pleased about the direction and leadership that Goldman brings with him. “Brian has the vision to grow our chamber and our entire region in a very dynamic way,” Hart said. “This is going to be an exciting time for the chamber.” “This is a wonderful time to be a member of the NWCC,” Goldman said. “We have an amazing membership base, are financially strong, and have a great and diverse Board of Directors. Add in some new ideas, build on what is already a very strong structure, and the rest of the St. Louis area will learn what we already know, that the Northwest Chamber of Commerce is the place to be.”

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Classic is one of Northwest Chamber’s most successful annual events and the committee is already working hard to make this year’s event the best. Success depends on the generous support of their members and friends. The Northwest Chamber requests assistance the following areas: players, sponsors (many options available), donations of goody bag items, auction items and/or prizes. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The shotgun start for the foursome scramble begins at 12:30 p.m. The individual entry fee is $150, and the foursome entry fee is $600. This is an incredible price for all that’s included: • Box Lunch • Prime Rib Dinner • Poker Run • Hole-In-One Contest • Putting Contest • Six (6) Raffle Tickets (dinner drawing) • One Mulligan • One Skirt (Men) • One Miniskirt (Women) • Six (6) Closet-to-the-Pin Contests • Beer and Delicious Concessions on Course Give your business tremendous exposure by becoming a Contest or Hole Sponsor, or sign up for one of the many other sponsorships available. Visit the chamber website at northwestchamber. com for more information or to the download the registration form. Contact the chamber office at 314.291.2131. The Northwest Chamber of Commerce

Large Crowd Attends NWCC Spring Business Showcase

New NWCC Members

Angie Duraski from Comfort Inn & Conference Center Westport, Tony Clark and Angela Kiddy from Hazelwood Bowl, Jordan Tobin from Tobin & Clark, Inc., with Jerry Hart, NWCC Board Chairman, Dannie Metzger and Dhari Pearson from Papa Murphy’s Florissant

The Northwest Chamber of Commerce 2012 Spring Business Showcase was held on April 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bridgeton. More than 180 people attended the event, and chamber officials said the showcase was a resounding success. The large crowd of NWCC members and visitors had the opportunity to visit all the display tables to learn about their chamber businesses, services, and products. Sponsors included Rick Biggs of Stages Leadership Development and Maureen Hill from the ALS Association, St. Louis Chapter. The Showcase businesses with displays included: • CMIT Solutions of Chesterfield • Sunti Designs • US Bank-Bellerive Branch • Ferguson-Florissant School District • Crowne Plaza-St. Louis Airport • Sappington Insurance Services

Rose Prewitt from First National Bank in Ferguson, Sheryl Dampf and Mary Hart from North County Christian School, Jerry Hart, NWCC Chairman

Front Row: Drew Garvey from Dine and Discounts of St. Louis, Linda Ragsdale from Americans for Prosperity, Pat Higgingbotham and Renee Benjamin from Hazelwood PTA Council, Kathy Muller from St. Louis County Library-Rock Rd. Branch, David Berger of Envision by Design, Pam Bolton from CHAMP Assistance Dogs Back Row: Christine Cole from US Bank-Bellerive Branch, Tim Powderly of The Powderly Law Firm with Jerry Hart, NWCC Chairman

• Dine and Discounts • Tobin & Clark • Americans for Prosperity • CHAMP Assistance Dogs • New York Life Insurance • Mid-American Coaches • Hazelwood PTA Council • Minuteman Press • Office Essentials • St. Louis County Library-Rock Road Branch • ITS Computers • Envision by Design • T & L Tree Service • Breakthrough Pain Relief Clinic • Papa Murphy’s Pizza • The Powderly Law Firm • North County Christian School • Firestone Complete Auto Care • Bommarito of Hazelwood • Valley Industries While the Spring Showcase is a special annual event, attendance at the Northwest Chamber’s monthly membership meetings continues to average more than 160 people. The next meetings will be on May 10 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport and on June 14 at Syberg’s Restaurant off Dorsett Rd. For more information on sponsoring a monthly meeting, please visit northwestchamber.com.

Northwest Chamber 2012 Casino Night The Northwest Chamber of Commerce recently held the 21st annual Casino Night at the St. Ann Community Center. As guests arrived they were presented with $10,000 in gaming money. Those who brought in canned food items to benefit a local food pantry were awarded an extra $5000 with which to gamble. Before festivities began, the chamber held a moment of silence to honor the late Chamber President, Bob Swank. Dinner was provided by eight different chamber members: Lone Star Steak House, Mayuri India Restaurant, Sybergs, TGI Fridays, Debonaire Banquet Center, Harrah’s Casino, Catering by Georgianna and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Desserts were provided by US Foods. Approximately 250 guests attended the event, and played black jack, roulette, craps, Texas hold’em, and poker — all provided by Sun Rental. Volunteers 13

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from St. John’s bank worked the crowd to sell 50/50 drawing tickets, which resulted in two winning pots over $300 and a jackpot over $600. Attendees also had an opportunity to bid for items at the silent auction and enter their names in several raffles. Some of the prizes included: restaurant certificates, golf packages, gift baskets, hotel stays, sports memorabilia, a tire package from Firestone, a “Booze Basket” with more than 30 assorted bottles of liquor and wine and a “Patio Party” from T&L Tree service in Hazelwood that consisted of a fire pit, propane heater, propane tank, and plenty of party supplies and beverages. The Chamber Casino Night Planning committee considers the event a huge success and hopes to see everyone next year at the 22nd annual Casino Night.

Northwest Chamber of Commerce | northwestchamber.com | 314.291.2131

wishes to thank Allied Waste Services as the Presenting Sponsor and all those who will participate in some way towards the success of this great annual golf tournament. Hope to see you on the course!

Kim Braddy MHCC President

Page-Olive Connector Moving Forward; Expected to Open this Summer Weather

West

“According to the project engineer, the

“Because of the way the projects are

County “outer belt” is on track to open

permitting,

the

new

bulk of the pavement is in, but they are

designed, both pieces have to be opened

later this summer.

The Page-Olive

still working on medians, barrier walls

at the same time,” Pearl explained. “So

Connector, which links the Maryland

and grading,” said Public Works Director

even if the section north of Olive is

Heights Expressway to Hwy. 141, is

Bryan Pearl.

completed first, it will remain closed

scheduled to open in mid-July. When

until the southern portion is finished.”

complete, it will give motorists a new

However, more work remains to be

route through St. Louis County, from

done on Hwy. 141 south of Olive, the

For the latest information on the project,

Hazelwood at the north end to Arnold at

portion of the project being handled

visit pageoliveconnector.org.

its southern terminus. St. Louis County’s

by MoDOT. Crews are still building the

piece of the project, the roadway north

new interchange at Ladue Road.

of Olive Boulevard, is mostly finished.

Health & Performance Ribbon Cutting Health & Performance Center, located at 11 D Worthington Access Drive, held a ribbon cutting and open house in April. Dr. Jared Van Anne uses many techniques in his treatments, including the Graston Technique. HPC is one of only three facilities in the area to use this cutting edge treatment to heal athletes.

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Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce | mhcc.com | 314.576.6603

Phil Boxes, Etc. Ribbon Cutting Manila Forwarders DBA Phil Boxes etc. held a ribbon cutting and open house in March. The new business is located at 11644 Dorsett Road. Manila Forwarders DBA Phil Boxes etc. is fully licensed for freight forwarding and specializes in shipping to the Philippines.

Maryland Heights Chamber Executive Director Kim Braddy Named One of 100 St. Louisans You Should Know Kim Braddy, Executive Director for the Maryland Heights Chamber was recently selected by St. Louis Small Business Monthly as one of the “100 St. Louisans You Should Know.” Braddy joins only 99 other business and community leaders recognized for their exemplary service and success in St. Louis.

Kim Braddy poses with Ron Ameln of the St. Louis Business Expo.

St. Louis Small Business Monthly said, “In her role at the chamber, Braddy is able to use her experience in business development and relationship building. She works to promote activities to advance the general welfare and prosperity for the City of Maryland Heights and to help ensure the business

community will flourish. On a daily basis, Braddy works to organize and facilitate the Chamber’s calendar and meetings consisting of over 50 events and 90 various meetings.” The chamber wishes to congratulate Ms. Braddy and thank her for her hard work. St. Louis Small Business Monthly is a print and electronic publication dedicated to supporting the business community in St. Louis. Among other projects, they host the two largest business-to-business expos in Missouri each year.

MHCC to Award $9500 in Scholarships At the membership luncheon on Wednesday, May 9, Maryland Heights Chamber will award college scholarships to five area students. The membership luncheon will be held at Syberg’s Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20 for members and $25 non-members.

There were almost 40 applicants from Parkway North, Pattonville and private schools. The money available to this year’s winners totals $9500. Funds were raised through monthly luncheon raffles, as well as the Holiday Gala and Golf Tournament. This year the chamber also received contributing

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monies from Fred Weber, Inc., Edward Jones and Ranken Jordan Pediatric Specialty Hospital. In the past 10 years, the Chamber’s Education Foundation has awarded more than $70,000 in college scholarship money.

Continued From Page 7

Business. Publications and associations like these publicize legislative news and educational opportunities and publish informative articles to support businesses of all sizes.

he said of local chambers and regional economic development organizations. “It’s all about networking and building strong relationships. I hope to serve on the board someday.”

However, lasting success depends on a business’ ability to thrive within a community. Through weekly networking opportunities, accessible resources, business fairs and expos, advertising opportunities, legislative action and much, much more, North County Incorporated and the local chambers of commerce do an exceptional job of supporting local business owners.

Bill Collier is the St. Louis-area coach for The Great Game of Business. He writes that success depends on answering the question: Why do you do what you do? According to the Small Business Association, over 50 percent of small businesses fail. If the risk is so high, what inspires our local business owners to keep at it? Every individual interviewed for this article said flexibility is a key motivating factor.

Otto, who served on the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Board for three years—two of those as Chairman— said membership is essential to success.

“Being able to make our decisions is very important,” Otto said. “We get to decide what’s best and how to operate. And our employees and customers have direct contact with the store ownership.”

“We have been members for 43 years,” he said. “We greatly value being a part of the chamber.” Perhaps most importantly, chambers of commerce can help new businesses generate referrals and leads. “The group is full of such good people who are willing to help,” Fulkrod said. “When our server wouldn’t boot up, we took it to ITS Computers—a chamber member—and they got us back up in a hurry.” Hamilton is one of the youngest business owners in North St. Louis county. “They have helped me out dramatically,”

Hamilton said having the freedom to do everything possible to help his customers is a huge benefit. “I am able to be 100 percent honest with my customers,” he said. “I can help them make the right choices without pressuring them because I have to make a sale. I have the freedom to do what’s best for them.” Another reason local business owners work so hard is because they feel a sense of pride in and responsibility for their community. “It’s important that we are able to give back to the community that has

supported us,” Otto said. Hamilton emphasized that insurance customers are looking for a fellow citizen. “They know I’ve got their back.” Finally, local business owners feel that they can achieve their goals because there is a stronger scaffold for success than ever before. Resources like small business publications, chambers and other associations help support owners through feast and famine. And with online marketing and social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, there are many more opportunities to connect with customers and partners. North St. Louis depends on small business owners to thrive. Though the road may be rocky, St. Louis Small Business Monthly reports that small businesses are growing fast. According to its report on the latest Global Entrepreneur Indicator, nearly 70 percent of St. Louis-area entrepreneurs expect to hire additional full-time employees over the next six months and 80 percent expect their revenue to increase. Dan Curran is President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization St. Louis. In an interview with St. Louis Small Business Monthly he said, “St. Louis businesses are adding jobs, and continue to grow. It’s no longer up to one big company to secure the success of our region, it’s small businesses across a variety of industries working together.” END

Bring Attention to what Separates You from Your Competition PROMOTING WHAT IS DIFFERENT OR BETTER ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS CAN HELP YOU SUCCEED by Mark Bretz Economic pundits are telling us that the economy is moving forward. They say that, after several years of the most recent and painful recession, the country’s financial outlook is better than it’s been since 2007 or so. That may be true, but the unemployment rate still hovers above 8 percent as all of us try to make ends meet. Still, anyone in business knows that optimism breeds success more than a dark, pessimistic outlook. No doubt you’ve been aggressive in promoting yourself and your company or your

brand in 2012. Are your competitors doing the same? If so, how can you differentiate yourself to consumers so that they will select your goods or services over someone else? When it comes to reaching target audiences, perception can be just as important as reality. After all, maybe your competitor has a product that does essentially what yours does. So, why should a consumer select one business over another if what each produces is more or less the same?

Well, maybe you pride yourself on service. You’ve been in business a certain number of years, and during that time you’ve learned to do a job efficiently and effectively without cutting corners. Leverage that knowhow in your marketing efforts. Trumpet that experience in advertising, on your website or on your Facebook page, letting consumers know that your work history is actually of benefit to them both in cost and in value. Many people and businesses like to use the word ‘unique’ without really Continued On Page 19

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Calendar of Events

MAY 1

NWCC Lunch Networking, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant

MAY 2

Greater North County Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Chamber office

MAY 8

NWCC Tuesday Morning Coffee & Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., Corner Coffee House

MAY 8

NWCC Ambassadors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Yesterday’s Lounge

MAY 9

MHCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant

MAY 15 MAY 22

NWCC Lunch Networking, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant NWCC Tuesday Morning Coffee & Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., Corner Coffee House

JUNE 2 C larksville, Mo. Regional Chili Cookoff. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Clarksville. $3 per person. Children 10 and under free. Info: raintreeartscouncil.org.

JUNE 5

NWCC Lunch Networking, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant

JUNE 6

Greater North County Ambassador Committee Meeting, 9 – 10 a.m., Chamber office

JUNE 6

Greater North Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Chamber office

JUNE 8

Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, 12 – 6 p.m. Golf Club of Florissant

JUNE 13

MHCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant

JUNE 12

NWCC Tuesday Morning Coffee & Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., Corner Coffee House

dist8tm.org

JUNE 18

NWCC Chamber Golf Classic, Innsbrook Resort Golf Course

JUNE 19

MHCC Annual Golf Classic, Whitmoor Country Club

JUNE 19

NWCC Lunch Networking, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Syberg’s Restaurant

JUNE 26

NWCC Tuesday Morning Coffee & Networking, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., Corner Coffee House

JUNE 28

NWCC Governmental & Community Concerns Committee Meeting, 12 – 1 p.m. Holiday Inn, St.Louis Airport Hotel

Continued From Page 16

Service Is Our Business

knowing what it means. If you check it out in the dictionary, you’ll notice that ‘unique’ is defined in descending order as ‘sole,’ ‘unequaled,’ ‘peculiar’ or ‘unusual.’ Take a good, hard look at what it is that makes you really and truly the only company that does something specific, and focus your marketing energies in that realm. Maybe you’ve never lost a customer. Or maybe you’ve handled the business of certain customers through several generations of your family and theirs with nary a complaint. Whatever it is that honestly makes you stand out from your competition, bring attention to that aspect of your business.

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Take time and think about what has made your business thrive, or what has given you the most pride in what you do. Accentuate that element in your marketing communications, whether it’s in an advertisement, an e-newsletter to customers, a direct mail piece, information on your website or fun facts for Facebook or Twitter. Perhaps consider it as your company ‘tagline,’ something that you want to become synonymous with your name in the minds of key audiences and prospective customers. Whether you’ve been in business for decades or are just venturing into the world of entrepreneurs, keep focused on what it is that you believe you produce or provide better than your competition. Promote it to the hilt on a consistent and persistent basis to help build or maintain your name recognition. That’s a key element in successful marketing communications. END

Mark Bretz is owner and principal of Bretz Public Relations, LLC, a public relations firm specializing in public relations, media relations and writing for small and mid-sized companies. For more information, contact Mark at 314.838.9371 or mark@bretzpr.com.

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