Our Town 9/2011 by Community News

September/October 2011

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Our Town Contents

September/October 2011

North County Incorporated T hirty Outstanding Young Professionals will be Recognized 7 N CI Commends Hazelwood Leadership 7 N CI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties Campaign 6

NorthWest Chamber of Commerce 10 10

E l Porton Restaurant Celebrates Grand Opening M ingle at the Mills!

Greater North County Chamber of Commerce 14 14 15

VOL 2 / NO 5

W elcome New Members G round Breaking B owlers Raise Money for Chamber Scholarship Fund

Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce

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.

M HCC Celebrates 35 Years by DeAnna Massie

M HCC Membership Meetings by DeAnna Massie

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Community News 2139 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon, MO 63366 636.379.1775 www.mycnews.com

R elief Fund to Help Tornado Victims by DeAnna Massie

C ommunity Guide Coming Soon by DeAnna Massie

B reakfast Club Meetings Feature Coffee and Conversation by DeAnna Massie

C all For Nominations: Business Leader of the Year by DeAnna Massie

Publisher Robert Huneke Editor Shelly Schneider Staff Writer DeAnna Massie

Photographer Ray Rockwell

N orth County Schools Working Hard to Prepare Students to Enter the Workforce by DeAnna Massie

Art Director/Creative Design Terrie Dehn, TJD Design Studio

1 0 ways to improve your website by Ken Tucker

S BA Encourages the Public to Plan for Disasters during National Preparedness Month 19 C alendar of Events 18

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North County Schools Working Hard to Prepare Students to Enter the Workforce by DeAnna Massie

Asked if he could comment on the work his school district was doing to help prepare students for entrance into the North County St. Louis workforce, Jay Boleach replied, “How Long have you got?” Boleach is the Career and Technical Education Coordinator with the Ferguson-Florissant School District, and he is just one of many local administrators committed to preparing North County students for successful careers through focused curriculum and hands-on training. Seven public school districts, four parochial schools, North Technical High School and Saint Louis Community College have joined forces as the North County School Business Partnership. Initiated by North County Incorporated, Regional Development Association (NCI), the program is the community’s response to a national demand for better-trained workers.

School Business Partnership provides unique opportunities Students enrolled in one of the School Business Partnerships-affiliated schools have access to unique training opportunities. The organization hosts annual career-focused events, including an Ethics Seminar, Career Opportunity Fair, Job Skills Training Workshop and a Leadership Academy supported by volunteers from the St. Louis branch of the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (NCADA.) Organizers recognize that students registered in a career-track program gain a realistic understanding of the workplace, have an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, become more motivated to learn, discover more local scholarships, and have a sense that 4

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adults in the community are willing and able to help them achieve success. Patty Gould, NCI’s School/Business Partnership liaison, refers to these opportunities as a chance for students to engage in career exploration. “It’s important to allow kids to see what’s needed for certain careers,” she said, “and they can decide what they might be interested in. It’s also important for them to figure out what they might not want to do.”

High schools preparing students In addition to participating in the School Business Partnership, local districts are building specific programs on the school level to help students prepare for future careers. They began by identifying which career fields were most likely to experience growth. Data from the Department of Economic Development, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), and other work-force centered reports pointed to a handful of potentially healthy career fields. For some districts, budget limitations mean organizers have to work with what they have. When that fails, resourceful organizers look outside of their districts. Ferguson-Florissant engineering teachers found themselves struggling to provide the equipment and instruction for a high-level engineering course, so the district approached St. Louis Community College. STLCC was already offering programs to other districts, and graciously made the classes available for Ferguson-Florissant students. Ferguson-Florissant, like many districts, plans on adding programs and S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 011

expanding career-training options for students as resources become available. STLCC may have been eager to help because they recognized the increased demand for trained engineers. Current data indicates an especially high demand for workers in career fields related to science and technology. To help prepare students for success in these areas, North St. Louis County schools participate in the Missouri Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) Coalition grants program. The intent of METS is to “support schools in creating school-wide reform that results in improved instruction and student achievement, with focus on mathematics, science and technology.” Regardless of their career track and future educational goals, METS is expected to provide all students with a much stronger foundation for educational and occupational success. By 2014, when most current high school sophomores are expected to hit the job market, skilled workers will be in demand in a variety of industries. By providing career-tracked instruction in the industry fields expecting the most growth, North County districts are hoping to keep students in school and highly employable when they graduate. In Ferguson-Florissant, high school students may choose from several career-training tracks, such as Early Childhood Education, Community College Alignment, Business and Administration, Hospitality and Tourism, and a pre- engineering program of study known as Project Lead the Way. Based on their particular track, students are enrolled in industry-specific classes and provided with opportunities for internships, job shadowing and college credit or program certification. Pattonville schools are excited to be able to introduce a new program called Pirate Connections. Prior to this year, all students in a grade level received career and education counseling from a single counselor. Dr. Jennifer Allen, director of Secondary Education at Pattonville, said the district quickly realized that counselors were overloaded, and students needed far more individualized and focused attention. Beginning this fall, teachers will take on 15 students each in classes that meet every other week for career counseling. Teachers will help students devise class schedules that support their career goals, take online interest and assessment tests, and enroll in career-track programs such as nursing or engineering. Consistency is the key.

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“Students will stay with the same counselor for all four years,” Allen said. “My counselors and teachers spent this summer writing a new curriculum to ensure that all students will get the same training, regardless of which counselor they are assigned.” In the Hazelwood School District, students begin right away to work with counselors and career education teachers to indentify which careers they want to pursue. They are given a handbook that explains various career clusters and paths and encouraged to choose a direction early in their high school career. Hazelwood School District Learning Facilitator Gail Stewart said, “We also use Missouri Connections, which is a series of online interest inventories and assessments provided by DESE ( Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). All of our students are expected to be preparing for some kind of career.” Hazelwood also has several unique internship opportunities available for students. At the senior level, students interested in health sciences take intensive classes with a registered nurse for one semester. During the second semester they work three hours a day in a clinical setting at one of three local hospitals. Students interested in business, marketing, culinary arts, fashion merchandising, childcare, or other industries may also take specialized classes and serve as interns for local businesses. In addition to specific career-based education, students are trained in general job skills. The state requires all students to take a personal finance course, Continued On Page 8

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Thirty Outstanding Young Professionals will be Recognized

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

North County Incorporated, Regional Development Association (NCI) has named this year’s 30 Leaders in their Thirties Leadership Award recipients. This remarkable group of up-and-coming professionals and volunteers, all of whom are making a significant difference in the North County area, will be recognized at the NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties reception at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 at Norwood Hills Country Club. The 2011 NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in Their Thirties Leadership Award recipients are: Teisha Ashford, Pattonville School District

Patty Kallal, Christian Hospital

Michael Bober, Eagle Springs Golf Course

Cara Koen, Federation of Catholic Schools in the Northeast Deanery

Kristin Bork, Lutheran High School North

Mike LaChance, Ritenour School District

Melissa Burton, City of Overland

David C. Malone, Retirement Solutions, LLC

Alan K. Byrd, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Bill Mitchell, Hazelwood School District

Mark Byrne, City of Ferguson City Council

Tika Nazareth, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers

Nichole Conley-Harrison, Queenz of Fitness II

Jamie Newell, SSM Healthcare – St. Louis

Rhonda Ely, Ed.D., Hazelwood School District

Octavia Pittman, City of Berkeley

Sheilah Fitzgerald, Hazelwood School District

Loraine E. Raziq, Ed.D., Hazelwood School District

Matt Goldenberg, U.S. Bank

Anthony Scotti, Scotti’s Deli & Catering

Ashley Gregory, Ritenour School District

Ebony Smith, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Kelly Grigsby, Ed.D., Special School District

Tiffany Smith, Delmar Gardens North

Harold Hendricks, St. Louis Airport Marriott

Jenny Thomasson, Stems Florist

Dobbie R. Herrion, St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley

Kristy Tucciarone, Ph.D., University of Missouri – St. Louis

Chris Jaco, Incarnate Word Academy

Mark Weller, Ed.D., Ferguson-Florissant School District

Rebecca Zoll, president/CEO of NCI, said these young business, civic and community leaders are impressive. “They excel in their professions, and volunteer for area civic and charitable organizations, making a positive difference in our community,” Zoll said. “NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties is our way of saying ‘thanks for your contributions.’” The public is invited to attend the NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in Their Thirties reception and luncheon on September 23. Reservations are required, and the cost is $37.50 per person. More than 300 business, civic and community leaders attend this event each year. To make reservations, contact the NCI office at 314.895.6241 or visit NorthStLouisCounty.com. North County Incorporated is a regional development organization, which acts as a catalyst to define and advocate economic and community development for North St. Louis County. NCI was established in 1977. The Board is composed of community leaders and business owners. Patty Gould, Pattonville School District, School/Business Partnership Director is North County Inc.’s 2011 Chairperson of the Board. 6

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Date Friday, September 23, 2011 Time 11:30 a.m. Place Norwood Hills Country Club (business attire required) Tickets $37.50 per person Table for 10: $360 Call NCI today at 314.895.6241 or visit NorthStLouisCounty.com (special meal request taken at reservation)

NCI Commends Hazelwood Leadership NCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors sends out a big congrats to NCI Board member Mayor Matt Robinson and the city of Hazelwood on the very exciting news that Emerald Automotive, a British company, plans to build hybrid electric vans at a new $175 million plant in Hazelwood. The lightweight hybrid electric vans will use diesel motors to recharge, and can travel up to 475 miles on one charge. Strong demand overseas for this product will mean that the first of the vans will be exported. The company plans to hire 300 people by 2013 and 581 during 2014. Hundreds of other jobs could also spring up from among suppliers around the plant and lead to 1,000 new jobs in the area. North St. Louis County and the city of Hazelwood were chosen because of the trained workforce and central location along shipping routes. This type of company may also help increase efforts to create an international trade hub at Lambert St. Louis International Airport. Funding this major expansion is the next step on the agenda. The Missouri Technology Corp. has given preliminary approval to a $2 million loan for the project. The Hazelwood City Council authorized $3 million to be used from its economic development sales tax. Depending on the exact location in Hazelwood, the venture may be eligible for other incentives. Sharon Heaton, Emeraldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general counsel, says Emerald has received $5 million in private capital and a $5 million technology grant from the British government. The company also hopes to get a loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. Loans have become available for high-efficiency vehicle manufacturers like Emerald. NCI compliments to the city of Hazelwood Council and staff, along with the St. Louis RCGA, for their hard work to bring these jobs and this exciting new product to North St. Louis County! 7

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North County Incorporated | northstlouiscounty.com | 314.895.6241

NCI Salutes 30 Leaders in their Thirties Campaign

Continued From Page 5

and most schools recommend or require students to take basic skills courses. Hazelwood, for example, offers a business computer applications class designed to help teach computer literacy for any profession. Even the most basic skills, such as interviewing, etiquette and professional behavior, are emphasized to ensure student success. At Trinity Catholic High School, students spend the first two years working intensely on composition and communication skills. They also learn how to complete a job application and dress appropriately for job interviews. Sister Karl Mary Winkelmann of Trinity said, “It is vital in this day and age that, through some parts of our curriculum, we prepare kids for getting jobs.” Gould said school-business partnerships are essential for work-force training. “It’s really important that we stay linked,” she said. “For students to be truly prepared, for businesses to continue their success, we have to be aware of one another.” First, though districts may want to offer job-training, they need qualified instructors, training for teachers, and access to sites that provide on-the-job experience— elements that only established professionals can offer. Second, when schools max out their budgets, local businesses may have the ability to step in and help. Trinity Catholic High School has maintained a partnership with Emerson electric for seven years. The company provides classes for students and funds field trips and projects. With Emerson’s support, school officials can still afford to educate students about careers in the arts. They’ve brought in theater companies, a painter and a sculptor to work with students. Emerson has also offered time-management classes for students.

Businesses must be involved One of the major challenges to workforce training success is cultivating relationships with local businesses. School administrators build connections by attending Chamber of Commerce meetings, but don’t always come away with a list of willing volunteers. “Businesses who’ve had interns before are happy to help,”

FFSD’s Boleach said. He understands that professionals who have never worked with students are reluctant to allow students into their places of business. “That’s not the only way to help,” he said. “Districts have advisory councils that meet two to three times a year, and we always welcome local business people to attend and offer input. We also need professionals to train teachers and offer seminars and workshops for students.” The North County School Business Partnership also welcomes business people to attend meetings and build connections with schools. The National Association of Partners in Education reports that school-business partnerships are becoming a standard fixture in America’s schools. Nearly 70 percent of all United State’s school districts now engage in some form of business partnership. That’s up from 35 percent in 1990. Making these partnerships even more meaningful on the local level is the report that 76 percent of schools that partner with businesses collaborate with small businesses, and 61 percent report partnering with medium sized businesses. Organizations have realized that they don’t need to have limitless budgets and scores of employees to get involved with schools. Privately owned businesses and small companies can have a tremendous impact. In exchange for providing education and funding, businesses get a unique opportunity to cultivate a reliable source of well-trained employees and improve company pride and morale. “Businesses who work with our students always want to hire more,” said Hazelwood’s Stewart. “These are good employees. They are trained by professionals and supervised by teachers.” They also have the option to publicize their involvement and volunteerism. Most importantly, developing a local workforce leads to a more stable community, broader tax base and greater opportunity for growth.

Wanted: qualified employees Millions are unemployed, yet in 2009 employers reported

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that they were struggling to find qualified, experienced employees. As the economy swings back from recession, and experts anticipate it will, many industries will experience astronomical growth. In addition, the swell of unemployed workers is expected to dwindle. According to the 2011 “State of St. Louis Workforce Report*” the St. Louis workforce population, like that of the country, is aging. Since 1995, the number of St. Louis workers aged 14 to 44 has dropped 10 percent. As baby-boomers start to retire in greater numbers, St. Louis employers will have to look to younger people to fill those empty spots, and they will expect to see more from prospective employees than a high school diploma. Roy Vanderford, vice president of an Indianapolis-based Workforce Solutions firm, said it’s no longer enough to obtain an associates or even a bachelor’s degree. In a report for TEAM (Training Employment Administrators of MO) Vanderford said, “Employers are placing much higher value on whether its workers come to them ready to work with the specific skills needed...they’re looking at the demonstration of skills through the prism of work experience or specialized training.”* North St. Louis County schools have recognized the increased demand on applicants and are determined to give their students a leg-up on the competition. “We encourage students to continue their education after high school,” Gould said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s college, community college, vocation school – we just want them to understand the value of their education.” *Published by St. Louis Community College Local Workforce Investment Boards, Missouri Career Centers, Southwestern Illinois WorkNet Centers, Go ! Network and BounceBack St. Louis professional networks, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), and the St. Louis Business Journal. END

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El Porton Restaurant Celebrates Grand Opening

NWCC President/CEO

El Porton Mexican restaurant celebrated its grand opening in June. In honor of the occasion, El Porton, in conjunction with the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting ceremony and food sampling. Located at 4444 Woodson Rd., Woodson Terrace, MO 63134, El Porton is a Mexican Restaurant that prepares all of its food daily with fresh, healthy ingredients. Reliable and professional service, enticing food, and low prices are all reasons to visit El Porton.

The Northwest Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with NASCAR SpeedPark, will host the 8th annual Mingle at the Mills from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16. This is an outdoor, family-friendly event featuring a car cruise, chicken wing 10

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cook-off, go-kart races, live music, and food and beverages. Mingle at the Mills will also feature a variety of charity benefit races throughout the evening on NASCAR SpeedParkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family 500 Track. For an entry fee of $100, participants will compete for first place and win up to $500 to go towards the charity of their choice. A portion of the race entry fees, Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Challenge Cup

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King of Wings 500. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. This chicken wing cook-off is an all-you-can-eat affair. Vote for the People’s Choice Best Wings award.

The evening’s grand finale will be the running of the seventh annual Mayor’s Challenge Cup presented by American Airlines, a 20-lap go-kart race that pits mayors from North St. Louis County communities against one another. The race will stat at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will take place on NASCAR SpeedPark’s Family 500 Track. Raffle tickets for the race are currently on sale and may be purchased from all participating mayors. The mayor with the largest number of raffle tickets sold will win the starting pole position for the Mayor’s Challenge Cup presented by American Airlines. All those who purchase a raffle ticket will also be entered into the Mingle at the Mills raffle for a chance to win two round-trip tickets on American Airlines.

Charity Go-Kart Races. There will be open races for individuals who wish to compete as a charity race driver. To qualify as a participant, he or she must be at least 47” tall. The entry fee is $100 per driver. A field of 10 drivers (max) will be posted for each race. Fifty percent of the entry fees collected for each race will go to the winner’s charity of choice ($500 for a full race).

Mingle at the Mills is a family event and is open to the public. Parking and admission are free. For more information on Mingle at the Mills and race and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Northwest Chamber of Commerce at 314.291.2131 or visit northwestchamber.com.

Mayor’s Challenge Cup. Elected mayors and city officials representing 10 municipalities in Northwest St. Louis County will be competing for bragging rights of being the best NASCAR race driver. They will urge constituents to show their community pride by purchasing raffle tickets for $1 each. The city that sells the most raffle tickets will earn the pole position for the 20-lap race. The raffle grand prize is two round trip American Airline tickets.

2nd Annual Classic Car Cruise. Commemorative dash plaques and goody bags will be given away to the first 50 custom or classic cars. Check out these sweet rides!

Challenge Cup Go-Kart Race. Challenge your friends, family or colleagues to a go-kart race. Challenge Cup gokart races will take place in between the charity go-kart races. A field of 10 drivers will compete in the Challenge Cup races, with the winners of each heat earning a spot in the Challenge Cup finals. The entry fee is $10 per driver. Race in as many heats as you like.

Go-kart racing, classic and custom cars, chicken wings, and good friends – let’s Mingle at the Mills!

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Northwest Chamber of Commerce | northwestchamber.com | 314.291.2131

raffle, and event sales will benefit area charities, the Chamber Scholarship Fund and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce.

10 Ways To Improve Your Website Designing a website can be a tricky thing. Redesigning a website can be even more challenging. It’s important to know what adds value to your website design or a website redesign for your business. Below are 10 key features to have for your business website.

Content is more important than graphic design. People and search engines find websites

Fire Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Practice it every day. Michael J. Gantner, Fire Chief

5675 N. Hwy 67, Florissant, MO 63034 314.741.9905 www.blackjackfire.org

because of content — not based on how cool, unique, or beautiful a website is. Most businesses spend too much on graphic design and not enough on content. Make sure your website is a Content Management System (CMS) – this allows you to make changes to the website without knowing how to program. If you have someone else make changes for you, it increases their productivity.

make it easy for someone to contact you. It’s a good idea to have your contact information at either the top or the bottom of the page. At a minimum, make sure you have a contact page and only ask for the information you need to get back in touch with the person that completes the contact form.

More pages are better. The more pages you create, the more opportunity you give search engines to find your website. For example, many small businesses create a single services page with bullet points on what services they provide. I recommend creating a page for each service to improve findability as well as to more effectively engage your potential customer. A CMS make this easier and cheaper.

Geography is important. Small businesses have a great opportunity to compete and be found on the web. One key thing is to make sure you use your geographic location to your advantage on your website. Local Search Engine Optimization is critical. Build a list. Chances are you have idea of what you would like your website visitors to do when they visit your website. Consider adding calls to action and context related forms on specific web pages to increase conversion. Give them a reason to provide you with their contact information by giving them something of value. This allows you to effectively build a quality email list of people who really want to receive information from you.

Add a blog. Blogging is perhaps the single most important thing a business can do for its website. Search engines love blogs. People love blogs. Many people use the web to find information that helps them understand or solve problems that they deal with. Blogs are a great way to help your business

build brand awareness, stay top-of-mind, and be included in consideration as people make decisions on products or services.

Integrate social media. Make sure it is easy for people to follow your business on social media and share interesting content they find on your website. Social Media should supplement, not replace, your website. When you have your website and social media working together, it is a real force multiplier. Keep it simple. When people visit a business website they are usually looking for information. Keep things simple with a clean, easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate website. Most people scan websites to find information, and if they have to work too hard they usually find another site. Measure and analyze. Know what happens on your website, what is working, and what needs to be improved. Websites can be very accountable, and you can learn a lot by analyzing and tracking results, such as how did people find your site, what search phrase did they use, and what pages are getting the most traffic. Promote your website. Just because you build a website doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean people will come to it. The web is very large and a competitive place. You need to be

prepared to continually invest in promoting your website by creating content that is interesting, findable, and shareable. This includes online and offline strategies and tactics to continually drive traffic to your website. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen because you build it, so budget for this. By implementing these features in your website, you will see more effective results. Before you start, make sure you have a plan and determine what your business goals are, who your target audience is, and how a website design or redesign can help you achieve your business goals. END

Ken Tucker is the founder of Changescape Web (www.changescapeweb.com), a company focused on helping businesses growth through effective online marketing and website design. Mr. Tucker currently serves as Co-Chair of the St. Charles County Chambers of Commerce Technology Committee and is also on the Board of Directors for the CottlevilleWeldon Spring Chamber.

Carolyn Marty GNCC President

Welcome New Members The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce welcomed five new members at its July Monthly Membership Meeting. Pictured, from left to right, are Steve Pokorny with STS Car Care, Kenny Cool with Xango, Beverly Roche with the City of Jennings, Julie Goulet with St. Louis Veterans Home Committee and Cara Koen with The Federation of Catholic Schools. Trinity Catholic High School hosted the event, with lunch provided by Catering To You. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of business professionals and community leaders united to promote the North County regions. The chamber office is located at 420 W. Washington, Florissant, Mo. 63031. For more information please visit the chamber website at greaternorthcountychamber.com

Ground Breaking Mungenast Hyundai, a member of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, recently held a groundbreaking for its new facility at 649 Dunn Road in Hazelwood. The projected opening for the new facility is in early 2012. Pictured in the photo from left to right are Ray Mungenast, David Mungenast, Jr., Jeff Keesling, Kurt Mungenast, Barbara Mungenast, Matt Helmer and Les McAlister.

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More than a 100 bowlers—Greater North County Chamber of Commerce members, their families and friends — participated Aug. 10 in the Chamber Scholarship Bowl at AMF Dick Weber Lanes, 4575 Washington St. in Florissant. The proceeds from the Scholarship Bowl fund the Chamber’s scholarship program which annually awards five $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors. Since its inception, the Chamber has awarded $35,000 in scholarships. Strike Sponsors for this year’s event were Ameriprise Financial Services, Christian Hospital, Emerson Family YMCA, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Hazelwood School District, Garden Villas/Delmar Gardens North, Incarnate Word Academy, ITS Computers, Life Care Center of Florissant, Neighbors Credit Union, SSM DePaul Health Center, Sugar Pines Apartments, Trinity Catholic High School and Zykan Family Partnership. Lane Sponsors were Christian Hospital, City of Florissant, IESI Waste Systems, JoAnn Donovan, Northwest HealthCare, St. Catherine Retirement Community, Stygar Florissant Chapel, Village North Retirement Center, White Auto Body and Woodland Dental Care. Other sponsors included Drink Sponsor: Handyman True Value Hardware; Trophy Sponsor: Trophy World; Frame Sponsor: Lutheran Senior Services; Pizza Sponsor: McClain Chiropractic Health & Injury; Ad Sponsor: Community News; and Attendance Prize Sponsors: Zykan Family Partnership, Old Town Donuts and Papa Murphy’s Pizza.

More than 100 folks participated in the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Bowl.

Read Our Town online www.mycnews.com

Josh Zykan, a recipient of a 2011 Scholarship from the Chamber, and Carolyn Marty, president of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, display a plaque with the names of the 35 $1,000 scholarship recipients.

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Bowlers Raise Money for Chamber Scholarship Fund

Kim Braddy MHCC President

MHCC Celebrates 35 Years by DeAnna Massie The July luncheon was more than the usual monthly membership meeting. Maryland Heights Chamber celebrated 35 years of success, and there were plenty of special events to commemorate the occasion.

Mayor Mike Moeller and Brian Douglas, chairman of the MHCC

Maryland Heights Mayor Mike Moeller presented a proclamation, as did Bill Ray from the office of County Executive Charlie Dooley. A trivia game tested membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge of 1976, the year in which the Chamber was incorporated, and Butch Welsch of Welsch Heating and Cooling, spoke to members about his experience with the chamber. Welsch was a charter member and Director for the Chamber Board.

The culmination of the anniversary celebration was a drawing for a free Florida vacation and Cardinals tickets. The Chamber was challenged to recruit 35 new members by 35 existing members. Those who succeeded were entered into the drawing. Madeleine Brice, a new member from The Original Basket Boutique, who was recruited by Jan Roberg of Roberg Tax Solutions, won the trip to Florida. Brian Goldman, current member with Chi Chi LLC won the Cardinal tickets.

MHCC Membership Meetings

Relief Fund to Help Tornado Victims

by DeAnna Massie

Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce monthly membership meetings are finalized for September and October. As always, attendees can expect to enjoy good food, informative speakers and unique networking opportunities.

The Maryland Heights Chamber of

The September Membership Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Creve Coeur Airport Museum. This meeting is sponsored by SSM DePaul Health Center. The October meeting will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Spazioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and is sponsored by Pavilion Apartments.

Good Friday tornadoes. Funds will be

Registration and networking will take place from 11:30a.m. to 12 p.m., with the program to follow. Cost is $20 members and $25 for future members. Please note: RSVP is required by Friday prior to the luncheon. Walk-ins are not guaranteed to be seated. Cancellations must be received prior to the luncheon or the patron will be subject to meal charge. For a complete list of all luncheon dates and speakers, log onto mhcc.com.

assistance must fill out an application,

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Commerce has partnered with Schnucks to organize a relief fund for Maryland Heights

residents

affected

the

distributed as Schnucks gift cards, so recipients may purchase much-needed items such as groceries and household goods. Anyone interested in receiving which will then be assessed by the newly formed Relief Fund committee. Applications

can

found

Chamber website, mhcc.com.

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the

Breakfast Club Meetings Feature Coffee and Conversation

by DeAnna Massie One of the primary goals of the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce is to help local businesses find ways to reach their consumers. If customers know they have options in their neighborhood, they are less likely to shop elsewhere. In a new effort to “keep local business local,” the chamber is proud to introduce a new Community Guide. The publication will feature listings of chamber member businesses and will be mailed to 17,000 residents and businesses in the Maryland Heights area. Standard listings will be available to chamber members at no charge. For members who want to make a bigger impact, additional advertising space will be available for purchase. Members interested in learning more about how the new guide and the chamber can help promote their businesses should visit mhcc.com.

by DeAnna Massie Chamber members interested in building new relationships and business savvy should consider attending Breakfast Club meetings. Twice a month, Breakfast Club members get together to share a meal and the company of other local business people. Attendees have an opportunity to gather leads, network and exchange information, all while enjoying coffee and good conversation. Breakfast Club meetings are held the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 a.m. September 1 - DJ’s Deli September 15 - Parkway Hotel October 6 - DJ’s Deli October 20 - Coldwell Banker/Gundaker

Call For Nominations: Business Leader of the Year by DeAnna Massie The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Business Leader Awards Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Sheraton Chalet. The event is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Business Community. The event will also showcase the achievements of the chamber’s member businesses. Help is needed to help identify the local businesses and individuals who have experienced the greatest success and demonstrated exemplary leadership. Please consider nominating an individual, business or organization. The nomination forms and categories can be found at mhcc.com.

Ribbon Cuttings

Spartech Corporation held its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on July 28. Spartech Corporation opened this location in December 2010 and is a leading producer of plastic products.

Our Town

K&D Counter tops held a ribbon cutting with the Chamber on July 20. The location opened in February. Headquarters and production facility is located in Trenton, Ill.

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Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce | mhcc.com | 314.576.6603

Community Guide Coming Soon

Calendar of Events Sept. 1 MHCC Breakfast Club, 7:30 a.m., DJ’s Deli Sept. 1 NWCC Board of Directors Meeting, 12 – 1 p.m., SarahCare of Bridgeton Adult Day Care Center Sept. 10 NWCC Walk for Hope to Support Light of Life Outreach, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Spanish Lake Park, James O’Mara Pavilion

Sept. 11 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 26 Sept. 28

Miss Metro St. Louis/River City Pageant, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Florissant Civic Center Theatre

Oct. 6 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Oct. 20 Oct. 29

MHCC Breakfast Club, 7:30 a.m., DJ’s Deli

MHCC Networking Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Creve Coeur Airport Museum MHCC Breakfast Club, 7:30 a.m., Parkway Hotel NWCC Mingle at the Mills, 4 – 10 p.m., St. Louis Mills Mall 5th Annual St Louis Hydrocephalus Association WALK, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tilles Park GNCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Catering to You Banquet Center GNCC Golf Classic, 12 p.m. Old Hickory Golf Club NCI Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Cool Valley City Hall, 100 Signal Hill Drive

Honeysuckle Removal Project, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., McDonnell Park Music Under the Stars Concert Series: Billy Peek Band, 1 – 4 p.m., Lawyers Bldg. parking lot MHCC Networking Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p .m., Spazio’s GNCC Mystery Dinner Theater, 7 p.m., Garden Villas North GNCC Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., location TBA MHCC Breakfast Club, 7:30 a.m., Coldwell Banker/Gundaker NWCC Economic Development Committee, 8 – 9 a.m., Mattingly’s Inn MHCC Monster Mash Dash 5k/10k

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