St Joseph Business Journal Summer 2011

The Boys are Back

Summer 2011

Chiefs Training Camp returns

new research Firm Joins Science incubator Parties on the Parkway Series Celebrates 10 Years

Published by the St. Joseph Metro Chamber Cover photo submitted by Brigitte Berry Photography, www.bberryphotos.com

2010 2011 2012 2013

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

3 Editorial content, unless otherwise noted, by Kristi Rasmussen

INDEX Top Employer Profile: Johnson Controls............................................4 Renewal of Sales Tax Defeated...........................................................5 Heartland Foundation Reports on emPowerU Successes..................6 Bruce Woody Named City Manager....................................................7 Economic Update.................................................................................8 Sopharmia Combats Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria..............................9

The Boys Are Back in Town (Chiefs Return)...............................10 Missouri Western Graduates Awarded Chocolate Stores.............12 Parties on the Parkway Series Celebrates 10 Years......................14 Kansas City, Kan., Leaders Share Experiences..............................16 Downtown Digest..........................................................................17 Small Business Matters...................................................................18 Member Profile...............................................................................19

2011 St. Joseph Metro Chamber BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman

President/CEO

Brad McAnally Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc. Ted Allison, CEcD St. Joseph Metro Chamber

Chair-Elect Matthew Dority KCP&L Secretary/Treasurer

Vern Middleton Midwest Federal

Ted Allison, CEcD

President & CEO allison@saintjoseph.com 816.232.4461

Shannon Jobes

Vice President, Administration jobes@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4111

Directors Brian Bradley, News-Press & Gazette Co. Barbara Burns, B.J. Office Products Inc. James Carolus, Hillyard Companies Dr. Gary Clapp, Institute for Industrial & Applied Life Sciences Bill Falkner, City of St. Joseph Tim Knapp, Tim Knapp Construction Co. Dr. Mark Laney, Heartland Health Corky Marquart, Commerce Bank, N.A. Todd Meierhoffer, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory Byron Myers, Sr., City of St. Joseph Dan Nicoson, Missouri Western State University Foundation Dan Nowalk, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

Kristi Rasmussen

Director of Communications rasmussen@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4108

Economic Development

Steve Hamilton

Senior Vice President, Economic Development hamilton@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4106 816.244-9533 (cell)

Maryann Skiles

Receptionist, Administrative Assistant

skiles@saintjoseph.com

Col. Mike Pankau, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard Matt Robertson, Clifton Gunderson LLP Dr. Melody Smith, School District of St. Joseph Larry Stobbs, South St. Joseph Progressive Association R.T. Turner, Buchanan County Bob Wollenman, Deluxe Truck Stop LLC Mark Woodbury, General Counsel Polsinelli Shughart P.C. Rick Gronniger, Immediate Past Chair, Altec Industries Judy Hausman, Diplomats Club Representative, Taylor, Thompson & Hausman LLC Kylee Strough, Young Executives Network Representative, United Way of Greater St. Joseph

3003 Frederick Ave. 816.232.4461 or 800.748.7856

816.232.4461

Community Alliance

Membership

Brad Lau

Director of Business Attraction and Development blau@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4110 816.244.6221 (cell)

Mary Brown

Project Manager, Administrative Assistant brown@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4102

Natalie Redmond

Vice President, Member Relations redmond@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4107

816.364.4873 (fax) www.saintjoseph.com

Chris Schmitter

Director of Membership Sales & Retention schmitter@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4113

Keisha Holtman

Administrative Assistant, Membership holtman@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4101

Steve Johnston

Director of Community Alliance of Saint Joseph johnston@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4109

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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TopEmployerProfile Each quarter in the Business Journal we will profile one or more of St. Joseph’s top employers. A top employer may be based on number of employees, or because the business operates in a St. Joseph-focused industry. Often, we all may recognize a company name, but may not know exactly what they do. In this question and answer piece, learn a little bit more about:

Johnson Controls -- Battery Division Manufacturers -- Batteries Dave Glidewell, Plant Manager 4722 Pear St. St. Joseph, MO 64503 (816) 233-9501 www.jci.com

What products are developed and/or manufactured in St. Joseph?

How many workers do you employ?

Johnson Controls manufactures lead-acid batteries for just about every type of car, light truck and utility vehicle on the road.

Globally, Johnson Controls has 142,000 employees. The Power Solutions business has more than 11,000 employees in 35 plants around the world. In St. Joseph, we employ more than 698 employees between the manufacturing plant and our distribution center.

How are your products distributed?

Our batteries are distributed multiple ways -- directly to automakers so they can be put in new cars, to auto dealerships for their service centers, to autoparts and mass merchant stores so consumers can buy replacement batteries, and to wholesale distributors who cater directly to service technicians and mechanical shops.

Johnson Controls in St. Joseph is part of a larger global company. How does the work done in St. Joseph relate to the other parts of your company?

Johnson Controls is a global company with three unique, yet connected business units. Our 142,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings, lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, and interior systems for automobiles. All of our businesses are committed to sustainability, which dates back to our roots in 1885 with the invention of the first electric room thermostat.

Why did your company choose to locate in St. Joseph and what keeps you here?

We’ve been in St. Joseph for 38 years, during which time our plant and distribution center have proven to be among the top performing locations in the company. The people here are dedicated and committed to nothing but the best when it comes to safety, quality, and productivity, and it shows in the products that we ship out of our doors. We’re proud to host other employees from around the world for training, as well as various members of our global leadership team for group tours.

You’ve hired about 100 people in the last year. What has spurred this growth?

As the automotive industry has continued to rebound, we’ve seen increased demand for batteries and we’re ramping up to support that demand.

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

Renewal of Sales Tax Defeated

by Voters in August Election

Voters defeated the renewal of Buchanan County’s Capital Improvement and Economic Development Sales Tax in an election on Aug. 2. The issue did not receive a large voter turnout.

Only 11 percent of registered voters cast their ballot in the election and the issue failed with 3,680 no votes and 2,446 yes votes – or a 60 to 40 percent margin.

“I was surprised by the percentage, that’s what is disappointing – voter turnout,” said R.T. Turner, Presiding Commissioner of Buchanan County.

Mr. Turner said commissioners started promoting the tax in April on the radio and that television and newspaper coverage was very supportive of the tax.

Voters had approved the quartercent sales tax since 1987. The funds the tax generated paid for capital building expenditures, infrastructure and equipment for the county. But most importantly from the Chamber prospective is that it funded economic development efforts.

From 2007 to 2010, the tax generated $11.5 million. About $3.4 million of that went towards economic development efforts.

Since 2007, some of those funds were used for attraction or expansion projects like: the Chiefs Training Camp, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences, Eastowne Business Park, Mitchell Woods Business Park, Lifeline Foods, Triumph Foods, Sunshine Electronic Display, I&M Machine and Fabrication Corp., Nestle-Purina Pet Care, Ag Processing and more. Those funds helped create 1,776 jobs, almost $56 million in new payroll and more than $365 million in capital investment.

The only difference between the tax on the August ballot and previous ballots was that the sunset clause was removed.

“It’s apparent that some voters prefer a sunset clause, which is being reconsidered for the next election,” said Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber.

“The County Commissioners decided to remove the sunset clause because they believed that since the measure had been approved since 1987, that the public could save the $50,000 or so it costs to run an election each time it expires. They thought that if the public wasn’t satisfied with how the funds were being spent, that they would vote them out of office.”

Besides the sunset clause, supporters point to a couple of reasons why they believe the tax didn’t pass.

“There were a lot of things that helped contribute to it,” Mr. Turner said. For one, a recent reassessment may have been on the minds of some voters, he said.

Mr. Allison pointed to the bad timing of having this election in correlation with events like flooding and the looming debt ceiling crisis.

The tax doesn’t expire until the end of 2012, so there is time for supporters to have the tax approved again. Mr. Allison would like to see the issue be put in front of voters sooner than later, and on a singleissue ballot.

“This gives ample opportunity to educate voters on the issue, rather than be mingled with other issues or a candidate-driven election,” he said.

Mr. Turner said the county will definitely run the issue again, and will decide in the next couple of weeks when that will happen.

Mr. Allison said putting the sunset clause back in may be the key to the measure being approved.

“The opposition only took issue with the lack of a sunset provision,” Mr. Allison said. “A spokesperson for the opposition said he didn’t have an issue with how the money was spent.”

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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Heartland Foundation Reports on emPowerU Successes Column and Photos Submitted by Heartland Foundation

Since 2005, Heartland Foundation has offered schools and communities unique, field-tested learning experiences with the intent of nurturing creativity along with developing civic and workforce development skills in young people.

Located at emPowerU, this one-of-a-kind youth agenda focuses on each young person’s ability to learn and be successful.

Years of independent evaluative research tell us that this approach is working. Delivering both school and community-based programs, a combination of hands-on activities gives participants real world experiences in community problemsolving and project-based learning.

The inquiry-based learning model promotes: n The ability to think creatively and innovatively n The opportunity to collaborate

WE SEE

and learn how to effectively work in teams n An appreciation for diversity n The ability to research and locate information n Multiple learning pathways to accommodate different learning styles and abilities n The advancement of technology skills n Good decision-making n Leadership qualities n Linking core classes to meaningful experiential learning activities n An understanding that each person can make a meaningful difference in building and sustaining communities n Transformative learning

Since 2005, more than 15,000 young people have been a part of this youth empowerment agenda.

These school- and community-based programs are experiencing good

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results, with the last six months of satisfaction scores collected from youth, teachers, adult sponsors, and volunteers reaching an all-time high of greater than 99 percent.

In addition, Kansas State University’s E3 team gives a sharper picture by measuring the progress of young people. Results show a statistically significant difference.

The students who participate in emPowerU programs range from top performing students to those at risk.

As one juvenile offender from the emPower Me program said, “It helps you get better at life skills…and not only are you helping…you’re also learning.”

Another participant summed his experience up in this way, “Before, I never spoke up and shared my ideas.

Now I have confidence, and I’m not afraid to speak up. I know I have

good ideas and can make a difference.”

From those youthled teams that championed a service-learning project, extraordinary stories were captured as a result of their participation in emPowerU programs. Addressing the needs of homeless youth and providing an open door for those in need of health care were just two major issues students addressed this past year. Through these realworld experiences, young people are realizing that one person can make a difference, and everyone deserves a chance to do so.

Heartland Foundation is always looking for ways to improve its programs. An experienced team is now working on a number of new opportunities. This enrichment is critical to stay at the forefront in creating the next iteration of real world, hands-on learning.

Creating healthier, more livable communities starts with education.

At the same time, innovation and excellence must be promoted in our communities and the region to assure that the very best learning experiences for youth are provided.

Past successes and lessons learned will help us get there. From new

St. Joseph Business journal problem-solving challenges and taking technology to the next level, Heartland Foundation hopes to incubate new pathways for learning and building healthier communities.

Recognizing the accomplishments of young people who have become involved in emPowerU programs is something all of us need to pay attention to -- now and in the future.

When our youth see the value of their education, realize the power of their

Summer 2011 own voice, can work successfully with others in finding solutions for important issues, and can count themselves as community contributors, our nation and our communities will become healthier.

Education levels will rise. A prepared workforce will be in place. Qualified workers will attract quality jobs. The economy will thrive. And we will experience better health and a much better quality of life where we live, learn, work, and play.

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emPowerU Programs: Healthy Communities Investor Council Healthy Partnerships Northwest Missouri P-20 Council

emPower Me emPower Plant Jump Starters Project Fit Public Achievement

Former Public Works Director Bruce Woody Named City Manager knowledge on his positive attributes.

“The national search was a learning experience for this Council,” said Mayor Bill Falkner. “We have full faith with what he’ll bring to this position and fully believe he’s the right choice for this community.”

The other finalists were Patrick Banger of O’Fallon, Mo.; James Payne of Rio Rancho, N.M.; Stephen Ted Allison presents Bruce Woody with a Pony Express Rasmussen of Jefferson statue for his new office in St. Joseph’s City Hall.

City, Mo.; and Gary Shimun of Davie, Fla.

Longtime City of St. Joseph Mr. Woody replaces Police Chief Chris Public Works Director turned out to Connally, who served as interim city be the best man for the city manager job after a nationwide search ended in manager after previous city manager Vince Capell took a job in the same July. position in Kingsville, Texas, in March.

Mr. Woody, who had been

“I’m really looking forward to the public works director since working with him as city manager,” 1997, had previously worked for Mr. Falkner said. “Bruce, I hope you’re the governments of Olathe, Kan., here for a long time.”

Kansas City, Kan., and the Missouri

Ted Allison, President and CEO Department of Transportation. Even of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber, said though he didn’t grow up in St. he was impressed with Mr. Woody Joseph, he considers St. Joseph home. during the search process.

“I’ve been in this community

“You really wowed us with your for 16 years and we’re raising our plan,” Mr. Allison said. “From where children here,” Mr. Woody said at a the Chamber sits, we thought, ‘Wow, Chamber reception held in his honor this guy can do it.’” on Aug. 4. “St. Joseph was my father’s

Mr. Allison also said he was hometown and I have fond memories impressed with how Mr. Woody had of it going back to the 1960s.” nothing but respect for the previous

Mr. Woody’s long-term city manager. experience with the City gave City

While Mr. Woody didn’t want to Council members plenty of previous

give out too many details on his plan for the future, he said he’s looking forward to the City being a more inclusive, responsible government.

“Historically, St. Joseph has given very good services in a consistent manner, but we may have lost sight of being more responsive,” Mr. Woody said. “I’d like to see the City provide services more quickly and effect a quick change.”

About 60 community and business leaders attended the gathering in Mr. Woody’s honor at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art to

congratulate and support him in his new role.

“Bringing Bruce on board was one of my better decisions as city manager,” said Patt Lilly, former city manager and former president and CEO of the Chamber.

Mr. Woody was thankful for the large turnout and said he hoped all present would continue to show support for the City.

Catering for the event was donated by Luna’s Fine Dining.

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

EconomicUpdate

Top 10 Employers Heartland Health Triumph Foods, LLC St. Joseph School District Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Altec Industries American Family Insurance Sara Lee Foods City of St. Joseph Western Reception, Diagnostic & Correctional Center Missouri Western State University

8

Health Services Meat Products Education Animal Pharmaceuticals

3,175 2,740 1,807 974

Utility Industry Equipment Insurance Meat Products Government Prison

940 757 700 665 576

Education

534

Demographics

St.Joseph

business... by the good better life ! umbers

Unemployment (May)

Population Housing units

76,197 32,495

St. Joseph Missouri

7.9 percent 8.9 percent

Average family size

3

United States

9.1 percent

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Sopharmia Combats Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in St. Joseph Article and Photo Submitted by Missouri Western State University

Anyone who has taken an antibiotic, been in the hospital or kept up with the news knows about the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Now there’s good news: A biopharmaceutical company that was created to combat the problem has moved into the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator on Western’s campus.

Dr. Larry Sutton, who holds both a medical degree and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, invented a method to modify antibiotics so the drug can not only do its job and destroy the bacteria causing the illness, but also destroy the bacteria’s mechanism that causes antibiotic resistance. In 2009, he founded a privately-held company, Sopharmia, and serves as its CEO. “Antibiotic resistance is a medical crisis,” Dr. Sutton said. “What we’re doing will combat that problem. It’s an urgent crisis.”

Dr. Sutton currently has two global patent applications for his inventions.

He says if Sopharmia is successful in producing the drug, it could become a $1 billion-per-year industry.

Last year, the company had grown to a point where they needed more space, and Dr. Sutton began exploring options in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri before deciding on the St. Joseph location.

“This is perfect for us, the facilities are excellent,” he said. “I haven’t seen any incubator like this. It sets the stage for success.”

Dr. Sutton said he also appreciates the support from the Missouri Technology Corporation, Missouri Western, the City, the County, MoKAN Development, Inc., and the St. Joseph Metro Chamber.

“Dr. Clapp knows what it takes to get a start-up going,” Dr. Sutton said, speaking of Dr. Gary Clapp, CEO of the Institute of Industrial and Applied Life Sciences and director of the incubator.

Sopharmia moved into the incubator this past May and the St. Joseph Metro Chamber held a ribbon cutting ceremony in June.

Lawrence Obstfeld, chairman of the board of directors of Sopharmia, traveled from his home in New York for the ribbon cutting.

“We see a place where very talented people can work, afford their homes, park their cars and walk right into work,” he said. “We can do this because we have great facilities and great people.”

Sopharmia is renting almost 1,900 square feet of laboratory and office space in Sopharmia, Missouri Western State University and Chamber representatives celebrate the ribbonthe incubator, and cutting ceremony in the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator. the seven employees also have additional access to the incubator’s industrial lab.

“It’s fantastic,” Dr. Sutton said.

“We don’t have to build our own infrastructure.”

Dr. Clapp said the incubator’s Since 1889. industrial lab, acquired through a grant from the Department of Labor and Health and Human Services, has equipment that most incubators do not have.

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“We have trained our staff to work alongside the Sopharmia staff and assist them in measurements needed on their compounds,” Dr. Clapp said.

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King City, Burlington Junction, The incubator, which opened in 2008, Kansas City-North has just one space open for a lab and office.

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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The Boys Are Back in Town Chiefs Return to St. Joseph for Summer Training Camp

In early July, St. Joseph had something in common with 31 other cities. Like other communities that host NFL training camps, St. Joseph leaders were waiting on pins and needles to find out if the NFL lockout would end and if the Chiefs would return in 2011 for its second year of camp.

On July 25 it was announced nationally that NFL players and owners had finally reached an agreement to end the 130-day lockout. Just three days later, Chiefs players and personnel arrived at the dormitories at Missouri Western State University. Practice started the next day.

How did Western pull camp preparations together that quickly?

It helped that 2011 was the camp’s

second year at Western.

“The general set up was familiar to many of the list of people who worked with the Chiefs training camp last year,” said Dan Nicoson, Vice President for University Advancement, Executive Director of the MWSU Foundation and Interim Athletic Director. “I visited with Mark Donovan, Chiefs president, at the night practice on Aug. 3 and he said that his staff told him that despite the delays of the lockout, that when they arrived here everything was ready.”

That was thanks to Western staff preparing for camp a month in advance, despite the uncertainty of whether camp would actually be held.

“Our grounds crew, led by Bruce Whitsell, began about a month

prior to the camp putting up the fence that surrounds the practice fields, placing bleachers, setting up barriers throughout the campus, putting down gravel in key locations and much more,” Mr. Nicoson said.

But it takes much more than physical labor to make the camp run smoothly. He said Mike Halloran coordinates operations inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex and other facilities that involve working with the Chiefs football team and personnel. Brett Esely heads the team that operates the public areas of the training camp, which includes parking crews, security, trash cleanup crews, site set up for events, and more. Patty Kuechler, in the Western Institute, coordinates all needs through conference services, including player and Chiefs personnel housing, team food service and catering, telephone services, and much more. Patsy Smith oversees the financial management, including processing all purchase orders, collecting funds from parking staffs, reconciling funds, etc.

Even the community Red Rally that kicked off the first day of practice (coordinated by the St. Joseph Metro Chamber and the City of St. Joseph) came together quickly. However,

some attributes of the 2010 camp had to be left out in 2011 because of time constraints. In the camp’s first year in St. Joseph, community leaders from Western, the Chamber and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, coordinated a Red Carpet Blitz and “Ask Me About Chiefs Camp” campaign to showcase St. Joseph’s excellent customer service.

“I know that we received many compliments in 2010 because visitors were well served and noted the hospitality that these efforts represented,” Mr. Nicoson said.

“These were visible signs of St. Joseph’s welcome to visitors and of our enthusiasm for the camp. I don’t know that I think fans’ experience this year suffered (because the programs weren’t held), but the added touches of these programs last year were noted and appreciated.”

At least some visitors recognized St. Joseph’s regular customer service strengths without the blitz from the year before. Andy Johnson and Neil Claspill work in Overland Park, Kan., and stayed the night in St. Joseph to attend two days of training camp.

“This town turns into Chiefs Country,” Mr. Claspill said at a local restaurant before an evening practice.

St. Joseph Business journal

Mr. Johnson agreed, “Everybody here is nice,” he said.

Shelby Coxon, a Western alumna, traveled up from Kansas City for the same night practice as Mr. Claspill and Mr. Johnson.

“I was always insanely jealous of those who could go to River Falls (Wisc.),” she said. “Even though this is a very busy time at work, having them in St. Joseph, I can still sneak away a little early to come see them practice.

I hope to come up every year.”

She said she was very happy to see the Chiefs return to Missouri in 2010 and she was especially glad to see them come to St. Joseph, where she lived during college and for a year after she graduated.

“I think it’s a very positive message coming from the Chiefs that they are supporting the community and their fans by being here,” Ms. Coxon said.

Jack and Jannette Fleck, St. Joseph residents, agree that the benefits of Chiefs camp being in St.

Summer 2011

Joseph are many.

“It enhances our ability for revenue in our community and St. Joseph becomes a point of reference in Kansas City,” Mr. Fleck said.

Having the Kansas City Chiefs here provides St. Joseph with the kind of exposure a community could never afford. The Flecks said they come out to camp a couple of times each year.

They were confident the Chiefs would return to St. Joseph in 2011, despite the lockout fears.

“I felt better about us having a football season than I did the debt ceiling being settled,” Mr. Fleck said.

The last day of camp in St. Joseph was Aug. 17, a day before the Business Journal was published, so final attendance figures weren’t available by this edition’s deadline.

The extreme heat the Midwest experienced the first week of August clearly had some effect on attendance and the lockout may have delayed some travel plans. Also, free agent veterans weren’t able to join practices

11

at the beginning of camp, so some fans may have waited to come to camp until they could see the whole team, Mr. Nicoson said. Despite these factors, loyal Chiefs fans filled the bleachers on a consistent basis.

“Attendance thus far has been good,” Mr. Nicoson said.

One family had such a good time in St. Joseph in 2010 that they planned to vacation here with or without the lockout ending.

“I have talked with one family from Wisconsin that I met last year and they returned this year,” Mr. Nicoson said. “They contacted me a couple of weeks before the camp began and said they were coming to St. Joe again with faith that the camp would take place, but they would enjoy visiting St. Joe again whether or not camp took place.”

Far left: fans arrive for an afternoon practice at Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph.

Middle, photo by Brigette Berry Photography, Chiefs quarterbacks practice at camp. Above, Jack and Jannette Fleck attend training camp for a second year.

Community Alliance Displays New Signs Near Schools

The Community Alliance of Saint Joseph has been working with the City of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph School District, business partners and neighborhood associations to place safety reminder signs near elementary schools.

Signs are personalized based on the school, business or area that supports the sign.

“We thought this was a great idea to remind drivers to slow down for children, plus a way to show kids and their parents how valuable children and education are for our community,” said Steve Johnston, Director of the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph.

A total of 13 signs were printed and installed by the City Streets Department in early August -- just in time for school to start.

“Children represent about 25 to 30 percent

of our current population, but they represent 100 percent of our future,” said Rick Gronniger, Altec’s Human Resouce Regional Manager. “At Altec, we realize the children of today represent Altec’s future workforce; fhat’s why we want to support their growth and education in every way possible.”

Altec has been a business partner with Skaith for 10 years.

“Safety is the number one reason our residents live in St. Joseph….safety in our schools, our homes and our neighborhoods,” said Tim Burtner, President of the Lovers Lane Neighborhood Association. “The Lovers Lane Neighborhood Association wanted to step forward and do our part to promote protecting our kids. Quite simply, it’s community pride.”

Altec Industries and the Lovers Lane Neighborhood Association have assisted in kicking off this project.

St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal

Summer 2011

12

Missouri Western Graduates Awarded Chocolate Stores Article Submitted by Missouri Western State University Three Missouri Western State University graduates recently won the opportunity to operate, and eventually own, their own store, thanks to a unique program offered by the Steven L. Craig School of Business.

Allison Humphrey, Triston Jones and Leslie Oberg are the latest graduates of the School of Business to win the chance to own and operate their own Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store.

Ms. Humphrey, Ms. Jones, Ms. Oberg and seven other students in a senior-level class this spring created business plans for the store. Four finalists presented their plans to an interview panel made up of three previous winners; representatives of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, including Frank Crail, the company’s founder, president and CEO; Steve Craig, founder and president of Craig Realty Group and benefactor of the Craig School of Business; other business leaders; Western faculty

members; and Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western’s president.

“I think it’s absolutely terrific,” Mr. Crail said of the entrepreneurship opportunity provided by the business school and Rocky Mountain.

“There are great partnerships.”

He also complimented how the business school prepares graduates to be successful Steven Craig, benefactor of the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University, entrepreneurs.

“The ones in announces the latest Missouri Western graduates to win the chance to operate their own business. the program are City, Mo., graduated in May with a doing a fantastic served as a Western VIP and a Griffon business administration degree in job,” he said. “When I was their age, I Edge Leader. Ms. Jones was employed both marketing and management. wish I had had their experience and as a temporary worker in human She worked as a financial aid office knowhow when I began.” resources and public relations at assistant at Western and a sales Ms. Humphrey, from Kansas Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., associate at a Bath and Body Works where she also completed a human store in Kansas City, and completed resources internship. She previously a marketing internship at Special worked as a teller at Commerce Bank Olympics of Northwest Missouri and as a seasonal employee in the earlier this year. She has been an marketing department at Knapheide active Manufacturing member of Company in Quincy, Western’s Ill. Student She and her Government husband Steven went Association to Vicksburg, Miss., and the for her two-week professional internship at a Rocky business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, Mountain store. and participated in the university’s “It was an awesome experience, Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge. very hands-on,” she said. “We learned “I was very excited,” she said what we would be doing if we got about learning of the class. She knew a store. After the first couple days, Brady Ellis, one of the store winners I said, ‘I can definitely see us doing last year. “I decided I really wanted this.’” to do it…The older I got, the more I Ms. Oberg, from Kansas realized I had the skills to work for City, Mo., graduated in May with a myself.” business administration degree in Ms. Jones, from Maywood, both accounting and finance. She Mitchell Woods Mo., graduated in May 2010 with a was active in the Professional Student Business Park business administration degree in Investment Organization and was marketing.

She was active in Western’s inducted into Alpha Chi, the honors 816-387-8180 Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and society for the top 10 percent of

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St. Joseph Business journal juniors and seniors. Ms. Oberg was a sales agent for USA 800 in St. Joseph, where she won numerous awards for sales conversion. She previously worked as a front desk shift leader at a Sleep Inn in Kansas City.

She said the experience was like “none other, I’m 22 years old and someone’s saying I can be a business owner.”

The program to present graduates with this unique business opportunity was founded in 2009

by Mr. Craig, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Western. The goal is to speed up the training and development of entrepreneurs at Missouri Western. Mr. Craig provides initial capital for the stores, which the graduates pay back over time.

The young entrepreneurs receive ongoing support from the Craig School of Business faculty and Advisory Council.

The 10 students in the Management 499: Special Topics: Applied Entrepreneurship course were required to research the product, industry and market to assess the potential, then develop a business plan that articulated that potential and how they would operate the business successfully.

They presented those business plans to a steering committee comprised of Dr. Philip Nitse, dean of the Craig School of Business; Carol Roever, professor emeritus; and members of the Craig School of Business

Summer 2011 Advisory Council. The steering committee selected the four finalists.

“One of the finalists described it as the most challenging class she’s taken because she had to find all of the information and figure out what was relevant and what it meant for the possible business, and then organize her analysis and decisionmaking into a cogent plan,” said Michael West, the faculty member who taught the course. “This type of analysis will help all of the students in their future endeavors, whether they start their own business or not.

Businesses of all sizes go through these processes, and the leaders are those who understand how all of the pieces work together. These students have had the opportunity to see the big picture.”

Six Western alumni are currently operating three stores awarded since the program began: Seth and Kelsey Lyons in Silverthorne, Colo.; Brady Ellis and TyAnn Williamson in Vicksburg, Miss.; and Robert and Danelle Schimming in Lake Elsinore, Calif.

This year’s winners traveled to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory headquarters in Durango, Colo., for eight days of training and took over their stores on July 1. Ms. Oberg is working in Williamsburg, Iowa; Ms. Humphrey is working at the Oak View Mall in Omaha, Neb.; and Ms. Jones is working in the Westroads Mall in Omaha, Neb.

Winners pose with their family and Missouri Western State University officials.

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Boehringer Awarded County Funds

On Friday, July 15, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner R.T. Turner presented a check in the amount of $100,000 to Dave Roberts, COO of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. This check represents the final installment in an incentive package for BIVI that will lead to nearly $160 million of capital investment and 124 new jobs, providing more than $22

million of payroll for the St. Joseph economy. This final installment was payable with the commencement of construction on Boehringer’s new administration building, which will house the U.S. headquarters of BIVI. Boehringer will use the money for equipment and training associated with its growing operation in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

14

The Chamber’s Parties on the Parkway Series Celebrates 10 Years

2011

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The St. Joseph community has been enjoying St. Joseph’s scenic Parkway system while listening to live music for 10 years. The St. Joseph Metro Chamber organizes Parties on the Parkway each year as a way to provide St. Joseph employees and the general public a way to unwind once a month from May until September.

“Parties on the Parkway is a great outdoor concert series that offers food and entertainment,” said Natalie Redmond, Vice President of Membership at the St. Joseph Metro Chamber.

“We try to feature different bands each year, but in our 10th year, we’re featuring bands that have played during the last 10 years as sort of an anniversary celebration.“

Bands run the gamut in genre, from rock, oldies and country to original music.

“The St. Joseph community is really fortunate to have a wonderful Parkway system,” she said. “It

really is an asset and a treasure in our community. It is a partnership between the Chamber and the City of St. Joseph, as well as many volunteers, to come together and let people see from the North End to the South End the different attractions we have throughout the Parkway system.”

Each year Parties on the Parkway starts at one end of the Parkway in May and moves each month in the other direction, so by September the entire length of the 26-mile Parkway is covered.

“The Parkway can be somewhat of a hidden treasure, so with the City, we wanted to let residents uncover the treasure at this free event,” Ms. Redmond said. “It is very important to us that this event remain free. Part of the proceeds generated by beverage and T-shirt sales goes back into Parkway beautification efforts.”

Parties on the Parkway has always been a family-friendly event.

“The Chamber wants everyone

St. Joseph Business journal to feel welcome,” she said. “We want people to bring their children, grandparents and pets and see people you maybe haven’t seen in years.”

The Phil Vandel Band played at Parties on the Parkway in 2009 and was featured as a fan favorite in the anniversary series. Mr. Vandel played with different bands at previous Parties. He was interviewed for a piece on Parties on the Parkway for Art Beat, a Missouri Western State University production.

“The thing about Parties on the Parkway is it showcases a part of St. Joe that a lot of people don’t realize exists unless you’re from here, which is our Parkway system,” Mr. Vandel said on Art Beat. “For me, each time I play, and this is the second time I’ve played in this particular location, I see that every location has its own unique qualities.”

He said Parties on the Parkway offers a chance for family and friends to get together and enjoy one of

Summer 2011

15

The Party Isn’t Over Yet

There is one more Parties on the Parkway this year!

Don’t miss your chance to win an iPad2, if you’ve had your Party Passport stamped at three of the five Parties on the Parkway this year.

5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8 (Rain Date Sept. 15) Northside Complex True North will play its country music

St. Joseph’s treasures. In this, the 10th year of Parties on the Parkway, residents can win some treasures as well. Residents who come to three of the five events and have their “Party Passport” stamped have a chance to win an iPad2 and other great prizes from series sponsors at the finale.

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

16

KCK Leaders Share Experiences

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Officials from the combined government of Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County spoke to the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph in June about the benefits of working together.

“We’re not here to sell consolidation,” said Wyandotte County Administrator Dennis Hayes.

Steve Johnston, Director of the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph, said he invited the officials to St. Joseph to speak, not to showcase consolidation, but to show that “if you have a strategic plan, it will work.”

However, Kansas City, Kan., Mayor Joe Reardon did say that the consolidation had its perks. It allowed government officials to show citizens the progress it had been making and helped reinvent its image.

“We were able to focus more on our fundamentals, like public safety and quality of life issues,” Mr. Reardon said.

The Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County area has had some big name developments in the past few years that have helped improve its image.

“The same day voters approved our consolidation in 1997 was the same day people from International Speedway came to visit, but that was just a coincidence,” Mr. Hayes said.

Since then the Legends at Village West shopping area and the Livestrong Sporting Park have become huge draws to the area.

“Sporting KC, soccer and racing have more of a glow, but we’re also focused on staying a manufacturing

area and Class A office for economic development,” Mr. Reardon said.

“Those jobs help support the residential area, as well as the retail area.”

Focusing on residents and where they live is a big part of the unified government’s next step in its plan.

“We had a dead last ranking in health in Kansas two years ago,” Mr. Reardon said. “We need to develop a strategic plan for overall health and the social and economic factors that go along with it.”

He said they are also working on a complete street program, making new sidewalks and areas that allow it to be easier for children to play.

Unifying governments was not like waving a magic wand to solve all of the area’s problems; however, it did solve some issues in the past that aren’t relevant today.

“The political infighting between the city and the county dissolved,” Mr. Reardon said. “The lesson we learned from our experience in consolidation was that it allowed us to focus on what the citizens expected us to be doing.”

While it may seem appealing to combine governments to save duplication of efforts and save money, Mr. Hayes warned that shouldn’t be the only reason to unify.

“Containing the cost of government happens, but it’s not the most important part,” he said. “Yes, there are savings, but there are also some increased costs.”

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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DowntownDigest Information provided by the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership

Felix Street Streetscape Improvements Complete

Strolling along Felix Street between Third and 10th streets is now a more pleasant experience as the Felix Street Streetscape project is now complete.

The project was designed to create a more pedestrianfriendly environment downtown.

The improvements included new sidewalks, brick pavers, landscape nodes, new benches, trash cans and informational signs.

Additional parking was added to the 700 block of Felix Street on the north side. The concept is back-in parking, which is a new concept for the community. Research shows that it is a safer way to park diagonally.

Funding for this project was provided by the city’s Capital Improvement Tax and the Special Business District. The Special Business District is a special tax paid by downtown property owners to fund capital improvements in the district.

Bluegrass Festival Moves Downtown….

Bluegrass Battles Hunger will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25 at Felix Street Square in downtown St. Joseph.

Several bands will perform both Saturday and Sunday including Saturday’s headliner, Sierra Hull and Highway 111 and Sunday’s headliner, Head for the Hills.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. both days, so bring a lawn chair and a non-perishable food or cash donation to support the Second Harvest Community Food Bank and listen to some of the area’s best bluegrass music.

Floodfest 2011

A benefit to assist the victims of the 2011 Missouri River flood will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 3 p.m. downtown.

The 500 block of Felix Street will be closed, as well as Fifth Street between Francis and Edmond

streets to host a special car and bike show.

The show will be judged by the participants at the event. The top three entries earning the most money for the cause will be given prizes.

Other activities include food vendors and family activities. A silent auction with lots of cool prizes will be held in conjunction with the event. T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Live music will begin at Hammerjack’s starting at 3 p.m.

The schedule of great music groups playing is as follows: 3 p.m. -- Jeff Lux Band 4 p.m. -- Borderline 6:30 p.m. -- Harvesting Jayne 9 p.m. -- BOCC

Flood Fest 2011 is a fundraising event for the Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund for area flood victims.

Best Party Ever -To Be Held At The Historic Missouri Theatre You are invited to join RQ2,

KQTV, Eagle Communications, HyVee, Thomas, Spenser, Hook and Hicks, Commerce Bank, Hillyard and Vintage Home Health for a swinging night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Join the celebration and partake of food (heavy hors d’oeuvres), various vendors and entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 10, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ourcommuityfoodbank.org/ best_party.

Mingle, dance and cheer Second Harvest’s 30 years of serving Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. You won’t want to miss this shindig!

Bikers and Blues Returns to Coleman Hawkins Park

The cool sounds of the blues will return to Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square on Sept. 10.

The Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society is proud to host a spectacular lineup of blues artists for its annual Bikes and Blues Festival beginning at 11 a.m.

12-1:30 p.m. -- Coyote Bill and the Wild Ones 1:45-3 p.m. -- Blue 88 3:15-4:30 p.m. -- Leveetown 4:45-6 p.m. -- The Old Crows 6:15-7 p.m. -- Little Joe Big Trouble 7:45-9 p.m. -- Frank Plas and the Silvertones

A bike show (any bike, motorized or not) will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Winners will be selected for oldest bike, bike with the most miles and people’s choice.

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

Growing Our Economy with Local Support

You may have heard about the business incubators located on the campuses of Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) and Missouri Western State University (MWSU), or, maybe you haven’t. So, let me explain what an incubator is and why Northwest Missouri is fortunate to have two of them in our backyard.

Business incubators are places where an entrepreneur can access a network of resources, including office space, laboratories, personnel, business consultants, and more, so that the entrepreneur has the business support necessary to improve his or her chances of turning a start-up or an invention into reality. Many of

these facilities offer below-market leases and shared personnel costs to help business owners diminish startup and operating costs. Incubators are located around the world, and for good reason. Each time an entrepreneur succeeds, it’s not just a success for the entrepreneur, but a success for the local economy. As more businesses succeed, the tax base grows as jobs are created and sales revenues increase. This is a winwin situation.

NWMSU’s incubator in Maryville, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), is a mixeduse incubator with an emphasis on technology companies that allows

18

SmallBusinessMatters

businesses from all industries to apply. The CIE also offers nanoscience lab equipment available to tenants or to third party contract use.

This is an amazing find in northwest Missouri!

MWSU’s incubator in St. Joseph, the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator, is a life sciences incubator designed for animal health, as well as human health and nutrition. Both universities offer lab and office space, as well as distribution areas (shipping/receiving) for any products produced by the tenants.

Success stories are expected

from current and future tenants of our local incubators, which are still in their infancy. Other incubators have been around for 30 years and have success stories already, including Peachtree Accounting Software, which grew out of an incubator in the 1980s. As the phrase “grow your own” becomes more and more commonplace in today’s economy, the two incubators mentioned above are doing just that so that we can all prosper. For more information about either incubator, visit the National Business Incubation Association’s website at www.nbia.org and click on “Find a business incubator” on the right hand side of the home page.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is located inside the St. Joseph Metro Chamber. You do not need to be a member of the Chamber to receive services. The SBTDC can complete a walk-through of your business to determine if there are any wastes that are causing your operation to run inefficiently and what can be done to correct those situations. All services performed by the SBTDC are pre-paid by the Small Business Administration, so there is never a charge to the business.

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BusinessBrief Clifton Gunderson Honored as Employer of Excellence by YWCA

Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, announced its St. Joseph office was named the Employer of Excellence by the St. Joseph YWCA.

Clifton Gunderson was honored with this award at the 2011 Women of Excellence Luncheon on June 16.

The YWCA Women of Excellence awards honor, recognition, and celebration of women and businesses that make an impact on the future of women in

the community.

Women and businesses were awarded in the following categories: • Lifetime Achievement • Employer of Excellence • Emerging Leader • Future Leader • Woman in Support Services • Woman in Volunteerism • Woman in the Workplace

“Clifton Gunderson has many programs in place that promote a culture of developing female leadership,” said Betty Akard, partner-in-charge of the firm’s St. Joseph office. “Our firm takes great pride in these programs and we are honored to be recognized by the St. Joseph YWCA as an Employer of Excellence.”

St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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MemberProfile Karr’s Lawn Service P.O. Box 9005, St. Joseph MO 64508 (816) 387-4069 karrslawnservice@windstream.net

Local | Accurate | Innovative

In Print

This edition’s member profile features Karr’s Lawn Service, a Chamber member since 2001.

Owned by Craig Kerr, the business provides all kinds of lawn maintenance for residential and commercial customers. Services offered include items needed yearround – like grass cutting and some landscaping in the spring and summer; snow removal from parking lots, drives and sidewalks in the winter; and lawn and leaf cleanup in the fall.

Mr. Karr said he’s been in business for 16 years and has six seasonal employees.

When asked what has helped keep his small business going for 16 years, Mr. Karr said his staff’s exemplary customer service.

“We call people back when they

call us,” he said. “We form personal relationships with our customers and give them a quick response when they need it.”

For instance, recently a customer called him at 6 a.m. from his hospital bed and Karr’s Lawn Service responded to his need. Flexibility is very important in his line of work.

Mr. Karr said it’s a toss-up of when his staff is busiest – the summer or the winter.

“It all depends on Mother Nature,” he said.

At the end of the day, what it takes to succeed in a small business is determination to make it through the rough times. For instance, now Mr. Karr said times are tough because of high fuel prices. But it also takes “a lot of hard work,” he said.

Thinking of joining the Chamber?

Call 232-4461 or visit www.saintjoseph. com for more information

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St. Joseph Business journal

Summer 2011

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