Hillyard Invests Heavily in Downtown
Spring 2016
Decision retains jobs & redevelops WireCo Property
Remembering Floods of 1993 and 2011 How fl oods affect St. Joseph businesses
Photo courtesy of St. Joseph News-Press
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Weekly Cup of Joe Speaker Series Brings Entrepreneurs Together
everything is possible
Purchased two businesses within one year.
Entrepreneurs and business supporters gather each week for Cup of Joe. Now entering its second year, the Cup of Joe entrepreneurship gatherings continue to attract large crowds of community members each week. The grassroots program, inspired by the Kauffman Foundation’s 1 Million Cups program in Kansas City, offers local businesses the opportunity to share their experience with a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and fellow business owners. Each week, two entrepreneurs prepare a brief presentation, telling their business story. Then they answer audience questions. Entrepreneurs gain feedback while connecting with the community and fellow business owners. “It’s amazing to see how people have made connections and come back week after week,” said retired banker Jerry Ingle. “No matter what the entrepreneur’s venture is, there is always something I learn.” Jerry has been attending the gatherings regularly since its inception. To date, more than 100 entrepreneurs have shared their stories with community members. “Our audience size varies from week to week, but our normal gathering is around 50 people,” said Bobbie Bell, one of the entrepreneurs that is on the group’s steering committee. Cup of Joe supporters recently
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traveled to Kansas City to experience the gathering that inspired the local initiative, attending a 1 Million Cups meeting at the Kauffman Foundation. The 1 Million Cup program takes place every Wednesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. in communities around the world. Locally, Cup of Joe meets at the St. Joseph Public Library by East Hills Shopping Center. Supporters gather around 8:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the first presenter starting at 9 a.m. Cup of Joe is hosted by a group of entrepreneurs that rotate emceeing each week’s event. Several community entities also collaborate to organize the weekly meetings, identify presenters, locate coffee sponsors and market the event. The gatherings are free, and all are welcome to attend. For details on who is presenting each week, visit the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ cupofjoestjoe
Ross Theesen ’15 and Mackenzie Evans ’15, owners of two Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be an entrepreneur? If you are an
alumnus of the Craig School of Business, you are eligible for this opportunity! Call Pam Klaus, Director of Franchise Programs, at (816) 262-9769 or email pklaus@missouriwestern.edu for details.
www.missouriwestern.edu/business/ franchiseprogram
75068357
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
BUSINESS JOURNAL INDEX
a publication of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Published May 28, 2016
Weekly Cup of Joe Speaker Series Brings Entrepreneurs Together....................2 Economic Update..........................................................................................4 St. Joseph Port Celebrates New Equipment & Future of MO River Commerce.5 Hillyard Invests in Redevelopment & Expansion Project Downtown............6 Small Business Matters..................................................................................7 Remembering the Floods of 1993 and 2011...............................................8
Downtown Digest.......................................................................................10 MWSU Entrepreneurship Celebrates Franchise Program............................12 Member Profile: Math Lab and More.........................................................13 Parties on the Parkway Concerts Move Music Through St. Joseph........14 Business Briefs............................................................................................15 Blunt to St. Joseph Ag Industry:“Food Demand Will Double in 30-40 Years�....16
2016 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman
Directors Stet Schanze Gray Manufacturing Co. Inc. Scott Albers, Nor-Am Ice & Cold Storage
Chair-Elect
Corky Marquart Commerce Bank
Secretary/Treasurer
Matt Robertson CliftonLarsonAllen
President/CEO
R. Patt Lilly St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce
Brian Bradley, St. Joseph News-Press Tom Burke, KCP&L Barbara Burns, B.J. Office Products Inc. Mike Decker, Apple Market Sarah DeGarmo, Rise by Design Dr. Bernd Eichenmueller, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Patti Eiman, First American Title Bill Falkner, City of St. Joseph Tim Knapp, Tim Knapp Construction Co. Dr. Mark Laney, Mosaic Life Care Ronan Molloy, Innovation Stockyard
Dr. Robert Newhart, School District of St. Joseph Tom Richmond, Altec Industries, Inc. Harry Roberts, Buchanan County J.L. Robertson, Rupp Funeral Home Col. Ralph Schwader, 139th Airlift Wing, Mo. Air National Guard Kylee Strough, United Way of Greater St. Joseph Martial Thevenot, Perka Building Frames by Business Logistics, Inc. Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western State University Mark Woodbury, General Counsel, Polsinelli Todd Meierhoffer, Past Chair, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory Brett Esely Diplomats Club Representative, Missouri Western State University Athletics Jodi Bloemker, LEAD Representative, United Way of Greater St. Joseph
STAFF
3003 Frederick ave. 816.232.4461 or 800.748.7856 Kristie Arthur
Director of Workforce Development arthur@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4113
Shannon Jobes
Vice President, Administration jobes@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4111
Kristi Bailey
Director of Communications & Marketing bailey@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4108
Steve Johnston
Director of Community Alliance of Saint Joseph johnston@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4109
Valerie Brandt
Events Coordinator brandt@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4101
Brad Lau
Vice President, Economic Development blau@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4110
Mary Brown
Programs Coordinator brown@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4102
R. Patt Lilly
President & CEO plilly@saintjoseph.com 816.232.4485
Jessica Jackson
Business Retention Specialist jackson@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4103
Clarice McCray
Executive Assistant, Receptionist mccray@saintjoseph.com 816.232.4461
816.364.4873 (fax) www.saintjoseph.com
Natalie Redmond
Vice President, Membership redmond@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4107
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Top 10 Employers Mosaic Life Care Triumph Foods, LLC School District of St. Joseph 139th Airlift Wing Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Missouri Western State University American Family Insurance City of St. Joseph Wal-Mart Johnson Controls
Health Services Meat Products Education Government Animal Pharmaceuticals
3,471 2,767 2,047 1,494 1,191
Education Insurance Government Department Store Manufacturing
820 767 740 712 658
Demographics
www.choosestjoseph.com
Unemployment
(March)
Population Housing units
76,780 32,495
St. Joseph Missouri
4.3 percent 4.2 percent
Average family size
3
United States
5.0 percent
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
St. Joseph’s Port Celebrates New Equipment & Future of Missouri River Commerce The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 7 for the St. Joseph Regional Port Authority Facility. The St. Joseph Regional Port Authority was formed in 1987 and has had a long road of redevelopment efforts in the Stockyards Industrial Park to become a functioning river port and multi-modal facility. The port’s primary interest today is in the area of agricultural logistics, bringing fertilizer into the port for distribution in Northwest Missouri and the states of Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, and shipping grain and dried distiller grains out. Because of the port’s heavy agriculture focus, Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce was the speaker at the event. He discussed having more talks with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about river management issues like navigation and flood control. “We need to have a river that’s predictable,” Mr. Fordyce said. “The way you do that is you get more activity on the river.” The fact that barges have become so scarce on the river is a reason why
the expansion of the port’s capabilities is so vital, Mr. Fordyce said. He said, as paraphrased in a St. Joseph NewsPress article, that it’s cheaper to ferry and receive dry bulk commodities such as grain and agricultural inputs like fertilizer with barges over other transportation modes. “There needs to continue to be a priority on this river,” he said. The actions the authority is taking, he added, are precisely the steps needed to ensure movement of goods on the river — to the four-state area and faroff distances, according to the NewsPress. The port’s development in the past has been largely infrastructure based. The ceremony celebrated the adding of equipment needed to unload bulk product from barges to trucks. The port’s success to this point has largely been made possible by the Missouri Department of Transportation, City of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., of Kansas City, Kan., will operate the port. The Missouri Department of Transportation offered assistance in the form of an $800,000 multimodal
Local leaders and those involved in the ag industry attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the St. Joseph Regional Port Authority. waterways capital grant, with the remainder of funding primarily from Port Authority reserves and the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County each
contributed $36,000 toward a winch system.. The worked is valued at more than $1.1 million.
Community Survey Seeks to Measure St. Joseph Livability The Community Alliance of Saint Joseph is conducting its fourth effort to survey St. Joseph and Buchanan County residents about issues relating to community livability. Surveys were mailed the week of May 9 to 1,800 randomly selected residents of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. These survey results will be compared to the survey results from 2010, 2012 and 2014 to see how the community has progressed. The surveys will be received by
residents in north, east, west, south and midtown parts of St. Joseph and throughout Buchanan County. The residents are randomly selected for statistical validity of +/- 4.5 percent, meaning that if the survey was given 100 times, the results would be the same, +/- 4.5 percent. The survey is distributed through, and analyzed by, ETC Institute, an Olathe, Kan., company that has performed similar surveys in 500 cities throughout the United States.
Catered or Drop-Off Corporate Lunches
“We will compare the 2016 results against the previous surveys in St. Joseph and also again be able to benchmark ourselves against other communities served by ETC,” said Steve Johnston, Director of the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph. St. Joseph would compare some results with Kansas City area suburbs served by ETC, Mr. Johnston said. While St. Joseph and other cities both survey residents on opinions about city services, St. Joseph goes
Private Corporate and Pharmaceutical Dinners
beyond those questions and asks about education, volunteerism, poverty, economic development and arts/culture. All individual survey results are completely confidential. Only the total scores are reported. Results are expected in late June. The Community Alliance will discuss the findings in presentations to the public.
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Spring 2016
Hillyard Invests in Redevelopment and Expansion Project in Downtown
Project retains 200 manufacturing jobs at Hillyard and removes/improves former WireCo property Hillyard Industries, a leading manufacturer and distributor of cleaning and hygiene solutions located in St. Joseph since 1907, announced in March the purchase of property owned by WireCo WorldGroup (“WireCo”), a manufacturer and distributor of wire and synthetic rope. As part of this agreement, Hillyard will build a new manufacturing and national distribution center on 25 acres directly to the north of its current facilities. Both companies share a commitment to the vitality of downtown St. Joseph and are making plans to preserve and promote that purpose. Hillyard has a goal to relocate and modernize its manufacturing and warehousing operations, which have been located downtown since the 1930s. Administrative offices will remain in its current location. “WireCo has a long history in St. Joseph and we wanted that legacy preserved to the best of our ability. Hillyard Industries is a natural fit as their continued commitment to downtown and the local community is an optimal next step for the WireCo property. While we are very disappointed that our St Joseph employees are so negatively affected by the plant closing, we will be pleased to see this redevelopment come to fruition,” said Chris Ayers, CEO of WireCo. WireCo had slowly been closing its facility in St. Joseph for the last 10 years, said R. Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Less than 50 employees worked at the facility at the time of the March announcement. “The big and very positive news for St. Joseph is that Hillyard will acquire the property and plans to expand in St. Joseph,” Lilly said. “The Chamber has been working with Hillyard for about six months on the project and I believe this will secure
an important manufacturer in the community, provide for reuse of an old industrial area and continue the revitalization of downtown.” Demolition and construction is slated to begin between 2019 and 2020, with the goal of Hillyard being fully operational in the new facility beginning in 2021 or 2022. WireCo plans to close its manufacturing facility, while continuing the fabrication division of its business in its current location. Hillyard is committed not only to the physical restoration of downtown St. Joseph, but also to its citizens. Hillyard plans to retain approximately 200 jobs in St. Joseph, while continuing to focus on a strategy for sustainable growth. As a downtown real estate owner, Hillyard has a vested interest in redevelopment. The company explored “greenfield” opportunities that were less expensive and easier to develop, yet agreed to the redevelopment of the WireCo property. As a result, Hillyard is requesting public incentives to make the downtown redevelopment project more financially feasible. “When conversations with WireCo began, it was immediately apparent that we shared the same vision and goal of making decisions that benefit downtown St. Joseph,” said Jim Carolus, president of Hillyard. “We want to provide opportunities for growth and reinvestment among our employees and in the downtown area where Hillyard has thrived for several generations. We are excited about this project and the vitality it will add to our local community.” Hillyard is a privately owned manufacturer and distributor of cleaning and hygiene products located in St. Joseph. Founded by Newton S. Hillyard, the company is committed to helping organizations improve outcomes, lower cleaning costs and deliver results that ensure clean, safe, healthy facilities.
Hillyard Industries, pictured above, has purchased the majority of property at WireCo WorldGroup in St. Joseph as a part of its expansion process. The project will help to continue the economic vitality of downtown St. Joseph and improve the area with the revitalization of the WireCo property.
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
SmallBusinessMatters
4 Leadership Skills to Prevent Business Failure Leadership means different things to different people, such as guidance, administration, direction, governance, control, power, command, rule, dominion, influence, management, supervision, etc. But, to the business owner, leadership needs to be the unifying key to ensure overall success. The failure to lead skillfully will result in overall organizational failure. There are four leadership skills that a business owner should learn to be an accomplished leader and make their business successful. 1. Trust: Gain the trust of your employees and they will be higher performing, more productive, and loyal. To do this, honor your commitments, maintain confidential information, and model honesty. Additionally, don’t forget to take the blame when an error is truly your fault. 2. Team Building: Seek out the strengths and weaknesses of your employees, then use that knowledge to build complimentary teams and delegate responsibilities to the person with the corresponding strength. 3. Knowledge Drive: Business
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owners must seek out wisdom from other experienced entrepreneurs who will act as advisors and mentors to assist with strategic decision. No one person can know everything, so a good leader will work with many different advisors to prevent common mistakes that result in failure. 4. Results Oriented: The best leaders set goals and expectations, then they make their employees accountable for them. To do this, they need to find what motivates their employees, as well as discover methods that let people feel that their contributions are visible and valued. While there are dozens of leadership skills that are important to the success of a business, the four key skills listed above can certainly make or break a business. Fortunately, those skills can be learned. Implementing those skills can be difficult. For example, it may be challenging for you to seek the advice of others and open-up about the problems your business is experiencing. However, to be successful, one must be willing to step outside of their comfort zone, be humble, and learn as much as they can.
EGS Names St. Joseph Site of the Year Expert Global Solutions (EGS), a global leader in outsourced solutions for customer and financial care, recently named St. Joseph as one of its two North American Operations Sites of the Year. Selected for outstanding client and employee satisfaction, commitment to strategic objectives, and dedication to the company’s vision and values, St. Joseph shares this distinction with EGS’ Tucson West, AZ location. Bill Carmack, St. Joseph Site Director, expressed his appreciation for the award: “I am very proud of the employees here at St. Joseph. Their dedication to exceptional customer service, teamwork and creating a positive and fun workplace environment allows us to exceed our clients’ expectations and delight their customers with every interaction. I am
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(816) 233-6055 (816) 233-3209 Fax
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is located inside the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. 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.
Rebecca Lobina, Six Sigma Green Belt Regional Director Small Business & Technology Development Center NWMSU (816) 364-4105, evansr@nwmissouri.edu
1305 S. 59th Street St. Joseph, MO 64507
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honored to work with this talented group of people and truly enjoy coming to work each and every day.” In addition to commemorating their success, the St. Joseph site expects to fill more than 150 positions. These positions offer a competitive base salary plus bonus potential and are all full-time, benefiteligible positions (health/dental coverage, paid time off, as well as 401(k) plans). While the majority of positions are customer service representatives, there are a number of opportunities for individuals with leadership experience. All positions will serve clients in one of the following industries: healthcare and telecommunications. Interested job seekers can learn about EGS careers online at www. egscorp.com/careers.
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Spring 2016
Remembering ‘93 and 2011 How floods affect St. Joseph businesses & residents Rain, rain, go away. This spring has seen more wet days than dry ones, with rain every day in the 15-day forecast, according to the National Weather Service. While the Missouri River in St. Joseph isn’t in danger of flooding at this point this year, the gray skies and regular rainfall are good reminders that there is no stopping Mother Nature. Major flooding of the Missouri River has impacted St. Joseph throughout its history, most notably in 1952 and 1993. The effects of the 1952 flood caused the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to formalize changing the river’s course, which is why Rosecrans Memorial Airport and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard is still a part of St. Joseph, but on the Kansas side of the river. However, the Great Flood of 1993 is fresher in residents’ minds. Some remember losing their jobs. Some remember being without water for days. Others remember the locally iconic image of a Missouri Air Guard plane submerged in muddy Missouri
River water. “We had people sandbagging 24 hours a day, it didn’t help,” said Dick DeShon, former owner of Artesian Ice. A report shortly after the Flood of 93 said that 2,000 jobs were lost, many of which were at major employers Sherwood Medical and Monfort Pork, but some other smaller businesses closed as well. Snorkel took about six months to come back to life. The water plant was put out of commission, meaning residents and businesses didn’t have water for days. “Impact on business was significant, especially for those who use water for processing like Monfort,” said R. Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber Above: 139th Airlift Wing under flood waters in 1993 from St. Joseph Memory of Commerce, who was St. Joseph’s Lane website. All other photos from 1993 courtesy of the St. Joseph News-Press. City Manager at the time. “They St. Joseph,” Lilly said. “The 1993 demanding to know what was decided to close the plant about a flood was a learning experience and being done to protect them, said month after the 1993 flood. a wakeup call. Prior to this, I do not Mary Robertson, City of St. Joseph The rising water also put the believe that people in St. Joseph saw Communications & Public Relations entire south St. Joseph industrial base flooding from the river as a threat. We Manager, who was at the meetings. and the power plant at risk. learned that with the current levees As each storm came and went, “I believe based on my own we are very much at risk.” memories of 1993 were always near. observations that we were just a After flood waters, which reached “For 120 days people were nervous,” matter of hours or an inch or two 32 feet, receded and damage was DeShon said. “It’s going to happen more from losing the levee in south repaired as much as possible, work again, it’s just a matter of time.” began on a federal, state and local City and business leaders learned level to ensure a similar disaster from 1993 to prepare for 2011. couldn’t happen again. But politics “The City developed a mandatory and red tape slowed the process. In evacuation plan for the South Side 2006 a cost estimate of just under $33 and businesses took preventative million was given. measures like sandbagging and More studies and designs were relocating product from potentially done in preparation for the work to impacted businesses,” Lilly said. be completed whenever federal fund Biozyme Inc. built a dike that cost availability and a local match would in rental of equipment, limestone align. and manpower and in the end, it Then the rain came. only protected about a quarter of its In 2011, the river crested just property. under 30 feet. “Hind sight being 20/20, I’m South Side residents and not sure it was worth it,” said Bob employees of South Side Industrial Norton, Biozyme President. Park companies filled public forums, Biozyme, which manufactures
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
You Need to Know on Aug. 2 Voting yes for the 1/4cent sales tax:
feed supplements for livestock, recently expanded in St. Joseph with a $1.2 million warehouse and dock addition. It also added 25 employees, initiated a double shift and expanded its research farm. Despite those investments in the local economy, a major flood would wash all of that away. “I can only tell you, if we ever have a major flood impacting our facility here in the South End, we would not rebuild here,” Norton said. Nor-Am Ice and Cold Storage added a 72,000 square foot building and 10 new, full-time jobs at its Stockyards Expressway location in 2015, which was a $8.5 million investment. “Flooding will impact future investments, rebuilding and more for all who are affected here,” said Scott Albers, Vice President of Operations for Nor-Am Ice and Cold Storage. If a major flood were to happen today, 6,000 jobs could potentially be lost between the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard and the South Side Industrial Park area, which has seen tremendous growth, investment and renovation in the last two years. BHJ Inc. and Daily’s Premium Meats also have brand new facilities there. The City of St. Joseph estimates the value of what the levees protect at $2 billion. “The 6,000 jobs would be a
tremendous blow to our economy, but it would only be part of the impact as the companies affected spend millions in the community and their demise would create an economic downward spiral that would be difficult to overcome,” Lilly said. The federal government has recognized this tremendous issue for the St. Joseph regional economy and has granted the project $2 million to get it started. In the end, the federal government will fund 65 percent of the now almost $71 million price tag. Gov. Jay Nixon visited the 139th Airlift Wing on May 25 to announce $5 million in federal funding. Buchanan County and the City of St. Joseph have appropriated about $5 million, and levee districts will put in about $4 million. “I am thrilled with the Governor’s announcement that the state of Missouri will provide $5 million to assist the Missouri project partners secure the 35 percent local matching funds for needed improvements to the Missouri River levees,” said St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner. Buchanan County voters will be asked on Aug. 2 to approve a quartercent sales tax to fund the remaining $11 million, which is figured to be paid with a four-year sunset on the tax. “Equally as important, these state funds will help reduce the length of
“I can only tell you, if we ever have a major flood impacting our facility here in the South End, we would not rebuild here,”
Bob Norton Biozyme President
• Protects 6,000 quality jobs at the Missouri Air National Guard & South Side Industrial Park • Protects $2 billion in investment Residents wait for water after the water treatment plant was lost in the Flood of 93. time necessary for a ¼-cent county sales tax to remain in effect as part of the local funding,” Falkner said. However, the federal funding isn’t on the table long. If progress isn’t made swiftly in securing the local match, funds could go to other projects in other communities, which is a routine practice. “We have to get this job done,” said Sen. Rob Schaaf about the sales tax at the Airlift Wing. He also alluded to the potential risk of the military closing the base through the Defense Base Closure & Realignment Commission if it didn’t see community support for the levee repairs. “I normally don’t support a lot of tax increases, but we have to pass this. Rain clouds are out here to remind us of what we have to do. We have to prepare for the BRAC.”
• Utilizes the rare & time sensitive chance to have the federal government pay for 65 percent of the repairs • Costs only $.63 on a $250 purchase • Approves a 4-year sunset, which likely will expire before 4 years • Allows roughly 42 percent of the local match to be paid by residents outside of Buchanan County, who shop in St. Joseph, a regional retail hub
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Spring 2016
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DowntownDigest
Information and photos provided by the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership
Live Music June Through October at Felix Street Square
July 22 – Sounds of Summer Concert – Oxymoron 6:30 p.m. July 24 – Imagine 11 Concert Once again the downtown area – Adelaide 6 p.m. will be filled with the sounds of live July 29 – Sounds of entertainment at Coleman Hawkins Summer Concert – Tequila Park at Felix Street Square. Mockingbird 6:30 p.m. Several groups will host music July 31 – Imagine 11 Concert festivals again this year. The following – 5-star Jazz Band 6 p.m. is a schedule of the outdoor August 5 – Sounds of Summer entertainment options downtown: Concert – Blue Oyster Culture Club (BOCC) 6:30 June 3 & 4 – Ride for Ryan p.m. June 5 – Imagine 11 Concert – Atlantic August 6 – Jeepin’ & Jammin’ Express 6 p.m. for Brett noon June 10 & 11 – Coleman Hawkins August 7 – Imagine 11 Jazz Festival Concert – Maria the Mexican June 12 – Imagine 11 Concert – The 6 p.m. Elders 6 p.m. August 14 – Imagine 11 June 17 & 18 – St. Joe Pride Festival Concert – Soca Jukebox 6 p.m. June 19 – Imagine 11 Concert – Ann September 2, 3 & 4 – Joestock Festival and Terry Brock 6 p.m. September 9 & 10 – Coleman June 24 – Sounds of Summer Concert Hawkins Blues Festival – Mr. Mojo Risin’ 6:30 p.m. September 17 – Irishfest June 26 – Imagine 11 Concert – The September 23 & 24 – Blue Grass Center State 6 p.m. Battles Hunger Festival July 3 – Imagine 11 Concert – Neely October 1– Oktjoeberfest 6 p.m. July 8 – Sounds of Summer Concert – For the best entertainment visit Swift Kik 6:30 p.m. the arts and entertainment district July 10 – Imagine 11 Concert – Under downtown. the Big Oak Tree 6 p.m. July 15 – Sounds of Summer Concert – New Concessions Building Flannigan’s Right Hook 6:30 p.m. July 17 – Imagine 11 Concert – Opens Adjacent to Park Moonlight Serenade Orchestra 6 pm
Summer events will now be more pleasurable with the addition of a new concessions building that recently opened. Mosaic Life Care constructed the building on a city-owned lot at Seventh and Felix streets downtown. The new, beautiful facility will be donated to the city for the use of constituents that come downtown to frequent the numerous activities that take place at Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square. The building will be leased by the St. Joseph Downtown Community Improvement District and managed by the St. Joseph Downtown Association. The facility will offer concessions for the various events downtown and restroom facilities. It will also be offered for rent for private events. For more information or to rent the new facility contact the St. Joseph Downtown Association at 233-9192.
owners of the business want their patrons to relax and be themselves. The bar’s hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 2 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
New Sculptures Coming
The Arts and Entertainment District downtown will be the home to 17 eclectic new sculptures the weekend of June 11. Three years ago, the Allied Arts Council began the downtown Club Geek Opens Downtown sculpture walk. The idea was to add creative visual arts to the downtown Downtown’s newest entertainment community. venue has opened downtown. Club The sculptures are owned by the Geek is now open at 815 Francis St. artists and on loan downtown for The bar features retro gaming one year. At the conclusion of the and a comic book atmosphere. The year, the visual arts committee selects
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
Nearly 300 business joined the Chamber this year. Why?
one sculpture for purchase and the artists come and get their artwork. Of course the artists are willing to sell their work if anyone is interested in obtaining one. Brochures will be available from the Allied Arts Council and various downtown businesses to see the new pieces and find out who the participating artists are. The brochures encourage participants to walk around downtown and see the sculptures first hand and then vote for their
Economic Growth. Advocacy. Connections.
favorite piece. The sculpture with the most votes gets the “People’s Choice” award. In 2014, the eagle became the first permanent sculpture. It now proudly sits in front of the Downtown Library. This year, Cherry Tree by Dale Lewis will become part of the permanent collection. Placement of Cherry Tree is yet to be determined. The sculpture walk is made possible by the contributions of many organizations, businesses and individuals.
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MWSU Entrepreneurship Program Celebrates Success with Franchise Program 2 New Business Owners Get Their Start Two more alumni of the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University joined the ranks of business owners on Friday, May 13, as Katie Parra and Stephanie Tripp finished first and second respectively in the school’s franchise program annual competition. Parra, Tripp and other students in a senior-level entrepreneurship class created business plans for a store during the spring semester. Three finalists presented their plans to an interview panel made up of Steve Craig, benefactor of the Craig School of Business; Missouri Western graduates who won franchises in previous years; Missouri Western faculty members; other business leaders; and representatives of franchise companies, including Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory . “I think it was universally felt that the candidates that were here today were, although a smaller class in size than other classes, three of the best candidates we’ve seen in the program,” Craig said. “We’re delighted that we continue to see outstanding people who are very much interested in becoming entrepreneurs.” Parra graduated from Missouri Western with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration just six days before the competition. She will purchase a yogurt store in Illinois. Tripp graduated from Missouri Western in 2012 with a Bachelor of Elementary Education and has been a classroom teacher in the St. Joseph School District for the past four years. She will remain in St. Joseph to develop, own and operate a new
Auntie Anne’s pretzel store in the East Hills Shopping Center. “Something that was always very near and dear to me when we created this program was bringing businesses back to St. Joseph,” Craig said. A previous franchise winner, Scott Lassen ’10, recently purchased the St. Joseph Golden Corral, but Tripp is the first graduate to be awarded a local ownership opportunity directly out of the franchise program. Parra and Tripp join 20 other program alumni who have opened 26 businesses in 11 states since the program was founded in 2009. “The program provides initial capital for the stores, which the alumni pay back over five years,” explained Pam Klaus, Director of Franchise Programs at the Craig School of Business. The entrepreneurs also receive ongoing support from faculty members, the Craig School of Business Advisory Council, Craig and each other. Additionally, the owners are expected to donate a portion of their store’s proceeds back to the University. So far, those donations have totaled nearly $150,000. The program began as a partnership between Craig, Missouri Western and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the Durango, Colorado-based franchisor, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator. Founder and CEO Frank Crail said in the past three years, sales at their stores owned by Missouri Western alumni have been up 38 percent, compared to a slight decline
Steve Craig, benefactor of the Craig School of Business, Stephanie Tripp ‘12, Katie Parra ‘16, and Frank Crail, founder and CEO of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, celebrate Tripp and Parra’s franchise wins. in other stores. “To see how successful the Missouri Western alumni have been is a testament to their hard work,” Crail said at a celebratory dinner the night before the competition. “We are so happy to be a part of this program.” Crail said the Missouri Western program is the most exciting thing his company has done in its 35-year history. Other franchises have joined the program as well: Aspen Leaf Yogurt; Auntie Anne’s; Blaze Pizza; Flip Flop Shops; Fresca’s Mexican Grill; Golden Corral; U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt; Which Wich Superior Sandwiches; and Yogurtini Self-Serve. Among the alumni highlights celebrated at the annual dinner before the competition:
• Ross Theesen ’15 purchased a second Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Store in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 1, just 10 months after taking over his first store on July 1, 2015. • Erik Garcia ’11 purchased an Aspen Leaf Yogurt store in Farmington, New Mexico in December 2013 and has already paid off the store. • Two winners have become the first program alumni to purchase non-franchise businesses. Seth Lyons ’08, the program’s first alumnus, purchased a used car lot in Colorado. Brady Ellis ’10, the second alumnus, purchased an Italian restaurant in Mississippi.
The website, a Chamber project, provides a wealth of information about a variety of subjects that affect your small business. Most articles are offered from local experts and Chamber members. With the Small Business Resource Center, you have combined years of experience, proven strategies, and knowledge for success at your fingertips. It is presented by American Family Insurance.
stjosephsmallbusiness.com
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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MemberProfile Math Lab and More! 1311 N. Belt Highway St. Joseph, MO 64506 816-262-7176
www.mathlabandmore.com Education
gain proficiency in skills lacking in the just completed grade, and a summer gear up, which introduces incoming grade materials for the next school year. The Chesters originally looked at opening a tutoring franchise, but were told that there wasn’t enough of a market in St. Joseph for this kind of business. “So we built it from the ground up because there’s a need in our city to help kids,� he said. Since the business opened in October, the Chesters have assessed more than 50 students and have seen slow, steady growth. Mik said that the growth has exceeded the expectations set by the franchises, which is a point of pride. They would like to grow the business to help 50 to 75 students in the quiet environment that has computers with animated tutorials and individual help when needed by the Chesters and one of their sons who participates in the business. “Kids get work done here,� Mik said. He said the online tools and assessments help the student more than your typical tutor because Math Lab gets to know more in-depth about the student’s needs and educational gaps. The business offers help in math, English/language arts and reading. For more information, visit the business at its location on the Belt Highway near Panera and UMB Bank or see its website online.
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Lori and Mik Chester noticed a gap in student learning in their years teaching and decided to do something about it. Lori is a math teacher with more than 20 years of experience at the college and high school level. Mik is a teaching pastor for more than 20 years who also has middle school science teaching experience. They opened Math Lab and More! in late 2015 to address the needs they were seeing in the classroom. They say that those learning gaps result in disappointed expectations and poor self esteem. “Our program identifies those gaps and gives targeted instruction to help bring the student to grade level proficiencies and above in a positive, encouraging environment,� Mik said. Math Lab and More! partners with online assessment and instructional tools. Those tools, in combination with a small group environment, has helped students improve from failing to excelling in the subjects coached. But Mik said tutoring isn’t just for students who are failing a class. “Many students may be getting an A or B in elementary school, but they have holes in their foundation, which may make it harder for them in middle and high school,� he said. It is important for parents to find those holes and address them. This can particularly be done in the summer months to help prepare kids for the next grade of school. Programs offered in the summer include a check up and catch up for those at grade level or below, a rust prevention to
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
Parties on the Parkway Concert Series Keeps Music Moving Through St. Joseph Thousands of residents come out each year to locations along St. Joseph’s parkway system to soak up some sunshine, enjoy refreshments and listen to some great local and live music. The Parties on the Parkway
concert series gives St. Joseph residents a chance to network with friends and co-workers after the workdays ends, all while enjoying the sounds of local bands and the beautiful, natural scenery of the
June 9 OxyMoron | Rock
July 14 Tracy Huffman & The Walking Sticks Folk Rock
S.W. Parkway & 28th Street 5 to 8 p.m.
S.W. Noyes & Messanie, Parkway A 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 3
4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Remington Nature Center, Missouri Riverfront Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with us. Two bands, food, drinks & fireworks! Send out summer with a bang!
PARTY FAQs:
Food & drinks may be purchased cash only! Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. No alcohol may be brought in to the event. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Park.
Parkway system. One Parties on the Parkway event was held in May as well. It is presented by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce with the partnership of the City of St. Joseph. The presenting sponsor is Nodaway
For more information visit:
www.saintjoseph.com
Valley Bank. Admission is FREE so there’s no reason not to join the fun. Please note: some food and beverage vendors are cash only.
August 11 Money for Nothin’ Alternative Country Corby Pond 5 to 8 p.m.
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
St. Joseph Museums Honored by State Council The Missouri Humanities Council offers programs that explore Missouri’s rich heritage, encourage family reading, support creative writing by veterans, and assist local museums, libraries, and organizations. Each year the Council recognizes outstanding citizens throughout Missouri for their achievements in and dedication to the humanities. This year, the Council recognized eight Missourians in the following categories: legislator of the year, partnership in the humanities, excellence in education, exemplary community achievement, and distinguished literary achievement. St. Joseph Museums received an
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award for Exemplary Community Achievement at a ceremony on April 30. The afternoon included engaging speakers, a jazz trio and a Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. as keynote speaker. The Missouri Humanities Council is committed to building a more thoughtful, informed and civil society by supporting humanities-based programs throughout the state. Learn more at mohumanities.org.
Arthur Selected for Leadership Missouri Kristie Arthur, Director of Workforce Development for the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, joins an elite group of 37 Missouri business and state leaders chosen to participate
BusinessBriefs
in Leadership Missouri, a seven-month leadership program sponsored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Leadership Missouri, founded in 1990, is an education program designed to enhance the leadership skills of current and emerging leaders through an in-depth exploration of the state’s economic, political and social issues. Leadership Missouri is designed to help business, government and civic leaders better understand the diverse issues facing Missouri employers, communities and government. During the seven months, which began in April and ends in October, participants meet each month in a different Missouri city and focus on specific challenges facing that community and the state.
Kristie Arthur Last year was the 25th anniversary of the Missouri Chamber’s premier leadership development program, which has graduated more than 900 of Missouri’s top executives and civic leaders from around the state. The Missouri Chamber of Commer and Industry was founded in 1923 and is the largest business association in Missouri, representing almost 3,000 employers providing 425,000 jobs.
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Spring 2016
Blunt to St. Joseph Ag Industry : ‘Food Demand Will Double in 30-40 Years’ About 500 people attended the 12th annual Farm City Breakfast on Friday, March 11, to celebrate National Ag Day a little early, raise money for Agriculture Future of America scholarships and to hear U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt speak. R. Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event, said that the large crowd is indicative of St. Joseph having the fourth strongest ag economy in the nation, according to Forbes magazine. Sen. Blunt discussed the rising demand for food worldwide in his address. “World food demand will double in 30-40 years,” he said. “For all you high school kids in blue coats, just imagine what’s in front of you.” Local FFA students (in blue coats) serve as attendants at the meeting. He said that of all the different types of industry that there is not another industry that you can see growth with that much certainty. “An economy that grows things and makes things is stronger than an economy that trades services,” Blunt
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said. Blunt was given a key to the city by Mayor Bill Falkner and applauded for the work he’s done on the federal level to improve the Missouri River levees and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri National Guard. He’s a regular in St. Joseph, attending 45 events in the last five years. Each year at the event a member of the local agriculture committee is added to the Agribusiness Hall of Fame. This year Dean Habrock, owner and operator of St. Joseph Tractor, received the honor. Habrock and his wife Karen moved to St. Joseph to take over the operation of the business at 3525 Pear St. in 1974. The company has grown in the last 30 years and offers New Holland tractors, combines, hay tools and construction equipment and more. They also operate Skyview Equipment in Hiawatha, Kan., and he helped his son open Horizon Outdoor Equipment. Tom Brand, who presented the award, called Habrock a leader in the ag equipment industry. “We all won the lottery of life
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt addresses about 500 people at the Chamber’s annual Farm City Breakfast to discuss Missouri’s agriculture and U.S. economy. to be born in the United States of America,” Habrock said. “I feel lucky to have grown up on a farm and privileged to work in the ag economy.” AFA representatives also made a presentation and thanked all who
attended for helping sponsor more than 100 students with scholarships since the mid-1990s. An update on progress at the Ag Expo Center was also made. The breakfast was presented by LifeLine Foods.