Winter 2016
Daily’s Premium Meats Set to Open Get to Know the St. Joseph School District Board Candidates Family Gift to Help MWSU Students, Alumni Start Businesses
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Winter 2016
Daily’s Premium Meats Set To Open
St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Buchanan County Commission, Triumph Foods and Daily’s Premium Meats officials met Feb. 28 to discuss the new Daily’s plant opening. Montana, locations are operating over capacity for the growing company, which makes the opening of the St. Joseph plant very important. “This plant is literally designed for efficiency and future growth,� Hattan said. The company has gone from producing 17.5 million green pounds of pre-cooked bacon in 2011 to 45 million pounds in 2016. Buchanan County commissioners presented the Daily’s team with a $325,000 economic development check on Feb. 26 from the Buchanan County Economic Development. “Residents passed this tax to raise money for economic development projects, so the St. Joseph community is involved in economic development,� said R. Patt Lilly, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “Projects like this, and the jobs and investment associated, wouldn’t happen without the county economic development fund and supporting businesses like Triumph Foods.� To apply to work at Daily’s, visit the State of Missouri Job Center, jobs. mo.gov or visit 301 S. Seventh St., in St. Joseph.
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In just two short months, St. Joseph’s newest manufacturing facility will be open and producing an appetizing aroma in St. Joseph’s south side. Daily’s Premium Meats is scheduled to get the keys to the new building on May 26. By May or June, 70 to 80 employees will have been hired, with 130 total slated to be hired by the end of the year, said Kelly Hattan, Daily’s president. The company produces naturally wood-smoked bacon and uses only fresh-trimmed pork bellies, some of which will come from directly across the street at Triumph Foods. It is a fresh bacon manufacturer, which has a more consistent flavor profile because it is never frozen. About 5 to 6 percent of Daily’s bacon is sold through retail stores; the rest is used in restaurant and commercial use. Hattan said Daily’s has been in talks with St. Joseph grocery stores and that the product will be available locally. The St. Joseph Daily’s plant, which ended up with the price tag of $51 million, will be the largest and most efficient facility that it owns. Its Salt Lake City, Utah, and Missoula,
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75064091
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Winter 2016
BUSINESS JOURNAL INDEX
a publication of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Published March 12, 2016
Daily’s Premium Meats Set to Open.....................................................................2 Economic Update..........................................................................................4 Member Profile: TS Conard Inc., Technology Solutions...............................5 Top Employer Profile....................................................................................6 Get to Know the St. Joseph School District Board Candidates.....................8 Are You Overlooking These Principles About Educating Your Clients?........10
Family Gift to Help MWSU Students, Alumni Start Businesses................11 Downtown Digest.......................................................................................12 Small Business Matters................................................................................13 Northwest Missourians Advocate at Great Northwest Day.........................14 MWSU Alum Returns to St. Joseph to Buy Golden Corral ..................15 Passion, Drive Motivates LEAD, Chamber’s Young Professionals Group...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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Winter 2016
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
Unemployment
(Dec. 2015)
Population Housing units
76,780 32,495
St. Joseph Missouri
4.4 percent 4.4 percent
Average family size
3
United States
5.0 percent
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Winter 2016
MemberProfile
TS Conard, Inc Technology Solutions 1524 S. 10th St. St. Joseph, MO 64503 816-233-3777 www.tsconard.com Computer Services
TS Conard, Inc. Technology Solutions was founded by Tim and Susan Conard, (hence the TS), in August of 2003. Tim is a Marine Corps veteran and graduate of MWSC with bachelors’ degrees in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. In 2003, the job market was very bleak as the majority of technical jobs were outsourced to India. He still had his night job that he worked through college, so he started TS Conard, Inc. as a software development company. However, people kept asking him if he could fix their computers, so he followed the money. Between the night job and his new company, Tim worked 95-105 hours per week for the first full year. Susan tried to work with Tim for a brief period, and being married, he valued his life, so Susan obtained employment elsewhere. Tim’s servant heart and quality of work led him to perform services for a number of small companies. TS grew through word of mouth and began hiring employees. Those employees rarely lasted very long because of Tim’s leadership style
often had grown men in tears. That was up until he read Dave Ramsey’s, Entreleadership, and it was a game changer. Tim drastically modified his leadership style. Before this metamorphosis, the one employee at the time was desperately looking for employment elsewhere as the current environment was caustic, but due to this change, he’s still there four years later and is a valued member of the team. TS has grown a great team and has learned a lot about what it means to be a “Best in Class” technology provider, it’s about helping partners to succeed and being a good servant leader. Their vision: TS Conard, Inc. Technology Solutions will be the premiere provider of technology solutions that enable our partners’ success. Their mission: TS Conard, Inc. Technology Solutions purpose is to understand your small business challenges, and leverage the right technology that is efficient, effective and economical.
Nearly 300 businesses joined the Chamber last year. Why?
Economic Growth. Advocacy. Connections. www.saintjoseph.com
75064181
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Winter 2016
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, residents may recognize a company name, but may not know exactly what the company does. In this question and answer piece, learn a little bit more about:
City of St. Joseph Government J. Bruce Woody, City Manager 1100 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64501 (816) 271-4610 www.stjoemo.info The City provides a multitude of services for residents. How is it governed? The city of St. Joseph is “dedicated to providing quality services by working to enhance the quality of life and to create a healthy, progressive community in which to live, work and visit.” The governing and legislative body of the city is the City Council, comprised of eight councilmembers and the mayor who are elected on a non-partisan basis. The city is divided into five districts and three at-large representatives. Each member serves concurrent four year terms. As the policy makers, the City Council passes resolutions and ordinances, appoints citizens to advisory boards and commissions, and hires the city manager and city clerk. The city government consists of the City Council, councilappointed boards and commissions, the office of the city manager and eight departments, each headed by a director appointed by the city manager. The departments include Police, Fire, Public Works & Transportation, Health, Planning & Community Development, Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities, Administrative Services and Legal. The city manager is the chief executive officer of the city and responsible for the daily operations and administration of the organization. The annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, totals $140.2 million, including
$114.7 million for basic ongoing city services and $25.5 million for major, one-time capital improvement projects. Forty-nine percent of all fiscal year 2015-16 operating revenues are expected to come from collected sales tax, property taxes and utility franchise taxes. How many people does the City employ? The city employs 740 regular and part time employees, and upwards of 100 seasonal employees. The average length of years of service for an employee is 13.5 years, and 177 employees have 20+ years of service with the organization. What major projects are in the works? St. Joseph, along with 772 other communities, operates a combined sewer system, which captures and conveys both stormwater (water from creeks, streets and ditches) and sanitary sewer (contaminated wastewater from homes and businesses) in a single pipe. During dry weather, the water reaches the wastewater treatment plant where it is treated and discharged into the Missouri River. During even minor rain events, however, the capacity of the plant is exceeded and the contaminated water is discharged directly into the Missouri River with no treatment. A reduction in the
volume of these untreated discharges is the goal of the Combined Sewer Overflow program (CSO). The program is comprised of three phases, the first of which involves nine projects totaling $152 million (in 2008 dollars). The fifth project in the first phase, Blacksnake Creek Stormwater Separation Project, will be completed in 2019, with the remaining four projects to be completed by 2029. Blacksnake Creek focuses on the base CSO goal of separating 2 million gallons of creek water per day from the combined sewer, plus capacity for common small storms, directly to the Missouri River. The relocation of Cook Road straight west to St. Joseph Avenue, along with the relocation of Karnes Road and coordination with the Corps of Engineers for a flood control project will be integrated into the Blacksnake Creek project to save money and decrease the length of community disruption experienced during the construction phases of the projects. A Use Tax was approved by St. Joseph voters in April 2015 to direct toward the maintenance and repair of city streets for 10 years. Tax collection
will generate approximately $1 million annually. Proceeds are directed toward pavement repairs at the subdivision level in early 2016, and the balance will be incorporated in a second phase of asphalt overlay work this construction season, resulting in several more miles of smooth streets. The Use Tax will increase the base funding level of the asphalt program from $1.2 million per year to $2.2 million per year. With a goal of providing as many citizens as possible with a five-minute response time, city staff completed and presented to the City Council a fire department station relocation plan. The plan is based on keeping the current number of firefighters, stations and companies, but moving three stations farther to the south and east to increase response times for those areas. Sites have been tentatively approved for the construction of two new stations. Station 11, located at 18th and Walnut, will be relocated to 2316-2320 South 22nd and Station 9, located at 22nd and Frederick Avenue, will be relocated to an area just east of 3200 Faraon.
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Winter 2016
Station 11’s new location will give easy access to 36 Highway and South 22nd street, and will improve response to areas on the south edge of the city, downtown and the airport. Station 9’s new location will allow for the eventual relocation of Station 8, located at 33rd and Mitchell, farther to the east, providing a much quicker response to Deer Park, MWSU, three industrial parks and Mosaic Life Care. All three of these stations are well over 100 years old and built when response times were based on how far the horses could run. Funding for the two new stations, along with property for a third station, is from the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) sales tax passed by voters in 2012, and covers the period from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2019. Once the City Council officially approves the sites, staff will move forward with hiring an architect and working on design of the stations. Construction should start in early 2017, with a completion in late 2017 or early 2018.
economical and safe bus trip for your travels. Parks and recreation staff is dedicated to providing quality of life services for the community, including sports, recreation, fitness, leisure, and an amazing parkway. The park system, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is comprised of approximately 1,500 acres containing 26 miles of parkways and boulevards and 48 parks and related facilities. Parks facilities include Krug Park, Northside Complex, Corby Pond, Noyes Tennis Complex, Aquatic Park, Bartlett Park, Fairview Golf Course, REC Center, Phil Welch Stadium, Bode Ice Arena, South Park/Drake Complex, Hyde Park, Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center, Civic Arena, and the historic Missouri Theater. Bill McKinney Softball Complex at Heritage Park and Remington Nature Center can be found in the northwest area of St. Joseph on the banks of the Missouri River. An extensive urban hike and bike trail system connects the city from the north edge of the park Spring and summer is a busy system to the south, over nine miles time for many departments, like of uninterrupted paved trail. There street maintenance and parks and are many additional miles of trails, recreation. What should residents interconnecting throughout the look forward to as the weather warms parkway system, including a twoup? mile riverwalk winding from the Warmer weather equates to an downtown riverfront park to Heritage increased visibility of city employees. Park. The street maintenance division Recreation opportunities include focuses on making spot roadway adult softball leagues, youth tennis, base repairs in advance of contractor Parkway Run, Pitch, Hit, & Run work for asphalt overlays, pothole contest, Swing into Spring youth repair, pavement crack sealing, and softball tournament, adult volleyball, preparatory work for the annual slurry and St. Joe FIT. seal program. The slurry program Property maintenance inspectors addresses approximately 10 miles of also have a greater presence in roadways per year, extending roadway the community during the warmer life by sealing the pavement from weather, ensuring property codes moisture and damage from ultraviolet are enforced to help clean up the light. As pavement temperatures community. Building inspectors work rise, the traffic division will resume with the residents and businesses to work re-striping roadways, as well assist with building and renovation as the hand painting of crosswalks projects. The city’s public safety and directional arrows. St. Joseph departments, which include the fire, Transit gets busier as the weather police and health employees, work warms, whether residents are seeking year round to serve and protect the alternative transportation options to community. go shopping, medical trips, or for The city of St. Joseph is “at work recreation. Consider a convenient, for you.”
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Winter 2016
Get to Know
the St. Joseph School District Candidates
Candidates for the St. Joseph School District Board of Education recently answered questions posed to them for distribution to St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce members. The Chamber wishes to help members and the public educate themselves before the election on April 5 when two board members will be elected. Eric Bruder
President & CEO, Van AM Tool & Engineering LLC Years in St. Joseph: Off
and on for 34 years Past experience relevant to School Board candidacy:
Currently a member of the Board of Education and a member of the Missouri Western State University Board of Directors, United Missouri Bank Advisory Board and the Missouri Western Craig School of Business Advisory Board. I have a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and an MBA, vast business and military experience. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? Before the BOE or district goes back
to the public for a levy request the district’s management, administration, and structure must be optimized for cost effectiveness to set a foundation on which to move the district and city forward. A portion of that restructuring includes correcting under market compensation rates for many teachers and para professionals. Only once expenses are rationalized can that expense load be compared to revenues to see if any tax levy is needed going forward. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? I believe it is extremely
important for the SJSD to work with the Chamber and local businesses in particular to evaluate and identify the training and education required of both high school and college graduates to meet workforce needs of companies now in our area as well as businesses around the globe. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? The SJSD still needs tremendous change
and refocus to move forward in an effective manner, which will set the stage for growth in this great city. As the SJSD flourishes through providing a great education and opportunities for our young people so will this city. I am the person that has the background and the fortitude to help identify problems and key issues and push critical changes forward, regardless of opposition and resistance, for the betterment of this city.
Michael G. Dulcan
Margaret (Maggie) Elder
Bryan Green, MD
Years in St. Joseph: 70
Years in St. Joseph:
Past experience relevant to School Board candidacy:
Past experience relevant to School Board candidacy:
Years in St. Joseph: Born and lived here for a large part of childhood, then relocated to St. Joseph three years ago.
Retired Postmaster
I served on the St. Joseph Planning/Zoning Commission for one year. During that time I approved/ disapproved various construction projects. In my capacity as president of the Morningside and Woodridge homes associations, I’ve had to deal and resolve all kinds of problems and situations. I served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, receiving the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V. My wife was a teacher for 30 years, so I’m aware of a lot of problems that teachers are faced with. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? I agree that the
School Board should not have proposed the 63-cent levy during 2015. I feel that a local survey should be proposed to see what the voting public would think about a modest levy increase for 1-2 years to make sure voters are comfortable with the situation. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? This is definitely
a constructive idea. The more students see how local business operates, many students will get a better understanding of what careers and job opportunities are available in our city. Hillyard Technical School is an excellent example. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I’d like to see a less expensive insurance plan for all management and staff in the SJSD. I’d like to see a School Board advocate that could increase better relations between staff and management. I’d like to see teachers’ salaries that are below 50 percentile be raised to comparable salaries in other schools. I’d like to see some statistics to show that the savings are really there after projects have been completed.
Retired 54
I worked for the School District for 27 years as Library Aide, secretary in the superintendent’s office, manager of the Print Shop and completed my career in the bookroom. The Crayons to Computer program started during my tenure and I was in charge of setting up its format. After retirement, I served as president of the National Association of Retired Educational Professionals and I was the first support service person to serve as president of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? There will eventually have to be a levy
put before the voters. At this time I’m not sure of the amount. I would want to look at the budget line by line and look at all expenditures, especially those that don’t affect the education of the students. We must realize the only stream of funding that can be counted on is the levy. State funding never comes close to meeting the district needs. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? The School District could
set up a commission of the different types of employers to find out what type of education would need to be offered to meet employers’ needs. Hillyard Technical School is being underutilized. Society says every high school graduate will attend college but some students have no desire to attend college. The School District and local businesses should work together to make sure Hillyard has the ability to train those students. A community college should also be discussed. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I have been involved with education in some form or another since my children started school. Now my great grandchildren are starting with the school system and I would like to see them get the education we all desire for all students, and to be able to choose, be it going on to college or other form of higher education.
Physician-Family Medicine
Past experience relevant to School Board candidacy: I have 14 years of experience working as a physician in various types of private and non-profit arenas. I’ve sat as Chairman of Board of Directors of Saint Francis Hospital in southern Missouri. I volunteer for health literacy through Mosaic’s and SJSD Fourth Grade Challenge and with our neighborhood Edison Elementary School students. I have coached elementary basketball for the last three years. I’m the staff physician for our district’s concussion care protocol for school athletes. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? It is imperative that the district work toward restoring trust to earn back the .63 tax levy. For districts greater than 10K students, our tax rate was near the bottom before we lost the levy. Now it’s significantly lower than any other district in the state of similar or greater size. We are spending much less per student than other like-sized districts. Continuing this rate for much longer will be devastating for our district and the future of our community. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? The SJSD should work very closely with the local business community to help shape its goals toward education. The purpose of education should be to inform, mold, and prepare individuals to be responsible, productive, and successful participants and leaders in society. Most of our graduates will stay local. My hope is that collaboration with the business community would also bolster our schools, enhancing their ability to achieve levels that would attract more businesses. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I would promote and allow time for healing from the recent difficulty reengage with the community to restore trust in the district operations. It’s critical that we bring our focus back to the classroom and reengage efforts to advance our mission of educating children. Good communication with employees and staff is imperative to rebuild morale within our district. Restoring trust will require transparency, responsibility and wisdom with public funds.
St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL Sarah P. Hochschwender
Cinderella, Whiskey Mansion B&B Years in St. Joseph: 10 Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: I am a graduate of the
University of South Florida with a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Learning and Perception. I have been a teacher of horsemanship for nearly 30 years. In St. Joseph I helped organize a grassroots effort on school closings and discovered and warned the SJSD of the $10 million error on the two new schools ballot. In the wake of our disastrous audit, I traveled to Jefferson City to address the Election Committee. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? The District
has to be more judicial in our approval and ask for more equitable input in TIF discussions. Likewise, the lack of “impact fees” for development causes the District to shoulder the resultant need for new schools and services. I propose the Board and administration get out and speak to the public more in informal settings so citizens know more than headlines. It is our job to fill in those gaps. We have to institute a CIP approach. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? Any effort which
causes students to be more prepared for the workforce is great, and it would seem so logical at an economic level that this question might be moot. There is a societal benefit here that affects the city at large. We always tell our children to “dream big.” In providing links, in exposing students to an array of possibilities and life experience, we give that dream wider horizons. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? There is a need for scrutiny
and oversight in every aspect of the District. Some might call this micromanaging, I know it is needed. Every decision of the Board is under scrutiny, also. We have to be careful of the issues raised in the audit concerning nepotism, and some bidding practices. We have to be prepared to defend our decisions. Lastly, I see this District as poised on a great rebirth. “Trust, but verify” has to be etched in our every thought.
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Winter 2016 Kathy Northup Recently Retired History Teacher
Years in St. Joseph: Lifelong resident Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: I retired from the School District of St. Joseph in May 2015 after a 37-year career teaching Honors, AP, and International Baccalaureate European history. I have held all the offices in the St. Joseph National Education Association and have participated in local community service opportunities like Cotillion for Achievement and the Ad Hoc Committee to Distribute Community Block Grants. I believe my experience and knowledge gives me the unique insight to serve our district at this challenging time. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? I believe in this community and trust that our citizens want to support our schools. Unfortunately, $45 million in malfeasance has definitely given the community pause. If the pending FBI report is as candid and thorough as the State Auditor’s Report and the School District responds immediately with common sense remediation, I am confident that taxpayers will renew the levy. Hopefully, public trust will be so restored in our district that we can make the levy permanent – no sunset clause! What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? The modern business environment is changing more rapidly than ever before. Partnership between the business community and SJSD is essential in preparing our graduates for this 21st century economy, especially for the job market that currently exists in St. Joseph. The new Advanced Science Research Center at Hillyard Technical School is the perfect example of what collaboration between business and education can accomplish! I hope it serves as a paradigm for future visionary cooperation between local businesses and our schools. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? As a lifelong St. Joseph resident and 37 year educator of SJSD, I have a passionate interest that our school district judiciously serves the students I was honored to teach and the taxpayers I respect. I possess sound judgment and collaborative skills and am not afraid to challenge policies that would negatively impact academics or the district’s financial position. Bottom line – the School District of St. Joseph has been an unsung hero for decades! Let’s fix this!
Tami Pasley Teacher
Years in St. Joseph: 34 Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: I have 11 years of business experience, 26 years as a classroom teacher in the Savannah R3 School District, 23 years as an advocate for kids and for educators with both the Missouri Legislature and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, I was the President of the Missouri State Teachers Association during the 2005-2006 school year. MSTA is the largest education association in the state with over 46,000 members. I was in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2006. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? The School Board will be coming back to the taxpayers asking for a new tax levy. It is a must if we, as a community, are going to support quality education. It may not be a .63 tax levy … it may be a .25 tax levy or $1.30 tax levy … whatever is needed to properly fund our schools. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? I think that it is imperative
that the school district work together with local businesses as we prepare our students to be college and career ready. The skills needed for our students to be productive and successful upon graduating from high school are constantly changing, so there should be a continuous dialogue between the school district and local businesses. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I know the importance of putting kids first in each and every discussion. I understand the importance of the perspective of the educator in dealing with school issues, and I think that the fact that I am an educator who has not worked under the previous and present SJSD administrations is of benefit to the school district, the Board, and the taxpayers as a whole. I will bring the much needed experience without the baggage … good or bad … of the past.
Teresa K. Simmons
Loan Officer at Farmers State Bank Years in St. Joseph: 60+ Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: I believe that the 35 years in lending
and finance and the 20 years of successfully managing both a corporation branch and my own company gives me a skill set to make good overall decisions on budgets and personnel. That experience, blended with the projects I have worked on with the SJSD will help me focus on students, staff and taxpayers with every decision. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? The SJSD is going
to have to listen to taxpayers, via surveys, as to when running a levy will be advisable. When that time comes, they need to roll back the Prop C abatement and run the .63 cent levy without a sunset clause. The district has to have a constant budget they can work with to make five and 10 year plans for the advancement of the district. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? The goal of a partnership
with local businesses and the SJSD should be to get students invested in our community so they will raise their families here. SJSD currently has high quality programs through Hillyard with direct ties to local businesses. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? Through all of my years
in lending I have worked with hundreds of employees of the SJSD. They are all devoted to their jobs and to making the district better for students. It is the board’s job to make the district fiscally efficient and be accountable to taxpayers. I am running because I believe I can assist in this direction. Every decision made should be focused on students, staff and taxpayers. It’s the only way we are going to move forward and I commit to that focus.
Turn the page for two more School Board candidates --
John Paul Leo Stehr & Art Van Meter T
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal John Paul Leo Stehr
Art Van Meter
Sr. Vice President of Finance and Risk Management
Akal Contractor for Homeland Security, Stock Trader
Years in St. Joseph: 67
Years in St. Joseph: 1958-60 and 1963 to present Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: In 2001-2002 I taught science, math and honors English at all middle and high schools in St. Joseph. I coached sixth grade basketball while still in high school. I was the assistant coach for the state runner-up fast pitch high school women’s team and coach of the national junior chess champion Jim McKenny. I taught chess at Bode in 2002 and was a member of the Chamber in the 1980s. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? I think there is $4 million in fat in the current budget. Spending $4 million to air condition Spring Garden and Robidoux is a good deal. Maybe we can’t afford to provide school breakfast but we cannot afford not to provide a quality education for our children. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? I don’t think we should rely on Girl Scouts to introduce our girls to STEM. When I was in high school our science club toured St. Joseph Light and Power lab and the lab at Methodist Hospital. Also in high school, I went to Boehringer Ingelheim to get two pure white mice and received tours of the state hospital, Carnation, Monsanto, and the St. Joseph News-Press. We need more interface between local business and the kids. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I went to work at 18 at Omnium Chemical. I worked during spring break at MWSU on the Omnium line and was hired full time after graduating in IT at AMTC in KC in quality control at Omnium. I think education is the background for future business. While at Omnium I discovered a process to acid wash xylene in plant instead of shipping hazmat over the road, saving the company millions of dollars.
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Past experience relevant to your candidacy for School Board: I have 41 years of experience in banking and finance, risk management and administrative procedures for a highly successful company. The School Board decided to let the .63 tax levy expire in 2015. What is your position on a future levy and the funding necessary to support quality education? The School Board has asked the administration to submit a balanced budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year and I agree with that. We must analyze each line item of the budget to determine where cuts can be made, without sacrificing the quality of education for our students. If the budget can be balanced by cutting unnecessary costs, there would be no need for a future levy. If the budget cannot be balanced, we’d need to consider putting a levy before the voters. What is your perspective on the School District working with local business to address the educational and training needs of St. Joseph’s future workforce? I believe that a dialogue between the School District and local business needs to be developed so the district can have a better understanding of what is needed from a business perspective. For example, the construction industry is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. Through this dialogue, the district could determine what skills are needed and then work with Hillyard Technical Center to develop courses that would benefit students who want to work in that industry. What other information or thoughts would you like to share regarding your candidacy for School Board? I believe we must restore the trust and confidence of the taxpayers. A fiscal policy based on sound business practices must be developed to show the public that their tax dollars are being spent in the wisest and most effective manner. In addition, we should capitalize on the strengths of our school district while improving the weaknesses. If we can accomplish these things, it would benefit our students and contribute to the economic development of our city.
Nearly 300 businesses joined the Chamber last year. Why?
Economic Growth. Advocacy. Connections. www.saintjoseph.com
Are You Overlooking These Principles About Educating Your Clients? Submitted by Dan Danford, Family Investment Center If you sell a product or service, chances are that you fully understand your product inside and out – but does your audience? Fluctuating media headlines, online product reviews and a constant stream of access to news can mean your audience has an ever-changing (at best) understanding of who you are and what you do. Some potential buyers may believe they know what you offer when they haven’t learned your story; others may assume you’re “just like everyone else” they’ve already read about. How do you clearly communicate what it is you do best to your audience – both current and potential? As investment advisors, educating clients on basic financial matters is a part of the job for Dan Danford of Family Investment Center. He’s provided these concepts to make your story easier for you to share and for your audience to remember: 1) Avoid using confusing industry jargon, and instead use stories and examples to demonstrate our points. For example, the impact of inflation is often underestimated until the effects are made visible, so we’ve developed a document that compares the prices of common goods over the decades. In almost any case, stories and examples are simply a better way to make complex points. Informing clients is crucial in every business, but overwhelming them can be destructive. 2) Host public educational events at local libraries and bring in outside
experts. Call on outside professionals when they know more about a particular subject area. Is there a professional you can call upon to help show your audience that you always have their best interest in mind? 3) Answer questions from clients using a variety of methods. Obviously, there are many questions in every business and usually the answers are not black and white. Are there questions your audience has about the service you provide? Add these to your website or a blog, in the audience’s words. Prepare a basic handout to help address these questions. If one comes up on social media, always address it in a straightforward way – and be prepared to use more than one tool to answer a question. You may want to combine an informational video, for example, with a handout. Don’t overlook the simple ability to clearly and concisely answer customers’ questions. 4) Acknowledge (and appreciate) that emotions are a serious factor in decisions. Regardless of the business you’re in, recognize and celebrate this truth. Acknowledge buyers’ reservations head-on. Realize that emotions can cloud buyers’ ability to see the facts you’re presenting, and that there’s a delicate time frame associated with them. In every case, communicating with and educating the client in the right order can help them make decisions that will more likely lead to their success.
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Gift from the Bradley Family to Help MWSU Students, Alumni Start Businesses A St. Joseph family has established a fund to help Missouri Western State University students and alumni acquire financing to start or acquire a business. The Bradley family, owners of the News-Press & Gazette Company, has pledged $300,000 to create the Bradley Entrepreneurship Loan Program. “We are proud to help new and existing businesses grow and prosper in the community,” said David Bradley, NPG Co. chairman and CEO. “The Bradley family has long supported Missouri Western, and we are very appreciative of this latest example of their generosity,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “The Bradley Entrepreneurship Loan Program will provide very meaningful assistance to our students and alumni who are interested in owning their own business.” The loan program will provide up to $100,000 to guarantee loans from banks or other lenders. It will be administered by the Center for Entrepreneurship within the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western. Applicants will be required to develop and submit a comprehensive business plan to the Center for Entrepreneurship. A committee made up of the dean and representatives from the CSB Advisory Council and the MWSU Foundation Board will review the application. If approved, the Craig School of Business will work with the entrepreneur to identify an appropriate lender to participate in the program. The Missouri Western State University Foundation will then provide the bank with a certificate of deposit as collateral for the loan. Preference will be given to businesses in Buchanan County. The program can help establish a new business or it can assist businesses transitioning from family ownership to new ownership. For more information on the loan program or to begin the application process, contact Annette
Weeks, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, at 816-271-4283 or aweeks@missouriwestern.edu. Entrepreneurship Week It’s an exciting time for the Center for Entrepreneurship, Weeks said. Since its founding less than two years ago, the center has provided free training, mentorship and support to more than 200 business clients. That number will likely grow March 28-April 1, when the center will partner with American Family Insurance to celebrate Entrepreneurship Week. Business professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, college students, high school students and anyone curious about the skills needed to run a small business are invited to participate in any of the activities. The week includes small, personalized sessions with business professors from multiple disciplines offered at various times throughout the week. Examples of the sessions include “How to Write a Business Plan,” “Artists as Entrepreneurs,” “QuickBooks for Beginners,” “Advanced QuickBooks,” “Social Media Tools for Small Businesses,” “Protect Your Business Idea” and “Using Excel for Beginners.” All of the sessions are open to the public and students at no charge. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration will help the speakers prepare materials and examples for the sessions. The week will also feature a special edition of the Cup of Joe, which will take place at the East Hills Library at 8:30 a.m. March 30. Also on Wednesday, the MECA Challenge Kansas City Youth Competition will travel to St. Joseph and local high school students will have the opportunity to participate in an all-day event sponsored by the Innovation Stockyard. As part of this event, students are paired with a local business owner and get to practice career skills, network with peers and mentors, and engage in
problem solving for real world startup businesses. High school students are being recruited from the local schools. The final day of Entrepreneurship Week features an opportunity for undergraduate business students to meet with Steven L. Craig before he delivers the capstone talk at the business luncheon. Tickets for lunch are $10 and must be purchased in
advance. Because seating is limited, we suggest that you register for the luncheon prior to March 18. For more information, or to register, call the Center for Entrepreneurship office or email Weeks. You can also visit the CFE website at CSB-CFE.missouriwestern. edu.
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www.archerlawncare.com 75064191
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Saint Joseph, MO 64505
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Winter 2016
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DowntownDigest
Information and photos provided by the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership Missouri Theater. The Princess Pageant for young ladies aged 7 to 10 will be held at 6 p.m., the Junior Queen Let’s get the party started! The Pageant for girls 11 to 14 will follow St. Joseph Downtown Association 10 minutes after the conclusion of is partnering with the St. Joseph the Princess Pageant and the Queen Chamber of Commerce to host the competition for young women 15 to “Rock the Park” concert. 19 will be 10 minutes after the Junior This concert will be held on May Queen Pageant. 20 and will be the perfect kickoff to Winners in each of the pageants the music season at Coleman Hawkins will receive a prize payment. Fees Park at Felix Street Square. for contestants are $30 for Princess Two of the region’s premiere Contestants, $40 for Junior Queen and bands will headline this concert event. $50 for Queen. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Soca Details on the payments Jukebox will take the stage at 6 p.m. are available on the website followed by “Under the Influence.” appleblossomparade.com. The concert will conclude at 10:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be Do a Little of Everything Apple available for purchase. Patrons are encouraged to bring a folding chair, Blossom Weekend kick back and have a fun time for the first downtown concert event of 2016! Apple Blossom weekend is
Rock the Park Planned
traditionally a very busy weekend with lots of activities downtown and this year is no exception. Discover Downtown: This will be the theme of the First The event that sets the stage for Saturdays festivities downtown. The St. Joseph’s annual Apple Blossom merchants downtown will have live festival is the crowning of its royalty. entertainment and other activities in This year’s royalty will be crowned their various businesses. In addition, on Saturday, April 2, at the Historic
Apple Blossom Royalty to be Crowned to Start Festivities
they will have a big event at Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square. The 2016 Discover Downtown event will commence immediately following the Apple Blossom Parade. The popular “A Taste of Downtown” will feature numerous downtown eateries offering a wide variety of food. The festival will also feature live music, children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors and more. Just after sunset, there will be a free showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Apple Blossom Barbecue: The popular Apple Blossom Barbecue competition will return to Civic Center Park on May 6 and 7. This event features professional barbecue teams from the region to compete for $10,000 in prize money. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Teams will arrive on Friday, May 6. The “People’s Choice” sampling will be that night along with live music and the opportunity to have a barbeque dinner at the park. On Saturday, the competition begins. Prizes are awarded in the afternoon. All proceeds from the event benefit the Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center. Apple Blossom Parade: On April 24, 1924, St. Joseph citizens saw their first Apple Blossom Parade and it has been the community’s annual rite of spring since. The Apple Blossom Parade is more than just a parade. It is the coming together as a community and the celebration of life for the kid
in all of us. This year’s parade will be no different. The community will come together “Under the Big Top,” which is the theme for the 2016 Apple Blossom Parade. Entry forms and information are available on the website, appleblossomparade.com. This fun and creative theme was chosen to encourage parade entrants to create a float for the event. Ideas for decorating entries are included with the parade details on the website. Prizes for the best of parade include a grand prize of $300 for the float that best represents the parade theme. Second place will receive a $150 cash prize and third place gets $75. Recognition awards for units are given in the following categories; Best Float, Best Vintage Float, Best Vintage Vehicle, Best Walking Unit and Best Band. Fees are $75 for nonprofit, political candidates running for office and individuals and $125 for all commercial, for-profit entries. The deadline to enter is April 23. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. on May 7 at the intersection of Frederick Avenue and Noyes Boulevard.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series Announced The St. Joseph Downtown Association has released the schedule for this year’s Sound of Summer concert series. Each free concert will be held at Coleman Hawkins Park in Felix Street Square, Seventh and Felix streets. All concerts will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 24 – Mr. Mojo Risin (Doors Tribute Band) July 8 – Swift Kik July 15 – Flannigan’s Right Hook July 22 – Oxymoron July 29 – Tequila Mockingbird August 5 – Blue Oyster Culture Club
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
SmallBusinessMatters
Business Etiquette -- The 2016 Version etiquette that is still applicable and highly encouraged for our modern world, and all generations. Conversation: Avoid the “big 2” topics which are: (1) religion and (2) politics. These two topics can be highly controversial and are best left for personal time and with personal friends who are outside of your business network. Business cards: (1) Never exchange business cards while dining. (2) Be sure to look at the business card when you receive one. Don’t just shove it in your pocket or purse. The handshake: (1) Smile when you are introduced to someone as you shake their hand. (2) Greet the person while shaking their hand i.e. “Nice to meet you.” (3) Both men and women should grip firmly; wimpy handshakes and those that try to break your bones are both equally unprofessional. (4) Only two or three pumps during the handshake… you’re not trying to date the person. Introducing yourself: (1) Always say your first and last name. (2) Always stand when you are being introduced to someone. This helps to establish your presence. E-mail: (1) Always have a subject in the subject line. (2) Always use a greeting. (3) Use full sentences. (4) Always have a signature. (5) Do not “reply-all” unless everyone needs to know. Just because a group e-mail
was sent doesn’t mean that your response needs to go to everyone. Your response usually only needs to go to the person who sent the e-mail, not the entire group. Cell phones during a meeting or conversation: (1) Don’t check your texts or take a call in the middle of a conversation with someone. It’s just rude! (2) If you expect a cell phone call during a meeting, let others know so that you can politely step-out if your expected call comes in. (3) Don’t have your cell phone on the table during a meeting. Even if it’s on silent or vibrate, it can still be a distraction if it lights up. Appointments: (1) Be on time. (2) Don’t be more than five minutes early. Arriving super early can be just as inconsiderate as arriving late. (3) If you know you will be late to a meeting, call or text to let others know that you’re on your way and your expected arrival time, and ask if
it’s still ok to move forward with the meeting or if you should reschedule. This is being considerate of other people’s time. Business meals: According to Barbara Pachter in her book “The Essentials of Business Etiquette” (1) The host pays, regardless of gender. If you invited someone to lunch or dinner, then you are the host. (2) Do not pull out chairs for anyone. (3) Do not stack your plates. (4) Do not ask for a doggy-bag. Thank you: Thank you notes foster positive relationships. According to a study by Emotion, thanking people makes them more likely to continue a relationship, which leads to more opportunities for you. Send a thank you note after an interview, after an important meeting, after sharing information with new people at events, after a receiving a referral, during the holidays, and just out of the blue for something special that was done to help you.
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The famous American writer, Maya Angelou, once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Business etiquette has not gone away…if anything, it is even more necessary in today’s society considering the fast-paced world of social media, texting, and less and less face-time with one another. Manners and etiquette may play an even more vital role in ensuring that we are respectful and considerate of each other’s feelings. When baby-boomers were told to do something by a colleague or supervisor, they would say, “Yes sir.” Generation X grew up being told, “You don’t need to call me sir.” Millennials have grown up saying, “Why do I need to do that?” While our culture has changed due to ever-increasing technology, and fewer people employing good social etiquette, this doesn’t mean it’s not needed anymore, or that it’s not important. In fact, quite the opposite is true. According to an article in examiner.com posted July 11, 2013, titled, “Why Do Millennials Seem to Lack Manners,” millennials spend so much time on their cell phones and other devices that they don’t know how to behave during in-person business situations. With this in mind, I’ve put together some basic business
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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
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
Winter 2016
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center (OSMC) has added OSMC Today, an orthopedic walk-in clinic to supplement its current services. Injuries occur when you least expect them and finding immediate expert care is critical. OSMC Today, located at 3107 Frederick Ave. on the lower level, has a team prepared and ready to provide specialized orthopedic care at a fraction of the cost of emergency centers. The walk-in clinic is staffed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and can treat a full range of orthopedic and sports medicine injuries including but not limited to: painful, swollen or injured joints of the ankle, elbow, foot, back, hand, hip, knee, neck and shoulder; strains, sprains, dislocations and closed fractures; cast
BusinessBriefs
compensation accidents, etc. For more information call 2339888, visit osmcortho.com or find the business on Facebook or Twitter.
local or state level,” said Dr. William S. Belko, executive director of the Missouri Humanities Council. “This is a prestigious, competitive and statewide recognition.”
St. Joseph Museums Win Award
Holthaus Named 5-Star Pro
The St. Joseph Museums has been selected by the Board of the Missouri Humanities Council to receive the 2016 annual Exemplary Community Achievement Award in recognition of the extensive and wide-ranging educational programming it provides for the community. The awards ceremony will be held on April 30 in St. Louis. “The award recognizes an individual or group who has made a special contribution to a community’s understanding of and support for humanities-related endeavors on the
Family Investment Center announces that Laura Holthaus, Investment Advisor and Chief Compliance Officer, has been named as a 2016 Kansas City Five Star Wealth Manager. Five Star Professional, a company that conducts marketspecific research throughout the U.S. and Canada, teams with KC Magazine and KC Business to find the wealth managers in the region that fit several top objectives. Holthaus is featured in the January 2016 print and online editions of KC magazine. Read more here: http://www.
Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic Opens or wound injuries, care for workers’
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familyinvestmentcenter.com/mediamentions. Candidates for the distinguished award must have a one-year to five-year client retention rate and required educational and professional designations. They must be a registered investment advisor and credentialed as an investment advisor representative, in addition to other credentials. Holthaus joined Family Investment Center in 2008. She is a graduate of Missouri Western State University, Bachelor of Science, Economics, 2007; Missouri Western State University, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 2007; NASD Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, 2010; the University of Missouri, Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, 2012; and the University of Missouri, Applied Master of Science, Personal Financial Planning, 2014.
Northwest Missourians Stand Together, Advocate at Great Northwest Day With the cooperation that makes the northwest corner of Missouri so successful, Great Northwest Day at the Capitol 2016 drew more than 280 area constituents together to showcase their region in Jefferson City on Feb. 2 and 3. Eighteen counties, multiple communities and representatives from business, education, healthcare and government came together to discuss issues that are critical to the region. The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Community Alliance of Saint Joseph lead a delegation from St. Joseph and Buchanan County to the annual event. Beginning with a luncheon panel on Tuesday participants were educated on the four Great Northwest priorities; transportation funding, infrastructure support for economic and business development, and PK12, higher education and workforce development.
On Tuesday afternoon, roundtable discussions were held where participants heard from Terry Maglich, director, Missouri Department of Economic Development; Christa Atchison, Director, Missouri Community Betterment; Greg Battson, USDA - Rural Development; and Judith Sabbert & Christel Gollnick Heartland Foundation. The evening event, designed to educate attendees about Northwest Missouri, consisted of a regional expo that showcased community/ county booths which emphasized the identified regional priorities and promoted local attributes. Attending the event were over 280 participants from Northwest Missouri and nearly 200 guests, including the Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, one Supreme Court justice, eight senators plus 25 Senate staffers, 70 House of Representatives members plus 50 of their staff, and over 40 State Department
representatives and officials from various executive departments. Great Northwest Day concluded Wednesday morning with a presentation from Pat McKenna, Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. State Representative Allen Andrews of Grant City said, “The 2016 Great Northwest Day was another huge success! I cannot emphasize enough how impactful this event is for informing and educating legislators from all over Missouri of our region’s concerns and needs, as well as our accomplishments and successes. Many of my legislative colleagues told me how impressed they were with the quality of the event and the kindness of the people. As a legislator, I am so proud to represent such an amazing group of people who work so hard and dedicate themselves to the betterment of our region. Their efforts have
certainly left a lasting impression at the Capitol!” Volunteers begin planning for the event in August. “This was the 15th annual celebration of the Great Northwest down here in Jefferson City and once again the event was a resounding success,” said Sen. Dan Hegeman, of Cosby in Andrew County. “Lawmakers from throughout the state and numerous executive department representatives took the opportunity to meet with the Great Northwest delegation to learn about the needs and interests of our region. This is truly one of the premier events during the legislative session. The impact of Great Northwest Day is felt throughout session as legislators and officials who once knew or cared little about our part of the state have a better understanding of the challenges we face and the priorities we have in Northwest Missouri.”
St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Missouri Western Alum Returns to St. Joseph to Buy Golden Corral A graduate of the applied entrepreneurship class in the Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University returned to St. Joseph for the next step in his business career. Scott Lassen has purchased the Golden Corral at 715 N. Belt Highway. The restaurant celebrated a grand opening and St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce his new ownership on March 2. “I think there are some real possibilities to grow the business and to be more engaged with the St. Joseph community,” Lassen said. Lassen received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Western in 2010 and a Master of Business Administration from California State University-Long Beach in 2011. In 2013, he enrolled in the applied entrepreneurship class at the Craig School of Business. At the end of the class he was awarded an opportunity to purchase a Fresca’s Mexican Grill in Woodburn, Oregon, that was owned by Steve Craig, benefactor of the Craig School and founder of the applied entrepreneurship class. In just three months, Lassen turned Fresca’s from losing thousands of dollars each year into a profitable store. Two years later, he sold the Fresca’s store, to another participant in the applied entrepreneurship program in order to give back to the program and use the sale proceeds to purchase the Golden Corral in St. Joseph. The store he just purchased has approximately four times the revenue of his former Fresca’s store and has about six times the number of employees. “Scott is one of the stars of our program,” said Pam Klaus, director of franchise programs in the Craig School of Business. “By turning around a small business, he has earned the opportunity to own and manage a much larger business. He has the desire to make a positive impact in everything he is involved in, and it’s exciting to watch him grow as an entrepreneur.” In addition to owning the Golden
Corral restaurant, Lassen develops applications for the iOS operating system (iPhone/iPad), including one to help people learn to speak, read and write Arabic. He has also developed an app which expedites counting inventory for restaurants. He says he draws inspiration from several businessmen, including Steve Jobs, Steven Craig, and Elon Musk— the CEO of technology companies including SpaceX and Tesla Motors. “My role models don’t focus on making money—they change the world. Money is just a byproduct of their efforts and ideas,” Lassen said. “I also want to do things that will improve the quality of life for people from the money I earn from Golden Corral.” “This is one of the best examples of the vision of the program’s architect, Steve Craig.” said Dr. Michael Lane, dean of the Craig School of Business. “We provide the winners with a minimal risk opportunity to assume ownership of their first franchise so they can gain valuable experience, which is extremely critical when they move into more complex business opportunities.” “I am extremely pleased that we are beginning to experience, at a local level, the benefits of the MWSU entrepreneurship program,” said Steven Craig. “I had always hoped and envisioned that some of our graduates of the program would return to St. Joseph to help reinvigorate not only individual businesses, but the business community as a whole. Scott is the type of person that can do just that. He was a top student as well as an amazing entrepreneur in his first business. He did everything that was asked of him during the last 2½ years and now he has put himself in a position to own and manage a terrific business.” “I also appreciate Scott’s desire to make a positive impact within St. Joseph and the surrounding communities. He’s not just here to ‘make a buck,’ but rather to help make the community a better place to live. With a lot of hard work and
Scott Lassen, Pam Klaus, director of franchise programs in the Craig School of Business, and members of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Diplomats Club celebrate the Golden Corral’s re-grand opening on March 2. the support of the community, he will make Golden Corral a great business.” “I share Steve Craig’s vision of applied entrepreneurship class graduates returning to bolster the local economy. I’m very happy that Scott has come back to St. Joseph for
the next step in his entrepreneurial career, and wish him all the best,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “I’m also very grateful to the previous owners, Brian and Sherry Shively, for making this opportunity available to Scott.”
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(816) 233-6055 (816) 233-3209 Fax 1305 S. 59th Street St. Joseph, MO 64507
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St. Joseph BuSineSS Journal
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Passion, Drive Motivates LEAD, Chamber’s Young Professionals Group Passion matters to millennials and nowhere is that more evident than in the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals group, LEAD. About 70 people under 40 attended a February LEAD meeting to discuss the many positives they see about living in St. Joseph and the things they’d like to change. “We’re not sitting in our corners anymore,” said Wakefield Hare, LEAD chairman. “I’ve had enough incredible conversations with people in my age group to know that you care about the future of our community. I have no doubt that we can make a movement.” The group discussed what makes St. Joseph unique, especially in 2016. Comments from the crowd included: “The sense of pride is being regrown.” “We have the size to get things
done but a small town feel.” “It’s an exciting time to be here. In 5 to 10 years we’ll look back and say we were a part of that!” The resurgence in downtown in the form of arts, festivals, living and business opportunity is what is helping spur the excitement and sense of community pride. However, there are still things to improve upon. The conversation provoked a lot of ideas from recycling and pride of property to upkeep of infrastructure and the need for quality rental housing. “Now the silver bullet situation – if we move as a group, we can’t be ignored,” Hare said. “If you’re seeking something great for yourself and this community, you should get involved now.” On March 16 and 17, LEAD members had lunch with various leaders in the community including
Wakefield Hare, LEAD chairman, addresses a crowd of about 70 young professionals at Paradox Coffee and Theatre. Mayor Bill Falkner, County Commissioner Ron Hook and business owners Dan Danford, Susan Campbell and Brian Myers. These small group settings (limited to 10 people at each) foster conversation about leadership skills and community issues.
In April, the LEAD meeting will focus on what initiatives are currently being pursued to help make change in the St. Joseph community and how new and prospective members can get involved. To learn more visit saintjoseph.com/lead.
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