Business Journal Spring 2011

Spring 2011 Included Inside:

Boehringer Ingelheim Expands TWICE

It Can Be Done: Learning From Oklahoma City Hotel/Motel Increase Could Improve Quality of Life

2010 2011 2012 2013

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

2

How to guarantee your health insurance costs for the next three years.

It’s this simple! Choose any BlueChoice® plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) in 2011 and receive upon renewal a rate cap guarantee of 7.9% in 2012 and 9.9% in 2013,* well below the double-digit increases small businesses often see. that means businesses with 99 or fewer employees can predict their health insurance costs into 2014.

In the midst of all the uncertainty about healthcare these days, and the fear of double-digit rate increases, only Blue KC gives you unprecedented rate stability. Maybe that’s why Blue KC continues to insure far more Kansas City companies than anyone else.

For more information about what the two year rate cap guarantee can do for your business, contact your health benefits broker, give us a call at 816-360-1000 or send us an email to RateCap@BlueKC.com today!

1

7.9%

st

Year Rate Cap

GuaRantee

www.BlueKC.com

BCP3053AD4/11

2

9.9%

nd

Year Rate Cap

GuaRantee

*For qualified groups. This 2 year rate cap is subject to any new State and/or Federal mandate which may be passed into law.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

3 Editorial content, unless otherwise noted, by Kristi Rasmussen

INDEX Economic Update.................................................................................4 Eagle Completes $1.2 M project..........................................................5 Problem: How to Feed an Ever-Growing World Population?............6 Employers, job seekers attend Career Fair..........................................7 Top Employer Profile: Hillyard Companies........................................8 ‘Aging Boomers & Your Bottom Line’.................................................9

It Can Be Done: Learning Revival Tips from OKC......................10 BIVI Expands TWICE....................................................................12 Hotel/Motel Tax Increase Would Improve Quality of Life..........14 KCP&L and City Partner to Turn Landfill Gas Into Power...........15 Small Business Matters...................................................................16 Downtown Digest..........................................................................17 Member Profile...............................................................................19

2011 St. Joseph Metro Chamber BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman

President/CEO

Ted Allison, CEcD St. Joseph Metro Chamber

Chair-Elect Matthew Dority KCP&L Secretary/Treasurer

Directors

Brad McAnally Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc.

Vern Middleton Midwest Federal

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

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

by evaluating your benefits program by evaluating your benefits program

© Copyright 2007. CBIZ, Inc. NYSE Listed: CBZ. All rights reserved.

our

business our business

yours yours

is growing is growing

816-233-0201 816-233-0201 800-776-8114 800-776-8114 218 South 7th Street 218 South 7th Street www.cbiz.com

www.cbiz.com

by matching your needs to the right plan by matching your needs to the right plan

bybymaximizing your benefit plan dollars maximizing your benefit plan dollars Comprehensive and customized Comprehensive and customized benefits insurance solutions benefits insurance solutions. from the Nation’s #1 Benefits Specialist from the Nation’s #1 Benefits Specialist GROUP BENEFITS • VOLUNTARY PRODUCTS INDIVIDUAL LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCEPRODUCTS GROUP BENEFITS • VOLUNTARY

INDIVIDUAL LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE Insurance offered through CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc. or CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Ted Allison, CEcD

President & CEO allison@saintjoseph.com 816.232.4461

Spring 2011

Shannon Jobes

Kristi Rasmussen

Vice President, Administration jobes@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4111

Director of Communications rasmussen@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4108

Economic Development

Brad Lau

Senior Vice President, Economic Development blau@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4110 816.244.6221 (cell)

Maryann Skiles

Receptionist, Administrative Assistant

skiles@saintjoseph.com

3003 Frederick Ave. 816.232.4461 or 800.748.7856

816.232.4461

Mary Brown

Steve Hamilton

Project Manager, Administrative Assistant brown@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4102

Natalie Redmond

Vice President, Member Relations redmond@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4107

Top 10 Employers

Chris Schmitter

Keisha Parrish

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

Administrative Assistant, Membership parrish@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4101

Steve Johnston

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

EconomicUpdate

Health Services Meat Products Education Animal Pharmaceuticals

3,175 2,740 1,807 974

Utility Industry Equipment Insurance Meat Products Government Prison

940 757 700 665 576

Education

534

Demographics

816.364.4873 (fax) www.saintjoseph.com Community Alliance

Membership

Executive Director of Business Relations & Development hamilton@saintjoseph.com 816.364.4106 816.244-9533 (cell)

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

4

St.Joseph

business... by the good better life ! umbers

Unemployment (March)

Population Housing units

76,197 32,495

St. Joseph Missouri

8.5 percent 9.1 percent

Average family size

3

United States

8.8 percent

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

Eagle Completes $1.2 M Project

5

Why is Missouri Western State University the fastest growing public university in the state?

We think it has a lot to do with VALUE; parents and students know value when they see it: V= Q 2 + A (Value = Quality 2 + Affordability) Check out Missouri Western’s Quality:

Besides the finishing of the $1.2 million project, KFEQ/KSJQ/KESJ/KKJO also won the 2010 Station/Market of the Year at the 2010 Eagle Sales Awards Banquet. Photo and story submitted by Eagle Communications.

Two years after one of four KFEQ-AM broadcast towers north of St. Joseph fell when a mowing tractor accidently hit a guy-wire, the Eagle Communications-owned radio station has completed a very unique $1.2 million broadcast facility rebuild.

The project also created the consolidation of KFEQ-AM and KESJ-AM (ESPN 1550) and required a complete makeover of the radio station’s property, north of North Shoppes on Highway 71.

Following the mowing accident, the three remaining towers for KFEQ were brought down last spring and four new 340-foot replacement towers were erected.

KFEQ continued to operate during the project at a reduced power level during the construction.

Now, with the completion of the renovation, KFEQ is fully restored to the 5,000 watts authorized by the FCC, and is producing a daytime signal that reaches 200 miles or more in any direction.

“KFEQ is once again the great signal serving the farm population in parts of four states,” said Eagle Communication President Gary Shorman. “We can listen to KFEQ in our Hays, Kan., headquarters, some 270 miles away. How cool is that? In the world of high tech communication, radio continues to be the fastest and quickest way

to reach large numbers of people.

KFEQ and KESJ now reach more of the St Joseph market with important local news, sports and severe weather information.”

Following the completion of KFEQ, a unique move was made moving Eagle’s KESJ from its former South 169 Highway address to the KFEQ site. Four smaller towers (160 feet) were constructed to accommodate the separate KESJ, using available space in the middle of the KFEQ tower array.

Eagle also installed a “ground” system, and installed new transmitter, RF systems and other supporting electronic systems. The result was a completely rebuilt broadcast signal operating with 2,500 watts of daytime power serving the St. Joseph trade area and beyond.

“Our broadcast signal has never been clearer or stronger,” said Eagle St. Joseph General Manager, Gary Exline. “Our listeners and advertisers are in for a treat as we continue to bring the best of the national, state, and local sports world via ESPN 1550.”

Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas-based Broadband Services and Media Company with over 250 employee-owners. For more information log on to www.680kfeq. com or www.1550espn.com

UÊ/ iÊ-ÌiÛi Ê °Ê À> }Ê-V Ê vÊ Õà iÃÃÊ ÃÊ>VVÀi` Ìi`ÊLÞÊÌ iÊ Ãà V >Ì ÊÌ Ê `Û> ViÊ i} >ÌiÊ -V ÃÊ vÊ Õà iÃÃÊ ÌiÀ >Ì > Ê ­ - ®°Ê iÜiÀÊÌ > Êx¯Ê vÊ> Ê ÃV ÃÊ vÊLÕà iÃÃÊÜ À `Ü `iÊ ÀiVi ÛiÊÌ ÃÊ>VVÀi` Ì>Ì ° UÊ7iÃÌiÀ Ê ÃÊÀiV } âi`Ê>ÃÊ> Ê -Ìi Ü>ÞÊ-V ÆÊ ÌÃÊ« > ÃÊ>ÀiÊ `ià } i`ÊLÞÊ-Ìi Ü>ÞÊ> `Ê- Ã°Ê UÊ iÜ ÞÊLÕ ÌÊ,i }Ì Ê > Ê> `Ê Ài Û>Ìi`Ê }i ÃÌi Ê > Êvi>ÌÕÀiÊ >««À Ý >Ìi ÞÊ£Óä]äääÊõ°ÊvÌ°Ê vÊ ÃÌ>Ìi v Ì i >ÀÌÊÃV i Vi]ÊV «ÕÌiÀÊ ÃV i ViÊ> `Ê >Ì i >Ì VÃÊv>V Ì iÃ°Ê Missouri Western State University: Students come for the low cost, scholars stay for the outstanding quality. www.missouriwestern.edu

Western is an equal opportunity institution.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

6

Problem: How to Feed an Ever-Growing World Population?

Max Armstrong, national farm broadcaster, addresses the issues at annual Farm City Breakfast

RFD-TV and radio broadcaster Max Armstrong spoke to farmers and others in the agriculture industry at the annual Farm City Breakfast.

Stretch Your Advertising Dollars

t '3&& /0 $PTU UP :PV

Free Advertising for Your Business from Mercantile Bank In a time where advertising dollars are being stretched and you are competing even harder for consumers’ limited dollars, our Local Merchant Discount Book online brings you value, awareness, and customized marketing all at NO cost to you...just one of the many benefits of banking with us.

Visit LMDBonline.com or call us to learn more!

t (SFBU "EWFSUJTJOH GPS :PVS #VTJOFTT t .BSLFU UP 0WFS PG PVS "DDPVOUIPMEFST t 0ÄŠFST 'FBUVSFE PO PVS 8FCTJUF JO PVS #SBODIFT t (FOFSBUF /FX #VTJOFTT t #PPTU 5SBÄ‹D %VSJOH 4MPX %BZT PS 5JNFT t #VTJOFTT UP #VTJOFTT 0QQPSUVOJUJFT t 1SJOU 1SPUPDPMT UP 1SPUFDU :PVS 0ÄŠFST

An Affiliate of Mercantile Bancorp, Inc.

MBR

FULL SERVICE BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES SOLUTIONS

1602 South Riverside Road, St. Joseph, MO

t NFSDBOUJMFCL DPN

-Dave Gall Assistant Vice President, Development

A nationally-known broadcaster in the field of agribusiness talked to the St. Joseph Metro Chamber about the increasing need and demanding obstacles in feeding the world’s growing population.

Max Armstrong, host of “This Week in Agribusiness� on RFDTV, was the guest speaker at the 2011 Farm City Breakfast. The event is organized by the St. Joseph Agribusiness Committee and was held on March 18 at Central Christian Church.

“Every day 250,000 people are added to the world, that’s 90 million a year,� Mr. Armstrong said. “Where are we going to put them? How do we make sure they all have water?

But the crucial question to all of us is, how do we feed them?�

Mr. Armstrong said that the most important thing is for all aspects of agribusiness to work together. He said that some organic farmers are seen as attacking traditional agriculture.

“If we’re going to feed everyone, we have to use all the tools and technology we have to get the job done, and that includes organic and traditional methods,� he said. “It’s so important to take the team approach in agriculture.�

But that team approach applies to more than just actual farmers, he said to the audience, which included people from all aspects of agribusiness.

“We’re all important in this,� he said. “As lenders, lawyers, suppliers and farmers, no one is big enough to see all the complexities.�

He also said that “giving the next generation a head start is so important,� which tied back to an earlier part of the breakfast program dealing with the AFA, or Agriculture Future of America. The proceeds generated from the seventh-annual breakfast went to the AFA scholarship program.

“My message today is to simply say thank you,� said Russ Weathers, an AFA representative.

He said 70 local students had benefitted from the scholarship program and 6,000 had done so on a national level. The local St. Joseph program is one of the best in the country.

“St. Joe is our model across the nation,� he said. “No other program can compare. The work you’ve invested is paying off. The award winners are talented, passionate about agriculture and care about the future.�

While the future of agriculture was a main topic of the event, a nod was also given to the history of St. Joseph’s agricultural economy.

Wes Remington was inducted to the agriculture “Hall of Fame� at the breakfast. The pioneer in the animal health field started his career at Anchor Serum, which is now Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., before becoming an entrepreneur in the field. He was unable to attend but his daughter, Leann Swartz, accepted the award on his behalf.

The purpose of the breakfast is to recognize the significant contribution of agriculture to the area economy.

“Approximately 7,400 people are employed by 36 businesses in the St. Joseph Metro Area that are directly dependent upon agriculture,� said Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber.

But he said there is also indirect employment to consider, like other employers that benefit from the close proximity of agricultural-based businesses in the fields of research, testing and consulting.

“Also, consider the hundreds and hundreds of local businesses who can trace the majority of their customer base back to those agrirelated employers: companies that provide trucking services, machining services, cleaning materials and retail and restaurants,� Mr. Allison said.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

7

90 Employers, Educational Venues & Resources Attend Career Fair Almost 1,400 job seekers attend 2011 fair, tops 2010 attendance figures

Matching employees with local employers is the goal of the annual Career & Resource Fair and that goal was accomplished on April 19. The fair’s planners saw more attendees and participants in 2011 at Northwest Missouri’s largest career fair held at St. Joseph’s Civic Arena.

This year almost 1,400 job seekers attended to visit with more than 90 local and area employers, educational venues and resource providers, according to Dana Plowman, chairperson of the St. Joseph Employment Coalition, of which the St. Joseph Metro Chamber participates. The 2010 fair had about 1,250 job seekers and 60 employment venues.

She said she thought larger companies offering positions brought more people out to the career fair.

Melissa Rushefski, Candidate Pipeline Manager for AT&T, was

looking to hire six people for the AT&T store at the Shoppes at North Village.

“There is a lot of great traffic flow,” she said.

AT&T, like many companies, attended the fair but only accept applications online. That process frustrates some job seekers like Nicole Sharp.

“I’d like to see more people interview you and hire you on the spot than send you to a website,” Ms. Sharp said.

Ms. Rushefski said that although corporate policy mandates that candidates apply online, talking to job seekers at career fairs is not pointless.

“If I meet someone I’m interested in for a position, I write his or her name down and make sure to look them up when we’re going through online applications,” she said.

“These job fairs are the best way for a prospect to get noticed in a strictly online system.”

Overall, the job fair was a success.

“I had a good response from employers that were impressed with the quality of applicants they received,” Ms. Plowman said. “It seems like they were able to fill their positions. An IT job

seeker found an open IT position (for example).”

Anna Rosenberger, of Foutch Brothers, LLC, was looking to fill construction positions.

“There have been a lot of people here prepared and asking a lot of good questions,” Ms. Rosenberger

said. “They seem to know what they are looking for. One man brought up specific skills that he had and he matched perfectly with us. That alone made coming today worth it.”

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

8

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

Hillyard Companies Janitorial Equipment & Supplies 302 N. Fourth St. (816) 233-1321 www.hillyard.com

Many high-profile basketball court finishes/protectors are manufactured

by Hillyard.

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

Hillyard develops and manufactures products for wood sports floor care and for commercial and institutional cleaning. In the early 1900s, Hillyard developed the first modern day gym finish. Since that time, Hillyard has developed many products and systems that help businesses and organizations like schools, hospitals and government agencies lower their cost to clean and improve their quality. A few examples are a full line of environmentally preferred, Green Seal certified cleaning products, and the Cleaning Companion Touch-free Restroom Cleaning System that gets restrooms cleaner than traditional scrubbing methods, and in a fraction of the time.

How are your products distributed?

Hillyard products are distributed through a nationwide network of 34 Hillyard-owned distribution locations and more than 100 independently-owned janitorial supply dealers.

How many workers do you employ and what kinds of educational backgrounds do they have?

Nationwide, Hillyard employs more than 830 workers, with more than 185 based in St. Joseph. The company has expertise in a wide array of disciplines including manufacturing, logistics, chemistry, finance, information technology, human resources, sales and marketing.

Hillyard has an interesting history of beginning in St. Joseph. What keeps you here?

Hillyard has been a part of St. Joseph for 104 years. We take pride in our deep roots and commitment to the St. Joseph community. The strong work ethic and family values of the residents and a great business community make St. Joseph a great place to operate a nationwide business.

Any prospect for future growth?

We have recently completed the acquisition of a major East Coast janitorial supply distributor, expanding our nationwide footprint, and adding to the continued growth of our St. Joseph-manufactured products.

Are there any interesting facts or figures you’d like the Business Journal readership to know?

Many times, on national TV, you see Hillyard products performing their job -- you just don’t realize it! Some of the highest profile basketball courts are protected by Hillyard products, including the Lakers floor at the Staples Center, Allen Field House, Norm Stewart Court at Mizzou Arena and the Basketball Hall of Fame court, just to name a few.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

‘Aging Boomers & Your Bottom Line’ Addresses Aging Workforce Issues

Take a look around in the workplace and you may see more older faces than you did a decade ago.

“A lot more seniors will be working more into their senior years,” said Steve Wenger, Process Leader/ Market Research for Heartland Health at “Aging Boomers and Your Bottom Line.” The topic of our aging workforce was discussed at the April 29 St. Joe Rising.

In Buchanan County, the Missouri Senior Report says that in between 14.7 and 17.3 percent of the population is 65 and older in 2010. By 2025, that percentage will be between 16.7 and 19.5 percent. Because of longer life spans and the hit many retirement funds took in the recent economic downturn, those seniors will need to work longer than their parents did.

“Eighty percent of people don’t plan to retire at 65,” said co-presenter John Carney, MEd, PAHM, Center for Practical Bioethics. “They may not have the money or they may find work still intriguing. Or they don’t want, or aren’t ready, for a leisurely life.”

Mr. Carney said the fastestgrowing population in the country right now is those who are 85 and older.

“Iowa is one of the oldest states, but Missouri and Kansas are right on its tail,” he said. Iowa is the fourth oldest, and Missouri and Kansas are ranked 13th and 17th respectively.

Older workers may be in “encore careers.” This means they may have retired from one profession and are ready for, or are pursuing, their next career. Employers should expect that older workers may want or expect flexibility in their work schedules, Mr. Carney said.

Having an aging population doesn’t just affect the business community. It also affects communities as a whole when it comes to planning.

People used to assume older residents would become ‘snow birds’ and move to warmer climates when

they retired, Mr. Carney said.

That’s not so true anymore.

“Older people miss their families so we’re seeing a boomerang effect and they are moving back to where they came from,” Mr. Carney said. “States weren’t expecting that – they expected them to move to Florida and die. Kids were expecting that too and thought they’d inherit their condos.”

The aging population affects cities more than rural communities, Steve Wenger and John Carney presented at the April 29 St. Joe Rising at the Fulkerson Center at Missouri Western State University.

Mr. Carney said.

“There is a tendency as you age to move into a more metro area because you have a greater need for services,” he said.

Attorney & Counselor at Law

This causes issues for housing, planning and zoning and WHAT SETS ME APART transportation. For housing, seniors I genuinely care about need affordable homes with a design people and their legal suitable for them – like one-story problems. I try, whenever possible, to quote work homes. Some planning and zoning at a flat fee, and I will regulations discourage a broad range return phone calls and of age-appropriate housing options, e-mails promptly. he said.

When it comes to transportation, he said that road design makes for • Business & Employment Law a difficult driving environment for • Corporate Law seniors, or makes walking nearby • Estate Planning difficult or dangerous. He also noted • General Civil Matters & Dispute Resolution that often information about available community services isn’t well • Energy Law dispersed.

• Licensed in Missouri, Kansas & Tennessee

The event was presented by • Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Heartland Health. St. Joe Rising is a quarterly St. Joseph Metro Chamber event that brings legislative, social, 4810 S. Lakewood Dr., St. Joseph, Missouri 64506 economic and corporate concerns to Telephone: (816) 294-9962 | Facsimile: (816) 689-5932 www.garymyerslaw.com | gmyers@garymyerslaw.com Chamber members.

Gary L. Myers

9

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

It Can Be Done: Learning Revival Tips from Oklahoma City were shocked, as Indianapolis hadn’t offered nearly the economic development incentives that its city had.

However, Indianapolis had invested in its quality of life instead of lavish incentive packages.

“They told us, ‘We just couldn’t see our executives living in Oklahoma City,’” Mayor Cornett said.

That was in 1993 and leaders vowed that wouldn’t happen again.

“We said, ‘We’re going to create a city where they want to be,’” he said.

Since then, residents have passed eight multi-million dollar initiatives to improve its city. Five of those have been passed within Mayor Cornett’s six years as mayor. They started improving its fairgrounds, arts programs and put water back in its depleted river. But then there was the bombing in 1995 that claimed 168 lives at the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City’s downtown.

While the bombing was devastating, Mayor Cornett said the bonding of residents that happened afterward lingers today.

Despite the newly-bonded city, the improvement initiatives were not all smooth sailing.

“The MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) effort was controversial,” he said. “It was a large initiative that had more failures than successes at first. But in 1998, the ballpark opened and it was like a light bulb went off. It was the first time in the city’s history that we made this a city people wanted to visit.”

Residents didn’t slow down with just one success. Another Mayor Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City initiative helped bring an NBA speaks to about 230 members of the St. basketball team to Oklahoma City Joseph Metro Chamber. from Seattle. Others focused on

10

“Second Best Mayor in the World” Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City, Okla., speaks to Chamber members

St. Joseph could learn a lot from Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oklahoma City went through a long period of despair in the 1980s, but has recently turned itself around thanks to leaders and citizens working together to improve their quality of life. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett (who was recently named “Second Best Mayor in the World” by a London-based group) spoke to St. Joseph business leaders at the 2011 Spring Chairman’s Luncheon on May 5.

In the early 1990s, Oklahoma City offered to build United Airlines a massive new facility if the company would just bring the jobs to Oklahoma. Voters approved a measure to ensure the project would happen – or so they thought, until United Airlines announced it was taking its jobs to Indianapolis, Ind., instead. Oklahoma City leaders

Downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. streets and schools. MAPS 3 is Mayor Cornett’s initiative that focuses on health and wellness. It included building the world’s finest canoeing and kayaking facility in the U.S., he said.

Focusing on improving quality of life, Mayor Cornett said, is a very important lesson.

“People will live where they want to live and jobs will follow,” he said

Now, Oklahoma City has the lowest rate of unemployment in the nation and a $750 million skyscraper is being built downtown.

“Cities spend so much in trying

to fix social problems and don’t invest in itself,” he said. “We’ve invested in capital, in streets and the jobs have followed.”

Oklahoma City has focused on infrastructure, jobs and education, all which lead to economic development.

“My desire is to create one more job, or one more better job,” Mayor Cornett said. All of those efforts have had a major impact on Oklahoma City’s downtown. “You can’t be a suburb of nothing. If your downtown is dead, your suburbs suck.”

None of these accomplishments have come about just because of Mayor Cornett or city staff.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

11

What St. Joseph Can Take from OKC

The Bricktown Ballpark is home to the Oklahoma City Redhawks. Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Not one development came from City Hall alone,” he said. “It’s the Chamber and City Hall.”

Also, the city’s successes wouldn’t have been possible without leaders working together.

“We’ve done what we said we’d do, which has helped with

unification,” Mayor Cornett said. “But, it doesn’t take much to beat a tax. We need consensus building done on the front end. It’s not easy, but if leaders are all pulling the same rope, it’s possible.”

BusinessBrief anything.” What he learned as a senior in high school helped him in his future career. Mr. Robertson now is a partner at Clifton Gunderson,

Ingram’s, Kansas one of the nation’s largest City’s Business Magazine, certified public accounting and named Matt Robertson of consulting firms.

Clifton Gunderson LLP to Besides the Chamber, he’s its annual list of “40 Under also involved in the United 40.” Mr. Robertson is a St. Way, St. Joseph Kiwanis and Joseph Metro Chamber board many more charitable St. member.

Joseph organizations. He is

Ingram’s says the married with three children. professionals selected have Matt Robertson In the same issue of the set themselves apart from magazine, Ingram’s recognized many of their business peers with Heartland Health Board Members their achievements at the office and in Al Purcell and Sheri Spader and their communities.

Northwest Missouri State University

In the article, Mr. Robertson Professor Dr. Himadri Chakraborty talks about beating his own personal as being in the “50 Missourians You record (and winning a medal) in a Should Know.” The magazine said cross-country race in high school to these people have qualities like core make his grandfather proud and how values, hard work, discipline, selfthat taught him “that with drive and initiative and a “no-nonsense” gene. determination, you can accomplish

Robertson Named in ‘40 Under 40’

A view of Downtown St. Joseph and the Missouri River.

St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner, Chamber President and CEO Ted Allison and some other city leaders heard Mayor Cornett speak at a conference and knew his message would be right for St. Joseph.

“I feel he has experienced what we are going through right now with our downtown area,” said Mayor Falkner. “It took faith from the voters in their elected officials and they worked through all the problems and naysayers and now have a city that has a high quality of life and promotes growth with the younger professional workforce. It’s a a place where people want to live.”

Mr. Allison agreed.

“Oklahoma City is an example of what can be done when community leaders become unified in pursuing a far-reaching goal,” Mr. Allison said. “As a former Oklahoman, I witnessed firsthand the incredible pathway that Oklahoma City took to recreate an environment that attracts people to its urban core. On a smaller scale, St. Joseph can achieve similar results by pursuing such a vision.”

Mayor Cornett said that St. Joseph has one leg-up that

Oklahoma City didn’t have: great architecture.

“You’ve got a lot of architecture worth saving,” he said.

“When the markets turn around, that will be a great asset.”

He also said that getting the Kansas City Chiefs associated with St. Joseph tremendously helps St. Joseph’s brand.

However, there is much work left ahead.

“There is some beautification that needs to be done,” he said.

Another problem St. Joseph faces, like many other cities, including Oklahoma City, is health and wellness.

“I’ve urged our citizens to lose 1 million pounds, “ he said. “Showing up on the list of most obese cities in the U.S. affects economic development.

Companies think about how it will affect health care costs and absenteeism.”

The Community Roundtable for Health and Productivity is a group of St. Joseph business and community leaders that are already working to address that issue.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

12

BIVI Expands TWICE

Officials from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., and Dr. Gary Clapp (far left) who represented the Chamber/community) cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony for the Biological Vaccine Production Facility.

If you drive by the campus of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), you’re sure to notice construction that means a significant investment by the company into its St. Joseph facilities. In the recent months, BIVI has had a groundbreaking ceremony and a dedication ceremony for two new expansions.

“We think long-term and invest in science,” said George Heidgerken, President and CEO.

The company’s investment is important to the St. Joseph workforce and the city’s place as the capital of the Animal Health Corridor.

BIVI, a global leader in the animal pharmaceutical industry, is St. Joseph’s fourth-largest employer.

The addition of a new administrative building continues an

ongoing expansion at the St. Joseph location of the company, which in 2009 led to the hiring of about 150 workers and a capital investment of about $150 million.

The new administrative building will house more than 300 employees.

Most of those workers are already employed by Boehringer, but some new hires will also work at the facility, said Dan Nowalk, Executive Director of Human Resources and Public Relations. Currently, administrative workers are spread throughout St. Joseph company locations, like on Woodbine Road and in Mitchell Woods Business Park.

The new administrative building brings those workers together. The groundbreaking ceremony, at which Gov. Jay Nixon gave an address, was

100 years ago in the Stockyards by treating pigs for cholera and through mergers and acquisitions, we stand here today to celebrate 100 years of jobs, revenue, economic development and profitability.”

Dr. Clapp spoke at the dedication ceremony and grand opening of the expansion of the Biological Vaccine Production Facility.

“This project nearly doubles the production square footage and further exemplifies the commitment that Boehringer has to our community and the future of our region,” Dr. Clapp said.

Dr. Joachim Hasenmaier, global head of animal health for Boehringer, said the community’s future is not the company’s main concern.

“This is about a $100 million investment,” he said. “It’s the single biggest investment of ours in 10 years. We thought, ‘should we spend it and where?’ You should be very proud that it came here.

held Thursday, March 10.

“Animal health has become a real cluster of excellence in our state,” Gov. Nixon said. “There are more than 200 companies in the corridor and they are drawing on the same qualities and workforce as Boehringer.”

Some of those qualities include the experience and education of the local workforce in the animal health arena.

“While Boehringer Ingelhiem’s parent company is from Ingelhiem, Germany, the roots of this plant are truly local,” said Dr. Gary Clapp, President and CEO of the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Gov. Jay Nixon addressed the crowd at Sciences. “Since True Davis the groundbreaking ceremony for the new started Anchor Serum nearly administrative building for BIVI.

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

13

agri-business community, businesses tend to locate and stay in fertile ground that will satisfy all their nutrient needs,” Dr. Clapp said.

“Their needs include capital (both human and dollars) and they stay in an environment where they feel appreciated.”

Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber, said St. Joseph was fortunate that after an extensive site evaluation process (which included sites in other states) that BIVI decided to stay in St. Joseph and substantially increase its investment. At the administrative building groundbreaking ceremony, he thanked and congratulated those who participated with the Chamber’s Economic Development Team to make this possible:

• City staff, Mayor Bill Falkner and the City Council

• Buchanan County Commissioners R.T. Turner, Dan Hausman and Ron Hook and members of its Economic Development Advisory Committee Mayor Bill Falkner, Presiding Commissioner RT Turner, Gov. Jay Nixon and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica President/CEO George Heidgerken turn dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new administrative building.

In a business, it is not about being nice. It’s about good business sense.

We’re absolutely confident this is the best place to invest our money. I am confident this will bear fruit.”

Production at the new facility is expected to begin in May, said Dr. Christian Klessen, Vice President at BIVI, who agreed on the expansion in St. Joseph.

“Too many companies have given up their U.S. production base,” he said. “We feel this is the right investment.”

The decision to make St. Joseph the global site for BIVI’s animal health vaccine production was made in 1994, said Mr. Heidgerken. Two major expansions have happened since – before the expansion celebrated on May 2.

“In 2006 a certain disease was spreading like wildfire,” he said. “We realized we needed to up our capacity

for production of vaccine, and not just in the swine arena…We are very, very proud of what we have today and our customers dearly want this facility to work.”

He only half-joked that employees should skip lunch after the dedication ceremony to be able to properly fill the customers’ needs.

At the previous ceremony for the administrative building, he recognized how important the workers are to the company.

“We recognize we are part of a larger community,” Mr. Heidgerken said. “We’re committed to sustaining a work environment where people want to grow their careers.”

Civic leaders understand the importance of BIVI to the local economy, and in return, the company’s reliance on its local workforce.

“To steal a metaphor from the

• Gov. Jay Nixon, Former Gov. Matt Blunt and the State of Missouri’s Department of Economic Development

• Dr. Melody Smith, Superintendent of the St. Joseph School District, and her staff

• Dr. Robert Vartabedian, President of Missouri Western State University, and his staff

• Dr. Clapp, the IIALS and the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator

• Dr. Tom Billesbach, Dean of Business at Northwest Missouri State University

• Matt Dority and John Engelmann with KCP&L.

“All of these people and the entities they represent played an important role in working with Boehringer’s President and CEO George Heidgerken and his outstanding management team,” Mr. Allison said.

Ray A. Sisson, CCIM Serving only Commercial Clients Retail — Office — Industrial

I’LL HELP YOU PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER.

R

U

E ND

T

N CO

T

C RA

80,000 SF Warehouse

9,053 SF Retail

6,217 SF Office

21,500 SF Manufacturing

2700 N. Belt Hwy, St. Joseph, MO 64506 816-383-8604 • 800-530-5938 • www.raysisson.net

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

14

Hotel/Motel Tax Increase Would Improve Quality of Life and Business 3 percent increase would fund developments without affecting residents’ pocketbooks much, if at all

Improving St. Joseph’s quality of life could start with a simple yes vote on June 7. And voting yes may not cost residents a dime.

Residents will be asked to increase the existing Hotel/Motel Tax. Much of this tax is paid by out-oftown visitors, not St. Joseph residents.

The tax does not apply to meeting rooms, reception and dining facilities., so the effect on average residents is small.

St. Joseph’s current Hotel/ Motel Tax has a rate of 3 percent and has been unchanged since its 1979 inception. The proposed 3 percent increase would be allocated to further development of the riverfront and downtown. This proposition has a 20year sunset clause and would require voter approval for future extensions.

Based on the number of hotel rooms in St. Joseph, this would generate about $10 million during 20 years.

If approved, St. Joseph’s Hotel/ Motel Tax would still be lower than many other major Missouri cities (see box). Clint Thompson, City of St. Joseph Director of Planning and Community Development, doesn’t believe the current low tax rate attracts conventions or visitors that may be lost if the tax raises.

“Typically those looking to have an event in your community are attracted to a venue and what a community has to offer after an event,” Mr. Thompson said. “If a community does not have the ability to host an event or entertainment for those visiting your community, a low tax rate doesn’t do much to attract business. Events are willing to pay a fair tax in return for their money going to something that their customer will benefit from and attracts them to their event.”

If the increase is approved, certain projects along the riverfront and in downtown will be funded. A citizens’ committee will recommend projects to City Council for final approval and will provide oversight to ensure projects are completed as

promised to the voters, according to educational material to explain the measure. Some of the projects include: Riverfront Development Riverfront Phase I Robidoux Landing – Create picnic area on part of present park and make other improvements RV Park – 30 pads with room for expansion Fun City – Family-oriented park near Heritage Park. Enclosed pavilion, picnic area, sand volleyball, go-cart track, disc golf, bumper cars, batting cages and more Riverwalk – Add water, electricity and lighting for events and festivals along the riverfront Riverfront Phase II Safe Harbor/Marina – Public/private partnership to develop boat fueling, maintenance, storage, restaurant facilities Historic Theme Park – Living history preserve and historic trail center to provide a panoramic scenic overlook on Wyeth Hill River Bluff Trails – Natural hiking trails along the river bluffs Downtown Revitalization If this measure is approved, the revenue would be used to leverage $24 million from the state’s incentive programs toward construction of a multipurpose downtown event center.

If the center isn’t constructed, the revenue would be used for other downtown improvements.

The proposed event center would be the centerpiece of an arts and entertainment district. Mr. Thompson said that the new center wouldn’t replace the Civic Arena.

“The proposed Event Center would compliment the Civic Arena,” Mr. Thompson said. “The event center would allow for St Joseph to host a variety of events, concerts and conferences that Civic Arena is

not capable of hosting.”

Rhabecca Boerkircher, Executive Director of the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership, is excited about the possibility of the event center.

“It is one of the building blocks that we need to create a more viable downtown, which will be a direct benefit to the entire community,” she said. “Riverfront development Rendering of proposed event center provided by the City of will also assist St. Joseph. us in meeting want to live and work, and their our goals for guests want to stay, is very important. downtown.”

Improving downtown and the

If voters approve this increase, riverfront improves quality of life.” projects will begin based on which projects are easiest to accomplish.

“Obviously, some of the larger projects will take more time to accomplish and the committee Hotel Motel Taxes in wanted to express to the public Missouri Communities the importance of being able to identify and complete those Columbia 4 percent projects it could as soon as possible to see positive results up Independence 6.5 percent front,” Mr. Thompson said.

Jefferson City 7 percent

This initiative isn’t just Kansas City 7.5 percent something that city planners want Springfield 5 percent to see accomplished. Business St. Joseph 3 percent (6 leaders also see the benefit that the increased tax could provide. if approved)

“A number of businesses St. Louis 7.5 percent recognize the importance of quality of life in the St. Currently, for a room charge Joseph community for their of $100, the tax is $3. If the employees,” said Brad Lau, Senior Vice President of Economic increase is approved, the tax Development at the St. Joseph would be $6.

Metro Chamber. “Being in a location where their employees

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

15

KCP&L and City Partner to Turn Landfill Gas Into Usable Power

A partnership between KCP&L and the City of St. Joseph is turning methane gas into power.

KCP&L is building a methane gas collection system and will construct and operate a power generation facility at the City’s 90acre landfill. The City will operate and maintain the system. The plant will convert the captured methane gas into enough electricity to power nearly 1,000 homes on an annual basis, according to KCP&L.

“Congratulations on your creativity of turning used trash into usable energy,” said Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the St. Joseph Landfill Generating Station.

The project will include 52 wells that cover 70 acres, said Marvin Rollison, Vice President of Renewables and Gas Generation for KCP&L. The wells will condense and collect the methane gas and a 1.6 reciprocating engine/generator will convert the gas to electricity distributed through KCP&L’s grid. The system will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Thank you to KCP&L for their community efforts,” said Mayor Bill Falkner. “The revenue will be used for city services like the recycling center

that opened this morning (March 23).”

The landfill generating station will help keep the St. Joseph Landfill gate fee the lowest in the state.

It will also increase local electric generation, and KCP&L and the City will share the value of the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) received and carbon offset credits that are produced by the process.

This will help with Missouri Prop C compliance, Mr. Rollison said.

“This project will expand the current collection system and is yet another way this regional landfill is protecting the environment through its many environmental protection programs,” said Bruce Woody, City Director of Public Works.

Andrea Kliethermes, Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Energy for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said this project can be looked at from across the state and can hopefully serve as a model.

“We salute the City of St. Joseph for its forward-thinking decision to turn a landfill into a green asset, and we are pleased to be working with them on this project,” said Matt Dority, KCP&L North District Manager. “We’re delighted to have this opportunity to offer additional renewable electricity generation to our customers in the region.”

Image provided by KCP&L. KCP&L was awarded a subgrant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to assist in the development of the Landfill GasTo-Energy project. Funds are made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and

WE SEE

the Transform Missouri initiative, and administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

opportunities othErS may miSS

At Clifton Gunderson, we believe the key to providing the best accounting and consulting services is to match them with your company’s specific needs. We will take the time to learn your company’s goals and objectives, as well as apply our specialized knowledge about your industry to help you achieve success. Our over 45 years of focused experience has taught us you need more than just numbers from your accountant – you need valuable insight that can improve your business strategy and your bottom line.

Officials from KCP&L, the City of St. Joseph and the St. Joseph Metro Cham- ber shovel dirt at the new Landfill Generating Station.

2301 Village Drive, MO 64506 • 816-232-8441 • www.cliftoncpa.com

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

Entrepreneurs Are Welcome Downtown!

Entrepreneurs are individuals who organize, manage and assume the risks of a business or enterprise.

Multiple entrepreneurs have navigated to downtown St. Joseph during recent years for multiple reasons including:

(1) a love for the downtown area

(2) buildings or rent that are affordably priced

(3) a perfect area for their target demographic &/or

(4) the presence of grant or special loan opportunities.

Businesses that recently located downtown include: Lura Landis Photography, Aqua Vitae Hair & Tanning Salon, 2 Trendy, Delish Bakery, One Home Realty, Double E Images, Snyder & Associates Engineers & Planners, Mo-Kan,

Peace of Mind Home Care, Level 9 Production, and many more.

Entrepreneurs are taking advantage of St. Joseph’s downtown revitalization. They see a downtown that is primed for continued growth with increasing support from citizens, as well as from private-public partnerships such as the St. Joseph Metro Chamber and the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership, among others. And, as the downtown area grows, so will the revenue of the businesses that are already located there.

According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs during the past 15 years and hire 40 percent of high tech workers. (http:// www.sba.gov/advocacy/7495/8420)

The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is located inside the St. Joseph Metro Chamber. You do not need to be a member of the Chamber to receive services from the SBTDC. 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.

16

SmallBusinessMatters

This means that entrepreneurs are not just creating jobs in our downtown, but that many of them are creating better paying jobs. This scenario is a win-win situation for the businesses and the community.

Let’s not forget about the existing businesses that have been a staple of downtown St. Joseph for multiple years and have chosen not to move. Just a few of those businesses include the Montee Law Firm, Commerce Bank, US Bank, Sunshine Electronic Display, Universal Guardian and Hillyard. The last three businesses mentioned in the previous sentence have recently expanded their operations and chose to remain in the downtown area.

So, if you have the entrepreneur buzz, don’t overlook St. Joseph’s

downtown. The long-term plan is set for continued improvement in the downtown area, with tourist attractions including a riverwalk, a safe harbor/marina and improvements to Robidoux Landing, with other wonderful developments like an arts and entertainment district. St. Joseph is set to soar hand-in-hand with the local entrepreneurs who will benefit for years to come because of their foresight and anticipation of a downtown that is on the verge of being prosperous once more.

For additional information on getting started in business or assistance with your existing small business, contact Rebecca Evans with the Small Business & Technology Development Center.

Rebecca Evans is the Regional Director of the SBTDC. You may contact her at: 816-364-4105 or evans@saintjoseph.com

Sen. Blunt Visits With Chamber

Sen. Roy Blunt visited with more than 50 members of the business community at the St. Joseph Metro Chamber on April 19. His visit came just two weeks after a delegation of 26 St. Joseph community and business leaders traveled to the nation’s capitol as part of the annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In.

The goal of Sen. Blunt’s visit at the Chamber was to discuss federal spending.

“We have to get the spending under control,” he said. “We take in $2.2 trillion, but are spending $3.8 trillion.”

He says this behavior has to stop.

“The government is the last place in America that shows how much they care about something by how much it spends on it,” Sen. Blunt said.

The spending is also a matter of national security.

“We’re now defending our country with borrowed money,” he said.

However, there is some good news ahead.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt spoke to members of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber in April.

“The good news is we have time to solve this problem,”

Sen. Blunt was not the only Advisory Committee at Missouri said Sen. Blunt, a freshman federal federal legislator in St. Joseph that Western State University. About 100 legislator. “We’ve got to get focused day. Rep. Sam Graves also discussed people attended the event, according on this. It has to stop. I’m going to do the federal budget, and other topics, to the St. Joseph News-Press. my part to stop it.” when he met with his Agriculture

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

DowntownDigest Information provided by the St. Joseph Downtown Partnership

Sounds of Summer Concert Series Set to Resume

The St. Joseph Downtown Association is pleased to announce its 2011 “Sounds of Summer” concert series.

June 3rd– “Friends & Family” June 10th– “Page 2” June 17th-18th-Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival June 24th- “Private Stock” July 3rd– Freedom Festival (Sponsored by the Musicians Foundation) July 8th– “The Phil Vandel Band” July 15th– “Reved Up-Plus Linny Buck” July 22nd– “Soca Juke Box” July 29th– “Ernest James Zydeco” August 5th– “Jeff Lux Band” The concerts will be held at Felix Street Square from 6 to 9 p.m.

Concessions are available.

Downtown Businesses Change Locations

Mod Podge has relocated from its original store at 724 Francis St. to a larger location in the Kirkpatrick Building.

The store is now located at 624 Francis St., in the space formerly

occupied by Forces of Nature cycling shop. The boutique has an expanded inventory of clothing and accessories. The boutique offers unique and eclectic gifts, apparel, accessories and wearable art. The design studio also offers custom orders.

Lura Landis Photography has moved from its space at 114 N. Seventh St. in the Kirkpatrick Building to a new location at 724 Francis St. in the Krug Building.

Lura Landis Photography is a trendy photography studio that specializes in portrait work, weddings, families, children, seniors and professional photographs.

Both businesses are St. Joseph Metro Chamber members.

Two New Businesses Open Downtown

Peace of Mind Home Care, a new company specializing in home health care, has opened an office at 224 N. Seventh St. The St. Joseph Metro Chamber member helps people stay in their own homes and provides the highest quality home care to people with disabilities and seniors. To contact them, call 6710298.

Drum Monkey Percussion has opened at 619 Francis St. The company sells percussion instruments and gives lessons. For more information or to schedule lessons, call 749-4248.

Thinking of joining the Chamber?

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

17

BusinessBrief

years moving forward.”

Mr. Wright joined Polsinelli Shughart in 2002. He represents clients in matters involving complex

The St. Joseph Bar Association commercial litigation; class actions; elected Polsinelli Shughart PC business litigation; antitrust actions; attorney Seth C. Wright as president product liability claims; and more. for a one-year term, effective January Mr. Wright earned his law 2011. He will serve as degree from the University of bar leader following his Missouri-Kansas City School of term as vice president.

Law in 2002, and his bachelor’s He practices business degree in Broadcast Journalism litigation in the trial from the University of Missouridepartment at Polsinelli Columbia in 1999. He played Shughart, and divides his baseball for the University of time between plaintiff and Missouri. defense litigation.

Mr. Wright is a member of the

“I’m honored to be Missouri Bar Association, the Seth Wright leading the bar association Kansas Bar Association, and for the next year,” said Mr. the Kansas City Metropolitan Wright, a shareholder at the firm.

Bar Association. Active in the “A vibrant bar association not only community, he will chair the United makes us better lawyers, it positively Way Campaign in St. Joseph this impacts the entire community. fall. He has had leadership roles in Increasing membership is a priority.

Leadership St. Joseph, the St. Joseph I will work to keep the momentum Arts Fund, and the St. Joseph Metro we have built in the past several Chamber.

Wright Elected President of St. Joseph Bar Assoc.

WE SELL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

Brand Name Supplies and Office Furniture Over 25,000 Catalog Items Next Day Delivery ORDER ONLINE AT:

www.bjofficeproducts.com

2310 N. Belt Hwy., St. Joseph, MO 64506 | 816-279-1188

Taking Care of Your Business Since 1979!

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

18

the bands june

charlie & the sting rays classic rock july

Join the St. Joseph Metro Chamber for the 10th anniversary of Parties on the Parkway!

Hundreds of St. Joseph residents come out each year to different locations along St. Joseph’s unique Parkway system to soak up some sun, enjoy some refreshments and listen to some great, local and live music.

Admission is FREE so there’s no reason not to join the fun.

Food and drinks are available for purchase. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets. No alcoholic beverages may be brought in to the event. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Park. All Parties are from 5 to 8 p.m.

This year, make sure to look for a “Party Passport.” Get it stamped at three of the five events for a chance to win great prizes!

Thursday, June 9 S.W. Parkway & 28th Street

the phil vandel band country

august

september

Rain date: June 16

Thursday, July 14 S.W. Noyes & Messanie, Parkway A Rain date: July 21

Thursday, August 11 Across from Corby Pond Rain date: Aug. 18

Thursday, Sept. 8 Northside Complex Rain date: Sept. 15

voodoo babies classic rock & blues * “Party Passports” can be stamped in the May (not pictured here) through September Parties on the Parkway.

Prizes will be given in September.

true north original country & roots rock

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

19

MemberProfile

Brooner Construction & Crane Service 802 S. Fifth St., St. Joseph MO 64501 (816) 232-5418 www.broonerconstructioncrane.com

The beginning of a St. Joseph construction tradition began in April 1961, when C. Orman Brooner decided to put his knowledge of construction, skills and sheer determination into action by forming a new construction company.

Celebrating its 50-year anniversary last month, Brooner Construction and Crane Service knows it must keep up with the times and has endured continual changes in means, methods and materials of construction to improve and enhance facilities. To continue to meet and surpass the needs of businesses and public entities that expect excellence from contractors, Brooner continues to reinvest in personnel, technology, its physical plant and equipment.

Brooner focuses on customers in public, private, industrial, and institutional environments that need to structurally change their operations and facilities to accommodate their objectives.

No two projects are the same, but Brooner Construction & Crane has experience with new construction and renovations of schools, hospitals, churches, industrial plants and various commercial buildings.

Besides construction, Brooner also supplies crane services that are instrumental in its self-performed construction projects, as well as to mechanical and roofing contractors, modular home setters and those who use the cranes for agricultural and utility hosting purposes.

Some of Brooner’s work that you’ll recognize around St. Joseph includes the St. Joseph Fire Station No. 12 remodel and addition project, as well as the recent remodel of Phil Welch Stadium and the Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center. Brooner also is currently constructing the new residence halls for Missouri Western State University, as well as having previously completed the administration building, stadium, fitness center, and dormitories on campus.

When it comes to surviving in business for 50 years, Brooner officials offer this advice: listen to the customer and field personnel to produce a superior product and never stop learning.

Information provided for this article by Kirby Brooner and Terri Hamann.

American Family Insurance... for over 80 years the family you choose.

Regional Office 816-364-1541 4802 Mitchell Avenue, St. Joseph, MO www.amfam.com ©2011 American Family Mutual Insurance Co. and its Subsidiaries Home Office - Madison, WI 53783 003842964 02/11

St. Joseph BUSINESS JOURNAL

Spring 2011

20

Making lives easier, happier and healthier.

Visit all of our wonderful Hy-Vee departments: FLORAL • KITCHEN • ITALIAN • CHINESE • DELICATESSEN PRODUCE • BAKERY • SALAD BAR • DAIRY • FROZEN * PHARMACY MEAT & SEAFOOD MARKET • HEALTHMARKET • WINE & SPIRITS

201 N. Belt Hwy. • 816-232-9750 Follow us on

@ STJOSEPHHYVEE and become a fan on

at facebook.com/stjoehyvee