Business
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Connection
2014 in review for your chamber
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t’s hard to believe that 2014 is coming to an end. I’m sure your office is the same, but here it feels like we just finished up our 2nd Annual Taste of Vegas. Time flies when you’re having fun seems to be our motto at the O’Fallon Chamber. As we get ready to begin a new year, I’d like to share with you some of the accomplishments by your Chamber that you may or may not be aware. Let’s go at this in the order of our mission statement. First, we network our members together- umm… ya, we got this. In 2014 our average attendance at general membership meetings reached 165, jumping 17% over last year. The same increase was true of our Morning Schmooze Continued on pg 6
O’Fallon Chamber Honors Outstanding Businesses and Business Leaders
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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2014 Annual Award winners in the categories of Small Business and Business of the Year, Community Servant of the Year and Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year. Each year the Chamber solicits nominations among its members for businesses and people who have gone above and beyond to make O’Fallon a better place to do business. Continued on pg 11
december 2014
Awards Luncheon Tuesday, December 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Trigg banquet Center
It has been another exciting and successful year for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. Join us at the Annual Holiday & Awards Luncheon to celebrate the successes of 2014 and look forward to the opportunities that 2015 will bring! Don’t forget to register by 12/12/14 for only $16!
Sponsored by:
When shopping this holiday season... Keep it in the “O”
s r e p p o h S y a d i l o H n o l l To: a F ’ O f o y t i C : m Fro
IT’S
ALL IN THE
Find your shopping destination on the O’Fallon Business Map at www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map 2 | Business Connection | december 2014
Mission Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. Vision Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community as a valued resource for businesses, organizations, and residents. Officers: Jeff Arneson, JLJ Technology, Chair of the Board Michael Favazza, Favazza & Associates, 1st Vice Chair Mark Crank, Marcos Productions, 2nd Vice Chair Brenda Lowder, Thomas Realty, Treasurer Stacee Gilmore, Promotions Pronto, Secretary Adam Hopper, PNC Bank, Past Chair of the Board Directors: Harold Bliggenstorfer, Missouri Baptist University Heather Deatz, Community News Cindy Elking, Quintessential Catering Kim Jimenez, Elm Dental Care Carla, Klaskin, Mercy Dan Luigs, Insurance Store Brian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FM Jan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & Cruise Sheles Wallace, Billionaire Thoughts John Weeks, Mass Financial Group Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Nina DeAngelo, Director of Member Engagement
THIS ISSUE VOL.3 IS.12 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
2014 In Review........................ cover & p 6 2014 Awards Winners.............. cover & p 9 Chairman’s Letter................................... p 4 Cornucopia Food Drive.......................... p 4 Policy Committee................................... p 5 Ribbon Cuttings..................................... p 7 Celebration of Lights............................. p 8 Calendar of Events.............................. p 10 New Members.......................................p 11 Member Events.....................................p 11 Member Anniversaries......................... p 12 Electronic Recycling............................ p 12 Chamber Snapshot............................... p 13
CHAMBER PARTNERS
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS
Shannon Norman Law
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The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect on the year coming to a close and look forward to the New Year. I want to thank each and every one of our members for making the O’Fallon Chamber what it is today. Year after year growth and having a reputation as a welcoming and giving group is something that we can all be proud of. Our organization is only as strong as its members and this year you proved just how strong we are. Not only did we grow in members, but all of our major fund raisers this year exceeded goal which is due to a fantastic staff, dedicated volunteers and the generosity of members who believe in what we are doing. I hope you can join us at our December Annual Awards luncheon where we will honor this year’s awardees. Congratulations to Component Bar Products, KFAV, City of O’Fallon Economic Development, Barb Koch, and Holly Murray. These people exemplify what makes this city great and you’ll be able to learn more about their accomplishments at this month’s luncheon. It’s been an honor and pleasure to serve you as the Board Chairman this year and I look forward to handing the reigns over to Mike Favazza in 2015. Mike has shown his passion and dedication to our Chamber throughout many years of membership and I look forward to continuing to serve under his leadership. Take time to enjoy time with family and friends this month. Visit the Celebration of Lights. Check out our local businesses to see what they have to offer those on your Christmas list. I wish you all the best in the coming year and continued success in your business. Jeff Arneson 2014 Chairman of the Board
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Donate to local food pantries through O’Fallon’s Cornucopia of Care Food Drive
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You can help needy families and seniors by donating canned or boxed non-perishable food and personal care items to O’Fallon’s 14th Annual Cornucopia of Care Food Drive. The drive continues through Saturday, December 13. Donations can be made during regular business hours at the following locations: • Anytime Fitness 7517 Mexico Rd, St. Peters, 63376 • Autotech Auto Center, 10 Elaine Drive, O’Fallon, 63366 • Elm Dental Care 3820 Elm Street, St. Charles, 63301 • Firestone Complete Auto Care 504 S. Main Street, O’Fallon 63366 • Lindell Bank 4521 Highway K, O’Fallon 63368 • O’Fallon Crossing Chiropractic 2690 Highway K, O’Fallon 63368 • O’Fallon Municipal Centre 100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon 63366 • Renaud Spirit Center 2650 Tri Sports Cr, O’Fallon 63368 • Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar 217 S. Main Street; O’Fallon 63366 • Thin and Healthy’s Total Solution 821 W. Terra Lane, O’Fallon 63366 Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.
Public Policy Committee Now Forming!
You are cordially invited to attend an evening of excitement & exhilaration at the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s
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et involved in the issues that affect our business community by becoming a part of the O’Fallon Chamber’s Public Policy committee. The committee will review public policy requests as well as bring forth public policy that should be considered by the Board of Directors of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. The Public Policy committee will be charged with researching both sides of public policy issues that are submitted to the Chamber in a timely manner. After researching, the committee will be able to make recommendations of support or non-support to the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in accordance with our by-laws and mission statement. The Board of Directors will have the final vote in whether or not the O’Fallon Chamber will support or not support a public policy request. The Public Policy committee will meet on an as needed basis. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce staff liaison will communicate with the committee via email and call meetings as needed to discuss recommendations. If you are interested in serving, please contact Erin Williams at 636-240-1818 or Erin@OFallonChamber.org.
CASINO
NIGHT
February 21, 2015 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. O’Fallon City Hall 100 North Main St O’Fallon, MO 63366
$40 per person Cocktails, Tastings from O’Fallon Finest Restaurants, Live Entertainment by Nick Calandro and Rhythm of the Nite, Gaming Tables and Prizes. Cocktail Attire Required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
www.ofallonchamber.org/casino 636-240-1818 Presented by:
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Chamber review Continued from Cover
and Business After Hours networking events. Our Leads groups continue to grow with over 81 members between the three groups. The relationships being built by the O’Fallon Chamber is obvious in the number of member shout-outs that we have each month at our membership meetings. Let’s keep them coming! The next action item in our mission statement is to provide educational opportunities. Check. Our educational programs have continued to strengthen this year. First our membership meeting speakers have given our members great take-aways on running their business better, whether it was on human resources, growing referrals or our amazing presentation on leadership from Dr. Benjamin Akande, we’ve all been able to learn from our speakers. The county-wide Tech/ Comm committee hosted informative presentations each month for our members on new technology or ways to get more out of older software. Finally, a number of seminars were held at the Chamber from other members and companies on health care, taxes and social media. The final item in our mission is to advocate on behalf of our members on public policy issues that affect their business. This area has taken big strides this year. Our Lunch ‘n’ Legislators committee continues to grow in attendance as we bring in lawmakers for updates and dialogue with our members on the issues that they are facing. The Chamber streamlined our support process late this year in forming the Public Policy committee which is charged with researching legislation that is important to our members and making recommendations to the Board of Directors for endorsement. All of these wonderful accomplishments only happen with the support of our Ambassadors, committees and Board of Directors. This year the Ambassadors took a major step in their commitment to the Chamber by entering into a leadership program. This program creates even more engagement in our Ambassadors team so that they can better educate other members on the opportunities available to them. Our event committees have gone above and beyond this year to help fund the programs of the O’Fallon Chamber.
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Each one of our event fundraisers came in with a net revenue over budgeted expectations (and may I add) with less staff time. Early on in 2014, the O’Fallon Chamber decided to create a Young Professionals group, known as OYP. This group of dynamic professionals has grown from an idea to a membership of 42! This group hosts monthly meetings to discuss professional development, tours local businesses and government offices and has made a commitment to give back O’Fallon through service projects. Of course our Board of Directors is in the background of it all, ensuring that we are fulfilling our mission in a way that is beyond expectations and searching for opportunities to continue to serve our membership. All of this to say- whew- that went fast, and Thank You! Our members have created this amazing organization that we as a staff are honored to serve. Your enthusiasm for our community and for each other’s business is really something to be proud of. Although this list of accomplishments is long we have even more planned for 2015 and will work to make your O’Fallon Chamber even more beneficial for you and your business. Wishing you safe, happy and prosperous holidays, Erin, Sara & Nina
Ribbon cutting ceremonies Welcome to O’Fallon!
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon are excited to welcome these new businesses to the community and to help them celebrate with a with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Mercy Kids Mid Rivers Mall Drive
Dardenne Dental Arts
Little House Learning Center 1031 Bryan Rd, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Center 9103 Phoenix Village Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Favazza & Associates CPAs December 5 @ 3:30 p.m. Uniques & Antiques of O’Fallon December 11 @ 11:30 a.m.
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elebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 10,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals during the OldFashioned Holiday Stroll. Drive-through, no reservations needed: • Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday (except Tuesday, December 9), 6 – 9 p.m. • Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m. • Admission: $9 for cars; $15 for commercial vans and limousines; $1 per person on tour buses ($25 minimum) • Tuesday Night Special - $7 for all noncommercial vehicles • Wednesday – Sunday, bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle. SEGWAY TOURS Starting at 5 p.m. each Monday evening, you’ll be able to see a magical mile of illuminated forest and holiday scenes in Fort Zumwalt Park “up close and personal” from 360 degrees on a Segway. No cars will be allowed in the park that night. Suitable for ages 16 and up, small groups on holiday-decorated Segways will be led through the Celebration of Lights by Santa. One-on-one
Celebration of Lights training will be provided beforehand, and complimentary hot chocolate will be served after the tour. Photos will be taken of each team and emailed by request, free. The cost for the special Celebration of Lights Segway Tour is $30 per person. Reservations are required. For more information and to book your tour, please call Glide St. Louis Tours at 314-868-7386. Learn more at Glide St. Louis’ webpage. CARRIAGE RIDES Tuesday - Sunday, except December 9. Rides must be reserved in advance. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@cfcarriage.com or 636390-4403. Rides last approximately 30 minutes. • Private carriages are $75 for 4–6 passengers. • Private wagons are $150 for up to 12 passengers. • Community wagons are $10 per passenger up to 12 passengers; passengers may be seated with other parties. Children age 4 and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap. Call to ask about same-day community rides (subject to available space). There are no carriage rides on Mondays or at the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 9. Rides are approximately 30 minutes. Riders are encouraged to bring blankets for extra warmth. Snacks and drinks are permitted
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on wagons, only. A credit card is required to hold your reservation; however you may pay by cash, check or credit card. 12 hours cancellation notice is required. If you do not show for your reservation, your credit card will be charged. Prices do not include gratuity for your driver. OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY STROLL Walk-through night at Celebration of Lights • Tuesday, December 9, 6 - 9 p.m. • Admission: $2 per person; Ages 2 and under are free • Parking with free shuttle service to the Holiday Stroll: First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway; O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway. Sorry, no pets allowed at this event. Carriage rides will not be available this night. • The event is held rain or shine! Visitors may walk along the illuminated route and enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa, fireworks and booths filled with holiday crafts, gifts and festival food. Fireworks at 7:25 p.m.
awards
Continued from Cover “Our awards program recognizes those organizations that really fulfill our vision of being a catalyst for the prosperity of our community,” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. KFAV, a Kaspar Broadcasting station, will be recognized for Small Business of the Year. KFAV was nominated for their commitment to the O’Fallon community and dedication to small businesses. KFAV is a friend to the non-profit community as well; offering public service announcements at no charge and significantly reduced advertising prices for area nonprofit agencies. Component Bar Products will be honored as the Business of the Year. Earlier this year the company it upon themselves to build and operate the Midwest Machine Tool Training Center in order to offer a solution to the workforce development issue in manufacturing. The new 30,000 square foot building opened in March of 2014 and will offer those 18-28 who have high school diplomas or GEDs the basic training needed to start in an industrial job. MMTTC offers hands-on, project-based learning that includes robotics, metallurgy, quality control, team work and soft skills. More than 30 businesses have agreed to partner with MMTTC for internships, job placement and continuing education. The O’Fallon Chamber will honor the City of O’Fallon’s Department of Economic Development as their 2014 Community Servant of the Year. In 2014 the Department of Economic Development has gone above and beyond to strengthen its assistance to O’Fallon businesses including the Open in the O program, which pro-actively assists as businesses relocate and consistently meets its aggressive retention goal of meeting with no less than 30 O’Fallon businesses each month. The Department, which created a strategic plan in 2013, has taken many steps laid out by the plan to make doing businesses in O’Fallon as easy as possible, including the hiring of an Economic Development Coordinator. This year’s Ambassador of the Year is Holly Murray of Metro West Accounting & Associates. Murray has been an active Ambassador for the O’Fallon Chamber since 2012 and works with the group to promote the O’Fallon
Chamber and create an atmosphere of welcoming and openness to allow businesses to build relationships with each other. Murray was selected by her peer Ambassadors for the award for her dedication to the role and to the O’Fallon Chamber. The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to an O’Fallon Chamber member who has given back to the O’Fallon Community and the Chamber of Commerce through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism. Barb Koch fits that description perfectly. Since joining the O’Fallon Chamber in 2011 with her business, The Bag Ladies, she has served as not only an Ambassador, Chair of the Taste of Vegas committee and on the nominating committee, but she has served as a resource for many other Chamber members. Koch is a great connector of businesses and a constant volunteer, including her tireless work for the 2014 Walk for Alzheimer’s. “Our organization, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, is only as great as its members. You can see from this year’s award winners why we grow year after year in membership and enthusiasm. It is my pleasure to be able to serve a membership made up of people and businesses like these,” said Williams of the awardees. The O’Fallon Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Trigg Banquet Center from 11:30-1:00 p.m.
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Chamber calendar december 2014 December 4, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr 3:30 - 5:00 PM December 5, 2014 Social Media Marketing Made Simple Seminar O’Fallon Chamber 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr 10:00 - 11:30 AM December 5, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Favazza & Associates CPAs 1395 Jungerman, Ste C 3:30 - 8:00 PM
December 8, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM December 8, 2014 Casino Night Committee Meeting O’Fallon Chamber 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr 9:00 - 10:00 AM
December 9, 2014 Ambassador Holiday Party O’Fallon Chamber 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 4:30 - 6:30 PM December 10, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Dr 12:00 - 1:00 PM
December 12, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr 12:00 - 1:30 PM December 16, 2014 Awards Luncheon Trigg Banquet Center 300 O’Fallon Plaza 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
December 11, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Uniques & Antiques of O’Fallon 108 E Elm St 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Visit OFallonChamber.org/online-training for a list of available classes. 10 | Business Connection | december 2014
New members
A very special welcome! Classic Sign Services Sign Manufacturer 817 S. Woodlawn O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-4664 www.classicsignsmo.com
M&M Commercial Cleaning Cleaning Services: Commercial 107 Triad Center West O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-5845 www.mmcleaning.com
HandyVets Construction, Repair and Home Improvement 314-853-6869 www.HandyVetsSTL.com
Marvelous Maids Cleaning Services: Residential 107 Triad Center West O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-5845 www.marvelousmaids.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Motels 1175 Technology Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-300-4844 www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ hotels/us/en/ofallon/ofltd/hoteldetail Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance Services 5650 Mexico Rd, Ste 11 St. Peters, MO 63376 636-300-9364 www.libertymutual.com
Money in Media Marketing & Sales Promotions 636-443-3123 www.moneyinmedia.com MoralStone Drug Screening Employment Agency/Service 2977 Hwy K, Suite 211 O’Fallon, MO 63368 314-583-1077 www.moralstonedrugscreening.com
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Business Services 7733 Forsyth Blvd, Ste 2300 St. Louis, MO 63105 314-615-8146 www.stlpartnership.com The Karlen Group Web Site Design 1137 North Main St, Ste 6 O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-614-3115 www.karlengroup.com The RackHouse West Winery Winery 5065 N Hwy N Cottleville, MO 63304 314-605-2147 www.rackhouse.westwinery.com Usborne Books & More By Jacalyn Riegel Retail Shopping 636-448-5450 RiegelBooks.com
Member Events December 3, 2014 WingHaven Merchants Monthly Meeting Midwest Bank Centre 12:00 - 1:00 PM EDC & PfP Holiday Networking Celebration Old Hickory Golf Club 4:00 - 7:00 PM December 6, 2014 Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event
December 6, 2014 Santa at the ReStore Habitat St. Charles ReStore 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM December 10, 2014 Financial Fitness Seminar O’Fallon Family YMCA 6:30 - 8:00 PM Marketing Success 2015 Seminar/Bootcamp O’Fallon Chamber 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Holiday Boutique Garden Villas of O’Fallon 2:00 - 4:00 PM December 12, 2014 Sinatra Singer Mark Richman Rizzo’s 7:00 - 10:00 PM
December 13, 2014 Holiday Open House Alliance Credit Union 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM December 15, 2014 Networking @ The Rail The Brass Rail 4:30 - 6:30 PM
December 13, 2014 Bulk Waste drop-off
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Member anniversaries Thank you!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of November 2014 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year • Comprehensive Pain Specialists • Nigel’s Flooring • Rizzo’s Pasta • Savannah Ridge Apartments • The Egg & I 2 Years • Donley Building Services • The Holt Team - Keller Williams Realty West • UMB Bank - Monticello • UMB Bank - WingHaven
3 Years • C.J. Schlosser & Company • Tri-County Agency 4 Years • Garden Villas of O’Fallon • Street Scape Magazine 5 Years • LifeWorks Business Center at WingHaven • Socket Telecom 6 Years • Claria Clean • Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel and Cruise
7 Years • Instant Imprints • PNC Bank • Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar • State Farm Insurance Sandy Kessler • SunRise United Methodist Church 8 Years • JLJ Technology • Preserve at Research Park
10 Years • Ryder Vehicle Sales 11 Years • Providence Bank 14 Years • Gary Elmestad & Associates • Schaefer Autobody Centers • Susie G’s Specialty Cakes
9 Years • BMO Harris Bank - Hwy K & Laura Hill
Get rid of your old appliances, electronics at Sunday’s “Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event”
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ith the holidays coming up, make room for new appliances and electronics by dropping off unwanted items at the Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event on Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Ave.) at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. The event is open to everyone. Bring just about anything with an electric cord or that uses batteries, such as household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves and kitchen appliances, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs and televisions (limit one CRT/tube-style per car or $15 for each additional), power tools, automotive batteries, and lawn and
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garden equipment (yard equipment must have gas and oil removed). Do NOT bring: smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. For more information call 636-272-0477 or email ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us
Chamber Snapshot Cheese!
Check out our members in action at this month’s O’Fallon Chamber events!
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Business Connection? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org december 2014 | Business Connection | 13