Business
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Connection
“Keep it in the O’” this holiday season
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e’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, we love O’Fallon! Aside from the amazing people, parks and schools; we have tons of great, locally owned stores hidden all over the city. As Chamber members and proud residents of O’Fallon we encourage you or better yet, challenge you to shop local this holiday season. This year, do your holiday shopping at O’Fallon retailers. Find everything you need to shower your loved ones with presents, and keep your City strong! For that reason, we have created a list of 5 reasons to patronize small businesses for this year’s holiday Continued on pg 6
Route 364 Open to Traffic from Route K to Mid Rivers Mall Drive
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he driving lanes of Route 364/Page Phase 3 from Route K to Mid Rivers Mall Drive are now open to traffic. Please note traffic is only one lane both eastbound and westbound Route 364 at Mid Rivers Mall Drive/Route 94. In addition, the ramps at Route 364-Route 94-Mid Rivers Mall Drive will not open until later this fall. That includes the ramp from eastbound Route 364 to westbound Route 94/Mid Rivers Mall Drive and from Mid Rivers Mall Drive to westbound Route 364. Continued on pg 11
November 2014
Membership Meeting
Tuesday, November 25 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Dardenn Presbyterian Church It’s that time!! Chamber’s Got Talent! Get your act together and enjoy a very entertaining membership meeting! Ten members will be performing their best 2 minute skit or song to tell us all about their business, product and services. Don’t forget to register by 11/21/14 for only $16!
Sponsored by:
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, November 11 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Great Southern Bank Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our free monthly Business After Hours are a great way to build relationships with many of your fellow Chamber Members. Average attendance at these free events is around 60 Chamber Members!
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O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Rise & Shine...
to join us for the O’Fallon Chamber’s Morning Schmooze, a FREE monthly, networking event open to Chamber members. Arrive ready to network with a pocket full of business cards and a 1 minute infomercial.
Thursday, November 14 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. USA Mortgage & O’Fallon Family Eyecare
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.11 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Shopping in the ‘O’.................. cover & p 6 Hwy 364 Complete.................cover & p 11 Chairman’s Letter................................... p 4 Lunch ‘n’ Legislators............................. p 4 Prop Red Light Camera......................... p 5 Policy Committee................................... p 5 Ribbon Cuttings..................................... p 7 Industrial Summit.................................. p 8 Calendar of Events.............................. p 10 Member Events.....................................p 11 Member Anniversaries......................... p 12 New Members...................................... p 12 Chamber Snapshot............................... p 13
CHAMBER PARTNERS
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS
Shannon Norman Law
November 2014 | Business Connection | 3
Today’s the day! It’s time to exercise the freedom that we are all so fortunate to have- get out and vote! There are many important issues on the ballot today as well as many big elections. Today is your opportunity to voice your opinion. If you haven’t looked at your sample ballot yet, or don’t know where your polling place is, all of that can be found at www.Vote411.org. I encourage you to take some time to look over the issues and candidates to make informed decisions. Once again, I would also like to remind you that the O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors are in opposition of the St. Charles County Charter Amendment, Red Light Camera. We encourage our members to vote No on this amendment. After the campaign ads are over, commercials are sure to be filled with the biggest and best gift to give your loved ones for Christmas. Please be sure to take a look around at some of O’Fallon’s boutique stores for something unique, or if you’re looking for the latest electronic, try to keep it in the O, or even in the Co. (St. Charles County). I challenge you to spend Black Friday and all other shopping days after locally. According to the 3/50 Project (www.the350project.net), for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. The sales tax generated in both locally owned as well as “big box” stores supports our schools, roads, parks and public safety; which together make O’Fallon one of the best places to live in the U.S. Check out the full list of Chamber Members at ofallonchamber.org/member-directory or simply call the office staff to find where you can get your next great gift! Until next time, wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving, Jeff Arneson 2014 Chairman of the Board
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Lunch ‘n’ Legislators to feature Missouri Senator Tom Dempsey
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lease join us on Friday, November 21st for the last Lunch ‘n’ Legislators of 2014 featuring Missouri Senator Tom Dempsey. Dempsey represents the 23rd District of Missouri and currently serves as President Pro Tem. He was first elected to the chamber in a special election in 2007. Dempsey served in the Missouri State House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007. During this time, he served as Majority Floor Leader. Dempsey earned his B.S. in Political Science from Rockhurst University in 1989. His professional experience includes working as manager of Bristol Bar & Grill, General Manager of The Columns Banquet Center, and Vice President of the First National Bank of St. Louis. Be sure to attend to learn more about the 2014 session, what to expect in 2015 and to share your thoughts on Missouri’s government. RSVP’s are appreciated, but not required to Erin@ OFallonChamber.org. Lunch ‘n’ Legislators will be held at Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar located at 217 South Main in O’Fallon, MO.
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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously voted to oppose the St. Charles County Charter Amendment placed on the November 4, 2014 ballot commonly known as Proposition Red Light Camera. O’Fallon Chamber members were able to learn more about the proposition from leaders of St. Charles County Municipal League as well as United
O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors Oppose Proposition Red Light Camera for Missouri, organizations on opposite sides of the proposition, at the Chamber’s Lunch ‘n’ Legislators event on October 17. “The issue is not with Red Light Cameras, the issue lies with how the Proposition is brought forth and setting a precedence to allow the County to circumvent municipal control,” explained Erin Williams, President/ CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. “The Board believes
that the issue of whether or not a municipality has Red Light Cameras belongs to the residents of that municipality. We are encouraging our members to vote no on Proposition Red Light Camera.” For more information on the November 4 General Election, visit www.sccmo.org/410/election-authority.
Public Policy Committee Now Forming!
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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 bylaws 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.
November 2014 | Business Connection | 5
In the “o”
Continued from Cover shopping: You Don’t Have to Travel Far By shopping local you don’t have to travel far, and contrary to popular belief North O’Fallon and South O’Fallon are not that far apart. All neighborhoods of our City have unique stores hidden in them and they are right down the street from your home or work place. Non-profits Receive Greater Support St. Charles County non-profits receive a large percent of their revenue from business contributions. Your support of local businesses helps to ensure that they are able to continue their giving to our local charities and in turn make our community stronger. Your own charitable gifts to local non-profits are a means of spending locally to keep those donations in O’Fallon. Personalized Experience Shopping at small local businesses always offers a personal and sincere customer-owner interaction. Small business shop owners are interested in their clients, know their wants and needs, and are willing to give their customer personal attention to answer questions about their products. A small business owner is linked to the success of his or her business, which means they are experts on the product that they create and sell. Improve Your Local Economy and Enrich Your Community Nobody wants to live in a neighborhood that lacks a small business culture. When you shop, dine and play in O’Fallon, your purchases provide sales tax revenue to O’Fallon. These sales taxes pay for O’Fallon’s police department, civic services, parks and much more. Original, Handmade Gifts At small local shops you can find some great unique items that aren’t available at other stores. If 6 | Business Connection | November 2014
you like to give original, handmade gifts, you can’t beat shopping at a locally owned business. If you can’t commit to spending your entire holiday budget locally, commit to just one day! Small Business Saturday is November 29th. If we could all commit to at least one day of purchasing from local small businesses then we could really make a difference in our communities. Feel free to visit OFallonChamber.org for a list of locally owned Chamber members that would be happy to help you select the perfect gift. Photos: Cover photo is from Carries Boutique and the above photo is from Design2Brew.
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leads were passed during the month of OCTOBER by the members our leads groups!
Would you like to join of the groups to build closer business relationships? Contact Nina at 636-240-1818 or Nina@OFallonChamber.org
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.
364 Phase 3 Hwy K to Mid Rivers Mall Dr
Sugarfire Winghaven 9955 Winghaven Blvd, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Krekeler Jewelers, Inc. 2938 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Holt Electrical Supplies 1718 West Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Mercy Kids Mid Rivers Mall Drive November 13 @ 4:00 p.m. Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Center November 17 @ 11:30 a.m.
Real Living Now Real Estate 1000 Edge Water Point Dr, Ste 406, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 November 2014 | Business Connection | 7
O’Fallon Industrial Summit Hosted for Local Manufactures
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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon’s Economic Development Department collaborated along with the City’s Grow in the ‘O’ Committee to host the first O’Fallon Industrial Summit on Wednesday, October 29th at the Midwest Machine Tool Training Center in the O’Fallon Corporate Center. Several local manufacturers, City and County leaders were in attendance for what is hoped to be a bi-annual event.
of qualified or skilled employees,” said Mike Hurlbert, Director of Economic Development for the City. This first Summit is an attempt to bring O’Fallon manufacturers together to discuss this and any other issues that might be affecting large employers and work together towards possible solutions. In addition, it creates a great opportunity to network local manufacturers together so they create a stronger voice and business relationships.
“As part of the City’s retention efforts and onsite visits with O’Fallon manufacturers, Economic Development staff had heard a common theme regarding workforce development, specifically a lack
“The Summit was a great opportunity for us to reach a sector of our business community that we normally don’t have much interaction with. Our hope is that events like this, and others in the works, will
change that so that we can serve as a resource for those businesses as well,” said Erin Williams, President/ CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. The City of O’Fallon’s Grow in the ‘O’ Committee was formed in early 2014 as one of the objectives of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan to assist City staff with reaching out and addressing current needs in O’Fallon’s business community. Committee members are representative of retail, office, and industrial business owners, partner organizations, residents, and elected officials, and the group meets monthly with City Staff to further their economic efforts.
Visit OFallonChamber.org/online-training for a list of available classes. 8 | Business Connection | November 2014
You are cordially invited to attend an evening of excitement & exhilaration at the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s
O’Fallon Chamber Accepting Nominations for 2014 Awards
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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for their 2014 Awards. The winning business, organization or person will be honored at the Annual Awards luncheon to be held on Tuesday, December 16 located at Trigg Banquet Center.
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:
Awards winners in the following categories will be recognized: Small Business of the Year This award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with ten (10) or less employees. Business of the Year This award is open to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with no less than eleven (11) employees and no more than 100. Large Business of the Year This award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with 101 or more employees. Community Servant of the Year This award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce which are governmental or charitable agencies. Sue Proost Person of the Year The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to a Chamber Member who has given back to the O’Fallon community and the Chamber of Commerce through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination by completing the form located at OFallonChamber. org/Awards by November 14, 2014. The award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, self-nomination is welcomed.
November 2014 | Business Connection | 9
Chamber calendar November 2014 November 5, 2014 OYP Mixer Llywelyn’s Pub 7434 Village Center Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 5:30 - 7:30 PM
November 11, 2014 Business After Hours Great Southern Bank 100 Christina Marie Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 4:30 - 7:00 PM
November 6, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 PM
November 12, 2014 Masters of Business Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM
November 7, 2014 Email Marketing Simple Strategies for Success Seminar O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 10:00 - 11:30 AM
November 13, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Mercy Kids Mid Rivers 4525 Mid Rivers Mall Dr Cottleville, MO 63376 4:00 - 6:00 PM
November 10, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:15 PM
November 14, 2014 Leads 2 Success Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:30 PM November 17, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Center 9103 Phoenix Village Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63368 11:30 - 12:30 PM
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November 18, 2014 O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM November 20, 2014 Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 427 Spencer Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 12:00 - 1:00 PM Morning Schmooze USA Mortgage & O’Fallon Family Eyecare 4142 Keaton Crossing Blvd #103 O’Fallon, MO 63368 7:30 - 9:00 AM November 21, 2014 Leads 2 Success Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:30 PM November 24, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:15 PM
November 25, 2014 General Membership Luncheon Dardenne Presbyterian Church 7400 South Outer 364 Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM November 26, 2014 Masters of Business Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM December 4, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 PM December 5, 2014 Social Media Marketing Made Simple Seminar O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 10:00 - 11:30 AM
364
Continued from page 6 The new ramp from eastbound Route 94 to eastbound Route 364 will also open later this fall. Drivers can continue to use the detour up and over Mid Rivers Mall Drive to access eastbound Route 364. The opening of Route 364/Page Phase 3 marks the completion of transportation vision 40-years in the making. It includes Route 364/Page Phase 1, which opened in 2003, and included construction of the Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Missouri River. Phase 2, from Jungs Station to Mid Rivers Mall Drive, was completed in 2012. The stretch of road that opened today is the second half of the $118.2 million project, which was funded by MoDOT, St. Charles County and the local municipalities. The first half of Route 364/Page Phase 3, from Interstate 64 to Route K, opened earlier this month. The opening of the road means drivers can take Route 364 from I-270 at Page Avenue in St. Louis County to I-64 at Route N in St. Charles County. For more information on the Route 364 Page Extension project, visit www.modot.org/route364 .
Sign Up for Chamber’s Got Talent in November
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re you the next O’Fallon Chamber’s Got Talent Star? Show us your stuff at the November 25th general membership meeting! Sing a jingle, perform a skit, or leave us amazed with your other talents while promoting your business. Only 10 spots are available and each participant will receive up to 2 minutes to perform their “commercial”. Our special guest judges will score each participant and award the top 3 performances. Reserve your spot today- no auditions required! Call the Chamber Office at 636-240-1818 or email Erin@OFallonChamber.org.
Member Events November 4, 2014 College Financial Planning Seminar Edward Jones 8646 Mexico Road 7:00 - 8:00 PM November 5, 2014 WingHaven Merchants Monthly Meeting Midwest Bank Centre 12:00 - 1:00 PM November 8, 2014 Fitness Bootcamp Anytime Fitness St.Peters 9:00 - 10:00 AM
November 12, 2014 Keep It Safe Seminar O’Fallon Family YMCA 6:30 - 08:00 PM Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Seminar Denny & Associates, Inc. 7:00 - 8:00 PM Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Day Holy Cross Lutheran Church 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM November 15, 2014 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Seminar Denny & Associates, Inc. 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Fitness Bootcamp Anytime Fitness St.Peters 9:00 - 10:00 AM November 17, 2014 Networking @ The Rail The Brass Rail 4:30 - 6:30 PM November 19, 2014 Tree Lighting Ceremony 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM O’Fallon City Hall November 20, 2014 Substance Use in the Workplace Community Commons at Spencer Road Library 9:00 - 11:00 AM
November 22, 2014 Memories of Elvis O’Fallon Elks Lodge 6:30 - 10:30 PM November 22, 2014 Fitness Bootcamp Anytime Fitness St.Peters 9:00 - 10:00 AM November 26, 2014 Progress 64 West Annual Banquet Doubletree by Hilton Chesterfield, MO 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
November 2014 | Business Connection | 11
Member anniversaries Thank you!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of October 2014 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year • 104.5 FM KSLQ • Cooper Management Training & Consulting • Lawlor Chiropractic • Mid Rivers Newsmagazine • RE/MAX Platinum • Rock Ridge Media • TEK Consulting LLC • The Crossing 2 Years • Billionaire Thoughts • Dardenne Presbyterian Church • Jimmy John’s 3 Years • Discovery Dental Centers • Edward Jones - Bob Engert • SAK Construction • Tri-County Fence & Deck
4 Years • Ann Carden - Business Success Coach • Coldwell Banker Gundaker • Laser Lipo & Vein Center • T.C. Herring & Associates • Villa Theresa 5 Years • Favazza & Associates CPAs 6 Years • Assisted Living at the Meadowlands • Denny & Associates Inc • Morning Star Church • Westchester Village Apartments 7 Years • H & R Block 8 Years
Service
• BMO Harris Bank WingHaven • Marcos Productions 9 Years • Christy Banquet Center 10 Years • Hair Saloon For Men • Timber Creek Grill
14 Years • American Eagle Credit Union • El Tio Pepe 16 Years • WalMart
11 Years • Lindell Bank • West Community Credit Union
17 Years • Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital • Culligan Water Conditioning Company
12 Years • Gateway Creative
18 Years • Salvation Army
13 Years • Faith Chapel • Iverson-Tomasino-Goerss Eyecare Associates • Sam’s Club • Sts. Joachim & Ann Care
21 Years • Fort Zumwalt School District 24 Years • First State Bank
New members
A very special welcome! Brunswick Zone XL St. Peters Entertainment 8070 Veterans Memorial Pkwy St. Peters, MO 63376 636-474-2695 www.bowlbrunswick.com
Little House Learning Center Child Care & Preschools 1031 Bryan Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-2694 www.littlehouselc.com
doTERRA Essential Oils Health & Wellness 937-215-2202 www.doterraeventsinstl.com
Miller’s Fine Jewelry Jewelry 2510 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-272-4097 www.millersfinejewelry.com
Holt Electrical Supplies Electrical Supplies: Wholesale 1718 West Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-321-2300 www.holtelectricalsupplies.com
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O’Fallon Early Childhood Center Child Care & Preschools 220 Sonderen O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-272-0970 www.ofallonearlychildhoodcenter. com Shoeman Water Projects Non-Profit Organization 1603 Manufacturers Dr Fenton, MO 63026 314-583-0538 www.shoemanwater.org
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 November 2014 | Business Connection | 13
Demographic shifts continue to impact Greater St. Charles County!
ST. CHARLES COUNTY: THRIVING ACROSS GENERATIONS
Wednesday November 19th 7:30 - 9:30 AM Old Hickory Golf Club 1 Dye Club Drive in St. Peters Breakfast will be served
Admission is Free. RSVP is Required. edcregistrations.com/generations or 636.441.6880
• Updates Since Last Year’s Kick-Off Event & Survey Results
Generational Spectrum Speakers:
• Learn About Initiatives Underway to Embrace the Change
Don Kalicak
Greg Prestemon EDC Center of St. Charles County
Mercy
Jennifer George St. Charles County Government
• Look Ahead to New Efforts Planned for 2015
John Clark Masterclock