eNewsletter - August 2012 by O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS

a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTION

20TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN O’FALLON

Whether you are a golf pro or just looking for a reason to get out of the office for a day the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Golf Tournament will provide you that opportunity. Please join us on Thursday, August 23rd for great day of golf, food and fun at Whitmoor Country Club. This annual event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to participate in this opportunity to enjoy eighteen holes of golf on an exclusive course at a great price.

by Abby Llorico

This year’s tournament will feature great golf, lots of networking and even more fun! On course activities planned include a Pool in the Lake hole, a Professional Shot hole, the Continued on pg 4 ever popular Cooler of Fun

here is nothing better than the satisfaction brought about by helping other people, except maybe the feeling of making new friends with whom you can share that satisfaction. Though there are plenty of donation and volunteer opportunities out there, they are often seasonal or only last a short amount of time. Joining a service organization is a great way to meet new people, broaden your horizons, and better your community, all year round. Check out what some local service organizations are doing to make help make O’Fallon a great place to work, play, and live. Continued on pg 6

AUGUST 2012

Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s

General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, August 28, 2012 11:30 am to 1:00 pm @ the Christy Banquet Center 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. in O’Fallon Join us for our quarterly networking membership meeting! Bring lots of business cards and sharpen your informercial. Don’t forget to register in advance!

... Escape

ravel with Tders/Jan’s Lea ise l & Cru ve ra T

Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Attend for an entry into the Escape Giveaway sponsored by Travel Leaders/ Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, August 14th 4:30 to 6:30 pm Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 217 South Main Street O’Fallon, MO 63366

Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our 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 for an entry al pe... Attend c s into the Escape Members! Live music E e v ra with Tders/Jan’s Giveaway sponsored Lea e by Kevin DeSain and & Cruis by Travel Leaders/ Travel Jan’s Travel & Ann Stoverink.

Giveaway!

2 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | AUGUST 2012

Cruise!

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: Cindy Elking, Chairman of the Board Adam Hopper, 1st Vice Chairman Jeff Arneson, 2nd Vice Chairman Russ Craven, Treasurer Stacee Gilmore, Secretary Julie Feast, Past-Chairman Directors: Mark Crank, Director Heather Deatz, Director Tim DeGhelder, Director Ron Epps, Director Michael Favazza, Director Jonny Kruse, Gracie Barra Alissa Moore, Director Brian Richardson, Director David Schmidt, Director

THIS ISSUE VOL.1 IS.6 IN

1299 Bryan Road, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636.240.1818 Email: info@ofallonchamber.org www.ofallonchamber.org

Golf Tournament .....................Cover & p 4 Service Organizations .............Cover & p 8 Dr. Brown DDS..................................... p 5 Firecracker Wrap Up ...................... p 6 & 7 Calendar of Events .............................. p 11 News from the Chairman ...................... p 9 Member Spotlight ............................... p 10 Ribbon Cuttings .................................. p 12 New Members ..................................... p 12 Member Anniversaries ........................ p 13 Member Mentions ............................... p 14 Chamber Activities............................. p 15

CHAMBER PARTNERS

Jan’s Travel & Cruise

Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Sam Byers, Membership Services Director AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3

20TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE

from Delmar Gardens, and a hole offering a “shot” for Free tires courtesy of Firestone Complete Auto Care. Other hole sponsors will also provide even more goodies and drinks as you make your way through the course. Golf is available at this private course for only $125 per player, or $475 when you register a team of four. All golfers will receive an insulated tote goodie bag filled with great donations from our Chamber members, 18 holes of spectacular golf with cart and drinks on the course, lunch sponsored by Charter Business, awards dinner and each player receives a mulligan. In order to make this event a great success, we of course, need your help. Players, sponsors, donors, and volunteers are needed to make sure that our event runs smoothly. Sponsorships remaining include, an Eagle Level and Hole Sponsors. Goodie bag donations are needed for 144 of our players; sunscreen, divot tools,

and golf balls are still needed. We will also be hosting the Ginormous Golf Give-away and are seeking four big ticket items valued at $250 or more to be included in the raffle. Our first item already received is a Set of Tires, donated by Firestone Complete Auto Care. Learn more about the 20th Annual O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at www.ofallonchamber.org/ golf or by calling Erin at the Chamber Office at (636) 240-1818.

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Rise & Shine...

to join us for the O’Fallon Chamber’s Morning Schmooze, a FREE bi-monthly, networking event open to Chamber members. You just never know who you will meet at a Schmooze so arrive ready to network with a pocket full of business cards and a 1 minute infomercial.

Thursday, Augusr 16th 7:30-9:00 am Midwest Bank Centre

...

Escape

ravel with Tders/Jan’s Lea e & Cruis Travel

Giveaway! 4 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | AUGUST 2012

Attend for an entry into the Escape Giveaway sponsored by Travel Leaders/ Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

DR. MICHAEL BROWN: PUTTING THE “FAMILY” IN FAMILY DENTISTRY SINCE 1979

school in 1977 and moved to O’Fallon from Kansas City two years later. After some scouting around the area, he settled in O’Fallon because of its “potential for a lot of growth,” he said, a hunch that proved to be true.

“We’re like a family, and we try to present that to the patients,” he said of his staff; the youngest employee has been with Dr. Brown for about 16 years, and several have worked there for over 30 years. The invitation to become part of that family is extended to every one of Dr. Brown’s patients, as well.

“Well when I set up, I had the best location in town because there was only one grocery store, which at that time was a Kroger. So I had a lot of visibility being in a shopping center like that,” said Dr. Brown of his practice’s home in O’Fallon Square. “Highway K was like a two-lane road. There was nothing on it but farms. I’ve been here for 32 years, so yeah it has really changed…I was one of four dentists in the area; now there’s probably 40 or 50, I don’t know. It’s grown a lot.”

by Abby Llorico pending time with family is something that most people look forward to doing. Spending time at the dentist’s office, however, is not. Yet Dr. Michael Brown, DDS, is in the practice of not just building better smiles, but building better relationships that make patients feel more at home.

“We could always use more patients, but…I’ve got patients who’ve been with me for over 30 years. And you see new generations, which has made it really kind of neat,” said Dr. Brown. “We just try to treat the patients like family.” Dr. Brown graduated from dental

While O’Fallon residents may have more choices when picking a general dentist, Dr. Brown’s reputation is often what draws in new patients. He has been named one of St. Louis’s top dentists for the third year in a row by St. Louis Magazine. Based on the polling of other professionals in the field, Dr. Brown says that it is truly an

honor to be selected for this award. He has also been recognized by the Missouri Dental Association for his work in the Donated Dental Services program, “a humanitarian service for disabled elderly, and medicallycompromised people,” for the past seven years. Awards and recognition are certainly worth smiling about, but Dr. Brown says that the best way to get to know his practice is to see it for yourself. “Patients get to know us just by coming here and talking to us. I’ve got 5 children and they’ve seen the kids grow...I’m very proud of the family, I have pictures hanging up. So we keep track of families, weddings, stuff like that,” said Dr. Brown. “So we’re like a family, and the patients are like our family too. We just try to keep up, just visiting, just like family reunions basically. It’s just nice, it really is.”

AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5

28TH ANNUAL FIRECRACKER RUN WRAP UP

hank you to everyone who made the 28th Annual Firecracker 10K, 5K and 1-mile Fun Run Walk on Monday, July 4th was a huge success! Over 2,000 runners and spectators made this the biggest year ever. All of our runners had great run

despite the heat and were treated to a fantastic runners only area full of eats and drinks from donations from local businesses. A very special thank you to our presenting sponsor BJC Health and our sponsors and vendors for their kind support and time. A Health Expo was held following the race and was

full of great vendors offering a variety of great information and goodies. With an event this large we couldn’t have done it without all of our committee members and volunteers who showed up early and worked hard through 100+ degree temps. We truly appreciate all of the help from the City of O’Fallon, O’Fallon

PRESENTED BY:

tree of

life

community church

1 IN PARTS AND SERVICE

Police Department and Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon Fire District for making sure our runners were safe and cool by running through the sprinklers. The Firecracker Run is held each year in order to promote our members as well as raise funds for the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon Chamber of Commerce so that we can keep our membership dues at a level that is affordable to all of our businesses. Photos and more details will be posted on the website www.ofallonchamber.org/ firecracker, on facebook www.facebook.com/ firecracker run. Committee Members: Mark Crank, Dan Dial, Jennifer Donley, Ron Epps, Sarah Christian, Stacee Gilmore, Pat Hamel, Don Hutson, Nathan Painter, Aaron Patterson, Brian Richardson, Beth Simmons, and Scott Wilcox.

AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7

ORGANIZATIONS

CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE Jaycees The Junior Chamber (JCs or Jaycees) was established nearly 100 years ago as a group for young men to develop leadership and business skills through community service projects. Today the Jaycees are group of men and women ages 18 through 40 who observe organization’s pillars of community service, management development, and individual development. “Through many civic projects, fund raisers and social events we share our skills and knowledge while doing our part to make the city of O’Fallon a better place to live, work and raise a family. Oh yeah, and we have a lot of fun doing all of this too!” said Sara Henderson, member. The Jaycees bring together professionals of all sorts in order to accomplish their community goals, and therefore provides consistent networking opportunities for its members. Earlier this summer, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce adopted the O’Fallon Jaycees chapter as its official young professionals program. For more information on joining the Jaycees, they meet at 7:00 PM the third Thursday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant, or visit www.ofallonjaycees.org. Kiwanis International Kiwanis International began in 1915 as a business networking group, but soon switched its focus to service. Today, Kiwanis International aims for “changing the world, one child and one community at a time,” with projects ranging in focus from literacy to public health and beyond. Since the founding of its chapter in 1961, the O’Fallon Kiwanis Club has striven to be an organization that helps people with “real needs.” In addition to contributing money to Kiwanis International projects, the O’Fallon chapter has fundraised for the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, and numerous other non-profits. Kiwanis Clubs also sponsor Key Club, a national teen service corps of which there is a chapter in most of the Fort Zumwalt high schools. “The friendships developed, service projects completed, professionalism displayed by members, the good food, fellowship, and the opportunity to work for the betterment

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of the community [are reasons to join the O’Fallon Kiwanis Club],” said Terry Williams, board member. The O’Fallon Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday at noon at JJ’s Restaurant. For additional information and to find out how to join the club, visit www.ofkiwanis.com. Rotary Club Rotary Clubs like the O’Fallon Chapter pride themselves on being “the world’s first service organization,” founded in Chicago in 1905. Today, over one million men and women belong to one of over 30,000 Rotary clubs. These O’Fallon Rotarians have professed “Service above Self” organizations since 1973. As their website states, “The O’Fallon Rotary Club has provided a platform for ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” The organization seeks to bring together people with different skill sets to collaborate on community service projects and fundraisers for other organizations, to meet both local and international needs. “I like to drink beer and be around fun people I like and enjoy spending time with,” said Bob Sanders, treasurer and former president. “If I can do that as well as accomplish some other good…in the community then it is all good.” In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the O’Fallon Rotary Club reports $15,000 donated to charitable local and international organizations. Their lunch meetings also feature speakers from civic groups and other non-profits, which Sanders says is a great way to stay informed on community happenings. For more information on the O’Fallon Rotary Club, attend a meeting at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in O’Fallon Thursdays at noon, or visit www.ofallonmo.rotary-clubs. org. Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #2587

The origin of The Elks is as unique as their name: they began as a group of actors aiming to elude laws governing public taverns. When a member’s family was in need, they decided to recreate themselves as a fraternal and charitable order. Today Elks chapters look out for their neighbors and make their local communities better places to live. The O’Fallon Elks are best known for their Lodge on Tom Ginnever Ave., the use of which is often donated to non-profits needing a large venue for an event, but Lodge #2587 also sponsors drug awareness, youth, and veterans’ programs, funds annual scholarships, and support local schools, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and law enforcement agencies. “We are looking for people to join our organization that are willing to give their time and efforts towards the goal of making the local community a better place to live by helping others,” said Jeff Hardie, Treasurer. The Elks meet the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Lodge. For more information on joining, contact Jeff Hardie at 636-978-5693 or at hardcasl1@gmail.com. VFW The Veterans of Foreign War was established after combatants in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection returned home with no medical care or service pension waiting for them. The VFW has since had a vital voice in American veterans’ affairs, including in the establishment of a GI bill for the 21st century and in the fight for improved VA medical center services for female veterans. Annually, the members of the VFW of O’Fallon recognize outstanding local teachers, paramedics, policemen, firefighters, and other public servants at a Community Appreciation Awards Dinner. They also host a fish fry every Friday during the Lenten season at their hall on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway. The chapter also participates in community events and sponsors scholarships. Members must be honorably-discharged and have received an overseas campaign medal from the United States armed forces. A list of membership benefits and a membership application, along with more information, is available at myvfw.org/mo/post5077.

We did it! As of Friday, August 3rd, your O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce owns a little piece of O’Fallon. Like so many of you, the Chamber has made a tangible permanent investment in the O’Fallon Community and is looking forward to continuing its growth in the area. This is a huge step for our organization and one that was not taken lightly. We are confident that this is the right place at the right time for the future of our organization. This new office space will allow the Chamber to have greater visibility to our residents and visitors, and, in turn offer a great space for members to display promotional materials. The new office will also include a large conference room as well as a smaller meeting room available to our membership to use at no cost. This week the building search committee met to choose a contractor for our build out. We started our process with 18 contractors, whittled that down to our top four choices, and finally selected Schneider Construction as the general contractor for our project. Not only has Schneider Construction been investing in the O’Fallon Chamber as a member since 2002, but they will also be using subcontractors and suppliers from O’Fallon and St. Charles County, ensuring that our area will get the biggest bang for the buck from the Chamber’s building. Although we don’t have to break ground for our building, we will be building a monument sign at the corner of Bryan Road and Bryan Valley Commercial Drive. I would like to invite you to attend our Ground Breaking ceremony coming up Monday, August 13th at 3:30 p.m. Until next time, Cindy Elking Chairman of the Board

AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9

1310 North Main Street | O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636) 980-1777 | www.pbtc.net

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DON HUTSON How long have you been in the O’Fallon area? My wife and I moved to O’Fallon at the end of 2011 after spending over 10 years in Columbia, MO. I grew up in St Charles County so it is great to finally be back in the community I call home! Tell us about your family. My wife Stefanie, and I were married in October 2011. We have a Shih Tzu named Skamp. We enjoy traveling and going to Mizzou Football games. What is your educational background? I attended the University of MissouriColumbia where I received a BS in Personal Financial Planning. Go Tigers!!!! I am currently attending the Paul W. Barret Jr. Graduate School of Banking and will graduate in 2014. Tell us about your organization. Peoples Bank & Trust is a full service community bank started in 1924. The bank operates seven branches in Lincoln, Pike, and St. Charles County. The O’Fallon branch has served the O’Fallon community for over 15 years and continues to operate out of the same facility on

North Main Street. Peoples Bank offers the same great products and services as the larger banks but prides itself on its customer service and the relationships we form with our customers. What is the mission/vision of your organization? Peoples Bank & Trust motto, “Hometown Banking, The Way It Should Be” is a reflection of our commitment to provide the highest level of services and products to enhance your banking experience while still knowing their name when they walk through our door. Our customers are more than just account numbers; they are our neighbors, friends and family and what matters to them matters to us. How has that mission changed over the years that you have been in business? Peoples Bank & Trust has had the same mission for over 80 years. As a community bank we are there to help and give back to the community. In the past few years the economy has been tough on everyone and having a community bank that cares about its community is crucial to your

10 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | AUGUST 2012

individual or businesses success. I think our mission as a community bank is more important now than it has ever been. What do you do to serve your clients best? I strive to always build a solid relationship with my customers. I pride myself in always doing what is best for my customers and making sure they know I am always there for them. My customers always come first because if it was not for the customers I would not be in business. What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company? I am looking forward to Peoples Bank & Trust helping the individuals and businesses of O’Fallon grow in the community. I look forward to helping start new businesses or grow existing businesses. I am excited about helping people purchase their first house or build a new house. I believe that the next five years will be great years for this community and I look forward to helping the O’Fallon community.

CHAMBER CALENDAR AUGUST 2012 Wednesday, August 8 Masters of Business “MOB” Christian High School Annex 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Thursday, August 9 Leads to Success The Falls Golf Club 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Monday, August 13 O’Fallon Elite Webster University in Winghaven 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Ground Breaking Ceremony New O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:30 PM Tuesday, August 14 Ambassador Meeting Rendezvous Café and Wine Bar 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

Business After Hours Rendezvous Café and Wine Bar 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Thursday, August 16 Morning Schmooze Midwest Bank Centre 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Cappicino’s Restaurant 3:30 PM

Wednesday, August 22 Masters of Business “MOB” Christian High School Annex 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Monday, August 27 O’Fallon Elite Webster University in Winghaven 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Thursday, August 23 Leads to Success The Falls Golf Club 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Tuesday, August 28 General Membership Luncheon Christy Banquet Center 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Golf Tournament Whitmoor Country Club 10:30 AM

Monday, September 3rd Labor Day Office Closed

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

O’Fallon Jaycees JJ’s Restaurant 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday, August 17 Golf Committee Meeting Whitmoor Country Club 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 21 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

OF THE

living dead

November 2, 2012

www.ofallonchamber.org/trivia

FRIDAY, November 2nd @ 7:00 pm Doors open @ 6:00 pm O’Fallon City Hall AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON!

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon celebrates new businesses with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Or, if you are an existing member and moved locations, changed ownership or remodeld let the business community know with a ribbon cutting. Contact Sara to learn more 636.240.1818.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Thursday, August 16th @ 3:30 pm Cappuccino’s Restaurant Monday, August 13th @ 3:30 pm New O’Fallon Chamber Office Friday, September 14th @ 3:30 pm Look! Shops Friday, September 28th @ 3:30 pm Hubler Auto Plaza

Any Lab Test Now 2967 Hwy K | O’Fallon, MO 63368

NEW MEMBERS

A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! ADP Payroll Services 12200 Weber Hill Road St. Louis, MO 63127 314-420-2253 www.adp.com

Edward Jones: Jeff Rogers Financial Services 8646 Mexico Road O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-4023 www.edwardjones.com

Premier Rentals Party Rentals/Inflatables 11640 Lakeside Crossing Ct. St. Louis, MO 63146 314-785-1100 www.premierpartyrentals.com

B&G Lawn Care Landscaping and Lawn Service 2 Reece Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-1329 www.bandglawncare.com

Mohn Insurance Agency Insurance Services 1425 Triad Center Dr. St. Peters, MO 63376 636-344-0435

Valley Home Improvements Home Improvements 380 Raymond Dr. Florissant, Mo 63031 314-921-5218

Braden Roofing Roofing 1068 Town and 4 Dr. Creve Coeur, MO 63141 314-631-8200 www.bradenroofing.com Country Financial Financial Services 2530 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-379-9573 www.countryfinancial.com

Norman Photography Photographer/Portraits 7324 Village Center Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-328-1570 www.normanphotographystudio.com Pac Van, Inc. Business Services 79 North Central Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-450-8016 www.pacvan.com

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MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!

Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of July 2012 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 24 Years The Old Tax House

4 Years Snap Fitness

17 Years CenturyLink Commerce Bank- E. Elm

3 Years Swiss Air

16 Years Falls Golf Club Missouri Valley Federal Credit Union Rothman Furniture 14 Years Country Club Car Wash 13 Years First Community Credit Union 12 Years Alliance Credit Union 8 Years Berry Company Hawkins Construction and Flatwork

2 Years Alpha Real Estate Group Jeremy’s Market and Meats State Farm Insurance Agency- Rom Schmidt 1 Year Algonquin Nurses Home Health Care Alzheimers Association St. Louis Chapter Digital Security Corporation Living Waters Salon & Day Spa Our Lady’s Inn Ultimate Fitmess Plus for Women

leads were passed during the month of JULY by the members our leads groups!

Would you like to join of the groups to build closer business relationships? Contact Sam at 636-240-1818 or sam@ ofallonchamber.org

. . . e p a c Es

vel a r T h wit ders/Jan’s Lea ise u r C & Travel

Giveaway! Now, there is an even better reason to attend O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce events! You’ve always had the opportunity for networking, building referrals and learning from your fellow members; now you could win the vacation of a lifetime! The more you attend, the better your chance are of winning! Throughout 2012 each time you attend a General Membership Meeting, Business After Hours or Morning Schmooze, your name will be entered into a drawing. The winning vacation recipient will be drawn at the Annual Awards luncheon held on December 18th, 2012.

Want to escape now? Call Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise for other great travel opportunities!

(636) 561-2626 www.travelleaders-janstravel.com

AUGUST 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13

MEMBER MENTIONS NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Keep up to date with news, sales, events and more from your fellow members. Contact Sara at sara@ofallonchamber.org to submit your information for future newsletters. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events.

Going Green: Local Business Gets National Attention The Green Star Service Facility Award is only given to auto shops who go out of their way to help prevent pollution and conserve our natural resources. Only three auto centers in the nation are given this award annually. Local business Autotech Auto Center, located in O’Fallon MO, is one of those three auto centers, chosen for 2012. The owners, Barb and Greg Kinder, take the problem of pollution very seriously. They have gone green and made their shop environmentally friendly. To become a Green Star Service facility the auto shop must go through an intensive application process and be evaluated by a special committee. Barb and Greg Kinder were honored to receive this national award at the ASA Vision banquet. They received this award in March of 2012. Being only one of three auto centers to receive the Green Star Service Facility award shows just how much Barb and Greg care about the environment. They have risen above the call of a typical auto shop to help out the community and the environment. Autotech Auto Center is also AAA approved and carries the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Shop designation. Autotech Auto Center provides exceptional auto care to all of their customers. Their motto “Today’s Technology with Yesterday’s Service” is what can be expected from their work. Autotech Auto Center was started in 1993 but moved to O’Fallon Missouri in 2001.

How to Move Prospects from Maybe to Yes Tom Ruwitch, founder and president of MarketVolt, will talk about how to move buyers from maybe to yes. He’ll address why marketing materials – print ads, broadcast pieces, email and social media, often don’t get the responses we want or expect. The program is part of the Leadership & Strategy Speaker Series, a business education program presented by Friends & Alumni of St. Charles Community College, Charter Business. The Leadership & Strategy Speaker Series provides business education opportunities to business owners, their management teams and non-profit executives. The presentations are given by well-known experts in their respective fields and are free of charge. August 30th, 2012 at 7:30 - 9:00 AM in St. Charles Convention Center located at One Convention Center Plaza in St. Charles, MO 63303. The event is free. Attendees must preregister at www.stchas.edu/speakerseries. A continental breakfast will be provided.

Lose to Win challenges St. Louis to lighten up! SSM Health Care - St. Louis is teaming up with the American Heart Association, Curves, YMCA, Fleet Feet St. Louis, the Suburban Journals, and Charter to offer the 12-week St. Louis Lose to Win Challenge to shed pounds and discover the healthier

you. The program kicks off from 9 a.m. noon on Saturday, Sept. 8, at SSM St. Clare Health Center in Fenton, and from 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton. At the kick-off events, contestants will have the opportunity to have their blood pressure and BMI/body fat checked, learn about helpful resources available, and meet with physicians, dietitians and fitness experts. Each week contestants can track their success on www.losetowinstl.com. At the end of the 12 weeks, the top 5 men and the top 5 women with the highest percentage of weight loss will be awarded prizes. Participants must pre-register for the challenge by calling 314-SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or visiting - www.losetowinstl. com. You must be 18 years of age or older. For more information, visit www.losetowinstl. com.

Free large-item trash drop-off for O’Fallon residents Are you an O’Fallon, Missouri, resident with items that are too large to fit into your curbside trash container? If so, you are invited to take advantage of the City’s free quarterly drop-off service for bulky items. Acceptable items can be brought to O’Fallon’s waste transfer station from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, August 18-19. The transfer station is located at 1572 Progress West Lane, O’Fallon (63366).

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING “Through the numerous networking opportunities I have increased my business and have seen a steady growth in a struggling economy. I have also increased my business contacts greatly.” Mark Crank Marcos Productions 314-603-0687 | www.marcos4fun.com

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CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

New members are welcomed at the July General Membership Meeting held at the Elks Lodge in Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon. Michelle Callahan (Digital Security), Deanna Spell (My Network One) and Kim Michaels (Charter Media) at the July Business After Hours.

We love seeing new members during our Chamber 101 meetings.

Over 130 members at the July Membership Meeting!

Chamber staff and board raise a toast to celebrate closing on the soon to be new chamber office.

Ouch! Erin boosts her energy at Any Lab Test Now ribbon cutting with a free B-12 shot.

Interested in Advertising in the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call 636.240.1818 or email sara@ofallonchamber.org