Celebrating 60 Years
BUSINESS
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
CONNECTION
O’FALLON CHAMBER HONORS OUTSTANDING BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS LEADERS
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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize some of the outstanding businesses and leaders in our community. For several months, chamber members were asked to submit nominations for the awardees. Last month a panel of members discussed each of the nominees and will be bestowing the awards at the December 17th Awards luncheon of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce to be held at the Christy Banquet Center. The Sue Proost O’Fallon
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END OF THE YEAR WRAP UP FROM THE CHAIRMAN
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realize that we are getting ready for the start of the Winter Olympics, but ending this year as Chairman of the Board reminds me of an Olympic relay race; the only difference is that this relay has way more than four members! I was honored in January of this year when Cindy Elking passed the baton of Chair to me. I know she felt as if her year as Chair was a full sprint, and I can’t help but feel the same as I get ready to hand Continued on pg 5 off the baton next month.
DECEMBER 2013
General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, December 17 @ 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Christy Banquet Center 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy |O’Fallon, MO 63366 Awards Luncheon. Help us to honor our businesses and business leaders who make O’Fallon and the Chamber of Commerce so great! Also, one lucky Chamber member will be walking away with an all-inclusive trip for two to Jamaica courtesy of Jan’s Travel & Cruise.
Sponsored by:
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.
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Thursday, December 19 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. O’Fallon YMCA
3451 Pheasant Meadows Dr |O’Fallon, MO 63368
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: Adam Hopper, PNC Bank, Chair of the Board Jeff Arneson, JLJ Technology, 1st Vice Chair Michael Favazza, Favazza & Associates, 2nd Vice Chair Ron Epps, F&M Bank and Trust, Treasurer Stacee Gilmore, Promotions Pronto, Secretary Cindy Elking, Quintessential Catering, Past-Chair Directors: Harold Bliggenstorfer, Missouri Baptist University Mark Crank, Marcos Productions Heather Deatz, Community News Tim DeGhelder, St. Charles City-County Library Julie Feast, Ameren Missouri Brenda Lowder, Thomas Realty Dan Luigs, Insurance Store Kim Michaels, Charter Business Brian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FM Beth Simmons, Visiting Angels Jan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & Cruise Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Nina DeAngelo, Member Engagement Director
THIS ISSUE VOL.2 IS.12 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Chairman’s Letter.................... cover & p 8 Annual Awards ........................ cover & p 6 Celebration of Lights ............................ p 4 Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 5 New Members ....................................... p 9 Calendar of Events ............................. p 10 Member Anniversaries .........................p 11 Member Mentions ............................... p 12 Chamber Activities............................. p 13
CHAMBER PARTNERS
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS DECEMBER 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
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Celebration 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 9,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on WalkThrough Night. DRIVE-THROUGH Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday (except Tuesday, December 10), 6 – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m. Monday, closed to vehicle traffic – Train and Segway rides by advance reservation only (see below) Admission: $9 for cars; $15 for commercial vans and limousines; $1 per person on tour buses ($25 minimum) Tuesday Night Special - $7 for all non-commercial vehicles Wednesday – Sunday, bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle. OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY STROLL Walk-through night at Celebration of Lights Tuesday, December 10, 6 - 9 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person; Ages 2 and under are free Parking: 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. SEGWAY TOURS ON MONDAY NIGHTS BY GLIDE ST. LOUIS 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 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.
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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 Rides must be reserved in advance. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at info@ cfcarriage.com or 636-390-4403. 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 at Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on December 10. Rides are approximately 30 minutes. Riders are encouraged to bring blankets for extra warmth. Snacks and drinks are permitted on wagons, only.
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.
Gershman Mortgage 201 Salt Lick Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
Edward Jones - Amos Reed 2936 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Anytime Fitness 7517 Mexico Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
R&B Club 2693 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: December 6 @ 3:30 p.m. GG’s Resale December 11 @ 3:30 p.m. Tap House Pub & Patio
K Thaemert Photography 5839 Suemandy Dr, St. Peters, MO 63376 DECEMBER 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5
AWARDS
CONTINUED FROM COVER 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. Cindy Elking, owner of Quintessential Catering, will be honored with this prestigious award at the December luncheon. Elking serves on the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Board. She is a dedicated Board member for the St. Charles Community College Foundation. Elking volunteers her time and talent for many local organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Vision St. Charles County Leadership. “Cindy actively participates in board meetings and her leadership, poise and intelligence has proven to be an invaluable resource when the board does its annual planning. She is a stellar board member who not only gives of her time and talents, but invests personally into the mission of SCC,” says Kasey McKee, Associate Vice President, Foundation and Alumni Relations at St. Charles Community College Foundation. Community News will be honored as the 2013 Small Business of the Year. Community News has a long standing relationship with the O’Fallon community and the Chamber of Commerce. Community News staff members are known as huge supporters of local businesses and non-profits, volunteering their time, talent and offering free and reduced advertising to support the business community and community as a whole. Krey Distributing will be honored as the O’Fallon Chamber Business of the Year. Krey was nominated for their long term support of the Chamber and the community including their financial support of BackStoppers and their Waves of Honor program. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Firestone Complete Auto Care as the 2013 Large Business of the Year. Firestone has over 400 employees in the St. Louis and St. Charles County area. While offering service to their customers that has earned them an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, they are also involved with over 100 local non-profit
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organizations, offering free and discounted products and service to benefit the organizations. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the St. Charles City-County Library District as its Community Servant of the Year. The library district, one of the great gems of our community, continues to provide resources for all areas of our community serving nonprofits in their Non-Profit Center, businesses in their Business Management Center, and of course, residents. They continue to innovate to engage the entire community, across all demographics. Being honored as the Ambassador of the Year is Greg Kinder. As the first line of contact with the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber the Ambassadors strengthen the membership and programming of the Chamber allowing members a welcoming atmosphere to build relationships and their business. Greg Kinder exemplifies the role of an Ambassador of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. For more information on any of our awardees or to make your reservation for the December 17th Awards luncheon, please contact the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, 636240-1818. 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.
YEAR END
CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE CONTINUED FROM PG 4 Once again, the O’Fallon Chamber has had an amazing year! • We’ve welcomed 126 new members to our organization. • We’ve once again increased participation among our members; up 19% over last year’s increase. That means in two years we have increased the number of members networking, learning and building relationships with each other by nearly 50%! • We took our Morning Schmooze event to a monthly networking function and added individual meetings to make it even more beneficial to our members. • We’ve strengthened our Lunch n’ Legislators program to standing room only presentations. • We added a third leads generating group and have increased the number of leads being passed within those groups. • We had awesome fundraising and friend-raising events including our largest ever Firecracker Run and
the Inaugural Taste of Vegas. Each year your Board of Directors takes a hard look at our organization, brainstorms on ways to improve, and sets goals to ensure that we are fulfilling our mission of promoting the economic vitality of our community. I’m so grateful that I get to be a part of this great team moving our organization forward and look forward to supporting our 2014 Chairman of the Board, Jeff Arneson of JLJ Technology. Finally, I’d like to thank each of you that made this year so awesome! Your energy and enthusiasm is what makes the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce such a great organization; or if we were in the Olympics, what makes Team OCOC so great! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2014, Adam Hopper 2013 Chairman of the Board
Did you know...
when you shop and dine within the City of O’Fallon, you not only help our local businesses, you support the great City parks, the O’Fallon Police Department and the many services that help keep this City such a great place to live? So, keep your community great for years to come. Support your local businesses and
“Keep it in the O!” by shopping in O’Fallon this Holiday Season!
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NEW MEMBERS
A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! Baile Properties Realtors: Residential PO Box 1575 O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-236-2769 www.baileproperties.com
Karpel Solutions Information Technology 5714 S Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, MO 63123 314-892-6300 x142 www.INSIGHTbyKarpel.com
Eleven 65 Restaurant Restaurants 1165 Technology Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-329-0065 www.eleven65.com
Lawlor Chirpractic Chiropractors 6028 Weldon Spring Pkwy Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636-300-8250 lawlorchiropracticclinic.com
GG’s Resale Retail Shopping 128 West Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-294-5299
My Big Fun Inflatables Entertainment 936 Stone Crossing Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 636-327-8883 www.bigfuninflatables.com
Hanson, Dalton and Kruse Legal Services 2341 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-240-6130 www.HDKLAW.com Juice Plus+ Health/Wellness 415 Country Downs Dr Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 314-677-8069 www.amyhamlinjuiceplus.com
Chesterfield, MO 63005 636-387-2847 HomeSweetHomesByRealtorRic.com Savannah Ridge Apartments Apartment Complexes 1 Savannah Garden Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-984-9700 www.twgstl.com Squeaky Green Cleaning Services: Commercial 2536 S Old Hwy 94 S Ste 220 St Charles, MO 63303 314-363-1002 www.SqueakyGreenLLC.net Tap House Pub & Patio Restaurants 9015 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-439-2390 www.taphousepub.com
Premiere Knowledge Solutions Information Technology 1236 St. Matthew Ave O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-450-4730 www.premier-ks.com Rick Wunderlich - Keller Williams Realty Realtors: Residential 16650 Chesterfield Grove
Value Village Retail Shopping 24 O’Fallon Sq O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-961-6935 www.valuevillagethrift.com
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org
DECEMBER 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9
CHAMBER CALENDAR DECEMBER 2013 December 5, 2013 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
December 11, 2013 Ribbon Cutting Tap House Pub & Patio 9015 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
December 6, 2013 Tech/Comm Planning Committee ProTronics 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
December 12, 2013 Casino Night Commitee O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting GG’s Resale 128 West Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. December 9, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 18 North Central Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. December 11, 2013 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
December 13, 2013 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. December 17, 2013 General Membership Luncheon Christy Banquet Center 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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December 17, 2013 O’Fallon Jaycees Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Ofiice 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. December 19, 2013 Morning Schmooze O’Fallon Family YMCA 3451 Pheasant Meadows Drive O’Fallon, MO 63368 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
January 2, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. January 3, 2014 Tech/Comm Planning Committee 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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leads were passed during the month of NOVEMBER 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
Escape to...
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of October 2013 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for...
with
®
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 mwin the vacation of a lifetime! Throughout 2013 each time you attend a General Membership Meeting, Business After Hours or Morning Schmooze (35 chances), your name will be entered into a drawing. The winning vacation recipient will be drawn at the Annual Awards luncheon held on December 17, 2013. The more you attend, the better your chance are of winning!
1 Year • Dardenne Presbyterian Church • Jehling Hardware • Kumon Math & Reading of O’Fallon • Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe • UMB Bank - Monticello • UMB Bank - WingHaven • USA Mortgage 2 Years • Circle of Marketing • eClarity Web Solutions • Tri-County Agency 3 Years • Beth Academy • Big River Running Company • Garden Villas of O’Fallon • Peace Lutheran Church Winghaven • T .C. Herring & Associates 4 Years • LifeWorks Business Center at WingHaven • Minuteman Press - St. Charles 5 Years • Denny and Associates Inc • O’Fallon Elks Lodge 2587
6 Years • Blome International • H & R Block • Instant Imprints • State Farm Insurance Sandy Kessler • SunRise United Methodist Church 7 Years • JLJ Technology • Preserve At Research Park 9 Years • Ryder Vehicle Sales • Timber Creek Grill 10 Years • Francis Howell School District • Lindell Bank • Logan Chiropractic Health Center 13 Years • Costco Wholesale • Gary Elmestad & Associates • Susie G’s Specialty Cakes 17 Years • Salvation Army
Call Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise for other great travel opportunities! 636-561-2626 www.travelleaders-janstravel.com DECEMBER 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11
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. December 4, 2013
December 7, 2013
Webster University Open House Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM CST
Story Time with Santa Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe 107 O’Fallon Plaza O’Fallon, MO 63366 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM CST
December 10, 2013 December 5, 2013 O’Fallon Rotary Club Meeting Holy Cross Lutheran Church 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM CST
RE/MAX Platinum Christmas Open House RE/MAX Platinum 410 Crestview Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM CST
December 12, 2013 December 6, 2013 FAM JAM: Free Family Night Out Morning Star Church 1600 Feise Road Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM CST
O’Fallon Rotary Club Meeting Holy Cross Lutheran Church 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM CST
December 19, 2013 December 7, 2013 Holiday Extravaganza & Appreciation Party Pain Relief Associates 2682 Babble Creek Ln O’Fallon, MO 63368 09:30 AM - 03:30 PM CST
O’Fallon Rotary Club Meeting Holy Cross Lutheran Church 8945 Veterans Memorial Parkway O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM CST
Holiday Train Display 10 o-gauge trains running. 83 Dept 56 and othe lighted houses. 84 Animated items moving and running. 9 Multi theme area’s. 6 Super street tracks movi•ng. 330 Lighted trees. 351 Figurines. Free to attend. Wednesday - Friday: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM December 14th & 21st from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Free picture with Mr and Mrs. Claus. Jehling Hardware 1133 N Main St, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Morning Star Church Offers Safe Haven for Christmas Blues This time of year, Americans are flooded with messages saying they should be full of joy for the holidays – a myth saying that something is wrong with those that feel blue for Christmas. Morning Star Church doesn’t believe this myth and is offering an alternative. Knowing that many people experience profound sadness during the holiday season, Morning Star is hosting its second annual ‘Blue Christmas Service’ on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. for all those who need a little Christmas comfort. “The idea is that many people don’t want to sit amid the pageantry of a Christmas Eve service because they are just too sad during this time of year,” Associate Pastor Keith Langland said. “Many people have experienced great loss in their lives and Christmas makes that loss appear closer. We just want to provide an alternative.”
You Trim The Tree, We’ll Trim The Table
Enjoy the spirit of the holidays with gorgeous Christmas flowers. Decorate your hall table or dining table with our beautiful arrangements. Need a unique gift idea? We can also deliver arrangements to your loved ones. Even if they don’t live locally, we can ensure they know you are thinking of them with beautiful flowers, plants or gift baskets. www.MexicoRoadFlorist.com 636.278.4550
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Blue Christmas is not an ordinary Christmas service. It is an intentional outreach to the community of people who have a hard time finding joy amid the masses of smiling carolers. Childcare will be available for children ages infant through 5th grade. 1600 Feise Rd O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-561-5680 www.mscwired.org
Our lovely judges for the Chamber’s Got Talent competition.
All smiles at our October Business After Hours!
The Salvation Army reminds us about giving to others during th holidays.
One minute informercial at the Morning Schmooze.
Congrats to Eric with Mozingo Music for winning Chamber’s Got Talent!
Look likes Juan is
Over 150 O’Fallon Chamber members attended the November General Membership Meeting!
One-on-Ones at this month’s Morning Schmooze at Villa Theresa!
Thanks to Villa Theresa for hosting our November Morning Schmooze!
DECEMBER 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13
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2145 Bryan Valley Commerical Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Erin@OFallonChamber.org
636-240-1818
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