Business
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Connection
2nd Annual Taste of Vegas Casino Night
T
ickets are now on sale for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Taste of Vegas casino night presented by Krey Distributing on Saturday, February 22, 2013. The event will take place at the O’Fallon City Hall Gymnasium located at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon, Missouri. This black tie optional evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with food samplings from the area’s finest establishments along with wine, beer and spirit tastings. Then from 7:30 until 10:00 p.m. attendees will be able to try their luck on several casino tables that will be available, including Black Jack, Poker/ Texas Hold’em, Craps, and Continued on pg 6 Roulette. Guest will then
City of O’Fallon Mayor TO SPEAK AT LUNCH N LEGISLATORS
T
he O’Fallon Chamber is proud to host the Mayor Bill Hennessy as the featured speaker for the February 21, 2014 Lunch ‘n’ Legislators event.
This April, O’Fallon’s voters will be asked to decide on two ballot issues that will help to shape the future of O’Fallon: Proposition J(ustice) and Proposition P(arks). If approved by the voters, these two Propositions will allow O’Fallon to issue bonds for the construction of a new Justice Center, improvements to Civic Park, including a new Civic Hall and expanded Alligator’s Creek, and the construction of a brand new Continued on pg 9
february 2014
General Membership Luncheon Tuesday, February 25 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Trigg Banquet Center
300 O’Fallon Plz, O’Fallon, MO 63366 Join us for this networking luncheon. Bring lots of business cards and your 1 minute informercial. Don’t forget to register for only $16!
Sponsored by:
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 11 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. O’Fallon Family Eyecare
4142 Keaton Crossing Blvd, Ste 103 O’Fallon, MO 63368 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! 2 | Business Connection | February 2014
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, February 20 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Lindenwood University Center 4701 Hwy K, 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: 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 Ron Epps, Citizens National Bank Kim Jimenez, Elm Dental Care Dan Luigs, Insurance Store Brian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FM Beth Simmons, Visiting Angels 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, Firector of Member Engagement
THIS ISSUE Taste of Vegas.......................... cover & p 6
VOL.3 IS.2 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Lunch n Legislators.................. cover & p 9 Chairman’s Letter................................... p 4 Ribbon Cuttings..................................... p 4
Online Training...................................... p 5 O’Fallon Jobs......................................... p 6 Member Spotlight.................................. p 7 Member Anniversaries........................... p 8 Member Mentions.................................. p 8 Chamber Activities................................. p 9 Calendar of Events.............................. p 10 New Members...................................... p 12
CHAMBER PARTNERS
Shannon Norman Law
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS
February 2014 | Business Connection | 3
Ribbon cutting ceremonies Welcome to O’Fallon! Wow! What a great way to kick-off 2014. For those of you who weren’t in attendance at the January luncheon, 188 members and guests were captivated and motivated by our guest speaker, Dr. Benjamin Akande, Dean of Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University. During his speech, Dr. Akande, quoted a conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat; many of you may remember the dialogue, but basically Alice has to decide where she wants to get to in order to figure out which road to take. I believe that is applicable to all of our businesses and personal lives. Where do you want to get to? I can assure you that at the O’Fallon Chamber, we have a clear picture of where we are going (see our Vision below), and as a Board we are careful to choose the roads that we believe will get us there. Our Vision statement is that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community by being a valued resource to our businesses, non-profit organizations and residents. So, my question to you is how else can we be a resource to your business or non-profit organization and are you taking advantage of what is already being offered? With the continual support, idea exchange and participation of our members, 2014 is set to be the best year yet for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce! Thank you for being a part of it. Until next month, Jeff Arneson 2014 Chairman of the Board
4 | Business Connection | February 2014
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.
Mario’s Pizza
9015 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Divine Finds February 12 @ 11:00 a.m. Pain Relief Associates February 28 @ 11:30 a.m.
O
’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new member benefit, thanks to a partnership with Coggno. com, members are now able to click a simple link on the O’Fallon Chamber’s website to find a selection of online training courses that are relevant to your needs. Categories include Human Resources, Compliance, Safety Training, Business Management and others that will prove useful to employees of every type of business. All of the online training options are available on-demand “24/7” and can be accessed at computer workstations, as well as from home computers, tablets, and even smart phones. All that’s needed is an Internet connection and a desire to learn.
O’Fallon Chamber Now Offers Online On-Demand Training For Your Business When online training courses are purchased through the Chamber website, you can also access Coggno’s state-of-the-art, proprietary Learning Management System that will allow you to keep track of employees’ progress in chosen coursework. This very valuable tool makes it easy for supervisors to distribute, monitor, and mentor employees in their chosen courses. Why You Should Choose Online Training Online training has become a costeffective replacement for expensive off-site seminars and training sessions that can impact employee productivity. Not only will your employees not have to travel, they will gain great knowledge and insight into important topics. They will be able to learn at their own pace and effectively retain that knowledge, while keeping pace with their day-today responsibilities.
Here are some more reasons to try online learning courses: • You only pay for the courses you need. • Courses are extremely affordable, with discounts available for bulk purchases. • No need to hire instructors. • Coursework for licensing renewal or other types of compliance can now be obtained online. • Management can easily track employee progress, and even award certificates of completion. All courses are written and developed by industry experts. You can take a “sneak peek” at them before purchasing them. Take advantage of this opportunity to build a more productive, skilled workforce. Visit www.ofallonchamber. org/training today or call 636-2401818 for more information.
February 2014 | Business Connection | 5
Casino Night
Continued from Cover
O’Fallon Amoung Best Places for Jobs Seekers in Missouri
be able to trade in their winnings for raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes that will be drawn at 10:30 p.m. concluding the evening.
NerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a study to find the best places for job seekers in Missouri – and O’Fallon is in the top 10.
“Casino nights are a great way to try out games that you normally wouldn’t play at a traditional casino. There is no experience needed and no pressure, so you can really have fun!” says Sara Henderson, staff organizer for the event.
As many people continue searching for employment in this recovering economy, NerdWallet wanted to help residents of the Show-Me State find the best places for jobs. To do so, NerdWallet evaluated the state’s cities using the following criteria:
A Taste of Vegas will truly make you think you are in the heart of Las Vegas and will draw a mix of area residents and business people. General Admission is $40 per person and includes tastings from O’Fallon’s finest restaurants, drinks, souvenir photo, 2 raffle entries, $5,000 in gaming money and live entertainment with dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 636-240-1818 or online at www.ofallonchamber.org/ casino. No one under 21 will be admitted, tickets will not be sold the evening of the event.
• • • •
Participating restaurants are The Brass Rail, Bristol Seafood Grill, Eleven 65, Kitaro Bistro of Japan, LongHorn Steakhouse, Quintessential Catering, River City Catering, Senora Espinos Taqueria, Susie G’s Specialty Cakes and Stefanina’s Restaurant. Sponsors include: Krey Distributing, Marshall Ford, Delmar Gardens & Garden Villas of O’Fallon, City of O’Fallon, Country Side Flooring America, Ameren Missouri, American Eagle Credit Union, Shannon Norman Law, CenturyLink, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, Charter Business, Daydream Pet Services, Bates CPAs, First National Bank, Favazza & Associates, Laser Vein Center, Massage Luxe, and Gibson Printing. Casino night proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce: 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.
6 | Business Connection | February 2014
Median household income Monthly homeowner costs Population growth of those ages 16 and older Unemployment rates
NerdWallet ranked O’Fallon as the fifth best place for job seekers in Missouri. O’Fallon experienced a 5.8 percent increase in the working-age population between 2009 and 2012, and its residents make a median household income of $77,210. Major employers include CitiMortgage and Mastercard St. Louis Operations Center. Other places in the top 10 include Wentzville and Chesterfield. You can see the full study at www. nerdwallet.com/blog/2014/best-cities-job-seekersmissouri.
Great Southern Bank 100 Christina Marie Dr , O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-281-0286 www.greatsouthernbank.com
Member spotlight Kim Starbuck
H
Great Southern Bank operates seven fullservice banking centers in the St. Charles and St. Louis areas, respectively, and has served the area for nearly 10 years. The Company has been in business since 1923 and currently operates 96 banking centers in six states across the Midwest. With $3.6 billion in assets, the Bank’s mission is to build winning relationships with its customers, associates, shareholders and communities. Kim Starbuck proudly represents the Bank by serving clients in the St. Charles County area as a Business Banking Officer. She possesses more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry. Her primary role is to manage and deepen
current customer relationships, while expanding Great Southern’s presence and identity in the market. Starbuck serves as the primary point of contact for business customers and is located at the Great Southern banking center at 100 Christina Marie Dr. in O’Fallon, Mo. Active in the community, Starbuck serves as a board member for the St. Charles County Workforce Investment Board, as a 2014 affiliate director for the St. Charles County Association of Realtors, as a member of the advisory council for the Garden View Care Center in O’Fallon and manages the Campaign of Caring for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kim and her husband Scott reside
in O’Fallon, Mo., where they have lived for nearly eight years, after relocating from Atlanta, Ga. Her two children, Ashley, 29, and Trevor, 26, reside in Chicago and O’Fallon, respectively. Prior to 2004, she lived in Terre Haute, Ind., where she began her career in banking as a Mortgage Loan Officer selling residential real estate and managing private investment properties. Kim attended Indiana State University, where she majored in Psychology. Beyond serving the needs of her clients, she enjoys spending her spare time researching ancestry and genealogy, and has a passion for history. She also enjoys photography and has a great love for everything Elvis, visiting Graceland at least once a year.
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Business Connection? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org February 2014 | Business Connection | 7
Member anniversaries Thank you!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of January 2014 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year • Adams Insurance & Financial Services • Bates CPAs, PC • First Bank • New York Life Insurance Company • Signature Exteriors • The Complete Dawg 2 Years • Angelo’s Chicago Taste • Billionaire Thoughts • BRS Custom Painting & Flooring • C.J. Schlosser & Company, LLC • Cedar Lake Cellars • Great Southern Bank
• Holly’s Bookkeeping & Notary, LLC • JJ Twiggs Pizza & Pub • Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe • Rodan + Fields Dermatologists • St. Louis Lipo Laser Center • The Clayton Engineering Company, Inc 3 Years • Doctor G’s Computer Care & Repair
5 Years • Edward Jones • First Community Credit Union • Quik Cash 6 Years • PNC Bank • St. Charles County Art Council 7 Years • Park Place Senior Living at WingHaven • Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar • St. Louis Life
8 Years • Progress West Hospital BJC 9 Years • Krekeler Jewelers 10 Years • Providence Bank 11 Years • Chevy’s Fresh Mex 16 Years • Lindenwood University O’Fallon South Center 17 Years • Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Member Events
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. February 6, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
February 13, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
February 20, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
O’Fallon Business Builders BNI
Local Authors and Small Business Networking
February 16, 2014 Happily Ever After Bridal Event
February 22, 2014 Open House Jam @ Mozingo
February 26, 2014 Lindenwood Open House
February 25, 2014 Info Night for Graduate & Undergraduate Evening Students
February 27, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
McClay Library in St. Charles 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
February 11, 2014 Sports Open Line Night BMO Harris Bank 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Business Builders BNI
Morning Star Church 7:45 - 9:15 a.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
The Foundry Art Center
February 18, 2014 PurificationDetoxification Lawlor Chiropractic 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
O’Fallon Business Builders BNI
Morning Star Church 7:45 - 9:15 a.m.
8 | Business Connection | February 2014
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Mozingo Music 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Webster University in Winghaven 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Morning Star Church 7:45 - 9:15 a.m.
Lindenwood University 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
March 4, 2014 O’Fallon Business Builders BNI Morning Star Church 7:45 - 9:15 a.m.
Lunch n legislators Continued from Cover Page
passive park off of Highway DD called O’Day Park. O’Day Park also will include a new lodge for banquets, meetings and recreational opportunities. Among other City updates the Mayor will also discuss the traffic flow improvements for Interstate 70 (I-70) between Mid Rivers Mall Drive on the east, and Bryan Road on the west. The I-70 Traffic Flow Improvements Project encompasses a 6-mile corridor including interchanges at Bryan Road, Route K, TR Hughes, and Route 79.
Lunch ‘n’ Legislators will be held on Friday, June 21, Noon at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar. RSVP for this great discussion to Erin@OFallonChamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 636-240-1818.
Chamber Activities
Thank you to our outgoing Director, Julie Feast with Ameren Missouri.
Another thank you to our outgoing Chair, Adam Hopper of PNC Bank.
We love seeing so many new members at our events! Welcome to the O’Fallon Chamber.
Senator Scott Rupp poses for a quick pic at last month’s Lunch ‘n’ Legislators.
Food, drinks and fun at the first After Hours of the year hosted by Anytime Fitness - St. Peters.
February 2014 | Business Connection | 9
Chamber calendar February 2014 February 7, 2014 Tech/Comm Planning Committee Protronics 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. February 10, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. February 11, 2014 Firecracker Committee Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Business After Hours O’Fallon Family Eyecare 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. February 12, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
February 13, 2014 Casino Night Committee O’Fallon Chamber 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. February 14, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. February 18, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting
O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
February 20, 2014 Morning Schmooze Lindenwood University O’Fallon South Center 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
10 | Business Connection | February 2014
February 21, 2014 Lunch & Legislators Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. February 22, 2014 Taste of Vegas Casino Night O’Fallon City hall 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
February 28, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. February 28, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Pain Relief Associates 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
February 24, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
March 5, 2014 Firecracker Committee Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
February 25, 2014 General Membership Luncheon Trigg Banquet Center 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
March 6, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
February 26, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
O’Fallon Join TheJoin St.The Charles Chamber Chamber of Commerce AtAtThe Upcoming... The Upcoming...
ST.ST. LOUIS BUSINESS EXPO LOUIS BUSINESS EXPO
Exhibit At At the the Expo Expo Exhibit Showcase Your Business to 1,000’s Showcase Your Business to 1,000’s of Potential Customers of Potential Customers
AT ’s IBIuTr AIT EXIH T o I s B sI g sI’TsE E H r M X u E ILsAsr or ATd T Es MBA rg dE L 2B HroAw s T B B2 sHow
Special Chamber Rate: Booth Only Includes 10 x 8 trade show booth and booth ID sign.
CALL TODAY! BOOTHS ARE LIMITED BEST SPACES GO FIRST
Green Zone SPEED AreaCoaching businesses that can help Mentors andGreen. retired executives you go will be on hand to help solve your business challenges and offer ideas Contacts For Contracts to grow yourcorporations business. and govLarger
and workshops, all designed to PEOPLE TO KNOW Luncheon help entrepreneurs grow their SBMenterprises. readers chose the Top 100 People To Know To Help You Succeed In Business. Come The BEST Luncheon meet theseSBM outstanding individuals. readers chose the BEST
October 18 11AM to 6 PM St. St.Charles CharlesConvention ConventionCenter Center
Other Packages Available, Including Sponsorships and Speaking Opportunities
Featured Featured Atthe theShow Show At
ernment agencies searching Seminars & Workshops for small firms for upcoming A full day’s worth of seminars and contracts. workshops, all designed to help entrepreneurs grow their enterSeminars & Workshops prises. A full day’s worth of seminars
St. Business St. Louis Louis Business Expo Expo April 8 11AM to 5 PM
$500 (An $800 Value)
Scan Scanthis thiscode codetotosee seehow how exhibiting exhibitingatatthe theExpo Expocan canhelp help your yourbusiness businessgrow. grow.
businesses in St. Louis and they Networking Happy Hour will be honored at a special Meetluncheon. some of the area’s top business owners at a special happy hour. Networking Happy Hour Meet some of the area’s top Product Demonstrations business owners at a special Learn abouthour. the new technology happy and business products that can helpSpeed your company Bankinggrow in 2014.
Need a loan? Line of credit? Advice for future financing? Here’s your chance to meet with area lenders. Bring in your financials, meet area bankers one-on-one and see what it will take to gain financing.
314.569.0076 314.569.0076
www.stlouisbusinessexpo.com www.stlouisbusinessexpo.com
February 2014 | Business Connection | 11
New members
A very special welcome! Accurate Assistant Virtual Assistant Ed Wilkins 1000 Mid Rivers Mall Dr St. Peters, MO 63376 314-277-3032 www.accurateassistant.com AmericanFamily Insurance Insurance Services Pamela Osthoff 109 Triad West Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-9334 www.pamherter.com Amped Up Digital Entertainment Kelly Kerr 1349 War Bonnet Dr OFallon, MO 63366 636-253-3722 www.ampedupdigital.com Citizens National Bank Banks Rob Epps 671 Salt Lick Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 636-240-8302 www.cnbstl.com Complete Auto Repair & Tire Pros Automobile: Services, Body, & Repair Kurt Barks 1400 E Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366 314-249-7113
Divine Finds, LLC Retail Shopping Mike Peacock 320 Sonderen O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-294-2014 Duckett Creek Sanitary District Utilities Chuck Gross 3550 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-441-1244 www.duckettcreek.com Extreme Electrical Electrical Services Caleb Hunter 10880 Baur Blvd Creve Coeur, MO 63141 636-925-2988 www.extremeelectricalstl.com Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotels & Motels Stephanie Calhoun 130 Crossroads South Dr Wentzville, MO 63385 636-332-5000 www.marriott.com/stlwv
12 | Business Connection | February 2014
Gift Incentive Programs Retail Shopping Ron Lares 1680 Duello Rd Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 314-537-4024 www.amway.com/ronlares ITNStCharles Senior Services Susan Kallash-Bailey 101 Compass Point Dr, Ste A St. Charles, MO 63301 636-329-0888 www.itnstcharles.org Tailored Living Home Improvement Jason Vigh 24 Declaration Trail O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-614-1038 www.tailoredliving.com Western and Southern Life Financial Services Jimmy King 3245 Lemay Ferry Rd St. Louis, MO 63125 636-387-2403 www.wslife.com
Companies searching for savings and efficiency gains use eCertify, the user-friendly online solution that transforms the costly, time-consuming paper-based process for stamping and signing of Certificates of Origin into a streamlined electronic system.
Benefits include: » Saves money – cut courier costs » Save time – eliminate paper-based processes » Fast turnaround times » Increased compliance and record keeping The process is easy… register online using your chamber’s website and start saving time and money today!
Stamped. Signed. Certified. Returned. Fast!
www.OFallonChamber.org/eCertify
Exporters and freight forwarders save time and money using eCertify
2145 Bryan Valley Commerical Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Erin@OFallonChamber.org
electronic Certificates of Origin
636-240-1818
eCertify
February 2014 | Business Connection | 13