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 was 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. In November 2013 a panel of members discussed each of the nominees and bestowed the awards at the December 17, 2013 Awards luncheon of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce held at the Christy Banquet Center. The Sue Proost O’Fallon
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DR. AKANDE TO SPEAK AT JANUARY GMM
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r. Akande is a Professor of Economics and Dean of George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University. In addition, Dr. Akande serves as Webster University’s Chief of the Office of Corporate Partnerships, charged with forging partnerships with organizations and business worldwide. This work has resulted in collaboration with several global firms to ensure the attraction, retention, and development of talents in these organizations. Dean Akande holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma and has completed post-doctoral studies at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and at the Saїd School of Business, Oxford University, in the Continued on pg 5
JANUARY 2014
General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, January 28 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Morning Star Church
1600 Feise Rd, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368 Join us for our first membership meeting of 2014 and listen to Dr. Dean Akande speak about Leading From Where you Are. Don’t forget to register for only $16!
Sponsored by:
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
s s e n i Bus fter A rs Hou Tuesday, November 12 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ANYTIME FITNESS
7517 Mexico Rd, St. Peters, MO 633676 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
g n i n Mormooze Sch 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, January 16 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. The Falls Golf Club
1170 Turtle Creek, O’Fallon, MO 63366
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 Ron Epps, F&M Bank and Trust, Treasurer Stacee Gilmore, Promotions Pronto, Secretary Adam Hopper, PNC Bank, Past Chair of the Board Directors: Harold Bliggenstorfer, Missouri Baptist University Mark Crank, Marcos Productions Heather Deatz, Community News Cindy Elking, Quintessential Catering Kim Jimenez, Elm Dental Care Brenda Lowder, Thomas Realty 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 GMM Speaker......................... cover & p 8
VOL.3 IS.1 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Annual Awards ........................ cover & p 6 Chairman’s Letter.................................. p 4 Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 4 Taste of Vegas ....................................... p 5 Member Spotlight ................................. p 7 Member Anniversaries .......................... p 8 New Chamber Logo .............................. p 9 Member Mentions ................................. p 9 New Members ..................................... p 10 Calendar of Events ............................. p 10 Chamber Activities............................. p 12
CHAMBER PARTNERS
Shannon Norman Law
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS
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RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON! As we welcome in a new year, I am honored to be serving as Chairman of the Board for your O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. I’m excited to be following Adam Hopper, whose leadership continued our tradition as a vibrant and growing Chamber. Membership has grown and participation in our networking events has also increased with close to 200 in attendance at December’s luncheon. Our relationship with the City has never been stronger. Just a bit about myself for those who may not know me. I have been a resident of O’Fallon since 1992. In 2006 the company I worked for scaled back their operations in a number of cities across the country, St. Louis being one of them. Rather than move away from the city we considered home, I decided to leave the company and start my own business. My wife and I opened our doors in January of 2007, with a Chamber ribbon cutting and one employee. Today we have a staff of three.
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.
Tap House Pub & Patio
9015 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63366
As we move into 2014 I see our Chamber continuing to thrive. The staff and board are dedicated and committed to providing its members with numerous opportunities and programs to help in developing and growing your business. From networking events to educational programs and legislative forums, we want to provide our members with the tools you want and need. At our annual board retreat we will be looking at where we have been and plan for the future. Your Chamber is only as strong as its members and it is quite obvious that we have a robust business community which has weathered the not too distant economic struggles. Please continue to encourage your friends to join us as we grow together. Our staff and board is always willing to talk should you have any concerns or questions. I wish you all the best in 2014 and remember to shop chamber first. I wish you all the best in 2014 and remember to shop chamber first. Jeff Arneson Chairman of the Board 4 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | JANUARY 2014
GG’s Resale 128 West Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: We currently have no ribbon cuttings scheduled but be sure to check our online calendar for changes at www. OFallonChamber/chamber-calendar.
2ND ANNUAL TASTE OF VEGAS CASINO NIGHT
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ickets are now on sale for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural 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 Roulette. Guest will then 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. “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.
Live entertainment will be provided by Nick Calandro who will provide a smooth start to the evening by singing classic like Sinatra. Following will be the Tom Christopher Band who will get the room shaking with their Elvis covers complete with the King himself, well sort 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.
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/cateres include; The Brass Rail, Bristol Seafood Grill, LongHorn Steakhouse, Quintessential Catering, River City Catering, Senora Espinos Taqueria, Susie G’s Specialty Cakes and Stefanina’s Restaurant.
Shannon Norman Law
Casino night proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of JANUARY 2014 | 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 was 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 was 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 organizations, offering free and discounted products and service to benefit the organizations. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to 6 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | JANUARY 2014
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.
Kevin Helsel 79 North Central Dr | O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-450-8016 www.pacvan.com
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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PAC VAN ow long have you been in the O’Fallon area? I have lived in O’Fallon for 6 years.
Tell us about your family. My wife of 16 years Michele, is in the Office Furniture Industry and my son Matt, is a General Manager of a Hot Shots franchise. What is your educational background? All of my education is from Washington DC. Both High School and college. Tell us about your organization. Pac-Van, Inc., is a midwest based corporation that leases and sells mobile and ground level offices, modular buildings, portable storage
containers, portable liquid storage tanks, ancillary products and related services throughout the United States from its 32 customer service centers in the U.S. and Canada. The company provides solutions for customers in a wide range of industries including construction, commercial, industrial, energy & mining, government, and retail markets. What is the mission/vision of your organization? To provide quality work and storage space with dependable service. How has that mission changed over the years that you have been in business? Pac-Van’s mission and core values of Relationships, Dependability,
Dedication, Initiative, Ingenuity and Continuous Improvement have remained the same since it opened its doors in 1993. What do you do to serve your clients best? Our service is the best in the industry. We’ve maintained a 97%+ customer satisfaction level since we started surveying our customers several years back. What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company? Expanding our footprint so that any of our customers in the St. Louis area who have other locations in the U.S. or Canada can be taken care of, no matter where they are doing business.
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org JANUARY 2014 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7
GMM SPEAKER
CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE areas of leadership and change. Dr. Akande’s interests are diverse but connected: excellence, community, learning, empowerment, and growth. He is a resultoriented leader with strategic vision, proven experience in corporate and nonprofit environments and is widelyknown and respected for versatility in assuming challenging and demanding responsibilities and leading multiple projects simultaneously with outstanding record of meeting and exceeding organizational goals. An excellent communicator, Dr. Akande possesses the ability to establish rapport and connect with diverse constituencies at all levels, public, private, and nonprofit sectors and is highly experienced in the area of global strategy, marketing, higher education, and leadership. Under his dynamic leadership, Webster’s commitment to global education has been enhanced, setting a
distinguished standard worldwide. Dr. Akande leads a group of diverse faculty and staff in the U.S. Europe, mainland China, Thailand, and Ghana. He has responsibility for the largest part of the University’s annual operating budget, while serving more than 14,200 students and supported by 1,500 faculty members worldwide. As Webster University’s Chief of the Office of Corporate Partnerships, Dr. Akande has forged educational partnerships and alliances with such corporations as BJC HealthCare, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and other local and national organizations. He has a successful record of collaboration with many companies and organizations in the world.
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of November2013 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year • SSM Physical Therapy • Air Evac Lifeteam • Billionaire Thoughts • Carpet Creations • Dames Bark • David E. Woods, Attorney at Law • Donley Building Services • Equity Missouri Properties • HealthMarkets Insurance Agency • Johnson Insurance Agency - Farmers Insurance • O’Fallon Crossing Chiropractic • The Face & The Body, TOO! 2 Years • C.J. Schlosser & Company
• Cedar Lake Cellars • Hillmann Place • SAK Construction • The Clayton Engineering Company 3 Years • Cindy’s Photo Impressions • First Baptist Christian Academy • First Baptist Church • Slumberland Furniture • Trigg Banquet Center • W. Klein Realty Group Keller Williams Realty West 4 Years • Socket Telecom • T & S Homes 5 Years • Claria Clean
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• Pasta House Co • USO of Missouri 6 Years • Frank Leta Honda • PNC Bank 7 Years • Park Place Senior Living at WingHaven 9 Years • Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa 10 Years • Providence Bank 11 Years • Chevy’s Fresh Mex • SealMaxx of Greater St. Louis
12 Years • State Farm Insurance Kathy Kilo Peterson • Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service • Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home • Suburban Service Automotive Incorpo 15 Years • Community News 17 Years • Mid America Peterbilt 20 Years • Fort Zumwalt School District
O’FALLON CHAMBER UNVEILS NEW LOGO The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new logo and brand identity to better reflect O’Fallon’s unique and innovative business community. The new branding strategy amplifies the Chamber’s mission and vision, and has been integrated into a new website and will be used across all Chamber platforms and publications in the months ahead.
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The Chamber’s brand identity is centered on the principles that matter most to O’Fallon’s business community and the
economy - connectivity, innovation and collective action. The Chamber’s new logo, created by the Chamber’s Communications Director Sara Henderson, depicts these principles by symbolizing the Chamber’s acronym of OCC, businesses of all sizes, and growth. The new tagline – “Mission Driven. Member Centric.” – accompanies the logo conveying the Chamber’s mission to serve the interests of business and O’Fallon.
Erin Williams, staff and members to modernize the organization’s profile and emphasize the vibrancy of its membership. To view the new logo, visit www. OFallonChamber.org.
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 The O’Fallon Chamber’s new logo and opportunities, education and tagline are the outcome of a strategic advocacy in public policy decisions branding initiative led by the Chamber’s affecting business. Board of Directors, President & CEO
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. January 16, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
January 30, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 8945 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366
January 25, 2014 YMCA Trivia Night
February 1, 2014 Crider Mouse Races
O’Fallon YMCA 3451 Pheasant Meadow Dr O’Fallon, MO 63368
Harvester Lion’s Club 4835 Central School Rd St. Charles, MO 63304
Welcome 2014!
Thanks to you the Bag Ladies will begin their 10th year of door to door delivery. The new season will begin March 3rd. We will be offering the same quality service and looking for committed yearly clients to grow their business one door at a time. Call Barb 636-734-6487 today to reserve your spot for 2014.
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CHAMBER CALENDAR JANUARY 2014 January 8, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. January 9, 2014 Casino Night Commitee O’Fallon Chamber 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. January 10, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 PM CST
January 13, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads IQ Fast Print 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. January 14, 2014 Business After Hours Anytime Fitness 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. January 16, 2014 Morning Schmooze The Falls Golf Club 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. January 17, 2014 Lunch & Legislators Rendezvous Cafe 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
January 21, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
January 27, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
January 22, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
January 28, 2014 General Membership Luncheon Morning Star Church 11:30 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
January 24, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
February 6, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
NEW MEMBERS
A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! Beltone Hearing Aid Centers Healthcare Services 2969 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-379-4691 www.midwestbeltone.com
MassageLuXe Salon & Spa 2526 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-272-5893 wwwmassageluxe.com
Event Productions Party Rentals/Inflatables 16325 Fullerton Meadows Dr Wildwood, MO 63011 314-433-1213 www.EPI-STL.com
Multiply STL Church 927 E Terra Ln OFallon , MO 63366 417-619-3782 multiplystl.org
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Unique Heating & Cooling Heating & Air Services 5208 Hwy N Cottleville, MO 63304 636-388-4100 www.uniqueheatingcooling.com
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A warm welcome to the newest members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce!
Carla and Michelle told Santa everything they wanted for Christmas.
Welcoming O’Fallon’s newest business, The Tap House.
Shannon and Sherry pose with our Chamber Santa, Mick from Mick’s Exterminating.
We have some great looking members don’t we?
Big smiles for Susan Campbel who won our Escape with Jan’s Travel Giveaway all-inclusive trip to Jamaica!
Over 170 O’Fallon Chamber members attended the December General Membership Meeting!
We think you may have gotten this backwards Darryl...
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We hope that Patty with Economic Development got everything she wanted this Christmas.
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2145 Bryan Valley Commerical Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Erin@OFallonChamber.org
636-240-1818
electronic Certificates of Origin eCertify
JANUARY 2014 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13