OCoC eNewsletter - June 2013

Celebrating 60 Years

BUSINESS

a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTION

START YOUR 4TH OF JULY OFF WITH A BANG!

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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 29th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run presented

by Mercy on Thursday, July 4, 2013, in O’Fallon, MO. The Firecracker Run offers something for everyone! The Race begins at 7:00 a.m. and consists of a 10K, 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run. Awards will be given to the overall winner for male and female racers of the 5K and 10K. There will also be awards given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (male and female) of each class in the 5K and 10K. Ribbons will be given to all participants of the 1 Mile Fun Run. Continued on pg 7

CHAMBER FOR GOOD LAUNCH FOR NON-PROFITS

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he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to be launching a new communitybuilding service called Chamber for Good which allows local charities to raise their visibility within the community and also provides businesses and philanthropic individuals an easy way to become aware of local charitable needs, causes and events. It is yet another tool the O’Fallon Chamber is utilizing to grow our community!

Bringing individuals, organizations and businesses together to achieve great things is a key focus of the O’Fallon Chamber’s 2014 Strategic Plan. The Continued on pg 13 Chamber for Good system

JUNE 2013

Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s

General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, June 25 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trigg Banquet Center 300 O’Fallon Plz | O’Fallon, MO 63366 Join us and the City of O’Fallon where leadership will update us on happenings with our great city Don’t forget to register in advance and save $5! Call 636-240-1818 or email Sara@OFallonChamber.org

Sponsored by:

&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, June 11 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

COUNTRY SIDE CARPETS FLOORING AMERICA

1305 Tom Ginnever | O’Fallon, MO 63366 Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our free monthly Business After Hours are a great way to build relationships with many of your fellow Chamber Members. Average attendance at these free events is around 60 Chamber Members!

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O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Rise & Shine...

to join us for the O’Fallon Chamber’s Morning Schmooze, a FREE monthly, networking event open to Chamber members. Arrive ready to network with a pocket full of business cards and a 1 minute infomercial.

Thursday, June 20 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Deer Run Library

1300 N Main St | 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: 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 Kim Michaels, Charter Business Brian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FM Beth Simmons, Manpower Jan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & Cruise Staff: Erin Williams, President/CEO Sara Henderson, Communications Director Sam Byers, Membership Services Director Nina DeAngelo, Member Engagement Director

THIS ISSUE VOL.2 IS.6 IN

2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org

Firecracker Run ..............................p cover Chamber for Good ..........................p cover Luetkemeyer to Speak.......................... p 4 New Members ....................................... p 4 Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 5 News from the Chairman ...................... p 5 Member Spotlight ................................. p 6 Healthcare Reform ................................ p 8 Calendar of Events ............................. p 10 Member Anniversaries .........................p 11 Member Mentions ............................... p 12 Chamber Activities............................. p 14

CHAMBER PARTNERS

&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3

U.S. CONGRESSMAN BLAINE LUETKEMEYER TO SPEAK AT LUNCH N’ LEGISLATORS

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he O’Fallon Chamber is proud to host U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer as the featured speaker for the June 21, 2013 Lunch n’ Legislators event.

Congressman Luetkemeyer was elected to U.S. Congress in November of 2008. Prior to his election, Luetkemeyer was a Missouri State Representative and served as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and was elected by his colleagues to serve as the House Republican Caucus Chairman. After leaving office, Blaine was appointed

by Gov. Matt Blunt to serve as the

Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.

Building on his experience as a bank examiner, small businessman and community banker, Blaine serves as vice chairman of the House Small Business Committee where he also serves on the House Small Business Subcommittees on Health and Technology and Agriculture, Energy and Trade. Blaine also serves on the House Financial Services Committee where he also serves on the panel’s Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Committee and is vice chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee.

Blaine, 61, represents the 13 counties that make up the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri. Blaine, a native of St. Elizabeth, Mo., has lived in the district with his family for four generations and he operates a 160-acre farm there. Blaine and his wife, Jackie, have three children, Trevor, Brandy and Nikki, and three grandchildren.

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 Office at 636-240-1818.

NEW MEMBERS

A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! DSH Group LLC Business Services O’Fallon, MO 314-484-2252 www.linkedin.com/in/dhuesgen Enterprise Massage Services Massage Therapy 1001 Boardwalk Springs Pl, Ste 111 O’Fallon, MO 63368 314-884-0067 www.EnterpriseMassageServices.com

Lower Right-Hand Corner View Information Technology 636-332-1315 O’Fallon Brewery Beverage Distributors 26 West Industrial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-474-2337 www.ofallonbrewery.com

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Power Up Computers Computer & Internet 216 E Elm St O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-3772 Shannon Norman Law, LLC Legal Services 220 Salt Lick Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 636-397-7147 www.shannonnormanlaw.com

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON! First, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the tornados in the past couple of weeks and count our blessings that no one in St. Charles County was critically injured by the EF3 that hit on Friday, June 1.

In the May issue of the O’Fallon Business Connection, we shared a story that O’Fallon had received a StormReady Designation from the National Weather Service. This means that City of O’Fallon has taken numerous steps to prepare in the case of a weather emergency. My question for you: have you also taken steps to prepare? Is your business ready for a disaster? Do you have backups in place? Do you know how to reach your employees after hours- or is that information on your computer at the office?

Hopefully your answer to these questions is that yes, in fact, you do have a plan ready to go in case of a disaster. If that is the case, thank you! If your answer is “not yet”, or “that’s been on my to-do list”, I would ask that you take the opportunity to get a plan in place as soon as possible. Officer Andy Stowers, O’Fallon CERT Coordinator, has expressed his readiness to meet with our business community to help them prepare, and even has a Disaster Plan Template!

For more information, please contact Officer Stowers at 636-379-3816 or email him at astowers@ofallon. mo.us.

With the storms (hopefully) behind us, here’s to a great summer!

Until next month, Adam Hopper 2013 Chairman of the Board

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.

Hwy 364 Extension Hwy N and 40/64

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: June 6 @ 3:30 p.m.

Computer Depot June 20 @ 4:00 p.m.

Claria Clean

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce presents

A Night at the Movies

TRIVIA NIGHT Friday, November 1 @ 7:00 p.m.

Doors open @ 6:00 pm Knights of Columbus Hall www.ofallonchamber.org/trivia JUNE 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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he O’Fallon Family YMCA has been in the O’Fallon community since August, 2000. The Y is for everyone.

Our programs, services and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. And that’s just the beginning. At the Y, strengthening our community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why we focus our work in three areas: Youth Development-Nurturing the potential of every child and teen, Healthy LivingImproving the nation’s health and wellbeing, Social Responsibility-Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

Over time, the work of the Y has grown and evolved, but one thing has remained constant: our Mission – to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. It is our reason for being as a Movement, and it is a driving force behind our cause of strengthening

O’FALLON FAMILY YMCA community. The Y is accessible to all people. Financial assistance is offered to individuals and families who cannot afford memberships and programs. No one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

within our facility where families can spend time together, play games, use computers, do arts and crafts, and have fun! Parents can also drop their children off during designated hours for supervised play while they work out.

Our facility includes: We welcome all who need a healthy, • Five-Lane Indoor Pool connected and secure place to go.

• Double-Court Air-Conditioned Gymnasium The O’Fallon Family YMCA is located • Indoor Track • 6500 sq. ft. Fitness Center at 3451 Pheasant Meadow Drive in Strength training equipment, O’Fallon, MO 63368. Call 636-379-0092 Cardiovascular equipment, Cardio or visit them online at www.ymcastlouis. org/ofallon-family-ymca for more televisions, and Suspension Training Cage information and a schedule of events.

• Indoor Rock Wall • Free Weight Center leads were • Group Exercise passed Studio • State of the art during the Cycling Studio month of • Steam Rooms MAY by the • Child Watch members • Locker Rooms our leads • Family Changing Area groups!

• Equipment Would you like to join of the groups to build Checkout closer business relationships? basketballs, volleyballs Contact Nina at 636-240-1818 or • Family Hub Nina@OFallonChamber.org dedicated space

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FIRECRACKER RUN

CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE The event will begin at the T.R. Hughes Ball Park located in O’Fallon, MO at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd. Pace cars provided by Frank Leta Honda will be leading runners through North O’Fallon and the race will end over home plate on the field of the River City Rascals. New courses for both the 5K and 10K races have been designed for this year’s run. Runners will be met with a Health Expo, vendors, attendance prizes and an awards ceremony following the event. After the race, stick around the ballpark for the 2013 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the City of O’Fallon.

T-Shirts & Tek shirts are available to the first 1,300 runners. Shirts are available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of event is $30 for the 10K and 5K run and the 1 Mile Fun Run is $20.

You can register online at www. firecrackerrun.net. There will be race day registration from 6:00 am until 6:30 a.m. July 4th at the event. Packet Pickup will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Big River Running located

at 2548 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63366 or race day Monday, July 4th from 6:00 am to 6:30 am at the River City Rascals Ball Park.

Presented by

The Firecracker Run is the O’Fallon Chambers biggest event of the year and both participants and committee members have a lot of fun in the process. If you would like to help with the event, it’s not too late to get involved and become a volunteer.

In addition to the committee there are also numerous opportunities to publicize your business through sponsorships which range in amount from $250 to $1,000. For more info contact Sam Byers at sam@ofallonchamber.org.

Firecracker Run 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.

JUNE 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7

HEALTHCARE REFORM AND WHAT THE EMPLOYER NEEDS TO KNOW “PEOPLE PERISH FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE”

BY Kimberly Denny | Denny & Associates

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It would appear that many employers have no idea what to expect from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as, “Obamacare”. The rumors and negative articles have put a terrible spin on things.

The truth is most employers will continue to do business as they are now. The Exchanges (also known as, “Health Benefit Exchanges”) available January 1, 2014 will be available to individuals who are uninsured and those that cannot get insurance in the current market.

There will be a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange for small groups under 50 lives. The SHOP Exchange will simply provide another avenue for small groups to purchase groupbased insurance. If the product is not more cost-effective or beneficial to the company, the employer can still purchase employee health insurance plans in the private market.

For larger groups of 50 plus lives, things will remain the same until 2016. The big concern with groups 50 plus is planning your benefit package so you avoid penalties.

Offering a plan that includes the Minimal Essential Coverage (MEC) will avoid the $2000 per

person penalty (also known as, “The Sledgehammer” penalty). If the plan is designed to meet the PACCA guidelines you will avoid the $3000 penalty (also known as, “The Pickaxe” penalty).

The ACA actually took effect in 2010 with many of the basic requirements of the law already behind us including: Unlimited benefits, wellness covered at 100%, children’s age maximums to age 26 and children under age 19 cannot have preexisting conditions. Your fully insured rates already include these expenses as the taxes and fees were implemented in 2012.

As regulations, mandates and laws become effective over the next several months and years, it’s important to know where to begin and what to focus on as you prepare your business and employees. Depending on your group size, some of these changes may involve changing your processes as well as updating plan documents and materials to comply with the new regulations.

5 Things Employers Need to Know 1) A number of taxes and fees related to the healthcare reform law will

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affect employers. Several healthcare reform fees will impact premiums and rates. Employers need to know who is responsible for submitting each fee and the effective dates.

2) Employers filling 250 or more W-2 forms will be required to report the cost of employees’ health benefit coverage on the employees’ 2012 W-2 forms that are distributed in January 2013. The W-2 reporting requirement is informational only for the individual and does not mean that they will be taxed on those dollars.

3) Small groups can leverage tax credits. The Small Business Healthcare Tax Credit is designed to encourage small businesses and small, tax-exempt organizations to offer health insurance coverage for their employees. In 2014, the tax credit is increased and available only to those employers who purchase insurance through a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange. You should seek advice from an accountant, attorney as well as an insurance broker to determine how the credit may affect your specific situation.

4) Exchanges could affect how you offer coverage to your employees in the future. Although Exchanges

will not be in place until 2014, you must provide all employees with information about Exchanges including: Employee eligibility to participate in an Exchange and available health insurance subsidies if the coverage you provide to employees is considered unaffordable by the ACA’s guidelines.

5) There will be coverage changes based on benefit expansion or coverage limits. Small groups will be required to implement changes within the plans they offer including: • Expanding coverage to their employees to include Essential Health Benefits (EHB) and Minimal Essential Coverage (MEC). This

change affects employers with 50 plus average total number of employees (ATNE).

• Ensuring that out-of-pocket limits do not exceed the limit as outlined by health savings accounts (HSAs). This change affects large groups as well.

Associates, Inc. has teamed up with TASC, a third party administrator that offers a very cost-competitive product that guarantees compliance.

It is called the Innovative Solutions for Business which offers the ERISA Edge.

One thing we are certain of, there will be more audits on businesses to enforce the ACA as well as compliance in other areas of business administration. The IRS and Department of Labor have hired 16,000 agents to help perform these audits. Because of this, employers need to look at compliance solutions in all aspects including the healthcare reform regulations. Denny &

With all of the changes and revisions to the ACA, most companies will want to retain their insurance broker.

If you do not have one, you will need one that is well-versed in the ACA and other areas of compliance. They should be able to explain the pros and cons of the ACA and help tailor a benefit package specific to your company’s needs.

Denny & Associates, Inc. with the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Employer Seminar to address the specifics of the law. It is for all members of the O’Fallon Chamber.

This presentation is directed at business owners and HR professionals.

July 25, 2013 10:00 a.m.

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 Agenda: • Timeline and Health Insurance Marketplace • Health plan Requirements • Employer Mandates - Pay or Play • Individuals – Subsidies and Penalties

• Small Group – SHOP exchange, Deductible ceilings, OOPM & Subsidies • Large Group – OOPM, Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), & Penalties Sledgehammer & Pickaxe, 95% requirement and MEC reporting • Self-funding and how Healthcare Reform affects these plans 2015-2018 • Putting it all together – Taxes/ Fees, Flow Chart, and Informational Table • Q&A Space is limited. Please RSVP the O’Fallon Chamber at 636-240-1818 or to Kim Denny by calling 636-474-8080 you can also email kim@ dtdinsurance.com. Availability will be on a first come first serve basis.

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING “I have been a proud member of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce for many years, and consider it one of the best investments our company has made. Being involved in an active chamber has benefits that go way beyond money. Having friends in the community and having access to all of their knowledge and resources is invaluable.”

Barb Kinder Autotech Auto Center | 636-978-8038 | www.autotech.pro JUNE 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9

CHAMBER CALENDAR JUNE 2013 June 6, 2013 Ribbon Cutting Computer Depot 2501 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63368 11:30 AM - 12:30 p.m.

New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Chamber Night at the Ballpark TR Hughes Ballpark 100 TR Hughes Boulevard O’Fallon, MO 63366 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

OPEN HOUSE: Transportation Improvement Program St. Peters City Hall 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd St. Peters, MO 63376 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

June 10, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 18 North Central Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 01:00 p.m.

June 11, 2013 Business After Hours Country Side Carpets Flooring America 1305 Tom Ginnever O’Fallon, MO 63366 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

July 12, 2013 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster WingHaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

June 15, 2013 St. Charles County Lemonade Days 11:00 AM - 2:00 p.m.

June 20, 2013 Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 427 Spencer Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

June 20, 2013 Morning Schmooze Deer Run Library 1300 N Main O’Fallon, MO 63366 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

June 20, 2013 Ribbon Cutting Claria Clean 1904 E Service Rd 61N, Ste 103 Wentzville, MO 63385 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

June 18, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

June 21, 2013 Lunch & Legislators Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar 217 South Main St O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

June 18, 2013 O’Fallon Jaycees Summer Social Ethyl’s 8505 Veterans Memorial O’Fallon, MO 63366 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

June 24, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 18 North Central Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

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July 26, 2013 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster WingHaven 2299 Technology Dr, 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

July 4, 2013 Firecracker 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run TR Hughes Ballpark 100 T.R. Hughes Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63366 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.

July 8, 2013 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 18 North Central Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

July 9, 2013 Business After Hours Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar 217 S Main St O’Fallon, MO 63366 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

July 11, 2013 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Escape to...

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!

Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of May 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!

Call Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise for other great travel opportunities!

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

1 Year Assistance Home Care Brinkley Elite Painting Country Side Carpets Flooring America GMT Auto Sales West & St. Louis RV Jimmy John’s Powers Healthmart Pharmacy

14 Years First Community Credit Union 17 Years Ameren Missouri Childs Tire MEMC Electronic Materials True Manufacturing

2 Years Algonquin Nurses Home Heatlh Care State Senator Tom Dempsey Ultimate Fitness Plus for Women

18 Years Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory, Cemetery Crider Health Center Regions Bank Rotadyne Roller St. Charles Community College

3 Years Back Pain Center Excel Performing Arts Lang Insurance Service Rose Mack

20 Years Frontier Integrated Health Center SSM St. Joseph Hospital West

4 Years Element Church Right at Home

23 Years Missouri Career Center of St. Charles O’Fallon Garage - Sherman Towing

5 Years St. Charles County Art Council 6 Years Old Hickory Golf Club 6 8 Years Lauer Financial Services 10 Years Fritz’s Frozen Custard United Way of Greater St. Louis, Inc

25 Years The Old Tax House 28 Years Absolute Comfort Systems/ Rogers Comfort Systems 32 Years Stefanina’s Restaurant

JUNE 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.

June 6, 2013 13th Annual Cancer Survivor’s Celebration Spencer Creek Library 427 Spencer Creek Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

June 13, 2013 Tired of Knee Pain?

St. Luke’s Desloge Outpatient Center 121 St. Luke’s Center Dr Chesterfield, MO 63017 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

June 21, 22, 23, 2013 International Food Festival Rick’s Roadside Market 5382 Gutermuth Rd Cottleville, MO 63304 Time Varies

June 6, 2013 OPEN HOUSE: Transportation Improvement Program St. Peters City Hall One St. Peters Centre Boulevard St. Peters, MO 63376 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Blood Drive Cornerstone United Methodist Church 1151 Tom Ginnever O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

June 22, 2013 Vision Co-Ed Sand Volleyball Tournament The Sandbox 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Healthy Hour Business Reception Elite Printing 2760 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

June 7, 2013 The Salvation Army Prayer Breakfast Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

June 8, 2013 Fundraiser for Sam Migliazzo Trinity Lutheran School 4689 Missouri 94 St Charles, MO 63301 7:00 - 11:45 p.m.

June 14, 2013 Villa Theresa Blood Drive & Health Fair Villa Theresa 206 North Main O’Fallon, MO 63366 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Block Party & Friendraiser 113 Clinton Ct St. Peters, MO 63376 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

June 18, 2013 O’Fallon Jaycees Summer Social Ethyl’s 8505 Veterans Memorial O’Fallon, MO 63366 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

June 20, 2013 Appreciation BBQ USA Mortgage 8921 Veterans Memorial O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 3:30 p.m.

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June 30, 2013 Independence Day Celebration Garden Villas of O’Fallon 7092 S Outer 364 O’Fallon, MO 63368 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

St. Charles County Opens New Disc Golf Course at Indian Camp Creek Park The St. Charles County Parks Department is hosting a grand opening celebration Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, to unveil its new 18-hole disc golf course.

Be one of the first guests to see the new course at Indian Camp Creek Park (2679 Dietrich Rd., Foristell, MO 63348) by participating in one of two events scheduled opening weekend. The St. Charles County Parks Department is teaming up with the St. Charles County Disc Golf Club to host a tournament

on Saturday and a public open house on Sunday for anyone interested in learning the basics of disc golf.

For more information about St. Charles County Parks, visit www. stccparks.org or contact 636-949-7535.

JLJ Technology has a new address!

We are proud to open the doors of our new location at 2427 Hwy K, and invite you to stop by and visit us.

We know that you will be in the neighborhood. We are two doors south of the O’Fallon License Office, right next door to Four Seasons Barber Shop and only a few paces from Fritz’s Frozen Custard and Amore Cupcakes. So when you need to renew your driver’s license and plates, get a hair cut or satisfy your sweet tooth, you are welcome to stop in.

You will find the same level of service, just in a larger, nicer, more visible space. Watch for the announcement of our ribbon cutting and open house.

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Jeff, Liddy, Jamie and Matthew

CHAMBER FOR GOOD

Residents not only have the ability to browse local charitable needs, but can also make item and volunteer offers.

provides a clearinghouse that serves to connect all local charitable organizations and causes with the individuals and organizations within our community that are eager to support local needs. Chamber for Good makes it EASY to Give Local.

Williams further explained, “For example, a local individual or group can go to our community’s Chamber for Good website and click ‘offer volunteer time’, then give a brief description of the date and time they’re available to volunteer, and then send it to all local charities or just those charities within a certain category.

The charities are instantly notified via email and can respond back to the individual or group making the offer.”

Another example given is a business that needs to unload a number of chairs they are no longer using. The business clicks on “offer items to charity”, describes the items, then clicks submit. Instantly all local charities are made aware of the items and can respond to the donating individual.

CONTINUES FROM COVER PAGE

“This tool allows us to harness the goodness of our residents and businesses and really strengthen our community in a way that we haven’t been able to before”, explained Chamber President Erin Williams.

David Moss is the President of the national Chamber for Good network. “It’s amazing how many local needs go unnoticed by individuals and organizations that would gladly volunteer time, donate items or financial help if they only knew about them. Many of the noblest causes operate seemingly in the shadows with little or no public awareness. We’ve found there is wonderful movement building throughout the country that can best be described as “Give Local”. The Chamber for Good website raises the visibility of these local charities and causes and allows communities to really make an impact with those charities that serve the people and causes in our own backyard,” Moss said.

“The Chamber for Good tool allows residents of our community to view local charitable needs posted by local charities sorted into three areas: financial needs, volunteer needs and item needs. All local charities that fit the eligibility guidelines have the ability to create a public profile on the Chamber for Good site, then post needs in the three areas as they arise,” explained Williams.

Residents are encouraged to go to the local Chamber for Good website and enter their email address toward the bottom of the home page. By doing this they will be notified once per week, by email, of the local needs that exist among the charitable organizations and causes that operate within our community.

The local Chamber for Good website can be found by clicking on the ‘ GIVE LOCAL, Chamber for Good’ banner on the right side of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s website, which can be found at www.

OFallonChamber.org. Additionally, the local website can be found by going to ChamberForGood.com, selecting our state, then community.

Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org

JUNE 2013 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

New members are welcomed at the May General Membership Meeting held at Old Hickory Golf Club!

Members drive the racing simulator at Autotech’s Business After Hours.

Early bird members at our Morning Schmooze networking event.

New faces at our Home-Based Business Breakfast.

Nina gets a manicure at the Nails on K ribbon cutting. It’s a tough life for Chamber employees.

Mayor Bill Hennessy addresses the crowd at the ground breaking for Hwy 364.

Over 130 O’Fallon Chamber members attended the May General Membership Meeting at Old Hickory Golf Club. Lets make it 150 at the June lunch!

The Kinder’s receive a touching proclamation from the City to celebrate 20 years in business.

Thank you to Lifeworks Business Center for hosting a great Morning Schmooze!