eNewsletter - May 2012

BUSINESS

a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

CONNECTION

START YOUR 4TH OF JULY WITH A BANG!

T

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 28th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in O’Fallon, MO. The Firecracker Run offers something for everyone! The Race begins at 7:00 am and consists of a 10K, 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. 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/Walk.

The event will begin at the T.R. Hughes Ball Park located in O’Fallon, MO at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd. A Pace Continued on pg 4

5 REASONS TO CLAIM YOUR GOOGLE PLACES LISTING TODAY

G

oogle Places is a service that allows business owners to have a single page website for free, courtesy of Google.

If you’re a small business and have not claimed your Google Places page yet, you’re simply throwing money away. Or maybe you just don’t need any more business, in which case I would love to know what line of business you are in. There are thousands of potential customers searching online everyday looking for a business just like yours, why not take advantage of a easy and free way to get in front of those people?

Think of it like an online

Continued on pg 8

MAY 2012

Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s

General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, May 22, 2012 | 11:30 am to 1:00 pm @ the Garden Villas of O’Fallon 7092 South Outer 364 in O’Fallon Please join us for our Monthly Membership Luncheon where everyone will get a chance to learn more about each others businesses.

Don’t forget to register in advance and save $5!

...

Escape

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

Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Attend for an entry into the Escape Giveaway sponsored

by Travel Leaders/ Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, May 8th 4:30 to 6:30 pm Breakthrough Pain Releif 2682 Babble Creek Lane O’Fallon, MO 63368

Cinco de Mayo Theme!

Stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours, whichever fits into your schedule best. Our monthly Business After Hours are a great way to build relationships with many of your fellow Chamber Members.

Average attendance at these free events is for an entry pe... Attend a c s into the Escape around 50 Chamber E l e rav with Tders/Jan’s Giveaway sponsored Lea e Members! & Cruis e

by Travel Leaders/ v Tra l

Giveaway!

2 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | MAY 2012

Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

Mission Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

Vision Statement: The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community as a valued resource for businesses, organizations, and residents.

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

THIS ISSUE VOL.1 IS.3 IN

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

Firecracker Run .................................Cover Google Places Tips............................Cover Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 5 Golf Tournament ................................... p 6 News from the Chairman ...................... p 7 Daily Deals............................................ p 7 Spring Pet Tips ...................................... p 9 New Members ..................................... p 10 Calendar of Events .............................. p 11 Member Spotlight ............................... p 12 Member Anniversaries ........................ p 13 Member Mentions ............................... p 14 Chamber Activites.............................. p 15

CHAMBER PARTNERS

Jan’s Travel & Cruise

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

July 4, 2012

FIRECRACKER RUN

CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE Car will be leading runners through North O’Fallon and the race will end inside the River City Rascals Ballpark.

Runners will be met with a runners only area full of free food and goodies plus a Health Expo and an awards ceremony following the event. After the race, stick around the ballpark for the 2012 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the City of O’Fallon.

Tek shirts with the Chamber’s official race logo will go to the first 1000 registered runners and walkers. The cost of event is $25 for early registration for the 10K and 5K run and $30 after June 1st. The early registration for the 1 Mile fun run walk is $15.00 or $20.00 after June 1st.

You can register online at www.ofallonchamber.org/ firecracker. There will be race day registration from 6:00 am until 6:30 am July 4th at the event. Packet Pickup will be held on Monday, July 2nd and Tuesday, July 3rd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Big River Running located at 2548 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63366 or race day Monday, July 4th from 6:00am to 6:30am at the River City Rascals Ball Park.

The 28th Annual Firecracker Run is proudly presented

by Progress West HealthCare and Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital; and sponsored by SSM St. Joseph West Hospital, Tree of Life Community Church, Look! Shops, Christian High School, and Big River Running Company.

PRESENTED BY:

tree of

life

community church

Bronze Sponsors: Charter Business | Ameren Missouri | Snap Fitness | Westinn Kennels Promotions Pronto O’Fallon Family YMCA | Iverson-Tomasino-Goers Eyecare | Assisted Living at the Meadowlands Donley Services | Community News | City of O’Fallon | Ultimate Fitness Plus for Women

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RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES WELCOME TO O’FALLON!

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

Contact Sara to learn more 636.240.1818.

Tri-County Fence & Deck, LLC 1902 East Service Road | Wentzville, MO 63385

Alliance Credit Union 1167 Bryan Rd. | O’Fallon, MO 63366

Parmida Home 11 Meadow Circle Dr, # 404 | Lake St. Louis, MO 63367

Pinwheels for Prevention 989 Heritage Parkway | Wentzville, MO 63385

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings: Wednesday, May 9th @ 3:30 pm Great Southern Bank & Travel Thursday, May 10th @ 3:30 pm Discovery Dental Wednesday, May 23rd @ 3:30 pm The Brass Rail Morning Star Chruch 1600 Feise Road | O’Fallon, MO 63368 MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5

M

ark your calendar now for the 20th Annual O’Fallon Chamber Golf Tournament set for August 23, 2012. Join the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce for a day of networking and golf at the beautiful Whitmoor Golf Course. All Chamber members, industry leaders and golfers are encouraged to attend.

20TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Lunch sponsored by Charter Business will kick off the event where there will be drinks, games, and great prizes on the course.

As everyone wraps up dinner and awards will begin around 5pm at the County Club.

Interested in being a sponsor and promoting your business in this

MAKO CHAMBER CONFERENCE On April 29th the O’Fallon Chamber Staff traveld down to Branson, Missouri for the 2nd annual MAKO (Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma) Chamber Conference. We spent a two days attending break out sessions geared towards chamber and our individual job duties, listend to some great speakers and came back with pages of notes and new ideas.

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce was represented well as we showed our Chamber pride (see picture) and also won first place for our Escape with Jan’s Travel & Cruise Giveaway program!

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event? For more information on available sponsorships or golf reservations contact Erin at erin@ ofallonchamber.org or 636.240.1818.

To sign up for sponsorship or to play visit www.ofallonchamber.org/golf today!

DAILY DEALS

A

re you looking for a way to get your coupon in the hands of potential customers? Or, maybe you’re just tired of paying other so post your discounts online. The O’Fallon Chamber can help and it’s absolutly free for members to use.

The easiest way to explain the O’Fallon Chamber Daily Deal program is to describe it as two levels of coupon distribution. For over a year members have produced coupons that are automatically posted to the Chamber website, the mobile websites and the member’s websites.

Chamber Daily Deals will still post to all of those venues, but when they are a TERRIFIC DEAL... and verified by Chamber staff, they will then broadcast out to all of the Chamber’s DAILY DEAL SUBSCRIBERS. Once member enters their coupon creator they may create an unlimited number of coupons. They can also stage coupons over time by entering start and expiration dates. Member’s can instantly post coupons automatically to their Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Chamber Social Network accounts.

Your coupons will be reviewed and approved quickly by the system administrator and posted on the website.

However, to be added to the Chamber Daily Deal broadcast email, it must be a GREAT Deal! Think in terms of: 2 for 1 Meal, 25% off, Buy One Get One Free, Buy 2 Get One Free, Members Get 50% Off, Buy 2 and Get the Third One Free, 25% Off Graphic Services, 1/2 Off Between 4 and 6 P.M., Get a Free t-shirt with Purchase of $20 or more, Etc.

I’ll be talking with you soon, no, really! Later this month, expect a phone call from a Board member or an Ambassador for the O’Fallon Chamber semi-annual Operation Thank You. As the Chairman of the Board, I can assure you that each month at our board meetings, no matter the subject, we are always striving to carry out our mission and do what is best for the membership.

After all, this is your organization; it is only 1/516th mine. Operation Thank You gives us, as the Board and Ambassadors a chance to reach out to each of you to say thank you for your membership, check in to see how we’re doing, and ask how we can serve you better. So, in case I don’t get the opportunity to talk to YOU personally, thank you. Thank you for continuing to invest in an organization that helps businesses of all shapes, sizes and budgets, and in turn helps our entire community prosper.

While I’m on the subject of thank you’s. I would also like to thank you for supporting your fellow Chamber members. Wow, we really shouted it out last month at the membership meeting. We filled 3 minutes (Erin wouldn’t let us have any more time) with members bragging on other members about the terrific products and service that they have received by Shopping Chamber First. I challenge you to go to the website, www.ofallonchamber. org and search the membership directory before you’re next purchase. As we witnessed at the membership meeting, members doing business with other members makes for a wonderful buying experience. I look forward to getting to hear more Shout Outs at the May 22nd networking lunch.

Until next time, Cindy Elking Chairman of the Board

It’s important we give a strong reason for the public to sign up for these daily deals. Contact sara@ofallonchamber. org for more information.

MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7

localization of search has leveled the playing field for small business owners when it comes to search engine results.

How you rank in the Google search results really depends on how you optimize your Google Places page. The thing is, you can’t optimize it if you never claimed it in the first place.

GOOGLE PLACES

CONTINUED FROM COVER PAGE Yellow Pages listing except that you can create and personalize all of the content yourself. The ability to write your own business descriptions, add images and video, makes Google Places a must have for any small business.

If you want to find out more about Google Places, you can read my previous article which introduces business owners to Google Places. If you still need convincing, listed below are 5 reasons you should claim your Google Places listing.

Be found on Google Maps Your Google Places page is tied directly to Google Maps. When a user performs a local search, such as “Denver Plumber”, a map will show up in the results that include place markers for plumbers in Denver.

More so, a list of local plumbers with links to their Google Places page and (if you have one), your own website will also appear next to the map. If you have not claimed your Google Places page, there is very little chance that you will show up in these kind of search results.

Showcase your business When you claim the Google Places page for your business, you have the opportunity to add photos and video highlighting your business.

People love visuals and adding these to your page will really help potential customers see what your business is about.

Examples of photos to add are the inside and outside of your store, employees in action and featured products. Videos are a great way to show your product or service in action as well as a chance for the owner to speak directly to their customers.

Get Customer Reviews for your Google Places Page Google loves customer reviews, especially when they are hosted on one of their own products. Google Places allows your customers to leave reviews about your business. This “Social Proof” is vital for potential customers who are trying to decide whether or not to shop with you. Amazon.com built an E-commerce empire off of customer reviews.

Rank higher in the search engine results Google understands that many searches online have a local intent to them. This means that Google will try and “localize” the search results for a user when possible and according to the type of search they perform.

Google Places is Free The great thing about Google Places is that it’s free.

Also, you don’t need to have your own website in order to use it. Though I highly recommend that you create your own website, for a number of reasons we won’t discuss here, your Google Places page can allow you to have a great online presence hosted by Google for free, and with little work on your part.

Don’t forget about Bing local and Yahoo local Though we talked about Google Places today, Bing and Yahoo both offer their versions of a local listing for small business owners and I recommend that you go ahead and grab those listings too as Google is not the only search engine that people use.

What this means for local business owners is that you now have the potential of showing very high in the search results for local search terms (Boulder pizza shops), above even large national pizza chains. The

Written by Gary Shouldis in Business Startup, Internet Marketing http://www.thesmallbusinessplaybook.com/googleplaces-5-reasons-claim-local-listing/

8 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | MAY 2012

W

ith warmer weather a constant in the forcast we get the urge to do some cleaning and organizing in the Spring. Don’t forget about your pets when the spring cleaning fever hits you. Here are some basics to keep in mind.

• Check out your pet’s living quarters: Is your cat’s scratching post coming apart? Has your dog’s bed seen better days? Take a look at the things your pet uses on a daily basis and make sure they are in good shape.

• Check your pet’s medical records: Is your animal due for their annual exam or for any immunizations?

Has your pet moved from the adult stage to senior status?

SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING SHOULD INCLUDE YOUR PETS! your vet’s office to find out what they think. An excellent diet is your pet’s first defense against disease.

• Take a good look at your pet’s toys: Play things get, well, played with, which can cause damage depending on how aggressive your pet is. Pets need their toys examined regularly to ensure they are safe and effective.

• Take a good look at your pet emergency plan: If you don’t have one, visit http://www.fema.gov/plan/ prepare/animals.shtm to make one.

Our pets depend on us to take care of them! O’Fallon has some great people who will help make sure your pet is healthy, looks their best and offer some great tips and advice.

K-9 Creations 617 N Main St O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-272-5545 www.k-9creationspetspa.com The Pet Doctor 3046 Winghaven Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-561-9122 www.thepetdoctorinc.com Westinn Kennels, Inc. 7333 Weldon Springs Road O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-441-8948 www.westinnkennels.com Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa 3018 WingHaven Boulevard O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-625-0030 www.yuppypuppyspa.com

• Check your pet’s diet: If your pet has gone from baby to adult or adult to senior since last spring, they are due for a diet change. Check out your current bag of food and read the recommendations. Then call

MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9

NEW MEMBERS

A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME! The Brass Rail Restaurant Scott Ellinger 4601 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-329-1349 www.brassrail1.com

N2 Publishing Newspapers/Magazines Byran Cooper 6924 Fieldstone Farms Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63368 314-496-5303 www.n2pub.com

Changescape Web Website Design, Marketing & Sales Ken Tucker 2025 Zumbehl Road, #66 St. Charles, MO 63303 636-947-6200 www.changescapeweb.com

Personal Care Products, Inc. Nutritional Supplement Brad Statler 1302 Rustique Square O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-536-4152 www.personalcarenow.com

LOOK! Shops Retail Shopping Rebecca Riegerix 991 Waterbury Falls O’Fallon, MO 63368 314-591-8251

The Pet Doctor Veterinarian Dr. Marcy Hammerle 3046 Winghaven Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-561-9122 www.thepetdoctorinc.com

Sombrero San Diego-Style Mexican Food Resturant John Barnett 1491 Mexico Loop Road East O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-281-1242 www.sombreromex.com Westgate Christian Academy Educational Services Phillis Hall 1913 Trade Center Drive St. Peters, MO 63376 636-442-8000 www.westgateacademy.com Wholesale Batteries, INC Wholesale Distributor Ben Alford 308 South Cool Springs Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-5455 www.wholesalebatteries.net

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING When we opened our business in 2006, we joined the O’Fallon Chamber to begin networking to community businesses that may have an interest in our services. At that time we didn’t know how much belonging to the Chamber would mean to our business, and to us personally. Of course, we got the business lists, contacts, and the opportunity to network and meet other business people in O’Fallon. We found that Chamber membership is more than sending in your annual dues, you have to participate in events, committees, and yes, volunteer. But our time spent investing in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce has been well worth it. We were welcomed into the business community and started providing services to members, but received benefits that cannot be measured by our revenues. We not only have clients through the chamber, we now have a network of friends and business partners that promote our business for us, and with whom we can learn, brainstorm and celebrate. And that is priceless.

Jeff and Liddy Arneson JLJ Technology | (636) 240-0505 | www.jljtechnology.com

10 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | MAY 2012

CHAMBER CALENDAR MAY 2012 Saturday, May 5 O’Fallon Founders’ Day 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM O’Fallon’s Founders’ Day in Fort Zumwalt Park.

Tuesday, May 8 Ambassador Meeting Middendorf-Kredell Library 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM Business After Hours Breakthrough Pain Relief Clinics 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Wednesday, May 9 Lunch ‘n’ Learn - Be An Effective Leader Webster University WingHaven Campus 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Wednesday Leads Group Christian High School 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Ribbon Cutting Great Southern Bank and Travel 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Thursday, May 10 Morning Leads Group O’Fallon Chamber Office 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Discovery Dental Centers 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Monday, May 14 Monday Leads Group Webster University in Winghaven 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Tuesday, May 15 Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Thursday, May 17 Tech/Comm Meeting Lindell Bank, St. Peters 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Golf Committee Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM O’Fallon Jaycees JJ’s Restaurant 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday, May 18 Legislative Awareness Committee Rendezvous Cafe 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Monday, May 21 ABLE Foundation/ Planning Committee Commerce Bank, St. Peters 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 22 General Membership Luncheon Garden Villas of O’Fallon 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Friday, May 25 Firecracker Committee O’Fallon Chamber Office 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Monday, May 28 Memorial Day Office Closed Monday, June 4 Chairman’s Book Club Deer Run Library 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Thursday, June 7 New Member Orientation O’Fallon Chamber Office 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday, May 23 Wednesday Leads Group Christian High School 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Ribbon Cutting The Brass Rail 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Thursday, May 24 Thursday Leads Group O’Fallon Chamber Office 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11

Wholesale Batteries, Inc. 308 South Cool Springs Rd in O’Fallon 636-978-5455 | www.wholesalebatteries.net

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT JEREMY WATERS My name is Jeremy Waters. I have lived in the St Charles area for the last 25 yrs. I am married with two teen age kids. I am currently the Sales Representative for Wholesale Batteries Inc. here in O’Fallon MO. Wholesale Batteries, Inc. is a full line battery distributor serving the Midwest since 1977. We have locations in Kansas City and O’Fallon.

What makes my job exciting is the wide variety of people that I deal with on any given day. We service various industries and I may be talking to a retail customer looking for flashlight batteries one minute to a corporate buyer for a large OEM securing a national military contract the next. I never know what the day will bring. We deal with many different products and applications, from cell phones to commercial equipment, from uninterrupted power supplies to switchgear and Tel-Com units, from home security systems to wheel chair and scooters.

This time of year is my favorite. We are dealing with farmers trying to get equipment running to work fields, with fishermen equipping their boats for the next tournament, with garage salers that just got a bargain Barbie jeep, except it needs batteries, and with the adventurous people enjoying the great outdoors on their motorcycles and wave runners.

staff works hard to satisfy each and every person that comes in or calls.

My job allows me the opportunity to meet a great many people, in a wide range of backgrounds, and build a working relationship with them.

Wholesale Batteries’ philosophy is based on servicing the customer and their individual needs. Our

Jeremy Waters Sales Representative Wholesale Batteries, Inc.

I encourage all Chamber members to stop in and visit our facility. We are open to the public for retail and when the time comes you need batteries, rest assured that Wholesale Batteries will have the right battery to fit your needs at the right price.

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

Would you like to join of the groups to build closer business relationships?

Contact Sam at 636-240-1818 or sam@ofallonchamber.org

12 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | MAY 2012

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES THANK YOU!

Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of March 2012 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for...

31 Years Stefanina’s Restaurant

10 Years Hot Shots

27 Years Absolute Comfort Systems/ Rogers Comfort Systems

9 Years United Way of Greater St. Louis

24 Years Garden View Care Center Sisters of the Most Precious Blood

7 Years Lauer Financial Services, Tan Company

22 Years Michael K Brown, DDS O’Fallon Garage - Sherman Towing 19 Years Meier & Dougherty, LLC 17 Years AFB International Kohrs Truck & Auto Repair Regions Bank Rotadyne Roller 16 Years Childs Tire Emerald View Turf Farm MEMC Electronic Materials 13 Years DNT - Document & Network Technologies, Inc. Habitat For Humanity of St. Charles Marshall Ford 12 Years Westinn Kennels, Inc. 11 Years Bank of Old Monroe Cee Kay Supply, Inc. Creative Stitches

6 Years Wharf Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

. . . e p a c Es

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

Giveaway!

5 Years First National Bank Heartland Bank USA Mortgage West County Day School

Now, there is an even better reason to attend O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce events!

4 Years Aqua Systems Rivers Plumbing Company

You’ve always had the opportunity for networking, building referrals and learning from your fellow members; now you could win the vacation of a lifetime! The more you attend, the better your chance are of winning!

3 Years Charter Business 2 Years DLC Academy Excel Performing Arts Just 4 Us Childcare & Learning Center Street Scape Magazine

Throughout 2012 each time you attend a General Membership Meeting, Business After Hours or Morning Schmooze, your name will be entered into a drawing. The winning vacation recipient will be drawn at the Annual Awards luncheon held on December 18th, 2012.

1 Year Llywelyn’s Pub The Child Center, Inc O’Fallon Family Eyecare

Want to escape now?

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

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

MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13

MEMBER MENTIONS NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

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

Rhythm & Ribs on May 18th A fun-filled evening of live music, mouth-watering food and dancing!

Bring your friends and meet new ones at the best ‘block party’ around! Savor tasty ribs and cold drinks while enjoying live music, food, friends, fun … and all for a great cause, education.

St. Charles Community College Campus $5 gets you in the door or Eats & Drinks Packages for $25 or $50 Each year, SCC is the choice of one in four St. Charles County high schools students ,and more than 75,000 people have taken credit courses at SCC. Through your support, we’re able to continue offering much-needed scholarships and high-quality academic programs. In 2011, events such as Rhythm & Ribs enabled the Foundation to award 128 scholarships to SCC students.

For more info visit http://www.stchas. edu/supporting_scc/how_to_give/ rhythm--ribs.html

What is Jazzercise????

Burn up to 600 calories in one fun and powerfully effective 60-minute total body workout. Every Jazzercise group fitness class combines dance-based cardio with strength training and stretching to sculpt, tone and lengthen muscles for maximum fat burn. Choreographed to today’s hottest music, Jazzercise is a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing.

38 Unlimited classes value priced at under $10/week. Classes available 5:30am Mon thru Fri; 7am Sat; 8:20am & 9:30am 7 days/week; 3:45pm Mon thru Fri; 5pm Sun thru Thur and 6:05pm & 7:10pm Mon thru Thurs. FREE Childcare 9:30am Mon thru Sat and 5pm Mon thru Thurs Jazzercise is located at 2378 Hwy K in O”Fallon, call 636.272.3434 to sign up today!

West Community Credit Union Awards Scholarships to Local High School Seniors West Community Credit Union has awarded five $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors within its membership. The recipients were evaluated on a variety of criteria, including grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, curriculum, extracurricular activities, financial need and recommendations.

This year’s recipients include: Katherine Nikodym – Brentwood High School; Christopher Lynas – St. Louis University High School; Perri Edwards - Webster Groves High School; Miriam Kunz Webster Groves High School; and, Mia Stuckel - Lindbergh High School.

Since 1995, the annual West Community scholarship program has supported school districts in the Credit Union’s field of membership by providing financial assistance to graduating seniors for future professional plans and personal growth.

West Community Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 19,000 members and businesses in St. Louis and St. Charles County. The credit union has offices in O’Fallon, Brentwood and Kirkwood. For more information, contact Member Services at (636) 720-2400 or visit www.westcommunitycu.org.

Introducing Two Amazing New Services at Spa WingHaven!

Some people have an incredible ability to roll out of bed and look amazing. For those of us who don’t, we have some really good news.

Permanent Make-Up: Our permanent make up artist will expertly apply the eye liner, eye brows, lips (and more) that you already apply everyday.

Eyelash Extensions: Our eyelash

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extensionist will give you the long, luxurious lashes you’ve always dreamed of. You’ll have everyone wishing they were as naturally blessed as you. (Your secret is safe with us!)

Call (636)625-8772 to make your appointment! We’re located at 2327 Technology Dr. in O’Fallon, MO 63368 www.spawinghaven.com

Firecracker Run 5K Run Clinic Training Effect will be offering a 6 week long run clinic for those interested in getting ready for the O’Fallon 4th of July Firecracker 5K run.

The sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening starting May 22nd at 6 o’clock and lasting about an hour. The sessions will be a combination of running / sprints on Tuesdays and weight training on Thursdays. The price is $5.00 a session and you can pay as you go. Contact Aaron to sign up 636 236 2769.

Second Annual Art on the Boardwalk The St Charles County Arts Council, dedicated to supporting, nurturing, and creating opportunities for the arts in St. Charles County; is planning the Second Annual Art on the Boardwalk to be held Sunday, May 20th from 11 to 4 pm located at the WingHaven Boardwalk. This event is an opportunity for local artists and businesses to display and sell to residents in lovely downtown WingHaven. Music, theatre, art for children and adults, as well as artists demonstrating their work, line dancers, and much much more. All are welcome to this event at $25 a couple ($15 for a single ticket). Admission is free to participating Artists. For more information, or to ask for an application, go to www.stcharlesart.org or contact Barbara at 314-922-6573.

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

New members are welcomed at the April General Membership Meeting held at the Christy Banquet Center.

Alliance Credit Union donated $500 to Brendan’s Playground at their ribbon cutting ceremony.

Pete Brown spoke at the monthly membership meeting on Communication in the Workplace.

Over 130 members at the April Membership Meeting!

Members drove out to Troy, Missouri to build new relationships at a joint chamber Cardinal themed networking event.

Members get a first hand look at a skin tighening procedure during the Business After Hours at Laser Vein Center.

Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CONNECTION? Call 636.240.1818 or email sara@ofallonchamber.org MAY 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 15