Business
a publication of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
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30th Annual Firecracker Run
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The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 30th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run presented by Mercy on Friday, July 4, 2014, in O’Fallon, MO. The race begins at 7:00 am 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. The event will begin at the T.R. Hughes Ball Park located in O’Fallon, MO at Continued on pg 6
Ameren breaks ground at O’Fallon solar energy facility
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the event.
meren Missouri held a “groundbreaking” ceremony for its O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center on Friday, April 25, but the company left its shovels packed away for
O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy, chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission Robert Kenney and director of the Missouri Division of Energy Llona Weiss did, however, take turns speaking at the ceremony, emphasizing the benefits that the solar energy Continued on pg 11
may 2014
General Membership Meeting Tuesday, May 27 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Christy Banquet Center
9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, 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, May 13 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wingate by Wyndham
32 Research Park Cir , Weldon Spring, MO 63304 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, May 15 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Painting with a Twist
3004 Winghaven Blvd, 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 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 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, Director of Member Engagement
THIS ISSUE Firecracker Run........................ cover & p 6
VOL.3 IS.5 IN
2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Phone: 636-240-1818 Email: info@OFallonChamber.org www.OFallonChamber.org
Ameren Solar Center...............cover & p 11 Chairman’s Letter................................... p 4 Citizens First Mobile App...................... p 5 Business License Renewal..................... p 5 Ribbon Cuttings..................................... p 7
Member Spotlight.................................. p 8 New Members........................................ p 9 Calendar of Events.............................. p 10 Member Mentions................................ p 12 Member Anniversaries......................... p 12 Chamber Snapshot............................... p 13
CHAMBER PARTNERS
&LANDSCAPE LAWN SOLUTIONS
Shannon Norman Law
may 2014 | Business Connection | 3
happy to be able to be a part their success. I would like challenge the membership to break the record for our highest attended meeting this month, May 27 for our quarterly networking meeting. Let’s keep our participation numbers rising! Holy packed membership meeting Batman! Our numbers are in and once again the O’Fallon Chamber Membership has raised the bar. In the first four months of our participation numbers have increased 20% over 2013. Wow! Our membership meetings are averaging 168; business after hours, 70; and morning schmoozes, 39. While it’s exciting just to see our meetings packed with people, what is even more exciting is the business that is taking place between them. Each month Erin has to cut me off as I walk around the room for our “Shout Outs”. Relationships are being made and we are so
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Speaking of participation, the Firecracker Run is moving full steam ahead. The committee of 40 members is working hard at every level to ensure this is a great event and it runs (get it) smoothly for everyone involved. If you have not yet, check out the sponsorship form on page __; only a couple logo sponsorships are left for advertising that lasts for years. As always, if you have any questions on your Chamber membership, feel free to contact myself or any member of our Chamber staff. Until next time, Jeff Arneson 2014 Chairman of the Board
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’Fallon’s Citizens First Center offers residents the quickest, easiest way to get in touch with City staff or notify the City of issues, and it’s now even easier with the launch of the new Citizens First Mobile App. The Mobile App allows residents to communicate with City staff using their iPhone, iPad, iPod or Android mobile device. And it’s free! To download the Citizens First Mobile
Keep in touch with O’Fallon City Hall with the free “Citizens First Mobile App App, visit Android, Google Play or the Apple App Store and search for “O’Fallon.” “O’Fallon is the first City in St. Charles County to offer a mobile app for resident issues,” said Tom Drabelle, Communications and Public Relations Director. “With this App, residents will be able to ask a question on the go, report a problem or even snap a picture of a concern such as a pothole,
damaged curb or streetlight that isn’t working, and report it to City staff with just a few clicks. And, the App includes the City’s new mobile business map and directory, making it easy to find a restaurant or retailer in O’Fallon.” For more information about installing the Citizens First Mobile App or using O’Fallon’s Citizens First Center services, visit www.ofallon.mo.us.
Business License Renewal – Due by June 30th
O
’Fallon business license renewals were mailed this week. Renewal applications and the fee of $15 is due by June 30th. Please remember that even if you are a new business in 2013/2014 you must renew your license. Business licenses are not prorated. Our City is proud of our local businesses. Together, the products, jobs, services and, in the case of retail, the sales taxes collected, all drive our economy, and help keep O’Fallon an attractive, vibrant community. For that reason, the City’s renewal fees are modest. They are also investments that offer a good return on safety, business recognition, and a host of Economic Development Department strategies.
• New “Citizens First” Mobile App lets users find your business on their phones! Every licensed business in O’Fallon will be listed in the City’s new searchable “Citizens First” Mobile App. • Safety: Annual license renewals keep your business information current with the O’Fallon Police Department and local emergency services, so that first responders can easily reach your business in an emergency. • Security and Communication: O’Fallon’s free Business Watch program for ALL businesses helps stop vandalism, theft, fraud, and other criminal activities, and promotes a crime-alert business network. Contact Officer Long at 636-379-5563 or jlong@ofallon.mo.us.
• Business Recognition: In addition to the Mobile App, licensed businesses are listed on the City of O’Fallon’s searchable online map and directory on our website www.ofallon.mo.us. They are also promoted to both outside and local parties inquiring about O’Fallon’s manufacturing, service and retail industries, and to consumers through O’Fallon’s highly-visible “Keep It in the O!” campaign. • Free Advertising and Promotions (Optional): Free direct-marketing opportunities will be made available during the year. Providing a valid e-mail address on the license application allows the City to send important information and free promotional and educational opportunities that can help your business. may 2014 | Business Connection | 5
firecracker run
Continued from Front Page 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. 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 2014 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the City of O’Fallon. Cotton T-Shirts shirts are available to the first 1,500 runners. Shirts and sizes are guaranteed to runners registered by May 31, after that date shirts are available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of event is $25 for early registration for the 10K and 5K run and $30 after May 31st. The early registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run is $15.00 or $20.00 after May 31st. You can register online at www. FirecrackerRun.net. 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 Wednesday, July 2nd and Thursday, 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 to 6:30 a.m. at the River City Rascals Ball Park. Race organizers said they expect as many as 2,000 runners for the race scheduled in North O’Fallon. 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 planning committee, it’s not too late to get involved. 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 the O’Fallon Chamber at Info@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.
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Ribbon cutting ceremonies Welcome to O’Fallon!
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon are excited to welcome these new businesses to the community and to help them celebrate with a with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Beltone Hearing Aid Centers 2969 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Bryan Road Animal Hospital 1161 Bryan Rd, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Complete Auto Repair & Tire Pros 1400 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366
McBride & Son Homes - Weatherby Landing 104 Weatherby Landing Dr, O’Fallon, MO 63366
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings:
Peoples Savings Bank May 8 @ 4:00 p.m. Alliance Credit Union May 15 @ 11:30 a.m. Kiddie Academy May 16 @ 3:30 p.m. The Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home May 19 @ 11:30 a.m. Bakery Case May 20 @ 2:30 p.m.
Radical Resale 2110 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr, O’Fallon, MO may 2014 | Business Connection | 7
STL Virtual Assistant, LLC www.yourstlva.com 636-358-2290
Member spotlight
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Jackie Binz ow long have you been in the O’Fallon area? Almost 8 years.
Tell us about your family. I have been married to my husband for almost 10 years and we have three beautiful children. Zoe is 14, Breckin is 7, and Mackenna is 6. My husband Rob is in the Missouri Army National Guard and just recently returned from a one year deployment in Afghanistan. He is an Apache helicopter pilot and when he is not working with the Army he works as a test engineer on the Apache at The Boeing Company. Zoe is a straight A student, is in field & track and cross country. She is about to finish her last year of middle school! Breckin is in 2nd grade and loves games and spending time with his mom! He is my little buddy, always by my side. Mackenna is the baby….she is in Kindergarten and LOVES it! She is an artist all the way!! She loves to camp with her grandparents too! What is your educational background? Studied Sociology at University of Central Missouri.
Tell us about your organization. STL Virtual Assistant was created while my husband was deployed. I wanted more to do, and give back to society. STL VA works with many independent sales reps. We handle all those tasks that need to be done because either you do not have time for them or, they are just something that you do not want to do. STL VA does many things so if you don’t want to do the office work, ask us, we probably do it! What is the mission/vision of your organization? STL Virtual Assistant mission is to help build your business, by growing ours! How has that mission changed over the years that you have been in business? STL VA was created in November 2013 so the mission has not changed much, but STL VA has exploded onto the St. Charles county market! Thank you!!!
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What do you do to serve your clients best? We provide fast, accurate and exactly want they want! I also sit down with my clients and have marketing meetings. STL VA provides accountability coaching, customer service tips, etc. What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company? Reaching more and more clients, and helping others grow their business all the way to the top!! I also look forward to hiring more employees to help. STL VA is military owned and strives to help other military spouses overcome the obstacle of wanting to work and being able to stay home or able to take their job to another duty station!
New members
A very special welcome! ALLSTATE - Marroquin Insurance Group Insurance Services 181 Civic Center Dr Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 636-625-3039 agents.allstate.com/oscar-marroquinlake-saint-louis-mo.html Bryan Road Animal Hospital Veterinarian 1161 Bryan Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-272-3900 www.bryanroadvets.com Clarus Communications Telecommunications Services 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Ste 118 St. Charles, MO 63304 314-513-1702 www.clarusco.com Copying Concepts Document Management 6691 Manchester Ave St. Louis, MO 63139 314-633-2000 x2054 www.copycon.com Douglas Restoration Restoration: Fire & Flood 2 Point Oak Ct Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 636-265-3030 www.douglasrestoration.com G/O Digital Marketing - A Gannett Company Advertising 1000 Market St St. Louis, MO 63101 636-248-2713 godigitalmarketing.com
NASH Home Sales GROUP Realtors: Residential 5377 Hwy N St Charles, MO 63304 314-614-1426 www.keithnash.com
Two Blind Guys Window Treatments 17718 Chesterfield Airport Rd Chesterfield, Mo 63005 636-537-8008 www.twoblindguys.com
Omni Cable Corp Electrical Supplies: Wholesale 1463 Hoff Industrial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-272-6664 www.omnicable.com
Upward Bound Outreach Non-Profit Organization 127 Megan Dr O’Fallon , MO 63366 314-440-7789 www.upwardboundoutreach.org
Paycor Payroll Services 425 South Woods Mill Rd, Ste 225 Town & Country, MO 63017 618-420-4181 www.paycor.com/st-louis
Vantiv Payment Processing Solutions Merchant Services 2 Raven’s Pointe Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 314-740-0030
Perfectly Organized STL, LLC Professional Organizer 2181 Spring Wagon Ln O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-485-3964 www.perfectlyorganizedstl.com
Westford Communications Inc Telecommunications Services 101 W Pitman St O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-978-7201 www.westfordtel.com
Poage Chevrolet Automobile: Sales 851 West Pearce Blvd Wentzville, MO 63385 636-327-6268 www.poagechevrolet.com
Wish Upon a Star with Kim Travel Services PO Box 34 Cottleville, MO 63338 636-336-6769 www.wishuponastarwithkim.com
Storage Masters - O’Fallon Self Storage 2601 E Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-219-7226 www.storagemaster.net
XteriorPRO Home Improvement 1243 Tom Ginnever Ave. O’Fallon, MO 63366 636-939-4800 www.XteriorPRO.com
may 2014 | Business Connection | 9
Chamber calendar may 2014 May 12, 2014 O’Fallon Elite Leads Group IQ Fast Print 18 North Central Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:15 PM May 13, 2014 Business After Hours Wingate by Wyndham 32 Research Park Cir Weldon Spring, MO 63304 4:30 - 6:30 PM May 14, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM May 15, 2014 Morning Schmooze Painting with a Twist 3004 Winghaven Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63366 7:30 - 9:00 AM
Tech/Comm Meeting Spencer Road Library 427 Spencer Rd St. Peters, MO 63376 12:00 - 1:00 PM Ribbon Cutting Alliance Credit Union 1167 Bryan Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM May 16, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon 4088 Winghaven Blvd O’Fallon, MO 63368 3:30 - 4:30 PM May 16, 2014 Lunch & Legislators Rendezvous Cafe 217 South Main St O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM May 19, 2014 Ribbon Cutting The Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home 6730 Hickory Tree Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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May 20, 2014 O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors Meeting O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM May 20, 2014 Ribbon Cutting Bakery Case 2956 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63366 2:30 - 3:30 PM May 22, 2014 O’Fallon Young Professionals 12:00 - 1:00 PM May 23, 2014 Leads 2 Success Leads Group Webster University in Winghaven 2299 Technology Dr, Ste 300 O’Fallon, MO 63368 12:00 - 1:30 PM
May 27, 2014 General Membership Luncheon Christy Banquet Center 9000 Veterans Memorial Pkwy O’Fallon, MO 63366 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM May 28, 2014 Masters of Business Leads Group Webster University WingHaven Campus 2299 Technology Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM June 4, 2014 Firecracker Committee Meeting O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive O’Fallon, MO 63366 12:00 - 1:00 PM June 5, 2014 New Member Briefing O’Fallon Chamber Office 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 3:30 - 5:00 PM
solar energy
Continued from Cover facility can provide.
The O’Fallon Chamber Chairman’s Book Club is set to read “Well Said” The book discussion is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2nd at the O’Fallon Chamber office. The Chairman’s Book Club meets bi-monthly to discuss business-related books and encourage networking. “It is a great way to connect with business colleagues and discover new tools for personal and professional growth,” said Chamber President, Erin Williams. Curious business professionals are invited to attend these free round-table discussions about the everchanging business environment and other compelling business topics. Next month’s session will discuss “Well Said: Presentations and Conversations That Get Results” by Darlene Price. Interested readers can check out the book at the St. Charles City-County Library or purchase it themselves. Meetings are free and all are welcome. For more information please contact Erin at 636-240-1818 or Erin@OFallonChamber.org.
“As a zero-emitting renewable resource, this facility has the potential to displace greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and additionally it will also create 50-70 construction jobs while contributing annually to the state’s and the county’s tax coffers,” Kenney said. “These are benefits that we can all rally behind and celebrate.” Instead of the traditional first scoop of dirt being moved by shovel, the ground breaking ceremony ended with Hennessy, Kenney, Weiss and Ameren Missouri President and CEO Michael Moehn pushing two 60-pound solar panels into place on the frame of a solar panel rack. The solar energy facility, which will utilize around 19,000 of those panels, is estimated to be completed by December of 2014, and will provide enough energy to power 650 mid-sized homes. Moehn said Ameren’s long-range plans include the possibility of creating many similar solar energy facilities across Missouri.
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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 Nina at 636-240-1818 or Nina@OFallonChamber.org may 2014 | Business Connection | 11
Member anniversaries Thank you!
Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of April 2014 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for... 1 Year • Farmhouse Sandwiches • Gibson Printing, Inc • Mister Fix It • No Hunger Holiday • The Complete Dawg 2 Years • Billionaire Thoughts • Changescape Web • Color Perfect • Shelgin Partners Recruiting Agency • The Brass Rail 3 Years • Angelo’s Chicago Taste • Llywelyn’s Pub • State Senator Tom Dempsey
4 Years • Back Pain Center • Reroof America Contractors, LLC 5 Years • David Evans 7 Years • Charter Business • Kitaro Bistro of Japan • USA Mortgage 8 Years • AAA Automobile Club 9 Years • The TAN Company
11 Years • Pulaski Bank • St. Lukes Hospital
18 Years • Emerald View Turf Farm • SunEdison Inc.
12 Years • Dennis Schulze DDS, PC • Schneider Construction Services
19 Years • Kohrs Truck & Auto Repair, Inc.
14 Years • Schaefer Autobody Centers 15 Years • River City Rascals Baseball
24 Years • Michael K Brown, DDS 26 Years • Meier & Dougherty, LLC
17 Years • Culligan Water Conditioning Company
Member Events
News from our members Keep up to date with events from your fellow members. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events. May 9, 2014 Billionaire Thoughts Speaker Series
May 12, 2014 Blood Drive
St. Charles Family Arena 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
SunRise United Methodist Church 3:30 - 7:30 PM
May 10, 2014 Baby-Kid Expo
May 13, 2014 Small Biz Breakfast Series
Open House
May 14, 2014 Borrowing Basics Seminar
St. Charles Convention Center 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM XteriorPRO 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
May 11, 2014 “Run Like a Mother” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run Anytime Fitness St.Peters 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Spencer Road Library Branch 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
O’Fallon Family YMCA 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Spring Fling Health Fair Villa Theresa 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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May 15, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
May 17, 2014 Cruisin’ 4 Crider
Crider Health Center 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Open House
Bryan Road Animal Hospital 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Grand Opening
Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grand Re-Opening Alliance Credit Union 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
May 21, 2014 Small Biz Breakfast Series: Staying Motivated Running a Small Business
Spencer Road Library Branch 7:30 - 09:00 AM
May 22, 2014 O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 7:30 - 9:00 AM
May 29, 2014 Blood Drive Caregivers Inn 3:00 - 07:00 PM
Chamber Snapshot Cheese!
Check out our members in action at this month’s O’Fallon Chamber events!
Interested in Advertising in the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce
Business Connection? Call Sara @ 636-240-1818 or Sara@OFallonChamber.org may 2014 | Business Connection | 13
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2145 Bryan Valley Commerical Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366 Erin@OFallonChamber.org
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