Our Business is Business
FEBRUARY 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2 :: 2015 Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon Page 3 :: 2015 NAIA Division 1
Women’s Basketball National Championship Page 4 :: Non-Profit Spotlight Page 5 :: Trip to Jeff City Page 6 :: Calendar of Events Page 7 :: Calendar of Events Small Business Spotlight Page 8 :: Major Employer Spotlight Page 9 :: 2015 EJC Business Expo Page 10 :: Community News Page 11 :: Member News Page 12 :: Anniversaries, New Members
FEBRUARY EVENTS
10
Tech-Connect Tuesday February 10th 8:00 am - 9:00 am
12
Business Leads Exchange February 12th 8:00 am - 9:00 am
13
Business Development Day February 13th 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
18
Monthly Membership Luncheon February 18th 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
20
Business After Hours February 19th 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
19
Monthly Legislative Briefing February 20th 8:00 am - 9:15 am
24
Trip to Jeff City February 24th All Day
24
Small Business Continuing Education Series February 24th 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Business Development Day Friday, February 13th 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Four Points by Sheraton
(Kansas City Sports Complex)
$50 for Members $100 for Non-Members
This program is intended to help match small business owners and managers with some of the largest employers in Jackson County. This match-making event wil begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30am. At 9:00am the small business owners will break into small groups to meet with their choice of procurement officers from the large companies represented. The intent of these appointments is to provide small business owners insight and direction into the specific steps they should take to be qualified to do business with the larger companies. At noon, Shelly Cunningham, Director of the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MO PTAC) at the University of Missouri Kansas City lunch will present on the changing procurement procedures used by public
organizations. A luncheon will also be served at that time. After the luncheon presentation, the Shelly Cunningham, small business Director of the Missouri Procurement Technical owners/managers Assistance Center will then have an opportunity to meet in small groups with chosen procurement officers from public organizations represented. Luncheon sponsor:
Schedule 8:30-9:00 am Check-in and continental breakfast 9:00-11:30 am rotations of business owners and officers/manager 12:00-1:00 pm Luncheon and speaker 1:00-3:30 pm rotations of business owners and officers/manager
Appointments can be made beginning on February 1st, 2015. Alex Colley will email all participants with the list of confirmed entities to sign up. Conversations will be scheduled in 20 minute intervals so each organization will have the opportunity to meet with as many small business owners as possible. Appointments will be made on a first-come-first serve basis. Any appointments still available the day of the event will be posted at check-in for sign up.
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBERPG VIEW 1
2015 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & LUNCHEON Thank you to all who joined us for the 2015 Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon. With 140 attendees it was a fantastic way to kick off the year. Both the 2014 Chairwoman of the Board, Cindy McClain, and 2015 Chairman of the Board, Brad Speaks, addressed the membership during the event and honored the Chamber staff and committee chairs from 2014. Jackson County Executive, Mike Sanders, gave an encouraging speech on the current state and future of Jackson County and almost every table had a first-time attendee. We are excited about 2015!
Is it time to have a conversation with your doctor about your heart?
To take a FREE heart risk assessment, visit CenterpointMedical.com/heart
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 2
2015 NAIA DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Susan G. Komen® Greater Kansas City proudly presents the 35th annual NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship events in Independence, MO. March 18-24, 2015 at the Independence Events Center. The 32-team, single-elimination tournament is played over seven days and will crown a national champion on March 24, the final day of the event. Qualifying teams will be announced on Wednesday, March 11. “We are so honored and excited to be partnering with Susan G.
Join In The Action!
March 18 First Round Day and Evening Sessions
Basketball National Championship. Komen Kansas City does
March 19 First Round Day and Evening Sessions
chance to be able to bring attention to the organization and their
March 20 Second Round Day and Evening Sessions
Komen® Greater Kansas City for the NAIA Division I Women’s
such great work in the metro area and we are thrilled to have the significant efforts. We know this is a wonderful opportunity for
both organizations. Komen Kansas City and NAIA is a partnership
March 21 Quarterfinals
proud to have the opportunity to help bring more attention to
March 23 Semifinals with Final Four awards following each game
that can celebrate women and women’s athletics. We are
the prevention of and cure for breast cancer. This is a natural partnership that will be a benefit for both organizations.” – Cori Day, City of Independence Tourism Director.
March 24 Championship 6:30 pm Broadcast on ESPN3
Volunteers and sponsors are needed. It’s good for you and your business to partner with us! To register to volunteer, please visit www.visitindependence.com/naia2015 or call 816-325-7112. To sponsor the event, please contact Cori Day at
[email protected]. For more information about the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship, contact the Independence Tourism Department at 816-325-7111 or visitindependence.com/NAIA2015. Championship tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Silverstein Eye Centers box office at the Independence Events Center.
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 3
NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: HOPE HOUSE Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, visiting during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (2014), is taking a tour of the Lee’s Summit shelter with Hope House CEO, MaryAnne Metheny.
Leadership: MaryAnne Metheny Chief Executive Officer Ilene Shehan Chief Operating Officer Nancy Duvall Chief Development Officer Locations: Independence & Lee’s Summit Years in existence: Celebrating 32nd Anniversary this January Years as a Chamber Member: 4
In 1983 Hope House opened its doors after a domestic violence incident in Independence, Missouri. At the time, the shelter provided 15 women and children emergency shelter. Just a few years later, the organization started a 24-Hour Hotline to serve as the first line of defense against DV. Now with two locations in Independence and Lee’s Summit, Hope House is Missouri’s largest domestic violence shelter providing safe haven to 122 women and children. The organization also assists clients through therapists, legal aid, safe court-ordered supervision, and encourages social change by working with and training hospital and law enforcement personnel on the facts of domestic violence. Mission statement: Hope House’s Mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing safe refuge and supportive services that educate and empower women and children. Hope House will advocate social change that protects and engenders a person’s right to live a life free of abuse. Why is your organization involved in the Chamber: Hope House understands that non-profits are successful in many cases due to community support. Hope House has 32 years of success in Independence and Lee’s Summit. It is important for our organization to give back to the communities that have helped us grow and help so many men, women and children.
What is the greatest asset in Independence: Relationships. Again, Hope House has been successful because of the friends we have in the Independence and Lee’s Summit business communities. We are grateful for the partners we have made over the last 32 years. What is your organization’s greatest accomplishment of the last year: Last year, with the help of Sen. Paul LeVota, Hope House got legislation passed that we have been fighting for the last eight years. Senate Bill 636 allows the local municipalities to voluntarily increase their criminal court fees by $2, providing that money to local domestic violence shelters. The cities of Lee’s Summit, Greenwood, Lone Jack, Buckner, Independence and Kansas City have all approved of the initiative. Blue Springs, Raytown and Jackson County are in the approval process. What are you planning for 2015 to advance your mission further: In 2015, we are working to advance our programs and services. We received a grant from the Greater KC Health Care Foundation to show that our therapy services are “Best Practice”. There is little research in the field of successful domestic violence services, and we are on the cutting edge of providing such information for a portion of the work we do. We hope to eventually be able to do this type of documentation for all of our services. This will not only help with securing future funding for our services, but will also assist other domestic violence agencies with best practices for their services and clients served. We will continue to look for ways to secure long-term sustainable funding for our programs and ensure that we will be able to serve the ever-increasing numbers of people requesting our services.
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 4
TRIP TO JEFF CITY The annual trip to the Capitol in Jefferson City to visit with the local representatives and senators will take place this year on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. On that date, approximately two dozen business leaders from Independence and Eastern Jackson County will travel to the State Capital for a breakfast reception with local senators, representatives, and their staff members on the third floor of the Capitol Building. Following an informal breakfast reception, members of the Independence delegation will be introduced on both the House and Senate floors before moving back to the gallery to observe the legislative process for the remainder of the morning. Attendees will have lunch at Madison’s Café just a couple blocks from the State Capitol, where a state official will provide an update on issues and potential impacts locally. After lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to visit individually with members of the General Assembly or tour the Capitol before departing on the return trip to Independence around 3:00 p.m. Participation in the event is open to any member of the Chamber. For those desiring to attend or seeking more information about the event, contact Kelo (
[email protected] or 816-2524745 ext. 1) at the Chamber.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL QUESTIONS. REAL ANSWERS… SOMETIMES. – Where is the hotel down by Truman’s home? We just arrived from Illinois and have the name but no address, or phone number.. – What are the hours of the social security office? – How do we set up trade agreements with Brazil to ship goods to Independence? – How do I get my prescriptions in New Jersey? – When are you going to replace your flags? – I have skunks under my house - how do I get them out? And the winner is... – Could you tell me the name of a foreign repair shop that was independently owned in or around Jackson County in 1994? I’m needed to contact the owner about a vehicle he repaired for my grandfather.
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tech-Connect Tuesday
February 10th, 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Independence Chamber of Commerce 210 West Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050
Thank you to our sponsor: Automated Control Systems, for making this workshop free for our members:
This month will begin a three-part series on virtual assistants. A virtual assistant is an assistant sitting remotely who does the same work as an assistant sitting next to you. The assistant in Olathe or Phoenix can make your job so much easier and save you money. Come learn how this works so you can use or at least join the conversation. Cost: Free for Members. $15 for non-members. For more information and to register for this event, visit: iChamber.biz.
Business Leads Exchange
February 12th, 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Thank you to our sponsor:
Independence Chamber of Commerce 210 West Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050 Members come and talk about what they do and what services they offer. They give an extended elevator speech. The audience asks questions and the facilitator poses questions for the group. The result in January was around a dozen people getting to know each other better, and not surprisingly, some are now doing business with each other. For more information and to register for this event, visit: iChamber.biz.
Business Development Day
February 13th, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Procurement officers from large companies and public entities tell the secrets of selling to them.
Luncheon sponsor:
Join the Chamber and over a dozen public organizations and large private employers in Eastern Jackson County at Four Points by Sheraton on Friday, February 13th, from 8:30am to 3:30pm to learn how to become a qualified or approved vendor capable of selling goods and/or services to them. A continental breakfast and luncheon is included. Appointments can be made prior to Business Development Day beginning on February 1st, 2015. Alex Colley will email all participants with the list of confirmed entities to sign up for.
Monthly Membership Luncheon February 18th, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm Ophelia’s Restaurant
This month Mayor Eileen Weir will be giving us the State of the City. Be sure to join us for the Monthly Membership Luncheon.
Big thank you to our sponsor!
Cost: $23 for members. $35 for non-members. 24-hour cancellation notice required. Reservations are required by noon on Monday, February 16th in order to properly prepare.
Business After Hours
February 19th, 4:30 pm - 6:30pm
Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Road
February 19th we are in for a real treat. We get to go to Vivilore for an after-hours cocktail party, all thanks to the good folks at UMB Bank. FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 6
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Monthly Legislative Briefing
February 20th, 8:00 am - 9:15 am
Free Enterprise Center, 210 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050
Friday, February 20th, the monthly Legislative Briefing will be held at the Free Enterprise Center. The briefing is open to all Chamber members who are asked to register free of charge.
Trip to Jeff City February 24th, All Day Jefferson City, Missouri
The annual trip to the Capitol in Jefferson City to visit with the local representatives and senators will take place this year on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. On that date, approximately two dozen business leaders from Independence and Eastern Jackson County will travel to the State Capital for a breakfast reception with local senators, representatives, and their staff members on the third floor of the Capitol Building Cost: Free. Reservations requested at www.iChamber.biz or by contacting Kelo at
[email protected].
Small Business Continuing Education Series: Managing Multiple Locations February 24th, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Independence Chamber of Commerce Boardroom, 210 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050 Many of our members manage multiple locations. How does the manager know what is going on at other sites? What information do you want when you are not there? Join us for this seminar by Brad Speaks, President and CEO of Speaks Family Legacy Chapels, on how to manage multiple locations and join the discussion. Attendance is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-chamber members. Reservations are required as each session is limited to 25 participants: ichamber.biz or Alex at 816-252-4745.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: A LITTLE B-B-Q JOINT
Leadership / Owner (s): Don and Bonnie Bower Fabian and Karen Bower Years in Business: Almost 2 years Years as Chamber member: Almost 2 years Business Address: 1101 W 24th St S, Independence, MO 64052
Description of Business: A Little B-B-Q Joint is a family-owned and family-friendly full-service restaurant and bar. Why is your business located in Independence? We are independence residents and couldn’t imagine putting our restaurant anywhere else. We are blessed with an outstanding staff who our customers love. Why is your business involved with the Chamber? “We just wouldn’t have it any other way. The Chamber is where it all happens. Our restaurant is tucked away on 24th Street and the Chamber is a huge part of why we have been successful.” In your opinion, what is Independence greatest asset? Independence is a special place for two reasons, our special history and our outstanding people. FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 7
MAJOR EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT: VILLAGES OF JACKSON CREEK
Leadership:
Karin Borning Administrator Sandy Ballinger Director of Nursing Owned and opperated by NHC HealthCare Corporation Locations in Independence: Villages of Jackson Creek 3980 S Jackson Drive Villages of Jackson Creek Memory Care 19400 E 40th St CT S Number of Employees: 170 Years in business: 8 New Chamber Member
Be on the lookout for the 2014 Annual Report coming out in February. The report gives the membership an overview of 2014 activities, accomplishments and financial status. It will be available in hard copy at the Chamber and on the Chamber website.
Villages of Jackson Creek has a full spectrum of care services on one campus. We feature skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. Our skilled nursing focuses on post acute hospitalization rehab to home. We offer physical, speech and occupational therapies to our residents. Our interdisciplinary care plan team works together to facilitate successful home transition plans. What is one thing you are currently doing in your business that you want other to know?: There are many wonderful things happening at the Villages of Jackson Creek every day. We welcome community partners to come in for a tour and learn more about the services we offer. Why is our business involved in the Chamber? Active participation in Chamber membership creates opportunity for meaningful connection with other businesses. In some cases an introduction between two businesses or between two individuals would not happen organically in the community. The Chamber opens the doors to these unlikely partnerships and brings forth community growth.
FUN INDEPENDENCE FACT
Did you know that Harry S. Truman broke ground for the Truman Library on his 71st birthday on May 8, 1955?
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 8
2015
Eastern Jackson County
Business Expo
Meet the Area’s Best and Brightest:
Thursday, April 23, 2015 will find some of the most successful and dynamic companies operating throughout Eastern Jackson County on the main floor of the Independence Events Center for the Eastern Jackson County Business Expo. From 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm that day, dozens of the most recognizable business names in Missouri’s second largest county will be displaying, explaining, and demonstrating their products and services to fellow businesses in Eastern Jackson County and potential customers/clients.
Thursday, April 23rd 2:00 - 7:00 pm Independence Events Center For businesses wishing to participate or secure more information about the event, go to www.ejcexpo. com or contact Alex at 816-252-4745 or
[email protected].
Our Business is Business
With each participating business inviting their 50 best customers from the region to be their guest at the event, attendance is expected to reach close to one thousand qualified prospects. The Eastern Jackson County Business is also open to the general public for $10.
Enjoy Expo Activities:
This business to business event will be preceded by a luncheon presentation for the members of area Chambers of Commerce from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm in the south concourse of the Independence Events Center (the luncheon event requires a separate registration outside of the Eastern Jackson County Business Expo participation). Approximately 200 attendees are expected. Music will fill the floor of the business to business expo for most of the day with door prize announcements throughout. Additionally, a complimentary beverage service of wine and beer will be provided beginning at 4:00pm. A booth design/decoration contest is offered to all exhibitors to help identify the most effective booth in attracting visitors and making the products or services offered at that booth memorable. Judging will be done by market ing and media professionals from the region not affiliated with the expo. This event is being organized and presented through the combined efforts of the Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown and South Kansas City Chambers of commerce.
Cost:
For-profit Business $450/booth Non-profits and Restaurants $350/booth (Restaurants are required to bring at least $100 in product samples) Non-Chamber Member $750/booth space
Visit EJCExpo.com for further information. FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 9
COMMUNITY NEWS The Northwest Communities Development Corporation (NWCDC) will hold its 2015 Gala on March 26. Email
[email protected] or call 816-252-5094 for more information. The Independence Events Center will host Disney Junior LIVE on February 7.
Kiwanis Club of Independence is celebrating its 70th Chili Day of February 10. For more information visit independencekiwanisclub.org or contact
[email protected].
JSL of Independence will hold a USO inspired, cabaret show, “1945 – A Night at the Truman Canteen,” on March 20. The event will honor the 70th Anniversary of Junior Service League of Independence and the Presidency of Harry S. Truman, and we will salute Veterans and active Military personnel. For more info., contact Laurie Dean Wiley at 816-853-0977.
Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Independence Park Trot 5K Run/Walk! Block off your calendars for the morning of Saturday, May 2 and get excited for this free, family-friendly event open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Registration is open until April 19 at IndependenceParkTrot.com.
Live Music at Main Street Coffee House every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Visit mstreetcoffeehouse.com for more details. 107 S Main Street
3rd Friday Art Walk at the Englewood Station Arts District from 5:30 to 9 pm, includes a rotating collection of over four dozen local and regional artists displaying their creativity and are regularly on-site for meet and greet. Visit englewoodstation.com for more information.
Visit the Courthouse Exchange Event Space from 9:00 am to noon for Esty at the Exchange. Every second Saturday of the month check out the Exchange Event Space for a fun, free event featuring over a dozen Esty shops–all under one roof. 113 W Lexington Avenue
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW PG 10
MEMBER NEWS Fort Osage Cheerleading squad traveled to St. Louis in January to compete in the NCA Open Nationals Competition. The squad came home with the National Championship trophy for Small Advanced Co-ed. The squad completes their competition season this weekend in Dallas, Texas as they compete in the High School National Championship. The Missouri Mavericks announced on Wednesday, January 15, that the team has acquired all-star defenseman Landon Oslanski from the Rapid City Rush in exchange for defenseman Dallas Ehrhardt. On January 8th, The Missouri Mavericks announce that Chris Crane has been named to the 2015 CCM/ECHL AllStar Classic roster and competed in Orlando, Florida on January 21st. The City of Independence’s Palmer Center received the NuStep 2015 Gold Pinnacle Award in the Senior Division. The award recognizes senior centers which best demonstrate a culture of wellness for older adults. The Independence EDC is currently accepting nominations for their business of the year program as well as applications for the annual iNpact award. The awards program, started in 2008, recognizes the achievements of Independence businesses during the past year. Visit http://awardsprogram.inedc.biz for applications. Mayor Eileen Weir presented the Kansas City Royals with the “Royals Blue Day” proclamation on January 12. The Independence School District held a press conference on January 15th announcing the formation and implementation of the Academies of ISD. On January 5th, Fort Osage High School held a ribbon cutting for the opening of the new student Technology Center. Students will learn to repair and work on technology as part of a high school class. AT&T is now offering Kansas City area businesses a new U-Verse High Speed Internet Service called AT&T Business Fiber. AT&T Business Fiber provides upload and download speeds up to 300 megabits per second with plans to reach up to 1 gigabit per second. President and Chief Executive Officer Charlie Shields announced effective February 2 that TMC Lakewood Interim Chief Operating Officer and Associate Chief Nursing Officer Amy Peters, RN, BSN, MBA, will serve as TMC Chief Nursing Officer. Shields also announced Lynette Wheeler, RN, MSN, FAAMA, FACCA, FABC, who has served as TMC Chief Nursing Officer since 2011, will become TMC Lakewood Chief Operating Officer. Centerpoint Medical Center’s Executive Chef, Jim Tinkham, was named the Greater Kansas City Chefs Association 2014 Chef of the Year. This page features member news each month. To have your news listed here, contact Alex at
[email protected].
FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW
PG 11
‘‘
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
1-4 years Beacon Point Insurance Group Drury Inn & Suites Express Employment Professionals Hawthorne Place Apartments NorthCare Hospice & Palliative Care Paladin Pursuit SERVPRO Sterling Plaza Apartments Thermal King Windows
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie
5-14 Years Center for TMJ & Sleep Apnea Centerpoint Internal Medicine Centerpoint Physicians Group Community America Credit Union Cracker Barrel Old Country Store #179 Eastland Foods (McDonalds) Family Care of Independence First Citizen’s Bank Heritage Physicians Group Howard & Karen Penrod Hy-Vee Food & Drug Store McDonald’s Restaurant
Our Business is Business
Members are the greatest asset of the Chamber. Please support the businesses listed on this page because they support and believe in our community. The mission of the Independence Chamber
to promote the economic growth of Independence.
210 West Truman Road Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-252-4745 Fax: 816.252.4917
iCHAMBER.BIZ
15-24 years Dental innovations Edward Jones H & R Block National Association of Parliamentarians Susan Appleberry Widick, DDS, PC U.S. Bank UMB Bank
‘‘
of Commerce is to provide leadership and service
NEW MEMBERS
‘‘
‘‘
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
25 or more years Hallmark Cards Inc Jim Blau Insurance Agency Inc. Walmart Store 1014
“It’s an absolute must for all new local businesses to join their community’s chamber. You help promote each other and meet all kind of kinds of people. You can feed off of each other.” Shirley Baker
Independence Advisory Board 110 W Maple Independence, MO 64050 816-461-1665 The Springs at Independence 19301 E 50th Terrace Ct S Independence, MO 64050 816-886-2166 Buffalo Wild Wings 20110 W Jackson Dr Independence, MO 64050 816-795-6200 John Carnes, Esq 222 W. Maple Independence, MO 64050 816-833-4200 Red Robin 18810 E Highway 40 Independence, MO 64055 816-795-5678 Revive Church 1109 South Arlington Avenue Independence, MO 64053 816-379-6972
Newsletter design provided by:
Kelly Lightfoot 660.441.4888
[email protected]
