enewsletter nov2014

BusinessConneCtion

a publication ofthe O’FallonChamber of Commerce

novemBer 2014

“Keep it in the o’” this holiday season

e’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, we love O’Fallon! Aside from the amazing people, parks and schools; we have tons of great,

locally owned stores hidden all over the city. As Chamber members and proud residents of O’Fallon we encourage you or better yet, challenge you to shop local this holiday season. This year, do your holiday shopping at O’Fallon retailers. Find everything you need to shower your loved ones with presents, and keep your City strong! For that reason, we have created a list of 5 reasons to patronize small businesses for this year’s holiday

W

Continued on pg 6

route 364 open to traffiC from route K to mid rivers mall drive

he driving lanes of Route 364/Page Phase 3 from Route K to Mid Rivers Mall Drive are now open to traffic. Please note traffic is only one lane both eastbound

and westbound Route 364 at Mid Rivers Mall Drive/Route 94. In addition, the ramps at Route 364-Route 94-Mid Rivers Mall Drive will not open until later this fall. That includes the ramp from eastbound Route 364 to westbound Route 94/Mid Rivers Mall Drive and from Mid Rivers Mall Drive to westbound Route 364.

Continued on pg 11

T

2 | Business ConneCtion | NOveMbeR 2014

Sponsored by:

it’s that time!! Chamber’s Got talent! Get your act together and enjoy a very entertaining membership meeting! ten members will be performing their best 2 minute skit or song to tell us all about their business, product and services.

don’t forget to register by 11/21/14 for only $16!

membershipmeeting Tuesday, November 2511:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.DarDeNN PresbyTeriaN ChurCh

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, November 147:30 - 9:00 a.m.

usa MorTgage & o’FalloN FaMily eyeCare

Tuesday, November 114:30 to 6:30 p.m.

greaT souTherN baNkStay 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!

O’Fallon Chamberof Commerce O’Fallon Chamber

of Commerce

NOveMbeR 2014 | Business ConneCtion | 3

2145 Bryan Valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 63366Phone: 636-240-1818Email: [email protected]

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 BoardMichael Favazza, Favazza & Associates, 1st Vice ChairMark Crank, Marcos Productions, 2nd Vice ChairBrenda Lowder, Thomas Realty, TreasurerStacee Gilmore, Promotions Pronto, SecretaryAdam Hopper, PNC Bank, Past Chair of the Board

Directors:Harold Bliggenstorfer, Missouri Baptist UniversityHeather Deatz, Community NewsCindy Elking, Quintessential CateringKim Jimenez, Elm Dental CareCarla, Klaskin, MercyDan Luigs, Insurance StoreBrian Richardson, KFAV 99.9 FMJan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & CruiseSheles Wallace, Billionaire ThoughtsJohn Weeks, Mass Financial Group

Staff:Erin Williams, President/CEOSara Henderson, Communications DirectorNina DeAngelo, Director of Member Engagement

vol.

3 is.

11 in

this

issue

Shopping in the ‘O’ ................. cover & p 6Hwy 364 Complete ................cover & p 11Chairman’s Letter .................................. p 4Lunch ‘n’ Legislators ............................ p 4Prop Red Light Camera ........................ p 5Policy Committee .................................. p 5Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 7Industrial Summit.................................. p 8Calendar of Events ............................. p 10Member Events ....................................p 11Member Anniversaries ........................ p 12New Members ..................................... p 12Chamber Snapshot .............................. p 13

ChamBer partners

LAWN LANDSCAPESOLUTIONS

& Shannon Norman Law


Today’s the day! It’s time to exercise the freedom that we are all so fortunate to have- get out and vote! There are many

important issues on the ballot today as well as many big elections. Today is your opportunity to voice your opinion. If you haven’t looked at your sample ballot yet, or don’t know where your polling place is, all of that can be found at www.vote411.org. I encourage you to take some time to look over the issues and candidates to make informed decisions. Once again, I would also like to remind you that the O’Fallon Chamber board of Directors are in opposition of the St. Charles County Charter Amendment, Red Light Camera. We encourage our members to vote No on this amendment.

After the campaign ads are over, commercials are sure to be filled with the biggest and best gift to give your loved ones for Christmas. Please be sure to take a look around at some of O’Fallon’s boutique stores for something unique, or if you’re looking for the latest electronic, try to keep it in the O, or even in the Co. (St. Charles County). I challenge you to spend black Friday and all other shopping days after locally. According to the 3/50 Project (www.the350project.net), for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. The sales tax generated in both locally owned as well as “big box” stores supports our schools, roads, parks and public safety; which together make O’Fallon one of the best places to live in the U.S.

Check out the full list of Chamber Members at ofallonchamber.org/member-directory or simply call the office staff to find where you can get your next great gift!

Until next time, wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving,Jeff Arneson2014 Chairman of the board

lease join us on Friday, November 21st for the last Lunch ‘n’ Legislators of 2014 featuring Missouri Senator Tom Dempsey. Dempsey represents the 23rd District of Missouri and currently serves as President

Pro Tem. He was first elected to the chamber in a special election in 2007.

Dempsey served in the Missouri State House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007. During this time, he served as Majority Floor Leader.

Dempsey earned his b.S. in Political Science from Rockhurst University in 1989. His professional experience includes working as manager of bristol bar & Grill, General Manager of The Columns banquet Center, and vice President of the First National bank of St. Louis.

be sure to attend to learn more about the 2014 session, what to expect in 2015 and to share your thoughts on Missouri’s government. RSvP’s are appreciated, but not required to [email protected]. Lunch ‘n’ Legislators will be held at Rendezvous Cafe & Wine bar located at 217 South Main in O’Fallon, MO.

P

lunCh ‘n’ leGislators to feature missouri senator tom dempsey


o’fallon ChamBer Board of direCtors oppose proposition red liGht Camera

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce board of Directors has unanimously voted to oppose the St. Charles County Charter

Amendment placed on the November 4, 2014 ballot commonly known as Proposition Red Light Camera. O’Fallon Chamber members were able to learn more about the proposition from leaders of St. Charles County Municipal League as well as United

for Missouri, organizations on opposite sides of the proposition, at the Chamber’s Lunch ‘n’ Legislators event on October 17. “The issue is not with Red Light Cameras, the issue lies with how the Proposition is brought forth and setting a precedence to allow the County to circumvent municipal control,” explained erin Williams, President/CeO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. “The board believes

that the issue of whether or not a municipality has Red Light Cameras belongs to the residents of that municipality. We are encouraging our members to vote no on Proposition Red Light Camera.” For more information on the November 4 General election, visit www.sccmo.org/410/election-authority.

T

puBliC poliCy Committee now forminG!

et involved in the issues that affect our business community by becoming a part of the O’Fallon Chamber’s Public

Policy committee. The committee will review public policy requests as well as bring forth public policy that should be considered by the board of Directors of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

The Public Policy committee will be

charged with researching both sides of public policy issues that are submitted to the Chamber in a timely manner. After researching, the committee will be able to make recommendations of support or non-support to the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce board of Directors in accordance with our by-laws and mission statement.

The board of Directors will have the final vote in whether or not the O’Fallon Chamber will support or not

support a public policy request.

The Public Policy committee will meet on an as needed basis. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce staff liaison will communicate with the committee via email and call meetings as needed to discuss recommendations.

If you are interested in serving, please contact erin Williams at 636-240-1818 or [email protected].

G


in the “o”CoNTiNueD FroM Covershopping:

You Don’t Have to travel Farby shopping local you don’t have to travel far, and contrary to popular belief North O’Fallon and South O’Fallon are not that far apart. All neighborhoods of our City have unique stores hidden in them and they are right down the street from your home or work place.

Non-profits Receive Greater SupportSt. Charles County non-profits receive a large percent of their revenue from business contributions. Your support of local businesses helps to ensure that they are able to continue their giving to our local charities and in turn make our community stronger. Your own charitable gifts to local non-profits are a means of spending locally to keep those donations in O’Fallon.

Personalized ExperienceShopping at small local businesses always offers a personal and sincere customer-owner interaction. Small business shop owners are interested in their clients, know their wants and needs, and are willing to give their customer personal attention to answer questions about their products. A small business owner is linked to the success of his or her business, which means they are experts on the product that they create and sell.

Improve Your Local Economy and Enrich Your CommunityNobody wants to live in a neighborhood that lacks a small business culture. When you shop, dine and play in O’Fallon, your purchases provide sales tax revenue to O’Fallon. These sales taxes pay for O’Fallon’s police department, civic services, parks and much more. Original, Handmade GiftsAt small local shops you can find some great unique items that aren’t available at other stores. If

you like to give original, handmade gifts, you can’t beat shopping at a locally owned business.

If you can’t commit to spending your entire holiday budget locally, commit to just one day! Small business Saturday is November 29th. If we could all commit to at least one day of purchasing from local small businesses then we could really make a difference in our communities. Feel free to visit OFallonChamber.org for a list of locally owned Chamber members that would be happy to help you select the perfect gift.

Photos: Cover photo is from Carries Boutique and the above photo is from Design2Brew.

29Would you like to join of the groups to build closer business relationships?Contact nina at 636-240-1818 or [email protected]

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


Krekeler Jewelers, Inc.2938 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368

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.

riBBon CuttinG CeremoniesWelCoMe To o’FalloN!

upcoming ribbon Cuttings:Mercy kids Mid rivers Mall Drivenovember 13 @ 4:00 p.m.

Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Centernovember 17 @ 11:30 a.m.

364 Phase 3Hwy K to Mid Rivers Mall Dr

Sugarfire Winghaven9955 Winghaven blvd, O’Fallon, MO 63368

Holt Electrical Supplies1718 West Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Real Living Now Real Estate1000 edge Water Point Dr, Ste 406, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367


he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon’s economic Development Department

collaborated along with the City’s Grow in the ‘O’ Committee to host the first O’Fallon Industrial Summit on Wednesday, October 29th at the Midwest Machine Tool Training Center in the O’Fallon Corporate Center. Several local manufacturers, City and County leaders were in attendance for what is hoped to be a bi-annual event.

“As part of the City’s retention efforts and onsite visits with O’Fallon manufacturers, economic Development staff had heard a common theme regarding workforce development, specifically a lack

of qualified or skilled employees,” said Mike Hurlbert, Director of economic Development for the City. This first Summit is an attempt to bring O’Fallon manufacturers together to discuss this and any other issues that might be affecting large employers and work together towards possible solutions. In addition, it creates a great opportunity to network local manufacturers together so they create a stronger voice and business relationships.

“The Summit was a great opportunity for us to reach a sector of our business community that we normally don’t have much interaction with. Our hope is that events like this, and others in the works, will

o’fallon industrial summit hosted for loCal manufaCtures

T change that so that we can serve as a resource for those businesses as well,” said erin Williams, President/CeO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

The City of O’Fallon’s Grow in the ‘O’ Committee was formed in early 2014 as one of the objectives of the City’s economic Development Strategic Plan to assist City staff with reaching out and addressing current needs in O’Fallon’s business community. Committee members are representative of retail, office, and industrial business owners, partner organizations, residents, and elected officials, and the group meets monthly with City Staff to further their economic efforts.

Visit OFallonChamber.org/online-training for a list of available classes.


February 21, 20156:00 - 11:00 p.m.

O’FallOn City Hall100 north main st

o’fallon, mo 63366

CASINO NIGHT

you are cordially invited to attendan evening of excitement

& exhilaration at the o’fallon Chamber of Commerce’s

www.ofallonchamber.org/casino636-240-1818

$40 per personCocktails, tastings from o’fallon

finest restaurants, live entertainment by nick Calandro and rhythm of the nite,

Gaming tables and prizes. Cocktail attire required.

tickets will not be sold at the door.

presented by:

o’fallon ChamBer aCCeptinG nominations for2014 awards

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for their 2014 Awards. The winning business, organization or person will be honored at the Annual Awards

luncheon to be held on Tuesday, December 16 located at Trigg banquet Center.

Awards winners in the following categories will be recognized:

Small Business of the YearThis award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with ten (10) or less employees.

Business of the YearThis award is open to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with no less than eleven (11) employees and no more than 100.

Large Business of the YearThis award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce with 101 or more employees.

Community Servant of the YearThis award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce which are governmental or charitable agencies.

Sue Proost Person of the YearThe Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to a Chamber Member who has given back to the O’Fallon community and the Chamber of Commerce through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism.

everyone is welcome to submit a nomination by completing the form located at OFallonChamber.org/Awards by November 14, 2014. The award is open only to members of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, self-nomination is welcomed.

T


November 5, 2014OYP MixerLlywelyn’s Pub7434 village Center DrO’Fallon, MO 633685:30 - 7:30 PM

November 6, 2014New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 bryan valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 633663:30 - 5:00 PM

November 7, 2014Email Marketing Simple Strategies for Success SeminarO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 bryan valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 6336610:00 - 11:30 AM

November 10, 2014O’Fallon Elite Leads GroupWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology Dr, 300O’Fallon, MO 6336812:00 - 1:15 PM

November 11, 2014Business After HoursGreat Southern bank100 Christina Marie DrO’Fallon, MO 633684:30 - 7:00 PM

November 12, 2014Masters of BusinessWebster University WingHaven Campus2299 Technology Dr, 300O’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

November 13, 2014Ribbon CuttingMercy Kids Mid Rivers4525 Mid Rivers Mall DrCottleville, MO 633764:00 - 6:00 PM

November 14, 2014Leads 2 SuccessWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology Dr, 300O’Fallon, MO 6336812:00 - 1:30 PM

November 17, 2014Ribbon CuttingDynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Center9103 Phoenix village PkwyO’Fallon, MO 6336811:30 - 12:30 PM

ChamBer Calendar novemBer 2014

November 18, 2014O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors MeetingO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 bryan valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

November 20, 2014Tech/Comm MeetingSpencer Road Library427 Spencer RdSt. Peters, MO 6337612:00 - 1:00 PM

Morning SchmoozeUSA Mortgage & O’Fallon Family eyecare4142 Keaton Crossing blvd #103O’Fallon, MO 633687:30 - 9:00 AM

November 21, 2014Leads 2 SuccessWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology Dr, 300O’Fallon, MO 6336812:00 - 1:30 PM

November 24, 2014O’Fallon EliteWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology Dr, 300O’Fallon, MO 6336812:00 - 1:15 PM

November 25, 2014General Membership LuncheonDardenne Presbyterian Church7400 South Outer 364Dardenne Prairie, MO 6336811:30 AM - 1:00 PM

November 26, 2014Masters of BusinessWebster University WingHaven Campus2299 Technology DriveO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

December 4, 2014New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 bryan valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 633663:30 - 5:00 PM

December 5, 2014Social Media Marketing Made Simple SeminarO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 bryan valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 6336610:00 - 11:30 AM


364CoNTiNueD FroM Page 6

The new ramp from eastbound Route 94 to eastbound Route 364 will also open later this fall. Drivers can continue to use the detour up and over Mid Rivers Mall Drive to access eastbound Route 364.

The opening of Route 364/Page Phase 3 marks the completion of transportation vision 40-years in the making. It includes Route 364/Page Phase 1, which opened in 2003, and included construction of the veterans Memorial bridge over the Missouri River. Phase 2, from Jungs Station to Mid Rivers Mall Drive, was completed in 2012.

The stretch of road that opened today is the second half of the $118.2 million project, which was funded by MoDOT, St. Charles County and the local municipalities. The first half of Route 364/Page Phase 3, from Interstate 64 to Route K, opened earlier this month. The opening of the road means drivers can take Route 364 from I-270 at Page Avenue in St. Louis County to I-64 at Route N in St. Charles County.

For more information on the Route 364 Page extension project, visit www.modot.org/route364 .

siGn up for ChamBer’s Got talent in novemBer

re you the next O’Fallon Chamber’s Got Talent Star? Show us your stuff at the November 25th general membership meeting! Sing a jingle, perform a skit,

or leave us amazed with your other talents while promoting your business. Only 10 spots are available and each participant will receive up to 2 minutes to perform their “commercial”. Our special guest judges will score each participant and award the top 3 performances. Reserve your spot today- no auditions required! Call the Chamber Office at 636-240-1818 or email [email protected].

A

memBer eventsNovember 4, 2014College Financial Planning Seminaredward Jones8646 Mexico Road7:00 - 8:00 PM

November 5, 2014WingHaven Merchants Monthly MeetingMidwest bank Centre12:00 - 1:00 PM

November 8, 2014Fitness BootcampAnytime Fitness St.Peters9:00 - 10:00 AM

November 12, 2014Keep It Safe SeminarO’Fallon Family YMCA6:30 - 08:00 PM

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment SeminarDenny & Associates, Inc.7:00 - 8:00 PM

Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage DayHoly Cross Lutheran Church6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

November 15, 2014 Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment SeminarDenny & Associates, Inc.10:00 - 11:00 AM

Fitness BootcampAnytime Fitness St.Peters9:00 - 10:00 AM

November 17, 2014Networking @ The RailThe brass Rail4:30 - 6:30 PM

November 19, 2014 Tree Lighting Ceremony12:00 AM - 12:00 AMO’Fallon City Hall

November 20, 2014Substance Use in the WorkplaceCommunity Commons at Spencer Road Library9:00 - 11:00 AM

November 22, 2014Memories of ElvisO’Fallon elks Lodge6:30 - 10:30 PM

November 22, 2014Fitness BootcampAnytime Fitness St.Peters9:00 - 10:00 AM

November 26, 2014Progress 64 West Annual BanquetDoubletree by HiltonChesterfield, MO11:30 AM - 1:00 PM


Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of October 2014 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for...

1 Year• 104.5 FM KSLQ • Cooper Management Training & Consulting• Lawlor Chiropractic• Mid Rivers Newsmagazine• RE/MAX Platinum• Rock Ridge Media• TEK Consulting LLC• The Crossing

2 Years• Billionaire Thoughts• Dardenne Presbyterian Church• Jimmy John’s

3 Years• Discovery Dental Centers• Edward Jones - Bob Engert• SAK Construction• Tri-County Fence & Deck

4 Years• Ann Carden - Business Success Coach• Coldwell Banker Gundaker• Laser Lipo & Vein Center• T.C. Herring & Associates• Villa Theresa

5 Years• Favazza & Associates CPAs

6 Years• Assisted Living at the Meadowlands• Denny & Associates Inc• Morning Star Church• Westchester Village Apartments

7 Years• H & R Block

8 Years

memBer anniversariesThaNk you!

• BMO Harris Bank WingHaven• Marcos Productions

9 Years• Christy Banquet Center

10 Years• Hair Saloon For Men• Timber Creek Grill

11 Years• Lindell Bank• West Community Credit Union

12 Years• Gateway Creative

13 Years• Faith Chapel• Iverson-Tomasino-Goerss eyecare Associates• Sam’s Club• Sts. Joachim & Ann Care

Service

14 Years• American Eagle Credit Union• El Tio Pepe

16 Years• WalMart

17 Years• Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital• Culligan Water Conditioning Company

18 Years• Salvation Army

21 Years• Fort Zumwalt School District

24 Years• First State Bank

Brunswick Zone XL St. PetersEntertainment8070 veterans Memorial Pkwy St. Peters, MO 63376636-474-2695www.bowlbrunswick.com

doTERRA Essential OilsHealth & Wellness937-215-2202www.doterraeventsinstl.com

Holt Electrical SuppliesElectrical Supplies: Wholesale1718 West Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366636-321-2300www.holtelectricalsupplies.com

Little House Learning CenterChild Care & Preschools1031 bryan Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366636-978-2694www.littlehouselc.com

Miller’s Fine JewelryJewelry2510 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368636-272-4097www.millersfinejewelry.com

O’Fallon Early Childhood CenterChild Care & Preschools220 Sonderen O’Fallon, MO 63366636-272-0970www.ofallonearlychildhoodcenter.com

Shoeman Water ProjectsNon-Profit Organization1603 Manufacturers DrFenton, MO 63026314-583-0538www.shoemanwater.org

new memBersa very sPeCial WelCoMe!


Check out our members in action at this month’s O’Fallon Chamber events!

ChamBer snapshotCheese!

interested in advertising in theo’fallon Chamber of Commerce

Business ConneCtion?Call sara @ 636-240-1818or [email protected]

ST. CHARLES COUNTY: THRIVING ACROSS GENERATIONS

WednesdayNovember 19th7:30 - 9:30 AM

Old Hickory Golf Club1 Dye Club Drive in St. Peters

Breakfast will be served

Admission is Free.

RSVP is Required.edcregistrations.com/generationsor 636.441.6880

Demographic shifts continue to impact

Greater St. Charles County!

Generational Spectrum Speakers:

Greg PrestemonEDC Center of St. Charles County

Don KalicakMercy

Jennifer GeorgeSt. Charles County Government

John ClarkMasterclock

• Updates Since Last Year’s Kick-Off Event & Survey Results

• Learn About Initiatives Underway to Embrace the Change

• Look Ahead to New Efforts Planned for 2015

enewsletter nov2014

Documents