newsletter may2014

BusinessConneCtion

a publication ofthe O’FallonChamber of Commerce

may 2014

30th annual FireCraCker run

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

V

Continued on pg 6

ameren Breaks ground at o’Fallon solar energy FaCility

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

the event.

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

AContinued on pg 11

2 | Business ConneCtion | MAy 2014

Sponsored by:

Join us for this networking luncheon. Bring lots of business cards and your 1 minute informercial.don’t forget to register for only $16!

general membership meeting Tuesday, May 2711:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Christy Banquet Center9000 Veterans memorial Pkwy, o’Fallon, mo 63366

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 157:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Painting with a Twist3004 Winghaven Blvd, o’Fallon, mo 63366

Tuesday, May 134:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WingaTe By WyndhaM32 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!

O’Fallon Chamberof Commerce O’Fallon Chamber

of Commerce

MAy 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 CateringRon Epps, Citizens National BankKim Jimenez, Elm Dental CareDan 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

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eFirecracker Run ....................... cover & p 6Ameren Solar Center ..............cover & p 11Chairman’s Letter .................................. p 4Citizens First Mobile App ..................... p 5Business License Renewal .................... p 5Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 7Member Spotlight ................................. p 8New Members ....................................... p 9Calendar of Events ............................. p 10Member Mentions ............................... p 12Member Anniversaries ........................ p 12Chamber Snapshot .............................. p 13

ChamBer Partners

LAWN LANDSCAPESOLUTIONS

& Shannon Norman Law


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

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!

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


’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

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.

keeP in touCh With o’Fallon City hall With the Free “Citizens First moBile aPP

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 [email protected].

• 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.

Business liCense reneWal – due By June 30th

O


FireCraCker runConTinued 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 [email protected].

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.


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:Peoples Savings Bankmay 8 @ 4:00 p.m.alliance Credit unionmay 15 @ 11:30 a.m.Kiddie academymay 16 @ 3:30 p.m.The Sparrow’s nest Maternity homemay 19 @ 11:30 a.m.Bakery Casemay 20 @ 2:30 p.m.

Beltone Hearing Aid Centers2969 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368

Complete Auto Repair & tire Pros 1400 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Bryan Road Animal Hospital1161 Bryan Rd, O’Fallon, MO 63366

McBride & son Homes - Weatherby Landing104 Weatherby Landing Dr, o’Fallon, Mo 63366

Radical Resale2110 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr, O’Fallon, MO


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!!!

memBer sPotlightJaCKie Binz

H 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!

stL Virtual Assistant, LLCwww.yourstlva.com

636-358-2290


ALLSTATE - Marroquin Insurance GroupInsurance Services181 Civic Center Dr Lake St. Louis, MO 63367636-625-3039 agents.allstate.com/oscar-marroquin-lake-saint-louis-mo.html

Bryan Road Animal HospitalVeterinarian 1161 Bryan Rd O’Fallon, MO 63366636-272-3900www.bryanroadvets.com

Clarus CommunicationsTelecommunications Services5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Ste 118 St. Charles, MO 63304314-513-1702www.clarusco.com

Copying ConceptsDocument Management6691 Manchester Ave St. Louis, MO 63139314-633-2000 x2054www.copycon.com

Douglas RestorationRestoration: Fire & Flood2 Point Oak Ct Lake St. Louis, MO 63367636-265-3030www.douglasrestoration.com

G/O Digital Marketing - A Gannett CompanyAdvertising1000 Market St St. Louis, MO 63101636-248-2713godigitalmarketing.com

NASH Home Sales GROUPRealtors: Residential5377 Hwy N St Charles, MO 63304314-614-1426www.keithnash.com

Omni Cable CorpElectrical Supplies: Wholesale1463 Hoff Industrial Dr O’Fallon, MO 63366636-272-6664www.omnicable.com

PaycorPayroll Services425 South Woods Mill Rd, Ste 225Town & Country, MO 63017618-420-4181www.paycor.com/st-louis

Perfectly Organized STL, LLCProfessional Organizer2181 Spring Wagon Ln O’Fallon, MO 63368636-485-3964www.perfectlyorganizedstl.com

Poage ChevroletAutomobile: Sales851 West Pearce Blvd Wentzville, MO 63385636-327-6268www.poagechevrolet.com

Storage Masters - O’FallonSelf Storage2601 E Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366636-219-7226www.storagemaster.net

Two Blind GuysWindow Treatments17718 Chesterfield Airport RdChesterfield, Mo 63005636-537-8008www.twoblindguys.com

Upward Bound OutreachNon-Profit Organization127 Megan DrO’Fallon , MO 63366314-440-7789www.upwardboundoutreach.org

Vantiv Payment Processing SolutionsMerchant Services2 Raven’s Pointe Lake St. Louis, MO 63367314-740-0030

Westford Communications IncTelecommunications Services101 W Pitman St O’Fallon, MO 63366636-978-7201www.westfordtel.com

Wish Upon a Star with KimTravel ServicesPO Box 34 Cottleville, MO 63338636-336-6769www.wishuponastarwithkim.com

XteriorPROHome Improvement1243 Tom Ginnever Ave. O’Fallon, MO 63366636-939-4800www.XteriorPRO.com

neW memBersa very SPeCial WelCoMe!


May 12, 2014O’Fallon Elite Leads GroupIQ Fast Print18 North Central DrO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:15 PM

May 13, 2014Business After HoursWingate by Wyndham32 Research Park CirWeldon Spring, MO 633044:30 - 6:30 PM

May 14, 2014Masters of Business Leads GroupWebster University WingHaven Campus2299 Technology DriveO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 PM - 1:00 PM

May 15, 2014Morning SchmoozePainting with a Twist3004 Winghaven BlvdO’Fallon, MO 633667:30 - 9:00 AM

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

Ribbon CuttingAlliance Credit Union1167 Bryan RdO’Fallon, MO 6336611:30 AM - 12:30 PM

May 16, 2014Ribbon CuttingKiddie Academy of O’Fallon4088 Winghaven BlvdO’Fallon, MO 633683:30 - 4:30 PM

May 16, 2014Lunch & LegislatorsRendezvous Cafe217 South Main StO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

May 19, 2014Ribbon CuttingThe Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home6730 Hickory Tree LnO’Fallon, MO 6336611:30 AM - 12:30 PM

ChamBer Calendar may 2014

May 20, 2014O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors MeetingO’Fallon Chamber of Commerce2145 Bryan Valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

May 20, 2014Ribbon CuttingBakery Case2956 Hwy KO’Fallon, MO 633662:30 - 3:30 PM

May 22, 2014O’Fallon Young Professionals12:00 - 1:00 PM

May 23, 2014Leads 2 Success Leads GroupWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology Dr, Ste 300O’Fallon, MO 6336812:00 - 1:30 PM

May 27, 2014General Membership LuncheonChristy Banquet Center9000 Veterans Memorial PkwyO’Fallon, MO 6336611:30 AM - 1:00 PM

May 28, 2014Masters of Business Leads GroupWebster University WingHaven Campus2299 Technology DriveO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

June 4, 2014Firecracker Committee MeetingO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 Bryan Valley Commercial DriveO’Fallon, MO 6336612:00 - 1:00 PM

June 5, 2014New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber Office2145 Bryan Valley Commercial DrO’Fallon, MO 633663:30 - 5:00 PM


19Would 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 aPril by the members our leads groups!

solar energy ConTinued froM Coverfacility can provide.

“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.

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 ever-changing 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 [email protected].


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

memBer anniVersariesThanK you!

11 Years• Pulaski Bank• St. Lukes Hospital

12 Years• Dennis Schulze DDS, PC• Schneider Construction Services

14 Years• Schaefer Autobody Centers

15 Years• River City Rascals Baseball

17 Years• Culligan Water Conditioning Company

18 Years• Emerald View Turf Farm• SunEdison Inc.

19 Years• Kohrs Truck & Auto Repair, Inc.

24 Years• Michael K Brown, DDS

26 Years• Meier & Dougherty, LLC

Keep up to date with events from your fellow members. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events.

memBer eVentsneWS froM our MeMBerS

May 9, 2014Billionaire Thoughts Speaker SeriesSt. Charles Family Arena9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

May 10, 2014Baby-Kid ExpoSt. Charles Convention Center9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Open HouseXteriorPRO10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

May 11, 2014“Run Like a Mother” 5K & 1 Mile Fun RunAnytime Fitness St.Peters8:00 - 10:00 AM

May 12, 2014Blood DriveSunRise United Methodist Church3:30 - 7:30 PM

May 13, 2014Small Biz Breakfast SeriesSpencer Road Library Branch7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

May 14, 2014Borrowing Basics SeminarO’Fallon Family yMCA6:30 - 8:00 PM

Spring Fling Health FairVilla Theresa8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

May 15, 2014O’Fallon Rotary Club Breakfast7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

May 17, 2014Cruisin’ 4 CriderCrider Health Center9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Open HouseBryan Road Animal Hospital10:00 - 3:00 PM

Grand OpeningKiddie Academy of O’Fallon10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Grand Re-OpeningAlliance Credit Union9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

May 21, 2014Small Biz Breakfast Series: Staying Motivated Running a Small BusinessSpencer Road Library Branch7:30 - 09:00 AM

May 22, 2014O’Fallon Rotary Club BreakfastHoly Cross Lutheran Church7:30 - 9:00 AM

May 29, 2014Blood DriveCaregivers Inn3:00 - 07:00 PM


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]

eCertifyelectronic Certificates of Origin

Companies searching for savings and efficiency gains use eCertify, the user-friendly online solution that transforms the costly, time-consuming paper-based process for stamping and signing of Certificates of Origin into a streamlined electronic system.

Exporters and freight forwarders save time and money using eCertify

Benefits include:» Saves money – cut courier costs» Save time – eliminate paper-based processes» Fast turnaround times » Increased compliance and record keeping

The process is easy… register online using your chamber’s website and start saving time and money today!

www.OFallonChamber.org/eCertify

2145 Bryan Valley Commerical DrO’Fallon, MO 63366

[email protected]

Stamped.Signed.Certifi ed.Returned.Fast!

newsletter may2014

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