Download - eNewsletter dec2014

BusinessConneCtion

a publication ofthe O’FallonChamber of Commerce

deCemBer 2014

2014 in review for your ChamBer

t’s hard to believe that 2014 is coming to an end. I’m sure your office is the same, but here it feels like we just finished up our 2nd Annual Taste of Vegas. Time flies when you’re having

fun seems to be our motto at the O’Fallon Chamber. As we get ready to begin a new year, I’d like to share with you some of the accomplishments by your Chamber that you may or may not be aware.

Let’s go at this in the order of our mission statement. First, we network our members together- umm…ya, we got this. In 2014 our average attendance at general membership meetings reached 165, jumping 17% over last year. The same increase was true of our Morning Schmooze

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Continued on pg 6

o’fallon ChamBer honors outstanding Businesses and Business leaders

he O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2014 Annual Award winners in the categories of Small Business and Business of the Year,

Community Servant of the Year and Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year. Each year the Chamber solicits nominations among its members for businesses and people who have gone above and beyond to make O’Fallon a better place to do business.

Continued on pg 11

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2 | Business ConneCtion | dECEMbEr 2014

Sponsored by:

it has been another exciting and successful year for the o’fallon Chamber of Commerce. Join us at the annual holiday & awards luncheon to celebrate the successes of 2014 and look forward to the opportunities that 2015 will bring!

don’t forget to register by 12/12/14 for only $16!

awardsluncheon Tuesday, December 1611:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Trigg banqueT CenTer

To:

From:

Holiday Shoppers

City of O’ Fallon

When shopping this holiday season...

Keep it in the “O”

Find your shopping destination on the O’FallonBusiness Map at www.ofallon.mo.us/business-map

IT’S ALLIN THE

dECEMbEr 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

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2014 In Review ....................... cover & p 62014 Awards Winners ............. cover & p 9Chairman’s Letter .................................. p 4Cornucopia Food Drive ......................... p 4Policy Committee .................................. p 5Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 7Celebration of Lights ............................ p 8Calendar of Events ............................. p 10New Members ......................................p 11Member Events ....................................p 11Member Anniversaries ........................ p 12Electronic Recycling ........................... p 12Chamber Snapshot .............................. p 13

ChamBer Partners

LAWN LANDSCAPESOLUTIONS

& Shannon Norman Law


The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect on the year coming to a close and look forward to the New Year. I want to thank each

and every one of our members for making the O’Fallon Chamber what it is today. Year after year growth and having a reputation as a welcoming and giving group is something that we can all be proud of. Our organization is only as strong as its members and this year you proved just how strong we are. Not only did we grow in members, but all of our major fund raisers this year exceeded goal which is due to a fantastic staff, dedicated volunteers and the generosity of members who believe in what we are doing.

I hope you can join us at our December Annual Awards luncheon where we will honor this year’s awardees. Congratulations to Component Bar Products, KFAV, City of O’Fallon Economic Development, Barb Koch, and Holly Murray. These people exemplify what makes this city great and you’ll be able to learn more about their accomplishments at this month’s luncheon. It’s been an honor and pleasure to serve you as the Board Chairman this year and I look forward to handing the reigns over to Mike Favazza in 2015. Mike has shown his passion and dedication to our Chamber throughout many years of membership and I look forward to continuing to serve under his leadership.

Take time to enjoy time with family and friends this month. Visit the Celebration of Lights. Check out our local businesses to see what they have to offer those on your Christmas list.

I wish you all the best in the coming year and continued success in your business.

Jeff Arneson2014 Chairman of the Board

donate to loCal food Pantries through o’fallon’s CornuCoPia of Care food drive

You can help needy families and seniors by donating canned or boxed non-perishable food and personal care items to O’Fallon’s 14th Annual Cornucopia of Care Food Drive. The drive continues through Saturday, December

13. donations can be made during regular business hours at the following locations:

• Anytime Fitness 7517 Mexico Rd, St. Peters, 63376• Autotech Auto Center, 10 Elaine Drive, O’Fallon, 63366• Elm Dental Care 3820 Elm Street, St. Charles, 63301• Firestone Complete Auto Care 504 S. Main Street, O’Fallon 63366• Lindell Bank 4521 Highway K, O’Fallon 63368• O’Fallon Crossing Chiropractic 2690 Highway K, O’Fallon 63368• O’Fallon Municipal Centre 100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon 63366• Renaud Spirit Center 2650 Tri Sports Cr, O’Fallon 63368• Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar 217 S. Main Street; O’Fallon 63366• Thin and Healthy’s Total Solution 821 W. Terra Lane, O’Fallon 63366

Contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5417 or [email protected].

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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:

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].


ChamBer reviewConTinueD from Coverand Business After Hours networking events. Our Leads groups continue to grow with over 81 members between the three groups. The relationships being built by the O’Fallon Chamber is obvious in the number of member shout-outs that we have each month at our membership meetings. Let’s keep them coming!

The next action item in our mission statement is to provide educational opportunities. Check. Our educational programs have continued to strengthen this year. First our membership meeting speakers have given our members great take-aways on running their business better, whether it was on human resources, growing referrals or our amazing presentation on leadership from Dr. Benjamin Akande, we’ve all been able to learn from our speakers. The county-wide Tech/Comm committee hosted informative presentations each month for our members on new technology or ways to get more out of older software. Finally, a number of seminars were held at the Chamber from other members and companies on health care, taxes and social media.

The final item in our mission is to advocate on behalf of our members on public policy issues that affect their business. This area has taken big strides this year. Our Lunch ‘n’ Legislators committee continues to grow in attendance as we bring in lawmakers for updates and dialogue with our members on the issues that they are facing. The Chamber streamlined our support process late this year in forming the Public Policy committee which is charged with researching legislation that is important to our members and making recommendations to the board of directors for endorsement.

All of these wonderful accomplishments only happen with the support of our Ambassadors, committees and Board of Directors. This year the Ambassadors took a major step in their commitment to the Chamber by entering into a leadership program. This program creates even more engagement in our Ambassadors team so that they can better educate other members on the opportunities available to them. Our event committees have gone above and beyond this year to help fund the programs of the O’Fallon Chamber.

Each one of our event fundraisers came in with a net revenue over budgeted expectations (and may I add) with less staff time.

Early on in 2014, the O’Fallon Chamber decided to create a Young Professionals group, known as OYP. This group of dynamic professionals has grown from an idea to a membership of 42! This group hosts monthly meetings to discuss professional development, tours local businesses and government offices and has made a commitment to give back O’Fallon through service projects.

Of course our board of directors is in the background of it all, ensuring that we are fulfilling our mission in a way that is beyond expectations and searching for opportunities to continue to serve our membership.

All of this to say- whew- that went fast, and Thank You! Our members have created this amazing organization that we as a staff are honored to serve. Your enthusiasm for our community and for each other’s business is really something to be proud of.

Although this list of accomplishments is long we have even more planned for 2015 and will work to make your O’Fallon Chamber even more beneficial for you and your business.

Wishing you safe, happy and prosperous holidays,Erin, Sara & Nina


Little House Learning Center1031 Bryan Rd, O’Fallon, MO 63366

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:favazza & associates CPasdecember 5 @ 3:30 p.m.

uniques & antiques of o’fallondecember 11 @ 11:30 a.m.

Mercy Kids Mid Rivers Mall Drive Dardenne Dental Arts

Dynamic Chiropractic & Wellness Center9103 Phoenix Village Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63368


CeleBration of lightselebration of Lights is a holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations,

churches and businesses. Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 10,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals during the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll.

Drive-through, no reservations needed:• Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday (except Tuesday, December 9),6 – 9 p.m. • Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m.• Admission: $9 for cars; $15 for commercial vans and limousines; $1 per person on tour buses ($25 minimum)• Tuesday Night Special - $7 for all non-commercial vehicles• Wednesday – Sunday, bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per vehicle.

SEGWAY TOURSStarting at 5 p.m. each Monday evening, you’ll be able to see a magical mile of illuminated forest and holiday scenes in Fort Zumwalt Park “up close and personal” from 360 degrees on a Segway. No cars will be allowed in the park that night.

Suitable for ages 16 and up, small groups on holiday-decorated Segways will be led through the Celebration of Lights by Santa. One-on-one

training will be provided beforehand, and complimentary hot chocolate will be served after the tour. Photos will be taken of each team and emailed by request, free.

The cost for the special Celebration of Lights Segway Tour is $30 per person. reservations are required. For more information and to book your tour, please call Glide St. Louis Tours at 314-868-7386. Learn more at Glide St. Louis’ webpage.

CARRIAGE RIDESTuesday - Sunday, except December 9. rides must be reserved in advance. Contact the Carousel Farms and Carriage Company at [email protected] or 636-390-4403. Rides last approximately 30 minutes.

• Private carriages are $75 for 4–6 passengers.• Private wagons are $150 for up to 12 passengers.• Community wagons are $10 per passenger up to 12 passengers; passengers may be seated with other parties.Children age 4 and under ride free if seated on a paying adult’s lap.Call to ask about same-day community rides (subject to available space).

There are no carriage rides on Mondays or at the Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll on december 9.rides are approximately 30 minutes. riders are encouraged to bring blankets for extra warmth. Snacks and drinks are permitted

C on wagons, only.

A credit card is required to hold your reservation; however you may pay by cash, check or credit card. 12 hours cancellation notice is required. If you do not show for your reservation, your credit card will be charged. Prices do not include gratuity for your driver.

OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY STROLLWalk-through night at Celebration of Lights• Tuesday, December 9, 6 - 9 p.m.• Admission: $2 per person; Ages 2 and under are free• Parking with free shuttle service to the Holiday Stroll: First baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway; O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway.Sorry, no pets allowed at this event.Carriage rides will not be available this night. • The event is held rain or shine!

Visitors may walk along the illuminated route and enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa, fireworks and booths filled with holiday crafts, gifts and festival food. Fireworks at 7:25 p.m.


awardsConTinueD from Cover“Our awards program recognizes those organizations that really fulfill our vision of being a catalyst for the prosperity of our community,” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.

KFAV, a Kaspar Broadcasting station, will be recognized for Small Business of the Year. KFAV was nominated for their commitment to the O’Fallon community and dedication to small businesses. KFAV is a friend to the non-profit community as well; offering public service announcements at no charge and significantly reduced advertising prices for area non-profit agencies.

Component bar Products will be honored as the business of the Year. Earlier this year the company it upon themselves to build and operate the Midwest Machine Tool Training Center in order to offer a solution to the workforce development issue in manufacturing. The new 30,000 square foot building opened in March of 2014 and will offer those 18-28 who have high school diplomas or GEds the basic training needed to start in an industrial job. MMTTC offers hands-on, project-based learning that includes robotics, metallurgy, quality control, team work and soft skills. More than 30 businesses have agreed to partner with MMTTC for internships, job placement and continuing education.

The O’Fallon Chamber will honor the City of O’Fallon’s department of Economic development as their 2014 Community Servant of the Year. In 2014 the department of Economic development has gone above and beyond to strengthen its assistance to O’Fallon businesses including the Open in the O program, which pro-actively assists as businesses relocate and consistently meets its aggressive retention goal of meeting with no less than 30 O’Fallon businesses each month. The Department, which created a strategic plan in 2013, has taken many steps laid out by the plan to make doing businesses in O’Fallon as easy as possible, including the hiring of an Economic development Coordinator.

This year’s Ambassador of the Year is Holly Murray of Metro West Accounting & Associates. Murray has been an active Ambassador for the O’Fallon Chamber since 2012 and works with the group to promote the O’Fallon

Chamber and create an atmosphere of welcoming and openness to allow businesses to build relationships with each other. Murray was selected by her peer Ambassadors for the award for her dedication to the role and to the O’Fallon Chamber.

The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to an O’Fallon Chamber member who has given back to the O’Fallon Community and the Chamber of Commerce through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism. Barb Koch fits that description perfectly. Since joining the O’Fallon Chamber in 2011 with her business, The Bag Ladies, she has served as not only an Ambassador, Chair of the Taste of Vegas committee and on the nominating committee, but she has served as a resource for many other Chamber members. Koch is a great connector of businesses and a constant volunteer, including her tireless work for the 2014 Walk for Alzheimer’s.

“Our organization, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, is only as great as its members. You can see from this year’s award winners why we grow year after year in membership and enthusiasm. It is my pleasure to be able to serve a membership made up of people and businesses like these,” said Williams of the awardees.

The O’Fallon Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Trigg Banquet Center from 11:30-1:00 p.m.


December 4, 2014New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber2145 bryan Valley Commercial dr3:30 - 5:00 PM

December 5, 2014Social Media Marketing Made Simple SeminarO’Fallon Chamber2145 bryan Valley Commercial dr10:00 - 11:30 AM

December 5, 2014Ribbon CuttingFavazza & Associates CPAs1395 Jungerman, Ste C3:30 - 8:00 PM

December 8, 2014O’Fallon Elite Leads GroupWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology dr12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

December 8, 2014Casino Night Committee MeetingO’Fallon Chamber2145 bryan Valley Commercial dr9:00 - 10:00 AM

ChamBer Calendar deCemBer 2014

December 9, 2014Ambassador Holiday PartyO’Fallon Chamber2145 bryan Valley Commercial drO’Fallon, MO 633664:30 - 6:30 PM

December 10, 2014Masters of Business Leads GroupWebster University WingHaven Campus2299 Technology dr12:00 - 1:00 PM

December 11, 2014Ribbon CuttingUniques & Antiques of O’Fallon108 E Elm St11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

December 12, 2014Leads 2 Success Leads GroupWebster University in Winghaven2299 Technology dr12:00 - 1:30 PM

December 16, 2014Awards LuncheonTrigg banquet Center300 O’Fallon Plaza11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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


memBer eventsDecember 3, 2014WingHaven Merchants Monthly MeetingMidwest bank Centre12:00 - 1:00 PM

EDC & PfP Holiday Networking CelebrationOld Hickory Golf Club4:00 - 7:00 PM

December 6, 2014Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling Event

December 6, 2014Santa at the ReStoreHabitat St. Charles reStore12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

December 10, 2014Financial Fitness SeminarO’Fallon Family YMCA6:30 - 8:00 PM

Marketing Success 2015 Seminar/BootcampO’Fallon Chamber12:00 - 1:30 PM

Holiday Boutique Garden Villas of O’Fallon2:00 - 4:00 PM

December 12, 2014Sinatra Singer Mark Richmanrizzo’s7:00 - 10:00 PM

December 13, 2014Bulk Waste drop-off

December 13, 2014Holiday Open HouseAlliance Credit Union9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

December 15, 2014Networking @ The RailThe brass rail4:30 - 6:30 PM

Classic Sign Services Sign Manufacturer 817 S. Woodlawn O’Fallon, MO 63366636-978-4664 www.classicsignsmo.com

HandyVets Construction, Repair and Home Improvement 314-853-6869 www.HandyVetsSTL.com

Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Motels 1175 Technology dr O’Fallon, MO 63368636-300-4844 www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/ofallon/ofltd/hoteldetail

Liberty Mutual Insurance Insurance Services 5650 Mexico Rd, Ste 11 St. Peters, MO 63376636-300-9364 www.libertymutual.com

M&M Commercial Cleaning Cleaning Services: Commercial 107 Triad Center West O’Fallon, MO 63366636-240-5845 www.mmcleaning.com

Marvelous Maids Cleaning Services: Residential 107 Triad Center West O’Fallon, MO 63366636-240-5845 www.marvelousmaids.com

Money in Media Marketing & Sales Promotions 636-443-3123 www.moneyinmedia.com

MoralStone Drug Screening Employment Agency/Service 2977 Hwy K, Suite 211 O’Fallon, MO 63368314-583-1077 www.moralstonedrugscreening.com

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Business Services 7733 Forsyth Blvd, Ste 2300 St. Louis, MO 63105314-615-8146 www.stlpartnership.com

The Karlen Group Web Site Design 1137 North Main St, Ste 6 O’Fallon, MO 63366636-614-3115 www.karlengroup.com

The RackHouse West Winery Winery 5065 N Hwy N Cottleville, MO 63304314-605-2147 www.rackhouse.westwinery.com

Usborne Books & More By Jacalyn Riegel Retail Shopping 636-448-5450 riegelbooks.com

new memBersa very sPeCial WelCome!


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

1 Year• Comprehensive Pain Specialists• Nigel’s Flooring• Rizzo’s Pasta• Savannah Ridge Apartments• The Egg & I

2 Years• Donley Building Services• The Holt Team - Keller Williams realty West• UMB Bank - Monticello• UMB Bank - WingHaven

3 Years• C.J. Schlosser & Company• Tri-County Agency

4 Years• Garden Villas of O’Fallon• Street Scape Magazine

5 Years• LifeWorks Business Center at WingHaven• Socket Telecom

6 Years• Claria Clean• Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel and Cruise

memBer anniversariesThank you!

7 Years• Instant Imprints• PNC Bank• Rendezvous Cafe & Wine bar• State Farm Insurance - Sandy Kessler• SunRise United Methodist Church

8 Years• JLJ Technology• Preserve at Research Park

9 Years• BMO Harris Bank - Hwy K & Laura Hill

10 Years• Ryder Vehicle Sales

11 Years• Providence Bank

14 Years• Gary Elmestad & Associates• Schaefer Autobody Centers• Susie G’s Specialty Cakes

get rid of your old aPPlianCes, eleCtroniCs at sunday’s “free eleCtroniCs and aPPlianCe reCyCling event”

ith the holidays coming up, make room for new appliances and electronics by dropping off unwanted items at the Free Electronics and Appliance Recycling

Event on Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. The drop-off will be held in the west parking lot (off Tom Ginnever Ave.) at T.R. Hughes Ballpark. The event is open to everyone.

bring just about anything with an electric cord or that uses batteries, such as household appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, microwaves and kitchen appliances, computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, hard drives, scanners, DVDs, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, answering machines, radios, stereos, speakers, VCRs and televisions (limit one CRT/tube-style per car or $15 for each additional), power tools, automotive batteries, and lawn and

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garden equipment (yard equipment must have gas and oil removed).

Do NOT bring: smoke detectors, glass lamps, light bulbs, VHS tapes or alkaline batteries. For more information call 636-272-0477 or email [email protected]


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]