| September 2009 Newsletter |
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Greetings!
Come join us in Downtown Blue Springs for Fall Fun Festival! This is the 40th anniversary of the festival. The festival is sponsored by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce and is the largest non-dues fundraiser for the Chamber. |
40th Annual Fall Fun Festival
is planned for
September 18,19 and 20th in
Downtown Blue Springs.
This year Dock Dogs is an exciting new event at the festival. Dock Dogs is diving dogs of all breeds and sizes. It is the fastest growing sport in America. Dock Dogs will be held on Friday from noon-4pm, Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am- 2pm. It will be located on 8th and Main Street at the Festival.
The Main Stage has been moved to the
Beer Garden and there will be an added Community Stage for dance troops and karate groups. On Sunday, the Beer Garden will be turned into the Christian Rock Arena from11am - 5 pm.
To volunteer for the Festival any time throughout the weekend, please contact Rachel Hummel, Meyers Complete, at
To volunteer for the Parade, Saturday morning contact Scott Fullerton, Fullerton & Co., at scott@fullertoncpa.com
There are still great opportunities for sponsorships and booth space available.
Call Reta at the Chamber for more information at 816-229-8558.
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Blue Springs Chamber Retreat
The annual retreat for the Chamber has been set for Friday October 23rd and 1/2 day Saturday October 24th. The event will be held in Blue Springs and will serve to establish priorities for the Chamber for fiscal year 2010 and beyond. More details about the upcoming retreat will be available soon. |
Board Of Directors Activity
The Board of Directors of the Chamber is comprised of 19 members representing a variety of businesses and community organizations in our community. This group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Chamber office and reviews and directs the activities of the Chamber. Members of the Board are elected for three year terms by the membership. Each year, four new candidates are selected.
At the August meeting of the Board of Directors:
- A financial report including a year-to-date budget was reviewed and approved.
- A decision was made to replace a furnace and air conditioning unit in the middle section of the building that had stopped working.
- The retention rate for the Chamber was reviewed and discussed.
- Updates were provided about existing programs of the Chamber including the Buy Blue Springs Task Force and the recent Lunch & Learn and LinkedIn 101 seminar.
- The Chair-Elect discussed the upcoming retreat for the fall of this year.
- Four candidates for new Board positions starting in January 2010 were presented to the Board. Per the bylaws of the Chamber, new Board members will be presented to the membership for election at the September 24th luncheon.
- The upcoming Fall Fun Festival was reviewed. Board members were asked for help with the festival.
Your Board is working for you to fulfill the mission of the Chamber. The mission of the Chamber is to promote, develop and facilitate a strong economic environment in which the business community can grow and proposer.
Feel free to contact Board members with concerns. A complete list can be obtained on the website at www.bluespringschamber.com. One is also available in the 2009 Membership Directory and New Resident Guide or by calling the Chamber office at 229-8558. |
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Calendar of Upcoming Chamber Events...
We ask that you register for all events you plan to attend so that we can have agendas/food for everyone.
September 1, 3:00 pm, Business Support, Chamber Office
September 4th, 8:00 am - Executive Committee, Chamber Office
September 7th, Chamber Office Closed for Labor Day
September 9th, 8:00 am - Connectors Meeting, Chamber Office
September 10th, 11:30 am - Board Meeting, Chamber Office
September 10th, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Leadership Alumni Reception, Chamber Office
September 11th, Noon - Final Fall Fest Meeting, Chamber Office
September 18, 19 and 20th - Fall Fun Festival in Downtown Blue Springs
September 18th, Happy Hour at the Fest, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. No Cover charge and $1.00 off drinks. Open to Chamber members only.
September 23rd, Leadership Class 2009/2010 First Session on Team Building, more information to follow
September 24th, 11:30 am - Membership Luncheon
Speaker:A representative from the Kansas City Chiefs Sponsor: Fullerton & Company LLC CPA's
Adams Pointe Conference Center
1400 NE Coronado Dr, Blue Springs, Mo 64014
11:30 AM Networking begins
11:45 AM Buffet opens
12:00 PM Program Starts
Cost $18.00
RSVP by September 21st
September 24th, 5:00 pm - Business Card Exchange, Deck the Walls and Happy Hour, 19301 E 40 Hwy, Ste A, Independence, MO 64055
September 29, 4:00 pm - 6:00pm,Challenges in the US & Global Economy, Metropolitan Community College, Blue River Campus Public Safety Building, 20301 E 78 Highway, Independence, MO 64057
September 30, 8:30 am - Buy Blue Springs Task Force, Chamber Office
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Challenges in the US and Global E conomy
Tuesday September 29th
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Metropolitan Community College, Blue River Campus
Public Safety Building
20301 E 78 Highway
Independence, MO 64057
Join the Blue Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, the Lee's Summit Chamber and Economic Development Council, the Independence Chamber, and the Council for Economic Development for a presentation by Kansas City Federal Reserve President Tom Hoenig as he talks about the current and future challenges our economic system faces.
Mr. Hoenig will speak about: 
. Deficit spending and inflation
. Economic Update
. Status of the US banking system
Mr. Hoenig will have time for questions and answers.
The cost for this event is $10.00 per person in advance or $15.00 at the door.
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Happy Hour and the Mavericks work together!
Congratulations to Carolyn Marsh and Happy Hour for being the official Tailgate Sponsor for the Missouri Mavericks.
Blue Springs and David Cook - a great Combo!
The City of Blue Springs has been named one of three "Savvy" award winners for its production of the 2008 American Idol Homecoming Celebration for David Cook by 3CMA (the City-County Communications and Marketing Association).
Dynamic Connections Chapter of ABWA - September 10th, 5:30 pm, Bass Pro Shop, 40 Hwy, Independence. Speaker : Kathleen Randall, Friction, Fuel, Fire: Igniting the Flame of Leadership
Christian Brothers Automotive Offers Hardship Stimulus Service
On September 12th from 8:00 am -1:00 pm Christian Brothers Automotive(19600 E 40 Highway) will offer a free oil change and carwash for anyone on unemployment and any single parent struggling to make ends meet. For an appointment call 816-795-6811. Hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments will be served from 10:00 am -1:00 pm.
Blue Springs Assembly on September 12th is presenting Dr. Cal LeMon speaking about "Strategic Thinking Skills for a Chaotic Future". This will be a three hour session begining at 9:00 am. Dr LeMon is considered one of the top ten speakers in America by the Society of Human Resources Management. The charge for Chamber Members is $39.00. A Continental Breakfast is included.
Office Depot will feature Tony Stewart's Nascar on October 1st at the location at 450 NW 7 Hwy from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Utilize Social Media Marketing for your business with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and more. It's easy and effective!
Trace Marketing is offering a class thru Community Ed beginning September 30th Click here to learn more and sign up |
Advertising Sponsorship Space is Now Available for the Chamber's New Website 
Available advertising sponsorship opportunities are:
Complete Website Sponsor - Only 4 spots left available
The Complete Website Sponsor package includes:
- Prestigious banner visibility available to only a select few businesses
- The opportunity to be seen by consumers who use the Chamber's website
- Choice of several high-visibility pages, including the Local Weather, Hot Deals, Job Listings OR Contact Us page
- Google Optimization - packaged with 100 other powerful search engines, this Internet tool is designed to better promote your online listing.
- An upgrade to an Enhanced Business Listing (see details below)
$300 per quarter or $1000 per year
Business Category Leader Sponsor - one available spot per category
The Business Category Leader Sponsorship package includes:
- The opportunity to be the first choice in your target market with an exclusive banner ad displayed in your business category
- A rotating banner on the Quick-link sub-category page, plus
- Your listing will be upgraded to an Enhanced Business Listing (see details below)
$179 per year
Enhanced Business Listing - several spots available
The Enhanced Business Listing sponsorship package includes:
- Your business name will be displayed above any non-enhanced members in the search results
- 1500 enhanced character description
- 200 character descriptions will be added to your search results page under your name & address
- Map link (Google, Map Quest or upload your own PDF map)
- Photos (up to 8)
- Logo
- Bullet point listing (up to 5)
- Additional Key Words search terms
- Additional Website Link - This will also appear on the search results page above your phone number (this is in addition to the website link displayed on your chamber web page)
- Search Results Listing Logo -This logo is placed next to your name on the search results page.
$99 per year
Hurry! Spaces are limited and categories will likely sell out.
Call now, at 229-8558 and ask for Lara to reserve your space. |
| Monthly Chamber Membership Luncheon
Thursday, September 24th
Sponsor: Fullerton & Company, LLC CPA's
Speaker: Gary Spani, a previous linebacker ('78-88) for the Kansas City Chiefs
11:30 Networking
11:45 Buffet Opens
12:00 Program Starts
Cost: $18.00
RSVP by September 21st to the Chamber at 229-8558 or
Payment may be made prior to the luncheon, online or at the door. Cash, check or credit card are accepted. |
Lunch & Learn Series 
October 6th, 11:30 a.m., Community America Credit Union Board Room
Topic: PR for Pennies--Money-Saving Tips for Promoting Your Organization
Speaker: Janeen Aggen, Public Relations/Media Liaison of the Independence Missouri Tourism Department
Learn about some creative ways to increase exposure for your small business, non-profit, or church group and how to cast story ideas as news that will generate free coverage. You'll also discover how to write a simple news release, and where, how, and with whom to share it in order to maximize your chances of getting it into print.
Cost: $10 - Box Lunch Included
Click here to register for the October Lunch & Learn
December 1st, 11:30 a.m., St. Mary's Medical Center Education Room
Topic: "Hey You! Lighten Up! Laughter Is the Best Medicine"
Speaker: Judy Rix, Director of Keystone Speakers Bureau in Kansas City
Learn techniques for incorporating a humor perspective into everything you do, how to laugh at yourself and life's tough situations, and how it affects your physical and mental health. Cost: $10 - Box Lunch Included
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TGIF - The Government In Focus 
The Chamber is starting a new breakfast series called TGIF - The Government In Focus. The kickoff event was held on August 28th. Congressman Sam Graves spoke to members about The State of Congress.
Future TGIF events will be held one Friday morning per month. They will be at 7:30 a.m., at the Adams Pointe Conference Center. The cost to attend is $15.
The next session will be on October 2nd. The topic will be "The State of Education", presented by Dr. Bill Cowling. Attend to hear updates and construction progress about the exciting bond projects approved by voters in the Spring of this year.
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Leadership Blue Springs Class Set to Start on September 23rd
The following class has been selected to participate in the 2009/2010 Leadership Blue Springs program.
Cheyanne Reed - Adams Dairy Bank
Suzanne Dell-St Clair - St Mary's Medical Center
Tim Stephenson - Community America Credit Union
Ton Alderman - R- IV School District
Charles Weber - R-IV School District
Anna Cole - Student BSHS
Amanda Meyers - Student BSSHS
Sheryl Morgan - City of Blue Springs
Dan Hood - City of Blue Springs
Lori Turner - City of Blue Springs
Karen Findora - City of Blue Springs
Steve Decker - City of Blue Springs - Police Department
Mark Briscoe - CJCFPD
Greg Lehenbauer - Haldex
Lara Vermillion - Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce
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| 2009 Newsletter Feature Sponsor |
2009 Platinum Level
Sponsors
2009 Gold Level Sponsors
2009 Bronze Level
Sponsors
2009 Newsletter Sponsors
The Village Gardens |
Renewals
Homebuilders Assoc. of Greater KC
Community America Credit Union
RED
Development
MVP Awards
Jackson Hewitt Tax
Pro Computer Solutions
Dell's Honda
State Farm Insurance - Chad Smith
Blue Springs Rotary
Ox Construction, LLC
The Examiner
Lotawanna Spirits
Blue Springs Historical Society
Comfort Suites Independence
@ Work Personnel
Brookwood Village Homeowners Association
IBS Industries
We know you have a choice whether or not to renew your membership. We thank you for your continued support. |
August 4, 2009
Bott Insurance Agency & SCC Mortgage
1500 NW Mock Ave
Blue Springs, MO 64015
August 6, 2009
Farmers Insurance - District Office
4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Ste 590
Independence, MO 64057
August 27, 2009
Stand Up Blue Springs
700 NW RD Mize Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64014 |
New Members
Moorecells
Randy Walters
1406 SW 40 Hwy
Blue Springs, MO 64015
Blue Dragon Consulting, LLC
Thomas West
1107 SE Willow Pl
Blue Springs, MO 64014
Chapel Ridge Apts
Jeremy Van Winkle
414 SW Moreland School
Blue Springs, MO 64014
Maurices, Inc
Christa Edwards
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Blue Springs Car Cruise Nights
5:00 pm to Dark
Downtown Blue Springs
West Main St between 10th and 12th Streets
September 11th and 12th, -
Barbeque Blaze Off, Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex, 6500 NW Valley View Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014
September 18,19 & 20th
Fall Fun Fest Downtown Blue Springs
Friday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Parade starts at 10:00 am
Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
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The Fall Fun Fest parade is scheduled for September 19th. The theme this year is From the Moon to Main Street. Applications are available online or in the Chamber office. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
The Parade starts on 15th St and Vesper, turns down Main St, turns North on 10th and finishes on RD Mize Rd. For more information call the Chamber office at 229-8558.
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| Business People Needed to Speak to Students
The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce is working with Valley View High School to provide business speakers for students. Speakers are needed to discuss entry level positions within their company. The goal of the program is to provide students experience and background information about Blue Springs and surrounding
area businesses so the students can learn about future viable business options.
Business persons are needed on September 29th and October 13th from 11:30 a.m. - noon. Businesses are asked to speak for 10-15 minutes and then answer questions for the remainder of the session.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call the Chamber office at 229-8558. |
August 28, 2009
Congressman Sam Graves spoke to Blue Springs Chamber members about the State of Congress at the first TGIF - The Government In Focus. The next TGIF is scheduled for October 2nd.
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| Are You Ready for the 2010 Census? Your Help is Needed
The City of Blue Springs is in the process of establishing a 2010 Complete Count Census Committee. This committee is Chaired by Merideth Parrish, City of Blue Springs and is seeking volunteers. Participation is minimal, with a committee meeting once a month to discuss promotional opportunities for the 2010 Census.
The first meeting date is Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 pm, at City Hall in the East Conference Room. During the meeting volunteers will get a quick overview of what the Complete Count Committee is and what level of involvement is being requested. Please call 655-0497 if you are planning to attend or need additional information. |
Calling All Leadership Blue Springs Alumni
Plan to attend a reception to meet the 2009/2010 Class on Thursday, September 10th, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Light appetizers will be served. Attend to catch up with classmates.
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Help Kick Off Toys For Tots
Show Your Jaguar Community Pride
Senior Night Football Game - Sept 4th @7PM
Jag Football has teamed up with the USMC to make a difference this Holiday Season. Bring an unwrapped toy to the gate on Senior Night and help make a local child's holiday season bright. | |
