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Chair Chat - December

Ho! Ho! Ho!

By David Collin, Busy Bees Embroidery    

 

You know, it's times like these that I wish I could rhyme

Especially in December, 'cause you know it's the time.

Time has passed for the Thanksgiving feast,

And now we're facing the holiday shopping beast.

 

Soon we'll be facing the beauty of winter's white;

Shoveling snow and fighting frostbite.

But we'll be warmed by the closeness of those we know;

Friends, family, some who help our businesses grow.

 

We've met lots of new people at networking events.

Networking-now that's something that makes business "cents."

Many Chamber events have come and gone;

Here's hoping new relationships we've made last on and on.

 

We hope you set out some cookies for the Jolly Old Elf,

And any bad moments this year are put up on a shelf.

Not all, of course, because we've lost some members dear,

Let's think about their smiles if they could only be here.

 

They would help us decorate and they'd pass out the hugs,

And maybe join us in a toast as we raise holiday mugs.

I know how they felt about Chamber Staff and Jim Wright,

Why, they'd be at the luncheon and beam with delight.

 

Our Chamber is special; just look what they do;

Biz to consumer or biz to biz, they want to help you.

Jim and staff bust their tails, but you all make it work,

So let's see new commitment as the New Year lurks.

 

Here's hoping the economy joins in the fun,

And we'll see lots of black inks as the profits are spun.

May your blessings for the New Year really burst,

And you'll renew you commitment to "Shop Chamber, First!"

December Member of the Month

H&R Block

Your One-Stop-Spot For Tax Services And Business Needs  

 

It's no wonder District Manager Arnita Jones and Kirkwood Premium & District Office Manager Kevin Murphy are proud to be part of the H&R Block team. The firm has grown since its 1955 founding to become one of the world's largest tax services providers, including tax audit support, as well as serving clients with a broad range of business services.

 

Busy Bees Now ShowingH&R Block's statistics are amazing. "H&R Block prepares 1 in every 7 US tax returns; files 1 in every 5 Earned Income Tax Credits; has helped clients obtain more than $50 billion in tax refunds, credits and other government benefits in fiscal 2010 and utilizes more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals," reports Arnita, also known as AJ.

 

56 Years of Outstanding Service

One reason for the company's enormous success over the past 56 years is its team of highly trained, experienced tax professionals, delivering excellent customer service. Staying on top of all the latest information related to tax law, changes, etc is no small feat, but H&R Block has measures in place to assist these pros. "Our clients are served by tax professionals averaging more than eight years of experience, an average of over 300 hours of tax code education, and every professional is required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of Continual Professional Education training each year.

 

Click Here To Read The Rest Of The Article

"Now Showing" At The Chamber

December Now Showing at the ChamberThis month's sponsor for "Now Showing" at the Chamber is Maureen Kelly, Independent Consultant Arbonne International.

 

Samples and various items are available for sale at the Chamber office. Visit today or  Click Here to visit the website. 

All Aboard For FREE Valet Parking
in Downtown Kirkwood
Last minute shoppers and diners are VIPs-Very Important Parkers-when they visit Downtown Kirkwood on December 22 and 23.  From noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 22 and Friday, December 23, visitors to downtown Kirkwood may have their vehicle valet parked from the historic Kirkwood Train Station.
 
VIPs may leave their vehicle with a professional valet after 12 p.m. at the centrally located Kirkwood Train Station. Then, enjoy the festive decorations and holiday lights while walking to their destinations to shop and dine. The two-hour parking limit will not apply to valet parked cars. Many downtown Kirkwood stores have extended their hours for holiday shopping on Thursday evenings. The valet service will be a convenient option for those attending happy hours and dinner gatherings on Friday evening.  Vehicles must be retrieved from the valet service by 9 p.m.
 
Visitors who prefer to park their own vehicle will have access to two-hour spaces on public parking lots and on-street parking.
 
The free valet parking service is courtesy of Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District:  www.downtownkirkwood.com  or (314) 822-0084.

Chamber Holiday Open House
Christmas AllieThe Chamber thanks Allie Wright for taking time to decorate the Chamber office.

Please stop by for wassail and snacks Dec. 16 from noon to 3:30 to share in celebrating the Holiday Season
.
New Executive Chef at Sunset 44
Planning a holiday lunch or dinner event for two or 100 but also want to be treated like a guest yourself?  Well, relax and slip off your chef's hat 'cause Certified Executive Chef (CEC) Anthony Lyons, is in town.

Chef Lyons Executive Chef Sunset 44
Robert A. Crail Photography
That's right, Chef Lyons is now Executive Chef at Sunset 44! Owner Bob Menendez tells us Anthony is an active member of the American Culinary Federation and St Louis Chefs de Cuisine Association. He is a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, studied in Galway, and completed his apprenticeship at Raftery Rest, Dromoland Castle before moving to the US. Bob says Anthony's love of the culinary art is obvious to every palate, including his delish lamb dishes. Prior to earning his CEC he served as Sous Chef at several private country clubs in the metro area. Anthony and his wife Jennifer, live with their two daughters, Ryanne and Madeline, in Creve Coeur.

Bob is looking forward to introducing Chef Lyons to all Chamber members, so you are cordially invited to stop by soon. Or, if you'd like to make your holiday party rez in Sunset 44's beautiful banquet area, just call 965.6644 or visit online at www.sunset44.com. In the meantime, welcome to downtown Kirkwood, Chef Lyons!

Communication Sponsors:

Busy Bees Header
Post DIspatch Header
Busy Bees Now Showing
December Member of the Month

Upcoming Events

Dec 15 Business Boot Camp - Tools to Tweak Your Business

December Legislative Lunch

Open House and Ribbon Cutting at Computer St. Louis

Chamber Holiday Open House

66th Annual Installation & Awards Celebration
Stream's Tax Service
Click for
Helpful Tips

Limited  

AvailabilityGreen Certification Program

FEATURE OF THE WEEK!

Only $150      
  • Gain a competitive edge
  • Cut your energy costs
  • Attract the best employees
  • Save money on goods and reuse or sell by-products  
  • & Much More

Sponsored by:  

The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help  

 

Contact Jim at the Chamber office for more information.  
(314) 821-4161 or email Jim@TheChamber.us