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MARCH 2015

Our Business is Business

Ribbon Cutting: Springs at IndependenceWednesday, March 4th4:00 pm Tech-Connect TuesdayTuesday, March 10th8:00 am - 9:00 am Business Leads ExchangeThursday, March 12th8:00 am-9:00 am Monthly Membership Luncheon Wednesday, March 18th12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Monthly Legislative BriefingFriday, March 20th8:00 am - 9:00 am Small Business Continuing Ed.Tuesday, March 24th8:00 am or 12:00 pm Ribbon Cutting: Express Employment ProfessionalsMonday, March 30th4:00 pm

MARCH EVENTS

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Join us and six other chambers of commerce for the 2015 Eastern Jackson County Business Expo on April 23, 2015, from 2:00-7:00 pm. The Expo will be held on the main floor of the Inde-pendence Events Center and will include some of the most successful and dynamic companies operating throughout the region. This year’s expo will include over 100 exhibitors, dozens of product demonstrations, hundreds of attendees, door prizes, free beverage service beginning at 4:00 pm, food samples, and some of the best business-to-business networking you can find. We will also be holding the monthly membership luncheon in the same venue from 12:30-2:00 pm before the exhibitor floor opens.

Eastern Jackson County

Business expo2015

Our Business is Business

Costs to exhibit:For-profit Business: $450/boothNon-profits and Restaurants*: $350/boothNon-Chamber Member: $750/booth

*Restaurants are required to bring at least $100 in product samples Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Check out all the info at ejcexpo.com.

Want to speak to someone about the Expo? Contact Alex Colley at alex@iChamber.biz or (816) 252-4745 ext. 4.

IN THIS ISSUEPage 2 :: 94th Annual Awards BanquetPage 3 :: New DevelopmentPage 4 :: Small Business SpotlightPage 5 :: Business Development DayPage 6 :: Luncheon at the K Tech-Connect TuesdaysPage 7 :: Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings SantaCaliGon Page 8 :: Calendar of EventsPage 9 :: New Board Member Chamber Golf ClassicPage 10 :: February Ribbon CuttingPage 11 :: Member NewsPage 12 :: Anniversaries, New Members

PG 2FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

94TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

On Saturday evening, January 31, 2015, three hundred and thirty-six of Independence’s finest came together for the Chamber’s 94th Annual Awards Banquet. At this dinner, three outstanding ladies were honored. Shirley Baker, former owner of the Courthouse Exchange was recognized with the ‘Legacy Award” for a lifetime of achievement in business and com munity building. Nina Anders, owner of Scandinavia Place on the Historic Independence Square, was the recipient of the “Businessperson of the Year” award for her achievements, accomplishments, and example during the past two decades in business. Kelly Lightfoot, owner of Ampersand, was honored with the “Rising Star” award as a successful business person who has been in business in Independence for less than five years. Lastly, Royals Baseball Legend, Frank White, was the keynote speaker and entertained the crowd with stories and tales from his baseball career.

PG 3FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Centerpoint Medical Center Scheduled for Summer 2016 OpeningThe first state-of-the-art comprehensive, patient-centric cancer center, The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Centerpoint Medical Center, is slated to open in Independence next summer. In February, Centerpoint Medical Center announced plans to open a facility that brings together medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, genetic counseling, specialized oncology patient navigators, sub-specialty oncology, and access to clinical trials - all under one roof! The facility will be located at the former ‘La-Z-Boy’ facility at the corner of 39th Street and Jackson and will deliver expanded access to the latest cancer care while keeping patients close to their home.

This announcement illustrates the significant progress and development occurring in the Independence community. David Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Centerpoint Medical Center, perhaps said it best, “Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Centerpoint is an important milestone in our strategic initiative to not only invest in the community’s well-being, but to ensure leading-edge cancer care is available to residents of Jackson County and beyond.”

Independence Mayor Eileen Weir also noted, “Centerpoint is foundational to our community history and instrumental in the success of our economic drivers such as the Independence Events Center. Now, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Centerpoint will contribute to the community’s continued positive growth, representing a groundbreaking opportunity for world-class cancer care at our doorstep. Centerpoint Medical Center has a commitment to innovation and the highest standards of quality and compassionate care and we are grateful to have this quality leader in our community.”

We are grateful to all of those who worked diligently to see this project come to fruition and look forward to the grand opening, but most importantly the services for Independence residents.

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Leadership:Lori SmartStephen Ward

Locations:16716 E. U.S. Highway 40Independence, MO 64055

Years in existence: 4

Years as a Chamber Member: 4

Description of Business: Early Education Montessori School

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: SUNRISE MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Why is your business located in Independence?Our goal was to bring Montessori education to our home town so that children from our own community would have the opportunity for an educational foundation equal to that offered in our neighboring communities.

Why is your business involved with the Chamber?We choose be members of the Chamber in order to support small business development in our community and to take advantage of the benefits that it offers.

In your opinion, what is Independence’s greatest asset?Independence is full of rich history that goes back many generations and was such a big part of many historical events and includes important historical figures.

PG 5FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DAY

With more than 40 business owners, managers and procurement officers from Eastern Jackson County in attendance, the Independence Chamber’s Annual Business Development Day event was a success for all participants. In the morning, dozens of small business owners and managers had a chance to meet with the procurement and purchasing personnel from some of the largest private companies in Eastern Jackson County including Orbital ATK, AT&T, Bayer Crop Science and HCA Midwest. During lunch, Shelly Cunningham, from the University of Missouri Kansas City Procurement Office (MO PTAC), presented on the current regulations and steps to begin doing business with government entities of all sizes.

After lunch, the participating small business owners and managers then met with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan Community College, Mid-Continent Public Library, General Services Administration, City of Independence, Independence Power & Light and Fort Osage School District.

The small business owners and managers left with a clearer knowledge and understanding of the steps to take to become a qualified potential vendor with large companies and with public entities. The procurement officers left with a number of local vendors they could call on for products and/or services. This event was strong win-win for all in attendance.

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LUNCHEON AT THE K THIS MONTH!

TECH-CONNECT TUESDAYS – TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR YOU

We Regret Our Error:

In February we pub-lished an incorrect name spelling and address for A Little BBQ Joint in our Small Business Spotlight. The owners of the restaurant are Bonnie and Don Bauer and the address is 1101 W. 24 Highway, Independence, MO 64050. We apologize for this error.

I went to my first Tech-Connect Tuesday this month. Let me just tell you, I found a gem. Don’t let the name throw you. This is not a techy-intense program. It is not for the techy folks of the world. It is for you and me. The Tech-Connect I went to was part one of a three part series on Using Virtual Assistants. Only one of the people in the room had ever used a virtual assistant. It was clear after only the first 15 minutes in the session that every person in that room (insurance, real estate, health care and more were represented) could receive benefit from incorporating a virtual assistant into their work day.

I am excited for part two. That is when we are going to get the really good stuff - practical, useful tools. If you missed part one you can jump into part two and get full value. If you do tasks you don’t enjoy doing and have more work than you can get done each day, this hour will have value to you. I have a friend who has been in sales and sales management for over 25 years. She once said to me, if I get only one thing I can use in my daily business from a training then it was worth my investment of time. For me, this Tech Connect series more than meets that sound guideline. See you at the Chamber on March 10th at 8:00 am!

– Rhonda Dolan, Director of Membership Services

Join the Independence Chamber Membership for a homerun lunch this month at the Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday, March 18th, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The lineup will feature Toby Cook and is sponsored by Drumm Farm Golf Club. Only 100 seats are available for this luncheon so get registered before it’s too late at iChamber.biz!

Big thank you to our luncheon sponsor!

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ribbon Cutting for the Springs at Independence Wednesday, March 4th19301 E 50th Terrace Ct S, 4:00 pmCelebrate the opening of The Springs at Independence with refreshments, a tour of the community and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Ribbon Cutting for Express Employment Professionals Monday, March 30th1739 Burdett Crossing, Blue Springs, MO 64015, 4:00pmBe sure to join us in a ribbon cutting ceremony for Express Employment Professionals. This ceremony will be jointly hosted with the Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit Chambers of Commerce.

Vendor contracts for the 2015 SantaCaliGon Days Festival are now available online at santacaligon.com or at the Chamber office. For information about the festival or a contract, please contact Lois with the Chamber at 816-252-4745 ext. 2 or lois@iChamber.biz.

santacaligon.com

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SANTACALIGON® DAYS FESTIVAL September 4th – September 7th, 2015 EXHIBITOR CONTRACT

PLEASE READ ENTIRE CONTRACT BEFORE COMPLETING. Incomplete contracts will not be accepted for processing. When your contract is

approved you will be sent a copy with your booth assignment. The Chamber reserves the right to assign booth spaces. Fees will not be

refunded after July 3, 2015. THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the Independence Chamber of Commerce (the ”Chamber”) and

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Organization (the “Vendor”) Contact person

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address Phone number

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City State Zip Code

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sales Tax ID number Vehicle/Trailer license

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email address: Cell Phone: (for use during the festival)

VENDOR TYPE AND BOOTH FEE: (All booths accommodate a 10’ X 10’ tent)

( ) Commercial Vendor $1,000 ( ) Non-profit Display only Vendor $500

( ) Commercial Food Vendor $1,000 ( ) Non-profit Food Vendor $500

( ) Arts and Crafts Vendor $450 ( ) Non-profit Sales Vendor $500

( ) Game Vendor $450

Number of booths___________

INSURANCE: (select one) Vendor will provide Certificate of Insurance or fee by August 1, 2015.

( ) Vendor will provide required evidence of insurance. ( ) Vendor elects to pay liability insurance coverage fee of $150 (or $150 per location for booths not adjacent).

ELECTRIC: (select one) Vendor must submit electrical requirements form with contract.

( ) Non-food vendor (100 Watts) OR ( ) Food vendor (500 Watts)

*If additional electrical service by the SCG electrician is requested, requirements must be communicated to the festival coordinator at

(816) 252-4745 ext. 2 by June 1, 2015. Additional fees will apply.

LIST DISPLAY/SALE ITEMS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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PG 8FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

Tech-Connect Tuesday: “Virtual Assistants, Part 2” Tuesday, March 10thIndependence Chamber Boardroom, 8:00 am-9:00 amThis month is Part 2 on our 3-part series on Virtual Assistants (VA) (even if you missed Part 1, you aren’t behind!). We have come up with over 250 tasks you should not be doing but your VA should be. Your time is too expensive and precious to be spent on filtering your email and writing all the notes from your meetings. Let us show you how to get those off your plate. Business Leads Exchange Thursday, March 12thIndependence Chamber Boardroom, 8:00 am-9:00 amWalk and talk through issues, accomplishments, endeavors and operations with fellow Chamber members to help improve your business and create valuable relationships you can’t find anywhere else.

The monthly Business Leads Exchange program was created to help Chamber members create personal, meaningful leads from fellow members through focused networking and structured discussions of issues facing most business enterprises. Come prepared to describe your ideal customer and share your company/organization’s current priorities.

For more information and to register for this event, visit: iChamber.biz.If you are not a Chamber Member, please email Rhonda@iChamber.biz to register.

Monthly Membership Luncheon “At the K” Wednesday, March 18thKaufman Stadium, 11.45 pm-1:00 pmThis month’s Membership Luncheon will be a home run! We are having lunch at Kaufman Stadium. Join us for a fun ball park lunch at the home of The Royals! Seating is limited to be sure to register early.

Must be registered by Friday, March 13th, to guarantee seating.

Monthly Legislative Briefing Friday, March 20th Independence Chamber BoardroomThe briefing is open to all Chamber members. There is no charge for this event but we ask all members register if coming.

Small Business Continuing Education Series: Tactics to Drive Attendees to Your Booth at a Business Expo Tuesday, March 24thIndependence Chamber Boardroom, 8:00 am or 12:00 pm

This seminar, presented by Tom Waters of Corporate CopyPrint, gives you clever tactics to make attendees head straight to your booth at business expos! Learn how to use prize drawings, competitions, promo items, and displays to attract the right people and gain quality leads.

Attendance is free for Chamber members and $15 for non-chamber members. Reservations are required as each session is limited to 25 participants: ichamber.biz or Alex at 816-252-4745.

Thank you to our sponsor: Automated Control Systems, for making this workshop

free for our members:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thank you to our sponsor:

Big thank you to our luncheon sponsor!

PG 9FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

NEW BOARD MEMBER

Julie Moreno Publisher, The ExaminerJulie, has worked in community newspapers for 26 years. She started with The Examiner in January, 2015, transferring from Tallahassee, Florida where she had been president and publisher of the Tallahassee Democrat for two years. She’s been a publisher for 19 years, most of that time with Freedom Communications. She has also worked at newspapers in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and North Carolina. Julie is also a native of Tarkio, Missouri, degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, as well as a master’s in business administration from the University of Texas-Brownsville.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

35th Annual Chamber Golf Classic June 5thSave the date for our 35th Annual Chamber Golf Classic for June 5, 2015. It will be held at Winterstone Golf Course and registration is available on iChamber.biz. This is one of the Chamber’s best opportunities to network with business leaders and golf with clients and associates while genuinely having a great time. All this and great food and drink, too.

Is it time to have a conversation with your doctor about your heart?

To take a FREE heart risk assessment, visit

CenterpointMedical.com/heart

PG 10FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

RIBBON CUTTING

On Sunday, February 8, 2015, Revive Church celebrated its Grand Opening at 1109 S. Arlington Ave. They had over 100 people in attendance for their big day.

An 1855 illustration of Independence, Missouri. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.

FUN INDEPENDENCE FACT

Independence was originally called Big Spring and was settled in 1827.

PG 11FEBRUARY 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

cancer center, the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Centerpoint Medical Center, near the company’s hospital in Independence, Mo. Sarah Cannon is one of the largest providers of radiation oncology services in the United States.

Formation of the Noland Fashion Square Community Improvement District received unanimous approval from the Independence City Council Tuesday. Its companion Chapter 353 redevelopment plan, which declares the shopping center area at the northwest corner of the Noland Road and U.S. 40 intersection as blighted, was passed by a 6-1 vote.

Courtney Calhoun, a junior at William Chrisman High School, has been named the 2015 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kan-sas City Youth of the Year- the highest honor a club member can receive. She won a $1,000 scholarship and now advanc-es to the Missouri Youth of the Year State Competition in April in Jefferson City.

was recognized for their back-to-back state championships during ceremonies at halftime of the girls’ basketball game February 9. They also received recognition from the Missouri Senate. Blue Springs High School senior Lazarina Butkovich, was named as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She was one of 58 students nominated in Missouri, and the only student from the Eastern Jackson County area. On February 10th, ATL Small Caliber Systems was officially renamed Oribital ATK, Inc. The Missouri Mavericks held a surprise youth hockey “pro game” between between the Jr Mavs Hockey Squirt team and the visiting Beijing Little Wolves from Beijing China on February 12th. The Missouri Mavericks hosted a “Law Enforcement Appreciation Night” during their home game at Independence Events Center on Tuesday, February 10th. Proceeds from the jersey auction went directly toward the Mavericks’ makeover of the Independence Police Station locker rooms Centerpoint Medical Center announced on February 5 its plans to open a comprehensive

Truman Medical Centers named Nancy Lewis, VP of Marketing and PR. She most recently served as Director of Public Relations and Communication for the Independence School District. In that role, she worked hand-in-hand with the superintendent to achieve strategic goals for district improvement. Mayor Eileen Weir gave the State of the City Address on February 18th, 2015, during the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership luncheon at Ophelia’s. There were 145 individuals in attendance. On February 13th, Prime Healthcare announced it completed its acquisition of St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center. On February 16th, AT&T announced it will begin to offer “GigaPower” service (1 Gigabit high-speed internet access for residential customers) in Independence. The Fort Osage Varsity wrestlers won the Oak Grove Tournament as a team and had 5 individual champions in early February. William Chrisman’s cheer squad

This page features member news each month. To have your news listed here, contact Alex at alex@ichamber.biz.

MEMBER NEWS

The mission of the Independence Chamber

of Commerce is to provide leadership and service to

promote the economic growth of Independence.

210 West Truman RoadIndependence, MO 64050

Phone: 816-252-4745Fax: 816.252.4917iCHAMBER.BIZ

Members are the greatest asset of the

Chamber. Please support the businesses listed on this page because they support and believe in

our community.

1-4 yearsBayer Crop ScienceBody, Mind and SoulBoys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas CityClever Ogre Branding SolutionsHigher Ground HotelIndependence Noland Road Lion’s ClubKansas City ZooMcClain Brothers Real EstateMetro FordPhoenix Home Care Inc.S & S PrintingScott Roberson, DDSStoney Creek Hotel & Conference CenterTaxWise Solutions LLCThe Gamble CompanyThe Weitz CompanyTrinity Presbytarian Church

5-14 YearsCarmel Hills Healthcare and RehabilitationCentral Communications Credit UnionCovenant CakesCruise PlannersDarren’s Complete Lawn Care LLCDeLuccie and O’Hara Law OfficeIntegrity Home CareOrbital ATKStewart Title CompanyVance & Associates, Inc.

15-24 yearsCBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of K.C.Celsius TanneryFamily Golf Park

25 or more yearsHawthorn BankIndependence CenterJ.C. Plastics Inc.K Martin Kuny AttorneyRepublic ServicesShow-Me Presentation ResourcesSuper 8 IndependenceTruman Medical Center LakewoodUnited Consumers Credit Union

ANNIVERSARIES NEW MEMBERS

Newsletter design provided by:

Kelly Lightfoot660.441.4888

kelly@ampersandbranding.com

‘‘Our Business is Business

AFLAC, Sherry Flowers Ward21900 E Old Blue Mills RoadIndependence, MO 64058816-805-9170 Assurance Security201 N Forest Ave, Suite 231Independence, MO 64050816-379-6311 Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More20100 E Jackson Drive, Suite DIndependence, MO 64057816-928-1010 Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care14310 East 42nd St S, Unit 600Marketplace Shopping CenterIndependence, MO 64055816-333-9200 Continental Siding Supply13714 E 42nd Terrace SouthIndependence, MO 64055816-737-2700 D & M Plumbing and Portable Toilets11 NE 175th RoadWarrensburg, MO 64093660-747-7808

Gentiva Health Services20101 E Jackson Drive, Suite DIndependence, MO 64057816-524-5087 Insperity7300 College Blvd, Ste 165Overland Park, KS 66210913-339-2211 Platinum Plumbing4224 NE Port DriveLee’s Summit, MO 64064816-795-1125 Sibley Orchards4121 California AveSibley, MO 64088816-589-0674 Summit Bank of Kansas City1650 NE Grand, Suite 100Kansas City, MO 64086816-251-9006‘‘

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy

to be looking for it.”

Henry David Thoreau