eNewsletter Feb2014

BusinessConneCtion

a publication ofthe O’FallonChamber of Commerce

feBruary 2014

2nd annual taste of Vegas Casino night

ickets are now on sale for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Taste of Vegas casino night presented by Krey Distributing on Saturday, February 22,

2013. The event will take place at the O’Fallon City Hall Gymnasium located at 100 North Main Street in O’Fallon, Missouri.

This black tie optional evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with food samplings from the area’s finest establishments along with wine, beer and spirit tastings. Then from 7:30 until 10:00 p.m. attendees will be able to try their luck on several casino tables that will be available, including Black Jack, Poker/Texas Hold’em, Craps, and Roulette. Guest will then

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City of o’fallon Mayor to sPeaK atlunCh n legislators

he O’Fallon Chamber is proud to host the Mayor Bill Hennessy as the featured speaker for the February 21, 2014 Lunch ‘n’ Legislators event.

This April, O’Fallon’s voters will be asked to decide on two ballot issues that will help to shape the future of O’Fallon: Proposition J(ustice) and Proposition P(arks). If approved by the voters, these two Propositions will allow O’Fallon to issue bonds for the construction of a new Justice Center, improvements to Civic Park, including a new Civic Hall and expanded Alligator’s Creek, and the construction of a brand new

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2 | Business ConneCtion | FeBRuARy 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 lunCheon Tuesday, February 2511:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Trigg Banquet Center300 o’fallon Plz, 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, February 207:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Lindenwood University Center4701 hwy K, o’fallon, Mo 63368

Tuesday, February 114:30 to 6:30 p.m.

O’FaLLOn FamiLy EyECarE4142 Keaton Crossing Blvd, ste 103

o’fallon, Mo 63368

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 Chamberof Commerce

FeBRuARy 2014 | Business ConneCtion | 3

2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr.O’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 FMBeth Simmons, Visiting AngelsJan Stanczak, Jan’s Travel & CruiseSheles Wallace, Billionaire ThoughtsJohn Weeks, Mass Financial Group

Staff:Erin Williams, President/CEOSara Henderson, Communications DirectorNina DeAngelo, Firector of Member Engagement

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eTaste of Vegas ......................... cover & p 6Lunch n Legislators ................. cover & p 9Chairman’s Letter .................................. p 4Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 4Online Training ..................................... p 5O’Fallon Jobs ........................................ p 6Member Spotlight ................................. p 7Member Anniversaries .......................... p 8Member Mentions ................................. p 8Chamber Activities ................................ p 9Calendar of Events ............................. p 10New Members ..................................... p 12

ChaMBer Partners

LAWN LANDSCAPESOLUTIONS

&Shannon Norman Law


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:

Divine Findsfebruary 12 @ 11:00 a.m.

Pain Relief Associatesfebruary 28 @ 11:30 a.m.

Mario’s Pizza9015 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Wow! What a great way to kick-off 2014. For those of you who weren’t in attendance at the January luncheon,

188 members and guests were captivated and motivated by our guest speaker, Dr. Benjamin Akande, Dean of Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster university.

During his speech, Dr. Akande, quoted a conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat; many of you may remember the dialogue, but basically Alice has to decide where she wants to get to in order to figure out which road to take. I believe that is applicable to all of our businesses and personal lives. Where do you want to get to? I can assure you that at the O’Fallon Chamber, we have a clear picture of where we are going (see our Vision below), and as a Board we are careful to choose the roads that we believe will get us there.

Our Vision statement is that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community by being a valued resource to our businesses, non-profit organizations and residents. So, my question to you is how else can we be a resource to your business or non-profit organization and are you taking advantage of what is already being offered?

With the continual support, idea exchange and participation of our members, 2014 is set to be the best year yet for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce! Thank you for being a part of it.

until next month,Jeff Arneson2014 Chairman of the Board


o’fallon ChaMBer now offers online on-deMand training for your Business

’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new member benefit, thanks

to a partnership with Coggno.com, members are now able to click a simple link on the O’Fallon Chamber’s website to find a selection of online training courses that are relevant to your needs. Categories include Human Resources, Compliance, Safety Training, Business Management and others that will prove useful to employees of every type of business.

All of the online training options are available on-demand “24/7” and can be accessed at computer workstations, as well as from home computers, tablets, and even smart phones. All that’s needed is an Internet connection and a desire to learn.

When online training courses are purchased through the Chamber website, you can also access Coggno’s state-of-the-art, proprietary Learning Management System that will allow you to keep track of employees’ progress in chosen coursework. This very valuable tool makes it easy for supervisors to distribute, monitor, and mentor employees in their chosen courses.

Why You should Choose online training

Online training has become a cost-effective replacement for expensive off-site seminars and training sessions that can impact employee productivity. Not only will your employees not have to travel, they will gain great knowledge and insight into important topics. They will be able to learn at their own pace and effectively retain that knowledge, while keeping pace with their day-to-day responsibilities.

O Here are some more reasons to try online learning courses: • You only pay for the courses you need.• Courses are extremely affordable, with discounts available for bulk purchases.• No need to hire instructors.• Coursework for licensing renewal or other types of compliance can now be obtained online.• Management can easily track employee progress, and even award certificates of completion.

All courses are written and developed by industry experts. you can take a “sneak peek” at them before purchasing them.

Take advantage of this opportunity to build a more productive, skilled workforce. Visit www.ofallonchamber.org/training today or call 636-240-1818 for more information.


be able to trade in their winnings for raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes that will be drawn at 10:30 p.m. concluding the evening.

“Casino nights are a great way to try out games that you normally wouldn’t play at a traditional casino. There is no experience needed and no pressure, so you can really have fun!” says Sara Henderson, staff organizer for the event.

A Taste of Vegas will truly make you think you are in the heart of Las Vegas and will draw a mix of area residents and business people. General Admission is $40 per person and includes tastings from O’Fallon’s finest restaurants, drinks, souvenir photo, 2 raffle entries, $5,000 in gaming money and live entertainment with dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 636-240-1818 or online at www.ofallonchamber.org/casino. No one under 21 will be admitted, tickets will not be sold the evening of the event.

Participating restaurants are The Brass Rail, Bristol Seafood Grill, eleven 65, Kitaro Bistro of Japan, LongHorn Steakhouse, Quintessential Catering, River City Catering, Senora espinos Taqueria, Susie G’s Specialty Cakes and Stefanina’s Restaurant.

Sponsors include: Krey Distributing, Marshall Ford, Delmar Gardens & Garden Villas of O’Fallon, City of O’Fallon, Country Side Flooring America, Ameren Missouri, American eagle Credit union, Shannon Norman Law, CenturyLink, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, Charter Business, Daydream Pet Services, Bates CPAs, First National Bank, Favazza & Associates, Laser Vein Center, Massage Luxe, and Gibson Printing. Casino night 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.

Casino nightCOnTinUEd FrOm COvEr

o’fallon aMoung Best PlaCes for JoBs seeKers in MissouriNerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a study to find the best places for job seekers in Missouri – and O’Fallon is in the top 10. As many people continue searching for employment in this recovering economy, NerdWallet wanted to help residents of the Show-Me State find the best places for jobs. To do so, NerdWallet evaluated the state’s cities using the following criteria: • Median household income• Monthly homeowner costs• Population growth of those ages 16 and older• Unemployment rates NerdWallet ranked O’Fallon as the fifth best place for job seekers in Missouri. O’Fallon experienced a 5.8 percent increase in the working-age population between 2009 and 2012, and its residents make a median household income of $77,210. Major employers include CitiMortgage and Mastercard St. Louis Operations Center. Other places in the top 10 include Wentzville and Chesterfield. You can see the full study at www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2014/best-cities-job-seekers-missouri.


Great Southern Bank operates seven full-service banking centers in the St. Charles and St.

Louis areas, respectively, and has served the area for nearly 10 years. The Company has been in business since 1923 and currently operates 96 banking centers in six states across the Midwest. With $3.6 billion in assets, the Bank’s mission is to build winning relationships with its customers, associates, shareholders and communities.

Kim Starbuck proudly represents the Bank by serving clients in the St. Charles County area as a Business Banking Officer. She possesses more than 15 years of experience in the banking industry. Her primary role is to manage and deepen

current customer relationships, while expanding Great Southern’s presence and identity in the market. Starbuck serves as the primary point of contact for business customers and is located at the Great Southern banking center at 100 Christina Marie Dr. in O’Fallon, Mo.

Active in the community, Starbuck serves as a board member for the St. Charles County Workforce Investment Board, as a 2014 affiliate director for the St. Charles County Association of Realtors, as a member of the advisory council for the Garden View Care Center in O’Fallon and manages the Campaign of Caring for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kim and her husband Scott reside

MeMBer sPotlightKim STarBUCK

H in O’Fallon, Mo., where they have lived for nearly eight years, after relocating from Atlanta, Ga. Her two children, Ashley, 29, and Trevor, 26, reside in Chicago and O’Fallon, respectively. Prior to 2004, she lived in Terre Haute, Ind., where she began her career in banking as a Mortgage Loan Officer selling residential real estate and managing private investment properties. Kim attended Indiana State university, where she majored in Psychology.

Beyond serving the needs of her clients, she enjoys spending her spare time researching ancestry and genealogy, and has a passion for history. She also enjoys photography and has a great love for everything elvis, visiting Graceland at least once a year.

Great Southern Bank 100 Christina Marie Dr , O’Fallon, MO 63368

636-281-0286 www.greatsouthernbank.com

interested in advertising in theo’fallon Chamber of Commerce

Business ConneCtion?Call sara @ 636-240-1818or [email protected]


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

1 Year• Adams Insurance & Financial Services• Bates CPAs, PC• First Bank• New York Life Insurance Company• Signature Exteriors• The Complete Dawg

2 Years• Angelo’s Chicago Taste• Billionaire Thoughts• BRS Custom Painting & Flooring• C.J. Schlosser & Company, LLC• Cedar Lake Cellars• Great Southern Bank

• Holly’s Bookkeeping & Notary, LLC• JJ Twiggs Pizza & Pub• Mary’s Morsels Bakery & Cafe• Rodan + Fields Dermatologists• St. Louis Lipo Laser Center• The Clayton Engineering Company, Inc

3 Years• Doctor G’s Computer Care & Repair

MeMBer anniVersariesThanK yOU!

5 Years• Edward Jones• First Community Credit union• Quik Cash

6 Years• PNC Bank• St. Charles County Art Council

7 Years• Park Place Senior Living at WingHaven• Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar• St. Louis Life

8 Years• Progress West Hospital BJC

9 Years• Krekeler Jewelers

10 Years• Providence Bank

11 Years• Chevy’s Fresh Mex

16 Years• Lindenwood University - O’Fallon South Center

17 Years• Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

Keep up to date with news, sales, events and more from your fellow members. Contact Sara at [email protected] to submit your information for future newsletters. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events.

MeMBer eVentsnEWS FrOm OUr mEmBErS

February 6, 2014O’Fallon Rotary ClubHoly Cross Lutheran Church12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Local Authors and Small Business NetworkingMcClay Library in St. Charles6:30 - 8:30 p.m. February 11, 2014Sports Open Line NightBMO Harris Bank5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

O’Fallon Business Builders BNIMorning Star Church7:45 - 9:15 a.m.


February 16, 2014Happily Ever After Bridal EventThe Foundry Art Center

February 18, 2014Purification-DetoxificationLawlor Chiropractic6:30 - 8:00 p.m.



February 22, 2014Open House Jam @ MozingoMozingo Music2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

February 25, 2014Info Night for Graduate & Undergraduate Evening StudentsWebster university in Winghaven5:30 - 7:30 p.m.


February 26, 2014Lindenwood Open HouseLindenwood university5:00 - 7:00 p.m.


March 4, 2014O’Fallon Business Builders BNIMorning Star Church7:45 - 9:15 a.m.


lunCh n legislatorsCOnTinUEd FrOm COvEr PagEpassive park off of Highway DD called O’Day Park. O’Day Park also will include a new lodge for banquets, meetings and recreational opportunities.

Among other City updates the Mayor will also discuss the traffic flow improvements for Interstate 70 (I-70) between Mid Rivers Mall Drive on the east, and Bryan Road on the west. The I-70 Traffic Flow Improvements Project encompasses a 6-mile corridor including interchanges at Bryan Road, Route K, TR Hughes, and Route 79.

Lunch ‘n’ Legislators will be held on Friday, June 21, Noon at Rendezvous Café & Wine Bar. RSVP for this great discussion to [email protected] or by calling the Chamber at 636-240-1818.

We love seeing so many new members at our events! Welcome to the O’Fallon Chamber.Thank you to our outgoing Director, Julie Feast with Ameren Missouri.

Food, drinks and fun at the first After Hours of the year hosted by Anytime Fitness - St. Peters.

Another thank you to our outgoing Chair, Adam Hopper of PNC Bank.

Senator Scott Rupp poses for a quick pic at last month’s Lunch ‘n’ Legislators.

ChaMBer aCtiVities


February 7, 2014Tech/Comm Planning CommitteeProtronics2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

February 10, 2014O’Fallon Elite Leads GroupIQ Fast Print12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 11, 2014Firecracker Committee MeetingO’Fallon Chamber Office12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Business After HoursO’Fallon Family eyecare4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

February 12, 2014Masters of Business Leads GroupWebster university WingHaven Campus12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 13, 2014Casino Night CommitteeO’Fallon Chamber9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

February 14, 2014Leads 2 Success Leads GroupWebster university WingHaven Campus12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 18, 2014Board of Directors MeetingO’Fallon Chamber Office12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 20, 2014Morning SchmoozeLindenwood university - O’Fallon South Center7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Tech/Comm MeetingSpencer Road Library12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

ChaMBer Calendar feBruary 2014

February 21, 2014Lunch & LegislatorsRendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 22, 2014Taste of Vegas Casino NightO’Fallon City hall6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

February 24, 2014O’Fallon Elite Leads GroupIQ Fast Print12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 25, 2014General Membership LuncheonTrigg Banquet Center11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

February 26, 2014Masters of Business Leads GroupWebster university WingHaven Campus12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 28, 2014Leads 2 Success Leads GroupWebster university WingHaven Campus12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

February 28, 2014Ribbon CuttingPain Relief Associates11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

March 5, 2014Firecracker Committee MeetingO’Fallon Chamber Office12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

March 6, 2014New Member BriefingO’Fallon Chamber Office3:30 - 5:00 p.m.


St. Louis Business ExpoApril 8 11AM to 5 PM

St. Charles Convention Center

ST. LOUIS BUSINESS EXPO

Exhibit At the ExpoShowcase Your Business to 1,000’s

of Potential Customers

Featured At the Show

Scan this code to see how exhibiting at the Expo can help

your business grow.

EXHIBIT AT

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EXHIBIT AT

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St. Louis Business ExpoOctober 18 11AM to 6 PMSt. Charles Convention Center

ST. LOUIS BUSINESS EXPO

Exhibit At the ExpoShowcase Your Business to 1,000’s

of Potential Customers

314.569.0076www.stlouisbusinessexpo.com

Join The St. Charles Chamber At The Upcoming...

Scan this code to see how exhibiting at the Expo can help

your business grow.

Green ZoneArea businesses that can help you go Green.

Contacts For ContractsLarger corporations and gov-ernment agencies searching for small firms for upcoming contracts.

Seminars & WorkshopsA full day’s worth of seminars and workshops, all designed to help entrepreneurs grow their enterprises.

The BEST LuncheonSBM readers chose the BEST businesses in St. Louis and they will be honored at a special luncheon.

Networking Happy Hour Meet some of the area’s top business owners at a special happy hour.

Speed Banking Need a loan? Line of credit? Advice for future financing? Here’s your chance to meet with area lenders. Bring in your financials, meet area bankers one-on-one and see what it will take to gain financing.

Special Chamber Rate:Booth Only Includes 10 x 8 trade show booth and booth ID sign.$500 (An $800 Value)

Other Packages Available, Including Sponsorships and

Speaking Opportunities

CALL TODAY!BOOTHS ARE LIMITEDBEST SPACES GO FIRST

EXHIBIT AT

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Featured At the Show

314.569.0076www.stlouisbusinessexpo.com

Join The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

At The Upcoming...

SPEED CoachingMentors and retired executives will be on hand to help solve your business challenges and offer ideas to grow your business.

Seminars & WorkshopsA full day’s worth of seminars and workshops, all designed to help entrepreneurs grow their enter-prises.

PEOPLE TO KNOW LuncheonSBM readers chose the Top 100 People To Know To Help You Succeed In Business. Come meet these outstanding individuals.

Networking Happy Hour Meet some of the area’s top busi-ness owners at a special happy hour.

Product Demonstrations Learn about the new technology and business products that can help your company grow in 2014.


Accurate AssistantVirtual Assistanted Wilkins1000 Mid Rivers Mall Dr St. Peters, MO 63376314-277-3032www.accurateassistant.com

AmericanFamily InsuranceInsurance ServicesPamela Osthoff109 Triad West DrO’Fallon, MO 63366636-240-9334www.pamherter.com

Amped Up DigitalEntertainmentKelly Kerr1349 War Bonnet Dr OFallon, MO 63366636-253-3722www.ampedupdigital.com

Citizens National BankBanksRob epps671 Salt Lick Rd St. Peters, MO 63376636-240-8302www.cnbstl.com

Complete Auto Repair & Tire ProsAutomobile: Services, Body, & RepairKurt Barks1400 e Terra Ln O’Fallon, MO 63366314-249-7113

Divine Finds, LLCRetail ShoppingMike Peacock320 Sonderen O’Fallon, MO 63366636-294-2014

Duckett Creek Sanitary DistrictUtilitiesChuck Gross3550 Hwy K O’Fallon, MO 63368636-441-1244www.duckettcreek.com

Extreme ElectricalElectrical ServicesCaleb Hunter10880 Baur Blvd Creve Coeur, MO 63141636-925-2988www.extremeelectricalstl.com

Fairfield Inn & SuitesHotels & MotelsStephanie Calhoun130 Crossroads South Dr Wentzville, MO 63385636-332-5000www.marriott.com/stlwv

Gift Incentive ProgramsRetail ShoppingRon Lares1680 Duello Rd Lake St. Louis, MO 63367314-537-4024www.amway.com/ronlares

ITNStCharlesSenior ServicesSusan Kallash-Bailey101 Compass Point Dr, Ste ASt. Charles, MO 63301636-329-0888www.itnstcharles.org

Tailored LivingHome ImprovementJason Vigh24 Declaration Trail O’Fallon, MO 63368636-614-1038www.tailoredliving.com

Western and Southern LifeFinancial ServicesJimmy King3245 Lemay Ferry Rd St. Louis, MO 63125636-387-2403www.wslife.com

new MeMBersa vEry SPECiaL WELCOmE!

FeBRuARy 2014 | Business ConneCtion | 13eCertify

electronic 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.

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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!

eNewsletter Feb2014

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