Join the Chamber for its annual membership social on July
25th at 6:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in St. Robert. Show how
long your business has been in the community by dressing up
to represent the decade your business opened. The Chamber
is made up of long-standing and fresh businesses that make
this community a great place to live, shop, and explore! Come
out to meet your fellow Chamber members and show off your
business. Sponsoring this event is Citizens Mortgage Company
with Hoppers Pub providing heavy hors d'oeuvres. This annual
membership social is a night of networking, fun and entertainment.
The cost is $15.00 per person. Please call the Chamber office
at 573-336-5121 no later than 9:00 a.m. July 18th to make
your reservations.
The Membership Bottle Auction is a fun addition for members
to promote their business as well as learn about other member
businesses. Participating members will donate a bottle decorated
in a way that no one can tell what it contains. The bottle
needs to be related in some way to your business. For example
if you are a dry cleaner you could wrap up a bottle of detergent
with a gift certificate for dry cleaning. During the social
the bottles will be displayed then auctioned.
Bidding for each bottle will start at $5. No one will know
what each bottle contains until after it is won. All money
raised during the Membership Bottle Auction will go to the
Chamber's shop local ad campaign in support of Shop Local
Saturday. If you would like to donate a bottle contact the
Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or email chamber@wsrchamber.com.
All bottles are due to the Chamber office by 5:00 p.m. July
17th. You might win big or get a dud but the Membership Bottle
Auction will be an exciting addition to the 2013 Membership
Social.
Leadership
Pulaski County
The Leadership Pulaski County Program applications
were received and processed. Letters of acceptance were mailed
at the end of June. The 2013-2014 class will begin in September.
Limited sponsorships are still available. If you are interested
in contributing to the building of community leaders by becoming
a 2013-2014 Leadership Pulaski County sponsor contact the
Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or email info@wsrchamber.com.
Looking for Employees? Then plan to attend.
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce presents the
9th Annual Operation Workforce Job Fair. Operation Workforce
is a workforce recruitment program promoting the connection
between employees seeking part-time/full-time positions with
employers providing those employment opportunities. Interviewing
booths will be available for on-site employee/employer interviews.
This event will take place Thursday, August
8, 2013 at the St. Robert Community Center from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. with set up from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to have a booth print out
your form here
and send it to the Chamber office at 137 St. Robert Blvd.
Ste. B, St. Robert, MO 65584. For more information, please
contact the Chamber office at (573) 336-5121 or e-mail info@wsrchamber.com
Veteran of the Year
Award Now Accepting Nominations
The Veteran of the Year Award is meant to recognize a veteran
from any rank from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines
and Navy with an honorable discharge. The individual must
be a Pulaski County resident and has agreed to accept the
award and be the Veterans' Day Ceremony & Parade Marshall
on November 11, 2013.
Nominations for the Veteran of the Year Award will be accepted
from any Chamber member. The nomination process shall be made
public by the call for nominations through utilizing the local
newspapers, radio stations, and Chamber newsletter. A one-page
letter outlining the candidate's qualifications and experience
will comprise the formal nomination form along with a brief
bio summary of the nominee and a digital photo.
Nominations are due to the Chamber office no later than August
30, 2013.
On July 1st the Chamber Surprise Patrol visited
two Chamber member businesses to recognize them as the Chamber
Business Showcase member recognition program recipients for
July. The July Business Showcase recipients are Arrowmart
and Talbot House Antiques. The Surprise Patrol visited both
businesses and dropped off a special sign that will be displayed
throughout the month. Business Showcase recipients are drawn
each month. The Surprise Patrol will be out again in August
to recognize the next recipients.
2013-2014 Sponsorship Opportunities
Click here
for information on 2013-2014 Sponsorship Opportunities.
For more information on any Chamber event contact the Chamber
office at 573-336-5121 or email
chamber@wsrchamber.com.
Let Us Count the Ways the Chamber helped YOU this past
year!
9,240 Newsletters
Distributed and 2,253 Views Online
36,240 Weekly Updates Distributed and
36,995 Views Online
23,186 Web site Visits*
461 Welcome Packets Distributed**
2,475 Member Referrals
82% Member Retention Rate for 2012-2013
Chamber Represents 5,823 Employees
69% of the Businesses in Waynesville-St. Robert are Chamber
Members
72 New Members
39 Ribbon Cuttings
Chamber held 145 Events with 2,523 in Attendance and 5,242
Pictures Taken
That's a total of
over 110,000 ways!
* Web stats are July 2012-June
2013 and represent unique user visits
** 318 distributed at Command Orientation and 143 in office.
Phelps
County Regional Medical Center; World-Class Healthcare,
Close to Home
Phelps County Regional Medical Center opened
on March 12, 1951 with 65 employees and 63 patient beds.
PCRMC employs a staff of more than 1,600 and is licensed
for 242 patient beds.
PCRMC offers a range of diagnostic and medical
services, patient-centered service and quality outcomes.
Services available at the hospital include: the nationally
accredited Delbert Day Cancer Institute, cardiac catheterization
lab and cardiac rehabilitation, full-service medical imaging
(including MRI, CT, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, ultrasound,
bone density and general radiology), comprehensive surgical
services and ambulatory surgery unit, OB/maternity center,
inpatient nursing units, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
services, skilled nursing, home health and hospice services,
inpatient and outpatient mental health programs, an accredited
sleep center and educational and community service programs.
PCRMC physicians specialize in a wide range
of medical services including allergies and otolaryngology,
audiology, family and internal medicine, general surgery,
medical oncology, nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology,
orthopedics, pediatrics, podiatry and sports medicine and
rehabilitation. In addition to seeing patients in Rolla,
the PCRMC Medical Group physicians also provide care at
the following clinics: Salem, Waynesville, Vienna, Cuba
and St. James.
PCRMC prides itself on community service and
investment. Community benefit includes programs and activities
that provide treatment and/or promote health and healing
as a response to identified community needs, including charity
and other uncompensated care, community outreach services,
health professional education and placement, and donations
to community groups.
PCRMC is a teaching affiliate of the University of Missouri-Columbia
School of Medicine and the Kirksville College of Osteopathic
Medicine. www.pcrmc.com
The hospital phone number is 573-458-8899.
To make a physician appointment, please call 573-364-9000.
Greetings
everybody! Let us remember that the primary mission of FLW
has not changed and our Community can take pride that our
overwhelming community support was instrumental in influencing
the final outcome of the Army 2020 PAE report. The team
work between our local communities, State and National elected
officials were invaluable and demonstrate that working as
a team, we will guarantee sustainability.
Even though we were successful with our efforts
concerning the Army 2020, we cannot stop now. We must continue
to work diligently to provide input to our State and National
Representatives showing our Support to Ft. Leonard Wood
and to our military. Our community must continue to spread
the word this is a great place to live, raise a family,
educate our children and own and operate a business. This
Chamber is determined to assist in the sustainability of
our community.
Remember Chamber members and that we need
to support each other. Before leaving town, to either shop
or dine out, think first of your local Chamber member. You
will not only save on gas but will demonstrate your support
for our local area.
As always please feel free to contact me if
the Chamber can be of any assistance to you.
The
Membership Social if fast approaching on July 25th, be sure
to get your R.s.v.p. in now for this night of networking.
We will also say farewell to Board member Jackie Farris
and welcome Carrie Williamson to the Board. Be sure to attend
this fun social!
The annual membership invoices have been sent
out and are due by August 1st. The Chamber has seen a tremendous
growth this year and would like to thank everyone for their
continued support. If you have not had the opportunity to
get involved in a committee, attend an event or network
with other members please make it a goal to do so in the
next year. It will be a valuable experience for you and
your business. This is your Chamber so get involved and
make a difference. We included the sponsorship form to help
you prepare your budget for the coming year. If you send
your form back in with your membership dues you will not
receive a call from the staff on sponsorships! You will
be invoiced for each sponsorship the month prior to the
event date. Be sure to also return your update form
with any changes to your listing. This helps us keep your
listing on our web site up to date.
We are preparing for the Regional Job Fair
on August 8th and if you would like a "free" booth
send us your registration form. This is an opportunity to
collect resumes or even interview candidates.
I hope everyone has a safe and exciting 4th
of July. If you have any questions or concerns please give
me a call at 573-336-5121.
I have enjoyed many years in this great
community. I was raised in Crocker and graduated high
school there in 2007. Shortly after graduation I moved
to Springfield to pursue an education from Drury University.
In 2010 I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and
Criminal Justice. I married my fantastic husband in March
of 2011 and the following January we moved back to Pulaski
County. In my free time I enjoy going to yard sales, decorating
and redecorating, and playing with our two dogs Finley
and Daisey.
I have always enjoyed real estate ventures so in May of
2012 I decided to get my real estate license. I have been
working at Cross Creek Realty ever since. One of the greatest
experiences has been getting to know so many great people.
I look forward to meeting and working with many more from
this community.
I
would like to take a moment to introduce a new tourism team
member. Taylor Olson joined the Bureau in June as Visitor
Services Representative. Taylor comes to us with great knowledge
and understanding of database management and an outstanding
personality. With this change I have shifted responsibilities
a bit. Katie has taken on the additional duty overseeing the
brochures carried in the center and ensuring the tourism bureau
Visitors Guides and other information is dispersed throughout
the communities as well as the visitor and welcome centers
across the state. I know she has already been in contact with
many of you, but if you have not met Katie, or Taylor, please
take a moment on stopping by the center; Monday-Friday 8am-5pm,
Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm.
I had the opportunity to attend the Travel and Tourism Research
Association Conference this year. This is an international
research conference that pairs tourism professionals and academia
together. The CenStates (14 state region) Chapter Conference
was waived this year due to this conference was held in Kansas
City. It was exciting to meet tourism professionals and travel
researchers from across the globe. The seminars were very
interesting and reiterated the importance of research from
small tourism industries to large destinations.
This month I will also be attending the Destination Management
Association International Conference. (DMAI) I joined this
association 5 years ago when I took over as Director. I found
them to be very beneficial using resources from their library
to evaluate our bureau, ensure we followed protocol, met non-profit
regulations, policies and procedures as well as detailed information
regarding the overall operations of marketing a destination;
strategic planning, marketing plans, human resource, advocacy
and leadership. Remember the national Patriotic competition,
that we placed as a finalist, in 2011? This was in partnership
with DMAI and upon attending the DMAI conference in which
the most Patriotic area was revealed, I took that morning
and sat in on a program I had read about. It was then and
there I decided I had to research more about the DMAI 4 year
program for CEO development and applying for the program in
November 2011. I put myself on the fast track and will graduate
as a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), on
the 17th of July. This certification program is in its 21st
year. Over 600 have participated in the program with 188 that
have graduated internationally. I am really proud to have
obtained this highly regarded designation and I want to thank
my board for their support and I also appreciate DMAI for
their support and consideration in awarding the scholarships.
Karen Hood is currently working on ad sales for the 2014
Official Pulaski County Visitors Guide. This resourceful guide
is distributed to visitors planning a trip to Pulaski County
and is placed in State Welcome and Visitors Centers across
the state. For those interested in advertising, please email
Karen at karenh@pulaskicountyusa.com
Have a great summer and be sure to connect with us on our
social media at www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com
!
Beth Wiles
Executive Director
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
137 St. Robert Blvd. Suite A
St. Robert, MO 65584
(877) 858-8687 Toll-free
(573) 336-6355 Ext. 104
(573) 336-2985 Fax bethw@pulaskicountyusa.com VisitPulaskiCounty.org
There
is a new term in retailing today called "showrooming".
It is estimated that 40 percent of Americans have engaged
in this practice. This practice is where consumers actual
go to a brick and mortal store to look at and handle the product.
The consumer then goes home and buys the product online. With
online retailers not obligated to collect sales taxes in many
states ,they enjoy a competitive advantage over physical stores
when it comes to pricing.
Also, this is a loss of sales tax to our local communities.
The United States Senate has passed legislation to ensure
the collection of these lost sales tax dollars goes to our
communities. One of the sponsors of this legislation is our
Senator Roy Blunt. The bill has now gone to the U.S .House
of Representatives. This is not a new tax, but a problem of
collection and distribution.
It was estimated that Missouri lost over 200 million dollars
in 2012 from the lost online sales tax collection. I am still
getting emails and phone calls in regard to businesses looking
at locating in Pulaski County. There are many positive indicators
that business will be very strong the last half of 2013.
Summer has officially arrived and the heat proves it. We
have had a wonderful month of events. My compliments to
the Waynesville Downtown Business Association for the Freedom
Fest. It was a fun day for all! The USO Bikers arriving
was very exciting and Vino Alan singing for us topped off
the day! June 14th, the Cherokee Nation's "Remember
the Removal" Riders stopped in Laughlin Park to visit
the beginning of our exhibit site. They are a great group
of kids and focused on remembering their heritage and their
ancestors who traveled the infamous Trail of Tears. This
is their fifth year of re-enacting the removal. Jim and
Mary Laughlin were special guests at this event. Their family
donated the Laughlin Park area to the City.
The downtown lighting project is taking shape and we expect
to have it completed by the end of August. This has been
a long anticipated project for the City. Charli Hartley,
whose idea in 2004 began these improvements, is working
to install plaques commemorating families and citizens'
donations. We will also be placing commemorative banners
on the Roubidoux Bridge light poles to celebrate the 90th
year of this original Route 66 bridge, built in 1923. The
City recently began the paperwork with the National Park
Service to complete the Trail of Tears Exhibit Site and
the interpretive walking trail in Laughlin and Roubidoux
Parks.
The Old H Highway project is in full swing, also. We anticipate
that project to be completed by August 15th, but the weather
has not been cooperating. Soon, the City Council will begin
the process of redistricting our four city ward lines, in
order to equalize the population numbers. From the 2010
Census, new population numbers are Ward 1: 765, Ward 2:
1417, Ward 3: 1431, Ward 4: 1257. That process will be planned
and information will be given to the public shortly.
The Park Board has begun the planning of a Park Stage to
be located in the Roubidoux Park. This a long awaited improvement
to our community and will be utilized as a central location
for our festivals and community activities. The Board and
the City Council will be designing and engineering this
addition during this budget year and plan to build it in
2014. We will have some announcements concerning this project,
its funding and public input in the near future. I believe
this will be a wonderful addition to our parks. The Parks
Department is also installing some swings in the Glen Haven/Briar
Pointe Neighborhood Park. Our next swing addition will be
in the Summit Subdivision. Be looking for these improvements.
A rash of vandalism has dampened our spirits. From recent
graffiti, bathroom destruction, tagging in our pavilions
and writing in our new concrete, it appears that some people
have destruction on their minds and no respect for others.
In an effort to stop this vandalism, the City has increased
our police presence in the parks, we have installed surveillance
cameras, we have plain clothes policemen stationed in key
locations and we have offered a $500 reward for any information
leading to the successful prosecution of these vandals.
In this year alone, we have spent over $6400 repairing damage
from these people. Please help us catch them. We will prosecute
them to the fullest extent of the law. The Police Department
has also installed a new TIP line, 573-774-7687, or 573-774-STOP.
As always, SHOP LOCAL! We have several new businesses in
Waynesville: the Taste of Home Restaurant, Waynesville Gun
and Pawn, Anderson Foot and Ankle Clinic, and Cross Creek
Counseling. Our McDonald's held a groundbreaking recently
for their renovation. We welcome this larger facility, double-drive
thru and new playground area. Thank you for your investment
in Waynesville.
The City of Saint Robert would like to wish everyone a Happy
and Safe 4th of July. Just a reminder that fireworks may be
discharged or set off within the City limits of Saint Robert
from June 30th through July 5th to include July 5th and only
during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Looking for a fun way to raise money for your organization?
Stop by the City of Saint Robert Municipal Golf Course to
speak with one of our Golf Facility Operators about scheduling
your golf tournament fundraiser. The City of Saint Robert
offers a beautiful Par 3, 9 hole, Pitch & Putt course
just off of Missouri Ave next to City Hall (573) 451-2000
ext 1306.
It is not too late to come celebrate your summer by cooling
off with us at Tiger Typhoon Aquatic Center. Prices for Tiger
Typhoon are: 3 & under - Free; Ages 4 - 54 - $3.00 55
& up - $2.00. Season Passes are available for the prices:
Individual Season Pass - $60.00; Senior Season Pass - $35.00;
Family Season Pass - $125.00 (4 members total per family &
MUST include at least one adult); Family ADD A CHILD - $25.00
per child. Just a couple of reminders; all swimmers ages 10
and under must be accompanied by a guardian age 16 or older.
All children that wear diapers are required to wear either
swim diapers or plastic pants with elastic legs and elastic
waist at all times. Parents, if you forget the swim diapers
or plastic pants the City of Saint Robert has swim diapers
available for purchase. For information regarding reserving
a party deck or indoor pool for birthday parties or special
events please call (573) 451-2625.
****THE AQUATIC CENTER WILL BE CLOSED JULY 26th AND WILL
REOPEN ON JULY 27th****
Chamber Office Closed - July 4th in observance of
Independence Day.
Ribbon Cutting for Serenity Spa and Wellness Center
- July 9th at 10 a.m. at Roubidoux Plaza, 115 N. Benton
St., Ste. #2 in Waynesville.
Chamber Luncheon - July 10th at 11:45 a.m. at the
Hampton Inn and catered by Hopper's Pub. Our sponsor will
be Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Please contact
the Chamber Office to RSVP before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, July
9th.
Ribbon Cutting for Cross Creek Realty - July 11th
at 11 am to celebrate new ownership at 123 Ichord Ave. in
Waynesville.
Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Bow and Barrel Sportsmen
Center - July 13th at 10:30 a.m.Vance Ewing and Michael
Ryen extend an invitation to you and your family to attend
the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Bow and Barrel Sportsmen
Center. The address for the ceremony is: 22940 Harlan Lane,
Saint Robert, MO 65584. (North Outer Road between the American
Legion and Road Ranger). Please RSVP to vanceewing@bowandbarrelsports.com
, no later than July 3, 2013.
Chamber Membership Social "Bring
Back the Memories!"- July 25th at 6:00 p.m.
at the Hampton Inn in St. Robert.
Fort Leonard Wood Command Orientation
31 packets were handed out in June.
Newcomer Materials are due to the Chamber Office by the
2nd Wednesday of each month. Newcomer Spotlight Businesses
are selected randomly. You must be taking advantage of this
benefit to be considered. If you are not currently participating
in this FREE program, you should be!
Advertise as little or as often as you wish in the Waynesville-St.
Robert Chamber "VOICE" Newsletter. Our
Newsletter comes out once a month, and will include a hyperlink!
Banner Ad; Top of the Page Exclusive
$300 (for six months)
$500 (for twelve months)
Side Bar Banner Ad
$200 (for six months)
$350 (for twelve months)
Leadership
Pulaski County
Chamber
Business Showcase
Greetings
everybody! Let us remember that the primary mission of FLW
has not changed and our Community can take pride that our
overwhelming community support was instrumental in influencing
the final outcome of the Army 2020 PAE report. The team
work between our local communities, State and National elected
officials were invaluable and demonstrate that working as
a team, we will guarantee sustainability. 
The
Membership Social if fast approaching on July 25th, be sure
to get your R.s.v.p. in now for this night of networking.
We will also say farewell to Board member Jackie Farris
and welcome Carrie Williamson to the Board. Be sure to attend
this fun social!
I
would like to take a moment to introduce a new tourism team
member. Taylor Olson joined the Bureau in June as Visitor
Services Representative. Taylor comes to us with great knowledge
and understanding of database management and an outstanding
personality. With this change I have shifted responsibilities
a bit. Katie has taken on the additional duty overseeing the
brochures carried in the center and ensuring the tourism bureau
Visitors Guides and other information is dispersed throughout
the communities as well as the visitor and welcome centers
across the state. I know she has already been in contact with
many of you, but if you have not met Katie, or Taylor, please
take a moment on stopping by the center; Monday-Friday 8am-5pm,
Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm.
There
is a new term in retailing today called "showrooming".
It is estimated that 40 percent of Americans have engaged
in this practice. This practice is where consumers actual
go to a brick and mortal store to look at and handle the product.
The consumer then goes home and buys the product online. With
online retailers not obligated to collect sales taxes in many
states ,they enjoy a competitive advantage over physical stores
when it comes to pricing.
NOTES
FROM THE BANKS OF THE ROUBIDOUX!
