The Nominating Committee of the Waynesville-St.
Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has met and
nominated 2 candidates for the Board of Directors.
St. Robert - There is one (1) board seat
open in St. Robert.
1. Carrie
Williamson - 3 Year Term (Smith & Turley)
Waynesville - There is one (1) board
seat open in Waynesville.
1. Mike
Freeman - Incumbent 3 Year Term (Sellers-Sexton Ford-Lincoln-Mazda)
The following is the Chamber's process for
electing new board members. Members have the right to nominate
by petition. The deadline for filing a petition is May 7,
2013 by 5 p.m. The petition must bear the genuine signatures
of at least 5% of the members in good standing of the Chamber.
Petitions may be dropped off or mailed to: Waynesville-St.
Robert Chamber of Commerce, 137 St. Robert Blvd., Ste. B,
St. Robert, MO 65584 for consideration.
Article IV Board of Directors (from By-Laws)
Pursuant to Section 3: Selection and Election of Directors
A Nominating Committee of not less than three (3) members
of the Chamber Board of Directors shall be appointed by the
President of the Board by March of each year. At the April
Board of Directors meeting, the Nominating Committee shall
present to the President of the Board a slate of candidates.
Each candidate must be an active member in good standing and
must have agreed to accept the responsibility of a directorship.
Additional names of candidates for directors
can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures
of at least five percent (5%) of the members in good standing
of the Chamber. Such petition shall be filed with the Nominating
Committee at the Chamber office within ten (10) days after
notice has been given of the names of those nominated. The
determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality
of the petition(s) shall be final.
If no petition is filed within the designated
period, the nominations shall be closed and the nominated
slate of candidates shall be declared elected by the Board
of Directors at their regular May Board meeting. If a legal
petition shall present additional candidates, the names of
all candidates shall be arranged on a ballot in alphabetical
order. Instructions will be to vote for the vacant number
of directors only. The President shall send the ballot to
all active members via U.S. mail, facsimile or e-mail at least
fifteen (15) days before the regular May Board meeting. The
ballots shall be marked in accordance with instructions and
returned to the Chamber office within ten (10) days of mailing.
The Nominating Committee shall count and tabulate the ballots,
and certify the results to the Board of Directors. Any improperly
marked ballot(s) shall not be counted. Ballots will be kept
on file for thirty (30) days following the tabulation of the
ballots and are open to inspection by any active member. The
Board of Directors shall at its regular May Board meeting
declare the candidates with the greatest number of votes elected.
In the event of a tie, the tie shall be broken by the flip
of a coin. The President shall conduct the flip in the presence
of the candidates.
Click here
to view a full version of the Chamber By-laws.
Community
Listening Session Response Thank You
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors would like to thank the community for their
participation in the community listening session hosted by
Fort Leonard Wood on April 30th in response to proposed reductions
in the Army 2020 PEA report. There is no doubt of the communities'
support of Fort Leonard Wood. This was demonstrated by the
more than 1,200 small business owners, veterans, students,
elected officials, and citizens who responded as a region
to present a positive unified message to Army leaders.
The Chamber would also like to thank Joe Driskill
and his committee of community leaders, business owners, and
volunteers for the work they put in to prepare for the presentation.
The ability of the regional communities to mobilize in less
than two weeks was extremely important to the success of the
response presented.
The community is encouraged to continue their
involvement in support of Fort Leonard Wood by remaining engaged
through community groups as well as continued communication
with government officials at all levels. For more information
on getting involved in the community contact the Chamber office.
For more information
on the session and to see photos click here.
Chamber
Quarterly +1 Luncheon
The Quarterly luncheons will take place on May 8th, August
14th, and November 13th in 2013. These luncheons will begin
at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., and will have an extended
agenda which includes special updates and announcements.
If you know a current Chamber member who has not been to
a luncheon in a while or if you are speaking to someone about
possibly joining the Chamber, please invite them to attend
the luncheon with you. Any perspective member must attend
with a currently active member as their guest.
There are no seating limits for the Quarterly +1 Luncheons
so it is a great opportunity to get involved and updated on
the community and network with fellow Chamber members. RSVPs
are due the Tuesday before the luncheon by 9:00 a.m. Guests
of Chamber members must also have an RSVP to attend. Cost
is $10 per person. All regular Chamber luncheon policies apply.
For more information on the new Quarterly +1 Luncheon or
to RSVP contact the Chamber office by calling 573-336-5121
or email chamber@wsrchamber.com.
The
Challenge - Register Your Team Today!!!
The newest Chamber community event, The Challenge, will
be May 18th in the Waynesville City Park. Check-in will begin
at 9:00 a.m. and the Challenge starts at 10:00 a.m. Participants
will make up teams of two and will race to complete challenges.
The first team to successfully complete all challenges and
cross the finish line will be the event winner. Prizes will
be awarded to the top three teams.
This is a perfect event for families, co-workers, or other
groups to compete against each other while they enjoy a morning
being outside and active in the Waynesville City Park. The
Challenge will test your physical and mental capability during
a variety of tasks as you attempt to get through the course
made up of ten separate challenges as fast as possible. Don't
go too fast or you might miss something and have to try again.
The Challenge is not a 5K or triathlon race. Walking or running,
if you choose, will be required to get to different locations
throughout the park.
Register your team today! At least one person per team must
be 18 years old or older. All teams that register at the
Chamber office before close of business on May 8th will be
guaranteed a race day shirt. Race day registration is
available but shirts availability and sizes will be limited.
Thank you to Riley Luttrell, a junior in the Graphic Design
class at the Waynesville Career Center, for designing the
logo for the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce's
newest event, the Challenge. Riley's home school is Iberia
High School. He is a member of the track team, National Honor
society and the Iberia High School Drum Major.
Eggs and Issues Luncheon
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber welcomes
State Senator Dan Brown and State Representative Steven Lynch
to its annual Eggs and Issues Lunch at the Hampton Inn beginning
at 11:30 a.m. on May 29th. This event, sponsored by CenturyLink,
is one of the highlights of the year as our local State Senator
and Representative report on the issues and challenges brought
to the Missouri Congress during its most recent session and
answer questions from the audience. This is a Chamber members
only event. There is no charge and the meal is being provided
by CenturyLink and catered by Andy's 417. RSVP by calling
the Chamber office at (573) 336-5121 or e-mail chamber@wsrchamber.com
by 9 a.m. May 20th to reserve your seat. If you reserve
a seat and are unable to attend without notifying the Chamber,
you will be charged for the meal.
Leadership
Pulaski County - Now Accepting Applications!
Leadership Pulaski County is a community based
leadership program designed to identify, educate, and develop
leaders. The goal of Leadership Pulaski County is to identify
community leaders, expand the leadership potential of participants
by increasing their knowledge of Pulaski County, as well as
connect current and potential leaders by improving communication.
Sessions will introduce participants to the different aspects
of leadership within Pulaski County as well as develop an
awareness of the importance of leadership to the community's
growth and development. Participants will be provided the
opportunity to network with individuals that represent many
different aspects of the community including business, government,
military, and volunteer organizations. Leadership Pulaski
County is designed to develop, inspire, and motivate the leaders
of Pulaski County.
Leadership Pulaski County program participants
are selected from applications submitted to the selection
committee based on merits through a highly competitive admissions
process. Participants are expected to have established careers,
demonstrate talent and leadership qualities, and participate
in community activities. All participants must also demonstrate
a personal commitment to serving the community, show potential
for a significant role in the community in the future, and
a willingness to commit the time and energy necessary to complete
the program. The sponsoring organization or business must
also fully support participation in Leadership Pulaski County.
Individuals from all aspects of Pulaski County
are eligible to apply. The number of participants for each
class is limited. All applications must be postmarked by
June 5, 2013 to be considered for the 2013-2014 class.
Applications are now
being accepted for the 2013-2014 Class of Leadership Pulaski
County. Click the links below for more information.
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 April 12th AUSA, Committee of Fifty, Friends
of the Fort, Support the Fort and Phelps for the Fort members
and guests toured Fort Leonard Wood. Click here
to see picture from the day.
Chamber
Four Person Scramble
After a few years off, the golf tournament returned
on April 25th to great success. Thank you to all of the teams
who came out to enjoy a great day on the golf course, our
event sponsors, and members who donated items for the play
goody bags. To see photos from the event click here.
Character Word of the Month
Beginning in November 2012 the Chamber partnered with the
Waynesville School District in promoting their character word
of the month. Each month a character word is chosen to be
the focus of character development. The Chamber is encouraging
its members to apply this word within their business each
month. Businesses can put up a sign or put the word on their
marquis as well as encourage employees to focus on what the
character word means to them.
The character word for May is:
Confidence is full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness,
or reliability of a person or thing; the belief in oneself
and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance;
assurance; or certitude; assurance.
What does confidence mean to you, your
business, and the community?
Chamber
Business Showcase
On May1st the Chamber Surprise Patrol visited
two Chamber member businesses to recognize them as the Chamber
Business Showcase member recognition program recipients for
May. The May Business Showcase recipients are Glik's Outlet
and Rocky Top Pets/Kennel. 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 June
to recognize the next recipients.
Meet Your Chamber Board
Board member Tracy McCord has worked for Mid
Missouri Credit Union for almost 14 year. Her favorite thing
about the Chamber is the engagement in the community and the
communication and support that it gives to its Chamber members
to help their business grow. Something you might not know
about Tracy is before beginning her career in the financial
industry she was a cosmetologist.
2012-2013 Chamber Board of Directors
2013 Sponsorship Opportunities
Click here
for information on 2013 Sponsorship Opportunities. For more
information on any Chamber event contact the Chamber office
at 573-336-5121 or email
chamber@wsrchamber.com.
Chamber
Membership E-Plaque
The Chamber would like to introduce the new
E-plaque now available to members. This plaque may be placed
on your business web site or social media page to increase
your credibility through the recognition of Chamber membership.
E-mail info@wsrchamber.com
for the web site code and instructions to add the new Chamber
Membership E-plaque to your company web site.
Bridging
Members Program
Chamber members are encouraged to report to
us when they visit another member's establishment. At the
end of the month the member with the most visits will have
the opportunity to have a video posted to our web site...FREE!
Click here
to log in your visits now!
Check out the new video from out most recent
winner: Sue Stoltz with Bott Radio Network
For nearly 15 years, Michels Frames &
Things has been making the walls of your homes and offices
more beautiful with their creative custom framing. The preservation
of works of art on paper and canvas, memorabilia, textiles
and objects is the primary objective for all artwork framed
at Michels.
Joyce Michels is a Master Certified Picture
Framer, certified through the Professional Picture Framers
Association, an international organization that promotes
custom framing worldwide. Joyce is on the Board of Directors
for that organization, serving as liaison to 3 regional
chapters in the US, as well as for the committee that oversees
the Certification Programs. In addition, she teaches advanced
framing techniques and continuing education classes to framers
from around the world.
Michels Frames & Things offers a variety
of framing and decorating services for your convenience:
-Hanging services are available in your home
or office.
-Consultation appointments in your home or office are available
for decorating/redecorating. *Artwork may be ordered in
custom sizes and may be printed on a variety of media including
aluminum, acrylic and bamboo!
-Check-ups for existing artwork may help prolong the life
of treasured piece.
-Over 2000 frame mouldings and approximately 1800 colors/textures
of matboard are available.
-Specialty techniques such as French lines and panels, painted
or gilded bevels, hand-wrapped
fabric mats and decorative cuts are but a few of the many
decorative options available.
-Photo restoration service is offered, along with special
transformative editing techniques.
In addition to custom framing, Michels Frames
& Things carries a full line of cross stitch supplies.
DMC and Anchor floss, Kreinik metallics and a variety of
stitching fabrics are available for all levels of experience.
If you are new to stitching, we'll help you get started.
And for the ladies - we have a great selection
of Bauble Lulu beads and accessories. The beads are interchangeable
to wear on necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets - AND
they will fit your Pandora® accessories as well.
Whatever your framing needs are, Michels Frames
& Things wants to be your "Go To Framer".
If you mention that you are a Chamber member, you'll receive
a 15% discount on any purchases - anytime!
Greetings
everybody! Wow has the Chamber been busy on your behalf.
I am not sure how your staff has been able to keep up. Not
counting daily activities, ribbon cuttings, luncheon, board
meeting and just answering the phone, here is a recap:
1) Leadership, Organization and Coordination
of the COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION to provide public comment
to the Army PEA 2020 document. This generated over 2300
Community comments from around the region. This truly demonstrates
our commitment to this area and our support for Ft. Leonard
Wood and to the service our military provides to this great
Nation.
2) Leadership, Organization and Coordination
of the Community response for the Army Community Listening
Post conducted April 30, 2013. We had a goal of 1000 attendees
and had nearly 1300 in attendance. This far exceeds attendance
of any other Listening Post. We owe a huge thank you to
Joe Driskill and Sustainable Ozarks for preparing the best
presentation I have ever seen. To all those who attended
our planning sessions, provided valuable input, rallied
our citizens to make sure our attendance and participation
far exceeded our goals---THANK YOU!!! Our community should
be PROUD of ourselves for producing such an outstanding
response. To our military friends, thank you for allowing
us to voice our concerns and let you know we SUPPORT OUR
SERVICE MEMBERS.
3) Host the Chamber Golf Tournament that allowed
15 teams to have a fun filled day. Thanks to all the participants
and our SPONSORS.
May promises to be just as busy so get out
into our community and support your local Chamber members.
As always please feel free to contact me if
the Chamber can be of any assistance to you.
I
am proud to live in this community! I was so grateful to
see everyone come out in support of Fort Leonard Wood at
the Listening Session. It confirmed why my family calls
this home. A big thank you to everyone involved.
This month is filled with fun as we prepare
for our upcoming events. We are still signing up teams for
The Challenge on May 18th, so get your team together. "Eggs
and Issues" is fast approaching. All the issues from
Jefferson City will be discussed. This is a luncheon you
don't want to miss, make sure you register early!
Leanna and I attended the MAKO conference
in Branson. This was the third year for the four state Chamber
conference and we learned lots of fun ideas to help our
members. Thanks to Jenna for taking care of everything at
the office.
Remember to help honor our Veterans on Memorial
Day by attending the community Wreath Laying Ceremonies
and the ceremony at the Ft. Leonard Wood Veterans' Cemetery.
If you have any questions or concerns, please
give me a call at 573-336-5121.
My name is Chantel Higdon. I was born in
Poplar Bluff Mo and I grew up in a small town named Piggott,
in Northeast Arkansas. I graduated from Clay County Central
High School in Rector, AR (Class of 1998). That is where
I met my wonderful husband and best friend Tyler. We married
in June of 1999, and we have 3 beautiful little girls',
twins Adalie and Avery (6) and Abigail (3). We have been
stationed in Alaska at Elmendorf AFB (3yrs) and at Little
Rock AFB (7yrs) until being stationed here at Fort Leonard
Wood in 2009. When we received our orders to come to Fort
Leonard Wood I was to say the least not too happy about
coming back to Fort lost in the woods, since we was here
in 1999 for my husband's Technical Training school, however
now that we are here and I have seen firsthand how this
community gives back to our military, I am extremely proud
to be a part of this community. I have been to many cities/towns
and I have never seen as much support that I see here.
I can see why these two towns and Pulaski County have
received the Purple Heart. My husband is now the Instructor
Supervisor for the Payments and Construction Equipment
Operator course, assigned to the364 TRS Det 1 here at
Ft. Leonard Wood. So I am proud to say I am a United States
Air Force Wife of a Dirt Boy! I joined the US Bank team
in 2011 as there Branch Manager, I have always worked
for banks everywhere we go, I love helping customers reach
their goals, whatever they may be. I am always here to
help wherever I can. I am a new Chamber Ambassador, member
of the Committee of 50, member of Waynesville-St. Robert
Chamber, and St. Robert Parks committee. I am honored
to be your Ambassador for US Bank for the Chamber and
I want to give back to a community that does so much for
others.
The
first weekend in May we begin our spring hours and will be
open 6 days a week, Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday's
9am-3pm. Memorial weekend we officially open on Sundays with
the hours of 9am-3pm. Please let your staff, guests and customers
know that we are here to assist them with ideas of things
to do in Pulaski County. And if you are planning a getaway,
remember that we have over 750 brochures on attractions across
the state of Missouri.
Occasionally I like to reintroduce our team. I think it is
important for you to know what each of their specialties are.
As you enter the Visitors Center you will be greet by our
Visitor Services Representative's; Mitzi Sparks and Katie
Dreadfulwater. They are our onsite marketing team; meeting
and greeting visitors referring travelers to various sites
and businesses throughout the county. Educating all people
they come into contact with regarding activities, events and
detailed programs that have been designed to assist them throughout
the county. Mitzi also oversees distribution of the Official
Visitors Guides throughout the state and responds to the leads
we receive from external ad placements. She oversees the research
program, businesses updates and board correspondence. Katie
oversees our retail area, Visitor Center needs and special
programs.
Karen Hood, Marketing Relations Manager, markets and coordinates
our group and reunion business. Have you ever wanted to host
your regional or statewide conference or educational opportunities?
Or maybe you are a veteran and would like to bring your reunion
to Pulaski County? Maybe your church group would like assistance
in obtaining bids for a retreat or float trip in Pulaski County.
Karen will be happy to assist you in planning and co-coordinating
with partners throughout the county. Karen also works with
area partners regarding opportunities to highlight their business
over and above the complimentary marketing programs that we
offer as your destination marketing organization. She also
designs and places our print media.
Laura Huffman, Social Media and Events focuses on collection
of events occurring and promoting those large events through
all our social media channels as well as the design of the
LED sign slides. She researches and develops creative on area
attractions, businesses and history that are released through
the Pulaski County USA blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and
other social media outlets. She also researches, develops
and co-ordinates the creative scripts for our radio placements
that run local, regional and state-wide.
The staff of the bureau must be quick learners, observant,
mindful, engaging, creative, caring, professional and passionate
at all times. We are the communicator between your business
and people planning their vacations, meetings, bus tours,
reunions, sporting activities, group retreats and those visitors
that stop in the Visitors Center.
The more we know, the more we can assist you, your business,
and our visitors. Keeping this in mind the Bureau is asking
you to Talk To Tourism. Please click this link for a downloadable
sign to post at your desk and to share with your staff http://PulaskiCountyUSA.com/brochures/talk2tourism.pdf
as a reminder to keep us forefront in your mind. So….HYT2T?
First 5 people that call 336.6355 to tell us what in the world
HYT2T means will win a free gift!!!
As always, stay connected with what is happening in Pulaski
County by visiting our online calendar located at PulaskiCountyUSA.com.
You won't want to miss the array of activities in May! You
may also view the Group Calendar so that you can display welcome
signs to all the groups coming to Pulaski County. We have
several buses and international groups coming through in May.
We encourage you to do this, as you know we are…."A
Welcome Place in America's Heartland!"
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
I
am asked frequently about what grants are available for business
and industry. The answer is there just aren't many grants
available. The answer is usually to look for low interest
loans. I serve on the Meramec Regional Development Corporation
which is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit corporation. Meramec Regional
Development Corporation is also a Small Business Administration
Certified Development Corporation (CDC). Meramec Regional
Development Corporation serves primarily Crawford, Dent, Gasconade,
Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington Counties. However,
MRDC has been in involved with the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout
the State of Missouri. The SBA 504 Loan Program usually requires
borrower's contribution of 10 % equity. The Bank will typically
take a first lien of 50 % and the SBA will take a second position
on 40 %. The financing is fixed rate of 20 years on Real Estate
and 10 years on machinery and equipment. There are also job
creation requirements of 1 new job for every $65,000.00 of
the loan. The Meramec Regional Development Corporation also
offers RLF,IRP, and Microenterprise loan programs. Again job
creation is a requirement for these loans. These loans have
fixed rate loans of 15 years on real estate, 10 years on machinery/equipment
and 7 years on working capital. As of March 31, 2013 the IRP
had over $100,000.00 available to loan. The RLF had $174,469.00
to loan, and the Microenterprise Fund had $78,065.00, and
there is an RLF disaster fund available of $234,196.00. If
you are interested in any of these programs contact me and
I will have a MRDC staff person contact you.
Spring has arrived and with it the start
of several anticipated projects in the City of Waynesville.
Work continues on the west Waynesville sidewalk project
and that work has now reached the downtown area, as the
vintage lighting, new sidewalks into Laughlin Park, the
lighting of the Walking Trail and the completion of the
Trail of Tears exhibit site are beginning to take shape.
We are excited about these long-planned improvements. Many
of these ideas took shape in 2004 with an idea from long-time
resident, Charli Hartley. We applaud her vision and thank
her for sticking with this project through these past years.
We also received news this week that the cost share program
through the National Park Service has been approved and
monies have been allocated for completing the signage portion
of the Trail of Tears site. This will include the site itself,
as well as an interpretive walking trail exhibit that will
wind from Laughlin Park into the upper Roubidoux Park. The
City also thanks the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau for being
partners in the Trail of Tears project. Our workers have
also completed the new Welcome Sign located on Highway 17
North, on property donated by Rachelle and George Beasley.
We have plans for another Welcome Sign in the West Waynesville
area later in the summer.
At this month's Council meeting, we swore in new councilman,
Jim Mathews, along with incumbents Mike France and Diana
Stanford. Newly elected councilman, William Paolicelli,
and incumbent, Michael Curtis, will be sworn in on April
22 at City Hall. Mike France was chosen as the Mayor pro
Tem. New committees will be formed this month and new chairmen
selected for those committees. Our committees can be found
on our website at www.waynesvillemo.org.
Chief of Police Bob Carter announced his upcoming retirement
from the Waynesville Police Department. After 24 years of
service to the City, Chief Carter will retire on Nov. 1.
He will also be helping the City transition to new leadership
for the department. Bob came up through the ranks of the
Waynesville Police from Reserve, to Patrolman, to Sergeant
and Assistant Chief and in 2008, Mayor Hammock appointed
him Chief of Police. Bob has been instrumental in many improvements
in the department and has worked hard to lower the crime
rate and solve crimes against our citizens. Bob will enjoy
his time fishing and hunting and the City applauds him and
his service. A timeline for the replacement of Chief Carter
will be announced at the next Police Committee meeting.
This month, I recognized some "Good Citizens"
from the Briar Pointe neighborhood. Elizabeth McKim, Autumn
Miller and Katelyn Ramirez responded to a rash of recent
car break ins by delivering a handwritten warning to all
their neighbors to secure their vehicles and be on the alert.
Chief Bob Carter took part in a presentation recognizing
their initiative. As mayor, I want to recognize people who
serve our community and never expect anything in return.
Several upcoming projects were begun at this month's meeting,
including the approval of plans for the low water crossing
structure to be built at the tennis court area on Old H
Highway. This will be started as soon as school is out.
We also began the paperwork on the T Highway project with
MoDOT. I would remind the public that there has been no
engineering on this project. This paperwork simply begins
the process. Many have expressed concerns and questions
about the proposed roundabout at that location. I assure
you, there will be opportunity for public input. The Council
also approved the bid of Bales Construction to build a community
hangar at the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport. This
money is from a MoDOT grant and will continue to improve
our air service there. We are proud a local business was
the low bidder.
In 2008, the City adopted a Comprehensive Plan for the City
and this plan governs many of the decisions that the Council
makes. These goals and objectives are very diverse and address
many aspects of our community. For example, one goal was
to improve the entrances to our city and to make people
feel welcome. Our new Welcome Signs, our banners and the
hard work of our local Garden Club to provide beautiful
plants at the downtown Welcome Sign are good examples of
that goal. The tulips blooming right now are beautiful and
we thank the Garden Club for their work. We have several
objectives that address our streets, traffic flow and traffic
congestion. We continue to work on several areas of concern.
Because of budget constraints, we have to plan the more
expensive projects carefully, but please know that there
are many plans in the making to improve our quality of life
in Waynesville.
Congratulations 2013 Seniors!! The City of Saint Robert would
like to take the time wish the classes of 2013 Congratulation
on your achievement!
The City of Saint Robert would like to take this opportunity
to invite everyone to the unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony
of the City of Saint Robert's welcome sign. That will be held
on May 10, 2013 at 9:00am.
The City of Saint Robert would also like to take this time
to let residents know:
The City of Saint Robert Mayor George Sanders has scheduled
a Town Hall meeting for Tuesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m. at the Saint Robert Community Center, located at 114
J.H. Williamson Jr. Dr. Join in this visioning session and
join in the excitement and enthusiasm for improving the quality
of life in Saint Robert. Please take this time to visit with
Mayor Sanders and the Aldermen.
The city offers yard waste pick-up. Lawn mowing season has
begun and the City of Saint Robert wants to make you aware
that we offer our residents curb side pick-up of tree branches,
grass clippings, and leaves each Monday. Leaves and grass
clippings must be bagged and not exceed 40 pounds per bag.
Limbs must be bundled. Each bundle cannot exceed 4 feet in
length and 40 pounds. Any bags containing items other that
clippings, leaves or branches will not be picked up. Items
must be located by the curb no later than 7 am on Monday.
This service is only for the personal use of our residents.
We are unable to assist Private Lawn Care Services in the
disposal of yard waste. For more information please call 573-451-2000
ext 1144.
Looking for a Summer Job? The City of Saint Robert Tiger
Typhoon Aquatic Center is now recruiting for Head Lifeguards,
Lifeguards, and Concessions/Pool Attendants. Visit St Robert
City Hall or go online to www.saintrobert.com
for more information!
Relay for Life
Pulaski County - American Cancer Society
Ashley Miller
3322 South Campbell Ave. Ste. G
Springfield, MO 65807
(417) 447-1477
Fax: (417)881-7955 ashley.miller@cancer.org
Chamber Quarterly +1 Luncheon - May 8th at 11:30
a.m. at the St. Robert Community Center, catered by Vidies
Bistro. Our sponsor will be Michels Frams and Things.. Please
contact the Chamber Office to RSVP before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday,
May 7th.
Ribbon Cutting for Relay for Life Pulaski County -American
Cancer Society - May 9th at 6 p.m. at the Hampton Inn
in St. Robert.
Ribbon Cutting for Military Spouse Portable Career
Planning - May 10th at 1 p.m. at the Chamber office,
137 St. Robert Blvd., Ste. B.
Ribbon Cutting for American Home Solutions - May
10th at 1 p.m. at the Chamber office, 137 St. Robert Blvd.,
Ste. B.
Ribbon Cutting for Kimberly F. Lowe, Attorney at Law
- May 15 at 11 a.m. at 400 Historic Rt. 66 E. in Waynesville.
The Challenge - May 18th in the Waynesville City
Park Participants will race to stations and complete challenges.
The first team to successfully complete all challenges and
cross the finish line will be the event winner. Teams are
made up of two people. Teams that pre-register at the Chamber
office will receive a t-shirt. For more information contact
the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce at 573-336-5121.
Ribbon Cutting for Factory Connection #232 - May
22nd at 10 a.m. at 220 Marshall Dr., Ste. 2 in St. Robert.
Chamber Office Closed - May 27th in observance of
Memorial Day.
Eggs & Issues Luncheon - The Waynesville-St.
Robert Chamber welcomes State Senator Dan Brown and State
Representative Steve Lynch to its annual Eggs and Issues
Lunch at the Hampton Inn beginning at 11:30 a.m. on May
29th. This event, sponsored by CenturyLink, is one of the
highlights of the year as our local State Senator and Representative
report on the issues and challenges brought to the Missouri
Congress during its most recent session and answer questions
from the audience. This is a Chamber members only event.
There is no charge and the meal is being provided by CenturyLink
and catered by Andy's 417. RSVP by calling the Chamber office
at (573) 336-5121 or e-mailing chamber@wsrchamber.com
by 9 a.m. May 23rd to reserve your seat at this 'must
attend' event. If you have a reservation and are unable
to attend without notifying the Chamber, you will be charged
for the meal.
Fort Leonard Wood Command Orientation
34 packets were handed out in April.
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)
Chamber
Quarterly +1 Luncheon
The
Challenge - Register Your Team Today!!!
Leadership
Pulaski County - Now Accepting Applications! 
Chamber
Four Person Scramble 
Chamber
Business Showcase
Chamber
Membership E-Plaque
Bridging
Members Program
Greetings
everybody! Wow has the Chamber been busy on your behalf.
I am not sure how your staff has been able to keep up. Not
counting daily activities, ribbon cuttings, luncheon, board
meeting and just answering the phone, here is a recap: 
I
am proud to live in this community! I was so grateful to
see everyone come out in support of Fort Leonard Wood at
the Listening Session. It confirmed why my family calls
this home. A big thank you to everyone involved.
The
first weekend in May we begin our spring hours and will be
open 6 days a week, Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday's
9am-3pm. Memorial weekend we officially open on Sundays with
the hours of 9am-3pm. Please let your staff, guests and customers
know that we are here to assist them with ideas of things
to do in Pulaski County. And if you are planning a getaway,
remember that we have over 750 brochures on attractions across
the state of Missouri.
I
am asked frequently about what grants are available for business
and industry. The answer is there just aren't many grants
available. The answer is usually to look for low interest
loans. I serve on the Meramec Regional Development Corporation
which is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit corporation. Meramec Regional
Development Corporation is also a Small Business Administration
Certified Development Corporation (CDC). Meramec Regional
Development Corporation serves primarily Crawford, Dent, Gasconade,
Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington Counties. However,
MRDC has been in involved with the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout
the State of Missouri. The SBA 504 Loan Program usually requires
borrower's contribution of 10 % equity. The Bank will typically
take a first lien of 50 % and the SBA will take a second position
on 40 %. The financing is fixed rate of 20 years on Real Estate
and 10 years on machinery and equipment. There are also job
creation requirements of 1 new job for every $65,000.00 of
the loan. The Meramec Regional Development Corporation also
offers RLF,IRP, and Microenterprise loan programs. Again job
creation is a requirement for these loans. These loans have
fixed rate loans of 15 years on real estate, 10 years on machinery/equipment
and 7 years on working capital. As of March 31, 2013 the IRP
had over $100,000.00 available to loan. The RLF had $174,469.00
to loan, and the Microenterprise Fund had $78,065.00, and
there is an RLF disaster fund available of $234,196.00. If
you are interested in any of these programs contact me and
I will have a MRDC staff person contact you.
NOTES
FROM THE ROUBIDOUX
