The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors was thrilled at the number of applications
received from our membership for the open Board positions
for 2015. We are lucky to have such talent in our community.
At the April Board of Directors meeting, the Nominating Committee
presented its proposed slate of candidates. The nominations
were then closed. The Board voted on the 4 candidates and
is excited to announce the Board of Directors that will take
office on July 1, 2015.
Membership at Large - There is one (1)
board seat open for a Membership at Large.
1. Deborah
Baker- 3 Year Term (Pulaski County Health Department &
Home Health)
St. Robert - There is three (3) board
seats open in St. Robert.
1. Joshua
Deavours - 3 Year Term (Citizens Bank of Newburg)
2. Alana
Hancock - 3 Year Term (Century 21 Prestige Real Estate)
3. Janel
Rowell- 3 Year Term (Fort Wood Hotels - Comfort Inn)
Meet Your Board
Shawn
Cordry
I'm Shawn Cordry and have resided in Pulaski County for the
last 10 years. I have been in the mortgage banking business
for 30 years and with Citizens Mortgage for the last 10 years.
I came down to help at the family business 10 years ago and
decided to stay and make Pulaski County my new home. When
I'm not crunching numbers and problem solving at my job, I
love meeting new people and love to get out and hike, canoe,
and explore what's out in the wilderness. I also love to explore
new environments whether it be the woods, other cities, or
other cultures in different countries. I've also been an Ambassador
for the Chamber of Commerce for last 5+ years
Community Forum
The
Chamber hosted the annual community on April 14th in the library
of the Waynesville High School. The panel discussion began
at 6:30 p.m. Speakers for the evening included COL Andrew
Herbst from Fort Leonard Wood, Jim Phillips, President of
the Board of Alderman from the City of St. Robert, Mayor Luge
Hardman from the City of Waynesville, Dr. Brian Henry, Superintendent
of the Waynesville R-VI School District, Dorsey Newcomb from
the Leonard Wood Institute/Sustainable Ozarks Partnership,
and Gene Newkirk, Pulaski County Presiding Commissioner. The
community was invited to attend the forum and had the opportunity
to ask questions. Questions were submitted in person. Click
here
to view photos.
Chamber Four Person Scramble
The
golf tournament that was held
on April 23rd was a 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
special prizes, door prizes, and golf tees. To see photos
and video from the event click here.
Eggs & Issues
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber welcomes State Senator
Dan Brown, State Representative Steve Lynch, and State Representative
Robert Ross to its annual Eggs and Issues Lunch at the Hampton
Inn beginning at 11:30 a.m. on May 27th. 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 State of Missouri 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. We still ask that you R.s.v.p. by calling the
Chamber office at (573) 336-5121 or e-mailing chamber@wsrchamber.com
by 9 a.m. May 22nd to reserve your seat at this 'must attend'
event (the standing reservation list
for Chamber luncheons does not apply to this event).
If you are unable to attend without notifying the Chamber,
you will be charged for the meal. Click here
for the event web page.
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, 2015 to be considered for the 2015-2016 class.
Applications are now
being accepted for the 2015-2016 Class of Leadership Pulaski
County. Click the links below for more information.
On May 1st 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 Sonic
Drive - In and Express Stop Store. 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.
Offer a discount or special offer to your
business through the Chamber's Shop Local Key Tag.
Anyone with a Shop Local Key Tag can
visit a participating business and receive a discount
or take advantage of a special offer. Key Tags are
FREE and available at all Chamber events as well as
the Chamber office. Key Tags will be available during
regular office hours at the Chamber office.
This program is open to any type of Chamber
business including retail, restaurants, fitness, service
businesses, or any business wishing to give a special
promotion to residents. Your discount or special promotion
needs to be good through December 31, 2015. Please fill
out the form below with your discount or special offer
to indicate that you are interested in participating in
this program.
For more information about the Shop Local Key
Tag Program visit www.keepitlocal.biz.
Chamber
Membership E-Plaque
The 2014 -2015 Chamber Membership E- Plaque
is 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.
The character word for May is:
Definition: noun; adherence to moral and ethical
principles; soundness of moral character; honesty; the state
of being whole, entire, or undiminished:
to preserve the integrity of the empire; a sound, unimpaired,
or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
Quote: "The supreme quality for leadership
is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is
possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football
field, in an army, or in an office." Dwight D. Eisenhower
What does accountability
mean to you, your business, and the community?
The Free Women's Center (FWC) is a Pro-Life
crisis pregnancy center that empowers as many individuals
as possible to make healthy life choices consistent with
the intrinsic value of human life, and serves as a leader
in the community at large for positive sexual values. The
FWC is committed to the following principles of service
and values which are rooted in and flow from the Christian
faith of those involved with the FWC.
1. Services promote life affirming choices
for pregnancy and sexuality.
2. Services are presented in a loving, caring, nonjudgmental
manner.
3. Services are presented to people of all races, cultures,
creeds, and economic status.
4. Services are confidential.
5. Services promote abstinence as the positive life choice
for unmarried persons.
The FWC fulfills its mission through programs
which provide pregnancy testing and peer counseling; pregnancy
confirmation through limited diagnostic ultrasound; partnering
and support; linkage to community resources; prenatal education;
post abortive support; adoption support; and financial &
material assistance. All services are provided Monday- Thursday,
10:00 am - 4:00 pm, or by appointment.
Significant Milestones - the FWC has been
an active Center for four (4) years.
*Served 510 Clients with 3595 client visits
*91 Women have graduated from our Prenatal Education Program
and have earned $150 in baby bucks each (>$13,000). Currently,
we have 14 Women in our Prenatal Education Program.
*We have saved 115 babies from abortion
*In the past year, we provided over $27,000 in direct client
assistance (rent, utilities, education assistance, gas for
car, and parenting supplies).
*We provided our first ultrasound on 3 October 2011; to
date we have provided 206 free ultrasounds.
Your
Chamber continues to be extremely active in our Shop Local
campaign. The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
is proud of what our local Chamber members have to offer.
You can find almost everything you need from our Chamber
members that have their businesses located in our Community.
Dollars you spend locally stay local, which allows the Community
to continue to grow and prosper. The quality of goods and
services that are available in our Community cannot be beat
anywhere in the State. So Remember---Shop Local-It's All
Here!
Again, the Chamber hosted the annual Chamber
Golf Tournament where everyone seemed to have a fun filled
day. Thanks to all the participants and our SPONSORS.
During the month, I attended the ground breaking
ceremony for the Delbert Day Cancer Institute at the Phelps
County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. It was a great
event, attended by a large part of the community and continues
to emphasize their slogan of "World Class Health Care
Close to Home". Participated in the ribbon cutting
and the annual Women of Significance Luncheon at Westside
Baptist Church. The event is sponsored for Genesis House
by The Good Samaritan. It was an honor for me to be there
and support this great cause.
May promises to be just as busy so get out
into our community and support your local Chamber members.
As always, I ask each of you to make a difference
and stay active in the community and continue to work as
a Team. It is going to take a Team approach and effort for
us to be successful in the coming months and years. As we
continue to move forward in 2015, we need to stand united
in our community endeavors, whether that is in business,
volunteer work, support of this area and the military.
As always please feel free to contact me if
the Chamber can be of any assistance to you.
"Eggs"
and Issues is fast approaching. There will still be eggs
to go along with all the issues from Jefferson City that
will be discussed. This is a luncheon you don't want to
miss, make sure you register early! Remember to help honor
our Veterans on Memorial Day by attending the Wreath Laying
Ceremonies.
Also if you are looking for The Challenge
event this month we moved it to September 12th. It seemed
May was such a busy time of year with school wrapping up
and holidays. We hope you will join us this fall for this
exciting family friendly competitive event.
If you have any questions or concerns please
give me a call at 573-336-5121.
Thursday, April 9 2015 10:00 a.m.
There we were. All gathered in a closed door meeting.
Sweaty palms. Nervous laughter. The pressure builds.
It was the day, the Board of the Chamber
Ambassadors Club met to decide the recipient of the $250
Community Minded Ambassadorial Scholarship.
We had 14 candidates, but we are not looking at their
names. We are checking the guidelines of each applicant
to make sure they meet the eligibility requirements. If
the application packet is complete, we then pass it along
for review. Only one was eliminated. Now we have 13 candidates.
Our selection criteria was reviewed. This
is not easy. All of the students are hard working, smart
and have drive. These students have the ability to communicate
through a written essay; they have demonstrated leadership
through the understanding and participation in community
involvement; they have letters of recommendation and have
overall academic proficiency suggesting the ability to
succeed at the next level of educational training.
We read. We re-read. We discuss. We review.
We re-review. We discuss. Each Board Member must choose
3 application packets to narrow down the list. A few duplicate
choices; so now we have a list of 6, then a short list
of 3.
The selection process is difficult. The
elimination process is challenging. The pressure is on
to get this right. Each applicant deserves the Scholarship
Award, however, there is only one award today. Who is
it going to be? We come to a unaminous decision. And the
winner is
You'll have to come to the May Chamber Luncheon
(May 13, 2015) to find out.
But I can tell you this, the recipient has
earned it. And the Chamber Ambassador Club is elated to
award it.
The
Tourism Bureau offers many resource options to assist the
community in promoting Pulaski County as a destination. Are
you taking advantage of these opportunities? Put us first
on the list and keep us "in the know" of new services
you are offering. Visitors Center staff use this information
to refer travelers to you and the marketing team with the
Bureau uses this information to build and enhance various
marketing campaigns.
Are you participating in....
Brochure distribution?
Guest Resource Guide?
Travel Deal Program?
Event Promotions?
Get-away Campaigns?
Front-line Orientation Tours?
Publications; Visitors Guide and specialized brochures?
Website, Mobile and Phone Application with PulaskiCountyUSA.com?
The Bureau is running several Get-away Drawings in conjunction
with our marketing efforts. The state-wide radio campaign,
Casey's Pump advertising, geo-targeting campaigns and the
Visitor Center Travel Deal campaign. Thank you to our partners
for donating certificates for the various campaigns! Participating
partners are highlighted within the campaigns, receiving exposure
during the marketing efforts. Last year's winner of the state-wide
radio campaign, will be enjoying her Pulaski County Get-away
this June.
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 from
5K's, music events, live theater, paranormal investigations,
golf and the museums on the square in Waynesville are open
every Saturday. Don't forget you can look at other calendars,
by clicking the down arrow to the right of Festival and Events
and view Community Programs, Meetings, and Nightlife events.
Need reminders or want notifications? Click on "More"
and sign up for free email reminders. Put in keywords like
"5K", "festival", "rodeo", "fair"
to receive immediate notification when an event with that
keyword is listed. As a business, take a moment to review
the Group Calendar so that you can display welcome signs to
all the groups coming to Pulaski County. We encourage you
to do this, as you know we are ."A Welcome Place
in America's Heartland!"
The summer hours for the Visitors Center will begin Memorial
through Labor Day weekends - Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday
and Sundays 9am-3pm. Katie Dreadfulwater and Clorice Reyes,
will be able to assist your staff, guests and customers with
ideas of things to do in Pulaski County. If you are planning
a getaway, remember that we have over 800 brochures on attractions
across the state of Missouri.
Please visit Route66Preservation.org
to learn more about the Route 66 Neon Park project. This development
is a huge opportunity for tourism development for central
Missouri. Your contributions both in donations and word-of-mouth
are greatly needed. Tourists will want to see the "Neon
at Night" which will increase over-night stays, dining,
nightlife and souvenir sales. What does this mean to our county?
Increased business and tax revenues to support employment
and county-wide programs that depend on increased revenues.
Making it a great day!
Beth Wiles, CDME
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
The
Obama Administration legacy will be the Affordable Care Act
(ACA). This has changed employers position on health care,
and affected employees financially as well. The deadline for
tax year 2015 sign up is April 30, 2015 for employees. If
employees do not have a health care plan they are penalized
on their tax return. As I look at an overview of the ACA it
is broken down for businesses employing below or above 50
persons.
I have had conversations with companies that would like to
expand, but do not want to comply with the rules associated
with the over 50 rule. I will relate some key components of
ACA. If an employer employees less than 50 persons they do
not have to offer health coverage. If an employer has 50 or
more employees it is required. A notice to employees of the
ACA must be given to new employees 14 days from the date of
hire. Employers who have less than 50 employees and do not
provide health insurance must provide this notice as well
as those over the 50 employee threshold. The definition of
full time employees is 30 hours per week for both categories.
The coverage age for dependents is up to 25 for both categories.
The coverage is guaranteed issue with no pre-existing clause
for both categories.
There is preventive care that is covered 100% in-network providers
for both categories. Non-discrimination rules to prevent management
carve outs from plan for both categories. The waiting period
for both categories is 90 days in Missouri. If a business
is required to participate in ACA there are mandatory employer
taxes assessed.
The components listed above will probably remain in place
for years. There are many rules pertaining to ACA and, I cannot
possibility write them all in this article. I do know the
ACA has changed businesses approach to health care and expansion
plans.
The City continues to mourn the untimely
death of long time Councilwoman Diana Stanford. Since 1993,
Diana has been a vital member of the Waynesville City Council
and her knowledge and institutional memory will be missed
terribly. She knew the answer to any question about Waynesville.
Diana was proud of her part in rebuilding many important
infrastructure projects over the last few years. Diana served
as mayor of Waynesville in 2001 and 2002. She was the long
time owner of the Victory Pub in downtown Waynesville.
The City will be announcing an appropriate and lasting
memorial for Diana soon. The Old Settler's Day Committee
will also be dedicating Old Settler's Day to her this July,
as she was a founding member of the long time festival.
The actor, Jim Carrey once said. "The effect you
have on others is the most valuable currency there is."
Diana was rich. I think she would be very surprised at the
outpouring of love and respect for her over the last few
weeks. The community and her many friends loved her and
will miss her. She was a unique character and a hard person
to describe. But, I will try this way:
*She was honest to a fault.
*She had common sense.
*She was plain spoken.
*She was outspoken.
*She was loyal.
*She was a friend to many.
*She was a Cardinal through and through.
*She was a local.
*She was Waynesville!
Diana's constituents honored her by voting her to another
term on the Council in the April election. On May 4th, I
will be announcing an appointment to Diana's seat in Ward
One. We wish comfort and peace to her many friends and family.
I look forward to serving as your Mayor of St. Robert. I
really enjoyed talking to old friends and many new citizens
during the campaign. I remember many conversations and thoughts
that were shared through those conversations. The topic that
was of high interest was about providing safety to the city.
As in my past time as Mayor, safety was also an issue. We
made huge progress in safety before and I want to ensure everyone
that safety will be high on the list again. Many citizens
shared that their decision to come into the city was because
of the safety it provided. Again, those comments were heard
and are a high priority.
I also want you to know other projects we need to plan for.
Public Works has some challenges with sewer improvements and
we will establish goals and mile markers to achieve the $7-10
million undertaking over the next seven years. Street resurfacing
and repair, along with improvements to the community center
and municipal center parking lots need to be planned. Funds,
of course, are a concern. A focus will be placed on budget
and ways to effectively use financial resources to maintain
services and raise service standards.
I personally hope to be visible in the city. You will be
seeing a maroon Honda Accord driving around all the neighborhoods.
That will be me. Getting around the city allows me to have
a better perspective on areas of the city. I am also looking
forward to scheduling town hall meetings and hope to schedule
one for this coming June. I will be writing in the city newsletter,
monthly, to keep you up to date on where we are and what we
are doing.
In closing, we do have some challenges to overcome. I promise
you that I will research and seek advice to help arrive at
a decision with the citizens and businesses in mind. My door
is open to you and I look forward to serving you as we build
our future together.
Sincerely,
Dr. George A. Lauritson
Mayor of St. Robert
Tiger Typhoon Aquatic Center Season Opening will be May 23rd.
Golf season is here!
Stop by and visit with Jim Phillips and trade golfing tips.
Spring Special: Buy one golf game and get one free!
May 9, Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament 6 p.m. St Robert Golf
Course
Programs Offered by the City of St. Robert
Kids Golf Club - May, June, July - - Men's & Women's Golf
Leagues - -
Golf lessons offered year round
For more information call 573-451-2625
May 25, 2015
City Hall offices will be closed in Observance of Memorial
Day
We
would like to wish you a Happy Anniversary and acknowledge
this celebration with a photo that will be featured on Facebook
and our Weekly Update! Our goal in sharing this photo with
the community is to acknowledge, promote, and bring visibility
to our Chamber Members. Please contact us for a photo at
573-336-5121 or feel free to email us your own photo.
The following Chamber businesses are celebrating anniversaries
in May.
Citizens Mortgage Company - 25th
Iberia DJ Service - 10th
Chamber Quarterly +1 Luncheon - May 13th at 11:30
a.m. at the Hampton Inn with Vidies Catering. Our sponsor
will be the Free Women's Center. Please contact the Chamber
Office to RSVP before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 12th.
**Please note** The Chamber of Commerce is excited to
have such a large number of its members attend monthly luncheons.
Unfortunately, due to the large number of last minute Chamber
luncheon attendees a policy has been put into place by the
Chamber Board of Directors. This policy started in APRIL
2005; anyone who responds after the R.s.v.p. cut-off time
(9:00 a.m. the Tuesday before the luncheon) or shows up
without an R.s.v.p. may be charged an additional $10. If
an R.s.v.p. is received and they do not attend the luncheon
there may be a $10 charged for the meal. The decision was
made to charge this amount to compensate our Chamber member
restaurants for the last minute adjusts they must make to
their menus.
Eggs & Issues - May 27th, the Waynesville-St.
Robert Chamber welcomes State Senator Dan Brown, State Representative
Steve Lynch, and State Representative Robert Ross to its
annual Eggs and Issues Lunch at the Hampton Inn beginning
at 11:30 a.m. 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 State of Missouri 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. We
still ask that you R.s.v.p. by calling the Chamber office
at (573) 336-5121 or e-mailing chamber@wsrchamber.com
by 9 a.m. May 22nd to reserve your seat at this 'must attend'
event (the standing reservation list
for Chamber luncheons does not apply to this event).
If you are unable to attend without
notifying the Chamber, you will be charged for the meal.
Fort Leonard Wood
Command Orientation
56 bags were handed out in May.
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)
Brad Budolfson, Carrie Williamson, Dr. Chris Berger, Tracy
McCord, Carey Heitman, Melissa Shelden, and Shawn Cordry
Chamber Staff:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Cecilia Murray
OFFICE MANAGER - Leanna Weathers
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Lisa Thomas
AMERICORPS VISTA - Kate Thomas
June Newsletter information
is due to the Chamber by May 25th. Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
137 St. Robert Blvd., Ste. B
St. Robert, MO 65584
573-336-5121
fax: 573-336-5472 info@wsrchamber.com www.waynesville-strobertchamber.com