July 17, 2020
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Take the Safe and Smart Pledge - All Businesses and organizations are being asked to share the measures being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those who participate will receive a sign to display on your door. The purpose is to bolster the public’s trust that our businesses care about our community and are actively working to protect both their employees and customers. The pledge can be found at https://forms.gle/wbBYV9aGg1nefYe89. If you have any questions please get in touch with us at 573-336-5121 or email chamber@wsrchamber.com. #PulaskiStrong Our 110% Supporters
This Week's 110% Supporters, We Thank You!
Welcome to the Incoming Board Members
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce welcomes incoming board members, Dave Gannon, C.D. Storie, and Marianne Ward, who are filling Waynesville seats; as well as Tracy O’Quinn who will is filling a Member at Large seat. Each new board member began their three year term on July 1, 2020. We look forward to their service on the board for the next three years as well as the impact they will have on the Chamber and community.
Grow with Google Webinar Put my Business on the Google Search and Maps, is a workshop that the Chamber will be hosting partnered with Google. This free workshop is an opportunity for all Chamber Members to learn how to ensure that their business can be found on Google with accurate and up to date information. You can attract and engage customers with the features listed below:
The workshop will be held on July 20th from 12 p.m.- 1 p.m. A Chamber representative will be available any questions. Registration deadline is July 16th. Online registration available or call 573-336-5121; email info@wsrchamber.com. 'Behind the Community' Podcast with VSA's Ezechiel Daos and Sojeong Lee
To learn more about the WSR Chamber and how your business can be featured on the Behind the Community podcast, email us at chamber@wsrchamber.com. Missouri Department of Economic Development announces up to $30 million in grant funds for small businesses The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced a new Small Business Grant Program that could provide up to $30 million for Missouri small businesses. It was designed to provide relief to small businesses and family-owned farms for reimbursement of costs of business interruption caused by required closures due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. “This virus isn’t going away, and we have to protect both the lives and the livelihoods of Missouri workers, families and children,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “Thanks to today’s action by the Governor we are not only reinvesting in our economy, but building up the success and safety of our state over the long term.” This program also factors in $7.5 million for family-owned farms and family farm corporations. Those participating in the production of agricultural crops, livestock or livestock products, poultry or poultry products, dairy products, or horticulture products are eligible for this grant. “We know that every segment of agriculture has felt the tremendous impact of COVID-19 and will for many years,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “We have continuously worked with Governor Parson and my colleagues across state government -- including DED and the General Assembly -- to provide support for the unmet needs of Missouri’s family-owned farms and ranches.” Organizations eligible for this grant employ 50 or fewer employees, including the owner(s). Grant amounts are initially limited to $50,000, and organizations applying must incur or have incurred costs due to COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and November 15, 2020. Applications will consider industry, timely use of funds, and availability of funds. DED will begin accepting applications for this grant on July 15, 2020. The department is focused on assisting the hardest hit industries including retail trade, accommodation, food service, and health care, in addition to family-owned farms. However, this grant is not limited to these industries. For more information about this program and more, visit ShowMeStrong.mo.gov. Introduce your Business to New Teachers The Chamber is collecting promotional items and coupons to put in Welcome Bags to be given to eighty (80) new teachers in the Waynesville R-VI School District. If you are interested in contributing to these Welcome Bags please drop off the items at the Chamber by 5:00 p.m. on July 24th. If you have any questions please call the Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or email info@wsrchamber.com. Route 66 Yard Sale
Those wishing to sell merchandise are encouraged to find businesses and residences along Route 66 where they may set up. Sales may be promoted on the Route 66 Yardsale Facebook Page and sellers are welcome to advertise in their local media. If you live in Pulaski County and would like more information please call the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce at 573-336-5121. Help us Tell Your Story Often we wonder how our members are doing; so much happens over the course of a day that the milestones and memories don't always get the attention they deserve. Tell us your story. Be it a bit of good news, a sales milestone, or a donation drive, we want to share what's going on with you! Please send your announcements, releases, or social media links to info@wsrchamber.com so that we can give your story a boost! Quarterly +1 Chamber Luncheon & Annual Meeting August 12th at 11:45 a.m. at the Hampton Inn, catered by Route 66 Taco Company. Our sponsor will be Fort Wood Hotels. This is our Annual Meeting with a special agenda and awards. There will not be Community Updates. Guests are welcome, RSVPs are required to attend. Please contact the Chamber Office to RSVP before 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11th; online registration available. Luncheon cost is $12 per person and seating is limited to allow for social distancing. Click here for full luncheon schedule. **Please note** The Chamber of Commerce is excited to have such a large number of its members attend monthly luncheons. Due to the large number of last minute Chamber luncheon attendees, a policy has been put into place by the Chamber Board of Directors. Anyone who responds after the RSVP cut-off time of 9:00 a.m. the Tuesday before the luncheon will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a seat becomes available. Anyone who shows up without an RSVP may be charged an additional $12. If an RSVP is received and the reservoir does not attend the luncheon, the reservoir will be charged $12 for the meal. The decision was made to charge this amount to compensate our Chamber member restaurants for the last minute adjustments they must make to their menus. FREE Facebook Seminars Join the Chamber for seminars focused around Facebook and how to effectively use it to market your business or organization. Seminars will be Monday, August 17th from 9:00am - 10:00am for Beginners; 10:30am - 11:30am for Intermeditate Users at the Chamber Office. RSVP by Friday, August 15th by calling 573-336-5121 or email chamber@wsrchamber.com. Workshops presented by Tracy O'Quinn from O'Quinn Marketing. These seminars are FREE to Chamber Members. Bring a Laptop, tablet or Ipad. Citizen of the Year Nominations being accepted
The Citizen of the Year Award is meant to recognize a person who has performed outstanding and dedicated service to the community and/or towards helping others over time not for a particular year of service. The individual nominated must have provided such service in the Waynesville-St. Robert area. Please mail or email your nominations to: Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce, 137 St. Robert Boulevard Ste. B, St. Robert, MO 65584, Email: chamber@wsrchamber.com.
Nomination form is available at the Chamber office and through the Chamber web site. If you have any questions contact the Chamber office at 573-336-5121, or e-mail at chamber@wsrchamber.com. Now Accepting Nominations for Various Community and Business Awards
* Charitable Business of the Year More information about each award and the nomination forms are available at the Chamber office or by clicking here. If you have any questions contact the Chamber office at 573-336-5121, or e-mail at chamber@wsrchamber.com. The July Newcomer Spotlight Business is:
Phelps Health offers many free and low-cost services and work in partnership with local entities to improve access to healthcare, health education and health services. ____________________________________________ |
When
members voluntarily contribute an extra 10% over their annual investment
amount, the contribution helps the Chamber to continue providing
relevant programs, workshops and resources that serve the growing
needs of our members. It also supports the promotion of business
growth, leadership development and community engagement. 
This
summer, if you called or visited the Chamber office, you might
have gotten the chance to meet Ezechiel Daos, and Sojeong Lee
volunteers from the Americorp Vista Summer Associate program.
In today’s episode of Behind the Community, Chamber Director
Cecilia Murray sits down with them, and we get to learn a little
bit more about these two young leaders.You can listen to the
episode by following this 
The
Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering
with event host, the Lebanon-Laclede County Route 66 Society,
and the Webster County Route 66 Initiative, for the Route 66 Yard
Sale. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 31, and Saturday,
August 1. It will cover approximately 100 miles along Route 66
running through Pulaski, Laclede, and Webster counties. 
The
Waynesville - St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing
for its annual Citizen of the Year Award to be presented at our
Community Leadership Awards Banquet. From now until November
13, 2020 the Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations
from Chamber members. A one page letter outlining the candidate’s
qualifications and experience will comprise the formal nomination
form, as well as a cover sheet including the following information:
nominee’s name, home address, office address, home phone
number, office phone number, sponsor, point of contact, day phone
number, and a 150 word summary of the nominee with his/her photo.
The
Waynesville - St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing
for its annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet. The following
awards will be presented at the event, submit your nominations
to the Chamber by November 13, 2020.
| Stellar Employees |
Every successful business owner knows that standing behind them is a team of hard-working employees. Let the Chamber help you recognize your amazing staff with a blast in our Weekly Update and on our social media accounts. Send a photo and brief statement on why you appreciate them to info@wsrchamber.com. Working behind the scenes, these special individuals are the stars of our businesses and we want to shine a light on their stories! |
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Attention Pulaski County Businesses The Waynesville-St Robert Chamber of Commerce is the lead for the Pulaski County section of the upcoming, 3-County-100 mile, Route 66 Yard Sale scheduled for July 31st - Aug 1st. This is an excellent opportunity for Pulaski County businesses to promote and offer specials during this time. We are looking for; overnight packages, restaurant deals, shopping deals or promotions.
If you will be offering a special during this time please let us know. We will be working with the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber in promoting the event along with the opportunities you provide for the Route 66 yard sale roadies! This will be a premier event along Route 66 in Missouri for 2020!
Please email - email@pulaskicountyusa.com with the details of your offer. P.S. Don't forget to welcome the attendees with signs outside of your business! |
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State Rep. Lynch presents Dara Faubion with House Resolution On Wednesday, July 8, State Rep. Steve Lynch presented Dara Faubion with a Missouri House of Representatives Resolution to recognize her as the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year for the Waynesville R-VI School District. Dr. Brian Henry, superintendent, also attended the presentation of the resolution to Faubion, who is a second grade teacher at Thayer Elementary on Fort Leonard Wood. Rep. Lynch presents House Resolution to Graves
State Rep. Steve Lynch presented a House Resolution to Phyllis Graves, an instructor in the Waynesville Career Center’s School of Practical Nursing in recognition of her 28 years of service. Graves retired at the end of June and specialized in teaching IV therapy, fundamentals, geriatric nursing and maternal child nursing. Graves graduated from the WCC’s School of Practical Nursing, and then earned her RN from the Burge School of Nursing in Springfield and BSN from Drury University. |
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OTC adjusts Fall Semester Schedule, Masks Required In an effort to maximize student safety and preserve high-quality learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ozarks Technical Community College is adjusting its fall semester.
The college will begin the semester as originally planned on Aug. 24, and the last day of final exams will be Dec. 18. However, the following changes have been made to the academic calendar: · Fall Break, scheduled for Oct. 12 and 13, is canceled. Classes will be in session those days. Thanksgiving Break is extended from Sunday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 29. Classes scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 will be held as scheduled.
“These adjustments to the calendar will allow the college to maximize in-person class time before a possible surge in COVID-19 infections could force the college to adjust class offerings late in the semester,” said Hal Higdon, OTC chancellor.
Masks or face coverings will be required for all students, employees and visitors when they are in any common area of the college. Common areas include, but are not limited to: classrooms, laboratories, libraries and large public gathering spaces (for example, the atrium at the Springfield campus). Masks may be removed in private offices, office clusters or outside. The college expects students to provide their own masks. If a student does not have a mask, they will be provided with a disposable one.
The college will also employ enhanced cleaning protocols, including the use of unique disinfectants that continue to disinfect for several hours, even after contact by multiple people. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be available in every classroom for students and employees.
“The college has spent a great deal of time examining all possibilities for the fall semester, and we’ve determined that mask wearing is the best way to offer in-person classes while minimizing risk of coronavirus spread,” said Tracy McGrady, OTC provost. “OTC is ready to handle whatever scenario might present itself this fall, and students will have the resources they need to have a successful semester.”
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding OTC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit otc.edu/covid. ____________________________________________ USO Update Fort Leonard Wood USO's Extras! What an amazing turnout Friday, July 10th for the pick-ups of the second round of USO Red, White & Blue Childrens Craft Kits. Today we were able to hand out another 120 craft kits, along with $1200.00 in Culver's gift cards for families to enjoy a little treat on us. Huge thanks to USO Headquarters for generously providing the Cooking It Up Alongside the USO Sauteed Chicken with Spinach and Tomatoes - Click here to view the video! Makeup with the USO with Jen Hubbard Affordable Eyeshadow Palette - Click to view the video! Summer Foundation Routine - Click to view the video! ____________________________________________ Family MWR News Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area (LORA) office & marina will be CLOSED until further notice. LORA will continue to honor current RV & camping reservations only. We thank you for your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. ____________________________________________ We are excited to announce that our team is expanding We would like to introduce you to our new Process Improvement Manager, Rebecca Pelkey and our new Division Manager and Veteran Service Coordinator, Lara Page! Rebecca comes to us from our sister company United Veteran Benefits
Agency. At United Veteran Benefits Agency she was instrumental at
creating processes, procedures and systems that ensure our clients
are getting the best service and support. Rebecca holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Accounting.
Her previous experience includes a variety of positions incorporating
her analytical and systems knowledge, which made her the perfect
candidate for the Process Improvement Manager position with United
Shield Life Insurance. Lara comes to us as the spouse of a Marine Corps Veteran, a 13-year
Paramedic, EMS Instructor, and Combat Life Saver Instructor for
the United States Army. In addition, she has personal experience
with the frustrations of navigating the VA disability claim system.
This knowledge and compassion will be an asset to our team. ____________________________________________ Job Opening Secretary Position: Pulaski County Extension Council is seeking a professional, friendly, and organized individual to perform customer service, website updates, and other office duties in support of the council and MU Extension staff. This is a part time position. Hours will be 16 hours per week (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, M-Th) at $10.00 per hour. Closing date: Aug. 1, 2020. EEO/AA/ADA Employer For job description and application, visit http://extension.missouri.edu/pulaski/ or email Pulaskico@missouri.edu. ____________________________________________ |
| Member Events |
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2020 Free 5k Donut Run/Walk/Bike Schedule Dates offered will be July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, and December 19. Unless otherwise noted, the runs will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Walker Real Estate, located at 878 Missouri Avenue in St. Robert. *Brought to you by the Pulaski County Health Department in partnership with the Walker Real Estate Group, Phelps Health, the Healthy Futures of Pulaski County Coalition and the FROG FITNESS GROUP* These runs are FREE and open to EVERYONE. ____________________________________________ The American Red Cross and the Missouri VA Medical Centers are hosting "The Women Warriors Curbside Baby Shower" When: July 19, 2020 Where: American Red Cross, 10195 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132 Who: Military expectant and new mothers (infants up to 6 months old) Curbside baby shower will be conducted to ensure safety of our honorees and volunteers. Honoree will remain in their vehicle as volunteers load gifts into back seat and/or trunk. Contact Nadine Albrecht, American Red Cross, Fort Leonard Wood, Service to the Armed Forces at (573)937-9920 or nadine.albrecht2@redcross.org for more information. ____________________________________________ Give Blood The Bloodmobile will be it the parking lot of the Waynesville Medical Plaza on July 29th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Masks are required for donors and staff. If you don't have a mask one will be provided. Appointments are strongly encouraged to manage donar flow. To schedule call 417-227-5006. ____________________________________________ We'e All in this Together Blood Drive at Lowe's St. Robert on the Bloodmobile; Friday, August
7, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
or visit RedCrossBlood.org
and ____________________________________________ On Course for a Cause Tee off with the Armed Services YMCA of Missouri at our ON COURSE FOR A CAUSE Golf Outing on Saturday, August 8th, at PIney Vallage Golf Course. Our success with this event is made possible by support from people like you! For more information go to: www.asymca.org/fort-leonard-wood-home or call (573) 329-4513. ____________________________________________ KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) Competition The City of Saint Robert is bringing you the best BBQ in the United States., September 11th - 12th, 2020. Come see what the best BBQ in the country tastes like with some of the top BBQ competitors in the country. Some of these competitors have been on famous TV shows like Chopped and Pitmasters. This event is FREE and will be open to the public with lots of other things to do; BBQ Competition, Kids BBQ Competition, EMS Cook Off, Local Band, Kids Disney Movie Dive-In, Sportsman Show, Kids Bake Off, Adult Bake Off, Silent Auction & MORE. KCBS (The Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctions BBQ and Grilling competitions across the United States and promotes barbeque as America's cuisine. ____________________________________________ City of Saint Robert kicking' it Route 66 BBQ Challenge EMS BBQ Competition on Friday and Saturday September 11th - 12th.
Come join us for a BBQ competition at the St. Robert Community Center.
Calling all emergency personal, each team will get 2 racks of ribs;
$20 entry fee per team; there's no limit on team members, register
by March 11th. Let's have a friendly competition between all Emergency
personal come one come all. Other events include KCBS BBQ competition
- kids BBQ competition - local, Band - kids Disney movie dive-in -
sportsman show - kids, bake off - adult bake off - silent auction
- and more. Contact Anita to sign up (573) 451-2000 ext 1112 or aivey@saintrobert.com.
All proceeds go to Shop with a Cop. www.facebook.com/kickinitbbqchallengestrobert ____________________________________________ Outdoor Sportsmen Show September 11th - 12th at the Saint Robert Community Center on 114 J.H. Williamson Dr in St Robert. Contact Pepper: park@saintrobert.com. September 11th 5pm - 8 pm Check out the latest outdoor adventures: Canoes & Kayaks, Hunting & Fishing, Outdoor Adventure, ATV's, Guides, Camping and More. ____________________________________________ Kids BBQ Competition Calling all kids who love to grill. Join the Kids KCBS Competition on September 11th at the St. Robert Community Center. Open to kids ages 5 to 15 years old. Boneless pork chop and gill will be provided; bring seasonings and grilling utensils. All kids get an apron, winners will receive chef hats. No Entry fee; contact Anita to sign up (573) 451-2000 ext 1112 or aivey@saintrobert.com. ____________________________________________ Healthy Futures Pulaski County Health Fair Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Phelps Health Plaza in Waynesville. Visit our Vendor. There is health screening, free information and demonstrations, along with door prizes. For more information or to reserve a booth please call Connis at (573) 736-2217. ____________________________________________ Frog Hill Marathon/10K and The LeapFrog 5K Make plans to join us for the 7th Annual LEAPFROG 5K and the FROGHILL HALF Marathon/10k on October 2-3. The LEAPFROG 5K is on October 2 and starts at 6 p.m. in the Waynesville Park. Both the Half Marathon and 10k start at 8:00 am at East Elementary School and end at the Waynesville Park. Want a BIG challenge? Do the Frog Hill Challenge! Simply run the LEAPFROG 5K on Friday night (6:00 pm at the Waynesville Park) and then the 10k or half the next day and receive an additional medial!!!! All proceeds fund teh HFPC A.C.T.I.V.E. Kids Program designed to inspire the youth of our county to adopt healthy habits! Donations accepted. |
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"Strong Chambers of Commerce may be measured in many ways: by the number of members, activities, economic development, community growth, etc. We thank our members for continuing their investment in the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce, in their business, and in our community. Your membership makes our Chamber stronger. By being a member you are identifying yourself with Waynesville-St. Robert's leading business organization." |
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*For more details see Chamber Announcements on the left
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