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 2013
Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off - Team
registration deadline is January 4th!!!
The Chamber will kick off 2013 with the sixth annual Polar
Meltdown Chili Cook-Off to be held on January 19th at the
St. Robert Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. An event
the whole family can enjoy, the Polar Chili Cook-off let's
you come in from the cold and let your spirits melt into a
pot of delicious chili served up by one of our hometown chefs!
Admission for this event is $5 (10 and under are free). Tickets
may be purchased in advance through the Chamber office. Limited
tickets will be available at the door.
Chamber members are encouraged to get together a team, enter
the Cook-off, and take part in a spirited competition. Awards
will be presented to the top three teams in both the People's
Choice and Showmanship categories. People's Choice will be
decided by the largest amount of cash donations for their
booth/team. Showmanship will be chosen based on the judge's
impression of overall presentation of theme, demonstrations,
performances, etc. In addition the Judges' Choice Grand Champion
Chili Award will be presented to the judges' pick as best
chili. Finally the Best of Show winner will be determined
by a combination of the judges' votes and the People's Choice
votes. The Best of Show winner will receive a special recognition,
free booth and first choice of booth space for the 2014 cook-off.
All funds rasied from the People's Choice votes will be used
for the Right Choice Scholarship fund.
Teams will be made of no more than six members while individual
teams will be made of no more than three members. All competitors
will be expected to follow the rules and regulations set forth
by the Chamber of Commerce and Pulaski County Health Department.
The entry fee for this event is $75 per business team, $50
non-profit team, $25 per individual and the deadline to
enter is January 4th. A late entry fee of $100 per business
team, $75 non-profit team, and $50 per individual will apply
to all entrants after that date. For an additional $15 teams
that pre-register can take advantage of the Early Bird Selection
and pick their booth's location at the event. Booths are 8'x10',
include two 110 electric power receptacles (average 10 amps
per outlet) and will be decorated by each team.
If cooking isn't your cup of tea there are also event sponsorships
available beginning with the Spicy level that includes an
ad in the event's printed tab, your business or organization's
name listed on event flier and in all press releases, your
logo and a link on the event web page, and a table at event
for $500. The Hot level includes your business or organization's
name listed on event flier and in all press releases as well
as on the event web page with a link for $250. Finally there
is the Mild level which lists your business or organization
in the event's printed tab and on the event web page for $100.
The Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off is sure to offer some great
food so come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun and excitement
at the fifth annual Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off where the
only chill you'll feel is a spicy one!
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, registering
a team or more information contact the Chamber office at 573-336-5121.
For rules and entry form click here.
Click the image below to view the flier.
Community Forum
The Chamber will host the annual community on
January 28th in the library of the Waynesville High School.
The panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Speakers for
the evening will include representatives from Fort Leonard
Wood, St. Robert, Waynesville, Waynesville R-VI School District,
and Pulaski County. The community is invited to attend the
forum and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Questions
must be submitted in person. This event will be broadcast
on Channel 12.
Economic and community development is important
to the residents of Pulaski County. This forum will help inform
the community with regards to current development issues.
For more information contact the Chamber office
 Community
Leadership Awards Banquet
The Waynesville - St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce is
preparing for its annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet.
This memorable event will be held on Friday, February 15,
2012 at the St. Robert Community Center with social hour beginning
at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. This event is
held to commemorate the hard work and dedication to community
exhibited by our area leaders, non-profit organizations and
civic groups, as well as announces the Citizen of the Year.
Tickets are now available at the Chamber office. For more
information about the Citizen of the Year and the Community
Leadership Awards Banquet contact the Chamber office at 573-336-5121
or e-mail chamber@wsrchamber.com.
 What
Will Be in Your Basket?
This year the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce's
Annual Taste of Pulaski County & Basket Auction to be
held on Saturday, March 23rd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the
St. Robert Community Center. Have you thought about what you'll
be putting in your basket? All items submitted are greatly
appreciated and help to make this event the largest and primary
fundraiser the Chamber holds throughout the year.
Don't hesitate to contact the Chamber and let us know if
your business would like to donate a basket, gift certificate
or silent auction item, call (573) 336-5121 or e-mail chamberdirector@wsrchamber.com
2013 Chamber Web Site Coupons
Did you know the Chamber has coupons on its web site? The
Chamber is excited to promote your business and promoting
your coupon is another great way to draw attention to your
business. As a Chamber member, it is FREE to put a coupon
on the web site. Email the deal you would like to offer and
your logo in jpg format to info@wsrchamber.com.
The Chamber staff will design your coupon to fit the web site
format and email it to you for your approval before it is
posted. The new coupon will also be announced on the Chamber's
Facebook page and will be posted on the Chamber's coupon page
for one year. Thank you to the businesses who have already
submitted a coupon for 2013. If you have any questions contact
the Chamber office. Click here
to see the current coupon page.
2013 Chamber Calendar of Events
For more information about any of the upcoming Chamber events
click on the name of the event or contact the Chamber office.
January 19th Polar
Meltdown Chili Cook-off
January 28th Community
Forum
February 15th
Community Leadership Awards Banquet
March 23rd Taste
of Pulaski County and Basket Auction
April 11th Tour
of Fort Leonard Wood
April 25th Golf Tournament (Fort Leonard Wood Piney
Valley)
April date and time TBA Chamber University - How to
Supervise People & Lead a Team Glenn Shepard Seminar
May 10th
Chick-fil-A Leadercast
May 18th The Challenge
May 29th Eggs
& Issues Lunch
July 25th Membership
Social
August 8th Operation
Workforce Job Fair
August 19th to August 23rd Chamber Volunteer Week
August 23rd Chamber Volunteer Luncheon and Pictures
September date TBA Community
Pride Night
October 5th Frog
Race
November 11th Veterans'
Day Ceremony & Parade
November 30th Shop
Small Business Saturday
September to November CHOICES
Program Presentations
September to February Leadership
Pulaski County
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.
2012 CHOICES Program
The Chamber and Pulaski County Rotary Club hosted a luncheon
to thank the sponsors, presenters, and schools for their continued
support in making the CHOICES program a success for Pulaski
County.
Sponsors
This year's sponsors were Bank of Iberia, Baymont Inn &
Suites, Daily Guide, Drury University, Edward Jones, Fort
Leonard Wood Thrift Shop, Fort Wood Hotels, Laclede Electric
Cooperative, Mercy Clinic - St. Robert, Rotary Club of Pulaski
County, Security Bank, Stryker Orthodontics, Wal-Mart, and
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Presenters
| Debbie Austin |
Rotary Club of Pulaski County |
| Michelle Cabanes |
Fort Wood Hotels |
| Carol Cody |
Kids' Harbor Too |
| Dan Deering |
Waynesville R-VI School District |
| Russ Dixon |
Mid Missouri Credit Union |
| Linda Gifford |
Rotary Club of Pulaski County |
| Eric Goser |
Jones Investment Group |
| Ollie Jackson |
Rotary Club of Pulaski County |
| April Kroenke |
April Kroenke Photography |
| David Lowe |
David M. Lowe, Attorney at Law |
| Jason Mills |
Mid Missouri Credit Union |
| Lara Osmon |
Greater Ozarks Chapter, IAAP |
| Dawn Payne |
Life Care Center |
| Glen Popejoy |
Cross Creek Realty, LLC |
| Rosalind Pride |
Ozarks Technical Community College |
| Janel Rowell |
Fort Wood Hotels |
| Ron Selfors |
Rotary Club of Pulaski County |
| Theresa Steward |
American Family Insurance Steward Agency |
| Sarah Traub |
University of Missouri Extension Office |
| Kricket Webster |
Drury University |
| Nola Wood |
Pulaski County Sewer District |
| Kay York |
Greater Ozarks Chapter, IAAP |
Click here
to see pictures from this year's CHOICES program.
 Leadership
Pulaski County
On December 13, 2012 the Leadership Pulaski
County Class spent the afternoon of their fourth session volunteering
at the Angel Store. The class voted to do a volunteer service
project for the Good Samaritan Center and chose to spend an
afternoon helping with their Christmas gift program. Class
members helped greet shoppers, pick out items, wrap presents,
and stock shelves.
The focus of the class's fourth session was
volunteerism and community service. Speakers representing
several non-profit organizations participated in a panel discussion
of volunteerism within Pulaski County. The class also discussed
the importance of giving back to the community in order to
make it a better place for everyone.
Click here
to see pictures from the fourth session. The class looks forward
to its January session which will focus on education, technology,
and media.
Limited sponsorships are still available. If
you are interested in contributing to the building of community
leaders by becoming a 2012-2013 Leadership Pulaski County
sponsor or would like more information on the program contact
the Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or email info@wsrchamber.com
Chamber Christmas Card
Design Winner
The Chamber would like to thank Lance Moyer
for designing the Chamber's 2012 Christmas card. Lance is
a senior at Waynesville High School and is in his second year
of graphic design at the Waynesville Career Center.
Pictured are Chamber Executive Director Cecilia
Murray, Lance Moyer, and Beth Keith, Waynesville Career Center
Graphic Design Instructor.
 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.
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 January is:
Attitude is a manner, disposition, feeling or position with
regard to a person or thing. Attitude can also be a tendency
or orientation, especially of the mind.
What does attitude to you, your business,
and the community?
 Chamber
Business Showcase
On the January 2nd the Chamber Surprise Patrol
visited two Chamber member businesses to recognize them as
the Chamber Business Showcase member recognition program recipients
for January. The January Business Showcase recipients are
Anytime Fitness and Mercy Therapy Services. 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 February to recognize the next recipients.
Meet Your Chamber Board
Board member, Katrina Lynch-Allen has owned
and operated Lynch's Furniture and Appliance for one and a
half years. Her favorite thing about the Chamber is the monthly
luncheons which provide, "great food and great fellowship!"
Something you might not know about Katrina is she loves to
scrapbook.
2012-2013 Chamber Board of Directors
 Bridging
Members Program
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce
is excited to announce a new membership benefit aimed at bridging
our members and supporting our local community.
Beginning in April of 2011 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!
This only works if you're honest about who you're doing business
with and remember EVERY VISIT COUNTS! Just follow this link,
bookmark the page, and remember to let us know about your
visits! For more information about this program call the Chamber
office at 573-336-5121.
Click here
to log in your visits now!
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Happy
New Year! The New Year always brings with it a new hope
and belief that we all get a fresh start and that the New
Year will be better than the last. My wish for each of you
is that 2013 will be a great year. 
The
Chamber is kicking off a fun 2013 with the Polar Meltdown
Chili Cook-off on the 19th and ending the month by gathering
to hear updates from the Community Forum speakers on the
28th. 
The
2013 Marketing plans have been set! Anytime that you would
like to see what marketing efforts the Tourism Bureau is reaching
out in, simply log on to our industry partner section of the
website. Our efforts continue to grow in outreach in a variety
of marketing outlets. From internet presence of the website,
keyword purchases, app store, banner ads, target and niche
market email blasts, social media outlets and online magazines
to print magazines and inserts, organizational and association
membership directories, radio, cable television, billboards,
tradeshows and brochure distribution. We reach out to the
leisure traveler as well as specialized travelers such as
motor coach, bank travel clubs, reunion groups, sporting event
planners and media outlets. We analyze what we do and how
we can make the most impact. Many times the local community
does not see what we do, as we are spending our marketing
dollars in outer markets to bring visitors to the area. Our
efforts are seen statewide as well as in key markets and states;
Illinois, Oklahoma and Kansas, United States wide and in some
cases internationally. Many of our efforts are geared towards
specific hobbies or interests such as outdoor enthusiasts,
history buffs and Route 66er's. The Visitors Center is also
a fantastic marketing outlet as well! How so, you ask? In
several ways! We will distribute your brochures and we also
make referrals every to visitors that call or come in the
center. We want to provide the most current and helpful information
to our visitors and keeping us in the "know" allows
us to do that. We are also able to share this information
through many channels; speaking engagements, tradeshows, media
releases and more. 
I
am forecasting that Pulaski County will see tax revenues increase
in 2013. There are several projects that will start and finish
in 2013. Those businesses will add additional revenues. I
think the unemployment rate will average close to 8% for 2013.
If the weather cooperates agricultural business should have
a good year. There is $545 million dollars construction ongoing
on Fort Leonard Wood. This will provide good paying jobs for
the area and a demand for goods and services. The Waynesville
Industrial Park will open more opportunities. I expect new
buildings for the park and the Pulaski County Growth Alliance
will make an application for a Spec Building project. We will
continue to target military related businesses, homeland security
business, data and call centers. These industries match our
workforce in the area. Relationships building with the targeted
industries are crucial to success. Therefore we will be attending
trade shows and advertising to those targeted industries in
2013. The Entrepreneur Club will continue to be an integral
part of our economic development efforts in 2013. We believe
that new startups will bring new investment and jobs to the
area. The Pulaski County Growth Alliance will continue the
management of the Waynesville Motor Vehicle and License Office
in 2013. We welcome your suggestions on how to improve service.
If the Pulaski County Growth Alliance is to reach our goals
we need to increase our membership base. The board of directors
designed an investment schedule to fit any business budget.
If you would want to participate with the Pulaski County Growth
Alliance contact us at 573-336-2123.
NOTES
FROM THE ROUBIDOUX
