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 Missouri
Chamber of the Year!
The Waynesville -St. Robert Chamber of Commerce has been
selected by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce as the 2013 Chamber
of the Year. Chamber Board of Directors President Mike Dunbar
made the announcement in front of an enthusiastic audience
during the October 9th monthly Chamber luncheon. He broke
the exciting news by saying, "You guys, the Chamber of
Commerce, have been picked Missouri Chamber of the Year!"
The audience then erupted in applause and cheered. Mike Dunbar
continued his comments by saying "Our little Chamber
of Commerce has been picked amongst the big guys, speaks well
to each of you, because you guys are the face of the community
and the face of our chamber. Congratulations to each one of
you for making us that way". Dunbar then proceeded to
praise the Executive Director, Cecilia Murray and her staff
for all their hard work. Cecilia Murray, Executive Director
then took the opportunity to thank the Board of Directors
and Ambassadors. "Without you the staff would not be
able to do what we do everyday and for our members, we appreciate
all the support you give us throughout the year and we are
really excited to share this with you."
There will be a Meeting and Annual Award Banquet of the Missouri
Chamber in Kansas City on November 14th. The Executive Board
members and staff will be on hand to accept this award. The
Chamber's mission is to be the motivating force in advocating,
coordinating, leading, and promoting existing and future businesses.
They also provide other programs and events that enhance the
quality of life through programs, services, community development,
recognition, and pride. The Board Members, Ambassadors, Economic
Development Committee, Governmental & Military Affairs
Committee, and volunteers worked hard at supporting this mission.
Some of this past year programs and events included: Army
2020 Fort Leonard Force reduction community reply, Choices
Program, Community Leadership Awards Banquet, The Challenge,
Shop Local, Monthly Luncheons, Ribbon Cuttings, Polar Meltdown
Chili Cook-off, Taste of Pulaski County & Basket Auction,
Community Pride Night, Veterans' Day Ceremony & Parade,
and Leadership Pulaski County. To find out about more programs
and events offered, please visit the Chamber website at www.wsrchamber.com.
"In Your Honor" Veterans' Day Parade
 The
Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce and the cities
of St. Robert and Waynesville invite you to participate in
the 2013 Veterans' Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, November
11th beginning at 11 a.m.
The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. before the parade at
the St. Robert Municipal Center where the parade will form.
The parade will step off at 11:30 a.m. from this location
and conclude at the St. Robert Community Center.
The drop-off location for the parade will be the Paul's Furniture
Outlet parking lot. Drop-offs will not be allowed at the St.
Robert Municipal Center. If you have more than one vehicle
in the parade you must arrive to the line-up together to be
in the parade together. Line-up will be between 9:30 a.m.
and 10:30 a.m. We encourage participants to attend the ceremony
which will be held before the parade starts. The parade may
be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
For questions or to make your parade reservations (reservations
are required), call the Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or
e-mail chamber@wsrchamber.com.
 6th
Annual Frog Race
The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber held the
6th Annual Frog Race in conjunction with Frogtober Fest in
Waynesville Park on October 5, 2013. This year 107 frogs were
adopted. Frogs were drawn from a kiddie pool due to the weather
conditions the race could not be run on the Roubidoux. The
Chamber raised over $1,000 to continue their community service
projects. First place, winning $75, was Ultimate Gymnastics',
"Ultimate Gymnastics." Second place, winning $50,
was Jess Bam's, "Nero." Third place, winning $25,
was Ursula Lebioda's, "Oktoberfest." The winners
of both first and second place were present to see their frogs
compete in the championship race. Cash prizes were donated
by First State Bank and the Frog Race sponsor was Sonic Drive
In. Click here
to see pictures.
 Community
Pride Night
Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers
who participated this year! This event would not have been
a success without your hard work. Click here
to see pictures from the event.
Nominations Open for the 2013 Citizen of
the Year
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 15, 2013 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 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 e-mail your nominations to: Waynesville-St.
Robert Area Chamber of Commerce, 137 St. Robert Boulevard
Ste. B, St. Robert, MO 65584, E-mail: chamber@wsrchamber.com.
If you have any questions contact the Chamber
office at 573-336-5121, or e-mail at chamber@wsrchamber.com.
Click here
to download the 2013 Citizen of the Year Nomination Form.
 Chamber
Business Showcase
On November 1st the Chamber Surprise Patrol
visited two Chamber member businesses to recognize them as
the Chamber Business Showcase member recognition program recipients
for October. The November Business Showcase recipients are
The Flower Bin and Odyssey Scuba &
Travel. 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 November to recognize the next recipients.
 Leadership
Pulaski County
The second class of Leadership Pulaski County
attended its second session on October 10th. The focus on
this session was the history of Pulaski County and tourism.
The day began with a trip to the Old Courthouse Museum and
the Old Stagecoach Stop in downtown Waynesville. Here, the
class participants learned about the history of Pulaski County
and how that history affects the area today. After lunch,
the class went to the Pulaski County Visitors Center where
they learned about tourism in the Waynesville and St. Robert
communities. After touring the center the class traveled around
the county to Dixon, Crocker, and Richland learning about
different aspects of tourism within the county. Click here
to see pictures from the second session. The class looks forward
to its November 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 2013-2014 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
Shop Small Business Saturday November
30th!
On November 30th, between Black Friday and Cyber
Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide.
This day is designed to promote area merchants and encourage
consumers to spend their dollars locally. The Chamber is proud
of what the Waynesville-St. Robert area has to offer and wants
to share it with the community. Take this opportunity to meet
and support the businesses that support your community. Dollars
spent locally keep more businesses alive which keeps the community
alive. Last year, over one hundred million people came together
to Shop Small® in their communities on Small Business
Saturday®. Start your holiday shopping in Waynesville-St.
Robert. It's All Here! Come out on November 30th and explore,
discover, and shop!
How to get involved:
Consumers:
-Visit ShopSmall.com
to find out where to Shop Small® near you.
-Learn how you can rally your friends and family at ShopSmall.com
- "Like" the Small Business Saturday page on facebook.com/ShopSmall
Small Business Owners Visit ShopSmall.com
to help you:
-Promote your business with free in-store signage,
sample social media posts and other marketing
assets from American Express
-Maximize your small business' exposure with free, personalized
online advertising.
-Use our interactive map to find and rally other local small
businesses in your area
-Learn more about how other small business owners have made
the most of the day
Tell the Chamber!
If your business is participating
in Shop Small Business Saturday contact the Chamber and share
what your business is doing. The Chamber will promote all
participating local businesses as well as list all special
Small Business Saturday deals on itsallherelocal.com
at no cost. If ten businesses register by noon on November
15th at ShopSmall.com
the Chamber will receive promotional items to giveaway on
Shop Small Business Saturday.
Promote Your Business to the Ladies at Fort
Leonard Wood!
The Waynesville-St. Robert Area Chamber of Commerce
will host the Fort Wood Community Spouses Club (FWCSC) community
caravan on December 6th. The Chamber is collecting items,
such as coupons, fliers, or small gifts, to put together a
goody bag for each of the ladies. The Chamber is also collecting
door prizes to be given during the event. This is a great
opportunity to showcase your business. If you are interested
in contributing to the goody bags or would like to donate
a door prize please drop them off to the Chamber by 5:00 p.m.
on November 29th. If you have any questions please call
the Chamber office at 573-336-5121 or email info@wsrchamber.com
 2014
Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off
The Chamber will kick off 2014 with the seventh
annual Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-Off to be held on January
25th at the St. Robert
Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. An event the whole
family can enjoy, the Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off lets 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 beginning
in December. Limited tickets will be available at the door.
Teams are made of no more than six members while
individual teams are 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 3rd. A late entry fee will apply to all
entrants after that date. Booths are 8'x10', include two 110
electric power receptacles (average 10 amps per outlet) and
will be decorated by each team.
Event sponsorships are also available.
Spicy Sponsorship - $500:
Ad in the event's printed tab,
Business or organization's name listed on event flier and
in all press releases
A table at the event
Hot Sponsorship - $250:
Ad in the event's printed tab
Business or organization's name listed on event flier and
in all press releases
Mild Sponsorship - $100
Business or organization an ad in the event's printed tab
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 seventh annual Polar Meltdown Chili
Cook-off where the only chill you'll feel is a spicy one!
If you are interested in registering a team, rules and registration
information is available on the Chamber web site, www.wsrchamber.com.
For more information including team registration click here.
Chamber Luncheon Sponsorship Lottery
At the November 13th luncheon at the Waynesville Career
Center the drawing will be held and sponsors will be assigned
for the next calendar year in the order they are drawn. This
policy took effect with the 2011 luncheons. The cost to host
a luncheon is $250 and with that your business will be featured
in the monthly Chamber newsletter, given 15 minutes of speaking
time at the luncheon and have the opportunity to place materials
at each table. Sponsors also donate two door prizes to be
given away during the luncheon.
The following businesses have been entered in the Lottery:
Bow and Barrel Sportsmen Center, Cape Air, Cable America,
CenturyLink, David M. Lowe, Attorney at Law, Eagle Realty
Group & Associates, Hopper's Pub, Ireland Architects,
Janet's Designs from Nature, Jones Investment Group, "Just
Because", Life Care Center of Waynesville, Mid Missouri
Credit Union, OTC, Phelps Regional Homecare, Phelps County
Regional Medical Center, Pulaski County Sewer District #1,
Security Bank, Southern Spice, Splash Designs, The Village
at St. Robert, and the Waynesville R-VI School District, Wells
Fargo.
Membership Directory Listing
The Chamber is making every effort to insure
your listing in the Membership Directory is correct before
the book is printed. We ask that you please fill out the update
form by clicking here.
Please provide us with any corrections you find as by December
6th. Thanks for your help.
Marketing Opportunities in the upcoming 2014 Community
Profile and Membership Directory
Daily Guide was awarded
the bid to print this year's Chamber Community Profile and
Membership Directory.
Click on image above for advertising information
2013-2014 Sponsorship Opportunities
Click here
for information on 2013-2014 Sponsorship Opportunities. For
more information on any Chamber event contact the Chamber
office at 573-336-5121 or email
chamber@wsrchamber.com.
 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
The Chamber is partnering 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 November is:
Honor can be used as a noun meaning high respect;
esteem or a privilege. Honor can also be used as a verb meaning
regard with great respect; fulfill an obligation or keep an
agreement.
What does Honor mean to
you, your business, and the community?
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Greetings
everybody! 
We
are preparing to pay tribute to our local Veterans with
a Ceremony and Parade in St. Robert on Monday, November
11th. In addition the deadline is fast approaching for the
Citizen of the Year nominations. Also this is the time to
start your holiday shopping and help keep your dollars local.
Be sure to shop local on Small Business Saturday on November
30th. I look forward to seeing everyone around St. Robert
and Waynesville!
With
the government shut down in October, many facets were affected
across the country. We definitely felt this throughout our
communities; individual households' and various business industries.
The tourism industry as a whole felt repercussions immediately
across the nation. Millions of dollars lost in tourism expenditures
due to the closing of federally funded tourist sites. This
immediately affected tour companies, lodging, restaurants,
retail shopping and other attractions as people canceled trips
due to the close of these attractions as well as those that
cancelled vacations due to their household budgets being slashed.
Pulaski County tourism industries also felt the effect with
cancellations of individual travel and within 9 hours of the
shut-down announcement one of the slated motor coach tours
cancelled, which impacted; Devils Elbow, St Robert, Waynesville
and Richland, directly affecting; lodging, restaurants, shopping,
attractions and tour guide services. We were fortunate as
the motor coach has rescheduled for next Spring, but many
tourism industries many not recoup the tremendous losses they
suffered. 
I
attended the 2013 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition October
21-23 in Washington DC. The opening ceremony is very impressive.
The United States Army Band and Choir performed. There were
renditions of soldiers throughout history starting with the
Revolutionary War to present day
From
the Banks of the Roubidoux!
