W W W. J O P L I N C C . C O M

320 East 4th Street | Joplin, MO 64801417.624.4150

February 2010

Business Outlook is published monthly by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.Periodical Postage Paid, Joplin, MO

Business Outlook (USPS 014254).Postmaster: Send change of address to Business Outlook, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 320 East 4th Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

2009-2010 Executive Committee Mike Palmer – Chairman of the BoardSusan Adams – Vice-Chairman of the Board, Vice-Chairman of Workforce DevelopmentChuck Brown – Co Vice-Chairman of Workforce DevelopmentClifford Wert – Treasurer, Chairman of Finance committee Mike Wiggins – Vice-Chairman of Business DevelopmentLonnie Heckmaster – Co Vice-Chairman of Business DevelopmentDan Hayworth – Vice-Chairman of Economic DevelopmentSean Anderson – Co Vice-Chairman of Economic DevelopmentShelly Kraft – Co Vice-Chairman of Community DevelopmentMichelle Ducre’ – Vice Chairman of Member ServicesTerry Hicklin – Co Vice-Chairman of Member ServicesAudie Dennis – Past Chairman of the Board

Board of DirectorsLarry Boyd Seth DermottBrandon FreedBob HoneywellScott HutsonJoe KirkCharles Keeter

Chamber StaffRob O’Brian, PresidentKim Lester, Vice PresidentTonya Sprenkle, Finance DirectorGinger LaMar, Membership DirectorStephanie McGrew, Special Events ManagerCary Beasley, Workforce Development ManagerKirstie Smith, Communications DirectorCindy Weiss, Staff AccountantKevin Welch, Marketing Director-SMDASteve Russell, Director, Newman Innovation Center

Sherri Cloyd, Executive AssistantJeff Meredith, Member Relations CoordinatorLea Schroer, Newman Innovation Center Administrative AssistantLisa Kelly, Administrative AssistantKaren Yates, Administrative AssistantAccent Photography by Terra, PhotographerInterCity Florist, Chamber Florist

Joplin Area Chamber Of Commerce

Ex-Officio DirectorsDarieus AdamsMike GrayDr. C.J. HuffDr. Alan MarblePriscilla McKinneyMatt ProctorMark RohrMayor Gary ShawDr. Bruce Speck

320 East 4th Street, Joplin, MO 64801417.624.4150 | www.joplincc.com

Southwest Missouri Bank is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer and are not FDIC or any federal government agency insured, not guaranteed by Southwest Missouri Bank, not a deposit, subject to risk and may lose value.

Rob O’BrianPresident

Chairman Sponsors - $10,000

CableONECity of JoplinEaglePicher Techologies, LLCEmpire District Electric Company First State Bank Fox-14 Freeman Health SystemGeneral Mills Bakeries & Foodservice Heartland Technology SolutionsHome ProJoplin Floor DesigsnKOAM-TVSign DesignsSouthwest Missouri Bank Sign-A-RamaSt. John’s Regional Medical CenterStronghold DataU S Bank, N.A.

President Sponsors - $7,500

Community Bank & Trust Roper Honda

Director Sponsors - $5,000

BKD, LLPCommerce BankDownstream Casino ResortThe Joplin Globe Publishing CompanyJoplin R-VIII School DistrictJoplin Tri-State Business JournalKODE-TVKSNF-TV Lamar AdvertisingMissouri EagleMissouri Southern State UniversityShow Me the Ozarks MagazineWarten, Fisher, Lee & Brown, LLCWeed Whackers, Inc.Zimmer Radio, Inc.

2009-2010 Chamber Program Top Level Sponsors

President’s MessageA Glimmer of Recovery

First, thank you to the more than 180 exhibiters who made the recent Business EXPO an absolutely awesome success. Wonderful displays and lots of great information were available to the nearly 6,000 who came through the doors. Best of all, though, was the “buzz”. That’s a term a visitor from Springfield used in our conversation. He told me that everyone he talked to had great “buzz” about EXPO, about their own businesses, about the chamber and about the Joplin area. It was a comment that really rang true as I talked to a lot of people at EXPO.

That “buzz” also involved a lot of discussion about the economy in the area and the belief that maybe, just maybe, there is a glimmer that we are on the rebound. While there was alot of positive talk, it still seems people are cautious and concerned about when the national rebound, on which we are all dependent, will take hold.

So where are we? The latest Moody’s / MSNBC Adversity Index (Nov. 09) indicates that only state is still in “recession”. That’s Nevada. Thirty-four states are “moderating”, which means the downward slide in the numbers is slowing, but the economic is not yet turning. That leaves sixteen states, Missouri included, that are in “recovery”. In essence, Moody’s report says the U.S. economy is stuck in neutral; not getting worse and maybe a bit better but not very fast or in very many places yet.

As for the “recovery” tag; Moody’s also points out that does not mean actual grow or expansion, but that the numbers are better overall month to month (on a rolling 6 month average), even if they may be down in comparison to the previous year. In non-economist terms, “We’re still in the hole, but climbing out”.

When it comes to the metropolitan areas, about 40% (146) of them across the U.S. are in the “recovery” mode; Joplin among them. There is no state nor metro yet that is actually moving into positive numbers.

For Joplin, our employment is still down 1.57% compared to a year ago, but better than Missouri’s 2.73% loss. Actually, for December 09, our actual unemployment was 7.7%, down from our high of 8.9% last spring, but still above the 5.2% we had in December 08. However, that compares very favorably with Missouri’s 9.6% rate and a national rate of 10%. On the downside for our area though, Missouri showed actual growth in new, single family housing starts in November, but Joplin was still down a dismal 45% compared to the previous year. And for our state and our metro area, industrial production remains down about 6%; mostly in the durable goods sector. The plus though, is that our area and state are heavy in food processing, which has remained strong.

While there are some weaknesses, durable goods production and new housing construction among them, other sectors appear to actually be recovering in the Joplin metro area. Listening to the comments at EXPO, while people are still cautious they do believe 2010 will be a much better year than 2009, although it may be mid-year before we really see the positive economic rebound taking hold. The real message though, is that the Joplin region did not go as far down as the state and national economy and is poised to recover faster than either. The “buzz” is great.

Looking for Information?

Your Chamber website, joplincc.com, is your link to Member information, community news and member discount programs. You can also link to The Newman Innovation Center and JoplinRegionalBizCenter.com from joplincc.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest events, seminars and meetings, RSVP and even pay your invoices all online. Click here to connect!

learn

Talk to yourphysician about

whether this screening is right

for you.

For moreinformation, call St. John’sOutpatient

Diagnostic Center:

625.2462

$89 CT AngiogramOffered by St. John’s Radiology Department

Heart disease is the number one killer in the UnitedStates. Patients often delay evaluation or treatmentuntil disabling chest pain occurs. Early evaluation ofrisk factors and treatment are vital. The CT scan forcoronary calcium is an important evaluation tool.Many patients do without this study because offinancial limitations, since most insurance, Medicaidand Medicare do not cover the cost. Now, St. John’sprovides this tool at the lowest cost in the FourState region, only $89, for the study and physicianreport. Physician orders are required for this scan.

Make aStatement!

Get theirAttention!

Increaseyour

Exposure!

with a customwrap from

Sign Designs

Page 4

There are many opportunities this year to help you renew your e�orts to save for retirement and stay focused on reaching your retirement goals. These opportunities include:

Opening or fully contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA ❚

by April 15 to help maximize saving for retirement in a tax-advantaged manner

Consolidating retirement accounts to get a clearer picture ❚

of your retirement

Converting all or part of a tax-deferred IRA to a Roth IRA so ❚

you can receive tax-free income* in retirement

REVIEW. RENEW. RETIRE.

Call today to schedule a review. We’ll meet face to face to gain a better understanding of your current situation and discuss your opportunities to help move your retirement forward.

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

* Earnings distributions from a Roth IRA may be subject to taxes and a 10% penalty if the account is less than �ve years old and the owner is under age 59½.

Logan E StanleyFinancial Advisor

526 S Joplin AveJoplin, MO 64801417-781-0346

Hello Homeowner!

There’s a lot of good day in winter and Home Pro can get a lot done on a good day!! Get your Energy Tax Credit with Home Pro Siding and Widows!!There’s No Place like Home and There’s No Place like Home Pro!!

Presented by:

Small Business Resource Library

Did you know that the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce offers a complete Small Business Resource Library on site? Watch for new ad-ditions to the library every month. For a complete listing of new items, see www.joplincc.com.

In addition to the library, access the J.J. Hill Reference library from our website or directly at www.joplinregionalbizcenter.com. These tools are provided to our Members free of charge and can be valuable tools to help your business.

New materials added for the month of February are:Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed by Brian TracyEat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian TracyDuct Tape Marketing: The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide by John JantschThe Exceptional Presenter: A Proven Formula to Open Up! And Own the Room by Timothy J. Koegel

February 2010 Sponsor:

3271 North Main Street | Joplin, MO 64801(417) 782-2442

Page 5

EaglePicher’s roots can be traced back to 1843 when the company established a white lead plant in Cincinnati, Ohio. The plant’s products were branded under the name of “Eagle” and eventually became known as the Eagle-White Lead Company.

Meanwhile back in Joplin, Oliver Hazard Picher and his brother William Henry, recognizing the successful opportunities in the smelting business, built their first lead smelter south of Seventh Street near Joplin Creek and formed the partnership known as the Picher Lead and Zinc Company. In 1916, the Cincinnati and Joplin companies merged and created the EaglePicher Company. With this merger, the company became the second largest producer of lead and zinc products in the world.

EaglePicher’s lasting legacy would be felt from their technological innovations birthed from their in-house laboratories. During the early 1920’s EaglePicher’s first storage battery technology

was initiated and developed. This revolutionary process would change the world of transportation forever by providing electrical power to automobiles, planes and trains. By 1925 Joplin had 141 manufacturing companies with EaglePicher being one of the largest. At that time the company employed over 700 workers in the manufacturing of various lead-based materials.

EaglePicher has played an integral part in the United States space program. In 1970 when the iconic phase “Houston, we have a problem” was heard around the world it was EaglePicher batteries that safeguarded and carried Apollo 13 home safely back to earth.EaglePicher innovations continue to the present. In 2006 EaglePicher celebrated its one billionth hour in space with a 100 percent mission success rate. Today, EaglePicher remains committed to solving the most complex challenges of the world by delivering innovative solutions time after time. In addition, EaglePicher continues to be a significant employer in the Joplin region and a strong supporter of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce dating back to 1946.Written By:

Brad BelkJoplin Museum Complex

Thank You for Renewing

Sponsored by: Recognizing Our Members Who Have Reached A

Milestone Of Dedicated Membership

EaglePicher Technologies, LLC Member Since 1946

AAA Auto Club of Missouri .................................1993A-Dependable Taxi Service, LLC .........................2005Admiral Express Office Supply .............................2002AdornAble, Inc. .....................................................2000American Snack Products, Inc. .............................2004Best Chemicals & Equipment ...............................2001Braeckel’s Development Corporation ...................2001Calotype Photography ...........................................2008Carson Chiropractic, LLC .....................................2001CertainTeed ............................................................1997Commercial Gasket & Packing Company, Inc. ......2002Copy Products, Inc. ...............................................1996Creative Car Audio, Inc. ........................................2004Crowder College ....................................................1995Express Employment Professionals .......................1993Fresenius Medical Care .........................................2008Frisco Station Apartments .....................................2004Girls Night Out ......................................................2008Goetz Appraisal & Development, Inc. ..................2002Joplin Host Lions Club ..........................................2002Jordan Mechanical & Technical Corporation ........2006Karnes’ Pro Tire – Joplin .......................................1998Lagow Portrait Designs, Inc. .................................2003

Life Preservers: A Global Grief Support Community .................2004Love’s Country Stores ...........................................2000Missouri American Water Company .....................1966Names and Numbers ..............................................1989One Way Design ....................................................2008Ozark Camp & Retreat Center ..............................2008Red Onion Café .....................................................1995Snodgrass Collision Center ...................................2002Steve Spicer Realty ................................................2005Sunbelt Business Advisors of the Ozarks ..............2005Turbine Engine Consultants, Inc. ..........................2005Warten, Fisher, Lee And Brown, LLC ...................1962Wiese Material Handling, Inc. ...............................2004

Thank you for renwing your investment with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce! We appreciate your Membership.

Page 6

2009 Sponsors

4th Quarter Prize

January - March

Life Improvement Prize (A

New Website, Life Freedom

Coaching, Interior Design

and Spa Services)

February Monthly Prize

Teeth Whitening, Powered

Toothbrush & Dental

Exam

Nancy Good, The Title Company was recently surprised by the FocusOn You! Prize Patrol. Nancy won five months of salon services provided by Dr. Fly’s Salon. Nancy only needed 15 points to win. You can win too, so Scan 2 Win!

February 2010Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednes-

day Thursday Friday Saturday

1

SCAN 2

Win

2

30 FOY

3

10 FOY

4

10 FOY

5

40 FOY

6

7 8

10 FOY

9

40 FOY

10

40 FOY

11

30 FOY

12

10 FOY

13

14 15

SCAN 2

WIN

16

30 FOY

17

10 FOY

18

10 FOY

19

SCAN 2

WIN

20

21 22

10 FOY

23

30 FOY

24

10 FOY

25

10 FOY

26

10 FOY

27

28 Points will start over for each monthly and quarterly prize

February Monthly Prize

Teeth Whitening, Powered Toothbrush & Dental Exam15 FOY points during the month of February qualifies you for this prize

4th Quarter Prize January - MarchLife Improvement Prize (A New Website, Life Freedom Coaching, Interior Design and Spa Services)

The top 250 point earners during the quarter are qualified for the prize.

Page 7

Our Members AnnounceAfter 36 years as Metro Builders Supply, they have changed their name to Metro Appliances & More. Recognized nationally for their appliance sales figures they wanted their name to better reflect that selling appliances was the core of their business. Metro Appliances & More has grown to include ten locations across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.metroappliancesandmore.com

Motive Matters will be offering their relationship seminar on Valentine’s weekend at the Honeysuckle Inn in Branson. If you are interested in attending or know someone who would like to come call 417.540.6019 for more information or visit www.motivematters.com

Joplin Area Young Life is hosting a 5K run on February 13th. You can pick up a registration form at both Joplin YMCA locations or simply go online to www.joplinroadrunners.com to print one off. All proceeds go directly to Joplin Young Life to help teens get to camp this summer.

Club 1201 is excited to announce a special event. On Valentines weekend, February 12th and 13th, Club 1201 will be open to the public and take reservations for dinner. The menu will include steak and lobster, king crab legs and much more. They will make sure your dining will be personal, exquisite and memorable. They will be having a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on February 11th at 3:30 p.m. Stop by Club 1201 at 1201 East 32nd Street to see their newly redecorated look.

The George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is pleased to present, “Works from Perception: Paintings by the Midwest Paint Group”. Many grade school children will be touring this exhibit and will have the opportunity to create a painting to take home. Also exhibiting at Spiva is, “Out of the Woods: Best of Missouri Hands.” This features artists who work in wood. For more information, visit www.spivaarts.org.

The Southwest Missouri Arthritis Association will be having their annual chili/soup luncheon on February 18th at 11:00 a.m. They will also have pies and desserts available for purchase. The Southwest Missouri Arthritis Association is located at 819 East 9th Street. For more information, call 417.781.6752.

The Mortgage House recently completed renovations on their new house and have moved across the street to 2915 South Main Street. Stop in and visit them, or go online to www.mymortgagehouse.com.

Home Pro is now a certified Conklin Roofing System Dealer. It is a roof coating system that will eliminate the need for re-roofing the house. They are highly efficient, energy savers, environmentally friendly and a great option for those with worn, outdated roofs. For more information, visit www homeproamerica.com Joplin Daybreak Rotary was able to make donations of $500 to the following organizations during the holiday season: Lafayette House, the Ozark Center for Autism, the Ronald McDonald House, the Bridge and Community Support Services. Joplin Daybreak Rotary heldseveral fund raising events throughout the year to help raise money for these worthwhile community agencies. For more information, visit www.joplindaybreakrotary.com

Missouri Southern State University will host a Spring Job Expo on March 10th from 10:00 a m. to 2:00 p.m. at the MSSU Billingsly Student Center. You can participate by showcasing your organization to the MSSU community, meeting students who will make great interns or possible part-time employees, and making sure the graduates know about your company. You may register online at www.mssu.edu/career.

The Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce the new Library Directory is Jacque Gage. She comes to Joplin fro.m the Barton County Library. For more information, visit www.joplinpubliclibrary.com

MyModernWeb is working with The Bridge to produce a website with the tools needed to fulfill their mission to help teens. The new features implemented on TheBridgeJoplin.com includes the ability to take donations online as well as provide community tools, blogs and interactive calendars for users to volunteer their time and donations. MyModernWeb, owned by Jason Dittmer officially presented its Bridge website at the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating MyModernWeb’s first year in business. For more information, visit www.mymodernweb.com.

Employer Advantage announced it has completed a Statement on Auditing Standards No. 70 (SAS 70) Type II Audit. The completion of this audit demonstrates their continued commitment to create and maintain the most stringent controls needed to ensure the highest quality and security of services provided to their customers. Visit www.employeradvantage.com.

Doris Carlin with Keller Williams Realty has earned the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation in recognition of her experience, knowledge and expertise in the luxury home market.

Doris Carlin is an award-winning real estate professional who has gone through special training and met performance standards in the upper tier market. For more information, visit www.doriscarlin.com

S & S Security Systems has donated a burglar alarm system to Crosslines Churches of the Joplin Area as a token of their appreciation for the services they provide to the citizens of Joplin and the surrounding communities. S & S Security Systems is owned by Dale and Fran Owen. For more information, visit www.sssecuritysystems.com.

St. John’s Mercy Foundation presented a check to the Community Clinic of Joplin for $20,200 to help them meet the needs of the uninsured in our community. The Clinic is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of new patients and this grant will help them meet their needs. For more information, visit www.stj.com

MSSU’s Relay for life Team will be having their 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament on Feburary 13th starting at 9:00 a m. in MSSU’s Leggett and Platt Athletic Center. Companies can also donate items that will be offered for bid during a silent auction. All proceeds from the tournament and silent auction will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call 417.659.4460 or visit www mssu.edu.

Freeman Health System announced Regina Thomas recently received certification as a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) from the Disaster Recovery Institute for business continuity management. This allows staff to continue to manage business operations under adverse conditions, by introducing appropriate resilience strategies, recovery objectives, business continuity, operational risk management considerations and crisis management plans. For more information, visit www freemanhealth.com.

The Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest Missouri offers a helpline that assists callers who have questions about the warning signs and finding a medical professional and resources available to help people touched by this disease. The helpline is 877.474.8259 or you can visit the website at www.alz.org.

St. John’s Regional Medical Center is offering free blood pressure screening every Monday from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in the Main Lobby. Cholesterol screening will be February 9th from 8:00 – 11:00 a m. at the Family Care Building. Registrations are required by calling 417.625.2000. National Wear Red Day is February 5th. CV Risk Assessment will be February 16th from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Registrations are required by calling 417.625.2000. Health Talk is

Page 8

The Chamber is very interested in your business. If you have won an award, opened another office or are planning a big event, let us know. We would love to let your fellow Members know about your accomplishments and events! For our next issue, submit your announcement to ksmith@joplincc.com or fax it to 417.624.4303 by February 15th. Please include “Our Members Announce” in subject line of e-mail.

February 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Mercy Conference Center. The hospital gown fashion show is February 25th, 5:00 p m. in the Main Lobby. St. John’s Prestige will have a Valentine’s Luncheon on February 12th at Noon at the Mercy Conference Center. Reservations are required by calling 417.625.2962 or visit www.stj.com.

Oasis Salon & Day Spa of Joplin unveiled their offering of Raindrop Therapy with Young Living Essential Oils. This technique stimulates every organ, muscle and bone of the body at a cellular level, bringing the body into structural and electrical balance. Raindrop Therapy brings the mind and body into a deep state of relaxation, boosting the immune system. For more information, visit www.oasissalonanddayspa.com.

The Joplin Globe is hosting the Taste of Home Cooking School at the Holiday Inn Convention Center on March 6th. This annual event draws a large, enthusiastic crowd for a fun and entertaining cooking show from America’s #1 cooking magazine. Local businesses can display and sell their products and services at the pre-show exhibit area, advertise in the special section that goes to 90,000 Globe readers, provide a door prize, on-stage giveaways, offer promotional items or coupons in gift bags for each attendee and meet with over 1000 potential customers. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Amberly Leverich for details at 627.7208 or visit www.joplinglobe.com.

Joplin Daybreak Rotary will present a trivia challenge on February 16th, 7:00 p.m. at Joplin High School. Each team will consist of six members participating in ten rounds of questions. The fee is $150 per team. Companies can also sponsor a round for $150 per round. The proceeds go toward scholarships for graduating seniors from Joplin area schools, Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp and the Rotary Four Way Speech Contest. The winning team will receive $500 to go toward the charity of their choice. To enter a team, please e-mail bhicklin@abbeytitle.com or visit www.joplinrotary.org.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland would like to announce that the 2010 Cookie Program has begun. They are offering their delicious varieties of Caramel deLites, Shortbread, Daisy Go Rounds, Lemonades, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Thin Mints for $4 a box. All proceeds benefit local Girl Scout troops and girls throughout Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland by helping provide opportunities to continue the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

Christa Tullis of Yin Pilates and Yoga Studio completed additional training to address clients with osteoporosis and scoliosis. Private Pilates classes can be tailored for your individual needs. Yin will be offering yoga on Thursday evenings and is currently offering a 20/20/20 class that involves spinning, Pilates and yoga. For more information, visit www.yinwebsite.info.

Community Support Services of Missouri will host CSS Quiz Night 2010 on February 19th. Teams of eight players compete their way through ten rounds of trivia. The 2010 event theme is, “Quiz Night Goes Hollywood,” with proceeds benefiting local children and adults with developmental disabilities. Please call 624.4515 to register your team. For more information, visit www.cssmo.org.

Chocolate-covered strawberries for your valentine are back at the Candy House Gourmet Chocolates. They are available on February 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th and come in an assortment of milk, dark and white chocolate-dipped and drizzled with more chocolate. The Candy House will be open at 7:00 a.m. February 11th – 14th for your convenience. Please book your strawberries at least 24 hours in advance by calling 623.7171 or order online at www.candyhouse.net.

Carino’s is your one-stop shop for all of your catering needs. Whether it is delivery and set up or full service catering, they offer delicious food with extraordinary service all at a great price. Book your event today by calling 1.877.727.8241. More information is available at www.carinos.com/catering.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is please to announce Don Greenlee has joined as the Program Director of the Joplin office. He will work to ensure the organization continues to provide support to children, guidance, friendship and fun by matching them with adult role models. For more information, visit www.bbbsjn.org.

St. John’s Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Watson as Vice President of Human Resources. For more information, visit www.stj.com.

Great Lakes Airlines would like to thank everyone who traveled with them in 2009 and look forward to your continued business in 2010. In January, Great Lakes Airlines helped to refuel school supplies with their “Flying 4 Futures” campaign to benefit various school districts. Those who donated supplies received a chance to win one of four round trip tickets. For more information, visit www.flygreatlakes.com.

Arvest is pleased to announce Cheryl Roderique has accepted a Mortgage Lender position at the 32nd Street location. Mike Brown has accepted the position of Branch Manager of the 425 West Central location in Carthage. For more information, visit www.arvest.com.

The MSSU Small Business Technology and Development Center announced that the Joplin-based I3 Technology Group was among 19 outstanding small businesses in Missouri honored by members of the General Assembly at a business showcase in Jefferson City. Owned and operated by Brian and Amy Carpenter, the I3 Technology Group is a telecommunications and low-voltage wiring contractor, selling phone systems to businesses around the nation. For more information, visit www mssu.edu and www.i3techgroup.com.

Dr. Brett Wilson joined Dr. Charles McGinty in practicing dentistry. Dr. Wilson joined the practice following four years as an Army dentist, including over a year serving in Iraq. He prides himself in providing a quality, pain-free dental experience with personalized care. They are currently accepting new patients. For more information, call 417.781.6800.

The Joplin Family Y will be offering Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries Friday, February 12th through Sunday, February 14th. Net proceeds will support the Joplin Family Y’s Strong Y, Strong Community Campaign. Orders may be placed at www.joplinfamilyy.org or by calling 417.781.9622. $15.00 per dozen.

Did you know that you can also submit your news on our website at www.joplincc.com/ourmembersannounce.html? This is a great way to share your short term announcements with Members of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the thousands of visitors to our website every day! Page 9

1996 Winner The Insurancenter

a e eSmal l Business of the Year

Presented by

Do You Know Past SBOY Winners?Name of Business: The Insurancenter Head Person (name and title): Scott Brothers, President & CEONumber of years in business: Roots date back to 1895Full and PT employees (when award won and presently):

1996 – Employees: 30 Full-time 2010 – Employees: 34 Full-time

Address: 2901 Arizona Avenue, Joplin, MO 64804Phone: (417) 623-7500 or (800) 444-8675Fax: (417) 623-0902Email: info@theinsurancenter.comYear and Category (If applicable): 1996 (Only one category 1-50 employees)

What do you do?As a strong and reputable agency in the Joplin area, The Insurancenter offers a wide range of services including commercial insurance, financial services, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, risk control services and personal insurance. Since being honored in 1996 as the first recipient of the “Small Business of the Year” award, we have more than doubled in revenue, added product lines, insurance carriers, and a number of exceptional people to our staff to become one of the most highly regarded regional insurance agencies in the four-state area.

What did receiving the award mean to you?We consider it a great honor to be named the very first recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award, especially since at that time only one business was named out of all the nominations. It was a nice tribute to the caliber of our associates and the many clients we are privileged to serve.

What drives you to get out of bed every day and go to work?There are a number of things that drive me, but the main reasons are…

(1) I am passionate about what we do. I find it rewarding to help our clients make educated decisions about protecting their assets, and being there to help them through the claims process when they do experience a loss;

(2) I enjoy the people I work with. Most of us have been at The Insurancenter between 10 and 25 or more years, so we are more like family. We work well together, and we play well together, and I think that’s extremely important. It’s a huge component of enjoying what you do on a daily basis;

(3) I like working with a diverse group of industries and people, and find it interesting and fascinating to learn more about the varied clientele we serve. There’s rarely a dull moment in the insurance business, and while it can be stressful at times, I’m thankful for that.

Page 10

Ribbon Cuttings

Dancing with the Joplin Stars

Proceeds of this event will go to the Public Mural project, organized through the JACC’s Cultural Affairs Committee. The

first public mural is being created by Anthony Gude, Thomas Hart Benton’s grandson, and slated to be unveiled in March of 2010.Buy your table and cast your votes online at joplincc.com!

This event is a fundraiser for the JACC Cultural A�airs Committee Public Mural Project

F y F y 0

a

2

o l

4

Presented by KODE-TV/KSNF-TV and Downstream Casino Resort

Dancing with the Joplin Stars, Presented by KODE-TV, KSN-TV & Downstream Casino Resort

Friday, February 19, 2010 • Downstream Casino Resort – Pavilion7:00 – 8:00 p.m. = Social Hour • 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. = Program

$250.00 for table of 10 • $25.00 for individual seating at a table$2.00 to “cast vote”

Joplin “Celebrity Dancers” Rob O’Brian, JACC President Lane Roberts, Joplin Chief of Police Ernie Caruthers, Downstream Casino Resort Facilities Director Cheryle Finley, The Joplin Globe Publishing Company & Liberty Bank Bonney Bowman, KSN-TV Jessica Daley, KODE-TV

Celebrity JudgesDan Chiodo, Impact Training Nancy Hutson, Cycle Connection-Harley Davidson/BuellSloane Hanson & Bernadette Carmichael, World champion dancers/instructors

Professional Dance InstructorsLynn ThorntonDavid ThorntonJudy SchneiderFred Harris

Celebrity Emcee Gary Bandy

For more information and photos of these businesses, please see joplincc.com.

The Ambassadors are Sponsored By:

South Middle SchoolDr. C.J. Huff, Superintendent900 East 50th Streetwww.joplinschools.org

My Modern Web.comJason Dittmer, Owner3405 John Q. Hammons Blvd.www.mymodernweb.com

Metro Appliances and MoreJon Anderson, Manager5571 North Main Streetwww.metroappliancesand-more.com

Caldone’s RestaurantDonnie Bennett, Owner218 South Main Streetwww.caldones.com

Shanna’s Design StudioShanna Younge, Owner3223 Main Street Roadwww.shannasdesignstudio.com

Smiley’s Doughnuts Chris Evans, Owner6023 North Main Street(417) 781-0027

Awards will be given for Judge’s Choice based on technical scores and People’s Choice based on votes received!

Page 11

Member Benefit Programs

Chamber Members can receive member only benefits from our partners, Stronghold Data, My Modern Web, Living Well Smoothies and Constant Contact! Just log on at http://www.joplincc.com/ourchamber_memberdiscount.html for full details. These discounts and special offers are just for Members of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce! For more information, contact Tonya Sprenkle at 417.624.4150 or tsprenkle@joplincc.com .

New MembersBurrows ConstructionGeneral Construction19570 Newton RoadDiamond, MO 64840-8121Marty Ellis, Project ManagerWade Burrow, OwnerSponsor: Rhonda Gorham, Boys & Girls Clubof Southwest Missouri & Shelly Kraft, KraftInsurance Services

Cobblestone Wedding Chapel & EventsWedding/Receptions/Banquets715 East BroadwayJoplin, MO 64801417.659.8400www.cobblestonechapelandevents.com Saundra Workman, Consultant/OwnerGrayson Workman, Consultant/OwnerSponsor: David Blum, Red Onion Café

Good Karma Catering CompanyCatering for the Discriminating Client1909 South Wall Joplin, MO 64804417.438.8754Jason Miller, OwnerSuzanne Miller, Co-OwnerSponsor: Choice Marketing & Kim Lester, JACC

Gusano’s PizzeriaChicago Pizzeria3929 East 7th Street, Suite EJoplin, MO 64801417.623.9090www.gusanospizza.comWilliam Clark, GM/OwnerBen Biesenthal, CEO/OwnerSponsor: David Glenn, Glenn Group Real Estate & Leasa Frye, Vaterott College

Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery, LLCBariatric Surgery2700 McClelland Blvd., Suite 108AJoplin, MO 64804417.206.2900www mgbsurgery.com David E. Hargroder, M.D.Robin CearnalSponsor: Tonya Sprenkle, JACC

Phone DoctorsRepair/Sales & Service Cellular Devices1900 South Range Line Road, Suite 14Joplin, MO 64804417.825.4897Janet Voltz, OwnerGuy Voltz, ManagerSponsor: Lisa Robinson, MSSU SBDTC & Ginger LaMar, JACC

Rapid Body ReducersWeight Loss Center1531 East 32nd Street, Suite 1Joplin, MO 64804417.624.8446www rapidbodyreducers.com Kathleen Millgard, CounselorMargaret Lawellen, CounselorSponsor: Dorothy Alsenz, Sign Designs

Visual Artist CollectiveNon-Profit Organization809 South Main StreetJoplin, MO 64801417.438.4890www.visualartistcollective.orgJeff Youngblood, Co-FounderMatt Spiel, Co-FounderSponsor: Kim Lester, JACC

William E White, Attorney at LawRetired Attorney2122 East 47th StreetJoplin, MO 64804417.623.0038William “Bill” White, Retired AttorneySponsor: Jeff Meredith, JACC

The Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff are pleased to welcome our newest Chamber members. Please keep these and all members in mind when looking for goods and services.Invite your clients or vendors to join the Chamber.

Contact Ginger LaMar at 417.624.4150 or glamar@joplincc.com.

Page 12

SBOY Breakfast

Save the Date!

Tuesday, March 2, 20108:00 a.m.Holiday Inn of JoplinSmall Business of the Year Nominee Breakfast

Breakfast Presenting Sponsor

Gold Sponsor: Employer Advantage

417-483-5136 | gmcmillian@bevinco.com

Bevinco is dedicated to providing bar and restaurant owners with a proven, effective method for controlling liquor loss and improving profitability.

For more information on Bevinco’s servicescall or email Garen McMillian at:

www.bevinco.com

Page 13

TLT Business & Industry Day 2010

The students in the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program spent January 27th touring area businesses and visiting with community leaders. First stop was American Ramp, internationally known for skate and bike ramp manufacturing, both of which are utilized at The Bridge. From there, the group travelled to tour General Mills. At General Mills, the students saw firsthand the production lines and learned just how many of our local products are produced and shipped to all parts of the world, along with all the raw materials needed. After a great lunch of pizza made from dough produced at the plant, Business EXPO was the next stop. The opportunity to see over 175 businesses was an experience the students really enjoyed. Many students were impressed with the number and variety of businesses exhibiting and also, were able to get some ideas on perhaps what businesses were missing from the Joplin landscape. The final stop was NCO. As the support center for Best Buy, the class observed first-hand the customer service provided to individuals who call with technical questions.

Thanks to the presenting sponsors of the TLT program.

Business & Industry Day Sponsor: NCO

Youth Outreach TLT Business & IndustryYouth Outreach Workforce Partnership Business Visits

The Jobs for Missouri’s Graduates students from East Newton High School who are participating in the Youth Outreach Workforce Partnership visited Joplin January 21st to tour three organiza-tions. First stop was The Joplin Globe where they were introduced to all aspects of publishing a daily newspaper. Then it was on to the Joplin Police Department for a brief tour of the facilities and a seminar on police work, opportunities and training required. Their final destination was The Joseph Newman Innovation Center which provided them a glimpse of the many businesses found there and the unique concept and operations. The mission of the Youth Outreach Workforce Partnership is business, industry and school with one goal of teaching necessary skills designed to help the at-risk student enter the workforce prepared and with a high school degree. Over 80 students from the Joplin and East Newton area are in this partner-ship. Throughout the school year, they will visit and hear from many entities in the business community regarding their business and what they look for in an applicant who walks through their door.

The Youth Outreach Workforce Partnership is presented by:

Gold Sponsors are: Able Manufacturing & Assembly Benefit Management, Inc. Steve’s Frame and Body Shop TJ Franz & Associates

Page 14

Teeter Insurance Agency Linda S. Teeter, LUTCF owner/broker

1321 S. Illinois Avenue Joplin, MO 64801 wk. (417) 781 4820fax: (417) 781 7187

"REST ASSURED WHEN YOU INSURE WITH TIA,

YOU GET PLENTY OF TLC" www.farmersagent/lteeter.com 2902 Arizona • Joplin, Missouri

(417) 623-1910120 East 4th Street • Carthage, Missouri

(417) 358-1975

TITLE COMPANY

Land Title Services for Southwest Missouri

• TITLE INSURANCE• ESCROWS • DEEDS •

CLOSINGS

Ask the Coach...by Daniel P. Chiodo, CMEC Impact Training & Development(Ask the Coach is the first in a new series that focuses on business ideas that can help executives, employees and organizations reach their peak performance level. It was created with you in mind. It’s a place to send in questions that you would like answered.)

An Introduction to MeOne person recently said to me: “You’re not retired, you’re rewired.” That’s true. I traded one job as a newspaper publisher for three new ones—and I’m having a ball! As I describe what I do, think about questions you might have in any of these areas that might be addressed in future columns: First: Executive Coaching: My clients work in various fields and my job is to take them on a journey to achieve their highest level of performance and be at their side to listen, encourage and strengthen them. Need help with your game? Ask the Coach!

Second: Training: Sessions in the areas of leadership, customer service, time management and communication. Have a training need? Ask the Coach!

Third: Senior Associate of Dr. Bill Wallisch, who invented MAINPoint, a series of courses: Strategic Communication, Active Listening, Handling Difficult People and Presentation Dynamics.Dr. Wallisch spends much of his time working with the NASA team, the White House, General Mills, and federal law enforcement agencies. Although some of the work I do for him is in the US, most involves international work for organizations in Mexico, Australia, the UK and Dubai. Want to learn the strategic communication model? Ask the Coach!

As a company, Impact Training & Development provides training that will impact your life and your organization forever. It strives to bring out those hidden strengths you have-- but maybe haven’t noticed or developed.

Let’s explore coaching and training issues together. Submit your questions for this column to joplincc.com/askthecoach html by the fifth of each month.

Customized Catering is not just part of our business it is all of our Business!

B & C Catering, LLC. and Grill Company

Serving all of Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas, and Northeast Oklahoma

Phone: 417-358-2123Cell: 417-439-7115Email: blake@bccater.com

Page 15

Sponsored by and located at College Heights Christian School4311 East Newman Road

Use the entrance on Sycamore street, go around to the Church, enter at the atrium. This is at the school, but this is where attendees are being directed.

January 8, 2010Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center located at 201 West Riviera Drive, Suite A

RSVP for all events online at joplincc.com or by calling, 417.624.1996

February 5, 2010Sponsored by and located at Barrister Title Services904 East 15th Street

February 16, 2010Sponsored by and located atSlumberland Furniture1329 South Range Line Road