August EventsThursday, August 13Business After HoursNoland Road Offices4:30 pm – 6:30pm

Friday, August 142015 Eggs & Issues: State of the Schools AddressEnnovation Center8:00 am – 9:30 am

Wednesday, August 19Monthly Membership LuncheonArrowhead Stadium11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Thursday, August 27Ribbon Cutting CeremonyUnited Consumers Credit Union11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Thursday, August 27Seminar: Purpose Driven Business & Happiness is Serious Business Chamber Boardroom3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AUGUST 2015

In This Issue:2: Calendar of Events3: SantaCaliGon 5K Run/Walk4: Federal Legislative Briefing & Public Policy The Independence Civic Council5: New Website!6: Monthly Membership Tip7: June Membership Luncheon8: Ribbon Cutting9: Major Employer Spotlight10: ISD Academies11: Member News12: New Member/Anniversaries

LABOR DAY WEEKENDSeptember 4 - 7, 2015, Historic Independence Square

We invite all Chamber members to expe-rience SantaCaliGon, organized and pre-sented by the Independence Chamber, to help make SCG 2015 a successful event! To volunteer Contact Lois McDonald at lois@iChamber.biz or 816-252-4745 ext.2.

It’s that time again! It’s time for free live entertainment, fantastic festival food, quality arts and crafts, Wade Show carnival rides, the I-Town Volleyball tournament and so

much more. It’s time for Independence’s signature event - SantaCaliGon Days Festival!

This year’s SCG festival includes your favorite food and entertainment plus 44 brand new vendors (so far)! Don’t miss Blues Night on the Main Stage Friday, the Little Mr. & Miss Independence contest on the Community Stage on Sunday, or the SCG 5K

Walk/Run and ice cream eating contest on Monday. With the carnival, Bingo, Antique Fire Trucks, the annual I-Town Showdown Volleyball tournament and more, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event. There will also be a 50/50 raffle

throughout the weekend so be sure to enter at one of the kiosks located on the festival grounds for your chance to win! Visit santacaligon.com for all the info!

Vendor Space Available

Volunteer Opportunities

Over 300,000 people attended the SCG festival last year. If you have a product or service to promote, your audience is here! Please find vendor contracts online at san-tacaligon.com or contact Lois McDonald at lois@iChamber.biz or 816-252-4745 ext.2.

Use these hashtags when posting

photos at the 2015 SCG festival!

#SCG15 #santacaligon

2August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

Business After Hours Thursday, August 13, Noland Road Offices, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pmIt’s social. It’s networking. And all of your connections will be there. Join us for another opportunity to building lasting business relationahips while you unwind after work.

2015 Eggs & Issues: State of the Schools Address Friday, August 14, 8:00 am – 9:30 am, Ennovation CenterYou are invited to join the Independence EDC & the Independence Chamber of Commerce for the 7th Annual State of the Schools Address.Joining us will be the Superintendents of our 3 local school districts: Dr. Jim Finley of the Blue Springs School District Dr. Jason Snodgrass of the Fort Osage School District Dr. Dale Herl of the Independence School DistrictEach will provide an update on what is happening within their respective districts as they begin the new school year.

Education is a critical component to the growth and sustainability of our community and each district represented has been annually recognized for their high levels of performance and ability to “think outside the box” when it comes to educating our children. A full buffet breakfast will be served as part of the event. For questions or additional information, please contact the Independence EDC at 816-252-5777 or info@inedc.biz.

Monthly Membership Luncheon Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Arrowhead StadiumJoin us for our membership luncheon held at Arrowhead Stadium this month. Our speaker will be former NFL player, Kendall Gammon. In 2004, Gammon was the first pure long-snapper to be selected for the Pro Bowl.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday, August 27, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, United Consumers Credit UnionCelebrate the success of one of your fellow members on Thursday, August 27, at the United Consumers Credit Union’s brand new location!

Seminar: Purpose Driven Business & Happiness is Serious Business Thursday, August 27, 3:30 pm –4:30 pm, Independence Chamber BoardroomAt the hub of any company or non-profit organization are the people. It doesn’t matter if there are two employees or 1500. The people make it happen. The people turn the wheel, interact with the clientele and drive growth and ingenuity. The fastest way to a mucky, slow running, low performing system is through a disconnection of the people to the personality and purpose of the organization. In this power-packed hour you will learn how to discover and define your business’ purpose, and then how to put it to work!. As an added bonus, Lori will share the benefits of inside out happiness – in business and life by spending a few minutes of focus on her Hap-piness is Serious Business series.

Lori Worth President Vibe Communications and Founder of Spark, Inside OutLori Worth is a mom, athlete, entrepreneur, professional speaker and a happy soul. She has a unique ability to connect with people and moments at a deep-er level. As president of Vibe Communications, she has been working in the field of marketing, community relations and non-profit engagement for nearly 20 years and has become a go-to person when a project, team, movement or cause is in need of positive energy and forward momentum.

Calendar of Events

3August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

Labor Day Monday, September 7th7:00 am: check-in/day-of registration8:00 am: race start

Start and finish:Bingham-Waggoner Estate313 West PacificIndependence, MO, 64050Route circling the historic Indepen-dence Square and SCG Festival grounds

$25 for Early Bird registration ends on August 14! $30 for pre-registration (August 15-September 6)$35 for day-of registration (September 7)*register by August 14 to guarantee a shirt!

Friday, August 28, at the Indepen-dence Chamber of Commerce at 210 W Truman Road between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. You can also pick up your packet the day of the race on September 7, between 7:00 – 8:00 am, at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate.

A portion of this year’s revenue will be shared with Community Services League.

The 2nd Annual SantaCaliGon 5k Walk/Run will be held on Labor Day again this year. The route circles the historic Independence Square and the festival grounds, beginning and ending at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Register today!

WHEN

WHERE

ENTRY FEE

PACKET PICK-UP

Questions? Contact kelsey@iChamber.biz!

4August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

On Friday, July 17, the Independence Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce held a Federal Legislative Briefing at the CJCFPD Training Center in Blues Springs.

Additionally, the Public Policy Committee has again set dates to receive recommendations for needed legislation or legislative changes from our membership and strategic partners. Testimony is being sought on issues that will or should be considered by the legislative bodies of the City of Independence, Jackson County, the Missouri General Assembly, and the United States Congress.

Each scheduled hearing will last from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and be held in the Chamber Boardroom. Presentations will be scheduled in 15 minute intervals beginning at 4:00 pm. Members desiring to address the Public Policy Committee during one of the scheduled public hearings are asked to contact Kelsey at 816-252-4745 (ext. 0) or kelsey@iChamber.biz to secure a time slot on the agenda. The input received from the public hearings forms the basis for the items or issues considered by the Chamber for inclusion in the Chamber’s 2016 Legislative Agenda. Items identified through this process will be explored, debated, and prioritized by the members of the Public Policy Committee during the early fall and forwarded to the Chamber Board of Directors for final consideration in November. The approved 2016 Legislative Agenda will be published and distributed to all members of the Chamber.

Federal Legislative Briefing & Public Policy

The Independence Civic Council

Did you get our letter inviting you to be a member of the Independence Civic Council (ICC)?

The ICC is a new committee within the Independence Chamber of Com-merce created to help support local activities that help Independence. Our first 10 members are, not surprisingly, from our Board of Directors who had a firsthand look at the committee as it evolved through the Spring. Some examples of activities the ICC may support are a school tax levy, City safety tax, 4th of July celebration, City wide economic study, etc. The committee members decide what to support and how much to donate. Each member gets one vote and only one vote after presentations are made by the requesting group. In order to join the ICC, you must be a member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and cost is $500 per year. If the ICC letter did not make it to you or if you would like more information, please call or email Kelsey at 816-252-4745 ext. 0 or kelsey@iChamber.biz

Three public hearings have been set for the following Mondays: September 21 • October 5 • October 19

5August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

New Website!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website design on August 6! The new site has been crafted to reflect the needs and wants of our members with streamlined menus, user-friendly navigation, more photos, and more concise information. It includes several easy ways to log into your member account, access the business directory, search events and look up your member benefits. The fresh new design allows the users to quickly find the content they are looking for thanks to its easy hierarchical structure. We hope that you will enjoy your experience with the new Independence Chamber website.

3D mammography can make finding a tumor this easy.

Request an appointment online.HCAMidwest.com/Cancer

6August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

Did you know that the Roger T. Sermon Community Center used to be the munic-ipal light plant? This photo is from 1932, after a $300,000 replacement of the plant. In 1975 the citizens of Independence voted to use $3 million in federal Community Development funds to convert and restore the old plant to a civic landmark, now the Roger T. Sermon Community Center.

Fun Independence Fact

Add Job Postings to the Independence Chamber WebsitePeople look to the Chamber for job opportunities and many of our members are looking for good people to add to their staff. Here’s how you can add a job posting to the Chamber website:

1. Go to iChamber.biz.

2. Log in to your member profile - which will bring you to the Welcome Message.

3. Under the Shortcuts menu on the left hand side, click “Job Postings.”

4. Click “Add Job Posting” on the top right and enter the job information.

5. Once all information has been input click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.

Monthly Membership Tip

August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW 7

June Membership Luncheon

It was a packed house at the Monthly Membership Luncheon on July 15 at the National Frontier Trails Museum. David Aamodt, Director of the museum, gave us some great information on the museum’s history and its plans for expansion in the next few years. Our keynote speaker, Mike Downing, Missouri State Director of Economic Development, spoke to the mem-bership on the current economic status of Missouri and what business owners should be expecting in the coming years with a shift in generations leaving and entering the workforce. Thank you to all who attended.

8August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

Archery Excellence Indoor ArcheryCongratulations to one of our newest members in revealing the new company name on July 2, 2015.

Ribbon Cutting

Sign Up Now!

REMINDER: Applications for the 2016 L.E.A.D Independence

are due on August 21, 2015. Questions? Contact Steve

Patton at steve@iChamber.biz.

“Getting involved in the Independence Chamber has allowed me the opportunity to meet and work with some of the nicest people in the city. These are people who understand business and who want to help me grow mine. Joining the chamber was one of best business decisions I’ve made since moving to Independence.”

Beth Franklin, Beth Franklin Realty

Major Employer Spotlight: Metropolitan Community College, Blue River

More than 3,500 students each fall seek success at our Blue River campus in Independence. In addition to strong gen ed programs, it is home to excellent music and theatre programs and the Public Safety Institute with its peace officer, firefighter and EMT-paramedic training.

Leadership:Michael Banks, Ph.D.President

Location:20301 East 78 Hwy,Independence, MO, 64057

Years in business:Blue River location - 18

Years as a Chamber Member: 23

Total Number of Employees:93 (full time)

Mission: Preparing students… serving communities…creating opportunities.

mcckc.edu816.604.1000

What is one thing you are currently doing in your business that you wantothers to know? Career training in the areas of public safety, cyber security,computer science and business. As well as degree and certificate programs.

Why is your business located in Independence?To serve the residents of Eastern Jackson County and Lafayette County

Why is your business involved in the Chamber?To connect to the communities we serve About MCC- Blue River:Today, students of all ages and backgrounds come to MCC-Blue River to learn, work and achieve. They come for exceptional support for student success and the assurance that, as skilled graduates, they are well prepared to take that next step in their careers. Additionally, students choose MCC- Blue River for: • High-quality academic and career-oriented experiences • Convenient day, evening and weekend classes • Experienced and caring instructors. • Affordable tuitionMost of our students hold down jobs and take classes part time. Our class schedules let them manage job and family responsibilities and their course work. Tuition at MCC-Blue River is also about a third of other public colleges. This provides our students a high return on their investment. More than half our students choose the transfer route. Therefore, we have

various two-year degree programs that give students the basics to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree at four-year colleges and universities without missing a beat. For those students seeking immediate skills to land high paying, in demand jobs within a matter of months or just a couple of years, MCC-Blue River offers several career training programs. With these programs, students enter the job market armed with in-demand skills and an associate’s degree or program certificate. Career training includes: Police • Fire • Cyber security • Business • Computer scienceWe also offer dual-credit classes with local school districts. These classes give students a head start in earning college credit while in high school. High school students also have the opportunity to enroll in The Trailblazer Collegiate Academy, earning a two-year degree while they earn a high school diploma. And there’s always plenty of activity at MCC-Blue River. For student athletes, we offer men’s and women’s soccer. Students take part in events such as guest lectures and cultural enrichment programs. They also have the opportunity to join the school’s honorary society and special-interest clubs or hang out with friends in our campus center, a facility with full food service and lounge areas. Our bookstore can be found in the educational center. We are proud of our offerings and options for our students. Metropolitan Community College-Blue River is more than a great place to start!

10August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

ISD Academies

This past month 75 teachers from the Independence School District, representing three Academies (Industrial Technology, Computer Science and Freshman Academy) received week long training on the Ford Next Generation Learning Career and College Academies model including meaningful ways to incorporate experiential learning into their core instruc-tional time. As a part of their training, these teachers spent one full day on site with a local employer to learn about their workplace. During this day, teachers had the opportunity to work with professionals to find ways to apply real-world career situations to classroom curriculum to provide students with relevant information and skills needed for the local economy. Both the teachers and employers also used this experience to foster working relationships between the academies and the business partners.

The Chamber and the Independence School District would like to thank the following companies for hosting teachers during July. • Bayer Crop Science • Orbital ATK • Hollis & Miller Architects • Cornell Roofing • Electricians Training Center

Ways your business can become involved with the Academies of ISD include:

• Kansas City Royals • Corporate CopyPrint • Children’s Mercy Hospital • City of Independence • Centerpoint Medical Center

“This was an outstanding opportunity. I would like to return at a later time with student-generated questions specifically tailored to their departments.” – Teacher

“Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal enjoyed that Externship Day with the ISD teachers. I hope the teachers got a quick peak at the different skills nec-essary to perform various posi-tions within our company. We look forward to having more teachers shadow our positions. I think it was good for both Cornell and ISD”

– Mary McNamara, President Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Host Business

Serve as a guest speaker in a classroom on a host of topics

Host teachers for future externships in the future

Have a booth at the Career Exploration Fair Oct. 20, 2015

We will be taking reservations for the Career Exploration fair soon. Let Rhonda Dolan know of your interest to participate at rhonda@ichamber.biz.

11August 2015 :: THE CHAMBER VIEW

The Independence Square held the Truman Cup bike race on Sunday, July 26, with over 300 cyclists participating.

Palomino’s Restaurant won first place in the Viva Los Reales SalsaShowdown for the 4th year in a row on July 25.

Dr. Jason Snodgrass has taken the position as superintendent of the Fort Osage School District. He replaces Dr. Mark Enderle, who retired on June 30.

Lois McDonald, Vice President of Community Development for the In-dependence Chamber of Commerce, was presented with the Civic Lead-ership Award by the MML West Gate on July 16, 2015.

Two Independence School District employees are participating in the Specials Olympics. Bobby Williams, as a tennis competitor, and Mike Lowry, as a golf coach.

Riley Messer, senior at Fort Osage High School, was selected to at-tend ALA Girls Nation, a firsthand experience giving high school girls practical insight into how the federal government works in Washington DC.

Drumm Farm Center for Children announced the opening of its permanent market building on July 10, 2015.

Kurt Graham has been namedthe new director and Carol Dagehas been named the superinten-dent of the Harry S. Truman Library Museum. Both assumedtheir duties in July, 2015.

Libbi Sparks, math teacher at William Chrisman, has been selected as one of five Missouri finalists for the 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math-ematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), recognizing the nation’s best middle and high school math teachers.

Member News

This page features member news each month. To have your news listed here, contact Alex at alex@ichamber.biz.

Alissa’s Flowers & Interiors celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 16, 2015.

1-4 yearsLone Willow, LLCLiberty Tax ServiceFirst Christian ChurchCosentino’s Sun FreshMotel 6 EastPrecision RoofingPalomino’s Mexican RestaurantTNC CommunityMedical Imaging Eastland (TMC-Lakewood)

5-14 YearsWalmart Store 4553Quality Inn & Suites EastAmore Bridal and Tuxedo LLC

15-24 yearsMcDonald’s Restaurant 18910 E US Highway 40Independence Economic Development CouncilHillcrest Transitional Housing of Jackson CountyBlue Springs School DistrictAmerican Medical ResponseGolden Living CenterIndependence Women’s Clinic

25 or More YearsMugs Up Drive In

Core PurposeTo provide leadership that builds a business

community of excellence.

Vision StatementThe Independence Chamber

of Commerce will be the premier business organization

in Eastern Jackson County where public and private interests collaborate and

are empowered.

210 West Truman RoadIndependence, MO 64050

Phone: 816-252-4745Fax: 816.252.4917iCHAMBER.BIZ

Members are the

greatest asset of the

Chamber. Please support

the businesses listed on

this page because they

support and believe in

our community.

Anniversaries New Members

Newsletter design provided by:Kelly Lightfoot660.441.4888

kelly@ampersandbranding.com

Our Business is Business

De’s Plexus 21300 E. 34th St. S. Independence, MO816-838-1968

Driskill Business Development Group, Inc./Sandler Training 22408 SW Springwater Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO816-591-4438

N2 Publishing1708 NE Woodland Shores Ct. Lee’s Summit, MO816-892-0788

Paychex 13160 Foster Ave. Ste. 130 Overland Park, KS816-804-1125

The Insurance Groupe, Inc.The Dingeldein Agency 16012 E. 23rd St. Independence, MO816-461-2260

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