2013 annual report & year in review

2013 ANNUAL REPORT & YEAR IN REVIEW

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CHAMBER ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3

Wow! What was that? What just happened? That was 2013, and the Lee’s Summit Chamber members and staff just tied a bow on a memorable year. I am so proud of the active and engaged board we had this year, the hard work of our many volunteers, and the dedication of our professional staff!

They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and we definitely had fun this year! To get your arms around the year and see the big picture,

consider the fact that more than 100 events were hosted this year! Events like Chamber After Hours, Luncheons, Ribbon Cuttings, Young Professional events and many more. Chamber members are busy people that love to have fun and build their business relationships!

The Chamber made great strides in 2013. To start the year off, the Chamber adopted the new community brand and changed our organization’s logo. We took advantage of this time for change to also refresh and update our mission statement: We create opportunities for business success through networking and advocacy, as well as business and professional development. We

provide leadership by serving as a catalyst for the economic growth and prosperity of the Lee’s Summit community.

It was a busy year when it came to governmental relations. The Chamber made its second trip to Washington D.C., took a delegation of more than 50 members to Jefferson City and was actively involved in the passage of two major bond issues.

May 2013 marked 45 years since the Chamber’s incorporation, and the organization continues to grow. We ended the year with 165 new businesses joining our organization. To be successful in this economy, it’s all about business relationships and doing business with those you know and trust. The Chamber provides the opportunity for these relationships to develop and grow. I think of the Chamber as the glue that holds our community together. The Chamber brings together businesses and key stakeholders to make a better business community for us all.

We accomplished a lot in 2013, and we had a great deal of fun doing it. But let me tell you, no one had more fun than me. Thank you for 2013. It has been my honor to serve as the 2013 Chair of the Board, and is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Yours Truly, Bob Glaser, 2013 Chair of the Board Summit Bank of Kansas City

MESSAGE FROM THE 2013 CHAIR OF THE BOARD...

JANUARY 2014

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Carolyn McKnight Chair-Elect

University of Central Missouri

Joe Stasi, Treasurer Saint Luke’s East Hospital

Diane Forte Chair Emeritis

Dean’s Trophies, Shirts & Awards

Tyler Morehead, Vice Chair of Membership

Development Morehead Agency LLC

Vicky Cundiff, Vice Chair of Community

Development Weed Man-Turfs Up

Chip Moxley, Vice Chair of Business & Economic

Development Tingle Flooring

Executive Committee

Board of DirectorsBill Baird

Baird Group Real Estate John Beaudoin

Lee’s Summit JournalJohn Brown

Hollis + Miller Architects Marcus Henley

Bukaty Companies Brian Hutchin

UMB BankRodney McBride

John Knox VillagePaul McClain

Freedom Wealth Advisors

Cindy Miller Columbia College - Kansas City

Rosalie Newkirk HSMC Orizon

Dr. Matt Niewald Matt A. Niewald, DDS

Kelly Spencer Bank of Lee’s Summit

Debbie Starke Eastland Community Foundation

Jeff Sullivan Bank Midwest

Jeffrey Williams Heritage Companies

Ex-OfficiosSteve Arbo

City of Lee’s SummitCarl Chinnery, Legal Counsel Chinnery, Evans & Nail, PC

Dr. David McGehee R-7 School District

Dr. Kirk Nooks MCC-Longview

Mayor Randy Rhoads City of Lee’s Summit

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Yearly Accomplishments

Member Awards

Hall of Fame Inductees

Chairman’s Club

Smartphone App

Res in Motus Winners

2013 Committees

Ribbon Cuttings

BOOST Lee’s Summit

Chamber Benefits

Legislative Priorities

Upcoming Events

President’s Letter

We create opportunities for business success through networking and advocacy, as well as business and professional development. We provide leadership by serving as a catalyst for the economic growth and prosperity of the Lee’s Summit community.

Mission Statement

Vision StatementBe the champion for the Lee’s Summit business community.

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JANUARY 2014

• Started the year with a Good News Breakfast, celebrating all the good news from our partners and key businesses in Lee’s Summit

• Celebrated the past year’s accomplishments with a very successful Annual Gala and silent auction

• Organized the second regional Washington DC Fly-in to visit with elected officials with participants from the Lee’s Summit, Grandview, Blue Springs and South Kansas City chambers

• Produced community publications including the 2013 Membership Directory and Community Profile, the Health Care Directory, Map of Lee’s Summit, tourism brochures, Community Calendar of Events and annual Visitors Guide.

• Created new Quarterly Business Magazine, which was direct-mailed to all Chamber members, as well as all businesses in Lee’s Summit.

• Actively participated in the successful passage of the Lee’s Summit April 2013 Bond Issue for expanding arts venues, historical museum relocation and street improvements.

• Supported and promoted the Blue Springs School District $20 Million No Tax Increase Bond Issue.

• In May the Chamber celebrated 45 years since incorporation.

• Continued collaboration with stakeholders to advance the reconstruction of Lee’s Summit Road from Colbern to Highway 40.

• Support and house the Community Brand Manager. The Chamber created and designed branding material templates to be used city-wide, and also designed advertising materials for magazines, newspapers, etc.

• Celebrated special milestone Chamber anniversaries with 131 businesses, from 5-45 years.

• Organized annual legislative day for nearly 60 members to meet with legislators in Jefferson City.

• Held a very successful third Dancing with the Chamber Stars event, raising more than $21,000 for the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund.

• Awarded four $1000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors whose parents work for chamber members, as well as one $1,000 lifelong learning scholarship

• Partnered with the R-7 School District to organize a welcome breakfast for approximately 70 new teachers to the district.

• Recruited 165 new members with the assistance of 37 different member recruiters.

• Participated with the R-7 School District to select and award the Excellence in Teaching recipients as well as the Teacher of the Year, who went on to be a finalist in the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award.

• Partnered with the R-7 School District to host an Ethics Workshop for high school students, providing business leaders as facilitators.

• Recognized four outstanding businesses for the Res in Motus Business of the Year Awards.

• Hosted a total of 18 educational series events (12 Recess for Success professional development workshops and six Wake Up to Success work/life balance workshops).

• Organized sold out Annual Golf Classic and successful Cocktails and Caddies Women’s Golf Tournament.

• Participated in the Legacy Park Community Center Birthday Bash by hosting a Community Health Fair with chamber members providing free health screenings.

• Continued growth and participation in the Young Professional group who met for networking and also completed four community service projects.

• Partnered with the City of Lee’s Summit and United Way of Kansas City to provide free tax preparation services to more than 100 low-income Lee’s Summit residents during tax season.

• Celebrated entrepreneurs by hosting the annual Entrepreneurs in Motion Breakfast and co-hosted the Eastern Jackson County Business Showcase and Pitch On! event in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week (more than 400 participants in the two events).

• Added the IntelABuild platform to BOOST Lee’s Summit for existing businesses wanting to grow exponentially.

• Held two BOOST Lee’s Summit Startfest! events showcasing 20 BOOST Lee’s Summit clients’ businesses.

• Significant success on legislative issues at the State level, i.e., workers comp reform; Missouri Works program; 2nd Injury Fund.

• Co-hosted a Community Blood Drive with the City of Lee’s Summit with more than 50 donors.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2013

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• Two Chamber staff graduated from the four-year Institute for Organizational Management certification program (Chamber Institute).

• Despite a rainy Saturday morning, the Chamber hosted a very successful Oktoberfest.

• Partnered with the Grandview Chamber of Commerce in hosting a Women’s Conference featuring showcase booths and three inspirational speakers.

• The Chamber received five graphic design awards: One ACCE Award of Excellence, One CCEM Award of Excellence and Three Philly Awards (one first place and two second places).

• Celebrated 34 ribbon cuttings at member businesses.

• Held a successful Shop Lee’s Summit contest, in conjunction with the marketing campaign, to focus the community on the importance of shopping in Lee’s Summit. This was the second year for the contest. The Chamber received 1,003 entries, totaling $143.700.94.

• Adopted the new community brand which included new designs for Chamber stationary, newsletters, website and all other documents.

• Introduced the new Chairman’s Club with five members qualifying for the designation.

• Had 24 business professionals graduate from the Chamber’s Leadership Lee’s Summit program.

• Continued growth of the Chamber’s Leads Group: Networkers at Noon.

• Added the ability to post online jobs on the Chamber’s website to help fill openings with the right candidates and boost employment in the area.

JANUARY 2014

Each year at the Chamber’s Annual Gala, recognition is given to Chamber members who have donated much time and energy helping for the greater good of the chamber. These members attend as many events as possible, are always available when needed and include the Chamber as a part of their lives on a frequent basis.

Awards presented at the 2014 Gala Include...

CHAMBER MEMBER AWARDS

The Bob GlaserAmbassador of the Year is Lisa Pycior with Cartridge World. She was also the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2006 and is still one of the Chamber’s strongest advocates. She attends many chamber events and helps mentor new members. She also has served as emcee at ribbon cuttings and helps with Operation Thank You and the Chamber 101: Get Plugged In events. In 2014, she will serve as chair of the Ambassadors.

Bob Glaser Ambassador of the YearThe Steve Gouldsmith New Member of the Year award is Kirby Asplund with the Asplund Group. Kirby immediately jumped into chamber activities and attended many of the events we have. He has been an active member on the Education Committee. He was very involved with this past year’s Oktoberfest, spending countless hours at the festival organizing kids street and shows up at many events.

Steve Gouldsmith New Member of the Year

The 2013 Volunteer of the Year award goes to Nick Hadley with Commerce Bank. Hadley stepped in to chair the Membership Committee this year when another volunteer had to step back and he will chair the 2014 Membership Committee. Nick also worked hard on Oktoberfest assisting at the Main Stage and wherever he was needed. He has worked with the Golf Tournament for several years, and attends events as well.

Volunteer of the Year

This year we have selected a duo, Bob and Marian Zajic, who have been long-time chamber members and also supporters for the Lee’s Summit community.

They have been very involved with the Chamber’s Governmental Relations Committee and attend the annual trips to Jefferson City, have both completed Leadership Lee’s Summit, work hard on Oktoberfest and serve in many ways throughout the City.

Bob and Marian have a real passion for Lee’s Summit and the Chamber is pleased to present them with a Lifetime Membership Award.

Board Member of theYearBill Baird with the Baird Group has been awarded the Board Member of the Year Award. Baird has his team involved in many aspects of the Chamber and holds one of the best After Hours each year! He and his wife were dancers at the Chamber’s Dancing with the Chamber Stars in 2012 and winners of the Business of the Year Award in 2007. He has since served on the Chamber’s Res in Motus Task Force helping to select winners for many years.

Lifetime Membership Award

View more event photos online at Facebook.com/LSummitChamber

JANUARY 2014

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEESIn 2006, the Chamber established an annual “Hall of Fame” Award. The criteria for this award includes being a member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber for a minimum of 10 years, showing continuous active involvement through financial and volunteer support and are respected throughout the community. Each recipient has had a significant positive impact and has consistently exemplified the philosophy, value and mission of the Chamber.

The Chamber inducted two businesses for 2013. These two businesses have been members since the early 1990’s. They have both been huge supporters of the Chamber for all those years and have donated countless hours of time. Both have been very involved with Oktoberfest as well as our Dancing with the Chamber Stars. The 2013 inductees are Monica Renwick & Mike Coupe with Monica’s School of Dance and Phyllis Balagna with Steppin’ Out – The Studio. The Chamber is very appreciative of all that they have done for the Chamber

Monica’s School of Dance Steppin’ Out - The Studio

Phyllis Balagna, owner of Steppin’ Out, has been involved in so many programs with the Chamber – the Education Committee, serving as chair in 2011 and helping with the Teacher of the Year awards and the Scholarship committees. Dancing with the Chamber Stars was her dream and she made it a reality three years ago. Steppin’ Out won the Business of the Year award in 2011. Phyllis has also been actively engaged with Oktoberfest for many years.

Mike Coupe served as chair of the 2013 Oktoberfest – but has worked tirelessly on that event for at least 20 years. He has done everything from setting up the Community Stage to moving barricades to designing pins to building counter tops orshelves. Monica has choregraphed for two years for the Dancing with the Chamber Stars. Monica’s School of Dance won the Business of the Year award in 1997.

Bank of Lee’s Summit

Chinnery, Evans & Nail, P.C.

City of Lee’s Summit

Dave Cross Motors

Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street

Gale Communities

John Knox Village

Kansas City Power & Light

Karl Bertram, Attorney

Lee’s Summit Animal Hospital

Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council

Lee’s Summit Journal

Lee’s Summit Medical Center

Lee’s Summit R-7 School District

Metcalf Bank

Metropolitan Community College -

Longview

New Age Graphics

Paradise Park

Saint Luke’s East Health System

Truman Medical Center Lakewood

Unity

University of Central Missouri

Previous Hall of Fame Inductees


CHAIRMAN’S CLUBIn 2013 the Chamber Board of Directors established a new reward program for members. Called the “Chairman’s Club”, any Chamber member can become eligible after recruiting a minimum of five new members each calendar year.

Each of them, along with a spouse or significant other, will be invited to a special dinner at the end of each year with the Chair of the Board and the Chamber President.

“Continuing to grow the membership in our Chamber is what makes it so beneficial for everyone,” said Chair of the Board Bob Glaser. “We developed this program as a special thank you for our existing members that work hard to help grow our network. I look forward to having a special dinner with all the future club members.”

Congratulations to the First Members of the Chairman’s Club...• John Beaudoin, Lee’s Summit Journal

• Bob Glaser, Summit Bank of Kansas

• Judy Pezzetti, Office Products Alliance

• Lisa Pycior, Cartridge World - Lee’s Summit

• Mark Simmons, The Red Force Fire & Security

SMARTPHONE APPStay in the know, even when you are on the go! iPhone and Android users are encouraged to download the FREE LS Chamber app!

Our app is getting revamped and will now be faster than ever.

Enjoy the following features:

• Chamber Directory

• Chamber Events Calendar

• Community Calendar of Events

• Rewards Section for Chamber Members

• Chamber & Member News

• ‘Near Me’ mapping

• .... and more

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PAGE 12 JANUARY 2014

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Four local businesses were recipients of the Lee’s Summit Chamber Res in Motus (Business in Motion) Business of the Year awards at the monthly membership luncheon on May 17. The four award winners include: Lee’s Summit Social Services (nonprofit with less than 20 employees); Cinematic Visions (five or less employees); Lee’s Summit Journal (6-20 employees); and MCC-Longview (more than 20 employees).

Sanctimonia – Lee’s Summit Social Services is a full service not for profit agency serving low income individuals and families in the Lee’s Summit community with emergency assistance since March of 1992. Their programs have helped to alleviate hunger and homelessness and improve the quality of life in our community.

Vegrandis – Cinematic Visions, home of nationally syndicated TV show “Just Down the Road,” is an award-winning, professional, start-to-finish multi-media production company, servicing consumer and corporate clients alike since 2003. If it can be filmed, edited or preserved, Cinematic Visions can help.

Parvus – Lee’s Summit Journal is a media source for news, sports, advertising and information in the Lee’s Summit area. Through two weekly newspapers, a shopper and 24/7 online updates at lsjournal.com, the Journal staff takes pride in covering all avenues of Lee’s Summit.

Magnus – MCC-Longview is one of five campuses of Metropolitan Community College. MCC- Longview services more than 11,000 students a year in college transfer, occupational programs, and community and continuing education courses.

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CHA M B E RBusinesses of the Year

JANUARY 2014

2013 PARTNERSHIPSGOLDAmerican FoodserviceGreat Southern BankHumana Health Plan, Inc.KCP&LTingle Flooring

SILVERBank of Lee’s SummitDean’s Trophies, Shirts & AwardsDiscover Vision CentersEdible ArrangementsHSMC Orizon, LLCJohn Knox VillageLead Bank Lee’s Summit Dodge, Chrysler, JeepMetcalf Bank Paradise Park, Inc.Saint Luke’s East HospitalSteppin’ Out - The StudioSummit Bank of Kansas CityTruman Medical Center LakewoodUniversity of Central Missouri Wal-Mart

BRONZEB Positively Promoting U, inc. Bank of Kansas CityThe ExaminerKC Metro Insurance AgencyLakewood Counseling Service TMCLee’s Summit Journal Lee’s Summit NissanMazuma Credit UnionMissouri Central Credit Union Missouri Association of Trial AttorneysParker Swearngin, LLP Sideliner SportsSimmons First National Bank Technology Plus, Inc.Tim & Jana Allen-Realty Executives of Kansas CityThe Wilson Group, Inc.Zoetis

2013 COMMITTEESThe Chamber multiplies the effectiveness of businesses within the community by providing structure, volunteer leadership, professional staff and full-time office operation to implement an effective business organization that meets the needs of our growing community.

Committee volunteers have the opportunity to share and create new ideas, while also learning more about the business community to which they belong.

The following committees, councils and task forces carry out the work of the Chamber:

• Ambassador Committee: Jon Garlow Objective: recruits and mentors new members and develops awareness of the Chamber in the community.

• Business Development Council Chair: Darrell Brammer Objective: monitor and fulfill the educational and training needs of small businesses.

continued on page 16 >>

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JANUARY 2014

• Education Committee Chair: Monte Stull Objective: promotes business partnership with the education community, selects five scholarship recipients each year, hosts a welcome breakfast for new R-7 teachers and the recipient for the R-7 Teacher of the Year award.

• Governmental Relations Committee Chair: Ron Williams Objective: studies local, state and federal legislative issues of interest to businesses and prepares legislative priorities. This committee plans an annual trip to Jefferson City and Washington DC to visit legislators, forums on special issues and elections, and local breakfast or luncheon meetings with the legislators during session.

• Health Care Committee Chair: Molly Wichman Objective: studies healthcare issues impacting the community, and provides an annual Health Fair and a Health Care Directory to all households in Lee’s Summit.

• Membership Committee Chair: Nick Hadley Objective: makes contact calls to existing members and leads efforts to retain current members of the Chamber.

• Oktoberfest Committee Chair: Mike Coupe Objective: plans the annual fall festival, scheduled for the last full weekend in September.

• Visitors Council Chair: Joe Snook Objective: identifies and develops Lee’s Summit’s unique features for the purpose of tourism development and marketing.

• Young Professionals Committee Chair: Ray Coleman Objective: provides networking opportunities for Chamber professionals between the ages of 21-35. The CYPs gather monthly to network, learn about the business community, and engage in community service projects.

2013 Task Forces

• Annual Gala Auction Task Force Chair: Susan Coffman Objective: organizes and solicits donations for the auction held each year at the Annual Gala held in January.

• Golf Task Force Chair: Amy Bishop Objective: coordinates the annual Chamber Golf Classic tournament held each year during the summer.

• Holiday Reception Task Force Chair: Lynn Hinkle Objective: plans and organizes the Holiday Reception held on the first Wednesday in December.

COMMITTEES CONTINUED RIBBON CUTTINGS9Round

Advanced Nutrition

Awaken Whole Life Center

Bank of Kansas City

Better Bodies Pilates

Body Renew Medical Group

Budget Blinds of Lee's Summit

Cinematic Visions

Comforting Faith Counseling Services, Inc.

Community Buying Group

Cornerstone Mortgage, Inc.

Dave Cross Buick-GMC

Dickey's Barbeque Pit

Especially Jewelry LLC

Especially Jewelry Boutique on 3rd

Flip Zone Shockwave

Freebirds World Burrito

Great American Bank

Home Finishings

Infusion Express

Life Transformations Fitness

LMS Wine Creators

MAACO of Lee's Summit

Midwest Neurosciences Institute at Lee's Summit

Northwestern Mutual - Wirsig Team

Owl's Nest

Personal Finance Company, LLC

Rustici Wellness Center

Saint Luke's East-Oncology Services

Sears Hometown Store

Slimming Solutions

Summit Community Thrift Store

Summit Pediatrics LLC

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RIBBON CUTTINGS BOOSTING THE LEE’S SUMMIT ECONOMYBOOST Lee’s Summit hosted two StartFest+DEMO events in 2013 showcasing twenty of its clients. These high energy events provided an opportunity for local business startups to introduce their innovations to the community consisting of investors, business leaders, the general public and other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Similar to the TV show Shark Tank, BOOST LS clients are given 90 seconds to pitch their business concepts, exhibit their products and interface with the audience. The two events garnered over 250 inquisitive observers. BOOST Lee’s Summit’s mission is helping aspiring entrepreneurs accelerate ideas to the marketplace. Here is one example of BOOST Lee’s Summit’s impact.

One year ago I made a decision to start a small business in Lee’s Summit. Crazy, but sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and make things happen. As an active member of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce I knew of a new program they started for entrepreneurs, BOOST Lee’s Summit. After meeting with Mark Dickey, Vice President of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, I knew the BOOST program was what I needed to help get our business rolling.

The team at BOOST assigned me a mentor to help guide me through the steps to opening the doors at our new fitness center. I was able to meet with the mentors in person and complete an online tutorial to setup our business plan, marketing, demographics, target market and much more. The tools that BOOST helped me to create are

the tools that I look back at when I am running our business or in need of assistance. It is good to know that as an entrepreneur I have a community program to support and mentor me through my new business venture.

It took about four months from joining the BOOST program till our doors opened at Life Transformations Fitness on March 9, 2013. Our locally owned and operated fitness center has been well received by the community and is working to a difference in the health of Lee’s Summit. The BOOST team has been an intricate part of our first year in business. I can call our mentors to ask small questions or have the team come out to discuss larger issues. As a local entrepreneur I would recommend anyone thinking of starting their own business or someone who has an idea and needs some guidance to put into action to visit boostleessummit.com.

~Molly Wichman, Life Transformations Fitness

JANUARY 2014

THE VALUE OF LEE’S SUMMIT CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPPublicity & Business Exposure• Membersbenefitfrom

free listings and links on the Chamber’s website, smartphone app, buyer's guide, membership directory, monthly newsletter and more.

• Celebrate your business with the Chamber by having a ribbon cutting, open house or groundbreaking event.

• The Chamber also receives hundreds of requests each year for recommendations and/or contacts for goods and services in our area. The Chamber proudly refers visitors, newcomers, businesses and residents to Chamber member businesses.

• Chamber members are welcome to bring in publicity materials for us to display for visitors, as well as our members who are frequently in theoffice.

• Members may also promote their business each Monday on the Chamber Facebook page and on LinkedIn at anytime.

• The Chamber also provides several advertising and sponsorship opportunities to help promote businesses.

Legislative Input• On your behalf, the Chamber

works actively on business issues at the local, state and national levels. We work to make the business climate better for you.

• Each year the Chamber identifiesourlegislativepriorities and organizes a trip to Jefferson City.

• Council at Glance emails are sent out to highlight issues that are of importance to our members that are being discussed by the Lee’s Summit City Council.

Networking OpportunitiesThe Chamber can put you in touch with hundreds of people who may become new customers or clients. The Chamber has approximately 975 members with over 1,100 representatives. Networking and member contact opportunities include...

• Annual Dinner and Auction

• Brew Up Business: Chamber Before Hours

• Chamber After Hours: Socialize... Build Business

• Chamber 101: Get Plugged In

• Chamber Leads Groups

• Committees/Task Forces

• Got a Minute? Networking Event

• Entrepreneurs in Motion Breakfast

• Monthly Membership Luncheons

• Recess for Success Seminars

• Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses/Groundbreakings

• TechShops

• Young Professionals Group

• Wake Up to Success Seminars

• ... and much more!

Special Member Discounts• To increase affordable

access to health insurance, the Chamber has partnered with Humana to offer a wellness-oriented health plan. Members can purchase any insurance plan offered through Humana from a Chamber member agent that is licensed to sell Humana insurance plans.

• The Chamber also offers discounted vacations to our members from time to time.

Free Seminars & Professional Development Opportunities• Recess to Success are free

monthly seminars that provide our members with information on how to successfully grow and operate their business.

• Wake Up to Success seminars are held bi-monthly and feature topics that deal with work/life balance and healthly lifestyle practices.

• The Entrepreneurs in Motion Breakfast is held annually during the third week in November and includes a keynote address by one of the areas most successful entrepreneurs.

Right now is a great time to join the Lee’s Summit Chamber! Set up a time to meet with Cathy Young, Director of Member Services, to see how the Chamber can help you! 816.524.2424

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2014 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIESHEALTH CARESupport funding for MOHealthNet that ensures the ongoing viability of all health care providers who provide care to the uninsured and underinsured Missourians and that MOHealthNet is structured to maximize all available resources outside Missouri general revenue, including federal matching dollars and Missouri’s FRA program.

Impact:• Medicaid expansion would cover an additional 220,000

Missourians• Create 24,000 jobs in its first year, generating $977 million in

wages• Federal funds totaling $8.2 billion would come into Missouri over

6 years, with less than $300 million funding required from the State

• The program will provide better health care coverage for 220,000 people, eventually decreasing their cost of care by prevention

Action Needed:Advocate and support legislative action to:• Maximize coverage under the Medicaid program to those newly

eligible under the ACA by utilizing the federal funds contributed by employers and workers that are available to the State of Missouri

• Encourage local control over health care decisions and in the hands of local workforce and employers

• Reward improved health outcomes without jeopardizing the viability of local health care providers.

TRANSPORTATION Support a smart, sustainable long-term statewide transportation funding plan that enhances public safety and spurs economic activity.

Impact: Missouri continues to be among the states with the largest losses in manufacturing and construction jobs. Improved and expanded infrastructure will position Missouri and local communities to be much more competitive in the global marketplace creating opportunities for attracting new businesses and creating jobs. A comprehensive transportation funding plan will have an immediate and profound impact on the economy in every region of the state. Not only will thousands of immediate construction jobs be created, but thousands of new, good paying jobs by attracting and leveraging private investment. Additionally, Missourian will experience enhanced public safety and added convenience and choice.

Action Needed: Passage of legislation that creates a comprehensive, sustainable transportation funding strategy that addresses Missouri’s immediate and long-term transportation infrastructure needs.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTSupport a comprehensive economic development strategy that

continued on page 20 >>

JANUARY 2014

includes tax credit restructuring that incentivizes private investment, quality business development and job creation targeting: 1) data centers considering locating or expanding in the State of Missouri, 2) investments made by Angel Groups, 3) workforce training, and 4) that reforms Missouri’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Impact: The concurrent restructuring of economic development incentive programs and a strategy to finance the Unemployment Trust Fund would allow the city of Lee’s Summit to experience significant (tens-of- millions of dollars) private investment in building and equipment infrastructure and experience substantial growth in quality, knowledge-based jobs.

Action Needed: Advocate for a comprehensive Missouri pro-growth strategy that includes the following:• Restructures economic development incentives, specifically

targeting emerging job growth and creation industries (i.e., data centers);

• Leverages private investments made by Angel Groups; • Reforms the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

SUPPORT LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES NEW FUNDING MECHANISMS TO SUPPORT 911 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE. Impact: Counties will have new funding option* placed on any device capable of contacting 911. This funding will:• Create a State Oversight Board who will report to the Governor

and the General Assembly every five years on the status of 911 services statewide, as well as specific efforts to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, and levels of service.

• Mandate a Statewide 911 plan to include technical assistance, consolidation and coordination of Public Safety Answering Points

• Require mapping and addressing• Implement 911 where non-existent• Provide accessibility to 911 for disabled • Cover Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) training costs

ensuring enhanced health outcomes and greater cost savings• Provide for expenditures for equipment/technological upgrades*Counties choosing to upgrade their 911 system are required to place the measure on the ballot for approval.

Action Needed: Advocate and support legislation that provides new funding mechanisms for physical and operational upgrades/improvements to strengthen Missouri’s 911 Emergency Telephone System.

EDUCATIONSupport a remedy to the current unaccredited school district student transfer statute which includes an alternative approach to accreditation, earlier state intervention, and the assurance of in-district quality education opportunities for every Missouri public school student.

Impact: The current approach to the state’s accreditation/student transfer issues is financially unsustainable and do not provide stability for improved academic achievement. An acceptable legislative remedy would: • Focus on early intervention for struggling schools and support

for real improvement.

• Establish a State Improvement Director who will oversee and collaborate with an Achievement District to assist lowest performing schools.

• Provide assistance from expert review teams to assess, set goals for improvement, and make recommendations.

• Establish definitive time limitations on maintaining struggling schools and/or school districts prior to determination of lapse and mandate restructuring if no improvement.

• Allow DESE discretion to intervene and takeover the governance and operation of schools that do not improve.

• Allow students to transfer from an underperforming school within their own district to a higher performing school within their district.

Action Needed:Advocate for passage of legislation that would support the concepts recommended by the Missouri Association of School Administrators’ New Path To Excellence proposal that:• Establishes four levels of accreditation to include Academically

Stressed Schools that receive intense intervention and oversight before moving to unaccredited status.

• Assigns accreditation status to individual schools, as well as an overall accreditation status for a school district.

• Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to implement an accreditation model that provides for earlier intervention for struggling schools and provides direct operation and oversight of the lowest performing schools.

• Eliminates transfers outside unaccredited school districts and provides for in-district transfers from unaccredited schools to schools within the same district that are accredited.

PRIORITIES CONTINUED

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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTSFebruary 4 • 3:30–4:30 p.m., Recess for Success TOPIC: Developing and Growing a ‘Winning Sales Team” PRESENTER: Eric Dunn, Coffman Group LOCATION: John Knox Village - Manhattan Room

February 6 • 3:30–5 p.m., Chamber 101: Get Plugged In, Paradise Park, 1021 NE Colbern Road

February 11 • 7:30–8:30 a.m., Wake Up to Success TOPIC: TV Everywhere PRESENTER: Marcien Jenckes, Comcast LOCATION: John Knox Village - Courtyard B

February 13 • 4:30–6 p.m., Chamber After Hours, HSMC Orizon, 3550 NE Ralph Powell Road

February 21 • 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Monthly Membership Luncheon PRESENTER: Mark VanLoh, Director of Aviation, KC Aviation Department LOCATION: Emaline Ballroom, 616 SW 3rd Street SPONSOR: Summit Bank of Kansas City

February 20 • 8–9 a.m., Chamber Young Professionals Morning Coffee, Legal Center for New Families, 229 SE Douglas, Ste. 210

February 25 • 7:30–8:30 a.m., Chamber Before Hours, Wise Wealth, LLC, 300 SW Main Street

March 4 • 3:30–4:30 p.m., Recess for Success TOPIC: Think Strategic - Your Business Deserves It! PRESENTER: Todd Long, Leadership Innovations LOCATION: John Knox Village - Manhattan Room

March 5 • 9:30 a.m., Ribbon Cutting - Developing Potential, 251 NW Executive Way, #200

March 6 • 4:30–6 p.m., Chamber After Hours, Bank of Kansas City, 1710 NE Douglas Street

March 26 • 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Monthly Membership Luncheon TOPIC: Res in Motus Top Three Announcement LOCATION: The Pavilion at John Knox Village SPONSOR: Servpro

Register to attend events online at LSchamber.com

JANUARY 2014

Here at the Chamber we have a dedicated and passionate team of professionals who love what they do and it shows.

Since 1946, our fresh innovative thinking has drawn us constant praise and accolades as one of the most dynamic organizations in the region. But none of this would be possible without our dedicated corps of volunteers, and our past and present Board Members and Ambassadors who’s hard work and commitment has been responsible for our successful recruitment and retention programs.

Our singular goal is to ensure that there is no better place to live or do business than right here in Lee’s Summit. We continue to believe that staying relevant is the biggest challenge facing business’s today. Through a series of unique and energized programs and events such as; Recess for Success, Wake Up to Success, Leadership Lee’s Summit, New Member Showcase and Orientation, Young Professionals, Global Entrepreneurship, Golf Outings, Shop Lee’s Summit and many more,

we keep our Chamber on the visionary forefront as we help shape the future of life and business right here in Lee’s Summit.

The Chamber serves as a catalyst by uniting member businesses, community agencies, education and government to make our city a great place to live, work and play. We advocate for business on a variety of issues on the local, county, federal and state levels, and work diligently to support new and expanding businesses.

We welcome the opportunity to sit down with you to examine and share specific insights and to show you why the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce is the symbol of support and confidence for business networking, referral and opportunity.

Yours Truly,Nancy K. Bruns, CCEPresident | Lee’s Summit Chamber

Bruns joined the Chamber as President in 2000. She has worked in the chamber industry for over 25 years. Bruns holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Park University, and in 2005 she earned the title of Certified Chamber Executive from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. She is responsible for the program of work and financial operation of the Chamber.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER PRESIDENT

CHAMBER STAFF

Mark Dickey, IOM Vice President

Gina Seibel Director of Communications

Chrissy Symes, IOM Director of Special Events

Cathy Young, IOM Director of Member Services

Sue McMilian, IOM Administrative Assistant

Nedra Hoover Bookkeeper

Marilyn Pemberton Part-time Assistant

Nancy Bruns, CCE President

We’re Social!

Make sure to like, follow, join and watch the Chamber. You can find us by searching

lsummitchamber on your favorite social media sites.

The UCM Summit Centerhas been serving thecommunity for morethan a decade, and

providing programs thatempower students

to give back. ucmo.edu/summitcenter

Choose REDto give back to your community.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS:• Master of Arts in Teaching

• Master of Sciencein Counselor Education

• Master of Science in Education

• Master of Sciencein Social Gerontology

UNDERGRADUATECOMPLETION PROGRAMS:• Child and Family Development

• Criminal Justice

• Nursing

• Social Work


Nancy Bruns, CCE, President | Mark Dickey, Vice President

Gina Seibel, Director of Communications | Chrissy Symes, Director of Special Events | Cathy Young, IOM, Director of Member ServicesSue McMilian, Administrative Assistant | Nedra Hoover, Bookkeeper | Marilyn Pemberton, Part-time Assistant

Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce220 SE Main StreetLee’s Summit, MO 64063

ECRWSSLOCAL POSTAL PATRON

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Lee’s Summit, MO 64063Permit Number 71

Covering your community

2013 annual report & year in review

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