The Official Newsletter of the Lee's Summit Chamber

C LINKJanuary2011

P 816-524-2424 F 816-524-5246220 SE Main, Lee's Summit, MO 64063

lschamber.com lstourism.com Shop-LeesSummit.com

HAMBER

We create opportunities for business success through networking, advocacy, and business and professional development.

Returning Board Members

New Board Members

Retiring Board Members

Michael Blau, Farmers Insurance & Financial ServicesCarole Culbertson, Culbertson Properties Management, LLCJulie Doane, Missouri Central Credit UnionBob Glaser, Summit Bank of Kansas City

Jane Monroe, Gomer’s Fine Wine & SpiritsDr. Emmanuel Ngomsi, All World Languages & CulturesRobert PendlandDebbie Starke, Eastland Community FoundationJeffrey Williams, Heritage Companies

John Beaudoin, Lee’s Summit JournalBill Baird, Infinity RealtyVicky Cundiff, Turf’s Up-Weed Man

Rodney McBride, John Knox VillageJoe Stasi, Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s SummitDeborah Swank, KCP&L

A special thanks to the retiring Board Members who gave many dedicated hours to the Chamber.Matt Baird, Paradise Park, Inc.Becky Freetly-Graber, candid

Kurt Lutz, Hawthorn Bankmarketing & communicationsDan Rexroth, John Knox VillageAlicia Ruhl, Design Pfile

A Message from the 2011 Chair of the BoardAs Chair of the Chamber, it is a tremendous honor for me to serve our great community. There has never been a more promising time in Lee’s Summit. The community’s

strong foundation, anchored by good schools, strong civic leaders and a generous and engaged business community make this an outstanding place to live and work.

The Chamber is committed to doing all it can to help maintain and improve this foundation in order to support a thriving business environment for all of our members.

As a Chamber member you have a multitude of opportunities to plug into the community, network and showcase your business through our many committees, task forces and events. The Chamber also provides informational and professional seminars, including Wake Up to Success, Recess for

Success and monthly luncheons, that can further assist you in reaching your personal and professional goals.

We are proud to be one of only four chambers in Missouri to have 4-star Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber continues to grow and succeed because of the support and involvement of our members, and for that I thank you all.

I wish you all a happy and successful 2011, Lynn Hinkle, Chair

Diane Forte, Chair ElectDean’s Trophies Shirts

& Awards

Damond Boatwright, Treasurer, Lee’s Summit

Medical Center

Mark Parrish, Chair Emeritus, Mo. Association

of Trial Attorneys

Executive Committee

Melinda Hadley-deBoer, Membership Development

The Culture Coaches

Geoff Hill, Community Development,

Aircraft Electronics Association.

Carolyn McKnight, Economic Development

University of Central Missouri

Divisional Vice Chairs

Strategic Planning for Businesses

Charting the course for success begins with an objective: critical analysis of our own strengths and weaknesses as professionals. Patrick will challenge you to admit that the low hanging fruit has been picked and future gains will come at considerable expense. He will demonstrate that paying the price for small gains may spell the difference between marginal success and quantum leaps of performance. This is a great session to kick-off 2011.

Register for this free seminar online at lschamber.com under the Calendar of Events tab.

January 4, 2011 • 3:30–4:30 p.m. • John Knox Village, Manhattan RoomPresenter: Patrick Geschwind - Patrick Geschwind & Associates Sponsor: The Fountains at Greenbriar

Monthly Membership Breakfast • Jan. 21

Our Community…Sunny Side Up!

Celebrate the Positive at the January Chamber Breakfast as you hear updates by leaders from various companies and organizations within our community.

Reservations can be made online at lschamber.com under the Calendar of Events tab, or by calling 816-524-2424. Deadline is January 19 at 5 p.m. Registration is required.

Gamber Center • 4 SE Independence Ave • 7:30–9 a.m.

Sponsored by Summit Bank of Kansas City

OFFICERS Lynn Hinkle, Chair Great Southern BankDiane Forte, Chair-ElectDean’s Trophies, Shirts & AwardsDamond Boatwright, TreasurerLee’s Summit Medical CenterMark Parrish, Chair EmeritisMissouri Association of Trial Attorneys

VICE CHAIRS Melinda Hadley-deBoer, Membership DevelopmentThe Culture CoachesGeoff Hill, Community DevelopmentAircraft Electronics AssociationCarolyn McKnight, Economic DevelopmentUniversity of Central Missouri

BOARD MEMBERS John BeaudoinLee’s Summit JournalBill BairdInfinity RealtyMichael BlauFarmers Insurance & Financial ServicesCarole CulbertsonCulbertson Properties Management, LLCVicky CundiffTurf’s Up-Weed ManJulie DoaneMissouri Central Credit UnionBob GlaserSummit Bank of Kansas CityRodney McBrideJohn Knox VillageJane MonroeGomer’s Fine Wine & SpiritsDr. Emmanuel NgomsiAll World Languages & CulturesRobert Pendland

Debbie StarkeEastland Community FoundationJoe StasiSaint Luke’s East-Lee’s SummitDeborah SwankKansas City Power & LightJeffrey WilliamsHeritage Companies

EX-OFFICIO Steve ArboCity of Lee’s SummitCarl Chinnery, Legal CounselChinnery, Evans & Nail, PCDr. Fred GroganMCC-LongviewDr. David McGeheeR-7 School DistrictMayor Randy RhoadsCity of Lee’s Summit

CHAMBER STAFFNancy Bruns, PresidentMark Dickey, Vice PresidentGina Seibel, Director of CommunicationsChrissy Symes, Director of Special EventsCathy Young, Director of Member ServicesKathy LeChien, Administrative AssistantNedra Hoover, BookkeeperMarilyn Pemberton, Part-time Assistant

2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A community effort is underway to bring a consistent identity to the City through branding.

To accomplish this goal, the Lee’s Summit Branding Committee needs the community to tell us why Lee’s Summit is special by submitting responses at www.facebook.com/brandls. Be as creative as you’d: photos, drawings, poems and/or one minute videos. You may even request a presentation about branding to be given to your business or organization if you want to learn more about the process.

Your input is valuable and will aide in the the creation of a community brand strategy. Soon, an RFP will be issued to bring in professional assistance in creating the brand strategy.

The study will include a review of previous branding efforts and research, development of a conceptual brand image and corresponding slogans and/or taglines when appropriate. An implementation plan will also be prepared as part of the work. The final product is projected to be completed by summer 2011.

Lee’s Summit Branding Committee Needs Your Feedback

Members Making Waves

Have news about you or your business that you would like to share? Send press releases and photos for consideration to gseibel@lschamber.com

Local American Family Insurance Agent Wins J.D. Power and Associates Award.

James Koppang, an American Family Insurance agent in Lee’s Summit, has been recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence under the J.D. Power and Associates’ Distinguished

Insurance Agency Program.

“Customer service is more important than ever,” said Jack Salzwedel, American Family president and chief operation officer. “I’m proud that more American Family Insurance agents made the commitment to meeting the Distinguished Insurance Agency criteria

this year than in any of the program’s previous five years. That’s truly saying something about their commitment to meeting our customers’ needs.”

Koppang has been an agent for American Family since August of 2006. His office is located at 276 SW Blue Parkway.

Each year the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Education Committee awards $1000 scholarships to four high school seniors. One scholarship winner is selected from each of the three Lee’s Summit high schools, and one is selected from a school outside of the district. One of the applicant’s parents must be an employee of a Chamber member.

Applicants are evaluated based on the following criterion:

• A strong work ethic• A commitment to community

involvement• An endless pursuit of continued

growth and improvement in all facets of their lives

Interested students should have at least a 3.0 grade point average and submit a completed application no later than February 18, 2011. Applications can be found on lschamber.com.

Please contact Chrissy Symes with any questions, 816.524.2424 or csymes@lschamber.com.

Chamber to Award Four $1000 Scholarships to High School Seniors

Mark your calendar for the Lee’s Summit Chamber event of the year and plan to join us for an eclectic evening featuring an auction, awards and the new Tablescape Design Challenge!

This year’s Annual Dinner is scheduled for

Saturday, January 29 at 6 p.m. at The Pavilion at John Knox Village. Don’t miss your chance to get involved with the event in one of the following ways:

New this Year: Tablescape Design

Challenge. This is your

opportunity to gain recognition for your business and show your creative side by providing centerpieces for one of the guest tables at the event. Guests will vote on their favorite tablescape at the event, and the designers of the winning table will receive a free Chamber publicity package! Participation is free-of-charge. Applications to enter the challenge can be found online at lschamber.com. The deadline to enter is Friday, January 7.

Donate to the Auction. If you would like to bring something to the table this year by donating an item for the auction, please contact Chrissy at csymes@lschamber.com. You can donate a product or service from your own business, or purchase an item from another member business and donate

that instead. By donating an item, you will not only receive recognition within the program and on the auction table, but you’ll be supporting the Chamber through this fundraiser. The deadline for contributions is Friday, January 21.

For additional information about any of these opportunities, contact Chrissy Symes at csymes@lschamber.com or 816-524-2424.

Formal invitations with reply cards will be mailed in January.

Thank You to Our Event Sponsor

Annual Dinner Set for Saturday, January 29

Join fellow Chamber members on January 13 for a Business After Hours at Home Video Studio of Lee’s Summit, 500 SW Third Street, from 4:30–6 p.m.

What is Business After Hours? BAH is a great way to end a busy work day with refreshments and the potential for new leads!

Attendance at these networking events averages 35 members, so it’s a good idea to bring business cards.

Register to attend this free event online at www.lschamber.com under the Calendar of Events tab.

RENEWALSBlackwell, Nill & Francois, D.D.S. 37Haub Studio, Inc. 36Edward Jones Investments 32 – Thom Schlosser Jeffrey L. Harsch, D.P.M. 26Wal-Mart 26Longview Mansion, L.L.C. 22Wilshire at Lakewood 14Toni Tygart Real Estate Group, Inc. 13Lee’s Summit Masonic Hall 9M & I Bank 9Bartlett & West 8Horn Printing & Office Supply, Inc. 8On The Border 7 Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church 7Park University – Independence Campus 7Toon Shop 7Anytime Fitness 6Culver’s of Lee’s Summit 6Olympic Lawn & Landscape, Inc. 6Studdard Relocation Services 6Farm Bureau Insurance-Wayne Burch, 5 LUTCF, CLF Henry’s Antiques, Collectibles 5 & Tea RoomMorehead Agency, LLC 5Williams Spurgeon Kuhl & 5 Freshnock Architects Affordable Elegance 4Akira Spa & Salon, L.L.C. 4Continental Title Company 4Lytmos Group, Inc. 4Batteries Plus 3Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics 3The Fountains at Greenbriar 3Goodale Homes, Inc. 3The Kiernan Companies 3Constable Sanitation 2SipVine, Inc. 2Wellspring Ministries 2Benefit Brokers, L.L.C. 1Coldwater 1Control Service Company, Inc. 1The Custom Framer 1Fish Window Cleaning 1KC Sports Lodge 1Overland Park Heating & Cooling, Inc. 1Staybridge Suites Kansas City 1 -Independence

The holidays can be such a great time of year with family gatherings, meals, and of course, gift giving. Now that the holidays are over, what should you do with all of your gift wrappings and decorations? Here are some suggestions for reducing your holiday waste:

• Christmas Tree – if you used a real tree don’t forget that you can take it to the City’s yard waste facility for grinding into reusable mulch. If you used an artificial tree and no longer want to keep it, consider donating it to a local charitable organization for someone else to use.

• Gift Wrappings – Gifts are commonly packaged in cardboard, paperboard and plastic. These materials are all recyclable and accepted at the City’s drop-off recycling centers. However, be aware tissue paper and most wrapping papers are not considered recyclable.

• Holiday Cards – Each year, more than two billion holiday cards are made, the majority of which end up in the trash. These cards are recyclable and accepted at the City’s drop-off recycling centers. They can also be reused for children’s craft projects.

• Holiday Decorations – If your old strand of lights are burnt out, don’t toss them out. They can be recycled at certain times of the year at Home Depot or various online companies like www.holidayLEDs.com. In addition, undesired tree ornaments or garland can be donated to charitable organizations for someone else to use.

by Kara Taylor, Environmental Coordinator – City of Lee’s SummitA service of the Chamber’s Business Sustainability Committee

Recycling After the Holidays

Business After Hours • January 13

Nominations Being Accepted for 2011 Res In Motus Awards The Lee’s Summit Chamber is calling for nominations for the 2011 Res In Motus Business of the Year Awards.

The Chamber is recognizing five separate award categories that best represent Business in Motion:• Sanctimonia Award- Non-Profit/

Charitable. (Over 100 employees enter in Magnus Category)

• Vegrandis Award- 5 or less full-time equivalent employees.

• Parvus Award- 6-15 full-time equivalent employees

• Medius Award- 16-99 full-time equivalent employees

• Magnus Award- over 100 full-time equivalent employees

Criteria for the Awards include:• Lee’s Summit Chamber

member in good standing• Service to the community

and to the Chamber• In business a minimum of

three years• A commitment to good

business practice• Prudent business

management strategies• A history of good employee

relations.

Res In Motus Small Business of the Year winners from the past five years are not eligible. Nominations must be returned to the Chamber office, 220

SE Main Street, no later than January

28. Nominated companies will be notified by mail. All nominations will remain confidential.

Applications may be found

online at www.lschamber.com. For more

information contact Nancy Bruns at 816-524-2424 or nbruns@lschamber.com.

LE

E'SSUMMIT

RESIN

MOTUS20 11

CHA M B E RBusinesses of the Year

Over 500 Pounds of Food Collected at Holiday ReceptionA very special thank you to all of our members who collectively donated more than $250 cash and over 500 pounds of food for Lee’s Summit Social Services at the Holiday Reception on December 1.

Each year the Chamber and Economic Development Council collect donations for the less fortunate at the event. Once again the giving spirit of our members was evident.

The donations were delivered to Lee’s Summit Social Services and were very much appreciated. Thanks again to the generosity of our members.

Pictured is Social Services Executive Director, Geneva High (left) and Holiday Reception Chair, Rosalie Newkirk, HSMC Certified Public Accountants, PC (right).

816.969.1500 www.lsparks.net

Legacy Park Community Center is located at 901 NE Bluestem Drive,

off Blackwell Pkwy, between Langsford & Colbern Rds.

LPCC’s Birthday BashSaturday, Jan. 8 • FREE to the public!

& Community Health FairFREE Open Swim, Open Gym, Fitness Classes, Snacks & more!

Schedule at a glance... 7am - 5pm Exercise Swim (7am-10am), Open Swim (10am-5pm) Gym, Fitness Center, Indoor Track and Racquetball 7am - 3pm Chair Massage 8:30am Turbokick (Gym) 9am - 12pm Community Health Fair 9:30am Boot Camp (Gym) 11am - 12pm Meet KC Wolf 11:30am Zumba (Gym) & Zumbatomic (Aerobics Room)

816.524.2424 www.lschamber.com

FREE Screenings from area hospitals & medical businesses including

blood pressure, bone density, diabetes, podiatry, cancer profiling,

muscle tension, flu vaccinations, motor skills & memory screening!

Friday, February 18, at 7:05 p.m. Come watch the Missouri Mavericks take on the Rapid City Rush at the Independence Events Center!

Purchase tickets at the Chamber or through our online Calendar of Events at www.lschamber.com

Rinkside Tickets - $21 (normally $26) or Terrace Tickets - $15 (normally $18)

Contact Chrissy for more information, csymes@lschamber.com or 816-524-2424.

Country Creek Golf ClubTeresa Schumaker21601 EAST STATE ROUTE PPLEASANT HILL, MO 64080(816) 540-5225Fax: (816) 987-9938E-mail: algrahamcc@yahoo.comwww.countrycreekgolf.com

Freeland PhotographyMike Freeland115 SOUTH MAIN STREETINDEPENDENCE, MO 64050(816) 836-1192E-mail: mike@freelandphotography.comwww.freelandphotography.com

Grider Home Group Reece & Nichols RealtorsRob Binney & Chris Grider1153 NE RICE ROADLEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086(816) 554-5028Fax: (816) 524-4665E-mail: GriderHomeGroup@Reeceand-Nichols.comwww.GriderHomeGroup.ReeceandNich-ols.com

Lee’s Summit JazzerciseKaye Lynn Acton450 SW WARD ROADLEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64081(816) 554-3322E-mail: lsjazzercise@gmail.comwww.jazzercise.com

Lee’s Summit DealsNicholas Kurucz2108 SW BRITISH DRIVELEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64081(816) 591-5571E-mail: info@leessummitdeals.comwww.leessummitdeals.com

Lee’s Summit Lifestyle MagazineSteven SchowengerdtLENEXA, KS 66214(913) 599-4300E-mail: steven@lifestylepubs.com

Liberty Orthopedic Associates, P.C.Sharol Carlson2521 GLENN HENDREN DRIVE,SUITE 204LIBERTY, MO 64068(816) 781-6066Fax: (816) 792-5130E-mail: scarlson4@libertyorthopedics.comwww.libertyorthopedics.com

MetroMedia, Inc.Kathy Moore4210 SHAWNEE MISSION PARKWAYSUITE 314AFAIRWAY, KS 66205(913) 951-8440, ext 113Fax: (913) 674-5379E-mail: kmoore@metromediapublishers.com

Mission Electronics, Inc.Roxi Helphingstine11450 W 79THLENEXA, KS 66214(913) 894-8480Fax: (913) 894-8485E-mail: roxi@missionelectronics.comwww.missionelectronics.com

Outback SteakhouseJoseph Robinson1731 NE DOUGLAS STREETLEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64086(816) 246-7555Fax: (816) 246-7588E-mail: obs2652@outback.comwww.outback.com

VemmaCindy Smith2801 NW CHIPMAN ROADLEE’S SUMMIT, MO 64081(816) 665-1525E-mail: vervevemma@gmail.comwww.EnergyYouNeed

WELCOMENEWMEMBERS

The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain with firmness; to act in accordance with one’s beliefs in spite of criticism.

• I believe that my organization is making a positive contribution to society.

• I am open to change in order to improve.

• I confront difficult issues with the appropriate persons involved.

• I trust people to make their own decisions.

• I take calculated risks in order to do my job effectively.

• I seek constructive feedback on my performance.

• I speak up when I perceive dishonest, unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

To learn more about the Lee’s Summit Community of Character initiative visit, www.lscharacter.org.

COURAGE: Lee’s Summit CARES Character Trait of the Month

For a complete list of members, visit www.lschamber.com

Lee’s Summit Night with the Mavericks

RIBBONCUTTING

Lee’s Summit Chamber members celebrated a ribbon cutting at Y.E.S! Kids Fitness located at 1251 NE Rice Road.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s message of service is the focus of activities scheduled for the 14th annual celebration in Lee’s Summit.

Celebrating the Dream through Service is the theme of numerous community-wide activities that will begin on January 8 and conclude on January 17.

This year, the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce will be participating in two activities.

• The first involves building book shelves for the Langsford Boys Group Home. Call Mark Dickey at 816-524-2424 or email mdickey@lschamber.com if interested in this project.

• The second project is a partnership with the Chamber, City of Lee’s Summit and the United Way of Greater Kansas City. All three groups will host a training opportunity in preparation for the Chamber’s free tax preparation service at City Hall during the month of February. Call 816-969-1013 for further details or to sign up for this project.

To view a complete list of service opportunities, visit www.cityofls.net.

Celebrating the Dream through Service

Each year the Chamber’s Education Committee and the R-7 School District collaborate to recognize educational excellence. The Chamber and school district partner to honor 12 annual Excellence In Teaching Award recipients at an evening reception where the Teacher of the Year is announced.

This program is designed to focus on the role of the teacher and their overall dedication to service and excellence in the profession. Twelve teachers/counselors/library media specialists will be recognized by the Chamber with the Excellence In Teaching Award. Those among the 12 who are full-time classroom teachers will also be finalists in the R-7 Teacher of the Year program.

The Teacher of the Year is recognized as a representative of all the outstanding teachers in the district. The R-7 Teacher of the Year competes in the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program.

Consider nominating the individual who comes to mind when you think of the phrase ‘outstanding teacher’ for the Lee’s Summit Chamber Excellence In Teaching and the R-7 Teacher of the Year award. You may nominate your favorite Lee’s Summit R-7 teacher, library media specialist or guidance counselor by filling out an application available at www.lschamber.com.

The deadline for applications is February 4, 2011. Please note that nominees must have worked for five years or more in the R-7 School District. To find out if a nominee has at least five years experience in the district, please call 816-986-1017.

Recognize a Teacher in a Special Way

January 4• Noon, Membership Committee meeting, Depot• 3:30–4:30 p.m., Recess for Success, TOPIC: Strategic Planning for Businesses. PRESENTER: Patrick Geschwind, Patrick Geschwind & Associates SPONSOR: The Fountains at Greenbriar LOCATION: John Knox Village - Manhattan Room

January 5• 8 a.m., Technology Committee meeting, Depot• Noon, Ambassador Committee meeting, Depot

January 6 • 7:30 a.m., Health Care Committee meeting, TMC Lakewood• 8 a.m., Business Sustainability Committee meeting, Depot• 10 a.m., Ribbon Cutting- Primary Care Plus, 2741 NE McBaine Drive- Suite A

January 8 • 9 a.m.–Noon, Community Health Fair & Legacy Park Birthday Bash, Legacy Park Community Center, 901 NE Bluestem Drive

January 10 • 4 p.m., Annual Dinner Task Force meeting, Depot

January 12• Noon, Emerging Entrepreneurs Committee meeting, Depot

January 13• 7:30 a.m., Executive Committee meeting, Depot• 7:30 a.m., Visitors Council Committee meeting, Gamber Center, 4 SE Independence • 4:30–6 p.m., Business After Hours, Home Video Studio of Lee’s Summit, 500 SW Third Street

January 14• 1 p.m., Ribbon Cutting- Lee’s Summit Jazzercise, 450 SW Ward Road

January 17• Holiday- Chamber Office Closed

January 19 • 8 a.m., Education Committee meeting, Steppin Out - The Studio, 750 NW Main Street • Noon, Board of Directors meeting, R-7 Administrative Office, 301 NE Tudor Road

January 20• 4:30–6 p.m., Chamber Young Professionals Networking Event, Morehead Agency, LLC, 519 SW Third Street, #C. (planning committee meets at 4 p.m.)

January 21• 7:30 a.m., Monthly Membership Breakfast, PROGRAM: Sunny Side Up Breakfast. SPONSOR: Summit Bank of Kansas City. LOCATION: Gamber Center, 4 SE Independence Ave.

January 25• 11:30 a.m., Business Development Council meeting, Depot

January 26• Noon, Membership Committee meeting, Depot

January 28 • 7:30 a.m., Governmental Relations Committee meeting, John Knox Village - Manhattan Room, Chipman Road & Jacob Drive

January 29• 6 p.m., Annual Dinner and Auction, The Pavilion at John Knox Village, 400 NW Murray Road

JANUARY 2011 CALENDAR

2011 PARTNERS

Current Resident

GOLDAmerican FoodserviceGreat Southern Bank

Humana Health Plans, Inc.Kansas City Power & Light

SILVERBank of Lee’s Summit

Discover Vision CentersDVA Enterprises, Inc.First Community Bank

HSMC CompaniesJohn Knox Village

Lee’s Summit Dodge, Chrysler, JeepMetcalf Bank

Missouri Association of Trial AttorneysParadise Park, Inc.

Saint Luke’s East – Lee’s Summit Summit Bank of Kansas City

Truman Medical Center LakewoodUniversity of Central Missouri

BRONZEAllee & Company, CPA, LLC

B Positively Promoting U, inc. Dean's Trophies, Shirts & Awards

Excel BankKC Metro Insurance Agency

Lee’s Summit JournalLee’s Summit Nissan

Missouri Central Credit UnionParker Swearngin, LLPPfizer Animal Health

STS-Summit Technical Solutions, LLCTechnology Plus, Inc.

The Wilson Group, Inc.Wal-Mart