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Tue Dec 16, 2008
‘TIS THE SEASON TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
The holiday season is a time for celebration. Every year I enjoy turning on the radio to listen for my favorite holiday song or watching the classic holiday specials on television. However, this holiday season has been filled with many non-celebratory stories filling our news stations. Everyday we hear of different companies closing or more layoffs. Now is the time for us to work together. We can prosper and grow during these times by shopping locally and bringing issues to the forefront.
The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses whom are chamber members or non-members to bring your thoughts and concerns to us. We are here to help by giving you suggestions, contacting you with others who can help or promoting your business to other local businesses and residents. Please call us at 314-831-3500 with your thoughts or to join our membership today for as little as $20 a month.
Something everyone can do right now as we quickly approach the holiday is to get out and support your local businesses. We invite you to have lunch or dinner at a restaurant, order flowers for your holiday party and get that someone special on your list a great gift. North County is filled with many wonderful businesses to serve your needs. Connect with those businesses by searching our chamber membership directory at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com
Also, in the spirit of the season the chamber is proud to announce that it will award five local high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships. Scholarships can be used for post high school continuing education expenses including college or university tuition, room and board, books, fees or for expenses associated with a trade or technical school program. Seniors with a commitment to North County, an interest in pursuing a career in business and have demonstrated a record of community service are encouraged to apply.
The deadline for applications is Friday, February 27, 2009. Applications can be picked up at your local high school, by contacting the chamber office at 314-831-3500 or online at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com
It is mine and the chamber’s wish for everyone to have a wonderful holiday and a prosperous New Year!
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Fri Nov 07, 2008
CHAMBER HELPS BUSINESSES PROSPER
With our recent name change to the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, we have been distributing new membership plaques and decals to our members. One of the reasons I enjoy my job with the Greater North County Chamber is the opportunity it gives me to meet with our members and get them involved. All the members I met with this week were excited to receive their new plaque as well as wanting to see ways they could get involved with the chamber.
There are many ways for local businesses to get involved and market their business to fellow businesses and area residents. The following examples are three key benefits to being a Greater North County Chamber of Commerce member that I feel assist our members in marketing their business:
The first is a combination of our printed and online business directories. I know that I have stated before how important our business directory is, but I would like to reemphasize it again. When you shop local your tax dollars benefit the community in which you live and you are also ensuring that the businesses you shop with stay here. You can pick up a directory at the chamber office, 420 W. Washington, or you can visit us online at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com to search through our listings.
The second benefit is our wonderful special events. We have five special events throughout the year and they are a fantastic way for members and residents to come together and establish relationships. The great thing about the chamber is getting to know the people who work each day to make this community a better place to live. Our next special event is the chamber’s largest of the year. Our Nite of Stars Christmas Gala will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the Paul Detrick Auditorium, 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, MO 63136. This is the premiere holiday event in the North County area. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. Your ticket includes dinner, an open bar, dancing, a silent auction, and the chance to win $7,500. The chamber will be raffling off five $500 prizes and one grand prize of $5,000. So get your co-workers, friends and family together to buy tickets today.
The third benefit that I want to talk about is our monthly membership luncheon meetings. Each month, excluding December, we hold a luncheon meeting to allow members to network and also learn about important topics. Topics range from meeting your local legislators to improving your business practices. This month we are excited to have as our speaker, Bill Reichmuth with the Griffin Protection Group, who will be helping audience members protect their identities from being stolen.
It is my hope that the businesses of North County will prosper and grow as a result of being a member of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce member. You can find out more information on the events mentioned and additional benefits of joining the chamber online at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com
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Fri Oct 03, 2008
Business Boot Camp for Women
The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce a special seminar exclusively for business women. In the state of Missouri women owned businesses produce millions of dollars in revenue and are leaders in small business world, so the Greater North County Chamber decided that it was time to offer women business leaders the opportunity to learn how to improve their businesses. “Business Boot Camp for Women” is a one day series of presentations and networking exclusively designed to give business women knowledge to succeed further in their businesses.
The event will be held on Friday, October 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the May Center at SSM DePaul Health Center. Cost per person is only $99, which includes registration, keynote speaker presentations, breakfast, lunch and admission to a small business showcase.
Presentations will be made by a talented and knowledgeable panel which includes: Dr. Stan Fine, National Author of “Business Boot Camp for Women”; David Hults, CEO of Acti8 Career Coaching; Ellen Sherberg, Publisher of the St. Louis Business Journal; Joe Clote, Publisher of Missouri Meeting and Events Magazine; Ericca Willis, Director of Minority Development for the St. Louis Development Corporation; and Christine Buck, KPLR Channel 11 News. Speakers will be presenting on the latest trends and directions in the business world to help attendees further their business goals.
This is one event you will not want to miss! To register please contact the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce at 314-831-3500 or register online at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com
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Mon Sep 08, 2008
Shop Chamber First
Need a vacation? Even though summer vacation is over, with the holidays arriving sooner each year, it would still be nice to plan that next getaway. The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, formerly the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce, would like to give you the chance to win a vacation just for shopping your local chamber member businesses!
Starting on Monday, September 15, chamber members will be displaying a “Shop Chamber First” sign in their windows. These signs alert you, local residents, to enter that business and sign-up for chance to win an Orlando Vacation, and many other exciting prizes. All you need to do is fill out your name and contact information and you’re entered.
Prizes include a Vacation Getaway to Florida donated by Summer Bay Resorts, Teeth Whitening Package donated by Boain Dental Care, Bowling Party for Six donated by Crest Bowl, Harley Davison Lamp donated by McClain Chiropractic Health & Injury, Round of Golf donated by Emerald Greens, One Hour Massage donated by The Inner Connection, $50 Gift Certificate donated by Ribbons & Roses Floral Gifts at Christian Hospital and much more. For a full listing of prizes please visit your local chamber member businesses. The drawing for prizes will be held on October 13. Winners will be notified by phone or mail after October 13.
To assist you in finding businesses that are chamber members please visit, www.greaternorthcountychamber.com Our online membership directory will even give you a map of each business’ location. We encourage you to stay on the look out for our “Shop Chamber First” signs and keep checking your local papers for more information on this program and our prize winners. Shop North County!
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Mon Aug 11, 2008
Chamber Changes Name with Vision for the Future
Over time every business and organization evolves to reflect the changes taking place in their communities. The Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce began in 1955 as a group of dedicated businesses who saw a need to serve and connect fellow businesses in the area. Over time the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce has adopted new names to reflect the communities and businesses we serve. It is with a progressive vision for the future that Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce takes the next step as a business organization. The name of the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce has been changed to the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is excited about this change as we usher in a new era of business growth and strength by placing importance on chamber membership, working with local community organizations and strengthening the North County region. In the coming weeks the chamber will be launching two very exciting programs to help the community and business leaders in the area.
Last month I discussed the importance of shopping local businesses. To encourage resident to shop locally the Greater North County Chamber will be launching a “Shop Chamber First” contest starting in September. Local business will be displaying a “Shop Chamber First” sign in their windows. Residents who shop in participating chamber member businesses are encouraged to enter themselves into a drawing for some very exciting prizes. Stay on the look out for our signs and keep checking your local papers for more information on this program and the prizes that will be awarded.
On Friday, October 31, the chamber will be hosting a special one day seminar for business women. “Business Boot Camp for Women,” is a series of presentations and networking designed exclusively for women to help grow their businesses. With over 149,000 women owned businesses in Missouri producing over $23 billion a year, women truly are the leaders in the small business world. Speakers will include Dr. Stan Fine, Christine Buck and Ellen Sherberg. The seminar will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the May Center at SSM DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044. The event is only $99 to sign-up and includes registration, keynote speaker presentations, breakfast, lunch and admission to the Small Business Showcase. To sign up please call the chamber office, 314-831-3500.
We encourage you to assist us in spreading the word about the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce. Visit our new Web site, www.greaternorthcountychamber.com, to find out about our exciting programs, monthly meetings and our membership. The Greater North County Chamber has a very strong business community making a difference everyday for the businesses and communities we serve.
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Mon Jul 07, 2008
Shopping with the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce saves gas!
Gas Prices! Gas Prices! Gas Prices! I wanted to get your attention and I thought the most talked about subject in recent months has been the rising fuel costs. Everyday more stories appear on the news and higher prices appear on signs across town; what are we to do? I am happy to report that there is something we can do - SHOP LOCAL. It not only saves you time, but most importantly gas!
The Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce is a collection of local businesses that care about the community and are here to serve you. Whether you are searching for a new car, a birthday cake or flowers we can help in three ways. First, the Chamber Business Directory is an excellent resource to find local businesses. Businesses are listed alphabetically and categorically to help you locate them easily & quickly. Each listing includes the company name, contact, telephone, fax, Web site, etc… You can pick up your directory at the Chamber office, 420 W. Washington, Florissant, MO 63031, for free. Directories are also available at kiosks in Jamestown Mall & St. Louis Mills Mall.
Second, the Chamber office can provide you with local business referrals. The Chamber will only field these referrals with Chamber members. We can provide them over the phone, e-mail, or place a listing in the mail for you. Call the Chamber office, 314-831-3500, to obtain our membership referrals.
Lastly, the Chamber Web site, www.florissantvalleycc.com, is a great way to find each business you are looking for. Each Chamber member is listed on the Web site and links are provided to their companies Web site, so you can check them out from the comfort of your own home. Also, through the Web site you can check out the events that Chamber has going on to the support the community. Our next event is the Scholarship Bowling Tournament on Thursday, August 7 at Crest Bowl. This is an excellent event to participate in because all proceeds raised go toward the Chamber Scholarship Fund. Each year the Chamber presents five $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors.
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Fri Apr 04, 2008
Tribute to Volunteers
Behind every chamber of commerce is a group of very dedicated volunteers. The Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce is very fortunate to have a group of volunteers who give of their time and energy each time duty calls. These volunteers help make each meeting, event and programs possible.
Next week, April 11, the chamber will host our Annual Business Person of the Year and Installation Dinner. At this event we will honor chamber members who have volunteered and given exceptional effort in their chamber, business and civic activities.
Our 2008 Outstanding Business Person is JoAnn Donovan, Attorney at Law. For 25 years JoAnn Donovan has been building a successful law firm that serves the community with family law, wills & trusts, probate, business litigation and general civil litigation. Along with building her practice, JoAnn has taken an active role in the community. She is an active member of the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce, Florissant Rotary Club, Soroptimist Club, Florissant Ambassadors, North County Incorporated and Florissant Old Town Partners.
As part of the evening the chamber will be installing our 2008-2009 Board of Directors. These 15 business people have made great efforts in promoting both the chamber and the North County business community. The 2008-2009 Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are: Dan Boyle (Chairman), The Boyle Law Firm; Bonnie Barczykowski (Vice Chairwoman), Curves; Keith Took (Secretary), Old Town Donuts; Terrence Harris (Treasurer), National City; Dr. Chris Wright (Past Chairwoman), Hazelwood School District; Kim Bakker, SSM DePaul Health Center; Cathy Behlmann, M.J. Behlmann Construction; Bret Berigan, Christian Hospital; Mark Bretz, Bretz Public Relations; Bob Gianino, White Auto Body; Richard Henefer, Don Henefer Jewelers; Dave Otto, Handyman True Value Hardware; Steve Robbins, Steve Robbins, CFP, CSA; Calvin Wilson, Verizon Wireless; and Grace Zykan, Zykan Properties.
What makes an organization or a community flourish is the effort that is given from an active membership of dedicated volunteers. I hope that our membership and residential community will join the chamber on Friday, April 11 at Norwood Hills Country Club and honor these individuals who have dreamed about making things better and made the effort to make those dreams a reality.
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Fri Mar 07, 2008
20th Anniversary of Chamber Business Showcase
In 23 days the Chamber will celebrate 20 years of a very incredible event. That event is the Annual Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase. In honor of this anniversary the planning committee decided to go back to the basic principle of why the business showcase was formed, which is community. To put the focus back on you our resident, the Chamber will feature a community art fair, local school musical performances and community educational seminars.
The 20th Anniversary Business Showcase & Art Fair will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jamestown Mall. Please mark your calendars and make it a point to come with your family and friends and learn about local businesses. Our exhibitors come from a variety of retail, service and educational industries. In five hours you have the chance to discover local businesses that can help fulfill all your needs. The Chamber and exhibitors will also feature giveaway items for those attending.
Each year the showcase has been supported by our membership, residents, local organizations and our schools. The Chamber would like to personally thank and invite our members and residents to come discover the great businesses in our community.
So don’t forget to join us on March 29, 2008. To find out more information or if you would like to sign-up to participate please call the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce, 314-831-3500.
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Thu Feb 07, 2008
The Chamber Has Value
What is a benefit? A benefit is a useful aid. It is something that can assist us in our everyday endeavors. The Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce has many benefits to offer members and potential members. The Chamber offers affordable marketing opportunities, learning opportunities to build your business and programs to connect your business with the community. Each of the Chamber’s benefits has a value associated with it.
A value is what gives a benefit its worth. Four of the Chamber’s key benefits are the Chamber Business Directory, our business referral service, the Chamber Web site and our monthly luncheon meetings. These benefits offer many great values.
The Chamber Business Directory is an excellent promotional tool for local businesses. Each Chamber member is listed at no cost. The listing includes company name, contact, telephone, fax, Web site, etc… Members also have an opportunity to place advertisements at an affordable rate. The directories are distributed to each Chamber member and in high traffic locations for residents to pick up.
Each day the Chamber office receives phone calls from members, residents and potential visitors to our area about referrals for local businesses. The Chamber will only field these referrals with Chamber members. Referrals can add up to many sales throughout the year.
The Chamber Web site, www.florissantvalleycc.com, is an excellent forum to promote your business. Each Chamber member is listed on the Web site and links are provided to their companies Web site at no charge. Members can submit information to be featured on the Web site through the “Members in the News” section. The Web site also features the members through our “Member Focus” section, which allows members to tell others about their business and themselves.
Every third Wednesday of the month the Chamber hosts a monthly luncheon meeting. At these meetings members can network and meet one another. Presentations, community information and important issues facing our local businesses are featured at these meetings. The cost for these meetings is minimal and new members receive a free lunch when they join.
These four benefits combine to a $1,100 value. Considering that the average dues for a business are only $247, Chamber members receive an outstanding value for their dues.
If you would like more information about the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce or would like to join please contact our offices at 314-831-3500.
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Fri Jan 11, 2008
Chamber Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Business Showcase
The New Year has arrived and now is the time to begin planning our calendars. For 20 years the Florissant Valley Chamber of Commerce has been hosting its Annual Business Showcase. In honor of this anniversary we are putting the focus back on the community. We will feature a community art fair, school musical performances and community educational seminars.
The 20th Anniversary Business Showcase & Art Fair will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jamestown Mall. Our many exhibitors come from a variety of retail, service and educational industries. In as little as five hours you will have the opportunity to discover businesses in your community that can fit all your needs. Exhibitors will also feature giveaway items for those attending.
Every year this event has been supported by our membership, residents, local organizations and our schools. The Chamber would like to personally invite our members and residents to come learn about the great businesses in our community.
So mark your calendars to join us on March 29, 2008
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