January 2022

Happy New Year to all Chamber Members! 

Are you as excited as we are for a brighter 2022? Abraham Lincoln has a great quote to jumpstart your new    year—“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What an appropriate comment to help set the tone for good business in the new year!  In the spirit of this quote, Chamber happenings got off to a great start this morning at the January Chamber Breakfast meeting (Thursday, January 13th). We had 50 attendees and our program featured Detective Lewis Pippin, vice president of ‘Shop with a Cop’, a program that fosters positive relationships between youth and officers. We continue to trend up with attendance at our monthly meetings and adding new Chamber members.  In this issue of the Chamber e-Newsletter you’ll enjoy a ‘Focus on Chamber Member’, Barbara Clack and Bright Beginning Learning Center. Discover a few of the ways Barbara has built her successful business—32 years and going strong! ‘Your Business Advantage’ will feature ‘Small-Business Outlook: 6 Predictions for 2022’, several uplifting observations that can certainly impact your business.   As asked in a previous message… did you know that last year we added 33 new members to the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce? Why not share the benefits of becoming a member with your friends and colleagues and encourage them to join the Chamber. Let’s continue to grow together in 2022!  Thank you for your engagement and for making the Twin City Area the location where you choose to work, to live, to support. Wishing you all the best in 2022! 

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT – Bright Beginning Learning Center Bright Beginning Learning Center is ‘Here for a Lot of Little Reasons’! 

In business… it’s the little things that make all the difference. And when your clients are parents who want the best care possible for their children… paying thoughtful attention to the details is critical. Just ask Barbara Clack, president of Bright Beginning Learning Center, the leading childcare provider in our community for 32 years!  Overview of Bright Beginning Learning Center?  Bright Beginning Learning Center has been in business for 32 years.  The center features a spacious 6400 sq ft building that has 9 classrooms with a separate gross motor room, and a large turf playground divided by age of children. The center is open M-F, 6:30AM-5:30PM.  We provide care for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age.  What is unique about Bright Beginning Learning Center? We believe each child should be treated as an individual and with dignity and respect.  Every child's needs and interests must be honored.  We believe a strong home/school relationship is essential.  We encourage parent involvement and strive to be one big family.  BBLC is a great choice for the children and parents in our community because…?  We understand the importance and rapid growth of children during the early childhood years.  What are some of the ways that you work with area children and parents to serve their needs?  We offer parent/teacher conferences for students 3-5 years of age.  The teachers gather data and complete portfolios on each child that captures their time at BBLC.  The portfolios are presented to parents at graduation.  Overview of your team members—What makes them special? Our staff members are very loving and caring. I have staff that have been here from 1 to 32 years!  Are you accepting new children currently? Not currently. We have a waiting list.  What should parents look for when choosing a daycare? Interaction between staff & children, a well-rounded curriculum, cleanliness, and ample toys!  What is the most important thing readers should know about Bright Beginning Learning Center?  We are a loving & caring center where parents know their children are safe and educated.  What is your ultimate goal for every child you serve?  The joy and pride that is felt from watching a child grasp a new skill. It's so rewarding! If a teacher has children, they are able bring their child to the center.  What would you like to add? I want each child to succeed in society and be a kind, caring, well-rounded individual.  What is an important business tip you could share with Chamber members? Be hands on and involved in your business.  No one is more invested in your business than you.  Business-wise… what do you wish you would have known 32 years ago? How amazing and stressful it is to own a business!  How can parents and others in our community learn more?  Phone = 636-937-8902. 

YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGE –

 ‘Small-Business Outlook: 6 Predictions for 2022’ Small-business owners looked to 2021 as a chance to rebound and rebuild from nearly a year of coronavirus-induced losses. Instead, many were dealt repeated blows with supply chain backups, unfilled “hiring” signs and renewed restrictions and mandates. The year wasn’t a complete bust, though. Entrepreneurship grew at a record pace in 2021, with more than 4.6 million applications for new businesses filed through October 2021, according to business formation statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. And shoppers continued to rally behind their local small businesses: Compared with pre-pandemic, 40% of Americans were still making an increased effort to shop small and shop local as businesses reopened and pandemic restrictions eased, according to an August 2021 survey by NerdWallet conducted online by The Harris Poll. So, what does 2022 hold for small-business owners? Will supply chain issues ease? Will hiring pick up? And what’s in store for business lending absent two of the Small Business Administration’s main COVID-19 relief programs?  1. Technology bridges the employment gap Consider: Smart investments in technology can help you ease the pain of staffing shortages, without sacrificing the customer experience.  2. Business lending ramps up, community banks take the lead Consider: All options including traditional and community banks, credit unions and online lenders for your next business loan.  3. It's the year of the brick-and-mortar Consider: Adding “buy online, pick up in-store” options to your e-commerce platform to draw more customers into your business.  4. Customers need to be in the loop Consider: Setting realistic expectations by talking with your customers — in person, on your website and on social media channels — about the challenges your business is facing and how they may affect the shopping experience.  5. Supply chain, hiring woes may continue Consider: Adapting to solve for the current reality, as it doesn't appear that supply chain and hiring challenges are going to ease in the near future. 1nerdwallet.com accessed 1-14-22— Small-Business Outlook: 6 Predictions for 2022

December 2021

WELCOME TO YOUR FIRST-EVER TWIN CITY AREA CHAMBER E-NEWSLETER!

Welcome to our first issue! We are very excited to launch this newsletter which will inform and inspire you on a monthly basis with all things business in the Twin City Area!

As you know, your Chamber made a commitment to ‘going digital’ to bring you the latest news quickly and in a timely manner. This initiative started with the new website and a social media facelift. The team also implemented a unique digital approach to Twin City Days this year that featured an online, mobile-friendly schedule of events. Event-goers loved the easy access via their mobile phones, tablets and laptops! And now, the Chamber e-NEWsletter!

I have taken the liberty of signing you up for this newsletter as you are already a Chamber member. In this first issue you’ll find a recap of Twin City Days, Business Tips, and our Chamber Spotlight features the Festus Tourism Commission. The Quick Links buttons will speed you to information about member benefits, subscribing and sharing the newsletter, and contacting your Chamber.

Welcome and enjoy your first e-NEWSletter!

Tonda Breeze

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TWIN CITY DAYS 2021 RECAP – Picture Perfect Event Yields Plenty of ‘Kodak Moments’!Picture-perfect weather set the stage for thousands of guests to enjoy nearly 40 event opportunities including games, food, music, and so much more! Did you have a favorite?
On behalf of the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce thank you to our Community, Volunteers and Sponsors for making Twin City Days 2021 a success! Backed by picture-perfect weather, thousands of guests enjoyed nearly 40 event opportunities including games, food, music, and so much more! There were favorites that have been around since the beginning of this hallmark event… as well as new, family-focused options to explore.
After a year of our community not being able to attend public gatherings, Twin City Days served as a welcomed ‘breath of fresh air’ for all to enjoy. Everyone was ready for some good wholesome fun… and the community came out to support the events. Click here for pictures.
In addition to the Twin City Area community, we are proud to again salute our fabulous volunteers and sponsors who made this a memorable event for all! Thank you for all you do!

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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT – FESTUS TOURISM COMMISSION – Festus Tourism Commission Supports and Promotes Area Business and Community!Tourism is a powerful asset that benefits both businesses and members of the community. It can help boost the revenue of the economy, create thousands of jobs, develop the area’s infrastructure, and plant a sense of cultural exchange between visitors and citizens.  The Festus Tourism Commission is no exception to making a positive impact—focused wholly on supporting and promoting area businesses and enhancing the quality of life for the community. Greg Camp, Administrator for the City of Festus, kindly shared his thoughts with us recently about the features and benefits of the Festus Tourism Commission. Overview of the Festus Tourism CommissionThe Festus Tourism Commission (FTC) was established based on an overnight tax at our local hotels to help promote and support tourism for Festus. The Commission provides funding for events like Twin City Days but we also use it to promote Festus and of course coming to visit Festus.The Commission is made up of 5 volunteer members - of the (5) members, one (1) member will be a representative of the hotel and motel industry; two (2) members shall be active in the tourism industry; and two (2) members will be members of local general business interests in the City or County. They are responsible for the disbursement of revenue generated by the 5% Tourism Tax approved by Festus voters in 2012. www.cityoffestus.org/287/Tourism-Commission. Q: WHO IS IT FOR?A: While the tax was created specifically for Festus, at the end of the day because tourism is supported by the revenue from the room tax at the local hotels it does have a positive impact on surrounding areas too. For example, we recently had an event at the I-55 Raceway in Pevely—one of their biggest events of the year. The Tourism Commission supported advertising for that event. While attendees come to enjoy the event at the raceway, they also stayed, dined and shopped within our extended community during that weekend.  Q: WHEN and HOW ARE FUNDS DISBURSED?A: The commission meets twice a year in August and December. Prior to these meetings applicants can go to the City of Festus website and complete a Tourism Funding Application. All of the applications are then presented to the Commission. Those who are requesting funding are invited to make their presentations to the Commission.  The Commission will then follow up with a public meeting that includes discussion, review and award funding. The process is repeated in December. The Commission works 6 to 8 months in advance of proposed events or promotions. The process is open, transparent and the process is easy. We attract a wide range of applicants. For example, a coach from a local school district produced a ‘coaches’ symposium’ for participants from across the country that came in and spoke to the local student athletes. Q: EXAMPLES of HOW THE COMMISSION HELPS IMPROVE the SETTING for BUSINESS/THE COMMUNITY?A: A good example is Main & Mill Brewing Company located on Main Street who recently had their 6th Annual ‘Street Fest’ celebration. Two blocks of Main Street were host to live music on two stages, beer that M&MBC showcase and sell throughout the year, and delicious food. Other businesses on Main Street enjoyed awareness and business opportunities throughout the day. For this event, Tourism provided funding for advertising in leading ‘out of market’ periodicals such as 573, GO! and Feast magazines, promotion, the cost of the bands, stages and equipment. Tourism covered the cost of the band that came and played on Saturday night out at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park during Twin City Days. These are two current examples of initiatives that Tourism performed to help support impactful events.  Q: HAVE YOU SEEN RESULTS from THE ADVERTISING?A: The advertising has definitely enhanced general awareness of the venues and things to do in Festus. One of the ways that we achieve measurables is by working with our media partner who owns one of the local radio stations. They have a ‘geo-fencing program’ that we’ve used at other communities’ events to help promote our events. If there is something similar to an upcoming event in Festus that is taking place in Cape, Perryville or Soulard, we’ll geofence those events so that individuals with a smart device can receive our content and messaging. This gives us something measurable because we receive a report on the number of clicks that we achieve from that particular event.  Q: BENEFITS of TOURISM? A: The stability of our community’s existing businesses and the strength of those businesses is important—especially given what we have endured these last 18 months. The jobs that are associated and affiliated with those businesses that didn’t have to close that didn’t have to shut their doors, and obviously the families that are connected to those jobs and how important that is so having that strength in the community is important. Larger than that is quality of life. When you are looking at it from the individual’s or family’s point of view and saying, “Ok, this is an attractive community with a lot going on and it looks like a great place to raise a family.” From the business side the appeal for those new businesses is that they see a stable community that has a lot going on and has a lot to offer, and because of that it is a place that they want to be because they know that their employees want the stability that comes with a community where they can enjoy a good, safe place to live. An additional benefit for businesses is in the area of recruiting—they know they will have talented and well-qualified people that they are going to be able to draw from as well. Q: FUNDS ALLOCATED by the COMMISSION?A: As hotel stays were down in 2020 due to COVID, the amount that the commission felt comfortable with allocating was reduced. The approved amount in August of 2021 was $178,340. This will help support business and community activities that can include pickle ball tournaments, Mead on Main, Firecracker Festival, Car Cruises, Boot Camp—Zumba and exercises in the park, marketing campaigns, Blues/Funk festival, Swinging Under the Stars big band performance, and more! Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT BUSINESS OWNERS AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COMMISSION? A: BUSINESS OWNERS Most businesses are driven by traffic or head count. With the Tourism Commission’s intent of promoting the community and events within the community, it’s trying to bring people to Festus and expose them to those things that are in Festus. At a minimum we want to expose new prospects to your business. It’s up to the business owner to get them through the door, hopefully ‘wow’ them, and deliver their product or service, but at least we can help get them to the door. I think that’s an important step in the process. A: CITIZENS For the citizen, it’s quality of life. What Tourism is able to support are events that may not happen if the Tourism Commission was not here—or they wouldn’t happen on the same scale. There are things that happen during the year, that if you are a resident of Festus, there are things for you to do and places for you to go that don’t necessarily require you to drive to St. Louis or to Cape. But more importantly for those folks, from South St. Louis to Perryville or Farmington, there are things in Festus for you to do that your community may not be able to offer you that we are able to offer you because the Tourism Commission exists. A: SURROUNDING AREA BUSINESSES and COMMUNITIESMost businesses and residents of the Twin/Quad cities and southern Jefferson County probably couldn’t tell you where Festus ends and Crystal City begins. At the end of the day they really shouldn’t have to. They just know that there are business and entertainment opportunities that happen that they can embrace and take their business associate or family member to—and it’s happening in their community. Whether they are coming from Pevely, Perryville or Ste. Genevieve, there are opportunities that they can take advantage of that the Commission has made possible. It’s a short drive away.  Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD?A: Come to Festus! Since the Tourism Commission has been active we have seen an increase in businesses coming to Festus. The business owners, staff and families are now proud to call the area home! Learn more about the Festus Tourism Commission at www.cityoffestus.org/287/Tourism-Commission or call 636-937-4694.  Greg Camp has served Festus since 2017, after serving Desloge, Missouri for nearly 20 years as an Alderman, Mayor and City Administrator. Greg is a Credentialed Manager from the International City Manager's Association (ICMA), is a member of ICMA and the Missouri City Manager's Association (MCMA), and serves on the finance and taxation advisory committee for the Missouri Municipal League (MML).   

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YOUR BUSINESS ADVANTAGEBig Brands Share Counterintuitive Expert Tips for Business Growth.According to a recent article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “During tough economic times, instead of slashing your budget consider these strategies with your business.” Executives from S’well, Jersey Mike’s, Verizon and Toshiba share insights on the seemingly questionable strategies that yielded tangible benefits for their companies and customers. · • S’well: Give products away for free to build good will with consumers and summon buzz.Sarah Kauss, founder and executive chairwoman·   • Jersey Mike’s: During tough economic times, instead of slashing your budget, invest in your brand.Hoyt Jones, president·   • Verizon: Recognize that an engaging customer experience can sometimes be delivered better virtually than in person. Wendy Taccetta, senior vice president for nationwide and small business and channel chief·   • Toshiba Global Communications Systems: Take the ‘four Ps of marketing’ with a grain of salt.Fredrik Carlegren, vice president of marketing. What ‘disruptive’ business strategies did you implement successfully during the pandemic?Like to share with your colleagues at the Chamber? Send your business tactic success story to Tonda at the Chamber to include in a future publication!Would you like to learn more about the U.S. Chamber story above? CLICK HERE. 

December 2021

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Chamber Members!

During the hustle and bustle of the season I know you’ll agree that 2021 holds many accomplishments for your Chamber, and that business is alive and well in the Twin Cities! Here are just a few highlights of the year as 2021 draws nearer to its conclusion.

2021 Was Highlighted With:

-  33 New Members at your Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce! As you can see the Chamber is ramping up with interest and participation from the communities where we work and live. 

-  Our monthly meetings are back with attendance growing steadily! 

-  Chamber-sponsored events marched forward! Many favorites were enjoyed by thousands of people this year including Twin City Days, the 72nd Annual Chamber Christmas Parade and our new, Trick or Treat Spectacular drew hundreds of families to the area for a safe and fun Halloween experience. 

-  Our commitment to communication continues – It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since we launched our new website, enhanced our social media, and most recently unveiled our new e-newsletter! 

-  We also raised the bar incorporating technology into the promotion of Twin City Days. This year the entire  schedule of activities was available on our website as well as via mobile. This allowed event-goers with instant connection to the full schedule of activities from their phones—very convenient!

The coming year holds the promise of new opportunities for businesses in the communities we serve, along with challenges—and we will face them together as a unified force to improve. Thank you for your investment in the Chamber and your commitment to growing the business climate of our region.

Without our members and community, there would be no Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce.  There would be no consumer, audience, supporters, or residents with whom to connect. Thank you for your engagement and for making the Twin City Area the location where you choose to work, to live, to support.

Whether you are just starting your Christmas shopping… or almost done, remember to support our local area businesses!

Wishing you all a joyful Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! 

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72nd Annual Chamber Christmas Parade Shines Spotlight on Businesses and Community! If you attended the Twin Cities’ 72nd Annual Chamber Christmas Parade on Monday, November 29th… chances are you and your family caught the contagious holiday spirit! This year’s theme, “Winter Nights & Magical Lights” truly set the tone for a memorable holiday season.  This year’s first place float winner was Sheet Metal Contractors, Inc. Lawrence ‘Larry’ P. Krodinger, Sr., SMCI’s Founder, President and CEO, shared his thoughts on the parade, its value to the community, and the value of being a Twin City Area Chamber member.  Obviously you and your team put a lot of work into this float. Tell us a little bit about it. Our SMCI team was really excited to participate this year – the whole parade feel was back! They worked really hard on a costume vision and the idea of producing snow. It was a hit.  It looked like there was a packed house from City Hall to City Hall. What is your impression of the level of community and business involvement in the parade? I felt the community excitement and involvement was epic. We needed to experience that type of “community” again. 2019 seems like forever ago for the last parade.
Tell us a little bit about the value of being seen by that many people in your immediate service area and secondly in this particular historical and beloved community event.I feel that the recognition of our business in the parade keeps our name out there and identified. We were proud to be a part of the parade and the Twin City community.  What do you see as the value of being a member in the Twin City Area Chamber of Commerce? The feeling of shared responsibility for our community is important to me. The way the businesses in the Twin Cities support and respect one another is also notable.   



HomeCheck Inspection Service Gives Home and Business Buyers/Sellers Experience, Peace of Mind, and Proven Customer ServiceGetting ready to buy or sell a home or business? HomeCheck Inspection Service has been providing home buyers in our community and the surrounding areas since 2001. HomeCheck Inspection Service is owned and operated by Jim Rueve. Jim is a St. Louis-based ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) member, is a member of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) is a BVI (Background Verified Inspector), a member of the Better Business Bureau has a degree in Commercial Engineering & Design and has an extensive background spanning over 38 years in the contracting and construction industry here in the United States and in other countries as well. Homecheck was also awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award from 2012-2020 and has outstanding reviews.  Overview of your office and the services your offer?We are a turn-key home inspection company. We provide full home and commercial inspections. This can include radon gas detection; gas, termite, sewer and roof inspections. Our roof inspections include the latest drone services capabilities. With the use of a drone we can inspect your roof, chimney and other components when the roof is inaccessible. This gives us a bird’s eye view for a complete roof inspection.  What does the inspection process include?With HomeCheck Inspection Services the inspection is going to cover the entire home with special detail concerning the five main areas of your home. The five main areas of every home include your roof, the foundation and structure, electrical, plumbing and gas, and then you HVAC. There is always going to be a little something we are going to find. Every detail is included in the report. What is unique about working with you?Our firm is very thorough with our home inspections. I have about 38 years of experience in the construction trade. I’ve managed projects in other countries and here. I have passed my national home inspectors exam. I also have a degree in commercial engineering and design. I am currently studying for my insurance adjusters license.  What are some ways that you work with customers to serve their needs?The most important service we provide is helping clients to know what is going on with the home or other property. It’s not to tell them whether to buy or not, but to make sure they have the information they need to help make an educated decision. We work with real estate agents on that end as well. Most agents want to empower their clients with the most information possible.  When should a customer consider working with a home inspection services company?Any time a customer is going to buy a home or a commercial property.  The other time is when they are getting ready to sell a home or property and they want to see what they need to repair or replace before they put in on the market.  How can customers educate themselves regarding what options they may have with home inspection services? The biggest recommendation I can offer is for the client to be present at the inspection. When they are on site, I can tell them everything about the home and explain what issues may or may not exist. The biggest benefit is just providing the knowledge of it. A lot of people just don’t know what to look for. An example is that many people go to buy smoke detectors. They don’t know that the combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not a good choice. When people buy these types of detectors they place them at the top of the walls but carbon monoxide only goes about 18 inches off of the floor.  What should customers look for when selecting a home inspection services company?Experience and proven customer service are key. Home Inspection Services is a member of the Better Business Bureau, ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), a member of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors), and we have been recognized with the ‘Super Service Award’ for the past several years. Our biggest focus though is providing customer service that not only meets but exceeds the customers’ expectations.   What is the most important thing our readers should know about your company?Customers can expect knowledge of what is going on with the property they are buying or selling. This is the most important thing we offer. Our deep experience and knowledge of the construction industry gives us a unique understanding of what to look for and effectively navigating the inspection process.   What are the benefits to customers in the community by working with Home Inspection Services? We are local-we are proud to live and work in the Twin Cities community! What is your ultimate goal for every client you serve?First and foremost we want every client to have the most information possible about that home so they can make a better decision. We want to be their ‘inspector for life’—whether this is their first home or their fifth home.   Where can prospective clients learn more?Phone = 636-936-8706 Website =  https://homecheck-inspection.com/FaceBook = HomeCheck Inspection Services & Radon Testing