The 10K and 5K race routes were recently locked-in for the 29th annual Firecracker Run scheduled for Thursday, July 4 in O’Fallon, race officials announced today.
 
Organized by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Big River Running Company and presented by Mercy the Firecracker Run is the chamber’s largest fundraising event with over 1,500 runners and spectators. This year the event is expected to draw at least 1,800 or more runners.
 
“We are pleased to announce we have finalized our routes with O’Fallon city officials and the O’Fallon Police Department to make the course safer for our runners” said Run Chair Sam Byers. “The new routes are also flatter this year, making it more appealing to all runners” he added.
 
Repeating last year’s success, amenities will again include race shirts, live up-to-the-second finisher results, award medals for the top finishers, a runner’s only area, and there will also be a Health & Fitness expo for runners and residents to enjoy.
 
10K and 5K runner registration now through May 31, 2013 is $25. Starting June 1, the fee increases to $30.
 
For more information about running, volunteering, or sponsoring the 2013 Firecracker Run, visit FirecrackerRun.net or contact Sam Byers at 636-240-1818, or email sam@ofallonchamber.org.
 
Firecracker Run proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce:  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. 

The Firecracker Run committee is excited to announce that the Regional Support Command - Capital, 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan will participate in  a shadow run of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Firecracker Run on July 4, 2013.
 
The 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers will run their own Firecracker Run on July 4, 2013 which will be O’Fallon’s July 3 because of the 9.5 hour time difference. The shadow run will provide an opportunity for over 100 soldiers to celebrate Independence Day while stationed half way around the world. Participants will have fun as well as challenge themselves while at Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan.
 
“Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen enjoy the shadow runs because they are great for morale, and they allow for us to be normal and not have to wear a service issued PT uniform for the run.” Maj Eric Peterson said when asked why they enjoyed shadow runs. “I would like to thank the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce for allowing us to participate in this great event.”
 
The run committee will be providing each runner with a free registration that includes a bib, t-shirt, goodie bag and award medals; plus there will be booth set up at the O’Fallon Firecracker Run where residents and runners can personally thank these brave soldiers. Maj. Eric Peterson who will be leading the race in Kabul said he will be sending photos of their race, a banner signed by all the soldiers and an American flag flown in combat.
 
“We are so proud to be a part of our soldiers’ Independence Day celebration. I hope that we are able to give them a feeling of home, while reminding our residents here of the men and women who fight and protect us every day. Again, I can’t express how thrilled we are to be working with Maj Peterson and the SPARTANS!” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.
 
The 29th Annual Firecracker Run presented by Mercy will be held on July 4, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. at the T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O’Fallon, MO. More information can be found at www.FirecrackerRun.net or www.facebook.com/FirecrackerRun.
 
Firecracker Run proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce:  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. 

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO (April 10, 2013) --- The first annual Lemonade Day in St. Charles County will be held Saturday, June 15th, as the community joins with 40 other cities across America and Canada in a fun-filled effort to promote small business and empower today’s youth to become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

Started in 2007 in Houston, TX, this national program equips elementary and middle school students with the basic skills needed to become small business owners and successful leaders in their schools and communities.

Lemonade Day 2013 St. Charles County is being organized by the civic group Partners for Progress (PfP) in cooperation with the Economic Development Center (EDC), Charter Communications, Lindenwood University, and surrounding area Chambers of Commerce.
“We want to help local youth learn how to take their dreams and turn them into a working business plan using the same principles required to start any big company,” said Greg Prestemon, PfP president. “As we inspire kids to work hard and make a profit, they are also taught to spend some, save some, and share some by giving back to their community,” he added.

For this inaugural year of the local program, the goal is to have 250 lemonade stands operating in St. Charles County on June 15th. Event organizers estimate 200,000 youngsters across America and Canada will be participating in the 2013 program.

An informational event for interested youngsters and their parents will be held in May. For more information about Lemonade Day 2013 St. Charles County, please click here or call Curtis Stuesse at 636.441.6880 x 257.

Cupcake Amore celebrated their new location in O’Fallon, Missouri with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on April 17, 2013. Pictured is Owner, Joy Wojczyk joined by family, friends and community members. Also in attendance for the celebration were representatives of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon.
 
Joy has been baking and decorating cakes for over 15 years. Her culinary talents have developed over a culmination of hours of training and research. What started as a hobby, baking for this wedding or that birthday party, has turned into the dream of a lifetime. Inside a glass showcase are cupcake varieties with names like Velvet Rouge, Amore Amore, Paris Cherie, Tortue, Chocolat Strawberry Mousse, Eiffel Tower and Creme de la Creme.
 
Party Rooms are available. One room is designed for older girls and has a pink-and-black Parisian décor. Another room is meant for younger children, with smaller tables and chairs and a bright yellow, green and blue color scheme. Birthday parties include a hostess, paper products and drinks, and two cupcakes for each child to decorate—one cupcake goes home with the child in a special box!
 
Cupcake Amore is located at 2443 Highway K in O’Fallon, Missouri. Call (636) 294-1445 or visit them online at www.cupcake-amore.com. Enjoy cupcakes Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
 
The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O'Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

A Four-Year Leadership Training Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Washington D.C. — Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, announced today that Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a Sam’s Club® Scholarship. Awarded to 20 first-year attendees from across the country, the Sam’s Club scholarships recognize individuals that exhibit excellent nonprofit management practices in several areas, including involvement in professional industry organizations, community involvement and demonstrated leadership.

“The U.S. Chamber is proud to partner with Sam’s Club to provide these dedicated professionals the opportunity to attend Institute and educate them on how to better represent their members and expand their organizations’ influence,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are pleased to help these talented individuals advance their careers and organizations, and we appreciate the commitment from Sam’s Club to the business community.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has educated tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members, and become strong business advocates.  

Each of the Sam’s Club scholarship recipients will attend one of Institute’s five sites in 2013. At the completion of the four-year curriculum, each of the recipients will receive the IOM graduate recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management and their commitment to the industry. In addition, all credit hours earned through Institute may be applied toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) industry certification.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.

institute.uschamber.com
@GetConnectedIN         
###
 

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 29th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run presented by Mercy on Thursday, July 4, 2013, in O’Fallon, MO. The Firecracker Run offers something for everyone! The Race begins at 7:00 am and consists of a 10K, 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run. Awards will be given to the overall winner for male and female racers of the 5K and 10K. There will also be awards given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (male and female) of each class in the 5K and 10K. Ribbons will be given to all participants of the 1 Mile Fun Run.
 
The event will begin at the T.R. Hughes Ball Park located in O’Fallon, MO at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd. Pace cars provided by Frank Leta Honda will be leading runners through North O’Fallon and the race will end over home plate on the field of the River City Rascals. New courses for both the 5K and 10K races have been designed for this year’s run. Runners will be met with a Health Expo, vendors, attendance prizes and an awards ceremony following the event. After the race, stick around the ballpark for the 2013 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the City of O’Fallon.
 
T-Shirts & Tek shirts are available to the first 1,300 runners. Shirt style and size guaranteed to runners registered by May 31, after that date shirts are available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of event is $25 for early registration for the 10K and 5K run and $30 after May 31st. The early registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run is $15.00 or $20.00 after May 31st.
 
You can register online at www.firecrackerrun.net. There will be race day registration from 6:00 am until 6:30 am July 4th at the event. Packet Pickup will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Big River Running located at 2548 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63366 or race day Monday, July 4th from 6:00 am to 6:30 am at the River City Rascals Ball Park.
 
The Firecracker Run is the O’Fallon Chambers biggest event of the year and both participants and committee members have a lot of fun in the process. If you would like to help with the planning committee, it’s not too late to get involved. In addition to the committee there are also numerous opportunities to publicize your business through sponsorships which range in amount from $250 to $1,000. For more info contact Sam Byers at sam@ofallonchamber.org.
 
Firecracker Run proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce:  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. O’FALLON, MO – The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 29th Annual USATF Certified Firecracker Run presented by Mercy on Thursday, July 4, 2013, in O’Fallon, MO. The Firecracker Run offers something for everyone! The Race begins at 7:00 am and consists of a 10K, 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run. Awards will be given to the overall winner for male and female racers of the 5K and 10K. There will also be awards given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (male and female) of each class in the 5K and 10K. Ribbons will be given to all participants of the 1 Mile Fun Run.
 
The event will begin at the T.R. Hughes Ball Park located in O’Fallon, MO at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd. Pace cars provided by Frank Leta Honda will be leading runners through North O’Fallon and the race will end over home plate on the field of the River City Rascals. New courses for both the 5K and 10K races have been designed for this year’s run. Runners will be met with a Health Expo, vendors, attendance prizes and an awards ceremony following the event. After the race, stick around the ballpark for the 2013 Heritage & Freedom Fest parade by the City of O’Fallon.
 
T-Shirts & Tek shirts are available to the first 1,300 runners. Shirt style and size guaranteed to runners registered by May 31, after that date shirts are available on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of event is $25 for early registration for the 10K and 5K run and $30 after May 31st. The early registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run is $15.00 or $20.00 after May 31st.
 
You can register online at www.firecrackerrun.net. There will be race day registration from 6:00 am until 6:30 am July 4th at the event. Packet Pickup will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd and Wednesday, July 3rd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Big River Running located at 2548 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63366 or race day Monday, July 4th from 6:00 am to 6:30 am at the River City Rascals Ball Park.
 
The Firecracker Run is the O’Fallon Chambers biggest event of the year and both participants and committee members have a lot of fun in the process. If you would like to help with the planning committee, it’s not too late to get involved. In addition to the committee there are also numerous opportunities to publicize your business through sponsorships which range in amount from $250 to $1,000. For more info contact Sam Byers at sam@ofallonchamber.org.
 
Firecracker Run proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce:  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

Daddy Ray Burgers celebrated their new location in O’Fallon, Missouri with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on March 22, 2013. Pictured is Owner, Jason Boergadine joined by family, friends and community members. Also in attendance for the celebration were representatives of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon.
 
O’Fallon resident Jason Boergadine remembers his grandfather as a fun-loving guy who was passionate about his family and barbecuing. For 40-years, Grandpa Ray Morris enchanted his entire family with his famous cooking. When he passed away in 2012, along with fond memories, he left his family his burger recipe. Now to honor Ray and share a little bit of his legacy with the rest of O’Fallon, Jason decided to open a family-owned burger joint, featuring his grandfather’s recipe.
 
Daddy Ray Burgers is located at 8814 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in O’Fallon, Missouri. Call 636-294-4885 or visit them online at www.daddyrayburgers.com. Their hours are Tuesday-Friday from 11am-7pm and Saturday from 11am-6pm.
 
The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O'Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its award winners for 2012. The Chamber sought out nominations for Small Business, Business, and Large Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year as well as the Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year and Community Servant of the Year from its membership. Awards were presented at the O’Fallon Chamber’s Awards Luncheon on December 18, 2012 at Trigg Banquet Center.
 
“The selection committee had a lot of discussion when choosing from the nominees in each category,” said Erin Williams, Chamber President/CEO, “we are blessed to be in a community filled with businesses that are dedicated to O’Fallon and to our Chamber.”
 
Jan’s Travel and Cruise was awarded the 2012 Small Business of the Year. For over 26 years, Jan’s Travel and Cruise has been providing service to their clients, walking them step by step through their travel experience. Currently, an estimated 60% of the business is from their repeat clients alone. Jan’s Travel and Cruise is a leader in the O’Fallon community and is continually searching for ways to give back, including the collection of travel size shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other personal hygiene products to distribute through local charities to homeless and shelters. Owner Jan Stanczak is the Past-President of the Destination WingHaven Business Association, working with businesses in the WingHaven area to market and grow the area as a whole. Stanczak is also the Chairman of the Annual May Days event in WingHaven and a newly appointed Court Appointed Child Advocate for St. Charles County. Jan’s Travel and Cruise is a company that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to have as a member and as an example of how a business should operate in a community.
 
Mozingo Music was honored as the 2012 Business of the Year because of the company’s dedication to O’Fallon’s arts community as well as the business district of South Highway K. Nationally, Mozingo Music has been recognized as one of the top 100 music stores in the country. For their customers, Mozingo Music provides sales, service and lessons to ensure that the purchaser is able to use their instrument to its fullest capacity. Mozingo Music is committed to the community and contributes through a variety of events throughout the calendar year and by sponsoring neighborhood bands. Owner, Jeff Mozingo performs his “Science of Sound” clinic free to any school interested in teaching kids the sounds of percussion while tying in science. Mozingo Music is a treasure in O’Fallon and a company that the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to have as a member and as an example of how a business should operate in a community.
 
The 2012 Large Business of the Year was awarded to Progress West Healthcare Center. In 2012 Progress West celebrated their five year anniversary, to add to the celebration, the hospital was awarded several national awards including: the Top Performer Award, as well as five “5 Star” awards in the following areas: emergency department, outpatient, outpatient surgery, obstetrics inpatient services, and outpatient surgery unit/outpatient surgery. Progress West looks to make O’Fallon a healthier, safer community through several of their free programs like the Biggest Loser of St. Charles County and the Safety Stop for babies and children, just to name a couple.
 
“When the selection committee met, the one thing that we kept asking was, ‘is this a company that we can hold up and say to our other members, this is what a good business does?’, I feel that each of the award winners are exactly that, businesses that our members can look to emulate,” Williams said.
 
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce was proud to recognize the St. Charles County Ambulance District as the 2012 Community Servant of the Year. The St. Charles County Ambulance District has continued to provide pre-hospital care for the residents of St. Charles County since 1975, responding to over 32,000 calls in 2011. The St. Charles County Ambulance District has a focused effort on serving the residents of St. Charles County outside of ambulatory needs. In its focus on the community the Ambulance District has partnered with State Farm for the Halloween Safety Program, hosted the Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive, Raised funds for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and EMS Outreach through a charity poker tournament. In 2012 the St. Charles County Ambulance District hosted 23 ICE cream socials in an effort to educate older adults about the in case of emergency program for cell phone users; providing one-on-one assistance to 678 individuals. O’Fallon is fortunate to have the services of the St. Charles County Ambulance District both in the ambulance and out.
 
Being honored as the Ambassador of the Year was Brian Richardson. As the first line of contact with the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber the Ambassadors strengthen the membership and programming of the Chamber allowing members a welcoming atmosphere to build relationships and their business. Brian Richardson exemplifies the role of an Ambassador of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.
 
The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year was awarded to Jeff Arneson of JLJ Technology. This award is named after former Chairwoman of the Board who passed away in 2010. Sue Proost was known for her leadership, dedication and volunteerism to the entire O’Fallon community, but especially the Chamber of Commerce. These are qualities that Arneson exemplifies. Jeff and his wife Liddy are owners of JLJ Technology which serves the technology needs of businesses in O’Fallon and St. Charles County area. Their exceptional knowledge and customer service have made them the IT department of many small businesses in O’Fallon. Jeff is currently the 2nd Vice-Chairman of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In the community Jeff serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors for Habitat of Humanity St. Charles County.
 
The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O'Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.

Tickets are now on sale for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural Taste of Vegas casino night presented by Krey Distributing on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The event will take place at the O’Fallon Elks Lodge located at 1163 Tom Ginnever in O'Fallon, Missouri.
 
This black tie optional evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with food samplings from the area’s finest establishments along with wine, beer and spirit tastings. Then from 7:30 until 10:00 p.m. attendees will be able to try their luck on several casino tables that will be available, including Black Jack, Poker/Texas Hold'em, Craps, Roulette and a Chuck 'O Luck Wheel. Guest will then be able to trade in their winnings for raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes that will be drawn at 10:30 p.m. concluding the evening.
 
 “Casino nights are a great way to try out games that you normally wouldn’t play at a traditional casino. There is no experience needed and no pressure, so you can really have fun!” says Sara Henderson, staff organizer for the event.
 
A Taste of Vegas will truly make you think you are in the heart of Las Vegas and will draw a mix of area residents and business people. General Admission is $40 per person and includes tastings from O'Fallon's finest restaurants, drinks, souvenir photo, 2 raffle entries, $5,000 in gaming money and live entertainment with dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 636-240-1818 or online at www.ofallonchamber.org/casino. No one under 21 will be admitted, tickets will not be sold the evening of the event.
 
Sponsors include: Krey Distributing, Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon, City of O’Fallon, Country Side Flooring America, Ameren Missouri, First National Bank, KFAV 99.9 FM and Minuteman Press – St. Charles.
 
Participating restaurants: Bristol Seafood Grill, Kitaro Bistro of Japan, LongHorn Steakhouse, Quintessential Catering, River City Catering, Stefanina's Restaurant, and Susie G's Specialty Cakes.
 
Casino night proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce:  The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education, and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business. 

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize some of the outstanding businesses and leaders in our community. For several months, chamber members were asked to submit nominations for the awardees. Earlier this month a panel of members discussed each of the nominees and will be bestowing the award at the December 18th Awards luncheon of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce to be held at the Trigg Banquet Center.
 
The Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year is awarded to an O’Fallon Chamber member who has given back to the O’Fallon Community and the Chamber of Commerce through their leadership, dedication and volunteerism.  Jeff Arneson is being recognized as the Sue Proost O’Fallon Chamber Person of the Year. Jeff and his wife Liddy are owners of JLJ Technology.
 
Jan’s Travel and Cruise is being recognized as the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce 2012 Small Business of the Year because of their dedication to their clients and the community.
Mozingo Music is being honored as the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year because of their service and dedication to the arts in O’Fallon as well as the business district of South Highway K.
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Progress West Healthcare Center as the 2012 Large Business of the Year. In 2012 Progress West celebrated their five year anniversary, to add to the celebration, the hospital was awarded several national awards including: the Top Performer Award, as well as five “5 Star” awards in the following areas: emergency department, outpatient, outpatient surgery, obstetrics inpatient services, and outpatient surgery unit/outpatient surgery. Progress West looks to make O’Fallon a healthier, safer community through several of their free programs like the Biggest Loser of St. Charles County and the Safety Stop for babies and children, just to name a couple.
 
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the St. Charles County Ambulance District as the 2012 Community Servant of the Year. The St. Charles County Ambulance District has a focused effort on serving the residents of St. Charles County outside of ambulatory needs. In its focus on the community the Ambulance District has partnered with State Farm for the Halloween Safety Program, hosted the Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive, Raised funds for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and EMS Outreach through a charity poker tournament.
 
Being honored as the Ambassador of the Year is Brian Richardson. As the first line of contact with the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber the Ambassadors strengthen the membership and programming of the Chamber allowing members a welcoming atmosphere to build relationships and their business. Brian Richardson exemplifies the role of an Ambassador of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce.
 
For more information on any of our awardees or to make your reservation for the December 18th Awards luncheon, please contact the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce, 636-240-1818.
 
The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting economic vitality in O'Fallon and the St. Charles County Region while providing members with networking opportunities, education and advocacy in public policy decisions affecting business.