​This August, O'Fallon's voters will be asked to decide on an important ballot issue that will continue to improve the quality of life for O’Fallon residents, Proposition PARKS. If approved by the voters, this this proposition will allow the City of O'Fallon to issue bonds for the construction of an expanded Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center and the construction of a brand new passive park off of Highway DD called O’Day Park. The cost for all of these projects would be an increase of .02 cents property tax increase per $100 assessed valuation.
 
Following a discussion on Proposition PARKS at the June 21, 2016 O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries board meeting, the O’Fallon Chamber Board of Directors voted to endorse Proposition PARKS. The O’Fallon Chamber encourages its members and the community to vote “Yes” in the August 2, 2016 election to support O’Fallon’s parks system.
 
While the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries’ Board of Directors strongly supports the expansion of the parks system for the community’s quality of place, the Board is hopeful that upon approval, the project will have an open bidding process without the constraints of a project labor agreement.
 
“The O’Fallon Chamber recognizes what the expansion of our parks system means to the community. O’Day Park will be a great asset to the businesses on the southern end of O’Fallon, as it will surely draw visitors from all over the area. The expansion of Alligator Creek will give even more residents and guests a reason to visit our downtown area,” said Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
 
The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is encouraging its members Vote Yes for Propositions PARKS in the August 2, 2016 election.
 
Learn more at the Prop PARKS at Facebook.com/PropParks, or for information on the O’Fallon Chamber’s decision to endorse Prop PARKS, please contact Erin Williams, President/CEO of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries at 636-240-1818.
 
The O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is committed to promoting the economic vitality of O’Fallon and the St. Charles County Region by engaging its members in networking and educational opportunities, while advocating for pro-business public policy.

Meet Ray Schroeder with KelDon Imaging...
​Tell us about yourself.
I guess I should begin by saying I am 80 years old and I grew up on Creve Coeur Lake which led to a love for sailing.  After high school graduation, I enlisted in the Air Force.  Upon completing my 4 years of service, I joined the St. Louis City Police Department and was a policeman for 7 years.  When I had my first child, a daughter, I realized that if I continued working the police schedule I would have to miss many important events in her life, and our future children’s lives. So I left the Police Department and obtained a job in sales for Olivetti Office Equipment Corporation.  Not having any sales experience, I was scared to death, and reasoned that if I worked hard and made more cold calls than my fellow sales employees, the sales would have to follow.  It paid off, and I was the No 1 Olivetti Salesman from over 700 sales people in the country my first year. Later, I started my own office equipment dealership, named KelDon after my 2 daughters, Kelly and Donna. I am also very proud of my son, Steve, a systems engineer, who works for JPL and helped design, build and land the Curiosity Rover on Mars.
 
Eventually, I sold the office equipment dealership, and started KelDon Medical which I also sold after 10 years..  My wonderful wife, Betty of 55 years, worked alongside with me in business for over 47 years.
 

Tell us about your organization.
I was unable to adapt to retirement and started KelDon Imaging, LLC which provides affordable marketing materials in the highest quality possible.  We are committed to developing and creating your business identity.  The most important part in your advertising success is the design.  Your design has approximately 6 seconds to either catch your viewers’ attention or lose them.  Many marketing materials are boring and uninspiring with very little creative style.  A great looking design will always be noticed and will make your prospective customer want to pick up your business cards, brochures, flyers, etc.
 

What is the mission/vision of your organization?
My vision is to continue operating KelDon Imaging as long as I am able.
 
Having owned several businesses, I am able to provide advice and assistance to small businesses.  I also have the one of the best, creative Graphic Designers in the area, who designs all my printing materials which make a lasting impression and generate great results for my customers.
 
To be able to continue assisting my customers and provide affordable design and printing services.
 

 What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company?
So much has changed since I started my first company. At that time, I was an expert in cold calling on businesses door-to-door to make initial contact, which has almost ceased to be used today.  Today, it’s all about networking. The O’Fallon Chamber is dedicated to helping business owners network and grow. Networking events are held at a variety of locations to help us connect with potential new customers. . Also, our members enjoy sharing lunch and information with fellow members looking to do business with each other.  In addition, all members are listed in the online business directory with a link to their website and a detailed description of their company, products, and services.
 

​Why would you recommend the O’Fallon Chamber?
I especially want to thank Erin and the Chamber staff and members for their assistance in helping me keep up with today’s technology.  When I was retired, it seemed as if most of my acquaintances were obsessed with discussing every detail of medical appointments and tests.  I found those conversations to be boring and depressing.  Belonging to the Chamber gives me the opportunity to participate in stimulating conversations and beneficial business discussions.  So my closing comment is …..Let’s keep talking!

O’FALLON, MO – The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is thrilled to announce that they have been named a 2016 Chamber of the Year finalist in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) national completion which recognizes the dual role Chambers have leading businesses and communities. Chamber of the Year awards honor Chambers in five categories based on the size of the organization. During all stages Chambers compete amongst peers from similar total income levels and up to three chambers with the highest number of points in each of the entry categories, based on total revenue, may be named finalists. The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is one of three finalists in the under $500,000 total revenue category.
 
“To be named a finalist for this award is an incredible honor for the O’Fallon Chamber’s board of directors, volunteers, and Chamber staff who last year set forth on an ambitious strategic plan.  It is a tribute to the innovation and passion of the more than 630 individuals that work so hard to build better business community in the great O’Fallon area,” said Erin Williams, President & CEO.  “We are deeply honored to be selected as a finalist.”
 
ACCE President and Chief Executive Officer Mick Fleming said, “Applicants have already proven themselves worthy of emulation and praise by the time they reach finalist status. Only chambers meeting certain benchmarks are even invited to apply, so becoming a finalist is a big deal.  In each case, the chamber’s numbers are good, their highlighted programs are strong and their impact on businesses and communities is evident.”
 
Chambers of commerce interested in competing for the award first must qualify by participating in a vigorous multi-stage process. Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention.
 
After chambers of commerce qualify for the competition, appropriate categories are determined for each applicant, based on total revenue, member accounts, service area population, number of businesses in the service area, and restricted revenue as a percentage of total revenue. Applicants are grouped using these factors to ensure a fair competition. An impartial judging committee comprised of industry professionals then reviews the applications and identifies finalists in each category based on scores.
 
In the final phase of the competition, the judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders from each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, August 9–12.
 
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, founded in 1914, uniquely serves approximately 7,000 individuals who manage chambers of commerce. The mission of the Alexandria, Va.-based organization is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. Learn more about us by visiting www.ACCE.org.
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​This may come as a shock to you, but I like to have fun! What? That didn’t shock you? Lucky for me and for you that summer is here and we live in an awesome community to have fun! From someone who enjoys being outside or being at a baseball game, O’Fallon has my summer booked. Just to make sure you are having lots of fun this summer, here are some great opportunities to take advantage.

Did you know that less than 10% of kids today report playing outside regularly while 40% of their parents played outside frequently when they were young? (And they don’t even get to chase the DEET truck anymore.) What a shame; however, with all of the activities available in O’Fallon, I think we can put a dent in that number. Have you been to Brendan’s Playground yet in Westhoff Park? I took “Destructo-Boy” grandson to the splash pad last week and had a blast!

When was the last time you went to a Rascals game? Tickets are only $8 and include a ton of fun between the innings.  Baseball not your style? Grab some friends to head over to the free Jammin’ in O’Fallon concerts held EVERY Tuesday night at Civic Park. Spend the day “Out Fishin’” at Lake Whetsel in Ft. Zumwalt Park or splash around at Alligator Creek Aquatic Center.

The point of my O’Fallon rundown is that there is plenty to do and enjoy outside of your house. O’Fallon is continually ranked as one of the Best Places to Live in America, so get out and take advantage of all that our community has to offer.

If you are looking to have early morning fun, we are still in need of volunteers for the Firecracker Run. If you are interested in spending a couple of hours at an awesome event call the Chamber office, 636-240-1818 or visit FirecrackerRun.net to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available.
 
Have a fun Summer!
Mark Crank
2016 Chairman of the Board