Meet Mike Favazza with Favazza & Associates CPAs... Michael R. Favazza Sr., CPA is the owner of Favazza & Associates, LLC, CPAs. He was born and raised in North St. Louis County. He is a graduate of Rosary High School and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Mike comes from a very business-oriented family. His father was a bookkeeper and part owner of a company on Produce Row in St. Louis and his brother Matt Favazza is the President of Central Bank of Chesterfield, Missouri. Mike has been married to his college sweetheart Linda who is a Registered Nurse at Missouri Baptist Hospital. His son, Mike Jr. followed in his father's footsteps and is a CPA and a Partner in the Firm. Mike’s daughter Julie followed in her mother's footsteps and is a registered nurse In Cincinnati, Ohio. Mike is the proud grandparent of 5 grandchildren and is a resident of St. Louis County. When Mike is not in the office you can find him on the golf course or at his grandkid’s games. Mike has a passion to give back to the community and is always lending his talent and time to civic and charitable organizations that keep St. Louis and St. Charles County a wonderful place to live and work. Mike was the 2015 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Board as Treasurer. Mike was also past President of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce and is still currently a member. Mike also is involved and serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for Vision St. Charles County Leadership Program, Inc. Favazza & Associates, LLC specializes in CFO controllership services for organizations of all types. We manage all accounting aspects of the business from bookkeeping, business planning, tax planning and preparation. Our mission statement is as follows: We are committed to serving our clients and associates with high levels of integrity and trustworthiness while providing accounting, tax and business consulting. Our vision is to become a trusted advisor creating confidence and trust with each of our business clients by fostering communication, education, and acting as mentors. What we do to serve our clients best is act in their best interest when it comes to making decisions that produce measurable results. What I look forward to in the next 5 years in my firm is to expand on our business model to foster growth. I would recommend the O’Fallon Chamber for several reasons. The first being that the staff is one of the best that I have worked with in a public organization in over 30+ years of experience. The working relationship that the Chamber has with Mayor Hennessey and the O’Fallon Economic Development Department is unique and very beneficial to the entire community. This relationship is one of the main reasons this Chamber “clicks” and why they have been recognized as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of the Year. To find out more about Mike and his team check them out at www.favazzacpa.com 1395 Jungerman, Ste C
St. Peters, MO 63376 636-916-1010
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Mobile usage is experiencing explosive growth worldwide. In the United States, 56% of adults own a smart phone. And they aren’t just using their phones for calls and email. Recent surveys show that 79 percent are using their phones to help them make buying decisions, while 74 percent are actually making purchases on their devices.
The widespread use of mobile devices presents one of the most significant opportunities for small business marketing in recent years, and small business owners seem to know it. A 2012 survey by Web.com Group found that 69 percent of the small business owners surveyed consider mobile marketing to be a critical area of growth for them over the next few years. But while they recognize mobile marketing as a key growth area, few have pulled the trigger on ensuring their business’ websites are mobile-friendly. Having a mobile or responsive design website is absolutely essential. It is a fundamental requirement. You cannot get out of it. To not have a mobile-friendly site is to ignore a rapidly growing segment of your customer base and potential customer base that wants to connect with your business online. If you are still not sure you need one, check out your business’ website statistics to find out what kind of traffic your site is getting from mobile users. Let’s say your site had 100 visitors last month, and eight of those visitors were viewing your site from a mobile device. Eight people out of 100 might not seem like that many, but it’s important to remember, they aren’t just faceless users, they are people - customers or potential customers. We’ve all experienced the frustration of pinching and zooming our way around a website to try to get the information we need into the view of our tiny mobile screens. If your business’ website isn’t mobile-friendly, those eight potential customers likely had a less than satisfying experience. Now, if eight people walked into your business last month and had a frustrating customer service experience, that would be bad wouldn’t it? But if eight people last month had a poor experience on your website, that’s ok? Of course not! You must have a mobile-friendly website. It is non-negotiable. Of course there is more to mobile marketing than just having a mobile-friendly site. Social media, text messaging, directory websites, review-based sites and other tools can work together to create a successful strategy to help your business reach mobile users. But a mobile-friendly website is a critical component. You want your customers to have an effortless experience as you drive them from your mobile marketing platforms to your website. If your site is not mobile-friendly, that experience could be a little bumpy. Make it easy for them to do business with you by providing them with a website that works for them. Copyright - Chamber Speak LLC 2014 When I first thought about what my article would be about this month I figured I would tell you all more information about the Healthy Workplace survey that you received last month, or what the status of the Business Resource Center is; however, then I received a phone call from Erin. Congratulations is in order once again to our organization, as we have been named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry! While the official press release will come out later today, this honor looks at what our organization is doing to make our community stronger, including workforce development, transportation, advocacy, and staying responsive to you, our membership. Needless to say, I am honored to be a member of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, and I hope you are too! I assure you that while these accolades are a great achievement, we are still pushing to continue to serve you and the community in the best way possible. I started this by referring to the survey that was put out by our Healthy Workplace committee. This group has been working for months to learn what these kind of initiatives mean to employers’ bottom line, and how we can bring those kind of results to all of our businesses. Our Business Resource committee is almost ready for an unveiling as well. This group has been working on a website that will help to bring the resources needed for businesses to start on the right foot, and stay there. Although I don’t serve on that committee, from the updates given at our Board meetings, I can tell you that this website will be a top tool for businesses to use. Finally, if you are interested in serving the membership of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries as a member of the Board of Directors, this is the time of year we begin taking applications. Brenda Lowder, our incoming Chairwoman, will be giving more details on becoming a Board member at the membership meeting this month. If you have any questions about what Board service entails, please feel free to contact any of your Board members or Erin. Once again, Congratulations on being named as the 2016 Missouri Chamber of Commerce of the Year! Mark Crank 2016 Chairman of the Board These O’Fallon Chamber members celebrated opening their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries. August 15, 2016 18 North Central 18 North Central O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-240-1800 August 5, 2016 Fit Goddess 1376 South 5th St St. Charles, MO 63301 314-221-4101 August 2, 2016
Monical's Pizza 1224 Hwy K O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-980-1212 The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries will host its 7th annual Trivia Night on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Trigg Banquet Center located at 300 O'Fallon Plaza in O’Fallon, Missouri. Doors open at 6:00 pm and Trivia starts at 7:00 pm.
Everyone, including the public, is invited to attend the O'Fallon Chamber’s Trivia Night presented by Country Side Flooring America. The theme will be "Through the Decades" and the event promises to be an evening full costumes and questions that span many decades. The early bird price of $175 is for a table of eight people and is available until September 30th, after that the price increases to $200 per table. Tables include 10 rounds of trivia, two mulligans, beer and soda; you may also bring in your favorite snacks. The evening will be packed with cash, prizes, 50/50, special games & drawings, a prize for the best decorated themed table and best group costume will all be part of the fun. This event will sell out at 30 tables so get your tickets today! The 7th Annual O’Fallon Chamber Trivia Night is proudly sponsored by Country Side Flooring America, Peoples Savings Bank, Quintessential Catering, Extreme Electrical, City of O’Fallon, Wingate St. Charles, Krey Distributing, and Favazza & Associates. For more information or to register your table visit www.OFallonChamber.org/trivia or call 636-240-1818 to reserve your spot. Trivia proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries: 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. These O’Fallon Chamber members celebrated opening their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries and the City of O’Fallon. July 22, 2016 Harmony Christian Counseling 7128 South Outer 364 O'Fallon, MO 63368 636-578-9201 July 22, 2016
Inspired Hope 7128 S Outer 364 O'Fallon, MO 63368 314-223-6976 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 April Porter with 9Round... April Porter grew up in Kansas City, MO, attended (Southwest) Missouri State University for college, where she was captain of the Sugar Bears, and graduated from Washington University School of Law in 2000. Upon graduation, she began serving the public as a Prosecuting Attorney. After 10 years, she retired to open her first 9Round in 2014 and has since grown her company to four locations and 16 employees. 9Round is the largest kickboxing franchise in the world. With a mission of providing personal attention without the high price, 9Round eliminates the obstacles that keep people from reaching fitness goals. With no class times and 30-minute workouts that include a certified trainer, 9Round members begin seeing results in as little as three weeks. April joined the O’Fallon Chamber due to its superb reputation. It has exceeded expectations through valuable education, growth opportunities, and friendships. 9Round Winghaven
3026 Winghaven Blvd O'Fallon, MO 63368 314-392-9538 The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries is pleased to announce that the 24th Annual Golf Tournament presented by Country Financial will be held at The Falls Golf Course in O’Fallon, MO. This annual event is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to participate, from first-time golfers to weekend warriors; this is an opportunity to enjoy eighteen holes of golf and all of the extra tournament fun at a great price.
Monday, September 12, 2016 10:30 am – Registration 11:30 am – Shotgun Start The Falls Golf Club, 1170 Turtle Creek, O'Fallon, MO 63366 $125 per person or $500 for a foursome All golfers will receive a goodie bag filled with great donations from O’Fallon Chamber members, 18 holes of spectacular golf with cart and drinks on the course, lunch catered and sponsored by Quintessential Catering, and an awards dinner sponsored by People’s Savings Bank. On course activities planned include the ever popular Cooler of Fun from Delmar Gardens & Garden Villas of O’Fallon plus many more activities. The planning committee works to ensure that all participants have fun with on the course games like “Big Break” and “Does a Bear Chip in the Woods”. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top teams in A & B flights following the tournament, along with prizes for the Longest Drive, closest to the Pin, and a Putting Contest. Don’t miss this opportunity to play an amazing course. Call the Chamber office at 636-240-1818 or go online to www.OFallonChamber.org/Golf to register. No clubs – no problem! Call The Falls Golf Club at 636-240-4653 to rent a set for the day for only $25. A big thank you to the 2016 sponsors: Country Financial, Quintessential Catering, People's Savings Bank, BJC, City of O'Fallon, Country Side Flooring America, Spectrum Business, Bob Engert Edward Jones, Extreme Electrical, CenturyLink, Vogelsang Pest Control, and Platinum Systems. Golf Tournament proceeds to benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries: 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. A small business owner recently made national news for firing an employee via text message. If that is any indication of the communications taking place in his business on a normal workday, it's amazing he has any employees left to fire. Regardless of the size of your company, It doesn't matter what size of company, internal communications are crucial. Your employees need to know what's going on so they can stay up to date and feel like they are part of your team.
Internal communications are a key ingredient of business success, yet many business owners and managers focus on keeping vendors and customers in the loop, but fail with their employees. Managers need to communicate with those they manage; departments need to communicate to keep interrelated functions running smoothly; and all employees need to be kept informed about company activities to stay motivated and on board. All of these modes of communication need to be regular and part of a larger communication strategy. To improve the internal communications in your company, you need to look at the following areas: Department Communications Different departments or areas of your company may need different approaches to communications. Management and supervisors may be informed on certain things that that the rest of the staff isn’t, so they typically need less communication to be brought up to speed. The accounting department may need more specifics than the art department and so on. Take your message and tailor it to make sure that each employee is informed and proper information is conveyed. Encourage Participation Many managers have an open-door policy, encouraging employees to share problems or concerns. If you haven't made that option known to your staff, communicate it immediately. In addition, encourage routine departmental staff meetings that can provide a forum for communications and a place where employees can make their voices heard. Select a Method While newsletters are what some companies use for communication, some have become more about picnics and bowling leagues and less about company news. While those things are also important in the scheme of internal communications, you need to find a clear way to communicate company news. If a newsletter has become more social than company-oriented, you might want to refocus the publication or start sharing your news via email to be sure it isn't lost in the shuffle. Companywide Meetings It's important to occasionally hold a company-wide meeting that every employee is able to attend. Whether you have everyone come in early, or open your doors late, it is important to give each department a chance to provide interesting news and updates about the work it is doing. This is also a great way for you to share changes, goals, and future growth plans. The knowledge that can be shared, and communications goals that can be achieved in just an hour each quarter, can do more for your internal communications than anything. Put these tips to work and in just few minutes each week, you can transform your company's internal communications. I would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishment last week (especially in 100 degree weather), and of course, I hope you had a lot of fun! Keep an eye on the Chamber’s social media accounts to find out if we’ll be named as the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year Wednesday night. I assure you, no matter which Chamber holds that title, being named as one of the top 3 in the Nation is a HUGE honor, and for my money- we are definitely #1! For many of you this month means back to a normal schedule with the kids going back to school. For my schedule, with no kids at home (nor a Destructo-Boy) it means going from ridiculously busy, to a normal busy as well. I would encourage each of you to make sure that you’re including the Chamber in whatever your normal schedule is. If you have always wanted to get more involved through a Leads Group, Connect@Lunch, Lunch ‘n’ Legislators, O’Fallon Young Professionals, or any of the other offerings from the Chamber, this is a great time to make it happen. If you want to know just what opportunities exist through the Chamber, attend next month’s New Member Briefing on Thursday, September 1st. Each month the Chamber hosts these meetings for not only new members, but for any member who wants an update on what services and benefits are available through their membership. Can’t make a meeting? Set up a 1-2-1 with Nina. How ever you get it done, make Back to School season, Back to the Chamber for you. I hope that the first thing on your calendar is this month’s networking membership meeting, Tuesday, August 27th. Until next month, Mark Crank 2016 Chairman of the Board |
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