Meet Shelley Barr with KSLQ 104.5 FM... Tell us about yourself. Tell you about me... hmmm, that is a toughie. There are so many layers and if you talk to me for more than 5 minutes, you know that I haven't grown up yet. Haha! I am a proud St. Louis native with the exception of when I attended school in Springfield and at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. I have a degree in advanced electronics and certified air safety for the Federal Government. Tell us about your organization. KSLQ radio 104.5 FM is a lovely station to work for and to listen to. We try to put out positive vibes. Our format is Hot A/C (Adult/Contemporary) and we play songs from the 80's, 90's and 2000's. People that listen to us are aged 19-64, but our core demographic is Women, 25 to 49. You know, the decision makers. Why? Wait for it... because the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. What is the mission/vision of your organization? Brad Hildebrand is the owner of KSLQ 104.5 FM and KRAP AM 1350 (soon to be on FM). Brad fosters a work environment that is simple, yet sets the pace for the Organization with a Vision and a Mission Statement that work in Synergy with each other. Our Vision: Have a goal, meet the goal, have fun... and that is what we do. We do so by embracing and operating on the MADE principal, we strive to Make a Difference every day. Why do I have the best job ever you ask? Because I am part of something much bigger than myself. I get to touch lives, see their businesses grow and thrive, and I get to ride in the wake of the ripples that my Boss, Brad Hildebrand, starts every single day. Yep, Best. Job. EVER. What do you do to serve your clients best? KSLQ strives to support our clients in the most forward thinking way imaginable. If there is a new concept, we will embrace it and pass it along. For example, our Net Centric Media approach, which is really being embraced by our customers. In the radio aspect of our biz, we like to offer another level of connection between our clients and their future customers. We like our clients to record and have their own voice on the air. I like to call it the "Ice Ice Baby" experience. We stop, collaborate and listen, and you rock the mic like a vandal. Then selfies are taken in the studio. Of course! It’s just a lovely moment to collect for our customers and it seems to really make a difference. We can also record on location if that is easier for them. Whatever it takes to make the experience a good one. Oh, did I mention that we are freakishly affordable?! What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years for the company? There are some amazing things happening at KSLQ. We are taking our business to the next level by taking other businesses to the next level. We are more than just a radio station, we promote businesses on the air and in the cloud. We have implemented a NetCentric Media approach that incorporates a multimedia platform utilizing video, social media, SEO and electronic media (radio). Under our parent company, we also have an AM station (KRAP) that we are bringing to the FM dial. What that means is that we will have 2 FM stations with 2 very distinct target audiences. KSLQ who's core demographic is women 25 to 49, and KRAP an all talk Sports station (Sports KRAP) which caters to men. KRAP is a CBS sports affiliate and broadcasts the Kansas City Chiefs, the STL Blues, and in the fall, the Football and Basketball games of the Mizzou Tigers. I also envision that we will be bringing several HD Channels to the forefront as well. Like I said, very exciting stuff. Why would you recommend the O’Fallon Chamber? When I went to my first Chamber Leads Group, I was scared to pieces. I had been out of the networking circuit for quite a while and didn't know what to expect. I was greeted by the lovely Nina DeAngelo the facilitator of the Leads Groups. She made me feel welcomed and completely put my mind and nerves at ease. That was 3 years ago and I don't regret making that first step into the door. Since then, I have found that the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries fosters an environment that is welcoming for every type of person and business. The Chamber Staff work extremely hard for each of the Members and when you need something, they are there to help, every step of the way. From the Board of Directors to the Ambassadors, you get a feeling of inclusion when you walk into an event. I am proud to say, that what many started out as business relationships have blossomed into friendships. I love MY Chamber! 1000 Mid Rivers Mall Dr
St Peters, MO 63376 314-477-8835 shelley@kslq.co
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These O’Fallon Chamber members and/or O’Fallon businesses celebrated opening their doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries and the City of O’Fallon. June 30, 2016 Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa (Coming Soon!) 2303 Technology Dr O'Fallon MO 63368 636-625-0030 June 22, 2016 SSM Physical Therapy 4615 Hwy K O'Fallon, MO 63368 636-329-9672 June 17, 2016
Chic Lumber 2625 E Terra Ln O'Fallon, MO 63366 636-441-4200 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. Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Erin Williams, IOM, President/CEO, of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating 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. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. 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. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future. This has definitely been a whirlwind month for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries. Not only were we, as the staff says, Firecracker Crazy, but we have been honored as a finalist in the ACCE Chamber of the Year competition. Before we get into the recognition, I’d like to recognize the committee and volunteers that once again made the 32nd Annual Firecracker Run a great success. These folks worked for the past six months on everything from securing food donations, creating race routes, gathering volunteers, and making sure that we had a large turnout of runners. Six months of work is one thing, but to top that off the committee joined the other 100 volunteers that showed up at 5:00 a.m. on the 4th of July to create an event that was fun, safe, well-organized, and profitable for the Chamber. Many times we celebrate the event, but fail to mention why these events are so important. The funds that we raise through events like this help to keep our dues low. Each year it seems like the services offered at the Chamber are more and more, but our investment stays the same. So, on behalf of the membership of the Chamber, thank you to all of the volunteers and committee that put on another successful event! Next, WOW! Congratulations to each of you for being a part of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Chamber of the Year competition. Our O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries has been able to do some awesome things, and that has only been possible by the engagement and support of each of our members. There are several things that make our organization great. First, you, our membership. Each of you are a part of this success. Whether you are the person involved in every committee, the person making sure that you are welcoming a new member, the person who generously sponsors year after year, or the person who shares new ideas to make our organization great, our membership has created an electric organization all working together to help each other and our community thrive. To the Ambassadors and Board of Directors who meet, call, research, welcome, report, encourage, and do all of those “other duties as assigned”, congratulations. Finally, to the staff of our great organization, who really gets the “other duties” your hard work is being recognized on a national level and we are extremely proud. The membership of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries’ is grateful to have each of you working endlessly to create and support this culture of excellence. While we won’t find out until August 10th who the official ACCE Chamber of the Year is, I congratulate each of you on the esteemed honor of making it to the finals! Until next month, Mark Crank 2016 Chairman of the Board 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. The City of O’Fallon will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for the O’Fallon Justice Center at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. The ceremony will take place at the site, which is located on the west side of Bryan Road, approximately one-quarter mile south of Veterans Memorial Parkway. The public is invited to attend. Limited parking is available at the site and at nearby businesses.
On April 7, 2015, 60 percent of O’Fallon voters approved a $28.6 million bond issue for the construction, furnishing and equipping of a new police station and municipal court building. When the 80,000+ square-foot facility opens in 2017, it will replace cramped quarters in the O’Fallon Municipal Centre for both the O’Fallon Police Department and O’Fallon’s Municipal Court, which is currently held in a meeting room. “Our new state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the needs of a modern police force and enable the City of O’Fallon to continue providing the highest level of service to its residents and businesses,” said O’Fallon’s Mayor, Bill Hennessy. “The location is ideal for our new Police Station because of its proximity to Bryan Road, I-70, Mexico Road, and Route 364. It’s also close to the City’s historic downtown core, our retail centers along Highway K and Bryan, and the areas of much of our recent residential growth in the southern portions of the City. Our officers will have direct access to nearly every neighborhood in our City in a matter of minutes.” The City has contracted with Wilson Estes Police Architects to design the new Justice Center and has hired McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. to manage the development of the project. About the City of O’Fallon With a strong reputation as a community where residents can truly live, work and play, O’Fallon, Mo., is the seventh-largest city in the State of Missouri and the second-largest city in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. O’Fallon is home to more than 85,000 residents and 1,600 businesses and has been consistently rated as one of America’s “Best Places to Live” (Money 2006-2015) and one of “America’s Safest Cities” (CQ Press 2010-2015). About McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Headquartered in St. Louis, and founded in 1864, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the nation’s premier builder. Throughout all phases of a project, from early integrated design phase services, through construction and after completion, McCarthy builders utilize industry-leading construction techniques and the most sophisticated technology tools to deliver the highest quality, job-site safety and ultimately, the best value. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy has approximately 1,600 salaried employees with offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Dallas, Houston; Albuquerque; and San Diego, Newport Beach, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. About Wilson Estes Police Architects Wilson Estes Police Architects is a full-service architectural firm exclusively dedicated to the planning and design of police/public safety facilities. The firm originated in 1978 following completion of participation in a federal study that began in 1974. That study looked at the impact of facilities on the delivery of modern policing services and the development of standards for the facility type. The data obtained from that study formed the basis for providing quantifiable planning for the purpose of achieving justifiable results. Wilson Estes Police Architects have been involved in well over 200 public safety facility need studies and designs, and continues to create highly functional buildings that stand the test of time for this unique building type. Learn more about the firm and its services at www.policearchitects.com. 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! Kel Don Imaging, LLC
636-561-6219 ray@keldonimaging.com 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. 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 The 10K and 5K race routes were recently locked-in for the 32nd annual Firecracker Run scheduled for Monday, July 4 in O’Fallon, race officials announced today.
Organized by the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries in cooperation with Big River Running Company and presented by Mercy the Firecracker Run is the Chamber’s largest fundraising event with over 2,000 runners and spectators. “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 President/CEO Erin Williams. “The new routes will work better with all of the other activities going on the same morning and give our recurring runners a different view this year.” she added. Repeating last year’s success, amenities will again include race shirts, live up-to-the-second finisher results, finish line photos, award medals for the top finishers, a runner’s only area, free activities for children, and there will also be a Health & Fitness expo for runners and spectators to enjoy. 10K and 5K runner registration now through May 31, 2016 is $30. Starting June 1, the fee increases to $35. Runners can view the new race routes online at www.FirecrackerRun.net under Race Routes. For more information about running, volunteering, or sponsoring the 2016 Firecracker Run, visit FirecrackerRun.net or contact the Chamber staff at 636-240-1818, or email info@firecrackerrun.net. Firecracker Run proceeds benefit the mission of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries, a non-profit organization for businesses. 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. |
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