O'Fallon Chamber eNewsletter - Dec 2012

BUSINESSCONNECTION

a publication ofthe O’FallonChamber of Commerce

DECEMBER 2012

2ND ANNUAL AWARDS & HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

ominations are in and our selection committee is discussing who will be the O’Fallon Chamber Award winners for 2012. Curious who it will be? Well, you’ll

have to join us at this month’s General Membership Meeting and Awards Luncheon on December 18th at the Trigg Banquet Center to fi nd out, and to help recognize the Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, the Sue Proost Person of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Community Servant of the Year.

Oh yeah, we’ll also be giving away an all-inclusive trip for two to Cancun Mexico sponsored by Jan’s Travel & Cruise/Travel Leaders. You don’t want to miss this festive and exciting meeting!

NHELP SUPPORT TOY TOWN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Continued on pg 6

his holiday season the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Salvation Army of O’Fallon to help promote and collect donations for the 2012 Toy Town held at O’Fallon City Hall.

Toy Town will help many families in St. Charles County who are struggling to provide Christmas toys for their children. Each year Toy Town collects toys, clothes and other necessities from local drives, in order to provide gifts for children and seniors in the western St. Charles County area. Families who qualify within a certain income bracket register in November, and are allowed to come shop for gifts for their children at no cost. Each

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Escape...Escape...Escape...Escape...Escape...with Travel with Travel

Leaders/Jan’s Leaders/Jan’s

Travel & CruiseTravel & Cruise

with Travel

Leaders/Jan’s

Travel & Cruise

Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!

Attend for an entry into the Escape Giveaway sponsored by Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel & Cruise!

Don’t miss the O’Fallon Chamber’s

General Membership LUNCHEON Tuesday, December 18, 201211:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.@ Trigg Banquet Center300 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon, MO 63366It has been another exciting and successful year for the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. Join us at the Annual Holiday & Awards Luncheon to celebrate the successes of 2012 and look forward to the opportunities that 2013 will bring! We will also draw our Escape with Jan’s Travel & Cruise Giveaway!

Sponsored by:

Rise & Shine...to join us for the O’Fallon Chamber’s Morning Schmooze, a FREE bi-monthly, networking event open to Chamber members. You just never know who you will meet at a Schmooze so arrive ready to network with a pocket full of business cards and a 1 minute infomercial.

Thursday, December 6th7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Alliance Credit Union1051 Hwy K

O’Fallon Mo 63366

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

Escape...Escape...Escape...Escape...Escape...with Travel with Travel

Leaders/Jan’s Leaders/Jan’s

Travel & CruiseTravel & Cruise

with Travel

Leaders/Jan’s

Travel & Cruise

Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!Giveaway!Attend for an entry

into the Escape Giveaway sponsored

by Travel Leaders/Jan’s Travel &

Cruise!

DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 3

2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr.O’Fallon, MO 63366Phone: 636-240-1818Email: [email protected]

Mission Statement: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.

Vision Statement:The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce will be the catalyst for the prosperity of our community as a valued resource for businesses, organizations, and residents.

Offi cers:Cindy Elking, Chairman of the BoardAdam Hopper, 1st Vice ChairmanJeff Arneson, 2nd Vice ChairmanRuss Craven, TreasurerStacee Gilmore, SecretaryJulie Feast, Past-Chairman

Directors:Harold Bliggenstorfer, DirectorMark Crank, DirectorNina DeAngelo, DirectorHeather Deatz, DirectorTim DeGhelder, DirectorRon Epps, DirectorMichael Favazza, DirectorJonny Kruse, DirectorKim Michaels, DirectorBrian Richardson, Director

Staff:Erin Williams, President/CEOSara Henderson, Communications DirectorSam Byers, Membership Services Director

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Toy Town ..........................................Cover Awards Luncheon .............................CoverChamber Survey Study .................. p 4 & 8Ribbon Cuttings .................................... p 5Celebration of Lights ............................ p 6Canidate Filing ...................................... p 6News from the Chairman ...................... p 7Chamber Offi ce Tour ............................ p 9Calendar of Events ............................. p 13Member Mentions ............................... p 12New Members ............................ p 10 & 11Member Spotlight ................................p 11Member Anniversaries ........................ p 13Chamber Activities ............................. p 14

CHAMBER PARTNERS

Jan’s Travel & Cruise

4 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | DECEMBER 2012

national survey of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy because

two-thirds of consumers believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community. The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting fi rm, found consumer perceptions of chamber members to be positive in many ways:

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.• If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., is a chamber board member), consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.• When consumers know that a national restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.• When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 36% more likely to think favorably of the company.

Major Impact on Small Businesses

Small businesses represent the largest segment of most local chamber membership rolls, and the study indicates that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefi ts for small business members—if consumers are aware that the small business is involved with its local chamber. For example, if respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future. Most people know fairly well what their local chambers do; the study assessed the effect of this knowledge on perceptions of chamber members. The researchers said ”any belief about the chamber of commerce—whether that belief was true or not—could have a signifi cant positive impact on how someone views a member… he or she is more likely to think that the [member] company’s products stack up well and have a favorable opinion toward the company.” The key factor in developing and maintaining positive consumer perception of chamber members, the Schapiro Group said, was that “positive outcomes only occur when consumers know that a business is a chamber member (i.e., being involved in the chamber is a known facet of the

company’s reputation).” Accordingly, when consumers know that a large business is a member of the chamber, they are likely to patronize the company more often, to express favorable opinions about the company, to know more about the company, and to buy the company’s products. The strength and nature of these effects differ by industry: Large Restaurant ChainsWhen consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 15% more likely to report knowing a lot about the franchise, 58% more likely to eat at the franchise more often, 68% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months, and 37% more likely to think favorably of the franchise. Among consumers who do not eat at the franchise so often, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the chamber are 33% more likely to hold favorable opinions of the franchise. Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the franchise, those who are aware that the franchise is a member of the chamber are 65% more likely to eat there in the coming months. Insurance CompaniesWhen consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 29% more likely to report knowing a lot about the company, 36% more likely to think favorably of the company, and 36% more

SURVEY: CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP IS EFFECTIVE BUSINESS STRATEGY

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DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 5

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and the City of O’Fallon are excited to welcome these new businesses to the community and to help them celebrate with a with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIESWELCOME TO O’FALLON!WELCOME TO O’FALLON!

Psychiatric Care & Research Center4132 Keaton Crossing Blvd, Ste 201 | O’Fallon, MO 63368

O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Main Street Marketplace220 S Main St | O’Fallon, MO 63366

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings:December 5th @ 11:30 a.m.Walter Knoll Florist

December 10th @ 11:30 a.m.Mercy WingHaven

December 20th @ 3:30 p.m.Callahan’s Sports Bar & Grill

Summit Community Church927 E Terra Ln | O’Fallon, MO 63366

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CELEBRATION OF LIGHTSelebration of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display held at Fort Zumwalt Park. Each scene is designed and funded by local organizations, churches and businesses.

Started in 1991, the event attracts more than 8,000 vehicles each year and more than 5,000 individuals on Walk-Through Night.

November 23 - December 30(Closed December 25)

Drive-through, no reservations needed:• Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday (except Tuesday,

December 11), 6 – 9 p.m. • Friday and Saturday, 6 – 10 p.m.

Admission$9 for cars, $15 for commercial vans, $1 per person on

tour buses ($25 minimum).• Tuesday Night Special - $7 for all non-commercial

vehicles•Wednesday – Sunday, bring a food pantry donation of canned or boxed goods and get a $1 discount per

vehicle.

Walk-through night at Celebration of LightsTuesday, December 11, 6 - 9 p.m.

• Admission: $2 per person; Ages 2 and under are free•Parking: First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Parkway; O’Fallon Christian

Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway• Sorry, no pets allowed at this event.

• Carriage rides will not be available this night. • The event is held rain or shine!

Visitors may walk along the illuminated route and enjoy holiday music, visit with Santa, fi reworks and

booths fi lled with holiday crafts, gifts and festival food. Fireworks at 7:25 p.m.

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CANDIDATE FILING OPEN FOR CITY OF O’FALLON MUNICIPAL ELECTION

he fi rst day of fi ling Declarations of Candidacy for the City of O’Fallon’s April 2, 2013 election will open on Tuesday, December 11 at the O’Fallon Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366.

Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted at the West City Hall entrance on the fi rst day of fi ling, only, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. After that date, fi ling will be held in the City Clerk’s offi ce on the third fl oor of City Hall.

The April 2, 2013 election will be held to elect a Mayor to serve a four-year term, and to elect one City Council member from each of O’Fallon’s fi ve wards to serve three year terms. Each candidate must fi le in person, and a $25 fee must accompany each Declaration of Candidacy fi led with the City Clerk. Declarations of Candidacy will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. Candidates will appear on the April 2, 2013 ballot in the order in which they fi led.

For more information regarding the Declaration of Candidacy, contact O’Fallon’s City Clerk, Pam Clement, at 636-379-5555 or [email protected].

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TOY TOWNCONTINUED FROM COVERCONTINUED FROM COVERfamily is allowed to choose one large gift, two small and something from the puzzle, games and clothing tables.

O’Fallon Chamber members and their families will volunteer on December 10th through the 13th, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to wrap presents, help set up, assist clients with shopping, and take down the Annual Christmas Toy Town.

New toys of $20 or more can be dropped off at the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce located at 2145 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive in O’Fallon, or the O’Fallon Salvation Army located at 1 William Booth Drive in O’Fallon anytime between now and December 8, 2012.

Volunteers and donations are appreciated. Please contact Sam at 636-240-1818 or [email protected] for more information or visit www.ofallonchamber.org/toy-town.

DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 7

Whew… that was quick! It’s that time of the year when we all start scratching our heads, wondering how the calendar has

turned to December already. For me, I’m wondering how my year as Chairman of the Board of our great Chamber is over already. Three years ago I was asked to serve on the Executive Board as the 2nd Vice Chair, at that time my year as the Chair seemed light years away, and now, I’m not sure where it went. It’s really no wonder, this year started out with a bang, and it feels like we’ve kept the 90 mile an hour pace up for all 12 months of 2012.

The O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce has had an amazing year full of accomplishments. So far in 2012, we’ve, • Welcomed 145 new members to our organization.• Welcomed 34 businesses with ribbon cuttings.• Were named by the City of O’Fallon as Ambassador of the Year!• Increased our participation rate across all of our networking events by 30%. (Thank you to Jan’s Travel for the Escape Give-a-Way!)• Hosted more than 210 events for our members to network and grow their businesses.• Began a very successful Morning Schmooze bi- monthly breakfast.

• Began meeting with government offi cials and discussing legislation effecting businesses at the Legislative Awareness lunches. • Began hosting Book Clubs to exchange ideas among our fellow business leaders. • Had phenomenal fundraisers; including over 1,200 participants at the 28th Annual Firecracker Run!• Oh, and by the way, we bought a building, fi nished the construction, moved in, and had a wonderful ribbon cutting!

I’d like to especially thank the Chamber Staff, Erin, Sara and Sam who work tirelessly to make our chamber great, the entire board and each of you for making this organization so strong. The accomplishments we had in 2012 are a refl ection of the members that believe in our mission to improve the economic vitality of our community. As we look ahead to the future of our Chamber, I hope that you see yourself in that picture. I encourage you to become active, join a committee, become an Ambassador, or serve the organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

I look forward to an exciting 2013 for the O’Fallon Chamber and would like to wish our incoming Chairman, Adam Hopper with PNC Bank, the best of luck; time fl ies when you’re having fun!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2013,Cindy Elking2012 Chairman of the Board

MARCH 2, 2013

7:00 - 11:00 P.M.

O’FALLON ELK’S LODGE1163 Tom Ginnever

O’Fallon, MO 63366

CASINO NIGHT

Save the Date!

www.ofallonchamber.org/casino 636-240-1818

$40 per person includes:

Cocktails, Tastings from O’Fallon Finest

Restaurants, Live Entertainment, Gaming

Tables and Prizes

Cocktail Attire

8 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | DECEMBER 2012

SURVEYCONTINUED FROM PG 4CONTINUED FROM PG 4likely to consider buying insurance from it. Among consumers who hold less favorable opinions of the insurance company, those who are aware that the company is a member of the chamber are 25% more likely to consider purchasing insurance from it. Among those who have not considered purchasing insurance there in the past, chamber membership increases that likelihood by 37%. Automobile ManufacturersWhen consumers know that an auto manufacturer is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 21% more likely to have a favorable opinion of that company and 31% more likely to consider purchasing their next car from that company. Among those who have

ever considered buying a car from a particular auto manufacturer, chamber membership leads to a 44% increase in consumers’ likelihood of purchasing a car there in the future.

The study, commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives, was sponsored by Insperity, a Houston-based company that provides human resources and other business services to more than 100,000 businesses nationwide. J. Mac Holladay, founder and CEO of Market Street Services, an economic development fi rm in Atlanta, was a key contributor of concepts used to develop the study.

The new study tracks similar data reported by The Schapiro Group in 2007. “Despite changes in markets and demographics, a nagging recession and

the growing infl uence of the internet, the chamber brand today is stronger and more dynamic than ever,” said ACCE President Mick Fleming. “We’re proud that the numbers prove, once again, that engagement in a chamber means a positive perception of the business in the eyes of the buying public.” About ACCEEstablished in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of executives and managers of chambers of commerce throughout the U.S. and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 chamber employees, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber professionals and their staffs through its education, research, publications, certifi cation, trends analysis, benchmarking, and promotion of best practices.

Did you know...when you shop and dine within the City

of O’Fallon, you not only help our local businesses, you support the great City

parks, the O’Fallon Police Department and the many services that help keep

this City such a great place to live?

So, keep your community great for years to come. Support your local businesses and

“Keep it in the O!”by shopping in

O’Fallon this Holiday Season!

DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 9

f you haven’t heard by now, the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce has a home in O’Fallon!

Growth had inspired the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to search for a permanent location for the Chamber to expand into and accommodate the needs of their 500+ members. The new location was built out by local general contractor and longtime O’Fallon Chamber member, Schneider Construction Services.

The new building is now handicapped accessible and provides ample parking for all types of groups. There are also two meeting spaces, one that will fi t up to 20 people and the other 8 people. Both rooms are available for members to use for client meetings, workshops or other things that may require a professional space to meet. Just contact Sara for more information or to reserve a room.

O’Fallon Chamber members and residents are welcome to stop by the new home of the O’Fallon Chamber to tour the offi ce, or to pick up a Community Profi le and map of O’Fallon.

WELCOME TO THE NEW O’FALLON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE

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10 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | DECEMBER 2012

Afl acInsurance Services892 Hardcastle DrO’Fallon, MO 63366636-978-5693www.afl ac.com

Aggie’s Closet & Tea Room + Wine & Beer GardenRestaurants9036 Veterans Memorial PkwyO’Fallon, MO 63366636-379-6878www.aggiestearoom.com

Calcuvee ConsultingBusiness Services1930 Williamstown DrSt. Peters, MO 63376443-996-5462www.calcuvee.com

Carpet CreationsFlooring305 S Main StO’Fallon, MO 63366636-272-5400www.carpetcreationsstl.com

Charles Schwab & CoFinancial Services4579 Hwy KO’Fallon, MO 63368636-248-3926www.schwab.com

Colonial LifeInsurance Services15 Patriots LnOFallon, MO 63368314-323-4429www.coloniallife.com

Daddy Ray BurgersRestaurants8814 Veterans Memorial PkwyO’Fallon, MO 63366636-294-4885www.DaddyRayBurgers.com

Dames BarkPet Care460 Hwy PO’Fallon, MO 63366636-281-9663

Elite Framing and Digital ArtsCustom Framing9963 Winghaven BlvdO’Fallon, MO 63368636-625-0999www.eliteframearts.com

Find Your Piece Consignment ShopConsignment58 Crossroads PlzO’Fallon, MO 63368636-281-1351

Jehling HardwareHome Improvement1133 N Main StO’Fallon, MO 63366636-294-7802www.jehlinghardware.com

Jimmy’s AutomotiveAutomobile: Services, Body, & Repair519 North MainO’Fallon, MO 63366636-272-6500

Johnson Insurance Agency - Farmers InsuranceInsurance Services1153 Bryan RdO’Fallon, MO 63366636-294-3500farmersagent.com/djohnson4

Kumon Math & Reading of O’FallonEducational Services2717 Hwy KO’Fallon, MO 63368636-272-0440

Mass Financial Group - Ethan EitelFinancial Services16690 Swingley Ridge Rd, Ste 240Chesterfi eld, MO 63017636-728-2481

Schneider Real Estate, Rick ChampRealtors: ResidentialOne West Point BlvdSt. Charles, MO 63301314-322-4212www.rickchamp.com

Seacret - Minerals from the Dead SeaHealth/Wellness314-884-8647www.seacretdirect.com/dsw

Spectrum Glass, Inc.Glass & Window Repair955 West Terra LnO’Fallon, MO 63366636-294-1800www.spectrumglassonline.com

The Holt Team - Keller Williams Realty WestRealtors: Residential5377 Hwy NSt. Charles, MO 63304314-277-5881holtteamsells.com

The Law Offi ce of David E. WoodsLegal Services427 West Terra Ln, Ste AO’Fallon, MO 63366636-448-1748

UMB Bank - MonticelloBanks3824 Monticello PlzSt. Charles, MO 63304636-300-2900www.umb.com

NEW MEMBERSA VERY SPECIAL WELCOME!A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME!

DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 11

t Firestone Complete Auto Care we’re more than just experts in tires; we’re also the right spot before and

after things go wrong with your ride, giving you expert maintenance and repairs for whatever ails your car, truck or SUV. Tune-up, oil change, brakes, alignment, car battery — you name it — Firestone Complete Auto Care is nearby to keep you rolling.

Our “Promise to Care” is something that Nikki Ostermeyer, Store Manager at our 504 South Main location and Tim Graves, Store Manager at our Hwy K location take very seriously and it shows. Every

customer is treated with respect and given expert advice from our educated staff. Our experts are also very involved with the community in which they do business.

Firestone Complete Auto Care, with 34 St. Louis District locations is proud to be a member of the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce. As a chamber member, we offer you special discounts -so please mention to our staff that you belong to this wonderful chamber.

So look around. See your recommended maintenance schedule, give us a call and

schedule an appointment. Or just empower yourself with knowledge about auto care.

Firestone Complete Auto Care 504 South Main Nikki OstermeyerStore Manager636-272-6980

Firestone Complete Auto Care3089 Hwy K (at K&N)Tim GravesStore Manager636-978-5886

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE

UMB Bank - WingHavenBanks9957 WingHaven BlvdO’Fallon, MO 63368636-561-5750www.umb.com

Vaz MassageMassage Therapy6698 Keaton Corp Pkwy, Ste 102O’Fallon, MO 63368314-819-3711www.vazmassage.com

NEW MEMBERSCONTINUEDCONTINUED

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12 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | DECEMBER 2012

Keep up to date with news, sales, events and more from your fellow members. Contact Sara at [email protected] to submit your information for future newsletters. Check out www.ofallonchamber.org for more member news and events.

MEMBER MENTIONSNEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Instant Imprints Has Moved!We truly appreciate your business and want to inform everyone that we are moving our location effective December1, 2012. Our new address will be: 3086 WingHaven Blvd., O’Fallon MO 63368. In the Lakeside Shops Center, at the intersection of Hwy. 40 and WingHaven Blvd.

Thanks again, to you, our valued clients and vendors.

Bill Allen / Owner Instant Imprints 9955 Winghaven Blvd. O’Fallon, MO 63368 [email protected] www.instantimprintsstl.com (636) 561-9210

Season Ending….See you in March!The Bag Ladies 2012 season has ended, due to Missouri unstable weather; we will be taking the next few months off from walking.Look for the 2013 calendar with added changes, expanding into Wentzville and looking for dependable walkers. Check it all out my website with the chamber or email: [email protected]. Contact me soon to reserve your spot for March 2013, no competitors in the same bag.

I would like to thank everyone for allowing me to help grow your business one door at a time and wish your business continue success.

Barb Koch, The Bag Ladies636.734.6487

Holiday Open House The Crown Jewels ETC and Mary Kay would like to invite you to enjoy some fun “last minute” holiday shopping at our Holiday Oepn house on December 13, 2013 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Crown Jewels is offering 25% off your holiday purchase and Mary Kay will display some great holiday gift ideas and the new product line. Refreshments will be served. Come on out and support local business owners in your community. Bring friends to make the experience twice as fun. We’ll see you there and Happy Holidays!

The Crown Jewels Etc, is located at 234 Fort Zumwalt Square in O’Fallon, MO 63366.

Toys for Tots DaysSpread Health and Happiness at Toys for Tots Days! Healthy Lige Chiropractic and Wellness invites you to the offi ce for 3 FREE visits! You’ll receive a complimentary chiropractic check up, X-rays (if needed) and a 30 minute massge, November 28th thru December 17th in exchange for a new unwrapped children’s toy (suggested toy value $20). All procedes benefi t the 60th annual U.S. Marine Corp. Reserve Toys for Tots. All donations are welcome whether you wish to receive chiropractic services or not. Healthy Life Chiropractic is located at 1601 Bryan Road, O’Fallon, MO, 636-474-2273.

White Christmas ProgramOn Tuesday December 11, 2012, Steve and Valerie White, along with their employees, will host the 13th annual White Christmas Program. This is a program where the Whites present two refurbished vehicles to deserving individuals in the community. The primary objective of the White ChristmasProgram is to give someone a hand up, not a handout. Past recipients of the “new” cars have made tremendous efforts to improve their lives and fi nancial standing. Having reliable transportationprovides more opportunities to be successful.

Individuals for the White Christmas Program are selected based on need. They must submit an application and explain how receiving an automobile will assist them in becoming self-suffi cient.Candidates must also be insurable.Vehicles chosen for the White Christmas Program are deemed a total loss by either the owner or their insurance company. Oftentimes these cars are older and need minor to moderate mechanical and/or collision repairs to get them road ready and safe to drive. Employees of White Auto Body donatetheir time and talents by performing all needed repairs. They, along with several vendors, will fi ll both cars with Christmas presents for each family. In addition to the “new” car, White Auto Body pays forthe inspections, six months of liability insurance, and all taxes and titling fees. When this year’s recipients receive their cars, they will have no initial out-of-pocket expenses.

2012 is the 13th year that the Steve and Valerie White have given cars to families in the community.This year’s White Christmas Program will bring the total number of donated vehicles to 29!Car presentations will take place at 10 o’clock in O’Fallon and 2 pm in Florissant.

DECEMBER 2012 | BUSINESS CONNECTION | 13

Wednesday, December 5Ribbon CuttingWalter Knoll Florist11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Thursday, December 6Morning SchmoozeAlliance Credit Union7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

New Member Briefi ngO’Fallon Chamber Offi ce3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Happy Hour with the O’Fallon JayceesThe Brass Rail6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Monday, December 10O’Fallon Elite12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Ground BreakingMercy Clinic11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, December 12Masters of BusinessO’Fallon Chamber Offi ce12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Thursday, December 13Casino Night CommitteeO’Fallon Chamber Offi ce09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

CHAMBER CALENDAR DECEMBER 2012

Tuesday, December 18General Membership & Awards LuncheonTrigg Banquet Center11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

O’Fallon Jaycees MeetingRizzo’s6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Thursday, December 20Tech/Comm MeetingSpencer Road Library Branch12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Monday, December 24Christmas EveOffi ce Closed 1/2 Day

Tuesday, December 25ChristmasOffi ce Closed

Saturday, December 29Celebration of Lights Gate NightFort Zumwalt Park5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Congratulations and thank you to the following companies who as of November 2012 have been O’Fallon Chamber members for...

1 YearOASISSAK ConstructionTSYS Merchant Solutions 2 YearsBig River Running CompanyCindy’s Photo ImpressionsGarden Villas of O’FallonMcGurks Public House

T.C. Herring & Associates 3 YearsSocket Telecom 4 YearsDenny and Associates Inc 5 YearsBlome InternationalInstant Imprints

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIESTHANK YOU!THANK YOU!

SunRise United Methodist Church 6 YearsJLJ Technology 7 YearsBMO Harris Bank - Hwy K & Laura Hill 8 YearsRyder Vehicle SalesTimber Creek Grill 9 Years Lindell BankLogan Chiropractic Health

Center 12 YearsGary Elmestad & AssociatesSusie G’s Specialty Cakes 14 YearsO’Fallon Community News 15 YearsCulligan Water Conditioning Company 16 YearsSalvation Army

New members are welcomed at the November General Membership Meeting held at Whitmoor Country Club!

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

Good times and networking at the November Business After Hours hosted by Crown Vision.

Good times and networking at the November Business After Hours hosted by Crown Vision.

Friendly faces at the O’Fallon Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting. If you didn’t make the celebration be sure to stop by for your own personal tour of the new offi ce.

Our judges (local Chamber Executives) looking the part for our fi rst “Chamber’s Got Talent” meeting.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who came out on a beautiful fall day to help set up the Chamber’s display for Celebration of Lights!

Interested in Advertising in theO’Fallon Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS CONNECTION?

Call Brian @ 636-219-9653or email [email protected]