Message from the Chair

The Independence Chamber of Commerce is an organization that assists businesses and individuals to be leaders in the community.

Leadership is a very important role in any community. Without leaders, the community would not be able to function properly. A leader is someone who has the courage and determination to take charge and make decisions even when an outcome is unknown. Leaders are also responsible for motivating their fellow members of the community to work together towards a common goal.

Leaders play an important role in building strong communities because they help people get together and form bonds that can last for years or even forever. There are many ways that you can build strong communities with your friends, family, colleagues or neighbors, but one of the best ways is by becoming a leader within your own social circle. The more people you can inspire to become leaders within their own social circles, the stronger your community will be as a whole.

You know what a President of the United States, Patrick Mahomes, and everyone in the room have in common? We are all leaders. So, lead!

Thank you for being a leader in the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

Matt Medley

2023 Chair of the Board

Independence Chamber of Commerce

Contents

Independence
Chamber of Commerce

210 West Truman Road

Independence, MO 64050

816-252-4745

info@ichamber.biz | ichamber.biz

ON THE COVER:

Renderings of the new NorthPoint Development Eastgate Commerce Center

Image by Mikealene Evans

This is a Town Square Publications, formerly MetroMedia (since 1997), publication created
and produced for the Independence
Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | marketing@tspubs.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square Is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Sales | Tammie Easson

Editor | Mia Katz

Design Project Manager | Katharene DeLorenzo

Board of Directors & Chamber Team

Who We Are

LEAD

Committees

Young Independence Professionals (YIPs)

Independence Economic Development
Partnership (IEDP)

Calendar of Events

SantaCaliGon Days Festival

2022 Year in Review

Community of Excellence

Alphabetical Directory

Business Directory

WHO WE ARE

Your business is our focus…

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

The Independence Chamber of Commerce is a group of dedicated individuals who work together to promote the efforts of local businesses through leadership in economic, social and political development for more than 100 years. The Chamber is a strong voice for the business community, a tie that binds everyone from entrepreneurs and small-business owners to major distributors and big-box retailers. Our goal is simple — to provide leadership that builds a business community of excellence.

Our Core Values

THE MISSION of the Independence Chamber of Commerce is to be a member-driven chamber of influence providing effective connections that enhance advocacy, business development and community investment in Independence and the surrounding areas.

THE VISION of the Independence Chamber of Commerce is to be the premier “voice of business” acting as a catalyst for economic prosperity and to be the developer of tomorrow’s business and community leaders.

OUR VALUES….The Independence Chamber of Commerce believes that our image in the community with our stakeholders – our members, elected officials, future members and collaborative partners — is paramount to the success of the organization. With this in mind, we will incorporate our values into our messages and actions. We will adhere to these values as a means to establish trust and ensure a positive reputation as an organization that is working to help our members and the community we serve be successful.

• • MEMBER-DRIVEN – We appreciate and value that our members are our core existence. We will strive to provide an environment that assists them in telling their story and contributes to our members’ success.
  
• • EXCELLENCE – We will always strive for excellence in all that we say and do.
  
• • COLLABORATIVE – We will welcome all opportunities for collaboration and inclusion in meeting the needs of our members and our community. We will work toward a common vision.
  
• • INTEGRITY – We will ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good. We will be consistent and keep our commitments.
  
• • LEADERSHIP – We will be true to our role as the business leader in the community and be a model to others in our community. We will offer our talent and expertise for the betterment of Independence. We will properly use our influence and exhibit the skills of leaders to ensure the success of our organization and our region.

2023 Organizational Priorities

Economic Development

• • Development and implementation of a new strategic plan for economic development which is action-oriented.
  

Membership

• • Create a quarterly “business field trip” program to give members a “behind the scenes” view of a business or development project.
  
• • Develop and implement a new portal/web page for online educational resources that are available to members.
  
• • Host one major event per month but with additional smaller events for networking and educational programming.
  
• • Support and assist in the development of a satellite Chamber in Sugar Creek.
  

Community Affairs

• • Creation of Committee/programming on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
  
• • Reinstate the Community Exchange program.
  
• • Public Policy
  
• • Lead effort to approve, fund, and develop a new justice center.
  

Marketing

• • Marketing campaign to promote a positive image of Independence using the keyword #IndyUp in our messaging.
  

SantaCaliGon

• • Support and contribute to the discussion and planning of a new Frontier Trails Museum which would include the capacity to be a permanent location for the SantaCaliGon Festival.

Fostering Advocacy

Strategic Vision: We will build our influence and visibility within Independence and the surrounding region

• • Represent business interests to all levels of government.
  
• • Develop position statements in consultation with the Public Policy Committee on issues important to the business community
  
• • Communicate legislative priorities to the membership as approved by the Board of Directors.
  
• • Host monthly legislative briefings featuring elected officials from both the state and local levels to provide opportunities for members to interact with government officials at all levels.
  
• • Explore positives/negatives of establishing a political action committee (PAC) and endorsement of candidates for public office.
  

Committee Responsibility: Public Policy

Providing Value and Connections for our Members

Strategic Vision: Create and strengthen collaborative relationships and alliances – both among members and as an organization. Engage and empower our members through high-quality core services and innovative and responsive new services with an ultimate goal of telling our member’s story.

• • Provide programming that is topical, relevant, and provides value to our members who participate in monthly luncheons, lunch and learns, virtual and on-demand.
  
• • Identify and implement new programming to enhance member satisfaction and increase non-dues revenue.
  
• • Expand use of video/multimedia to support and highlight our members.
  
• • Sponsor and promote programming that helps Chamber members to improve customer service, become more profitable, expand their network of business contacts, achieve competitive marketing advantages and become more responsive to consumer needs.
  
• • Create networking opportunities that include in-person as well as virtual.
  
• • Develop marketing plan that puts members as the focal point.
  
• • Creation of team approach for Ambassador’s program to enhance accountability.
  
• • Expand new member mentoring program to assist with onboarding and continual engagement with Chamber activities.
  

Committee Responsibility: Membership, Ambassadors, Marketing

Enhancing Our Community

Strategic Vision: Using the resources of the organization to enhance the community as a place to live, work and play.

• • Continue to explore opportunities to enhance housing and improve neighborhoods.
  
• • Present annual SantaCaliGon Festival to celebrate the history of the community and provide family-oriented experiences for all attendees.
  
• • Provide guide for new residents to help them find resources and services.
  
• • Present annual Halloween parade.
  
• • Explore long-term permanent location for SantaCaliGon Festival.
  

Committee Responsibility: Community Development, Quality Housing & Safe Neighborhoods, Economic Development, SantaCaliGon

Growing Talent

Strategic Vision: Promote talent and skill development through teaching, training and access to quality business education.

• • Create educational opportunities to support professional development of our members.
  
• • Continue collaborative support of ISD Academies program with Business to Education Connector staff position to foster stronger links between educational institutions and employers.
  
• • Encourage participation in L.E.A.D. program to develop the next generation of Chamber and community leadership.
  

Committee Responsibility: InBiz, Marketing, Membership

Celebrate Success

Strategic Vision: Recognizing the success of our members, the organization and the community as a whole.

• • Host event recognizing the heroic efforts of our first responders.
  
• • Use our social media platforms to extend the reach of our members through cross-posting their successes.
  

Committee Responsibility: Community Development, Economic Development, Marketing

Building Strength/Organizational Performance

Strategic Vision: Strengthen our financial and operational performance through best practices, innovation and continuous improvement.

• • Continue to assess and enhance membership tier level benefits to provide the greatest value to our members.
  
• • Provide sponsorship opportunities that create positive exposure for our members and produce additional revenue for the organization.
  
• • Accelerate payment of debt service as resources allow prioritizing repayment of HVAC loan followed by EIDL.
  

Committee Responsibility: InBiz, Membership, Finance

We welcome members to join a committee and use their talents and ideas to help further the goals and objectives of the Independence Chamber.

Charline Traylor - Owner of The Cleaning Crew of KC LLC

"If you're looking for more than just networking and also a long-lasting relationship, The Independence Chamber has been that and more for me. If you would like to build your business, meet new friends and have some helpful resources come see what the chamber has to offer.”

Jarvis Sackman - Director of Resource Development - Hillcrest Transitional Housing

"I found it crucial that to achieve the success I desired, I had to get involved and find my way around. The Independence Chamber was the starting point that I needed. Whether at a luncheon, ribbon-cutting, or an after-hours event, there are always ample opportunities to promote yourself and your business; you know when you show up, you’re going to meet someone new. Thank you to my friends at the Independence Chamber, a place I always feel welcome!”

Mary House - Franchise Owner - Cruise Planners

"Over the past 16 years the best decision I made was to join the Chamber. The more I invested my time, the more I gained in knowledge and long lasting relationships. These are just a few of the benefits I have received by being a member of the Chamber.”

GAIN ACCESS TO YOUR EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP PORTAL

Being an entrepreneur or business owner in Independence doesn’t have to be hard.
Join a community full of like-minded leaders ready to help your business thrive.

L.E.A.D.

L.E.A.D Independence

Developed by the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Education And Development (L.E.A.D.) Independence aims to provide a network of informed leaders with a commitment to the continued growth and development of our city. L.E.A.D. Independence provides a road map for successful community development through interaction with key community leaders and the issues that make Independence distinctive.

How Does It Work?

Selected candidates make a commitment to participate in a structured nine-month program.

In September, the class gathers for an orientation team-building retreat. October through May, the class meets on the third Thursday of each month for an eight-hour session.

Class members form task forces to explore a variety of timely issues. Issues for discussion have included such topics as education, health care, government, tourism, social services and economic development.

The task forces research their subjects and present information to the class through guest speakers, tours, panel discussions, informal question-and-answer sessions and on-site visitations. A variety of community leaders and experts are invited to participate in these sessions. Each task force is challenged to devise innovative programs on their subject.

Who Benefits?

Everyone! The community, the candidate and sponsoring organizations.

•  The community receives an expanding source of informed, dedicated leaders.

•  The candidates obtain a wealth of information about Independence, as well as involvement with key leaders in the community during the course.

•  The sponsoring organizations benefit from the management development of their participants, in addition to achieving better community relations due to the networking of the men and women in L.E.A.D. Independence.

What Happens at the End?

The end of the program is just the beginning for participants. L.E.A.D. graduates are positioned to easily transition into becoming active in the community – and are encouraged to do so.

The Alumni Association provides educational and social opportunities for participants to continue to meet. Alumni also assist in planning future L.E.A.D. programs.

In its 30-year existence, the program has graduated more than 600 individuals. Many graduates have made significant contributions to our community in a variety of leadership roles and have remained in contact with their classmates.

The cost of the nine-month LEAD program is $600/participant.

2022-2023 STEERING COMMITTEE

Adam Kisler Community Services League

Angie Judy ERA McClain Brothers

Jodi Krantz Independence Economic Development Council

Karen Kroenke The Arc of the Ozarks

Kris Zerr Independence Chamber of Commerce

Laurie Dean Wiley Hoot Owl Financial

Lynne Baker Independence Chamber of Commerce

Mike Ditamore City of Independence Fire Dept.

Pat Farrell Sibley Orchards

Samantha Moore City of Independence

Sarah Wimberley St. Mark’s United Methodist

Scott Moore Fort Osage School District

Tatia Shelton MCC-Blue River

GET INVOLVED

Being a member of the Chamber has many benefits; one of the most valuable is the opportunity to help shape your community by serving on a committee. The Chamber has a variety of committees in place that help promote and sustain the economic vitality of the community. This is your opportunity to truly get involved and help shape the future of the community where you live, work and play.

Joining a committee is also a great place to network with fellow Chamber members while working toward a common goal. You will meet other Chamber members with common interests, and you could have the opportunity to work with community leaders.

These are the current committees available for you to get involved with:

Ambassadors Committee

Committee Coordinator: Paula McKinney, paula@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Ambassadors help promote the Chamber, support Chamber functions and work to retain and build membership.

Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.

Time commitment: Attend one-hour monthly meeting, approximately three hours attending events per month, approximately three hours calling and follow-ups with current/prospective members per month. Committee is open to join year-round.

Public Policy Committee

Committee Coordinator: Tom Lesnak, tom@ichamber.biz

Purpose: This committee creates the annual Legislative Agenda. Ensures communications with local, state and federal offices and elected officials. Organizes trips to Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., when necessary. Hosts Legislative Briefings (state and federal).

Meets 1st Monday of the month, 4 p.m.

Time commitment: Attending one-hour meetings monthly and as needed for other projects throughout the year. Committee is open to join year-round.

iN Biz Resource Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mikealene Evans, mikealene@ichamber.biz and Jodi Krantz, jodi@ichamber.biz

Purpose: iN Biz assists business members with programs and resources to enhance success. Helps plan/organize the Speaker Series.

Meets 1st Tuesday of the month, 8:30 a.m. via Zoom

Marketing Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mikealene Evans, mikealene@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Communicates the value and activities of the Chamber and the business community.

Meets the 3rd Friday every other month at 10 a.m., at the Independence Chamber of Commerce. (NOTE: Time & Day subject to change.)

Academies of the Independence School District (ISD) Advisory Committee

Committee Coordinator: Lynne Baker, lynne@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Obtains business partners for multiple Academies of ISD events, job shadowing for teachers and students, and speakers for the classroom.

Meetings vary.

Time commitment: As needed for different events throughout the year. Committee is open to all business partners.

LEAD Independence Steering Committee

Committee Coordinator: Paula McKinney, paula@ichamber.biz and Kris Zerr, kris@ichamber.biz

Purpose: The committee recruits new participants, plans and executes the retreat and graduation, and is a liaison for specific LEAD groups.

Meetings vary depending on the time of year.

Time commitment: Attending meetings as needed and help on LEAD days. Committee is open to all members that have graduated from the LEAD program.

Young Professionals (YIPs)

Committee Coordinator: Mara Bradford, mara@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Networking, professional development and hosting quarterly Lunch and Learns with the iN Biz Committee.

The YIPs meet the 2nd Thursday of the month and alternate with coffee and happy-hour networking.

Independence Civic Council (ICC)

Committee Coordinator: Tom Lesnak, tom@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Community leaders invest $500 per year to support selected local initiatives that benefit Independence.

Meets upon the direction of the Chairman.

Time commitment: As needed. Committee is open to join year-round with a $500 yearly investment.

SantaCaliGon Days Festival (SCG) Committee

Committee Coordinator: Amy Knipp, amy@ichamber.biz

Purpose: The SCG Committee plans and executes the largest and oldest street festival in Jackson County.

NOTE: This committee is currently at capacity but volunteers for the festival are always needed.

Community Affairs Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mara Bradford, mara@ichamber.biz

Purpose: The committee will be responsible for oversight on our community-based events such as First Responders, Halloween Parade, and our DEI initiative and other Chamber events as needed.

Schedule determined by the subcommittee.

Golf Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mara Bradford, mara@ichamber.biz

Purpose: Plans and executes the Mini Golf Tournament and the Annual Golf Classic

Meetings start in March and vary until the event is complete in June. Committee established in March.

Time commitment: Attend hour-long meetings biweekly, April-June; approximately two hours making calls to obtain sponsors, goodie bag donations, teams; working event day.

Please contact the Chamber if you have
any questions regarding the committees
(816) 252-4745.

Young Independence Professionals (YIPs)

Who We Are?

The Independence Young Professionals (YIP’s) is a program developed by the Chamber of Commerce to provide professional and social opportunities for the next generation of business and civic leaders. Participants are required to be a Chamber member and will enjoy social networking, educational programs, and community service activities that follow the goals and the philosophies of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. This group is specifically designed for those under the age of 40.

Purpose

Young Independence Professionals isn’t just about meeting new people through networking events. At our core is a solid mission that strives to serve and enhance our community. Our core endeavors are to not just provide content or activities, but to truly make a positive connection within the members of the organization. This connection will help our members grow roots in Independence and help those roots mature into a real desire to make an impact in this great area we call home.

Details

•  Meets monthly

•  Time commitment: Attend one-hour monthly meeting and as needed for other projects throughout the year

•  Committee is open to join year-round

•  Chamber Membership required

Questions

Email Mara Bradford at mara@ichamber.biz, or call (816) 252-4745.

Independence Economic Development Partnership (IEDP)

About

The Independence Economic Development Partnership is a nonprofit, public/private partnership, which was established in 1983 for the purpose of supporting and enhancing the economic growth of Independence.

Our Mission

To support the economic growth of Independence through the creation of new employment opportunities and the attraction of private capital investment.

•  By working collaboratively, we help provide business leadership, bipartisan problem-solving, and data-driven strategies to get results for the businesses of the City of Independence, Missouri.

•  Our available data systems compile the latest trends, research, and recommendations for doing business in the area.

•  We communicate ideas for increased revenue and location scouting.

•  IEDP is focused on initiatives that will create a city-wide impact.

Grow Your Business

We are a one-stop shop for assisting your business. Whether you are looking for a new location, or needing assistance to support your growth, our team is here to help.

Core Services

Business Attraction, Existing Business, New Business Start Ups, Incentives, Location Assistance, and Business Retention and Expansion.

Why Join IEDP?

The partnership of the public and private sector helps support the growth of new jobs and attracts capital investment.

2023

Chamber Signature Events Calendar

June

1

Annual Chamber Member Appreciation Picnic

June

30

43rd Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Winterstone Golf Course

Sept

1-4

SantaCaliGon Days Festival

Historic Independence Square

Oct

28

75th Annual Halloween Parade

Historic Independence Square

Nov

2

Business After Hours
Progressive Party

Independence Chamber of Commerce

Visit the Chamber website for more information about

these events and more:

www.iChamber.biz

SantaCaliGon® Days Festival Bringing Family Fun and Entertainment to Independence for More Than 50 Years

A longstanding Independence tradition commemorating the origin of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails during the westward expansion

Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial start of Fall, which means it’s festival season. The SantaCaliGon® Days Festival, hosted by the Independence Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years, will take place over Labor Day Weekend – this year from Sept. 1-4, 2023. The festival, which draws more than 300,000 attendees and contributes millions of dollars in economic impact, will take place on the square in historic Independence, Missouri.

The annual SantaCaliGon® Days Festival commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails in Independence during the country’s great westward expansion by early pioneers. The first SantaCaliGon Days Festival was held in 1940 to celebrate the unique heritage of the City of Independence as the starting point of the three trails. A second celebration was held after World War II in 1947. The festival was not held again until 1973.

The festival, then called Three Trails Days, featured a beard and mustache contest, the Miss Independence pageant and a pioneer costume contest. In 1974, the festival was renamed Santa-Cali-Gon Days, a name originally penned by Velma Katschkowsky in a 1940 contest to name the festival. The event has evolved into one of the nation’s premier festivals, drawing more than 300,000 people to celebrate the end-of-summer at the region’s oldest and largest FREE festival, featuring entertainment and fun for the whole family! Unique food, handcrafted arts and crafts, a world-class carnival and two stages offer great entertainment and a fun-filled, memorable event for all ages.

Vendor booths occupy nine square blocks in the historic downtown of Independence — the same location that blacksmiths and merchants outfitted wagon trains for their long and arduous trek west of the Missouri River in the 1800s. Today, festival goers enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, wood carving and other trades; a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, soaps and wood crafts; as well as popular festival fare including everything from homemade root beer and kettle corn, to steak sandwiches and Greek salad. Arts and crafts, as well as commercial vendors, are welcome to showcase their products and services at SCG. Online registration is available for the 2023 festival at www.SantaCaliGon.com.

The festival’s Main Stage has featured many national country music acts such as artists Clint Black, the Dixie Chicks, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldridge, as well as legendary artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Wynonna (Judd) and the Big Noise, who did not disappoint. Most recently, country music’s award-winning bands, Sawyer Brown, Little Texas and Lonestar performed. The popular Community Stage features local and regional talent throughout the daytime and local bands in the evening, where you can kick back and enjoy live music under the night sky.

Experience the past at Main Street 1849 (presented by the City of Independence), located on Main Street between Lexington and Kansas streets; guests can enjoy live entertainment, games and activities, live demonstrations and celebrate our pioneering past by interacting with true-to-life pioneer actors.

“Mark your calendar to spend Labor Day Weekend with us in Independence, Missouri this year,” said Independence Chamber of Commerce President, Tom Lesnak. Lesnak explained that your journey will leave you “with amazing shopping that includes over 500 vendor booths to explore, unique festival food, contests, live entertainment on three stages, and a carnival for the young and young at heart.”

The festival provides an excellent value for sponsors, as the venue attracts large audiences and the comprehensive marketing strategy is highly effective. Logo recognition in signage, programs, maps, as well as on billboards, television, radio and social media are included in that plan. The return on sponsorship investment is phenomenal.

The festival has also proven to be a successful fundraising opportunity for local nonprofits. More than 50 organizations report earning nearly 100% of their annual budget at SCG.

Witness history, enjoy great entertainment by talented performers, check out products created by artists, entrepreneurs and craftsmen. It’s a big community party where there is truly something for everyone!

For more information about the festival visit www.SantaCaliGon.com.