Contents

  6 Board of Directors & Chamber Team

  8 Who We Are

12 Why I Love…

16 Committees

20 L.E.A.D. Independence

22 Independence Young Professionals

24 Independence Economic Development Partnership (IEDP)

26 Calendar of Events

28 SantaCaliGon Days Festival

32 2023 Year in Review

33 Community of Excellence

38 Directory

Independence
Chamber of Commerce

210 West Truman Road

Independence, MO 64050

816-252-4745

[email protected] | ichamber.biz

ON THE COVER:

Cargo Largo Headquarters image by Mikealene Evans

Message from the Chair

Thank you for investing in the Independence Chamber of Commerce. Your membership means programs, networking and information. It means supporting over 600 businesses … businesses that are you: Businesses that make our city great. This membership directory is a useful resource to keep handy when you’re in need of a product or service and want to support other local businesses like yours. Buy local first.

This year, 2024, is off to a busy start. I like to call it a good-busy start. As I am out and about, I see progress; ground being developed, new businesses opening, and trash being picked up. Businesses and organizations are working hard to improve and make the City of Independence a good place for our children and grandchildren. Local businesses, whether small or large, are at the backbone of making that happen.

We are more than a suburban city in Jackson County. Harry S. Truman represented us nationally and walked our sidewalks. The Historic Independence Square has endless stories of hardworking people and businesses that came from afar and made their home here. In a few years, international travelers will experience our city as they attend FIFA World Cup soccer games played right in our backyard.

Your Chamber is working hard and will continue to work hard to connect us and promote us. The Chamber’s goal is you: To help you to take advantage of all the local and regional opportunities you want. A strong business community is good business and ultimately benefits all.

Again, thank you for your membership and commitment to the Independence Chamber of Commerce. One last thing … when possible, buy local first.

Yvonne Hall

2024 Chair of the Board

OFFICERS

Yvonne Hall

Chair of the Board

Blue Ridge Bank & Trust

Matt Medley

Past Chair of the Board

3 Trails Brewing Co.

Doug Cowan

Chair Elect

Community Services League

Mary House

Treasurer

Cruise Planners

DIRECTORS

Michael Baxley

Englewood Arts

Cori Day

Worlds of Fun

Patrick Farrell

NorthWest Communities Development Corp.

Ron Finke

Stewardship Capital

Charline Gray

The Cleaning Crew KC

Eric Knipp

I360 Insurance, LLC

Bret Kolman

3.14 Catalyst

Christina Leakey

Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity

Cindi Rogers

Independence Square Association

Alicia Scott

Alicia Scott State Farm Agency

Brad Smith

Drumm Farm Center for Children

Kenny Soule

Asphaltic Surfaces

Terri Steele

Evans & Steele Financial, LLC.

Laurie Dean Wiley

Hoot Owl Financial

Susan Wray

Mid-Continent Public Library

Jonathan Zerr

Kapke & Willerth, LLC

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

Kelly Anders, J.D., M.L.S.

Harry S Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Dr. Dale Herl

Independence School District

Dr. Robert Jerome

Blue Springs School District

Sue Gochis

MCC-Blue River & MCC-Business & Technology

Dr. Jason Snodgrass

Fort Osage School District

Zach Walker

City of Independence

CHAMBER TEAM

Tom Lesnak

President & CEO

[email protected]

Lynne Baker

Business to Education Connector

[email protected]

Mara Bradford

Administrative Assistant & Events Coordinator

[email protected]

Mikealene Evans

Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

Amy Knipp

SantaCaliGon Festival Director

[email protected]

Jodi Krantz

Sr. Vice President of Economic Development

[email protected]

Paula McKinney

Director of Membership Services

[email protected]

Kris Zerr

Vice President & Director of Finance

[email protected]

Independence Chamber of Commerce

210 West Truman Road

Independence, MO 64050

816-252-4745

[email protected], chamber.biz

Fostering Advocacy

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

• • 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. We …

• • 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 a marketing plan that puts members as the focal point.
  
• • Create a team approach for the 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.
We …

• • 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 a guide for new residents to help them find resources and services.
  
• • Present the 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. We …

• • Create educational opportunities to support professional development of our members.
  
• • Continue collaborative support of ISD Academies program with a Business to Education Connector staff position to foster stronger links between educational institutions and employers.
  
• • Encourage participation in a 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. We …

• • Host event(s) 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. We …

• • 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 loans 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.”

Why I LOVE

the Independence Chamber of Commerce
- Member Testimonials

Experience the power of community-driven success.

Your journey towards business excellence begins here. Embrace the support, connections, and opportunities that only the Independence Chamber of Commerce can provide. Here are a few testimonials from our members.

GET INVOLVED

Join a Chamber committee!

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, [email protected]

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. The committee is open to join year-round.

Public Policy Committee

Committee Coordinator: Tom Lesnak, [email protected]

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 3rd Friday of the month, 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce.

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

iN Biz Resource Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mikealene Evans, [email protected] and Jodi Krantz, [email protected]

Purpose: iN Biz assists business members with programs and resources to enhance success. Helps plan/organize the Small Business Breakfast Club, Speaker Series and Industry Tours.

Meets 4 times a year, or as needed: February, April, August & November
8:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Marketing Committee

Committee Coordinator: Mikealene Evans, [email protected]

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

Meets quarterly or as needed, at the Independence Chamber of Commerce.  (NOTE:  Time & Day subject to change.) 

LEAD Independence Steering Committee

Committee Coordinator: Paula McKinney,
[email protected]

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. The committee is open to all members that have graduated from the LEAD program.

Young Professionals (YIPs)

Committee Coordinator: Mara Bradford,
[email protected]

Purpose: Networking, professional development and hosting quarterly Lunch and Learns

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,
[email protected]

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. The committee is open to join year-round with a $500 yearly investment.

SantaCaliGon Days Festival (SCG) Committee

Committee Coordinator: Amy Knipp,
[email protected]

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,
[email protected]

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.

Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at the Chamber of Commerce

Golf Committee

Committee Coordinator: Paula McKinney,
[email protected]

Purpose: Plans and executes 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.

L.E.A.D. INDEPENDENCE

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.

2023-2024 STEERING COMMITTEE

Adam Kisler Hillcrest Transitional Housing

Amy Knipp Independence Chamber of Commerce

Angie Judy ERA McClain Brothers

Dana Hetrick Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc.

Danielle Dupree Ennovation Center

Jodi Krantz Independence Economic Development Council

Janelle Scofield City of Independence Emergency Management

Jarvis Sackman Hillcrest Transitional Housing

Karen Kroenke The Arc of the Ozarks

Kris Zerr Independence Chamber of Commerce

Lynne Baker Independence Chamber of Commerce

Mike Ditamore City of Independence Fire Dept.

Pat Farrell Sibley Orchards

Paula McKinney Independence Chamber of Commerce

Sarah Wimberley St. Mark’s United Methodist

INDEPENDENCE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Who We Are?

The Independence Young Professionals 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 encouraged but not 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. There is no specific age limit for this group.

Purpose

Independence Young 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 quarterly

•  Time commitment: Attend one-hour networking and educational events and other projects throughout the year

•  Committee is open to join year-round

Questions

Contact the Independence Chamber at [email protected], 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.

210 W. Truman Road,
Independence, MO 64050
(816) 252-4745
indeppartnership.biz

SantaCaliGon® Days Festival: Over 50 Years of Family Fun and Heritage in Independence

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

Labor Day Weekend marks the onset of fall and the beginning of festival season, with the renowned SantaCaliGon® Days Festival returning to Independence. Organized by the Independence Chamber of Commerce for over half a century, this year’s festivities will run from August 30 to September 2, attracting over 250,000 visitors to the historic square of Independence, Missouri, and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Originating in 1940 to honor Independence’s pivotal role as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails, the festival, initially named Three Trails Days, underwent a revival in 1973, now bearing the title Santa-Cali-Gon Days. Evolving into a premier national event, it offers an array of entertainment and attractions for all ages, including a diverse selection of food, artisanal crafts, and exhilarating carnival rides.

Spanning nine square blocks of downtown Independence, the festival’s vendor booths call to mind the era when the same streets bustled with blacksmiths and merchants outfitting wagon trains bound for the western frontier. Today, attendees can explore demonstrations of traditional trades, browse handcrafted goods, and savor a multitude of culinary delights.

The festival’s Main Stage has hosted esteemed country music acts, while the Community Stage showcases local talent, providing a dynamic blend of entertainment for festival-goers. Additionally, Main Street 1849, offers an interactive experience, allowing guests to engage with pioneer actors and celebrate the region’s pioneering heritage.

Tom Lesnak, President of the Independence Chamber of Commerce, invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the festivities, promising a weekend filled with shopping, delectable delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The festival provides exceptional sponsorship opportunities, with extensive brand exposure across various media channels, ensuring a significant return on investment for sponsors. Additionally, it serves as a vital fundraising platform for local nonprofits, enabling them to meet their financial goals.

Come and witness history, revel in fantastic entertainment, and discover a diverse array of products at SantaCaliGon® Days Festival – a community celebration where there truly is something for everyone.

For more information and updates, visit www.SantaCaliGon.com.