Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2014!

Dear Captains of Commerce and Champions of your Chamber,

At this joyous time of year, I am grateful for the relationship with each and every one of you.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you in 2013.  As this year ends, we think about all we are grateful for. The Chamber appreciates your support and contributions to our organization and to the community.

Thanks to supporters like you, who make our work satisfying and enjoyable, we couldn’t do it without you!  I know the Board feels 2013 was a successful year for the Chamber of Commerce. We were able to exceed our goals and be of service to many of our valued members.  This is only because of the generosity and commitment of people like you…our members.  We look forward to contributing to your success even more in 2014.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2014!

Jackson Tough

Welcome - Assistant Executive Director, Mrs. Peggy (Nichols) Snodgrass.

Good Morning Captains of Commerce!

The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome our new Assistant Executive Director, Mrs. Peggy (Nichols) Snodgrass. Peggy is entering the position vacated by our Sylvia’s retirement. Peggy will begin working with the Chamber of Commerce on Monday December 30^th. Peggy will be assisting me, our Chamber Officers, and the Chamber’s membership (that’s you) plus promote our community to potential new member businesses and visitors.  Peggy attended El Dorado Springs schools and is a life-long resident of the community.

Her most recent career positions were as Deputy County Clerk and Voter Registration for eight years in St. Clair County. Peggy was also the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Secretary & Administrative Assistant for over thirteen years.

I’ve known Peggy for many years and we are very excited to have someone with her talents and ideas joining us in a new chapter in the life of the Chamber of Commerce. She brings many outstanding assets to our organization that I believe will make a positive difference to our membership.  Chamber of Commerce members will have the opportunity to meet and greet Peggy at the January Member’s Luncheon or of course you’re welcome to stop in the office most weekday mornings after the first of the year.

Happy Holidays &…Make it a great day!

Jackson Tough

Christmas Parade is going as planned - 1pm tomorrow!

Good Afternoon,

Please be reminded that the line up for our  ‘Wild West Christmas’ parade will be at 12 noon tomorrow and we will begin the parade  at 1:00pm as planned.  This will be a very exciting time for many folks who are already getting their  Christmas joy in the ‘arena’ !!

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Children’s Lighthouse Theatre for the performance of ‘Rudolph’ at the FBC on Friday evening at 7pm and Saturday at 4pm after the Parade. Tickets are $5.00 or $6.00 at the door.

We will be having our monthly luncheon on Thursday December 12,  this will be an extra special luncheon because our amazing board members will be cooking the soup, dessert etc. for us. The Lunch will be free, but we do ask that you donate a monitory gift or non perishable food items  to give to the Church of Christ Food Pantry.

Thank you for all that you give to and participate in for our community. You are the best !

Enjoy your day

Sylvia

News for December 5, 2013

Good Morning Captains of Commerce!

The Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us in welcoming Physician’s Medical  Equipment & Supply (next to KB Evans Drugstore) as our newest members!  

Remember to get your tickets for the Children’s Lighthouse Theatre performance of ‘Rudolph’ at the FBC on Friday evening at 7pm and Saturday at 4pm after the Parade. Tickets are $5.00 or $6.00 at the door.

Enjoy your day

Sylvia

Chamber Assistant Director Needed - We will miss Syliva!!

Good morning Captains of Commerce -

As many of you know the word has “gotten around” and those at the luncheon last week learned that with great hesitancy we accepted Assistant Director Sylvia Ackley’s retirement resignation.  Her time doing ministry work has been increasing steadily and she feels the need to devote more of herself to that honorable pursuit. Sylvia will be staying with us through December to assist in our holiday events and taking care of any loose ends.  We wish Sylvia continued happiness in her her ministry. Please wish her well when you see her.

In the meantime please keep in mind we will need to be searching for a capable Chamber Assistant Director. I’d like to have someone hired so they might spend a few days with Sylvia before her departure.

Summary of Position: Do you LOVE El Dorado Springs? First and foremost you must have a passion for our community! This position is designed to assist the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, along with Chamber Officers/Board of Directors. Hours vary about 8-12/week, mostly 9am-12pm, weekdays. Below are some of the responsibilities of the position. Keep in mind, many of them are done sporadically (not on a daily basis).

Job Responsibilities: (Desired Qualifications including, but not limited to…)

Administrative & Office Duties

• Assist in the overall success of the membership program and the Chamber

• Welcome and assist members, potential members, visitors, and tourists

• Prepare monthly Chamber newsletter & social media marketing (facebook, etc.)

• Update database of members, chamber contacts & mailing lists

• Make meeting reminder calls and assist/prepare meeting info for committees

• Maintain files and notes for committees and for the Executive Director

• Maintain Community Calendar of Events

• Coordinate special projects as assigned

• Record board meeting minutes

• Manage Chamber Collector Plate series inventory and any other Chamber souvenir sales

• Office appearance maintenance (light dusting, sweeping, cleaning)

Other duties as assigned

Event Coordination

• Assist in planning and logistics for on-site and off-site Chamber events and meetings

• Demonstrated skills in event management, sales and fundraising

• Superb customer service skills

• Ability to develop and maintain good relationships

• Excellent telephone skills

• Professional appearance

• Working knowledge of business

• Professional and mature attitude; remains calm under pressure (if you’ve worked with Jackson you know what we mean).

• Clear verbal and written communication skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, Publisher, etc.)

If you, or someone you know is interested in knowing more about the position or applying, contact the Chamber weekday mornings for more information. The Chamber of Commerce is of course an equal opportunity employer.

Make it a great day!

W. Jackson Tough
Executive Director
Chamber of Commerce
1303 S. Hwy 32 (at Hwy 54)
El Dorado Springs, MO 64744
Office: (417) 876-4154
Email: director@eldoradospringschamber.com
Web: www.eldoradospringschamber.com

Upcoming Event Reminders

4th Friday Coffee

Today from 8-9am at Home Team Realty for October’s 4th Friday Coffee.  Ann is busy baking some treats for us and I think she has Al moving a picture or a chair or something around the new office at Highway 54 and Park Street.  We will also have their Ribbon Cutting at the end of the coffee so please plan to attend.

Spring City Spooktacular 

Big news!  The Spring City Spooktacular is happening in Spring Park on Halloween evening.  If you want to be a part of making this a super-spooky event for our community you can participate FREE of charge this year!  All you have to do is call Kimball Long to RSVP (876-3841) and show up to the park with some goodies for the kids (and even parents). It’s great fun and a great opportunity to show your community spirit!  Businesses set-up about 5pm and the kids are invited to begin at 6pm.

New Photo Gallery

The Chamber of Commerce has a new Photo Gallery on www.eldoradospringschamber.com!  Make sure you check it out to see if you’re in any shots.  Keep checking back often too because we will continually add new photos of members around town!

We hope to see you at 4th Friday Coffee in the morning!  Until then...Make it a great day!

W. Jackson Tough
Executive Director
Chamber of Commerce

Fourth Friday Coffee & Ribbon Cutting

Good morning Captains of Commerce!

I want to give you a special invitation to join us for our Fourth Friday Coffee & Ribbon Cutting event at one of El Dorado Springs’ newest businesses. We will be at Home Team Realty from 8-9am this Friday morning. We will also have their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the end of the coffee. 

Al has been assisting folks with their Real Estate transactions since 2005 and now is the broker of his own office at 312 East Hwy 54 #B, at the Park Street intersection.  I hear that Ann is making some delicious home baked goodies for the coffee too!  So make sure you come by and welcome them this Friday morning!

Until then...Make it a great day!

Friday - September 20

Good Friday morning Captains of Commerce!

I want to encourage you to join us as a participant in the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and Benefit Auction! Thanks to those that have already committed to support the Chamber of Commerce banquet & auction. You are the life-blood of our organization.

We’ve had some folks inquire about being Table Sponsors, unfortunately those are all filled up.  But the good news is there are other ways to participate!

We do still have a few opportunities for your business to be a Corporate Sponsor!  Your sponsorship includes signage and recognition via banners, local media outlets, over PA addresses, in banquet programs, and MUCH more. Sponsors will be in front of HUNDREDS (if not THOUSANDS) at the Christmas Parade, Christmas Lighting Ceremony, and at the Banquet! And we’ve LOWERED THE INVESTMENT per event this year! Just call me for details.

There is still time for you to be included in our Live / Silent Auction...And we need YOUR donation.  Whether it is an item from your retail store or if you’re a professional with no item to sell we would love a monetary donation to purchase an item, sponsored by your business to sell at the auction. 

We have a very important deadline upcoming. To be listed as a Corporate Sponsor or an Auction Sponsor in banquet programs we MUST have your forms by Monday at 11am. It takes time to put those together so we need all info prior to the event.  So please contact us before that deadline.

The funds we raise are vital to keeping an active local Chamber of Commerce that benefits all of our local merchants.  We appreciate you taking an active part in supporting our business community.

Note: We have been having technical difficulties in receiving email. We hope to have the issue resolved today or Monday. So please contact us by phone to insure communications.

W. Jackson Tough
Executive Director
Chamber of Commerce

Monday - September 16

Good day Captains of Commerce!

There are only 4 FREE Table Sponsorships left available, so if you want to get a table please let us know before they’re gone!

Recognized current Table Sponsors are:  Sac Osage Electric, Sonic, 31/WINGS, KB Evans Drugs, CCMH, Mid Missouri Bank, H&R Block, Cedar County Republican, Family Chiropractic/Oasis Spa, State Farm Insurance, Shelter Insurance, Missouri Farm Bureau, Partners In the Community, Sac Osage Home Health Care.

We also have a limited number of Corporate Sponsorships available! 

Corporate Sponsors include: Woods, Heritage State Bank, Missouri Farm Bureau, Evans Drugs, & State Farm Insurance.

So if you haven’t turned in your Corporate Sponsor partner sheet to the Chamber, we don’t have your business listed yet.  So make sure you let us know if you want a TON of exposure for your business at the Awards Banquet, the Christmas Lighting Ceremony and the Christmas Parade this year!

We also need your auction items so so we can list it in the banquet program...make sure you contact us if you need a committee member to pick yours up. 

Thanks so very much for all your generosity in support of your Chamber of Commerce!

W. Jackson Tough
Executive Director
Chamber of Commerce