Chamber Chat 2-7-14

Good morning Captains of Commerce!

This is your “Chamber Chat” email just full of information and our community’s business news.

The MODOT transportation wish list presentation was postponed until the end of this month. I spoke with City Manager Bruce Rogers, Mayor Brad True, El Do Special Road District Commissioner Lalan Cole and others about potential projects. If you have any ideas make sure you share them with the Chamber.

Shelter Insurance Foundation & Travis Farran are awarding a $2,000 scholarship to an El Dorado Springs graduating senior this spring.  Applicants will be considered based on scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, character, and community / school participation & leadership. For more information contact your high school councilor, principal, or Shelter Insurance agent Travis Farran.

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Bo Bishop joined Vickie Boone’s office last month. Bo has been in the banking and finance industry in Kansas City, Nevada and now El Dorado Springs since 2006. Bo and his wife Amyl, have one daughter and a son on the way. Bo is the son of Gary and Madelyn Bishop. Make sure you welcome Bo to our business community.

KB Evans Drugs is hosting fourth year pharmacy student Jeff Tobaee the rest of February. Jeff is a student at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. We won’t hold that against him though. His interests include working with diabetes and lipid disorder patients. I was in yesterday to visit him and Jeff really is a world of knowledge. Jeff will be holding an “informal talk” about diabetes and artificial sweeteners on Thursday Feb 13^th at the El Dorado Springs Senior Center, 604 South Forrest, starting at 10am.  I suggest paying him a visit there or at Evans Pharmacy if you’re diabetic.

Maranda Taylor reminded us this has been THANK A FARMER WEEK!!! On February 20 @ 6pm @ Stockton Christian Church the Cedar County Farm Bureau will host a free meal for all Cedar County Farm Families. Senator Mike Parson will be keynote speaker, focusing primarily on Missourian’s Right to Farm & Missouri Farming Legislation.  

Don’t forget to reserve your 2014 Picnic booth space. Applications are available online at www.cityofeldoradospringsmo.com or at City hall, 135 West Spring Street.  Or you can call (417) 876-2521 for more information.

The Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is next Thursday at noon at the Chamber office.  The luncheon will feature a special guest speaker from Springfield. Sara Raines is a Market Development Specialist & Environmental Technician in the Sustainability Division of the Department of Environmental Services. Sara has been responsible for planning and implementing the Market Development components of Springfield’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System.  This includes working with environmental organizations and community organizations to encourage waste reduction and recycling activities.  Jeff Witt is catering the luncheon…Ham & Beans, cornbread, slaw, and Jeff’s Colossal Cookies! Last time he made this it was SO good! Make sure you RSVP by Wednesday noon.

Chamber of Commerce 4^th Friday Coffee will be on the 28^th from 8-9am at Shannon & Associates right next to the Chamber office at Highways 32 & 54. If you don’t know where we are I can draw you a “special” map.

Make sure you shop local for Valentine’s Day.  Some of our members mentioned upcoming specials like:

Alli’s Floral & Rusty Jug have a couple different packages, one is a half-dozen roses, Valentine’s Mylar Balloon, and shrimp & steak dinner for two is only $52.95! Just call Alli’s for options and details, 876-876-4421 or stop by at 201 N. Main St.

KB Evans Drugs has all sorts of chocolates, balloons, gift ideas, and 2/$1 cards!

The El Dorado Mexican Restaurant & Cantina mentioned they have a coupon in the Sun for a “buy an entrée, get their delicious dip free” on Valentine’s Day.  

Opera House is hosting what I would refer to as a “Valentine’s Hoe-Down” on Friday the 14^th (V-Day) at 7pm. The evening includes performers like Rusty Carver, Paige Esry, Bentley Allison, and the Circle S Opry Band performing down home country, bluegrass and gospel. It’s a great date-night event!

Of course if you’re a real “Romeo” you might get her a gift from Harold at Fugate Motors!

If you have any noteworthy “Chamber Chat” news make sure you email it to the Chamber of Commerce so we can share it with membership.

Remember…Make it a great day!

W. Jackson Tough