Our Business Is BusinessOur Business Is Business 2014

The Independence Chamber of Commerce

Annual Report

“Our business is business.” As a Chamber of Commerce, it is important that we understand our mission as an organization. Our core purpose is to provide leadership that builds a business community of excellence. That is crucial to remember, because our business is business. And it is exciting and challenging, all at the same time. After 95 years in operation, the Chamber has a wonderful legacy of standing up for the business community while providing resources, networking, programs, and advocacy for its members. It’s an honor to have the privilege of helping lead the organization when such an incredible foundation has already been established. Opportunities abound as we partner with our membership, our mayor and city government, the school districts, other local and regional businesses, non-profits, private individuals and various local chambers. A rising tide lifts all boats and I’m excited because we are developing momentum. Your board of directors is engaged like never before and the leadership of the Chamber is intent upon enhancing our program of work to better suit the needs of the organization. I am looking forward to 2015 and the ongoing work of the Chamber, and I invite each member to get involved. We are creating our future. And we need you!

Brad Speaks, 2015 Chairman of the Board

”The best journeys answer questions you didn’t even think to ask.” For me that quote sums up Chamber year 2014. I am proud of the work this 2014 executive board, the board and especially the chamber staff did. We learned a lot last year about how a Chamber can be relevant to what we all do as a community. Every member of the Chamber contributes to the community in their own unique way. The Chamber provides an important vehicle for Independence businesses to come together and take part in securing the future of the community. This year opened my eyes to the possibilities that can be ours as a business community if we work together. By working together we accomplished a number of great projects including re-tooling the An-nual Business Expo, hosting business education classes and partnering with the Ford Foundation to provide support for the Independence School District. This partnership is particularly exciting since it will provide the next generation of our community with unparalleled educational opportunities. Additionally, SantiCaliGon took great strides this year and will continue to be a signature event for Independence. It provides an im-portant platform in front of 308,000 guests for non-profits, entrepreneurs and storefronts. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Chamber. The journey is an adventure.

Cindy McClain, 2014 Chairwoman of the Board

A word From Our Leaders

2014 Board of Directors

Dr. Mark EnderleFort Osage R-1 School District

Dr. Jim FinleyBlue Springs School District

Stan ShurmantinePast Chair Citadel Federal Solutions, LLC

Cindy McClainChairwomanMcClain Enterprises, Inc.

Wes CowanTreasurer Space Center Kansas City

Jonathan ZerrChair of Public PolicyCommittee Kapke & Willerth, LLC

Sonci BleckingerChair of Membership Services CommitteeCentral Bank of the Midwest

Stacie ShortChair of Community Development Committee Englewood Business Association

Tom WeirChair of Small Business Development Committee Blue Ridge Bank & Trust Co.

Brad SpeaksChair Elect Speaks Family Legacy Chapels

Ex-Officio Members

Steve PotterMid-Continent Public Library David Williams

Centerpoint Medical Center of Independence LLC

Tom WatersCorporate CopyPrint

Dr. Dale HerlIndependence School District

Tom LesnakIndependence Economic Development Council (IEDC)

Gary WhiteThe Groves

Bill AbernathyBayer Crop Science

Dr. Michael BanksMetropolitan Community College - Blue River

Kent HolidayAlliant Techsystems

Steve KidwellEagle Materials, Inc.

Mary McNamaraCornell Roofing& Sheet Metal

Kim Downey NobleState Farm Insurance

Charlie ShieldsTruman Medical Center Lakewood

Jeff Dozier Independence Center

VisionThe Independence Chamber

of Commerce will be the

premier business organi-

zation in Eastern Jackson

County where public and

private interests collaborate

and are empowered.

Core PurposeTo provide leadership that

builds a business

community of excellence.

Hap GraffIndependence Chamberof Commerce

Robert Heacock City of Independence

Membership

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Public Policy

Transportation

Health Care

Education

Small Business Development

Business Expo

Membership Services

Ambassadors

Golf Classic

Marketing Community Development

Business Leadership

Evening

SantaCaliGon

LEAD Independence

Halloween Parade

Organizational StructureIn 2014, the programmatic functions of the Chamber were organized into five standing committees and ten subcommittees. This structure allows for major participation and involvement by members in charting the direction and delivery of programs, events, and services.

Membership on the programmatic committees and subcommittees was open to all members in good standing.

Standing CommitteesPublic Policy Committee

Small Business Development Committee Marketing Committee

Membership Services Committee Community Development Committee

SubcommitteesAmbassadors SubcommitteeBusiness Expo Subcommittee

Business Leadership Evening SubcommitteeEducation Subcommittee

Golf Classic SubcommitteeHalloween Parade Subcommittee

Health Care Subcommittee L.E.A.D. Independence Subcommittee

SantaCaliGon Subcommittee Transportation Subcommittee

Over 150 Chamber membersserve on a committeeand/or subcommittee.

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Adopted 2014 Budget

Revenues Membership Dues Meetings Income Publications Event Income Program Income

Total Revenue

Expenses Meetings Expenses Events Expenses Programs Expenses Operating and Overhead Community Development Administration

Total Expenses

Principal Payment on Debt

Total Expenses and Principal Payment on Debt

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$251,849$91,240$8,700 $711,408$47,700

$1,110,897 $67,135$423,467 $27,895$48,336 $620,802 $153,810

$1,051,151

$24,000

$1,1075,151

23%

8%

1%64%

4%

Revenues

Membership Dues

Meetings Income

Publications

Event Income

Program Income

6%

40%

3%

51%

Expenses

Meetings

Events

Programs

Operating and Overhead

Small Business Development CommitteeResponsibilities: Developing additional capacities within small business members to positively impact and better participate in creating the environment and operational knowledge necessary to remain prosperous.

GoalIncrease the likelihood of success and prosperity for small businesses throughout Independence and Eastern Jackson County

Accomplishments• Continued to plan and implement the monthly Small Business Continuing Education Series • Successfully implement the first Eastern Jackson County Business Expo in collaboration with four other Chambers of Commerce• Continued to present the Independence Mini Business Expo, with almost 30 participants• Created online Home Improvement Services Guide, ifixitindepmo.com, to help Chamber Members offering home improvement services

and/or products expand their online presence• Continued to implement and enhance a monthly program to help small business members keep current on the changes, options, and

opportunities associated with the use of technology to grow, manage, and market small businesses• Successfully planned and implemented the first Business Development Day with over 50 participants

ifixitindepmo.com features more than 60 Chamber Members

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Small Business Development CommitteeResponsibilities: Developing additional capacities within small business members to positively impact

Membership Services CommitteeResponsibilities: Overseeing the efforts to encourage greater stakeholder involvement, participation, and visibility in the activities of the Chamber and the Independence business community through networking, continuing education, guerilla marketing, and lead generation.

GoalEnsure stakeholder involvement as well as benefit in and through the activities of the organization

Accomplishments• Continued to present the Independence Chamber Golf Classic with over 100 participants. • Continued to hold monthly membership luncheons with just under 1,000 attendees over the year• Held 12 Ribbon Cuttings during 2014• Held the second Annual Picnic on the Lawn as a membership appreciation day with over 150 attendees• Continued to hold Business Leads Exchange, a monthly networking program to facilitate focused small group discussion about a

relevant and timely business related topic• Involved more members in the activities and offerings of the Chamber• Revived Ambassadors Program with additional incentives• Successfully planned and implemented a collaborative Business After Hours with Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit Chambers of

Commerce

The Independence Chamber offers over 60 functions and activities a year for members to participate in

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Marketing CommitteeResponsibilities: Overseeing and managing the utilization of social media, electronic communications, public relations, and publications to promote the offerings within the Independence business community and the Chamber as well as to highlight innovative and successful approaches in the practice of commerce.

GoalEducate the community and membership about offerings and initiatives available through the Chamber and its members

Accomplishments• Continued to present a monthly newletter, The Chamber View• Conducted Annual Membership Survey with over 200 responses and a 95% confidence level • Planned and executed the second “In-The-City” Day with over 350 participants• Increased Independence Chamber social media presence by over 200% from 2013• Added over 1,000 new “Likes” on Facebook• Tripled Twitter Followers to 654• Increased Instagram followers to 122• Introduced insert for membership recruitment in Membership Directory• Had articles about local business success published in traditional media outlets• Updated and implemented new SantaCaliGon Days Festival Logo

88

210 W. Truman Rd. | Independence, MO 64050 | 816.252.4745 | iChamber.biz

Businesses, meet your consumers.

Contact Alex Colley at alex@iChamber.biz or (816) 252-4745 if you’d like to participate or have questions.

Cost to Exhibit for Independence Chamber Members:$45 for half a table$80 for a full table

Contact Alex Colley at alex@iChamber.biz or (816) 252-4745 if you’d like to participate or have questions.

The Mini-Business Expo is designed for businesses who want to get their products

in front of potential consumers to help grow their customer base. For two hours,

from 9-11am, 30-35 businesses have an opportunity to show what they do and how

others can benefit from their business with 6 or 3 foot table top displays and a

constant flow of foot traffic.

Tuesday, October 28, 20149am-11amIndependence Center (39th Street Entrance)

18813 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64057

Cost to Exhibit for Non-Chamber Members:$70 for half a table$125 for a full table

For more information or If you are interested in displaying at the Mini-Business Expo, please contact

Alex at alex@ichamber.biz, (816) 252-4745 or go to the Independence Chamber website at iChamber.biz Contact Alex Colley at alex@iChamber.biz or (816) 252-4745 if you’d like to participate or have questions.

Cost to Exhibit for Independence Chamber Members:$45 for half a table$80 for a full table

Cost to Exhibit for Non-Chamber Members:$70 for half a table$125 for a full table

For more information or If you are interested in displaying at the Mini-Business Expo, please contact

Alex at alex@ichamber.biz, (816) 252-4745 or go to the Independence Chamber website at iChamber.biz

1 | DISCOVER INDEPENDENCE > EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY

HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Nationally Known, A Local Gem

95% of Independence Chamber Members would recommend joining the Chamber to a non-member

Community Development CommitteeResponsibilities: Improving and promoting the quality of life in Independence through the planning and presentation of community events and leadership programs as well as assisting with the revitalization of older commercial corridors.

GoalEnhance, as well as promote, the quality of life in Independence through the coordination and presentation of community activities and events

Accomplishments• Revisited and reinvigorated the L.E.A.D. Independence program, with 14 total participants• Planned and presented the 66th Annual Halloween Parade with almost 90 floats and over 10,000 spectators in attendance • For the 42nd year, planned and presented a successful SantaCaliGon Days Festival with over 300,000 attendees• Continued to facilitate partnership with Ford Motor Company to develop Career Academies in Independence

The SantaCaliGon Days Festival had 308,000 attendees in 2014

9

210 W. Truman Rd. | Independence, MO 64050 | 816.252.4745 | iChamber.biz

Businesses, meet your consumers.

Contact Alex Colley at alex@iChamber.biz or (816) 252-4745 if you’d like to participate or have questions.

Cost to Exhibit for Independence Chamber Members:$45 for half a table$80 for a full table

The Mini-Business Expo is designed for businesses who want to get their products

in front of potential consumers to help grow their customer base. For two hours,

from 9-11am, 30-35 businesses have an opportunity to show what they do and how

others can benefit from their business with 6 or 3 foot table top displays and a

constant flow of foot traffic.

Tuesday, October 28, 20149am-11amIndependence Center (39th Street Entrance)

18813 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64057

Cost to Exhibit for Non-Chamber Members:$70 for half a table$125 for a full table

For more information or If you are interested in displaying at the Mini-Business Expo, please contact

Alex at alex@ichamber.biz, (816) 252-4745 or go to the Independence Chamber website at iChamber.biz

10

Public Policy CommitteeResponsibilities: Facilitating the creation, promotion, and advocacy of public policy positions important to the economic vitality of the Independence business community.

GoalEnsure an active and visible presence for Independence area business interests in public policy debate that furthers or sustains a positive business climate at the city, county, and state levels

Accomplishments• Developed a 2015 Legislative Agenda through public hearings to gain member input and feedback• Collaborated with the Independence Economic Development Council to hold the 2014 Eggs and Issues Breakfast• Held the second Annual Recognition & Awards Breakfast honoring the valor, service and bravery of local first responders with over

250 attendees• Held “Independence Day” at the state capitol with representatives of local businesses and state officials• Collaborated with Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce for a joint legistlative briefing• Held “Pork and Politics” on the Independence Chamber of Commerce lawn with over 20 political candidates

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Responsibilities: Facilitating the creation, promotion, and advocacy of public policy positions Over 250 individuals attended the Monthly Legislative Briefingsin 2014.

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2015 Independence Chamber Staff

Hap GraffPresident & Chief Executive Officer

Trina Anderson Member Engagement and Success

Kelo BerkstresserAdministrative Services Manager

Alexandra ColleyVice President of Marketing & Member Development

Rhonda DolanDirector of Membership Services

Lois McDonaldVice President of Community Development

Steve PattonBusiness Liaison to the Chamber

Kris ZerrDirector of Finance

2015 Independence Chamber Staff

Our Business Is Business

Our Business Is Business210 W. Truman Road | Independence, MO | 64050 | iChamber.biz | PH: 816-252-4745 | FAX: 816-252-4917