November 27, 2006
It’s time to say thank you and good-bye to those
members of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Board
of Directors leaving at the end of 2006. They are: Jo Ann
Crane – Teltron, Karen Gentry – Assured Title,
K.C. Madsen – K.C. Madsen Interiors, Stacy Neuhaus
– Radio Shack, Gary Pallardy – Sign Solutions,
and Larry Shroth – Ameren UE. These individuals have
helped steer this organization for at least two years and
have been instrumental in taking some significant steps
forward. They have selflessly given their time and their
talents to make this growing organization improve and thrive.
It is with our sincere gratitude that we wish them good
luck in the future and hope they continue to stay involved
in the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The following individuals have one year left to their term
as Board of Directors: Allan Dreyer – Jonesburg State
Bank, Jack Ingram – Rock Solid Construction, Dr. John
Long – Warren County R-III Schools, Mike Mudd –
Preferred Outlet Center, Eric Pitman – Pitman Funeral
Home, and Brad Schuster – Progress Bank. These veterans
of the Chamber Board will provide continuity and direction
as we add six new members to our Board.
Joining the Board of Directors next year will be Elaine
Baker – Warrenton Oil, Lynda Chandler – Mary
Kay Cosmetics, Charlie Denn – Warren County Record,
Shelley Row – Missouri Extension Center, Lisa Stiern
– Goin’ Postal, and Dave Warner – National
City Bank. These six individuals will be serving a two-year
term and will be a part of the supporting backbone of the
Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s focus and vision will be carried out
through this diverse group of individuals on our Board.
Their charge is to represent the business community and
all of the members of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.
This will be a big challenge, not only because of the nature
of this growing area, but because this is a very active
Chamber of Commerce. It will be an exciting year for the
new Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
as they work together to make our organization better as
we develop and grow.
We want to thank all of the Chamber members for supporting
the decisions of your Board of Directors and your input
has been most valuable. As we look forward to 2007, we are
eager to see what is in store for our organization and our
community. As always, please feel free to contact us at
636-456-2530 with any questions you may have. Thank you
for supporting your local businesses!
November 13, 2007
Generous. That is just one word I would use to describe
the members of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce. This
amazing organization, made up of volunteers, has proven
their generosity over and over. Currently, our Chamber is
working hard to raise funds for the Academic Excellence
Banquet and the Danny J. Martin Memorial Scholarship fund
through the Pancake Breakfast and by selling $10 Applebee’s
cards (a $25 value). These cards will make great Christmas
gifts and can be purchased at the Chamber Office, 111 Steinhagen.
Through the generosity of Applebee’s, 100% of the
proceeds will go to the scholarship fund and the Academic
Excellence Banquet.
The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is also partnering
with the American Red Cross and holding a Blood Drive on
Friday, December 1st at Progress Bank in Warrenton from
9:00 – 1:00. Chamber members are not only donating
their time, but their blood, as well, working to possibly
save three lives with every donation. If you would like
to schedule a time to donate, please call the Chamber office,
(636) 456-2530.
That’s not all, though. The Chamber is collecting
canned and dry goods at their next General Membership Meeting
to donate to families for Thanksgiving through Agape. It
is just another way that the Chamber gives back to our community.
Our members understand the needs of others and make an effort
to come their assistance.
The Christmas season will not go unnoticed by the Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce. As in years’ passed, we
are participating in Agape’s Adopt-A-Family program
by purchasing clothing, toys, and other gifts to benefit
a family in need. This has become a very successful program
and we are proud to play a part. Agape does need more help,
however, and your contribution would be very appreciated.
Call Agape at (636) 456-4645 for more information.
The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is a very generous
group of people and the community can be very proud of what
the Chamber does to give back. It is not something the Chamber
is required to do…it is something that our members
WANT to do. Our area businesses not only work and do business
in this community, but most of them live here, as well.
By giving of themselves they are helping their fellow neighbors.
It is part of our mission. “The mission of the Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate and support the
ongoing development of business and community within the
city of Warrenton and surrounding region.” We take
this mission very seriously and we will not forget to give
back to the community in which we live and do business.
Your continued support of these causes and the Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce is appreciated. It is the responsibility
of us all to support each other. Thank you for shopping
locally and supporting your Chamber members and your community.
For more information about what is going on with the Chamber
and in the community, go to our website at www.warrentoncoc.com
and check out our calendar of events.
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Many of you have heard about the Danny Martin Memorial
Scholarship Fund and the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Academic Excellence Banquet that we have in June every year.
For those of you who do not know about this event, it is
held to recognize outstanding academic performance among
the students of Warrenton High School. The event recognizes
the top 10% of students in each grade of the high school
based upon grade point average. The Warrenton Area Chamber
of Commerce hosts a catered banquet with a guest speaker
and a formal program with an award for each student. The
ultimate goal of the event is to promote academic excellence
and to provide recognition for many students of which those
accomplishments might otherwise go unnoticed. The Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce also awards two $500 scholarships
every year to selected students who have applied and met
the criteria.
What you may not know is how this is funded. Traditionally,
the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has held a Trivia
Night, as well as donations from businesses and individuals
to help the funding of this event. This year, the Education
Committee has decided to change things up a bit. Instead
of a Trivia Night, we have teamed up with one of our Chamber
members, Applebee’s, and are hosting a Pancake Breakfast.
This event will take place at Applebee’s in Warrenton
on Saturday, November 11th from 8:00 am – 10:00 am.
It will be an “all-you-can-eat” event and will
cost only $5.00 per person! There will be pancakes, of course,
scrambled eggs, breakfast meat, orange juice, coffee, and
milk. It will be a great start to your weekend and you know
it will go to a very worthy cause! Tickets for this event
are available at any of the Warrenton banks or you can come
to the Chamber office at 111 Steinhagen and purchase your
$5.00 tickets. We will also be selling tickets sold at the
door on Saturday.
Mark your calendar for November 11th, bring your entire
family, and come enjoy an Applebee’s breakfast at
this newest community event. You know your $5.00 will go
to a great cause! The Education Committee would like to
thank Applebee’s and, as always, appreciates our community’s
support. Ultimately, our students are the big winners!
Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Seeks Board Members
We are approaching that time of year when the Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce begins seeking dedicated volunteers
to help in leading the Warrenton Area Chamber into the future.
Each year, a portion of the Board terms expire and this
year we have five vacancies coming available. This is the
chance for our Chamber members to get more involved in their
Chamber and to do their part to make an impact in our business
community.
The purpose of the Board of Directors for the Warrenton
Area Chamber of Commerce is to determine the Chamber’s
policies and strategic plan and monitor the financial status
of the Chamber. The Board oversees the overall vision and
direction of the organization.
What are we looking for in Board members? All candidates
for election to the Board must be a Chamber member in good
standing and be willing to be active in the Chamber for
a two-year term. They must be prepared to attend and participate
in the monthly Board meetings, as well as the monthly General
Membership meetings. They are required to be active in at
least one Chamber committee. There are many rewards to serving
as a Board member. It’s not an easy task, to be sure,
however. It requires a strong sense of responsibility and
commitment. Interested candidates should contact the Chamber
office so they can be placed on the ballots in November.
The Chamber members vote on the 2007 Board of Directors
in December.
The 2006 Board members have proven that, through their
commitment, we can see the emergence of a new and exciting
Chamber of Commerce. The 2006 Board of Directors is comprised
of a very diverse group of people. They come from a variety
of different businesses and have forged a working relationship
that has become both productive and enjoyable.
The officers in 2006 are: President - Allan Dreyer of Jonesburg
State Bank, Vice-President – Stacy Neuhaus of Radio
Shack, and Treasurer – Karen Gentry of Assured Title.
The Board is also made up of other dedicated members. They
are: Jo Ann Crane of Teltron, Inc., Jack Ingram of Rock
Solid Construction, Dr. John Long of Warren County R-III
Schools, K.C. Madsen of K.C. Madsen Interiors, Mike Mudd
of Preferred Outlets at Warrenton, Gary Pallardy of Sign
Solutions, Eric Pitman of Pitman Funeral Homes, Brad Schuster
of Progress Bank, and Larry Shroth of Ameren UE.
This diverse group of individuals has worked tirelessly
to forge new territory with an ever-growing Chamber. They
have not complained or tried to shirk their duties. Instead,
they have come to the Board meetings with enthusiasm and
interest, ready to work through that month’s agenda.
They may not agree with one another on every subject, but
they certainly have learned to respect and listen to the
opinions of others, working through the issues for the good
of the Chamber. They leave their personal agendas behind
and realize that they are functioning as one part of a large
team. They keep the bigger picture of the Warrenton Area
Chamber of Commerce in focus and strive to do the right
thing for its members and the community.
If you have any questions to ask any of the 2006 Board
of Directors, you can find their telephone numbers and e-mail
addresses on the Chamber website at www.warrentoncoc.com.
Autumnfest
What a beautiful day for Autumnfest at the Preferred Outlets
of Warrenton! The temperature was in the 70’s, the
sky was clear and there was a festive air all around. The
parking lot was packed and there was a great crowd. If you
missed it on Saturday, October 7th, you’ll have to
make sure you go next year at this time. The Warrenton Area
Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored this event with the Warrenton
Fire Protection District’s Ladies Auxiliary and the
Preferred Outlets.
The crafters were awesome and there was such a variety
to choose from! Their booths were amazing and there was
so much to see and buy. There were beautiful booths showcasing
the crafters’ talents, which was a crowd-pleaser.
Some of the “shoppers” were pleasantly surprised
to find the Autumnfest was happening and enjoyed themselves
while going from store to store and booth to booth.
There was a “Treasure Hunt” that took people
in to the stores at the Preferred Outlets that was very
well received. There were six big winners that became the
recipients of great prize baskets and gifts generously donated
by the various stores in the Preferred Outlet Center. Each
prize also contained a $25 gift certificate donated by the
Preferred Outlet Center, as well.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge was very exciting and
people were intrigued with the skills of the various Fire
Departments. There were five teams competing and the big
winner was the Little Dixie Fire Department. The Ladies
Auxiliary was very pleased with the crowd and are looking
forward to next year’s competition. The Auxiliary
provided kid’s activities such as a Bouncy House,
face painting, and a duck pond. The favorite of the kid’s
activities, however, was the Water Bucket Competition. This
was kind of a “tug-of-war” using the firehoses
and a bucket on a rope. There were some kids that got soaked
but they loved it and the day called for such fun without
worrying about getting cold.
The Sheriff’s Department, the Highway Patrol and
MODOT were there to do finger printing and show people the
necessity of seat belts. There were also other departments
in attendance to bring awareness of health and safety to
the public.
Remax Realtors brought their hot air balloon for all to
see up close and personal, which delighted many of the participants
in the crowd.
The Old School Band was a great addition to the Autumnfest
this year and everyone enjoyed the music. They brought an
element of celebration to the event as they entertained
those who had decided to spend the day.
The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce would like to give
a big thank you to all who helped in this great event; The
Warrenton Fire Protection District Ladies Auxiliary, the
Preferred Outlets of Warrenton and their many stores within,
the crafters, the Old School Band, the safety departments,
and Remax Realtors. I would like to give a special thank
you to the following committee members: Ruth Walters, Jana
Todd, Chris McCormick and her Ladies Auxiliary, Mike Mudd,
Ron Evans, Peggy Rodgers, and Carmen Schulze. Through their
hard work, organization and dedication, we can call this
a truly successful event.
All in all, Autumnfest was a very festive occasion and
one that will definitely be repeated in years to come.
One of the greatest features of the Warrenton area is the
variety of events that we offer to our residents absolutely
free of charge. The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is
excited to bring back Autumnfest this year. It may feel
a bit early to be writing about this great event but in
order to have a successful Autumnfest, we need to get the
word out to our crafters and antique collectors. Autumnfest
is going to be held at the Warrenton Outlet Center on October
7th from 10:00 – 6:00. This will be a juried show
that will be open to all handcrafted arts, crafts, pottery,
wood, ceramics, jewelry, produce, flowers, and antiques.
Autumnfest and Warren County Safety Day will be an outdoor
event that is sure to be fun for the whole family. This
year, the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting
this event jointly with the Warren County Firefighters and
the Warrenton Outlet Center. The booth spaces for the vendors
will be underneath the overhang at the Outlet Center. There
will also be a limited number of open air spaces where you
can bring your own tent. The cost for space will be from
$25.00 to $35.00. If you are interested in participating
in this event, you can call the Chamber office at 636-456-2530
and request an application.
Don’t forget to bring the kids! There will be many
children’s activities to be enjoyed that include a
petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin painting, a mini-obstacle
course (like the big firemen) and more. There will also
be a hot air balloon on display and live music to enjoy,
as well.
The Warren County Women’s Fire Auxiliary and our
Warrenton firefighters are hosting the Warren County Safety
Day and Firefighter Combat Challenge. The Combat Challenge
is open to all Missouri fire departments. This Challenge
will feature events such as water fights, extend hydrant
line, hose coupling, bucket brigade, obstacle course and
forward lay attack line. The proceeds from the Firefighter
Combat Challenge will benefit Backstoppers, victim support
and community charities. If you have any questions regarding
the Firefighter Combat Challenge, please call Chris McCormick
at 636-456-3535.
The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to
our town and looks forward to seeing many of you come out
and support each other and our Fire Department. Autumnfest
is sure to be a wonderful event for all those who attend
and participate! Again, if you have any questions, please
call the Chamber office at 636-456-2530.
The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce has been extremely
busy this year! We have welcomed over 35 new members and
continue to support the community and its businesses in
a variety of ways.
At this time, the Chamber is collecting school supplies
to donate to Agape for the upcoming school year. There is
a dire need for these school supplies and, as always in
the past, your Chamber members have made substantial contributions
to this cause in support of our community’s children.
Our banks rallied together to support the school supply
drive by holding a “Tour de Banc” on August
4th. It was the first time this has been done and it was
encouraging to see the community respond to this.
Chamber members have also contributed to the New Teacher
Welcome bags again this year. This successful program was
much appreciated last year by the school district and its
new teachers. The overwhelming response to this request
is another example that our Chamber members care about the
community in which they live and do business.
This summer, the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce held
its annual Academic Excellence banquet, now renamed the
Danny J. Martin Academic Excellence Banquet. The Chamber
hosted this banquet for the academic top ten percent of
students from each grade of high school and their parents.
This event is always well attended and this year was no
exception. There were two $500 scholarships given out again
this year – one to Jillian Hughes and the other to
Deanna Louth. The Chamber of Commerce is very supportive
and proud of our Warren County R-III schools and congratulates
all of the students on a successful academic school year.
Our Shop Local campaign is kicking off again this fall
to encourage our community to look to the Warrenton area
businesses first to make your purchases. You will see red
and white signs around town thanking you for your business
here in the Warrenton area. This serves as a reminder to
all of us that the economy of Warren County depends on you,
the consumers. As we have pointed out in the past, your
tax dollars spent here go to such things as maintaining
our parks, funding our safety personnel, keeping our roads
in good repair, and many other ways too numerous to mention.
If you shop outside of Warren County, those tax dollars
go to that area, not to your own backyard. If you choose
to shop in the Warrenton Area, it is a win-win situation
for all of us and we encourage you to look to Warren County
first for your needs.
As always, the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce would
like to thank all of you for supporting our business members.
