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Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

FOCUSFOCUSVolume No. 34 Issue No. 11 November 2020

Join The Chamber…Pass It OnDo you know of a business that could benefit from a Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce membership? Encourage them to join, invite them to a meeting, forward the newsletter to them.

Open the E-blastThe weekly Wednesday e-blast is full of new and rotating information from members like you.

Stay up-to-date by reading the e-blast each week.

Submit your information at info@bolivarchamber.com.

At the Nov. 12 Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, two longtime pillar organizations received not only awards for businesses of the year, but standing ovations for their outstanding commitment to the area, especially during a difficult time. Recognized as the 2020 Large Business of the Year was Bolivar R-1 Schools, with Polk County Health Center receiving the award for 2020 Small Business of the Year.

Chris Asby with Bolivar Walmart, the 2019 Large Business winner, presented the award to Bolivar R-1. Shanil Patel with Comfort Inn of Bolivar, the 2019 Small Business winner, presented Polk County Health Center with their award. “These businesses have always been there for our community, but this year in particular have really stepped up their involvement for the greater good of families and community members alike,” said Chamber President Bobbie McKnight. “During these unprecedented times, both businesses have gone above and beyond and continue to give their best. We support them and all they do to make our communities great.”

Any chamber business in good standing is eligible for nomination, provided they have not received the award for at least five years prior. Other nominees this year included: Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Boone’s BBQ Barn, Best Western Plus Bolivar Hotel and Suites, C and K Cards, Games and More and Harmon Tree Service, LLC.

2020 Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year, Bolivar R-1 Schools -Bolivar R-1 School Board Members, left to right, Jared Taylor, Kerri Clayton and Kyle Lancaster join Assistant Superintendent T.C. Wall

2020 Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, Polk County Health Center -Polk County Health Center Board Member Mark Roberts and PCHC Administrator Michelle Morris

Congratulations 2020 Businesses of the Year!

FROM YOUR CHAMBER

Hundreds of dollars in local gift cards will be given away during the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Let’s Shop Bolivar for Christmas’ to show support of local Polk County businesses. People are encouraged to shop through November 28 at any Polk County business says chamber vice president Jenny Fields. “Just go buy something locally,” says Fields. “It doesn’t matter. We just want to strongly support our local retailers, give them some business and publicity and remind them we’re here for them. This is just one of the special ways the chamber is working to support local business.”

To enter: 1. Take a photo of you and your purchase – bag,

box, gift card or the item itself2. Post the photo to your social media and identify

where you shopped3. Tag the chamber - @bolivarchamber

(Facebook) or bolivar_chamber (Instagram)4. Use the hashtag #bethankfulpolkcounty

Fields says people may enter as many times as they shop. “The more times you enter, the more chances you have to win,” says Fields. “And, the more we will be supporting our local businesses.” Deadline to post tagged photos is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 which is Small Business Saturday. Winners will be randomly chosen and announced via the chamber’s Facebook page on Monday, November 30.

“We are thankful for these businesses and all they do to support our local causes and community,” says Fields. “That’s why we’re incorporating the ‘be thankful’ hashtag. The chamber appreciates how these local county businesses give throughout the year to help our community projects. It’s time for us to let them know we appreciate them. ‘Local’ is the word!”

For more information, contact the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-326-4118 or at info@bolivarchamber.com

‘Let’s Shop Bolivar for Christmas’;win free gift cards; deadline is Nov. 28

The Bolivar Area Chamber Of Commerce Welcomes Our Newest Members:

2020Let's Shop Bolivar

19-28NOV

for ChristmasThe Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce’s Light the Park Christmas light display in Dunnegan Memorial Park opens Friday night, Nov. 27. Open from 6 to 9 p.m. every evening through Dec. 30, the event features light displays sponsored by Bolivar businesses and organizations. “Thanks to a grant from the Bolivar Area Community Foundation and other generous donors, this year’s event will feature more displays and additional lights,” says Judy Ross with the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce. “Visitors may also tune their radios to a specific setting to listen to Christmas music and messages while driving through the park.”

Ross says that while the drive-through display is free of charge, local not-for-profit organizations and groups collect donations at the front gate nightly. In 2019, more than $13,000 was raised for the participating organizations, according to Ross.

A calendar of participating organizations, and the night their group will collect donations, is available on the chamber’s Facebook page and website at bolivarchamber.com.

Light the Park kicks off 17th year, Nov. 27Local tradition raises money for worthy causes

Vlore POS Plus Leutrime Zendeli

923 S. Springfield Ave. • Bolivar312-779-1914

Credit card merchant service, POS software, online ordering software and bakery sales.

Bolivar Express Laundry John and Teresa HinsleyHours: 7:45am-9:00pm

1805 W. Broadway • Bolivar417-818-3456 • bolivarexpresslaundry.com

Full-service laundry

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce invites all to participate in this year’s new version of their annual ‘Taste of Bolivar – In a Box’ raffle and online auction.’

“To be safe, the chamber chose not to have the annual live event held each fall,” says Judy Ross with the chamber. “We want to keep people healthy, but we also want to promote our great restaurants and local businesses to help them as we move into the Christmas shopping season. So, we’ve moved the live auction to an online event and are featuring participating food vendors in a special box with all boxes to be raffled.”

Participating vendors include:

Ross says nearly $3000 of food gift cards, specials and items are available to be won in the Taste of Bolivar In a Box raffle. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and available from any chamber board and advisory board member, at the chamber office and online through the chamber’s website at bolivarchamber.com. A complete list of restaurants and the specials in their boxes is on the chamber’s facebook page and website.

ONLINE AUCTION – Sign up and bid NOW!

For the online auction, register and view the items on the chamber’s website page. “Easily there are nearly $5000 of certificates, gifts services and specials offered for auction,” says Ross. “We love featuring these local businesses and appreciate their participation.”

Ross says the auction and raffle are good reminders to support these local businesses, keep them in mind for holiday shopping and support the chamber. “Everything about Taste of Bolivar is to show off our local businesses and encourage people to shop local; especially this year,” says Ross. Deadline for tickets is Dec. 3. For the auction, deadline is Dec. 4.

in a box!

‘Taste of Bolivar’ includes raffle and online auction; Dec. 3 deadline for tickets, auction closes Dec. 4

34:8 Take ‘n Bake

12 gift cards for specific items to be used 1 per month$240

Basil & Bourbon

10-$20 Gift Cards $200

Brenda’s Café

10-$20 gift cards $200

Curly Que Barbeque

& Catering

$225 Gift Card $225

Dairy Queen $200 gift card

Dominos 20-$10 off coupons $200

Kathy’s Pasta/Savour

4-$50 Gift certificates to be used at either Kathy’s Pasta or Savour $200

Little Caesars

12 Meal Deals (Includes Large 1-topping pizza, a specified side and 2-liter of soda) and 7 free 1-topping pizza cards$200

Smith’s Restaurant

$250 gift card

Springfield Ave Café

10-$20 Store Credit Certificates $200

The Feed Store

1 Hamburger Lunch Special a week for a year (includes hamburger, fries and a drink)$416

Cut-Ups Bar & Grill

2-$125 gift cards 4- t-shirts and koozies $330

FROM YOUR CHAMBER

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chamber of commerce

The annual Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is on schedule to kick off at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. Deadline to enter is Dec. 9. Businesses, groups, churches, organizations are encouraged to enter floats, vehicles, walkers and horse units in the annual event that begins on the Southwest Baptist University campus. “The chamber has been in contact for some time now with the Polk County Health Center and the City of Bolivar,” says chairman Jared Taylor. “We will have some lineup recommendations concerning spacing between entries and guidelines for those riding on floats as well as information on handing out candy and other materials. The parade route is long enough that families are encouraged to spread out and view as a family. The parade is a tradition, so we’ll keep it safe.”

This year’s theme is “Be Thankful for Christmas.’ Entry forms are available on the chamber’s website at bolivarchamber.com.

‘Be Thankful for Christmas’ – Deadline to enter Dec. 12 Christmas parade is Dec. 9

Final 2020 Networking@Noon Lunch is Dec. 10, New Board Members to be AnnouncedMark it on your calendar and bring others with you to the final 2020 Networking@Noon lunch, Thursday, Dec. 10 at Curly Que Barbeque, 507 E Maupin St. The Bolivar Area Community Foundation will award community grants to local not-for-profit agencies. New chamber board members and officers will be announced.

“The chamber has experienced one of the busiest and most challenging years for our community, chamber and members,” Chamber president Bobbie McKnight said. “Thank you to everyone who worked to make Bolivar a better place to live, work and play. Please make plans to attend this meeting, get acquainted and updated with other members, share what’s going on at your business and learn from our speakers. It’s worth your time.”

The optional lunch is $8. Corporate and executive partners are reminded to use their complimentary meal tickets.

Leadership Training Available Through Leadership Bolivar in 2021Plan ahead for the chamber’s bi-annual 12-week leadership development training. The next session will begin in January 2021. Weekly programs give participants a knowledgeable understanding of their community, familiarizes them with community opportunities, needs and resources and better acquaints them with city, county and state government.

Tuition for the course, materials and meals is $300 per person, employed by a chamber member.

“This is a very small investment to make in yourself or an employee,” said Chairman Rebecca Wright. “I grew up in Bolivar but I learned so much more about our community while also gaining some very valuable leadership skills. I highly recommend Leadership Bolivar. It just makes you a better leader, business person and community member.”

Information is available by emailing info@bolivarchamber.com.

Congratulations to Lori Lee Spurlock, Tiffany Phillips, Laura Vance, Brad Clouser and Pam Chism, who each won $100 in Chamber Christmas Cash from the annual Christmas Open House, Nov 13-14. They may purchase items with their Christmas Cash at any of the open house businesses and vendors.

Their entries were randomly drawn from nearly 5,000 entries in this year’s Christmas Open House and Christmas Open House Showcase. Visitors could enter at each of the more than 40 businesses and nearly two dozen independent vendors at the showcase held at the Bolivar Christian Church.

“It was a great turnout and kickoff to the local Christmas shopping season,” Chamber President and event committee chair Bobbie McKnight said. “This event brings shoppers into our community and benefits participating businesses during and after the event. Working together, these businesses attracted thousands of visitors and shoppers to Bolivar. Thank you!”

Chamber officers Jenny Fields and Bobbie McKnight randomly draw five

winning entries from nearly 5000 entries. Each winner received $100 in Christmas

cash gift cards to spend at any of the Christmas Open House businesses.

Winners From Christmas Open House Cash In!

Membership Meeting October 8, 2020

Board Member in Attendance: Bobbie McKnight, Jennifer Fields, Tamera Heitz-Peek, DaKotah Lear, Shanil Patel, Aaron Sloan, Tiffany Phillips, Jacob Wilson and Paul Folbre

Advisory Board Members in Attendance: Jared Taylor and Carol Poindexter

Other Members in Attendance: Mike Ussery, Anita Jackson, Lori Tucker, Tracy Slagle, Dolly Gile, Betty Glasgow, Tevin Hall, Randy Herion, Dustin Holden, Bob Moreland, Mark Roberts, Amira Siddig-Gerry, Carol Bookout, Troy Morris, Micelle Morris, Wanita Lister, Sue Anderson, Dallen Davies, Mike Blain, Anna Presley, Gail Noggle, Rob Partin, Dusty Ross, Chris Asby, Sammy Jacobson, TC Wall, Bill Nichols, Becky Nichols, Keri Clayton, Walt and Ruth Tredway, Jen Harmon, Frank and Becky Swinney, Brandy Woods, Shirley Allison, Janieca Hancock, Greg Ankrom, Matt and Rheanne Griswold, Laura Jenkins, Quincy Young, Melissa Burks, Deanna Moore, Denae Allen, Kyle Lancaster, Linda Bunch, Linda Simmons, Judy Ross and Lexi Berry

Chamber President Bobbie McKnight welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for coming.

Bobbie announced new members –

• Promoveo-Will Westmoreland• Broadway Nutrition-James Nehl• The Carriage House Management-

Walt Tredway• Vlore POS Plus-Leutrime Zendeli• Bolivar Express Laundry-John and

Teresa Hinsley Recognition of Corporate and Executive Partners

• Bank of Missouri• City of Bolivar• Citizen’s memorial Healthcare• Commerce Bank• Lime Bank• Keeling Financial• OakStar Bank• Polk County, Missouri• Southwest Baptist University• Mid-Missouri Bank• Walmart• Home Court Advantage• Bolivar R-1 Schools• Liberty Utilities• Sonic• Southwest Electric Cooperative• Stephens Photography

• Ollis/Akers/Arney• Bolivar Herald-Free Press•

Recognition of Board Members

• Bobbie McKnight, chamber president

• Jennifer Fields, vice president• Kim Segui, secretary• Aaron Sloan, treasurer• Darin Peterson• Dr. Tony Berry• Meilani Conely• Sean Patel• Paul Folbre• Malcom Green • Tamera Heitz-Peek• DaKotah Lear• Jacob Wilson• Josh Baker• Tiffany Phillips• Bobbie announces that Jennifer

Fields will be the 2020 Chamber Board President

• She recognizes Josh Baker, Tiffany Phillips and herself as 2020 outgoing chamber board members

Recognition and Appreciation of Pastor Bill Nichols with First Christian Church

• Bobbie thanks Pastor Bill for being a great community partner, for stepping up to provide a meeting space during the pandemic and for allowing us to use the church for Christmas Open House this weekend.

Program: 2020 Linda Bunch, 2020 Year in Review

• Linda begins, our Networking @ Noon meetings are typically held at CMH and we are truly grateful to have that space to come together. Due to COVID, we have been unable to meet in the hospital. This circumstance has given us a wonderful opportunity to use local restaurants. Today’s meal was provided by Route 32 Cafe. Linda thanks Pastor Bill, again for allowing us to use the church fellowship hall today.

• For the last 7 years, The Marketing Bunch has been contracted to run the chamber office. Linda introduces

Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce

2020 Board Members

PresidentBobbie McKnight

Mary Kay

Vice PresidentJennifer Fields

Cole & Fields, LLC

SecretaryKim Segui

OakStar Bank

TreasurerAaron Sloan

Strategic Financial Concepts

Josh BakerQuality Fire Extinguisher

Tiffany PhillipsCounty of Polk

Darin PetersonCentury 21 Peterson

Real Estate

Dr. Tony BerryBolivar R-1 Schools

Meilani ConleySouthwest Baptist

University

Sean PatelComfort Inn

Paul FolbreEdward Jones Investments

Malcolm GreenFarmers State Bank

Tamera Heitz-PeekCitizens Memorial Hospital

DaKotah LearBolivar Auto Sales/

Elite Gun, Pawn and Jewelry

Jacob WilsonShelter Insurance,

Craig Lehman

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members of The Marketing Bunch in attendance, Judy Ross, Linda Simmons, BOMO Works apprentice, Lexi Berry. Linda recognizes Lexi’s tennis accomplishments and says, Betty Glasgow is here, if your business is not working with Betty to have a student apprentice, speak with her about how to get that started.

• Linda asks each business owner who is hiring to hold up their hands. She encourages each of them to get involved with BOMO Works.

• Linda introduces Gail Noggle as part of a private/public partnership for economic development in our community. The chamber works very hard to support her. If there is anything we can do to help promote and make our community more attractive to new business, we are happy to help.

• Linda says the chamber started in 1913. Over 113 years ago it was opened as the Bolivar Business Club.

• Linda continues, we are happy to be located on the square. You have to have a healthy downtown to have a healthy community

• Each year, around ⅓ of our board rotates. If you have not served on our board, seriously consider it. Get your name on a list for next year!

• Linda says we are especially proud of our local businesses this year.

• Linda explains how caring the 2020 Board of Directors has been. At the beginning of the

pandemic they chose to divide names of each member business and gave them a phone call, text, or visit. The board was committed to check on business owners at the beginning of the pandemic.

• Linda explains, this year we have increased our communication. Every other week, Judy is on a conference call with other chambers to get ideas and feedback on what we are doing.

• The chamber worked early in the pandemic with Gail to set up connections and get information out about financial assistance to business owners,

• Linda thanks local banks who stepped up to help business owners

• The county has taken all of the CARES money they have received and given out grants. The chamber was able to receive $11,000.

• When stimulus checks came out banks gave out special messages to community members to pay bills, save some, support charities.

• Linda explains how the chamber has worked closely with state, county officials, CMH, Bolivar R-1 schools and the Polk County Health Center to promote a healthy community. The chamber has created signage and handouts. The chamber works close with each organization to ensure our economy could keep going while promoting health.

• Linda says, we saw that restaurants were taking an initial hit. We put together “Let’s Eat Week” Thank you to all who participated. We wanted to support our restaurants. We gave out more than $500 worth of gift certificates. Many businesses stepped up and gave more. It was one of the wonderful times that we were able to purchase gift cards from these local restaurants.

• Let’s Eat Week” was such a big success that we have created a similar promotion, “Let’s Shop Bolivar for Christmas” with money received from the CARES act. Linda recommends, there are safe ways to shop for Christmas. Take a picture while you are out shopping in Polk County, post it on social media, tag the chamber and use the hashtag #bethankfulpolkcoutny. We have $500 worth of gift cards that we will purchase to give away through this promotion.

• Linda announces that the chamber has gained close to 40 new business members.

• Linda says the chamber is giving out many welcome packets weekly.

• Our schools and our healthcare are 2 big drivers that attract people to our community

• Linda gives many thanks to the Bolivar Herald-Free Press for putting out the Bolivar Living Guide. She explains that

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Upcoming EventsWe will be closed for the

Thanskgiving holiday - Wednesday at 12pm and will return Monday, November 30.

Friday, November 27Light the Park Begins

Wednesday, December 2Ribbon cutting at Transitions Hospice - 12pm

Friday. December 4Taste of Bolivar in a Box Raffle Drawing

and bidding closes on Taste of Bolivar Online Auction

Thursday, December 10Networking@Noon at

Curly Que Barbeque - 507 E. Maupin St.

Saturday, December 12“Be Thankful for Christmas” Christmas Parade at 2pm

you may not always see the chamber, but we are very busy promoting our community.

• We have around 275 members this year. We had over 40 businesses who were unable to renew this year. We took this information to our board members and they wanted to grant members a grace period and roll them over. That was around $7500 of lost income for the chamber.

• We continue to maintain our office. We are working on job fairs

• Linda says the Annual Golf tournament normally held in April was postponed until October. It was not the most successful golf tournament the chamber has hosted but it was the most successful golf tournament that was held during a pandemic.

• Linda invites attendees to find a checklist on their table, she asks, please make sure you check off each item

• Taste of Bolivar is different this year. Taste of Bolivar, as we have had it before, was too difficult for restaurants and it was unfair to ask the school to allow us to host the event at their location. Linda explains, we have done some thinking out of the box to come up with Taste of Bolivar in a Box. We are selling raffle tickets for Taste of Bolivar boxes. Each box has $200-$400 value. All board members will have tickets available to sale starting today. Find a board member after the meeting to buy your tickets. We are working with each restaurant to do video promotions to highlight what their box has to offer. Instead of our annual live and silent auction that runs along with Taste of Bolivar, this year we will have an online auction. Linda explains that this is a major fundraiser for the chamber but most of all we want to promote our local businesses.

• Linda reminds everyone that this is Christmas Open house weekend. We will have 21 vendors in this gym Friday and Saturday. She asks that if you aren’t comfortable shopping in person, call and order from these vendors.

• There will be a 2020 Bolivar Christmas parade. You can register online or by calling the chamber office. Linda explains that we are working with the Polk County Health Department on creating safe guidelines for participants and spectators. We will put out guidance closer to the time of the parade.

• Leadership Bolivar will kick off in January. See Aaron Sloan for more information.

• Linda advises, 2020 has taught us, there is never a wasted experience as long as you learn from it.

• Thank you all so much for your patience, grace and support this year. 2021 will be even better! We can do this!

Recognition of 2020 Business of the Year Nominees

• Bolivar R-1 Schools• Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing• Boone’s BBQ Barn• Best Western Plus Bolivar Hotel and Suites• C and K Cards, Games and More• Harmon Tree Service, LLC• Polk County Health Center

Business of the Year Presentation

• Shanil Patel, Thanks the Chamber for honoring him with the 2019 BOTY award. He announces the 2020 Small Business of the Year Award goes to Polk County Health Center.

• Michelle Morris accepts the award on behalf of the Polk County Health Center. She thanks the chamber for awarding the Polk County Health Center with Small Busines of the Year. She apologizes to the attendees as she thought she was here to speak about COVID-19. Michelle continues, it is extra special to receive this award this year. So many businesses have stepped up locally in many ways. Michelle says her office is great at what they do, and she thanks them for their professionalism during these exceptionally difficult times. She says she couldn’t do what she does alone and appreciates the support of the community.

• Chris Asby thanks the chamber for awarding Walmart with 2019 Large Business of the Year. He announces Bolivar R-1 Schools as 2020 Large Business of the Year.

• TC Wall accepts the award along with several members of the school board. She says Dr. Berry would be so happy to be here to accept this. Wall continues, America is divided but we, in Bolivar, are not. Bolivar is in this pandemic and get through it together. She goes on to say how thankful the school is for the Polk County Health Center. The school was approved for antigen testing. Micelle was off of work but she showed up ready to help prepare nurses for antigen testing. Wall says the school board has amazing and supportive. She explains, it was a summer of planning and the board was on top of it. They are going above and beyond to keep students safe, even when it isn’t popular. Administrators, nurses, teachers, and staff, they are all stepping up. It is the school districts goal to keep students in person learning and explains that they are working hard to keep a safe environment for that to happen. Kyle Lancaster, Vice President of the board, says the district’s staff and team at Bolivar R-1 have been amazing. He couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this community.

Happy Birthday to Linda Simmons.

Encouraged Member Networking/Dismissal

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Support Your Fellow Chamber Members.Thanks to the Chamber Partner Businesses.

Commitment, Service & Dedication to Polk County

www.commercebank.com

180 N. Davis Drive • Bolivar, Mo 65613417.326.3799