These memorable moments have been shared by fellow members (and member companies); the photos represent milestones in Chamber members' professional development and business development! To share some of your own photos, read at the bottom of the page.
Becky Rawls-Riley at the Olathe Library by the display case that holds the snowflake bookends that were created for the December 09 needlepoint class.
Members of the boards of directors of The Builders’ Association and Kansas City Chapter, AGC at the 720 Oak ribbon cutting.
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Roger & Jeannie Scarbrough at Scarbrough International Ltd's 25th Anniversary "Surprise" Party!
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback and Realtors Bob Fagan and Aaron Mesmer discuss the need for government support of business in Kansas.
“The Nelson-Atkins is very excited about our collaboration with Quixotic, one of Kansas City’s most imaginative arts groups,” said Jan Schall, Sanders Sosland Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art. “Quixotic creates ethereal, multi-sensory performances. Their site-specific, nighttime performance at the Museum will activate both the white interior geometries and the illuminated glass exterior of our innovative Bloch Building. What a beautiful tribute to the creative spirit!”
In collaboration with 3M, Alphapointe employees who are blind or visually impaired will begin cutting and packaging rolls of tape exclusively for government use. On Thursday, August 13, 3M representatives and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on the machine purchased from a supplier in Arizona specifically for this project. The machine has been retrofitted with Braille labels and other tactile adaptations so that people who are blind can operate the machine to cut 3,000-pound logs of tape that will then be repackaged by other employees who are blind.
Back row: Bloch School outgoing Interim Dean Lee Bolman; SIFE student Katie Scheiding, SIFE student Tara Nigh, SIFE student Kenneth Duke, SIFE student CK Xu; Middle row: Bloch School Dean Teng-Kee Tan, UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton, SIFE student Rachel King, SIFE student Vaughn English, SIFE student/President Jason Patterson, SIFE Mentor and Bloch Sam Walton Fellow Cary Clark; Front row: Henry Bloch, co-founder, H&R Bloch; SIFE student/Vice President Roger Moore and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II.
Kirk Pickerel, ABC President and CEO, (far left) and Jerry Gorski, 2009 ABC National Chairman (far right), present an Eagle Award to Ernie Straub III, president of Straub Construction. With them is Susan Straub, Ernie’s wife.
While celebrating Independence Day in Tombstone, AZ, Harold and Dottie Mae Groves of Dottie Mae's Costumes participated in a costume contest- and won! The pair was named the "Best Dressed Patriotic Couple." "We didn't even know about the contest," laughed Dottie. "We didn't think we were doing anything unusual."
Smiles Change Lives celebrated National Smile Month during the month of June by having different trivia contests each week in which any one could participate in. Questions included were about our partner orthodontists, investors, celebrity with braces, and even some fun oral health/ SCL staff related trivia. Week 4 winner received a Johnson & Johnson gift basket, valued at $250. The basket was donated by J&J.
Clockwork was founded by Christian Arnold and Neil Sommers in 2004 as a design studio concentrating on architecture, interior design, branding and industrial design. The two partners have a working relationship that extends back to 1996 and each worked for a number of national and international design firms. Each of Clockwork’s designers bring unique talents, ranging from fine art painting and sculpting to welding and carpentry. This diverse point of view yields unexpected approaches and innovative solutions that directly support their client’s business goals. A reputation of precision and passion has allowed the studio to create designs for hundreds of clients including Garmin, Houlihan’s Restaurant, Barkley, American Apparel, General Electric, Executive Beechcraft, The Cordish Company, and Tuohy. Clockwork may be contacted by visiting their website at www.clockwork-ad.com.
From left, Jake Jacobsen, senior media relations specialist, Garmin; Ted Gartner, senior manager, corporate communications, Garmin; Bethany Derrough, chair, Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Brad Pemberton, shareholder, Polsinelli Shughart; Jo Nunnink, director, Integra Realty Resources, Joe Freeman, COO, Pioneer Services; and Michael Song, executive director, UMKC Bloch School Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. A check was presented to the Institute at the conclusion of the auction on June 11.
Patrick and Beverly Delugeau became the new owners of one of the "Top Ten Inns in Missouri" - the Inn on Crescent Lake in Excelsior Springs. The Inn has been featured on "Restoring America" with Bob Villa, Midwest Living Magazine and The Insiders Guide to Kansas City, as well as other magazines and newspapers. It was also "Voted best in the Northland" by the Dispatch Tribune. Visit us at
www.crescentlake.com or call 816-630-6745.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon visited HNTB’s corporate offices in Kansas City June 4, 2009, to sign a bill that supports business expansion plans through job creation and work training. The bill also increases the Missouri Build Program to help companies pay off bonds used to build plants and facilities.Before a ceremonial signing and press conference, the governor took a tour of HNTB’s Kansas City office, visiting with staff and hearing presentations by Jerry Mugg, Kansas City office leader, and Becky Cotton, Kansas City office leader for HNTB Architecture, who discussed a variety of innovative projects across the state and around the country. (left to right) Linda M. Martínez, director, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Becky Cotton, HNTB Architecture, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Terry Miller, CEO HNTB Architecture.
The RBI First Pitch Dinner was a HUGE success, thanks in large part to the phenomenal support from the Kansas City Royals. For the first time this year, the event was held in the evening and combined with the Royals game. Over 150 people braved the rain to attend the event in the brand new Hall of Fame suites. The Clubs raised over $35,000 - the highest ever at First Pitch! Then the weather cleared just in time for guests to watch the Royals dazzle in an exciting win over the Blue Jays. Thank you to our hosts, the Kansas City Royals, for making this an event to remember!
SIFE is an international non-profit organization active on 1,400 university campuses in 41 countries, with more than 34,000 student members. Every year, SIFE teams from across the country that meet qualifications are invited to participate in one of 16 SIFE USA Regional Competitions. These events are held nationwide and allow SIFE teams to present their programs to a distinguished group of business leader judges who decide which team achieved the most impact using business concepts to improve the quality of life and standard of living for members of their communities. Earning top honors at a Regional competition results in an invitation to National Expo competition. Pictured above (L-R) is the national presentation team of Kristin Moore (Topeka, KS), Matt Staples (Liberty, MO), Rachel Tuszynski (Madison, WI), Adam Mickelson (Liberty, MO), and Megan McConnell (Oklahoma City, OK) who delivered a timed video review of the year’s work.
Investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals from across the Kansas City area viewed 24 original UMKC student venture creations at Saturday’s Venture EXPO. Judging the finalists were, seated, from left: Michael Song, executive director of the Institute; Brooks Sherman, executive vice president and CFO, Inergy; Henry W. Bloch, co-founder, H&R Block; David A. Forsee, president and founder, Brookside Capital; Jennifer Tomlinson, partner, Tradebot Ventures; standing, from left, Joe Freeman, chief operating officer, Pioneer Services; Karen Hittle; manager, technology development and commercialization office, Midwest Research Institute; Judy Roetheli, co-founder, Lil’ Red Foundation; Joe Roetheli, co-founder, Lil’ Red Foundation.
Team Go Say Hi! was one of five teams to win a launch package for best venture at the 2009 Regnier Family Foundations Venture Creation Challenge, held by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the UMKC Bloch School. Pictured, from left are Bloch Executive MBA Class of 2009 students Ravi Peru, Ron Coker, Carliss Panis and Andrew James. Go Say Hi! is a mobile, proximity dating service focused on active singles.
From left, executive director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UMKC’s Bloch School Michael Song, PhD, and UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton talk to undergraduate Computing and Engineering student Ryan Konen, founder of Fun Flotations, LLC. Fun Flotations’ INFLOTABLE is a motorized social interaction seating device for multiple people for use on lakes or in large bodies of water. Konen won one of five launch packages awarded to the best student ventures.
Habitat for Humanity hosted the annual Parade of Playhouses in April, raising community awareness in the Kansas City Metro area. Many playhouses are for sale or being auctioned off to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
It was another great win for the WorldQuest World Trade Center team. The WTC team captured First Place at the Annual WorldQuest Competition presented by the International Relations Council. Our outstanding crew included the following: Jeff Willis, MyTrade Leads; David Albrecht, KC Chamber; Norm Burkart, WTC volunteer; and from the Command College: John Cary, Mark Wilcox, David Hunter Chester, Geoff Babb, and Jeff Vordermark.
Because of you, Cristo Rey High School's third annual Kansas City Dancing With the Stars was a wildly successful evening, raising $185,000 in support of a very special school with truly special kids. On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, administration and board of Cristo Rey, thank you for joining us. Your tremendous support ensures a bright future for every student who walks the halls of Cristo Rey.
Thanks to the collaborated efforts of our many sponsors and guests, and a dedicated steering committee, we raised $320,518 for the Red Cross!We appreciate everyone who contributed to Red Ball this year!
Pete Levi of the Chamber welcomes General Barry McCaffrey and Terry Miller of HNTB to the Federal Affairs Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1. Gen. McCaffrey briefed Committee members and guests regarding the impact of the Mexican Drug Wars on the local and U.S. economy and the current status of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as well as provided his insights into the new administration and the changing U.S. roles in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gen. McCaffrey served in the U.S. Army for 32 years and retired as a four-star General. After leaving the military, Gen. McCaffrey served as the nation’s Cabinet Officer in charge of U.S. Drug Policy; a post he held for five years. Currently, he is a national security and terrorism analyst for NBC News, owns and operates BR McCaffrey Associates and serves on a number of national boards of directors, including that of HNTB Corporation based in Kansas City, Mo.
On March 6 in Theis Park, City Council and Parks officials officially unveiled the first "Please Do Not Feed the Geese" sign. Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation has embarked on a campaign to educate the public about the problems associated with feeding waterfowl. Sixty educational signs will be installed at appropriate parks requesting patrons to not feed and providing reasons why it is detrimental to our environment and to the geese.
StepUp!, the partnership between The Chamber and UpLink to match businesses with summer interns, is gaining momentum. An informational luncheon was recently held, featuring (front row) Lisa Adkins and Laura Norris of YouthFriends, and (back row) Chamber Board Chair Anne St. Peter, Clint Robinson of Black & Veatch, Ed Honesty of Best Harvest Bakeries, and Chamber President Pete Levi
If you’re out driving and you happen upon a bald guy in a blue Saturn talking to himself, it just might be Brad Scott, the Executive Creative Director at full-service advertising and public relations firm PTK Communications. Don’t worry, the advertising business hasn’t claimed another victim. Brad’s just rehearsing his speaking parts for his role of Senior Deacon at his Masonic Lodge.
Brad became a Freemason earlier this year, following in his dad’s footsteps but certainly not ready to fill his shoes, being as the elder Scott held the role of Grand Master for the entire state of Missouri in 1997.
(L to R) Ernie Straub III, president of Straub Construction Company, presented a 2009 “Project of the Year” award by the National Commercial Builders Council to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB) on Feb. 19. Accepting the Award of Excellence at the finished Weaver Auditorium project is Karen L. Pletz, J.D., president and CEO of KCUMB and Dick Hoffine, chief operating officer of KCUMB.
Richard & Theresa Ng, owners of Bo Ling’s Restaurant, 2008 Restauranteurs of the Year of the Missouri Restaurant Associations, at The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association Gilbert Robinson Lecture Series Dinner & Awards Ceremony, November 12, 2008. The Restauranteur of the Year Award is presented to the restauranteur who continues to demonstrate their dedication to the industry and the community. This award has become the association’s most prestigious and meaningful honor.
Instructional Clinics at the 4th Annual Alphapointe Golf Tournament which raised over $40,000 for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program
KC Chamber Champion and new ACA Ambassador Wes Wingfield President of Highest Ambition LLC pictured with Martin Hess President of ACA. The American Club Association (ACA) is an organization created for the purpose of building relationships and making a positive impact on their respective clubs, careers and local communities.
Paul Dorrell, Leopold Gallery, recently guided a field trip of young artists from Sumner Academy to Lawrence, and the Art Department of the University of Kansas. He was ably assisted by Mary Sit, their instructor. Sumner is located in KC, KS. The purpose of the trip was to inspire the kids, make them realize that attending university is not an impossibility, and that scholarships are available. They also visited the off-campus studios of Stan Herd and Stephen Johnson, where they heard stories of sacrifice, hardship and victory. Upshot? These kids will be going on to college.
In celebration of America Recycles Day, scheduled for Nov. 15, Lee's Summit High School DECA members initiated a plastic bottle recycle campaign for students and staff at the school. Members placed a plastic bottle recycle box in classrooms. The boxes have a plastic liner and a flyer that states, “Plastic Bottles Only.” Once a week, students from the LSHS life skills class collect the bottles and dispose of them. Pictured with some of the boxes are DECA officer Emily Gromes and Claire Bohlman (right).
On October 28 at the Kansas City Library Ed Alan Holmer, Special Ambassador for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, U.S. Department of Treasury; Will James, Principal, BKD, LLP; Victor Chan, VP - Country Manager China/SE Asia, US Bank;
Rob Wagner, International Tax Partner, BKD, LLP; Judy Loretta, VP - Foreign Exchange Trading, US Bank; Ed Crumm, Manufacturing & Distribution Group National Industry Partner, BKD, LLP; Tim Higgins, EVP International, Lockton Companies, attended China Business 2008.
On October 28 at the Kansas City Library Ed Crumm, National Industry Partner - Manufacturing & Distribution Group, BKD, LLP and Alan Holmer, Special Ambassador for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, U.S. Department of Treasury, attended China Business 2008.
On October 28 at the Kansas City Library Ken Stacy, President, American Crane & Tractor Parts, Inc.; Mark Jorgenson, President & CEO - Kansas City Market, US Bank; Alan Holmer, Special Ambassador for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, U.S. Department of Treasury, attended China Business 2008.
On October 28 at the Kansas City Library Jim Ritchie, President and CEO, YRC Logistics; Ed Crumm, National Industry Partner - Manufacturing & Distribution Group, BKD, LLP; Will James, Principal, BKD, LLP, attended China Business 2008.
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Top Ten Small Businesses (2008) established a scholarship fund for High School students in the Kansas City area, Tomorrow's Top Ten. The kick-off event was held on October 16, 2008. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the 10 $1,000 scholarships. Pictured here (from left to right) are Connie Zack (Sunlight Saunas), Lori Mallory (KCIM), Lance Stegman (Sunlight Saunas).
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Top Ten Small Businesses (2008) established a scholarship fund for High School students in the Kansas City area, Tomorrow's Top Ten. The kick-off event was held on October 16, 2008. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the 10 $1,000 scholarships. Pictured here (from left to right) are Joan Toomey, Jeanette Prenger (ECCO Select), and her son Darren Prenger.
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Top Ten Small Businesses (2008) established a scholarship fund for High School students in the Kansas City area, Tomorrow's Top Ten. The kick-off event was held on October 16, 2008. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the 10 $1,000 scholarships. Pictured here (from left to right) are Dan Gedman, Christopher O’Connor and Frankie Oviedo, Liquid 9 partners.
JE Dunn Construction Company was the Grand Award Winner and won 1st Place in the General Contractor Division, Over 1 Million Work Hours, at The Builders’ Association Safety Excellence Awards. Left to right (in front): Garrett Estabrook, Safety Specialist; Robyn Francis, Safety Specialist, and Olivia Marts, Safety Secretary (together holding General Contractor Over 1 Million Work Hours award); Joey Smith, Safety Specialist (holding Grand Award); and Bryan Novitiski, Safety Specialist. Middle row: Charles Adkins, C.I.H., OSHA Regional Administrator, Region VII; Mike Schwaller, Safety Specialist; and Debbie Smith, Safety Specialist. In back: Dave Hulse, Safety Director; Bill Daubendiek, Senior Safety Specialist; Mike Zykan, Safety Specialist; and Richard Hartsuck, Senior Safety Specialist. (Not pictured: Jim D. Miller, Assistant Vice President–Director of Safety; Lori Rea, Workers’ Compensation Administrator; Brett Osborn, Safety Specialist; Ken Evans, Safety Specialist; Charles Winans, Safety Specialist; Yvette Rundhaug, Safety Specialist; and Dalena Tripplet, Safety Specialist.).
Charles Paulson, CSP (left), Safety Director, Midwest Mechanical Contractors, Inc., was this year’s Safety Professional of the Year honoree at The Builders’ Association Safety Excellence Awards. Presenting the award is Phil Shoemaker (right), Safety & Health Services Director, The Builders’ Association.
The Builders’ Association, a nonprofit organization with over 1,000 members in the commercial construction industry, has announced it will relocate to the CourtView Building at 720 Oak Street in downtown, Kansas City, Missouri. The move will take place in the summer of 2009.
On Friday, September 5, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences Board of Trustees and Alumni Association named its historic administration building, the original Children’s Mercy Hospital, for civic leader and President, Karen Pletz, at its alumni celebration at Starlight Theatre.
About 10 Ameristar Team Members along with Hermes Landscaping planted flowers for the seniors at Don Bosco Senior Center Friday. The awesome weather helped bring the seniors out to watch as the volunteers tilled, dug and planted beautiful flowers. Jon Spears, Facilities, dug fresh dirt for the beautiful flowers Ameristar Team Members were about to plant.
Patricia Bateman, Hotel, looks up from planting flowers at Don Bosco Senior Center Friday.
AT&T Vice President of Public Affairs Madeline Romious presents the AT&T Excelerator grant to NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr and NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships Mike Campbell for the NAIA Champions of Character program Wednesday, February 13.
Hal Galbraith, a U.S. Bank customer from Lee’s Summit, Mo., recently won $10,000 as part of the U.S. Bank Cash Bonus Holiday Sweepstakes. He was one of ten winners in all. Photographed left to right: Monica Hawkins, U.S. Bank branch manager; Hal Galbraith, winner; Colleen Galbraith, happy wife of Hal; Beth Money, U.S, Bank district manager.
Premier Bank will be presenting the “Get Smart About Credit” program at two local high schools. Joe James, President/Premier Bank Northland will make presentations to nine Personal Finance modules at Park Hill High School from October 17, 2007 through October 24, 2007. Todd Karnatz, VP/Retail Lending Manager will present at Shawnee Mission West High School on October 19, 2007.
Ameristar Casino Kansas City Team Members visited and served holiday lunch to the seniors who attended the Learning and Laughter program at the Shepherd’s Center of the Northland Wednesday, November 28. The Learning and Laughter program is fully funded by Ameristar and gives seniors a chance to do activities, hear speakers and socialize with other seniors in the Northland.
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City held its fourth annual gala recognizing exceptional work within the Kansas City metro area Asian-American community. This year’s theme was “CelebrASIAN 2007, Where Business and the Arts Meet" and Fleishman-Hillard Inc.’s Nabeeha M. Kazi, Senior Vice President and Partner, Director of Public Health Practice Group, was awarded with the “Professional Leader of the Year” award recognizing Ms. Kazi’s dedication to community involvement and the progressive presence of the Asian-American community. She spoke purposefully to encourage minority professional leaders to take responsibility, locally and globally, in serving the needs of the community. “CelebrASIAN 2007” was a night to celebrate the excellent works of Asian Americans in Kansas City, and a night to recognize a pivotal leader in the professional arena.
At the Human Resource Management Association of Greater Kansas City (HRMA-KC) 2007 Paragon Awards Luncheon on September 26, Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino & Hotel was honored as the recipient of two 2007 Facets of Excellence for Recruitment, Selection & On-boarding, and Employment and Communication. Anissa Elsey (second from right),Vice President of Human Resources at Nazdar, and Vice President of Finance/Paragon Director for HRMA-KC is with Harrah’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Cook (far left), Vice President of Human Resources Brad Warga, and Employee Manager Nancy Rosenbury
The Heart of America Barbershop Chorus proudly announces and shows-off their newest and youngest quartet. "RAISING THE BAR" made their first major apparance on-stage on March 17, 2007 at the Annual Heart of America Barbershop Chorus Spring Show. They wow'd the audience and received a standing ovation at their appearances in Yardley Hall located in the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College. These four young men have an accumulated total over 17 years' experience singing as members of the HOA Chorus. Shown from left to right: Johnathan Fortino, 12 - baritone; Anthony Fortino, 13 - bass; Andrew Meier, 15 - lead; Steven Duncan, 13 - tenor. All four young men are fortunate to sing with their dads who are also in the HOA Chorus.
Blue Hills Community Services (BHCS) has received an $825,000 loan from M&I Bank for the new Olive Street Homes development, which is the first loan made in Kansas City originating from a federal program called New Market Tax Credits. The streetscape, here, was created for BHCS by UMKC architecture student, Dee Jay Bankhead. The project will completely transform a blighted block in the Blue Hills neighborhood located between 49th and 50th streets and Olive.
Brent Collins' brilliant sculpture Pax Mundi was installed outside the new H&R Block building. This 1200 lb. piece is 6' on diameter, and represents a mathematical equation in bronze. Block is a math-driven corporation, hence the sculptural representation. The work faces the Power & Light District. Pax Mundi is Latin for Peaceful World.
On Thursday, April 5, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting at Leopold Gallery, 324 W. 63rd St. This is in the heart of Brookside, just a few doors east of Wornall. Leopold, art consultant for H&R Block and University of Kansas Hospital, was established in 1991. Our clients include the National D-Day Memorial, Steven Spielberg, The Kauffman Foundation, and scores of others. We’re also a gallery for private collectors, from inexpensive works in ceramic and glass, to large paintings and sculptures. We’ve recently moved to a huge renovated space in Brookside. Please join us for this great event as we make official our new home.
Joe Melookaran, president of the International Relations Council (IRC), and Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, meet on December 11, 2006, during Annan's visit and speech at Truman Center. Melookaran writes: "IRC and Truman Library have been working together on many programs advancing the cause of international understanding, and encouraging diplomatic aspirations in Kansas City area students. The collaboration of the two organizations prompted an invitation to be a part of the welcoming team when UN Secretary General's motorcade arrived at the Truman Center for his historic Farewell Speech. Having this great opportunity to greet the Secretary General and have few words with him and other UN officials in a historic setting was certainly a lifetime opportunity."
Shawnee Mission Medical Center breaks ground on the Shawnee Mission Outpatient Pavilion at K-7 and Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa. The first phase of the Pavilion will include a Medical Office Building, Emergency Department, Surgery Center and Imaging Center. Pictured from left to right: Lyle Pishney, Chair of The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center Board and member of the hospital Board of Trustees; Mike Boehm, Mayor of Lenexa; Samuel H. Turner, Sr., Shawnee Mission Medical Center; Bob Ladouceur, Center for Diagnostic Imaging; Richard Arnspiger, II, MD, Medical Staff President; David S. Vodonick, MD, Emergency Department Physician; Matt Karl, Frauenshuh HealthCare Real Estate Solutions; David Frauenshuh, Frauenshuh HealthCare Real Estate Solutions.
Add your photos to the online archive of Member moments! Show and tell your company's development or your own professional development - with pictures.
To submit your photos, email waltz@kcchamber.com from your business email account.
In the email, please include:
Digital format (.jpg preferred), high-resolution photo (at least 800 x 600 pixels in size)
Photo caption with the names of individuals and brief scene description (please limit to 50 words)
Bob Regnier, Bank of Blue Valley, and Ken Perdue, Staples more >>
