Tag Archives: business

Neosho’s Chamber of Commerce hosts a business expo

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Neosho, MO — Neosho’s Chamber of Commerce hosts the SHO-Me Business Expo. Lauri Lyerla the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce stopped by telling us more about it.

The Expo is Hollywood-themed this year and features the stars of the 4-states. The expo will be held on March 18th from 6 to 8pm and on the 19th from 10am to 2 pm.  Held at the Neosho Junior High (which is located at 14646 Kodiak Road in Neosho). Admission is $4.

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'Ideas on Tap' connects entrepreneurs, creatives in a casual setting

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JOPLIN, Mo. — Ideas on Tap is a free event series that takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month, allowing community members to come together, share ideas and even have a drink.

The events aim to bring together “thought leaders of business and technology communities in a casual setting to discuss new ideas with web developers, creatives, social media/internet marketers, designers, videographers, bloggers, and e-commerce gurus,” according to its Facebook page.

Hosted by Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Joplin Alliance and JACC Young Professionals Network, Ideas on Tap gives individuals a chance to network, discuss projects, challenges and more.

Erin Slifka, JACC’s Marketing and Public Information Manager, says the events are open to anybody who may be in the marketing field, own a business, or provide creative services. But Ideas on Tap is also open to anyone interested in developing those strengths or learning more.

“We usually kind of fall in our own little holes and don’t get out much to help each other solve problems,” said Slifka.

Ideas on Tap is an opportunity to talk about and solve those problems you may have, creating connections along the way.

The location of the event sometimes varies. On August 26 and September 23, it will be held at Just A Taste Webb City.

To keep up with Ideas on Tap or other events, visit the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Young entrepreneur takes fashion business virtual

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UNIONTOWN, Kan. – Think back to when you were 19-years-old. What were you doing with your life? Studying in college? Or maybe working at your first full-time job? Well for Bourbon County, Kansas native, Addy Labbe, it was the year she founded her own fashion business Stylz by Addy. It may seem like an intimidating prospect in the midst of a pandemic. But thanks to a little bit of innovation and some help from her friends she not only persevered, but even found success.

Now 20 years old, Addy has been in the fashion business for almost as long as she can remember.

“I’ve been traveling with my mother for the past 15 years, ever since I was four or five years old. We’ve been traveling and selling jewelry, so I’ve always been in this business,” said Addy.

“Literally since Kindergarten she has been designing jewelry,” said Addy’s mom Amy Labbe.

Addy spends most of her day in a workshop, designing and crafting the items her mother sells to boutiques all over the country. But in her off hours she started a business of her own. Every Wednesday at 5:00 pm Addy and her friends sell clothing and jewelry through Facebook Live.

“It’s a very big learning curve but it’s been fun,” said Addy. “The transition from the first live to our most recent live is way more smoother, way more confident.”

“The first one we were like ‘here are our clothes.’ and that was really it but now we are into the grove of it and it’s just smooth,” Addy’s assistant, Kinlee Batchelor added

Running an entire storefront through a digital space may seem unorthodox but for Addy it’s the only way it made sense.

“This is probably a better avenue for me because we live in the middle of nowhere,” she said. “We’re a homegrown business, a family business. And instead of selling here we can sell online but if you just sell online at a website no one can see the clothing. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I realized (how) much I love putting together outfits and finding things that look good on all body types.”

Even as she forges her own path forward, the young entrepreneur’s not afraid to wear her inspiration on her sleeve.

“I think since she is around so many women owned businesses and they impower other woman,” said Amy. “So they have given her the confidence to take off and do her own thing.

And the confidence to succeed.

The original plan for the business was to save some money for college, but with all of her success Addy says she may have to change that plan.

You can find her catalog at artbyamy.com/collections/stylz-by-addy or keep up with her Facebook lives at www.facebook.com/stylzbyaddy

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Iola businesses pay pool admission for kids

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IOLA, Kan. – Businesses in Iola, Kansas are paying for kids to swim at the Iola Pool free of charge.

Outsiders Bar and Grill challenged other Iola businesses to contribute to the pool so kids could enjoy summer without worrying about money. Pool officials say this challenge helps area kids and the pool.

“It just goes to show that they’re going to support our community,” said Recreation Director Jason Bauer. “Let them come out swim for free. They’re involved, they want to see the kids get outside. I know the stereotype is a bunch of kids just want to stay inside and play those video games, so it’s nice to see all kids to get out and play.”

Outsiders Bar and Grill started off the challenge by paying for 60 kids passes.

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Joplin Business Expo returns with an 80s theme

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JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Business EXPO is May 25 and 26 at Downstream Casino Resort Pavilion. EXPO is the region’s largest annual showcase of area businesses to the local community, featuring a business-to-business day and a business-to-consumer day with during nearly 120 exhibitor booths. This year’s theme is “Most Excellent 80’s,” and the chamber is encouraging EXPO exhibitors and attendees to come dressed in their best 80’s attire.

On Tuesday, May 25, the exhibitors’ showcase will be open from 12:00-7:30 pm to members of the business community; admission is your business card.  An adults-only Business After Hours will be hosted on Tuesday from 4:30-7:30 pm. EXPO Business. The evening will feature great tastes from Member restaurants and a signature 80’s cocktail titled Pretty in Pink.

This year’s event will feature contests for best mullet, biggest 80’s hair, and best 80’s outfit. A Glamour Shot booth will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday with photos taken by Athena Companies.

On Wednesday, May 26, the exhibitors’ showcase will be open to the public from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Admission is $5; children five and under get in free.

Sponsors of the event include Freeman Health System, Downstream Casino Resort, U.S. Bank and others.

For more information visit joplincc.com/expo.

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Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce holds annual banquet

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday held it’s annual banquet.

Sen. Jerry Moran was in attendance for the event, which presents awards to area businesses like “Small Business of the Year” and the “Spirit of Pittsburg Award.

“I’m certainly supportive of the businesses in Pittsburg and the members of the Chamber of Commerce,” said Sen. Moran. “But I’m supportive of them because one: its the American dream. People have an idea about starting a business and growing a business, but the most important thing is how we employ people. It’s how (to) earn a paycheck. It’s how people can then save money for their kids education. How we can save for retirement.”

The banquet was held in Pitt State’s Overman Student Center.

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Group supporting female business leaders expands into SEK

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PITTSBURG, Kan. – The focus is on women business leaders as a new organization makes a home in Southeast Kansas.

The organization is called New Growth. They’re behind a women’s business center in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. Thanks to grant money, the organization is extending services into Crawford and Bourbon Counties.

One of the missions is to cultivate community interest and entrepreneurs.

“Sometimes (when) you are a small business owner, you feel like you have to know everything to be successful,” said Lisa Zimmerman of New Growth Women’s Business Center. “And that is almost impossible. So hopefully some of these services can help those women entrepreneur find those needed resources.”

The business center also helps people connect to resources to help them succeed.

BBB: Online shopping scams rise by nearly 25%

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Better Business Bureau in Southwest Missouri says online shopping scams are on the rise.

In 2020 more than 46,000 scams were published on the BBB scam tracker. That’s a nearly 25 percent increase from the year before.

The regional representative for the BBB gave some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

“If somebody is pressuring you to deposit something in 24 hours it is probably a scam,” said Stephanie Garland of the regional BBB. “If somebody is contacting you out of the blue giving you a check it is probably a scam. If somebody is say you know probably this is a one time offer it is never going to come around again you need to pay online today. That is probably a scam.”

Garland says 18 to 24 years-olds and senior citizens are the most likely to become victims of an online scam.

 

Carthage Chamber Awards accepting nominations for businesses and individuals

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CARTHAGE, Mo. – The Carthage Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for deserving businesses and community members for its Annual Chamber Awards. Each year the even celebrates the best of Carthage in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, the Spotlight Award, Business of the Year and the Athena Leadership Award.

Citizen of the Year:

The Chamber is asking residents to submit a nominee for Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented to an individual who has had a tremendous impact on the Carthage community.  Persons nominated for this award must:

  • Be a current Carthage resident
  • Actively volunteer with various organizations or events
  • Show pride in Carthage
  • Be highly regarded in the community
  • Contribute to the overall well-being of Carthage
  • Be dedicated to improving the lives of others in Carthage

The Spotlight Award:

All business owners want their facilities to be efficient, attractive, and beneficial to their business’s bottom line, but some business owners invest extra time and effort into their facilities. A very few businesses devote an extraordinary amount of energy and resources. The Chamber of Commerce will recognize one such extraordinary business in January with their annual Spotlight Award. Residents are encouraged to nominate businesses that enhanced the business community in Carthage in 2020 through improvements or expansions to their business location.

Business of the Year Award:

Small businesses make up a huge part of every community’s economy. The same is true for Carthage, and the Chamber of Commerce will thank one exceptional small business when they present the Small Business of the Year Award. Nominations are currently being accepted for this award. Customers, employees and community members are encouraged to nominate businesses for this award. The Small Business of the Year Award will be presented to a local business that has presented a positive image and has been a vibrant entity within the Carthage business community. Recipient must be a Chamber member in good standing and have fewer than 50 employees.

The Athena Leadership Award:

The Athena Leadership Award is presented to one individual (man or woman) each year in recognition of those who support, develop, and honor women leaders and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.

Past recipients are ineligible for nominations. For a full list of all past recipients, please visit the Chamber at 402 S. Garrison. Contact the Chamber office for a nomination form.  Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to be considered. For further information about the Carthage Chamber or upcoming Chamber events, contact the Chamber office at 358-2373.

Girard High Schoolers pitch business ideas in Trojan Entrepreneurial Challenge

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GIRARD, Kan. – The pitch of a lifetime in Girard, Kansas.

Girard High School students Monday pitched their business or product ideas in the high school commons.

Cory Brynds won the day with his business plan for a 3D printing business.

“I feel proud obviously,” said Brynds. “I never really felt nervous, confident. But I’m glad that the work I put in has turned into a success.”

Brynds took home a $1,000 prize.