Educational Resources
The WSCC Chamber places importance in providing educational resources for our members to help improve their businesses and personal growth.
Monthly Topic Resources & Weblinks
January - Customer Service
The goal of a business is to get more customers and the best way to do that is to give your customers the best experience possible. Learn about the top 5 key elements needed to map successfully the customers journey.
Click here for more details: https://blog.exitbee.com/business-needs-focus-customer-journey-sales/
February - Marketing Powerfully
Are you on the right social media platforms in order to market to your core audience?
Click here for more details: https://us.accion.org/resource/choosing-right-social-media-platform-your-business/
March - Social Media Strategies
Did you know that Facebook Lives draw the most attention from your audience? Are you have trouble creating a successful Facebook Live? We have some tips & tricks to help!
Click here for more details: https://blogs.constantcontact.com/facebook-live/
Need help setting up a complete and successful business pages on various social media platforms? Click the buttons below to download checklist for LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Need help building up a successful social media campaign? The link below has some strategies to help.
Click here for more details: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-marketing-strategy/
April - Value of Diversity in Business
7 Benefits of Diversity in Customer Service At Your Company
Click here for more details: https://harver.com/blog/diversity-in-customer-service/
May - Networking Successfully
June - Communicating Effectively & Confidently
Communicating Effectively Through Emails, Text, & Phone Calls
July - Developing Leadership Skills
Have you been wondering what makes a successful leader? Learn how you can develop your leadership skills.
Learn More about The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People written by Gary Chapman & Paul White: https://rb.gy/5wjbck
August - Hiring & Retaining The Best People
7 Proven Employee Retention Strategies (2021) & 5 Self Care Tips for Independent Professional:
September - Attracting Your Ideal Client
October - Advantages of Partnering
November - Working with Invisible Disabilities (attitude, negativity, stress, etc.)
December - Taking Charge of the Workday (organization, time management, etc.)
General Membership Meeting Community Spotlight Resources
St. Charles City-County Library District
St. Charles County Ambulance District
St. Charles County Road & Traffic Department
Legislative Resources
2021 Missouri Legislative Agenda
Biden vaccine mandate impacts private business
President Joe Biden has announced a plan that establishes a broad new vaccination mandate on many private businesses.
The plan impacts businesses with more than 100 employees. It would require those businesses to ensure all employees are either vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested weekly to ensure they aren’t carrying the virus. Businesses would also be required to provide paid time off for vaccination.
The president is using the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, to implement the plan through an emergency order.
Many questions remain about when the plan would be implemented, how employers would have to verify vaccination and what penalties would be given for violations. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to update our members as more information is released.
Following the announcement, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a statement calling the administration’s plan the “wrong approach for business.”
“The Biden Administration’s new COVID-19 vaccine and testing mandate is the wrong approach for business. As always, the Missouri Chamber will stand against attempts to place new government mandates on our employer community,” said Daniel P. Mehan, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. “Each workplace is different and employers have long held the right to establish vaccine policies that work for their businesses. The Missouri Chamber believes all employers should continue to have this right when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast with Biden Administration’s approach, we believe the federal government should instead cooperate with the employer community to encourage vaccination and support employers that exercise their legal right to require vaccination. It’s unfortunate that this new federal policy will likely further divide public sentiment around COVID-19 vaccination. The Missouri Chamber believes that vaccination remains key to our economic recovery. We need to more Missourians to get vaccinated so that we can begin to put this pandemic behind us. The Missouri Chamber will continue leading in this effort and we strongly encourage all Missourians to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Missouri Chamber testifies on
federal vaccine mandate
Missouri Chamber Director of Legislative Affairs Kara Corches provided testimony in opposition to a federal vaccine mandate for employers at a hearing on Sept. 15.
While we believe that COVID-19 vaccination is the pathway to full economic recovery, the Biden Administration’s approach is wrong for business and a severe governmental overreach. In fact, a poll of Missouri Chamber members found that nearly 80% of respondents agree businesses should have the freedom to make their own decisions about vaccination, including mandating vaccination if deemed necessary.
The Missouri Chamber takes the stance that employers should have the final say in what they do or do not mandate for their own employees. Hundreds of Missouri businesses are participating in our voluntary COVID Stops Here initiative, which recognizes workplaces with high staff vaccination rates. The Missouri Chamber has a variety of resources for employers on how to discuss the importance of vaccination with your employees.
More than 200 Missouri businesses recognized
as COVID Stops Here workplaces
Our new initiative has hit another benchmark to celebrate — hundreds of employers have now joined the ranks of COVID Stops Here, which provides free designations to workplaces where at least 70% of staff members are vaccinated.
Thank you to all of these workplace vaccination leaders!
This effort, created by the Missouri Chamber, shines a light on how these employers are leading the effort to encourage vaccination so that business can finally move past the challenges of the pandemic.
Once approved for a designation, workplaces receive printable signage as well as a media kit to help promote their status to their community and encourage others to join them. The webpage also includes resources for employers that are still working to achieve widespread vaccination among their staff members.
CDC revises masking guidelines to curb COVID-19 spike
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced July 27 that all individuals in high transmission areas, regardless of vaccination status, are urged to wear masks indoors. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, largely due to the spread of the more contagious Delta variant.
“In recent days I have seen new scientific data from recent outbreak investigations showing that that Delta variant behaves uniquely differently from past strains of the virus that cause Covid-19…This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendations,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
Meet Donald Kauerauf, Missouri’s new health department director
“We are excited to welcome Don to Missouri and look forward to the great work he is sure to accomplish in service to all Missourians,” Gov. Parson said at a press conference on July 21. “Don is no stranger to state government and has more than 30 years of experience in public health and emergency management with the state of Illinois. It is obvious that he has a firm grasp on public health issues and the COVID-19 crisis, and we are confident in his ability to lead DHSS.”
Employer’s guide to encouraging employee vaccination
As a trusted source of information, employers can have a strong influence on their employees’ decisions to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It is vital for our state’s health and economic recovery that the business community does everything in its power to encourage vaccination — particularly now with the dangerous Delta variant on the rise.
COVID Stops Here campaign highlights pro-vaccine message from Sen. Roy Blunt
The Missouri Chamber’s COVID Stops Here campaign is collaborating with U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt on a direct appeal to increase vaccination rates in Missouri. In a new advertising campaign launched Sunday, Sen. Blunt asks Missourians to join him and get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I’m proud to be a part of the COVID Stops Here campaign and I strongly urge every Missourian to get their shot as soon as possible,” said Sen. Blunt. “Right now in our state, it’s vaccine vs. variant. It’s a fight we win by getting the vaccine so we can protect ourselves and the people around us. That is the only way we will get our families and our economy back to normal.”
“We greatly appreciate Sen. Roy Blunt for speaking out on the need to get vaccinated. His message to Missourians couldn’t come at a better time. While millions of Missourians have already been vaccinated, we need everyone to join in and get vaccinated as we try to stop the spread of the dangerous Delta variant of COVID-19,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO.
Gov. Parson signs bill to repair and modernize Missouri’s transportation infrastructure
The Missouri Chamber led a broad coalition of stakeholders who rallied this session in support of transportation funding. Now with Gov. Parson’s signature, Missouri is primed to invest and modernize the state’s transportation infrastructure — supporting our economy of the future.
New law will boost apprenticeship in Missouri
The Missouri MOST 529 education savings plan has long been a vital tool that has helped Missourians save for higher education expenses. But a new law signed by Gov. Mike Parson will add more flexibility to the program — including allowing 529 savings to be used for apprenticeship expenses.
Missouri successfully advocates against MSA redefinition
The Missouri Chamber has successfully opposed a federal proposal to redefine the population designation for a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) from a minimum of 50,000 to 100,000. If implemented, this change would have been detrimental to the economic health of the state.
Gov. Parson announces $400M broadband infrastructure plan
Gov. Mike Parson announced on Aug. 9 plans to deploy more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption and assistance statewide.
“If we can get lighting in every house, we can get broadband in every house. This is a major step for our state, especially rural Missouri, to have that kind of investment,” Parson said.
The COVID-19 crisis served as another reminder of the economic importance of having modern broadband services available across Missouri. When schools and businesses closed, students and workers were forced to rely on their local broadband infrastructure. Unfortunately, in some communities the connections were not up to the job. Missouri is ranked 42nd nationally in access to broadband internet.
Bicentennial Inaugural Parade
As part of Missouri’s statewide bicentennial celebration, the Governor’s Office will also be hosting a Bicentennial Inaugural Parade in Jefferson City on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. to showcase Missouri’s past, present, and future.
The Bicentennial Inaugural Parade will celebrate the swearing-in of Missouri’s elected officials from this year’s Bicentennial Inauguration as well as highlight the history and significance of all 114 counties across the state of Missouri.
If your business has historic significance, consider signing up to be in the parade.
U.S. Chamber applauds Senate passage of federal transportation package
“Our elected leaders are on the precipice of a historic investment in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark in a statement. “Turning this long-overdue promise into a reality will grow our economy and strengthen our competitiveness for decades to come. We applaud the Senate for doing its job on a bipartisan basis, thoughtfully debating and passing much-needed infrastructure legislation that will finally invest in America’s roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, create millions of jobs, and improve the quality of life for every American. Now it is time for the House to continue the bipartisan progress and send this bill to the president’s desk.”
The U.S. Senate voted to pass the $1 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on Aug. 10. This bill would put much-needed funding toward America’s roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure and create millions of jobs.
AT&T invests nearly $1.9B over three years to connect Missouri customers
From 2018-2020, AT&T expanded coverage and improved connectivity in more Missouri communities by investing nearly $1.9 billion in wireless and wireline networks.
“From connecting family and loved ones to helping first responders during a crisis, AT&T is committed to investing in Missouri to build state-of-the-art infrastructure that will keep people connected,” said Craig Unruh, AT&T Missouri State President. “By continuing to improve our network at the state and local levels, we are helping businesses grow in Missouri and helping to ensure that our customers and communities stay connected throughout the country.”
Remembering former Missouri Sen. Ed Emery
Former Missouri Senator Ed Emery, a Republican from Lamar, passed away on Aug. 7 at the age of 71. During his time in the Missouri General Assembly, Sen. Emery was a true champion for Missouri employers. His legislative legacy includes significant legal reforms, the first utility regulatory reform bill Missouri had seen in over a decade, education policies to enhance our state’s workforce and improvements to Missouri’s infrastructure. Emery was awarded with the Missouri Chamber Spirit of Enterprise in 2018, a recognition of consistent efforts to protect our state’s free enterprise system. Sen. Emery will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Small businesses eligible for thousands in tax credits for COVID-19 PTO
Did you know companies with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for tax credits worth up to 80 hours of coronavirus-related paid time off? This can be applied to employees taking sick leave because they caught the virus or are quarantining, and for the time it takes to receive and recover from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Return to Work manual updated with latest employer guidance
In addition to the obvious health and safety benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, there are several additional reasons for Missourians to roll up their sleeves. The CDC advises that fully vaccinated people can adhere to much less strict COVID-19 precautions. Learn what these are and more in the most recent version of our guide.
Recently Passed Legislation
PASSED: Repair and modernize our transportation infrastructure
The legislation passed this year will invest a much-needed $500 million per year in transportation funding for state, county and city projects. The bill would phase in an increase in the gas tax by 2.5 cents each year over five years. It includes a rebate mechanism so that drivers who do not wish to pay the increase can get their money back. The legislation also phases in increased fees on electric vehicles.
PASSED: Stop opportunistic
COVID-19 lawsuits
Missouri lawmakers also took decisive action to stop an expected wave of COVID-19 lawsuits coming in the wake of the pandemic. The Missouri Chamber’s call for action on this topic was joined by roughly 800 employers and Missourians who signed a letter in support of action to stop COVID-19 litigation.
PASSED: Provide sales tax fairness for local businesses
Since the arrival of internet retailers, physical stores in Missouri have been competing at a big disadvantage. However, Missouri lawmakers have finally put all retailers on equal footing by requiring online sellers to collect sales tax.
PASSED: Train Missourians for in-demand jobs
Apprenticeships are one vital tool that can help quickly upskill Missourians for in-demand jobs. Lawmakers have passed legislation that will boost apprenticeship by allowing the state’s 529 savings plan to be used for apprenticeship expenses. In addition, lawmakers have passed language to establish a statewide plan that would enhance career and technical education in the state, expanding access to valuable employment-focused training during high school.
PASSED: Modernize Missouri’s
utilities infrastructure
Legislation passed this year would allow water and wastewater management providers to upgrade and repair systems proactively — saving ratepayers money. In addition, lawmakers voted to create a renewable natural gas program, allowing utilities to capture methane gas to be used as biogas, a renewable source of energy.
PASSED: Safeguard against prescription drug abuse
Drug addiction impacts Missouri employers directly. It impacts productivity, safety and morale at work. It also drives up employer-paid prescription costs. Missouri has been the only state in the nation without a statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), which allows medical professionals to view what prescriptions their patients have been taking before they prescribe. Having access to this information empowers doctors to detect drug abuse early and provide appropriate care for patients at risk of substance abuse disorder, helping prevent deaths and addressing the trends of addiction in our state.
PASSED: $10 million for broadband internet expansion
Internet access has become an essential resource that’s needed to run a business, complete schoolwork and communicate. Expanding broadband has been an ongoing priority of the Missouri Chamber for years, and the COVID-19 crisis made the need for this even more clear. House Bill 7 allocates $10 million of federal funding for rural broadband internet grants.
PASSED: Create guidelines allowing innovative new delivery technology
Companies like Amazon and FedEx will soon be able to deploy innovative delivery technology in Missouri thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 176. Having clear policy in place for the use of PDDs puts Missouri on the map for companies utilizing these devices. Their use could also help reduce road congestion by relieving some of the need to ship products by truck.
ANTI-BUSINESS BILL DEFEATED: HB 975
We blocked a bill that would have tossed aside manufacturers’ intellectual property rights and jeopardize their security and warranty agreements in favor of a poorly-conceived “right to repair” standard.
ANTI-BUSINESS BILL DEFEATED: HB 589
House Bill 589 included language that would have stripped away companies’ freedom to require patrons, customers or employees to provide documentation certifying they have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. This provision was successfully removed from the legislation, preserving employers’ right to ask for proof of vaccination at their discretion.
ANTI-BUSINESS BILL DEFEATED: HB 1202
House Bill 1202, which would have reduced employers’ ability to protect themselves with non-compete clauses, was stalled in committee.
Senator Bill Eigel (23rd District) Speaks on Phasing-Out Personal Property Tax
July’s (2021) Legislative Lunch guest speaker was Senator Bill Eigel. He walked us through the steps it would take to phase out personal property taxes in St. Charles County, Missouri. The goal of Senate Bill #24 is to reduce the personal property assessment rate from 33.3% to 0.001% over five years. To learn more about Senate Bill #24, click here: https://www.senate.mo.gov/21info/bts_…
Speakers Bio: Senator Bill Eigel was sworn into office on January 4, 2017, to serve the resident of Missouri’s 23rd Senatorial District in St. Charles County. Senator Eigel is a United States Air Force military veteran of eight years and has owned a small business in St. Charles County for more than 10 years. He is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Rifle Association, and is a volunteer for the Missouri Veteran’s Retirement Home in North St. Louis County. Senator Eigel lives in Weldon Springs with his wife, Amanda, and their two children. They are members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Cottleville, Missouri.
EDC & Local Economy Update (Feb. 2021)
With Guest Speaker: Scott Drachnik, the President/CEO of the St. Charles County Economic Development Center.
Educational Resources
Economic Development Council of St. Charles County (EDC) mission is “to be a catalyst fostering growth so businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals succeed and flourish in St. Charles County and metro St. Louis.” As a non-governmental, 501(c)(4) public-private partnership, the EDC annual budget is approximately $2 million, with less than 10% coming from local government support.
EDC – https://www.edcscc.com/?fbclid=IwAR0nEK7b6BNeJPIMPYAjXPt8SpkB14ANwijfFWaS7wooGVbQdAFIbb6Pczs
Missouri Intern Connect exists to build a bridge between employers and tomorrow’s workforce. Established by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2018, this service helps Missouri students gain valuable career experience while simultaneously giving employers better access to the talent they need for tomorrow’s economy.
Missouri Intern Connect is a product of the Missouri Chamber’s Missouri 2030 strategic initiative. The research behind Missouri 2030 uncovered that workforce was one of the main concerns for our state’s employers — many organizations were struggling to find the talented workers they needed. In addition, the state overall was experiencing a troubling trend: Many young workers were choosing to leave Missouri for opportunities elsewhere.
Missouri Intern Connect addresses these issues by providing an easy way for students to connect with valuable internship experiences inside Missouri. These experiences give young people a connection to employers and lead to job opportunities which provide a powerful incentive to stay in Missouri.
Missouri InterConnect – https://www.mointernconnect.com/
Watch how business leaders can play an important role in suicide prevention and take actionable steps for mentally healthier, safer workplaces and communities.
On-Demand Webinar (FREE): Work Place Strategies for Suicide Prevention – https://vimeo.com/570019122www.wentzvillemo.gov/newsletters
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, they have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs.
SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Thanks to this generous support from the SBA and because of the selfless contributions of our more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers, they are able to deliver most of our offerings at no cost. Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs starts small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses.
SCORE – www.score.org
SCORE WORKSHOPS – Take a Workshop | SCORE
Welcome to the St. Charles County Department of Workforce & Business Development, operator of the Missouri Job Center of St. Charles County. They have help people find jobs and companies find people! Their department has successfully administered employment and training programs since 1972 through funding provided by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development and the U.S. Department of Labor, and now provides important services to job-seekers and area businesses in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.
St. Charles County Workforce Development – https://www.sccmo.org/163/Workforce-Business-Developmentwww.score.org
Attention, Wentzville business owners! In 2021, The Biz will take flight under a new title as The Buzz. This new eNewsletter will offer economic development updates, helpful business tips, marketing resources and more! Please note: This will be a virtual newsletter, so hardcopies will not be available.
The Buzz Newsletter – www.wentzvillemo.gov/newsletters
Need Help With Creating An Virtual Internship? Do You Know What The Difference Is Between An Internship & Apprenticeships? Check Out The Resources Below!
Free & On-Demand Webinar: Best Practices For Virtual Internships
Click Here: https://www.mointernconnect.com/articles/free-webinar
FREE Guide to Virtual Internship Toolkit: