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.
August - Hiring & Retaining The Best People
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.)
Legislative Resources
2021 Missouri Legislative Agenda
COVID Stops Here: Missouri Chamber launches campaign to encourage vaccination
A new campaign will recognize Missouri workplaces that are leading the fight against COVID-19. The COVID Stops Here campaign celebrates Missouri employers that have achieved widespread vaccination among their staff members. The effort is already receiving positive national attention.
The Missouri Chamber developed the initiative as a way to highlight workplaces that are leading the fight to stop COVID-19 — and to encourage more organizations to join their ranks.
Organizations that have achieved at least a 70% workforce vaccination rate are eligible to receive a COVID Stops Here designation.
Employers can submit an application to receive their designation, including signs for business entrances to help customers feel safer and a media kit to help promote their achievement.
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.”
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.
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.
Missouri Restaurant Owners Eligible For Restaurant Revitalization Fund Relief
Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) has begun and the Small Business Association (SBA) is accepting applications. Learn more about how you can utilize this opportunity.
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