July 2026

A newsletter about and for the Members of THE CHAMBER THAT HAS IT ALL!

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MEMBER NEWS

Your go-to place for highlights, announcements, milestones, and noteworthy news that have been shared with The Chamber.

Holiday Inn - Route 66

Full service Hotel on the Mother Road RT66

Holiday Inn Route 66 has won multiple service awards: AAA Three Diamond Award, IHG Pivotal Meetings Award, and St. Louis Magazine Award. Featuring the Sunset Event Space, award-winning Twisted Tree Steakhouse, and Lobby Lounge, we honor our team's commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Frank Candelaria

Winter Opera St. Louis

Winter Opera St. Louis is proud to announce the addition of Frank Candelaria V to our team. Frank has assumed the role of Technical Director and brings over ten years of professional experience to this role. We are thrilled to welcome him for our 20th anniversary season, and to expand our services offered to the St. Louis Community.

Amra Kalender

Kalender & Associates

Congratulations to Kalender & Associates who received the 2025 Life Diamond Award. At Kalender & Associates — American Family Insurance. Their focus is always on a best-in-class customer experience and life insurance guidance tailored to your goals—so you can feel confident about what’s ahead.

Mike Swaleh

Fairway Home Mortgage

Congratulations to Mike Swaleh of Fairway Home Mortgage for earning national recognition from Experience.com. Ranked #66 in the U.S. and among the top 5% nationwide based on verified customer reviews, this honor reflects his commitment to exceptional client service.

St. Luke's

St. Luke's Earns National Recognition

Congratulations! St. Luke's earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and was also recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Hospitals for Specialized Care 2026 in Cancer Care. St. Luke's also earned the 2026 Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award, the only hospital in MO to achieve this distinction for 16 consecutive years!

Stacy West

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Congratulations to Deputy Director, Stacy West, on her appointment to the Kirkwood Arts Commission by the Kirkwood City Council. The Kirkwood Arts Commission promotes and sponsors the arts and participation in the arts for the benefit of the Kirkwood community. Commission programs include their Making Music Concert Series, now in its 23rd season, as well as gallery exhibitions at the Kirkwood Performing Art Center.

Diane Carson

Promo Xpertz

Congratulations to Diane for being named one of the "Top 5 Transformations Leaders to Follow in 20026" by Magnate View Magazine. Magnate View Magazine's mission is to showcase influential individuals and share leadership insights, business strategies, and success stories.

Jan Stanczak & Rob Schainker

Travel Leaders/Jan's Travel & Cruises, LTD

A big Congratulations to Jan's Travel who was recognized with two achievement awards. While attending their national convention they were awarded Agency of Excellence and also awarded Traditional Agency of the Year by Travel Leaders. They are truly honored and blessed to have receive both recognitions.

Kimberly Best

Best Conflict Solutions

Kim Best who was asked to speak at SHRM26, one of the nation’s leading human resources conferences. Her session, “From Fixer to Facilitator: Mediation Skills Every HR Professional Can Use,” equipped HR professionals with practical mediation tools to navigate workplace conflict more effectively. Congratulatons Kim!

Larry Schulte

The Pasta House Co.

The Pasta House Co. is proud to recognize Larry Schulte as he approaches his 25th anniversary with The Pasta House Co. Larry has been a dedicated leader in hospitality and recently took over as General Manager of our Kirkwood location. We’re excited for this next chapter under his leadership.

We are excited to celebrate these Member Business Anniversaries

Pace Marketing

Pace Marketing is celebrating 15 years of creating meaningful connections with clinical audiences for medical device clients. Stephanie and her team of pacesetters value collaboration, progress, and client-focused momentum, and she is grateful for the Chamber relationships that help support that work everyday.

The Glendale Grind

The Glendale Grind is celebrating their 1-year anniversary. They have had the pleasure of creating a gathering space for the neighborhood. They take pride in a great product, unparalleled service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Glendale. A HUGE thank you to our community for such a warm welcome and overwhelming support.

Inspire Wellness Stl

Inspire Wellness is celebrating 3 years since launching our supplement line. What started as a passion for helping people feel their best through simple, consistent wellness habits has grown into a thriving business serving customers throughout our community and beyond. They are incredibly grateful for the continued support!

Fairway Automotive

Fairway Automotive is celebrating 11 years of servicing the community. They are extremely thankful for the community's support over the years. Fairway Automotive is honored to serve our community by hosting local charity events, fun family activities, and donating to those in need. Fairway strives to give back every day.

The Moog Center for Deaf Education

Congratulations to the Moog Center on their 30th anniversary! The Moog Center makes it possible for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to listen and talk. We serve children 0-9 years in our school programs. Our teleschool program supports students and professionals across the country. At the Moog Center for Deaf Education we teach deaf children to talk.

Kirkwood Florist

75 YEARS!!! Congratulations to Kirkwood Florist who has been a staple in the Kirkwood and surrounding communities. As a family-owned business since 1951, they continue to offer an award-winning design staff and a friendly customer service staff delivering extraordinary floral experiences every day. They are so grateful to everyone who visits them.

Friendship Village

For 50 years, Friendship Village has helped reimagine senior living – where “senior moments” can mean skydives, racing, unforgettable trips, and bold adventures. This milestone year, we’re honoring our community members by making their wishes a reality. Here’s to 50 more years of moments worth celebrating! Congratulations!

NEW MEMBERS

Kevin Davis - Compass Realty Group

Anthony Plaster - Savi Gurus, LLC

Pam McCane - Pam's Designs

Robert Fischer - East Monroe Radiology, LLC

Jana Franklin - Strange Allegro DBA Jimmy John's - Des Peres, Rock Hill

Joseph Martin - Caffeinated Accountant

Ben Paese - Brightway Transport Partners

Brent Labovitz - Labovitz Law Firm

Nate Cramer - LU Design Build

Katie May - MINT Vascular

CHAMBER-VERSERIES

Trisha Scharff - Vista Dermatology - 1 year

Raymond Martin - Mattress Dogzzz - 1 year

Heather Epperly - Pilates and Custom Fitness-Kirkwood - 1 year

Harriet Opoku - Provision Home care, Inc - 1 year

Jason Metropoulos - Metrospect Media - 2 year

Lauren Niewoehner - The Pasta House-Kirkwood - 3 years

Vicky James - Lafayette Industries - 4 years

Gretchen Noeth - G's Grooming Boutique - 4 years

Chadly Konner Jourdyn- First Bank-Kirkwood - 7 years

Lynn Lewis - InvoBH - 8 years

Brie Sprengnether - Otto Orthodontics - 8 years

Dr. Holly Ellis - Ellis Dental/Ellis Sleep Center - 9 years

Aaron & Karen McBride - McBride Athletic Recovery Center - 10 years

Katie MacKenzie - GYMGUYZ - 10 years

Mark Coulter - Christopher's Gifts - 12 years

Jim Brinkmeyer - Show Me Blinds & Shutters - 23 years

Mary Catherine Kelly - Hilton St. Louis Frontenac - 26 years

Ian Mulligan - St. John Vianney High School - 29 years

Bill Burckhalter - Kirkwood Train Station - 29 years

LETTERS FROM OUR DIRECTORS

Kirk Faubel

Board Chair

The Chamber board hopes you had a safe and happy celebration of our nation’s 250^th birthday!

While we may be just getting into the heat of the summer, we are in the planning process to fill out our board positions for our class of 2027! Those elected to the board make a 3-year commitment. If you know someone who possesses leadership skills, critical thinking skills, creativity and the desire to help the chamber evolve and grow, they may be a great candidate for the board of directors. Be on the lookout soon for announcements and the nomination process.

I look forward to seeing you an upcoming event!

-Kirk

Chris Ley

Executive Director

Every July, we celebrate the freedoms that make this country such a special place. This year gives us even more reason to celebrate.

As America marks 250 years, our Chamber is celebrating 80 years of serving our members and our community. While those numbers are impressive, what matters most are the people behind them. Every member who joins, every handshake at an event, every referral, and every business that chooses to invest in this community has helped shape who we are today.

I often say that the Chamber is only as strong as its members, and this year has been a great reminder of that. From the Health Fair and our Ruby Jubilee Gala to the Spring Clean and Golf Tournament, you have shown up, supported one another, and made each event something to be proud of. Thank you for believing in what we are building together.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I hope you enjoy some well-deserved time with the people who matter most.

Thank you for being part of THE CHAMBER THAT HAS IT ALL and Happy Independence Day!

-Chris

COMMITTEE CONVERSATIONS

Committee Conversations is a monthly feature highlighting the ideas, expertise, and impact of the Chamber’s committees and specialty groups. Each month, a different committee will share insights, updates, or perspectives connected to their mission and work within the Chamber and community.

Why Community Matters for Young Professionals

by your Young Professionals Network Committee

One thing many young professionals have in common is that they're figuring out a lot at once. They're building careers, developing leadership skills, expanding their professional networks, and discovering the kind of impact they want to make in their workplace and community. That's why having a community that understands matters.

While technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, it can't replace the value of building genuine relationships in person. Some of the best career advice, new opportunities, and professional growth come from conversations with people who have faced similar challenges or offer a different perspective.

When we launched the Young Professionals Network in April, our goal wasn't to create another networking event. We wanted to create a place where professionals ages 39 and under could learn, grow, and build relationships with others navigating similar stages of life and career. The response has been incredibly encouraging.

Our first two programs focused on practical skills every young professional can benefit from. Renee Moore of Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine presented Breaking the Networking Ice, followed by Hardy Washington of State Farm, who spoke on Managing Your Professional Reputation.

We're also excited to have appointed Iris Gillam of Advanced Security & Technologies as Chair and Lily Buehler of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (KPAC) as Co-Chair of the YPN Committee. Both have been involved from the beginning and have helped shape the culture and direction of the group.

As YPN continues to grow, we're excited to see the impact this group will have on our Chamber and our community. If you're 39 or younger and looking to get more involved, we hope you'll join us at an upcoming event, including our first YPN Happy Hour this July at The Pasta House in Kirkwood.

MEMBER PERKS

Enhanced Directory Listings

An Enhanced Listing helps your business stand out in the Chamber directory while improving your online visibility.

Benefits include:

• Improve Search Visibility

Expanded descriptions and additional keywords help search engines better understand your business and connect you with potential customers.

• Strengthen Your Online Presence

Multiple links back to your website can help increase website authority and credibility with search engines.

• Appear in More Categories

Showcase all of your products and services by being listed in multiple relevant business categories.

• Build Trust Through Visuals

Add your logo, photos, videos, and branded content to create a stronger first impression.

• Support AI Search Results

AI-powered search tools rely on detailed, structured business information. Enhanced Listings provide the content AI uses to better understand and recommend your business.

• Provide More Information to Prospects

Give potential customers a complete picture of who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.

• Increase Opportunities to Be Found

The more complete and detailed your listing, the more opportunities customers have to discover your business through online searches, the Chamber directory, and AI search tools.

An Enhanced Listing is a simple, affordable way to increase your visibility, strengthen your digital presence, and help more customers find your business.

Enhanced Listing

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